Wrecked by Rum

Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries #2

by Lucy Lakestone

When rum collectors collide ...

When mixologist Pepper Revelle joins the Bohemia Bartenders for what promises to be an entertaining, rum-soaked tiki convention in sultry South Florida, she expects divine ukuleles, sublime swizzles and a chance to know chief bartender Neil a little better. What she gets is chaos — the death of a high-profile rum collector, a cast of sneaky suspects and ten thousand limes to squeeze.

With one of their own under suspicion, Pepper and Neil set out to find the real killer. But behind the aloha shirts and cocktail parasols is a blender full of secrets. The centerpiece of the convention is a high-dollar tasting of rums that survived a shipwreck and other disasters, and when a precious bottle vanishes from the crime scene, everyone with a ticket is a suspect.

As Pepper tries to keep the insatiable crowd inebriated and her gregarious dog Astra sober, she finds peril under every palm tree. It seems like everybody’s guilty of something. But who’s guilty of murder? And can she and Neil find the culprit before they’re smacked like the mint in a Mai Tai?

WRECKED BY RUM is the second book in the Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries, funny whodunits with a dash of romance set in a convivial collective of cocktail lovers, eccentrics and mixologists. These cozy culinary comedies contain a hint of heat, a splash of cursing and shots of laughter, served over hand-carved ice.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2020

About the author

Lucy Lakestone is an award-winning author who lives on Florida's east central coast, among the towns that serve as an inspiration for the hot romances of her Bohemia Beach Series and the jumping-off point for the Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries. She's been a journalist, photographer, editor and video producer but prefers living in her imagination, where the moon is full and the cocktails are divine. In her spare time, she chases tornadoes.

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See you at the beach!

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cozy mystery, and this is the Second book in the Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries series. I have also read the first book in this series. I found this book to be more about mixed drinks then the mystery. I really wanted more of the mystery. I just overall found this book to be ok, but I really wanted more from this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Velvet Petal Press) or author (Lucy Lakestone) via Booksirens in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in the series and just as much fun as the first. This one takes place at a Tiki Convention in South Florida. A famous Rum collector is murdered while preparing for a high-end Rum tasting. When one of the bartenders becomes a prime suspect, Pepper and the group get involved. Action, fun, and a touch of romance, this book is hard to put down. The characters are a mix of unique and typical. The writing is smooth, well-edited and the clues build the action perfectly to the conclusion. I received a free copy of this book. The honest opinions in this review are my own.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is firmly and n the cozy mystery realm. This light and frothy who-done-it is a stand alone novel in a series involving a group of bartenders who participate in various alcohol festivals as the Bohemian. Bartenders. Pepper Revelle would like a romance with Neil who is the leader of the bartenders, but hints are the sum total of the relationship at this point. Totally a fun weekend read or beach book, but not so sweet. You'll enjoy this, I think.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixologist Pepper Revelle and her fellow bartenders are headed to a convention where rare rums are going to be showcased. When they arrive, everything at first is running smoothly, until Fizz Martin, a famed collector, starts ordering everyone around and makes Luke, another bartender, his lap dog for the day.

When Fizz is found dead in the kitchen by Pepper, Luke is discovered with the murder weapon and is now a suspect in the murder. Then another bartender's father is lead detective on the case, which only confuses matters for everyone. Now Pepper is on the trail of a killer who's trying to frame her friend, and she might just put herself in the frame as the next person on the hit list...

I really wanted to like this book, but it seemed off to me. I just couldn't believe that bartenders - who spend their time doling out drinks and seeing what the aftereffects are on people once they're drunk - would want to do the same. Mixologists today exude professionalism. They don't want to be bartenders forever - they want to write, own companies, etc., and to do this they can't be wasted all the time and lead healthy lifestyles.

All Pepper did was drink and lust after Neil. I found it rather tedious, and also there were other things that bothered me. Why did Neil encourage Pepper to investigate? You'd think he'd know a killer was out there and tell her to stop; and since when do homicide detectives share information with their children? Not very professional, and not believable.

