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Barefoot Sleuth #1
Flip-Flops and Murder
Welcome to the deadliest beach resort in Florida - in USA Today bestselling author H.Y. Hanna's new cozy mystery series!
English girl Ellie is a 'fish-out-of-water' when she arrives in sunny Florida for a vacation with her aunt at a beach resort. But she's barely dipped her toe in the ocean before she stumbles on a sinister murder. Now Ellie must battle jet lag, sunburn, and a cheeky parrot named Hemingway, while trying to unravel the mystery. With a writers' conference in full flow, there's no shortage of suspects. Is the killer a jealous rival author? Or the victim's secret lover? And why are some of the resort staff behaving so suspiciously?
To make things worse, Aunt Olive has gone missing, fueling gossip that she might be on the run. But Ellie is sure that her aunt isn't guilty. Life gets even more complicated when she starts snooping around the resort. First there's the resident cat Mojito, who leads Ellie on a wild 'gator' chase, and then there's the handsome resort doctor who sets Ellie's pulse racing in a different way! As more red herrings than sand dollars wash up on the beach, Ellie must use all her wits to solve the case before her visit to the Sunshine State becomes deadlier than she ever imagined...
CLEAN READ: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language.
GENRE: beach mystery, cat cozy mystery series, culinary cozy mysteries, women sleuth, amateur sleuth, humorous cozy mysteries
BAREFOOT SLEUTH COZY MYSTERIES:
*Flip-Flops and Murder (Book 1)
*Seashells and Murder (Book 2)
*Cocktails and Murder (Book 3)
English girl Ellie is a 'fish-out-of-water' when she arrives in sunny Florida for a vacation with her aunt at a beach resort. But she's barely dipped her toe in the ocean before she stumbles on a sinister murder. Now Ellie must battle jet lag, sunburn, and a cheeky parrot named Hemingway, while trying to unravel the mystery. With a writers' conference in full flow, there's no shortage of suspects. Is the killer a jealous rival author? Or the victim's secret lover? And why are some of the resort staff behaving so suspiciously?
To make things worse, Aunt Olive has gone missing, fueling gossip that she might be on the run. But Ellie is sure that her aunt isn't guilty. Life gets even more complicated when she starts snooping around the resort. First there's the resident cat Mojito, who leads Ellie on a wild 'gator' chase, and then there's the handsome resort doctor who sets Ellie's pulse racing in a different way! As more red herrings than sand dollars wash up on the beach, Ellie must use all her wits to solve the case before her visit to the Sunshine State becomes deadlier than she ever imagined...
CLEAN READ: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language.
GENRE: beach mystery, cat cozy mystery series, culinary cozy mysteries, women sleuth, amateur sleuth, humorous cozy mysteries
BAREFOOT SLEUTH COZY MYSTERIES:
*Flip-Flops and Murder (Book 1)
*Seashells and Murder (Book 2)
*Cocktails and Murder (Book 3)
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2020
1374 people are currently reading
763 people want to read
About the author
H.Y. Hanna
67 books1,090 followersUSA Today bestselling author H.Y. Hanna has written over 30 mystery novels, many of which have been translated into several languages. Her mysteries blend humour and clever plotting with vivid settings, featuring quirky characters - and cats with big personalities! After spending years trying to fit in and do a “real” job, Hsin-Yi finally returned to her first love: writing.
Throughout her life, she has called many places home—from Taiwan to Oxford, Dubai to New Zealand. She’s finally unpacked for good in Perth, Western Australia, where she spends most days fighting with her rescue cat Muesli for the use of her office chair.
You can learn more about her and her books at: www.hyhanna.com
And don’t forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, exclusive giveaways and other book news—as well as a free novella and short story! Go to: www.hyhanna.com/newsletter
Throughout her life, she has called many places home—from Taiwan to Oxford, Dubai to New Zealand. She’s finally unpacked for good in Perth, Western Australia, where she spends most days fighting with her rescue cat Muesli for the use of her office chair.
You can learn more about her and her books at: www.hyhanna.com
And don’t forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, exclusive giveaways and other book news—as well as a free novella and short story! Go to: www.hyhanna.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
October 4, 2024
A fast-paced and easy read with an amiable main character who is very much relatable. Who wouldn't want to escape dreary responsibilities and stifled dreams, jetting off to sunny Florida and an all-expense-paid vacation?
Hemingway and Mojito are fun additions and Aunt Olive seems like she will add her own unique footprint to the series. Ellie's a bit impulsive, but aren't all amateur detectives?
This casual cozy mystery is a fair start to a new series and I look forward to seeing how the series develops.
Hemingway and Mojito are fun additions and Aunt Olive seems like she will add her own unique footprint to the series. Ellie's a bit impulsive, but aren't all amateur detectives?
This casual cozy mystery is a fair start to a new series and I look forward to seeing how the series develops.
May 10, 2021
This was a good start to a new series for this extremely prolific author! I think I am going to have to select just one of her series and read it from start to finish rather than bounce around all of them as I am doing now! (usually Netgalley's fault -they are just too tempting).
Flip-Flops and Murder starts a series set in Florida and to be honest the premise is a little far fetched. There's a rich auntie who suddenly pops up and invites the main character to stay with her in a resort totally free for an undefined length of time. Wish I had an auntie like that! Of course there's a dead body and the police are hopeless and Ellie has to solve the crime herself.
Suspend belief and go with the flow. The story is fun, the main character is entertaining, the romantic sidekick is romantic and there is every chance this series will go places. I am sure I will be going along with it.
Flip-Flops and Murder starts a series set in Florida and to be honest the premise is a little far fetched. There's a rich auntie who suddenly pops up and invites the main character to stay with her in a resort totally free for an undefined length of time. Wish I had an auntie like that! Of course there's a dead body and the police are hopeless and Ellie has to solve the crime herself.
Suspend belief and go with the flow. The story is fun, the main character is entertaining, the romantic sidekick is romantic and there is every chance this series will go places. I am sure I will be going along with it.
October 21, 2021
My first experience with cosy mystery wasn't a total flop! :D
The story follows Ellie as she travels from her home in London to a fancy resort in Florida for a holiday she's been invited on by her aunt. Only, her aunt is nowhere to be found and then a dead body turns up. What a holiday!
I listened to this on audible, and it allowed me to follow the story without being so hyper-focused on all the clues that I was solving as I went. I enjoyed kind of just relaxing back into the chill vibe of the story. The narrator had this perfect 'sweet lil old lady' vibe going that suited the story perfectly. *chef's kiss*
Ellie is so friggin wholesome but at the same time she really does stick her nose into everything! Like, one minute she's becoming BFFs with EVERYONE SHE SPEAKS TO, but then the body turns up and she spends the rest of the book running around accusing everyone of nefarious deeds to their faces XD I found it hilarious actually. How these people still liked her is the real mystery here.
There's also a parrot, and a cat, so if you're into mischievous animals you'll appreciate them.
I was never hugely invested in the characters or the story, but all the same it was just really easy listening. I think I'd have been bored if I'd read it, but listening made it a lot easier to enjoy.
Doubtful I'll continue the series, but I did enjoy my first taste of cosy mystery.
The story follows Ellie as she travels from her home in London to a fancy resort in Florida for a holiday she's been invited on by her aunt. Only, her aunt is nowhere to be found and then a dead body turns up. What a holiday!
I listened to this on audible, and it allowed me to follow the story without being so hyper-focused on all the clues that I was solving as I went. I enjoyed kind of just relaxing back into the chill vibe of the story. The narrator had this perfect 'sweet lil old lady' vibe going that suited the story perfectly. *chef's kiss*
Ellie is so friggin wholesome but at the same time she really does stick her nose into everything! Like, one minute she's becoming BFFs with EVERYONE SHE SPEAKS TO, but then the body turns up and she spends the rest of the book running around accusing everyone of nefarious deeds to their faces XD I found it hilarious actually. How these people still liked her is the real mystery here.
There's also a parrot, and a cat, so if you're into mischievous animals you'll appreciate them.
I was never hugely invested in the characters or the story, but all the same it was just really easy listening. I think I'd have been bored if I'd read it, but listening made it a lot easier to enjoy.
Doubtful I'll continue the series, but I did enjoy my first taste of cosy mystery.