So, in the end, the murderer was pretty easy to discover, but there just wasn't enough mystery and I honestly couldn't get past the point that Pepper and her friends thought the best things in life were in a bottle and find it plausible. Sorry, but three stars for the writing and that's about it.

I was given an ARC by Book Sirens but this in no way influenced my review.

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

Another great adventure with Pepper and her mixologists. This time the Bohemia Bartenders are at a tiki convention in Florida. Expecting lots of partying and having a good time, because duh it's Florida, instead they get a surprise. During a presentation the gentlemen known for his tiki bars brags about having extremely rare rums. Showing them to the crowd saying a very few get to taste them all at a later event only to leave before his slideshow was over. Looking for him after that Pepper stumbles across his dead body in the kitchen along with one of their own. Piqued by a mystery with the rum as well as wanting to clear her friend she starts asking questions after Neil approves anyways. What follows is a wonderful mystery full of clues and liquor tidbits that make for a fun story. A fun read for cozy fans. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.

[Heather (Bookedwithheather) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and it did not disappoint!
I love the setting of the book and can picture it in my head. So many great details which makes it easy to visualize!
Neil, Pepper and they gang are at it once again mixing up their cocktails and solving murders! This is such a great combination! The characters fit so well together. They feed off each other and help make the story so successful.

It seems that foul play follows this group no matter where they go. Can they figure out who the killer is before one of them is the next victim?

I was hooked by the first couple pages and kept going to find out what was going to happen. If you are a lover of cocktails this book is like a dream come true. I so badly wanted to drink along with the group!
So many amazing things about this book. I think I like it better than the first and trust me the first one was great!
I highly suggest Wrecked by Rum if you are looking for a fun mystery with a splash of crazy antics and fun characters!

I received an advanced review copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun story! I enjoy reading about craft cocktails and new and delicious drinks, even though I don't really drink. I love Neil and the Bohemia Bartenders. Great story and can't wait to hear more about Neil's grandpa.

[Aineenmarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. The author really draws the reader into the story. Will definitely read another book by this author. I felt like I was part of The story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cate Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC of this novel from Booksirens in exchange for an honest review*

I have to admit I wavered between 3 and 4 stars for this book, as I think the writing generally could have been a little stronger.. however! I settled on 4 stars because honestly this book has a lot of really enjoyable qualities, and I really don't think people are flocking to cozy murders for pure unadulterated literary brilliance. Cozy murders fill a specific need in my reading repertoire, and this book met those needs.

The beginning of this book is a little slow and clunky - we start in the car with the bohemia bartenders on their way to a tiki event. As this is the second in the series (I haven't read the first) it felt like all the backstory was trying to be gotten out of the way/filled in before the story could properly start. It was also made Very Clear that the romantic will they/won't they subplot that always raises its head in cosies was going to be a strong focus. It felt like the emphasis on the romantic subplot was going to be too much - but once the cast got to their destination and the story began properly it wasn't really a problem. I meam it was there, and it was heavily utilised, but the fun/flirty nature of the main characters voice (forst person) made it less of a problem. The writing got more enjoyable at this point too.

You definitely don't need to have read the first of the series to enjoy this book.

I love the setting and the premise of the novel. Most of the cozies I've read have been bakery/coffee shop/book shop settings (if you enjoy Joanne Fluke you'll enjoy these I think). The story is really fresh and fun, has a diverse set of characters, and is generally just a really relaxed and enjoyable read. I love that it keeps with a lot of the typical cozy tropes/narrative devices/writing style but does so in a flirtier, more modern way (and does it well - cozy novels that have had an attempt to infuse a youthful vibe into it definitely do not always work..)

Something I would definitely love to see wither added to the books themselves or as a stand-alone would be copies of the cocktail recipes involved! I know its such a stereotypical thing in, say, bakery shop type murder mysteries but it would definitely give the series a zing!

I'll definitely be getting a copy of the first in the series, and will continue reading as they're published!

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pepper Revelle is back with the Bohemia Bartenders for a new adventure in the Bohemia Bartenders Mystery series. This time the team heads to South Florida for a tiki convention where they will be making rum cocktails. Pepper is still attracted to her boss, Neil Rockaway, but she’s trying hard to concentrate on business.

When Pepper stumbles upon the dead body of a wealthy rum collector, the tiki convention takes a sinister turn. The police rule it a homicide and focus their investigation on one of the Bohemia Bartenders as their primary suspect. However, Pepper quickly finds out the rum collector had a few enemies. With the help of Neil and their team, she is determined to prove her colleagues’ innocence.

This is a fun series. There’s a nice mix of mystery, romance and humor all tied up in one story. The story moves at a fast pace and it’s filled with quirky characters with witty dialogue. The author keeps you guessing until the end with an exciting finale. I enjoyed this one even more than the first.

I really like this author’s writing style. Although it’s the second book in the series, I think it can be read as a standalone. She gives you plenty of background information throughout this book, but I do think it’s more fun to read both books. There’s also a third book on the way and that looks to be just as much fun.

My one complaint about these books is that it always leaves me wanting a pretty cocktail with a little umbrella in it :) There is a recipe for one included at the end but I haven’t tried it yet.

An added bonus to me is that the author includes quite a bit of info about mixing drinks and rum. I found it interesting to read about.

I’m anxiously awaiting book #3.



FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Heather McQuillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrecked By Rum is the 2nd book in the new Bohemia Bartenders series. It is the perfect summer read. A great who-done-it, with a little romance and humor. I absolutely love Pepper and all the bartenders in this series. A must read if you like cozy mysteries

*I received an ARC for my honest review*

[Jennifer · Rating 4 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.Wrecked by Rum by Lucy Lakestone is a fast-paced mystery, with lots of spicy rum drinks, some pirate tales, murder, and a missing one of a kind lost for ages bottle of rum.
Will Pepper and Neil find the person who killed Fizz Martin before Luke ends up in jail?
The Mystery
Pepper and Neil are back together, trying to solve a murder at the latest bartending conference in Fort Lauderdale. These bartenders sure seem to be in the wrong places at the wrong place a lot. Pepper finds Fizz Martin dead in the kitchen, with Luke, one of the other Bohemia Bartenders, bending over his body with blood on his hands. And the priceless bottle of rum Fizz had is missing. 
Pepper and the Bohemia Bartenders
The Bohemia Bartenders are stretched relatively thin between their bartending schedule, the convention, and trying to clear Luke's name. Pepper also has the added responsibility of caring for her dog, who she had to bring to the convention. Astra is also being cared for by Pepper's business partner's younger sister. However, Astra likes to eat things that she shouldn't, she also helps find a clue or two. 

I like the banter between Neil and Pepper, but seriously she needs to get to know him before they go farther. He is holding back for a reason, and Pepper needs to figure out what that is first. Neil is a pretty cool guy who has a specific style that sets him apart from the crowd.
Four Stars
The story is entertaining, and the characters are developing nicely. The setting is fabulous. All the different rum drinks sound amazing. And the mystery is good, easy to follow. I knew who did it right away. Pepper just needed to figure out how. I am incredibly interested in the mystery around Neil's grandfather. 

If you like a mystery with a bit more than a cozy, this series is for you. Pepper is not the average sleuth, but that was easy to figure out since she is a bartender. 


First Book in the Series

Coming November 2020

Movies, murder, and too much vodka ...
Mixologist Pepper Revelle is thrilled the Bohemia Bartenders' latest gig is in her backyard: a cocktail-themed film festival that draws all the usual suspects to Bohemia Beach. But good suspects are in short supply when a body wearing an antique gold coin necklace washes up on the Florida sand.

Pepper's colleague and elusive crush Neil fears the worst for his grandfather, a treasure hunter who's been missing for months. Meanwhile, Pepper's big-bearded ex-boyfriend, an obnoxious celebrity mixologist with a TV crew in tow, is convinced someone's trying to kill him, too. To Pepper's dismay, he begs her for protection.