February 16, 2021
Ellie was bored and chatting to a friend in London about the future, when she received an unexpected surprise. Her Aunt Olive had sent Ellie an airline ticket to allow her to fly to Florida and spend time with her over Christmas and New Year – to remove herself from the miserable London weather. Ellie was delighted and decided to go the next weekend, without letting Olive know of her arrival date. It would be a glorious surprise.
Sunset Palms Beach Resort was magnificent in Ellie’s eyes. She couldn’t stop looking around in awe. She was sure she’d have a wonderful time. But when she went to the luxurious apartment she was sharing with Aunt Olive, she wasn’t there. Her clothes were, even her handbag and phone – but Ellie was sure she would turn up. She quickly met Hemingway – an adorable mimic of a parrot – and Mojito, the resort’s cat; she saw the people from the writer’s conference that Olive was attending. But when one of the authors was found dead, and the Detective sought to pinpoint Aunt Olive as the murderer, Ellie decided to do some sleuthing of her own. Would she find the answers?
Flip Flops and Murder is the 1st in a new series – The Barefoot Sleuth – by Aussie author H.Y. Hanna, and I loved it. Fun and entertaining, I particularly loved Hemingway and Mojito. With lashings of sunshine, beautiful sandy beaches, intriguing resort staff – I’m looking forward to the second. Highly recommended.
Sunset Palms Beach Resort was magnificent in Ellie’s eyes. She couldn’t stop looking around in awe. She was sure she’d have a wonderful time. But when she went to the luxurious apartment she was sharing with Aunt Olive, she wasn’t there. Her clothes were, even her handbag and phone – but Ellie was sure she would turn up. She quickly met Hemingway – an adorable mimic of a parrot – and Mojito, the resort’s cat; she saw the people from the writer’s conference that Olive was attending. But when one of the authors was found dead, and the Detective sought to pinpoint Aunt Olive as the murderer, Ellie decided to do some sleuthing of her own. Would she find the answers?
Flip Flops and Murder is the 1st in a new series – The Barefoot Sleuth – by Aussie author H.Y. Hanna, and I loved it. Fun and entertaining, I particularly loved Hemingway and Mojito. With lashings of sunshine, beautiful sandy beaches, intriguing resort staff – I’m looking forward to the second. Highly recommended.
May 31, 2021
I usually love Hanna's stories, but this one just fell a tad short. Here Oxford Teashop series is fabulous and I have enjoyed her others and even preorder some of them if they're coming out but this was just okay compared to the others. If I had never read her other work I would say she's an author who writes well and is easy to read but nothing really caught me. There were good aspects like the wild aunt and the helpful animals but nothing that made me really invested. The protagonist was an anxious Nelly and quite frankly I don't need anyone to make feel any more anxious than I already do so no real connection to the character for me. It was a bit of a jumble of things I've already read. People who aren't me will probably enjoy it but it is far from her best stuff.
March 31, 2021
This was a cute beach read. Light and breezy, definitely a cozy mystery and not a heavy thriller. Enjoyable lazy read from the beach and my couch.
June 4, 2021
Flip-Flops and Murder (Barefoot Sleuth #1) by H.Y. Hanna
Synopsis /
English girl Ellie is a 'fish-out-of-water' when she arrives in sunny Florida for a vacation with her aunt at a beach resort. But she's barely dipped her toe in the ocean before she stumbles on a sinister murder. Now Ellie must battle jet lag, sunburn, and a cheeky parrot named Hemingway, while trying to unravel the mystery. With a writers' conference in full flow, there's no shortage of suspects. Is the killer a jealous rival author? Or the victim's secret lover? And why are some of the resort staff behaving so suspiciously?
To make things worse, Aunt Olive has gone missing, fuelling gossip that she might be on the run. But Ellie is sure that her aunt isn't guilty. Life gets even more complicated when she starts snooping around the resort. First there's the resident cat Mojito, who leads Ellie on a wild 'gator' chase, and then there's the handsome resort doctor who sets Ellie's pulse racing in a different way! As more red herrings than sand dollars wash up on the beach, Ellie must use all her wits to solve the case before her visit to the Sunshine State becomes deadlier than she ever imagined...
My Thoughts /
Another excellent cosy murder-mystery series by Aussie Author, H.Y. Hanna.
The setting for this new series, Barefoot Sleuth, takes us out of the ye olde English Countryside and bang into sunny and hot, Florida in the good old US of A.