Stir in a couple of desperate Hollywood stars, a pushy producer, dashing distillers, a frantic festival chairman, a garnish-eating dog, vats of vodka, and a double dose of danger, and Pepper's patience is poised to pop like popcorn. Can the mixologists shake up a solution to multiple mysteries before they're skewered like the olive in a martini?



Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Wrecked by Rum by Lucy Lakestone. 

Until the next time,



 

This Guest Review is for Baroness' Book Trove. 

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Amanda Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

Book 2 in the series - but can stand alone


What could be more fun than the cocktail explosion of a tiki convention in sunny South Florida, with a side of cozy mystery? Hmmmm, Nothing! Bar owner, and cocktail goddess Pepper Revelle together with the other members of the ‘bohemian bartenders’ find themselves mixing a multitude of rum soaked concoctions whilst rocking out in floral garments at the tiki convention. A day in paradise turns toxic when a high-profile rum collector is found murdered and his premium bottle of long ago shipwrecked rum disappears. When one of her own crew is suspected of the crime, Pepper puts down her swizzle stick and sets out to find what really happened. No paper parasol will be left unopened as Pepper and her gang search for the killer, the missing priceless rum and the truth behind both.

Filled with colourful cocktails and even more colourful main characters, Wrecked by Rum was a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon at the beach. The pace was consistent and fluid which is always appreciated, however it did make the ending seem quite sudden. Lots of alternate minor characters to add vibrancy and enough twists and turns to have you questioning everyone’s motives. The tiki party atmosphere was bright and playful and the occasional cocktail recipe was fun (and delicious....I will definitely be lining them up at my next dinner party). Without spoilers, I appreciated that Pepper and her crew included the local constabulary in their findings. This added a realism for me compared to other books I have read that treat the local police officers as pesky, stupid interlopers. Most definitely worth the read, I will be tracking down the other books in this series.

I was provided a copy of this book in lieu of an honest review.

[Charissa Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overview: Pepper Revelle is heading north in this book. There is a Tiki Bar convention, and the Bohemia Bartenders are part of the main crew. However, Pepper stumbles upon the body of a rum collector. Who would want Fizz Martin dead? And why was Luke holding the murder weapon? One thing is for sure, the entire situation is as hot as the Florida summer.

Dislikes: Fizz was a self-absorbed idiot. He cared more about his libido and ego than about those around him.

To be honest, I don't think that Pepper did right by Gina. It was explained early on in the novel that Gina hade never really been a part of the bar scene before she came along to watch Astra. You don't leave someone like that alone. It's too easy to go overboard with the drinks, and that can easily end up in nightmarish scenarios. Gina was thrown into the deep end without the benefit of a floatation device.

Speaking about Astra, that is one ill-mannered dog. If you wouldn't accept a large dog doing something, then don't let a small dog get away with it. I could have trained that dog better, and my dog doesn't always listen to me.

Likes: Neil and the rest of the Bohemia Bartenders were quite loyal to each other. Even when Pepper wanted to snoop, she had back up.

Astra was cute, and lightened the mood well.

This did show how connected Neil and Barclay were to much of the bar scene.

Conclusion: This was a good story. Be careful when you read this one; you just might get a secondary hangover. This is a book for the adult readers of cozy mysteries, especially with Gina's situation. Enjoy the read.

[SusieQ_Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wrecked by Rum, is a murder mystery that takes place during a Tiki Bar gathering attended by eccentric rum collectors, bartenders, bar owners and plain ole rum lovers. This is book 2 of the Bohemia Bartender Mysteries Series by Lucy Lakestone, who is a new author for me.

Pepper Reville is a quirky mixologist with a penchant for getting herself in sticky situations, while she investigates mysterious happenings. There a quite a few characters in this story, but I found I didn’t have a problem remembering who was who or the part they played in the story. The author does a great job describing the overall feel of the events taking place. I actually think I started sweating from that Florida humidity at one point!