Meet temp worker Ellie, 25, and still living with her parents in London. Both Ellie’s parents have stable jobs and careers and can’t understand why Ellie continues to persist with temping. After breaking up with her long term boyfriend, Ellie has found herself dreaming of an epic adventure something that will whisk her away from her present day life. And the epic adventure came in the form of Aunt Olive.
Enter Aunt Olive. Ellie’s father’s older sister, Olive is a successfully published author. Wealthy and by all accounts, quite eccentric. Ellie was surprised to receive an invitation from her Aunt to join her in sunny Florida, while Olive is there attending a National Romance Writer’s Society meeting. Included with the invitation Olive generously extended, was a set of airline tickets for Ellie and, details about where she will be staying at the Sunset Palms Beach Resort - all expenses paid. To say that Ellie [excitedly] jumps at the invitation is a bit of an understatement!
Upon arrival at the resort room, evidence of her Aunt is all over the apartment – her clothes, her handbag, her phone, but, NO Aunt Olive. Her aunt is nowhere to be found. Not thinking too much is amiss, Ellie decides that her Aunt is attending one of the conference events and, decides to wander down and surprise her. However, Ellie soon discovers that none of the other writers have seen Aunt Olive since the night before. Later that evening, while looking out through her patio door, Ellie thought she saw something in the pool. Taking a closer look, she discovered that the object in the pool was a body. The body it turns out, is one of the other writers at the conference, a woman called Lillian Fox. Lillian, it turns out, was quite unpopular with the rest of the group. We are introduced to a couple of really great characters, the resort’s scarlet macaw named Hemingway and the resort’s resident cat who is called Mojito. Both of whom have great personalities!
So, wrapping up……Who killed Lillian Fox? Why would someone want to kill her? And, more importantly, where is Aunt Olive??
Not too long, not too short and everything you have come to expect from a novel by H.Y. Hanna. From the casanova like bartender to alcoholic chauffeurs, over enthusiastic boutique staff, scornfully arrogant writers and hunky spunky doctors, this will make you feel good from beginning to end.
Synopsis /
English girl Ellie is a 'fish-out-of-water' when she arrives in sunny Florida for a vacation with her aunt at a beach resort. But she's barely dipped her toe in the ocean before she stumbles on a sinister murder. Now Ellie must battle jet lag, sunburn, and a cheeky parrot named Hemingway, while trying to unravel the mystery. With a writers' conference in full flow, there's no shortage of suspects. Is the killer a jealous rival author? Or the victim's secret lover? And why are some of the resort staff behaving so suspiciously?
To make things worse, Aunt Olive has gone missing, fuelling gossip that she might be on the run. But Ellie is sure that her aunt isn't guilty. Life gets even more complicated when she starts snooping around the resort. First there's the resident cat Mojito, who leads Ellie on a wild 'gator' chase, and then there's the handsome resort doctor who sets Ellie's pulse racing in a different way! As more red herrings than sand dollars wash up on the beach, Ellie must use all her wits to solve the case before her visit to the Sunshine State becomes deadlier than she ever imagined...
My Thoughts /
Another excellent cosy murder-mystery series by Aussie Author, H.Y. Hanna.
The setting for this new series, Barefoot Sleuth, takes us out of the ye olde English Countryside and bang into sunny and hot, Florida in the good old US of A.
Meet temp worker Ellie, 25, and still living with her parents in London. Both Ellie’s parents have stable jobs and careers and can’t understand why Ellie continues to persist with temping. After breaking up with her long term boyfriend, Ellie has found herself dreaming of an epic adventure something that will whisk her away from her present day life. And the epic adventure came in the form of Aunt Olive.
Enter Aunt Olive. Ellie’s father’s older sister, Olive is a successfully published author. Wealthy and by all accounts, quite eccentric. Ellie was surprised to receive an invitation from her Aunt to join her in sunny Florida, while Olive is there attending a National Romance Writer’s Society meeting. Included with the invitation Olive generously extended, was a set of airline tickets for Ellie and, details about where she will be staying at the Sunset Palms Beach Resort - all expenses paid. To say that Ellie [excitedly] jumps at the invitation is a bit of an understatement!