If you think a bartenders job is all fun and games, think again because you are about to be schooled. There are some interesting facts on the history of rum and the rum trade that also feature throughout the story. Overall I found it to be an entertaining read and learned a few things along the way.

If you enjoy cozy, culinary comedies with some mystery thrown in, you will definitely enjoy this story. There is also a bonus rum drink recipe thrown in for those that like to quench their thirst while relaxing with a book.

I was given an ARC of this story and this is my honest unsolicited 3.5 star review.

[Maria Rivas-mc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wrecked by Rum is the second in the Bohemia Bartenders series. We were introduced to mixologist Pepper Revelle and the Bohemia Bartenders in Risky Whisky. This time, the crew is looking forward to an entertaining, rum-soaked tiki convention in sultry South Florida. She is also hoping for a chance to know chief bartender Neil a little better. Instead she gets chaos which kicks off with the death of a high-profile rum collector.

First off, I really enjoyed ‘Risky Whisky’ – it gave me a taste of New Orleans and was a fun, light read. ‘Wrecked by Rum’ didn’t give me the same feel. Perhaps it was Neil’s continued coyness which did not allow for growth in the relationship with Pepper. Or, it could be that, minus the NOLA dream worthy backdrop and not quite buying into the premise of the mystery enough (you can’t be in business or in event management and not cross check certain things), made it fall a bit flat. Still, the drink combinations all sound scrumptious and the inside look into the life of a mixologist makes me appreciate all that goes into the delightful end product. The book can be read as a stand-alone and works as a light beach or quarantine read. My thanks to BookSirens for facilitating this ARC.

[Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first foray into the Bohemia Bartenders Mystery series. The Bohemia Bartenders are a group of “elite” mixologists that include our heroine of the day, Pepper, Neil (Pepper’s love interest), Luke, and Melody. During a tiki festival, Pepper finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation when her pal Luke is found kneeling over the dead body of Fizz, a highly respected tiki bar impresarios, who had just announced to the crowd that he had a bottle of the rarest of rare rums.

This is a nice, cutesy, easy summer read. I did feel that there was more talk about the drinks and how to create great cocktails than the murder investigation itself. No real tension was ever created as once a character became a suspect, Pepper would confront the person and then they’d tell their story. There was never a moment where suspicions were heightened, allowing me the chance to figure out who the killer was.

As I said, it’s a cute summer read. You never really get vested with the story but it’s cute enough that you continue to read to the end. When the murderer was revealed, again, it read rather flat.

I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by Booksirens in exchange for an honest review.

[Ppcfransen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice second in the series.

Pepper and the other Bohemia Bartenders are in southern Florida for a tiki festival, meaning lots of rum cocktails. And I mean lots of cocktails. Pepper may claim cocktail culture is about the flavours, but the festival is all you can drink, and that sounds more like a thing for those who favour quantity over quality.

Pepper finds the body of the owner of several popular cocktail bars - a man who claims to own several very rare rums - and her friend Luke holding the murder weapon. Certain that Luke didn't do it, Pepper investigates. Lots of characters make an appearance (even a few from the previous book, aside the bartenders), but none really stick as possible suspects.

In the end Pepper has a Jessica Fletcher moment (a thing the killer said doesn't mesh with what someone else said) followed by a lucky escape. I nearly dropped the rating for that.

All in all, it's a nice read, though there should be less recurring characters. The Bohemia Bartenders are a travelling bunch; I don't expect them to run into the same people every time.

I read an ARC through Booksirens.

[Laurie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a new genre for me: solve a mystery while drinking and cavorting at a rum party weekend. It seemed a lot like a 21+ Scooby Doo mystery and the killer would have gotten away with it if it hadn’t been for those meddling kids!

An eccentric rum collector is found murdered right before a tasting party for which a handful of people paid top dollar to taste rare, old rum. And the rum is missing...dum dum dum

Perhaps I live too much in reality to believe that 1) bartenders are going to get in the way of a police investigation, 2) the detective is the father of one of the bartenders and the detective shares information about the investigation with his son and one of the others and 3) that the killer is going to confess to the crime to one of the group members.

I believe I joined this party midway through as there were veiled references to previous stories. Scene descriptions implied a knowledge that someone outside the lifestyle wouldn’t understand and yet other details were mundane and unnecessary.

I finished the book because I was obligated to provide a review as I received an advanced reader’s copy. But I am not a fan.

[Paul Pauciulo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book and wrote this review voluntarily. With the second installment of her Bohemia Bartenders cocktail-based mystery series Lucy Lakestone hits another exciting literary home run. Wrecked by Rum is a fun, modern cozy mystery set at a retro tiki bar festival in South Florida. Readers will share in the suspense as bar owner Pepper and her bartender friends face off with rum thieves, murderous malcontents, and a Polynesian restaurant chock full of sinister suspects. Pepper and her pals also have to deal with a relative’s disappearance, a plot point introduced in Lakestone’s first mystery book, the equally entertaining Risky Whiskey. Here, Lakestone draws the reader in with her talent. She uses humor, clever turns of phrase, drama, pulse-pounding action and a little romance to weave a compelling tale that will leave you shocked when the culprit is nabbed. The book is sure to please whodunnit fans. So, what are you waiting for? Pour yourself a Mai Tai and read Wrecked by Rum!

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pepper and the Bohemian Bartenders are back, this time pouring rum drinks in Miami. Pepper finds the body of the murdered host of the proceedings and Luke is found cowering in the same room with bloody hands. No wonder he becomes the first top suspect.

As Pepper and Neil dig deeper into the murder, they quickly learn that the top rum folk could teach pirates a thing or two. Cutthroat does not even begin to describe some of the shenanigans.

Neil attempts to restrain Pepper, but we know our girl is going to sail into trouble. She is a force with which to be reckoned, if she doesn’t get herself killed first.

I do enjoy the BB’s (or Bohemian Bartenders). They are an interesting collection of characters and there are some wonderful recurring characters who are colourful and engaging. There is just enough information to learn something about rum and cocktails. There is a nice combination of suspense, intrigue and romance. It makes for an enjoyable read.

[Michelle Abate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wrecked by Rum is an excellent cozy mystery set at a tiki convention in Florida. Pepper, with her fellow bartenders, finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery complete with a stolen bottle of extremely rare rum.

Top three things about this book:

1) The storytelling - I looked at the completion percentage at several points and was pleasantly surprised to see I had over half the book left. Other authors may have chosen to wrap up the story much more quickly, but I enjoyed how many details and characters Lucy Lakestone wove into her mystery.

2) The setting - I love mixology so all of the cocktail descriptions and recipes were so exciting and fun.

3) Pepper and Neil - the hint of romance in this book was just enough to make me come back and read the third book in the trilogy.

This was a great, light cozy mystery. 4/5 stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the author's style of writing, and the characters are fun, and realistic as it relates to playing amateur sleuths. I won't pretend to know anything about cocktails and mixology, other than I like to drink them. Or did when I was younger. The fact that they are in nice locales and can participate in the parties and cocktails is a bonus. However, when your emcee dies, and two of your team are potential suspects, it takes the fun out of the event. And Pepper cannot resist a mystery. With Neil at her side, she'll begin to question the suspects, uncovering underhanded shenanigans from fake rums, break ins, beatings, and her own potential death at the hands of the killer. It is always the last person she expects, and she always seems to find herself in dangerous situations without trying too hard.

I enjoyed the story, for the most part. Her one bloop did make me want to shake her and Neil is a little frustrating, but overall, I'll be reading the next book.

[Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great cozy mystery series. Perfect reading for a pandemic and you are pining for fun get togethers with good friends. These books revolve around a loosely connected group of mixologists who live and work in the fictional Bohemia Beach on Florida's east coast. This book takes the Bohemia crew to Miami for a Tiki rum festival. Fun! Kayanne Pepper and her reluctant "boyfriend" Neil get caught up in a murder of an obnoxious rum collector. Suspicion falls on Neil's employee Luke who is found with the body holding the murder weapon. So Pepper and Neil set out to find the real killer and hijinx result. Funny, with a hint of romance and danger (and Pepper's sweet little Cavapoo Astra), you can't go wrong with one of the Bohemia mysteries.