Upon arrival at the resort room, evidence of her Aunt is all over the apartment – her clothes, her handbag, her phone, but, NO Aunt Olive. Her aunt is nowhere to be found. Not thinking too much is amiss, Ellie decides that her Aunt is attending one of the conference events and, decides to wander down and surprise her. However, Ellie soon discovers that none of the other writers have seen Aunt Olive since the night before. Later that evening, while looking out through her patio door, Ellie thought she saw something in the pool. Taking a closer look, she discovered that the object in the pool was a body. The body it turns out, is one of the other writers at the conference, a woman called Lillian Fox. Lillian, it turns out, was quite unpopular with the rest of the group. We are introduced to a couple of really great characters, the resort’s scarlet macaw named Hemingway and the resort’s resident cat who is called Mojito. Both of whom have great personalities!
So, wrapping up……Who killed Lillian Fox? Why would someone want to kill her? And, more importantly, where is Aunt Olive??
Not too long, not too short and everything you have come to expect from a novel by H.Y. Hanna. From the casanova like bartender to alcoholic chauffeurs, over enthusiastic boutique staff, scornfully arrogant writers and hunky spunky doctors, this will make you feel good from beginning to end.
October 1, 2023
Flip-Flops and Murder by H.Y. Hanna is the first book in the Barefoot Sleuth Mystery series. Ellie travels from London to Florida to join her aunt on a resort holiday and writers conference only to find her aunt missing and then finds one of the other authors murdered. A fun mystery. I loved finding my way around the resort with Ellie and meeting the resident parrot Hemingway and resort cat Mojito. I loved the setting and look forward to finding out more about the characters. An entertaining and enjoyable cozy mystery.
November 13, 2020
Trading a London winter for Florida
Ellie, a 25 yr London gal doing temp work, living with her parents is dreaming of adventure.
Her father's older sister Olive, a successful mystery writer invites Ellie to join her in Florida at a luxury resort while she attends a writers convention, all expenses paid.
When Ellie arrives Aunt Olive is missing, the obnoxious Lillian Fox is murdered and Ellie decides to investigate.
Also thrown into the mix is a parrot named Hemingway and the resort cat Mojito.
It's a cute story but the characters aren't fleshed out yet which is unusual for Ms. Hanna
This is new series for H Y Hanna and while it's a nice departure from her typical English settings it is going to take me at least one more book for me to know if it's a series I will like.
Ellie, a 25 yr London gal doing temp work, living with her parents is dreaming of adventure.
Her father's older sister Olive, a successful mystery writer invites Ellie to join her in Florida at a luxury resort while she attends a writers convention, all expenses paid.
When Ellie arrives Aunt Olive is missing, the obnoxious Lillian Fox is murdered and Ellie decides to investigate.
Also thrown into the mix is a parrot named Hemingway and the resort cat Mojito.
It's a cute story but the characters aren't fleshed out yet which is unusual for Ms. Hanna
This is new series for H Y Hanna and while it's a nice departure from her typical English settings it is going to take me at least one more book for me to know if it's a series I will like.
September 3, 2024
3 stelle e mezza
Non sono entrata in sintonia con la protagonista: trovo che sia troppo impulsiva, fa scelte azzardate e non mi è piaciuto che non dica nulla di quello che scopre alla polizia. Anche il detective mi è sembrato poco sostanzioso: insomma, sospetta di una persona che è scomparsa un giorno prima dell'omicidio (o così ho capito io), non mi sembra molto logico. Insomma, rispetto ad altre serie di questa autrice questo libro mi è piaciuto di meno.
Non sono entrata in sintonia con la protagonista: trovo che sia troppo impulsiva, fa scelte azzardate e non mi è piaciuto che non dica nulla di quello che scopre alla polizia. Anche il detective mi è sembrato poco sostanzioso: insomma, sospetta di una persona che è scomparsa un giorno prima dell'omicidio (o così ho capito io), non mi sembra molto logico. Insomma, rispetto ad altre serie di questa autrice questo libro mi è piaciuto di meno.