I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Review Copy from Book Sirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let the muddling, mayhem and murder begin.

This story, just wow! Grab yourself a batch of the included cocktail recipe and dive into this wonderful romp through the world of Tiki Bars, the history of Rum, and the building relationships of the cleverly written cast of characters.

You're introduced to people you'd love to meet in real life, some you are destined to loathe, and the charm and warmth of others who underestimate their own worth.

I fell in love with the crew from the Bohemia Bartenders right from the first words.

Pepper and Neil's will they won't they vibe delights. With descriptions of Melody's clothing choices constantly providing beautiful visuals it was easy to get lost in this story of rum provenance, swindlers, thieves and murder.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maria Reynoso · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series, but it could possibly be read alone. Pepper and the gang find themselves in a convention in Florida. While flirting with her boss but trying to keep things professional, Pepper stumbles upon a murder-mystery. As she rushes to prove her friend's innocence, Pepper realizes that everyone is hiding secrets. Will the killer be brought to justice or will an innocent be condemned?

I enjoyed this book and series. Ms Lakestone's ability to write a murder-mystery with comedy and sass weaved in makes reading her work not only enjoyable, but she also kept me captivated. The characters are engaging and entertaining and the plot is both light and suspenseful. I recommend this book and author to those who love a good lighthearted mystery filled with alcohol and romance. Thank you BookSirens for gifting me an e-copy of this book. This was my honest opinion.

[Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

This cozy mystery series centers on bartenders. I was drawn in on the idea of a missing bottle of rare rum - I love a good antiquity themed mystery and I adored Frasier. Unfortunately, this book had less in common with Frasier or Cheers as it did the Scooby Doo Mysteries, but intoxicated. Make that Scrappy Doo.

Most cozy mysteries have a little romance going on - traditionally with a good looking deputy wooing or heroine. Here we have a lustful female bartender who is chasing a guy, well, the description makes him sound like Shaggy from Scooby Doo. The mystery around the rum is really more about putting as many rum based cocktail recipes into the book. Sadly, the unmasking of the baddie was predictable, only missing the "And I would have gotten away with it if it weren't for you pesky kids!"

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in the series, we meet even more fun characters.

The flirtation between Pepper and Neil still isn't going anywhere, but the group is at a tiki convention this time making rum tiki influenced cocktails. The descriptions of the characters and drinks are wonderful and I need to buy some good rum (there's a recipe at the end with suggestions), sit back and enjoy life.

A well known character, collector and owner of tiki bars is the featured speaker and opens with a story of newly found bottles from ancient ship wrecks and fires. But he ends up dead and one of our mixologists is suspected. Can the Bohemian Bartenders keep up with their schedules at the convention and solve the murder???

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another enjoyable read in the Bohemia Bartenders series. I found the setting that Pepper and the other bartenders find themselves in, a rum convention, to be very entertaining. The murder mystery was interesting and even though I guess whodunnit early on I still enjoyed reading how Pepper solved the case. The part that wasn't as much fun was the ongoing Pepper Neil situation. I think Pepper needs to put Neil firmly in the friendship category. It's obvious that Neil likes her and even wants more but he is very much not ready and is also not willing to tell Pepper why. So maybe it would be better if Pepper just moved on. Other than that, it was a good entertaining read. I probably will continue on in the series.

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy Murder at A Tiki Bar Convention
In this episode, our group of bartenders go to a Tiki Bar convention and get to check out the rare rums. This is a fun mystery in which there are too many suspects and they all have great motives. This is more of a cozy mystery than book 1. There is much less sex and a bit more drama. Unfortunately, there is also less laugh-out-loud humor. I still really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next book. I received this ARC book for free from Book Sirens and this is my honest review.