July 28, 2020
I received a free copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
I was excited for this new series by H.Y. Hanna and this is a fun first book in this new series. While her other cozy mystery series are set in the UK, this one's set in Florida. Except for the different location it still has the same vibe as her other books. I like this introduction to this new series, but for some reason it didn't fully grip me as much as I would've liked. It might've been my mood or that this is the first book in the series. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Flip-Flops and Murder follows main character Ellie as she leaves the dreary English weather behind to join her aunt Olive on a vacation on a beach resort in Florida. There she stumbles upon a murdered women who attended the writer's conference that her aunt is attending as well. I thought this was an unique set-up for a cozy mystery series as normally we follow the main character in their daily life instead of on a vacation and this sure was an interesting set-up and setting at a beach resort.
The mystery somehow didn't fully grip me. It was a pretty typical one for a cozy mystery, the murdered women wasn't a nice person and when she's found drowned in the pool the police suspect fool play. There are some possible suspects from other writer to some members of the staff. Ellie goes through finding some proof and talking to suspects. She goes a bit far and daring in obtaining some pieces of proof, but eventually pieces together who is the killer. I just wasn't as invested in figuring out who killed and wasn't too surprised when the killer came to light. The motivation did made sense and there were some hints in that direction, although I found the main clue that pointed in that direction to be a bit weak.
As this is the first book in a new series it took me a bit of time to get a feel for the setting and characters. There weren't as many side characters that really played a big role yet. I usually like the quirky side characters this author writes, so I am hoping those might pop up in future books. I had expected Aunt Olive to play a large role in the story due to the set-up as Ellie is joining her on this vacation, but due to events that didn't turn out to be the case, but maybe she'll have more of a role in the next book. I look forward to getting to know her and seeing how see and Ellie interact.
The two resort pets were awesome, both the parrot and the cat were fun additions. I liked the parrot's attitude and how he repeated things people said and even how that plays a role in the mystery. There also is a hint of romance and love interest seemed like a good guy and I liked the scenes with him so far. I am curious to see where that goes in future books.
The focus is mainly on the mystery and Ellie trying to find out things, while also dealing with settling in at the resort. I thought having Ellie deal with jet lag was a realistic touch. I don't feel like I have quite a good feel for Ellie's personality yet, but hopefully that will develop more in later books. She was super curious and didn't mind some snooping. At times she didn't make the smartest decisions and sometimes I rolled my eyes a bit at the ridiculous situations she landed in. I liked how determined she was an how she was concerned about her aunt.
It was nice to see how Ellie wasn't used to some of the American customs and how she gets to try some American food. Seeing her experience Florida was fun. The resort setting also was a fun addition.
To summarize: This was a nice start of this new series. The set-up with Ellie joining her aunt on vacation in Florida was a fun and unique set-up for a series. The mystery didn't fully grip me, I wasn't as invested in figuring out who had done it. I wasn't surprised who the killer was. As this is the first book in a new series it took me some time to get know the characters and setting. There weren't as many interesting side characters yet and Aunt Olive didn't play a role in this book as I had expected, but hopefully that will change in book 2. I liked the two resort pets, a parrot and a cat, they were great and made for some funny scenes. I also liked the possible love interest for Ellie. I look forward to getting to know Ellie a bit more as the series progresses as I didn't get as good a feel for her personality as I would've liked. All in all this was a fun start to this new series and I look forward to the next book!
I was excited for this new series by H.Y. Hanna and this is a fun first book in this new series. While her other cozy mystery series are set in the UK, this one's set in Florida. Except for the different location it still has the same vibe as her other books. I like this introduction to this new series, but for some reason it didn't fully grip me as much as I would've liked. It might've been my mood or that this is the first book in the series. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Flip-Flops and Murder follows main character Ellie as she leaves the dreary English weather behind to join her aunt Olive on a vacation on a beach resort in Florida. There she stumbles upon a murdered women who attended the writer's conference that her aunt is attending as well. I thought this was an unique set-up for a cozy mystery series as normally we follow the main character in their daily life instead of on a vacation and this sure was an interesting set-up and setting at a beach resort.
The mystery somehow didn't fully grip me. It was a pretty typical one for a cozy mystery, the murdered women wasn't a nice person and when she's found drowned in the pool the police suspect fool play. There are some possible suspects from other writer to some members of the staff. Ellie goes through finding some proof and talking to suspects. She goes a bit far and daring in obtaining some pieces of proof, but eventually pieces together who is the killer. I just wasn't as invested in figuring out who killed and wasn't too surprised when the killer came to light. The motivation did made sense and there were some hints in that direction, although I found the main clue that pointed in that direction to be a bit weak.
As this is the first book in a new series it took me a bit of time to get a feel for the setting and characters. There weren't as many side characters that really played a big role yet. I usually like the quirky side characters this author writes, so I am hoping those might pop up in future books. I had expected Aunt Olive to play a large role in the story due to the set-up as Ellie is joining her on this vacation, but due to events that didn't turn out to be the case, but maybe she'll have more of a role in the next book. I look forward to getting to know her and seeing how see and Ellie interact.
The two resort pets were awesome, both the parrot and the cat were fun additions. I liked the parrot's attitude and how he repeated things people said and even how that plays a role in the mystery. There also is a hint of romance and love interest seemed like a good guy and I liked the scenes with him so far. I am curious to see where that goes in future books.
The focus is mainly on the mystery and Ellie trying to find out things, while also dealing with settling in at the resort. I thought having Ellie deal with jet lag was a realistic touch. I don't feel like I have quite a good feel for Ellie's personality yet, but hopefully that will develop more in later books. She was super curious and didn't mind some snooping. At times she didn't make the smartest decisions and sometimes I rolled my eyes a bit at the ridiculous situations she landed in. I liked how determined she was an how she was concerned about her aunt.
It was nice to see how Ellie wasn't used to some of the American customs and how she gets to try some American food. Seeing her experience Florida was fun. The resort setting also was a fun addition.
To summarize: This was a nice start of this new series. The set-up with Ellie joining her aunt on vacation in Florida was a fun and unique set-up for a series. The mystery didn't fully grip me, I wasn't as invested in figuring out who had done it. I wasn't surprised who the killer was. As this is the first book in a new series it took me some time to get know the characters and setting. There weren't as many interesting side characters yet and Aunt Olive didn't play a role in this book as I had expected, but hopefully that will change in book 2. I liked the two resort pets, a parrot and a cat, they were great and made for some funny scenes. I also liked the possible love interest for Ellie. I look forward to getting to know Ellie a bit more as the series progresses as I didn't get as good a feel for her personality as I would've liked. All in all this was a fun start to this new series and I look forward to the next book!
July 3, 2022
Elinor Bishop (Ellie for short) receives quite a surprise when one of the regular couriers has a DHL envelope for her not one of the directors where Ellie is a temporary receptionist. To Ellie's father Olive is his eccentric sister but to Ellie she's not only Aunt Olive, mystery author and godmother but she's always seemed like Ellie's fairy godmother as "Aunt Olive always brought all sorts of wonderful gifts and fascinating games and ideas." Now it appears the fairy godmother is in motion again as Ellie is holding in her hand an invitation and an open plane ticket to join Aunt Olive at a resort in Florida escaping the bleak beginning of winter in the UK and is welcome to stay for Christmas and into the New Year or as long as she'd like as Olive will be staying on after the writer's conference that begins on the upcoming weekend.
Who could resist such an extraordinary invitation? Even the name of Sunset Palms Beach Resort brings visions of joyful fun. Speaking of fun, I loved the resort resident cat Mojito and cheeky parrot named Hemingway as each one added sparkle to this cozy. As Ellie explored the delights of the resort there was also more mystery in the air than she could have possibly imagined and a little heart-fluttering too.
For all who love flip flops and cozy mysteries this title is a treat and a charming escape in any season! I can't wait to join Ellie on her next adventure!
Who could resist such an extraordinary invitation? Even the name of Sunset Palms Beach Resort brings visions of joyful fun. Speaking of fun, I loved the resort resident cat Mojito and cheeky parrot named Hemingway as each one added sparkle to this cozy. As Ellie explored the delights of the resort there was also more mystery in the air than she could have possibly imagined and a little heart-fluttering too.
For all who love flip flops and cozy mysteries this title is a treat and a charming escape in any season! I can't wait to join Ellie on her next adventure!
February 6, 2021
A true cozy mystery. Forget your troubles. Come along with our cute and quirky protagonist Ellie to a luxury beach resort in Florida. Plane tickets and stay paid for by the most amazing aunt in the world, Aunt Olive. Meet Hemingway the parrot, enjoy everything the beach has to offer and try to solve a murder mystery before they arrest Ellie's aunt. H. Y. Hanna is the consummate cozy mystery author and she does not disappoint. Ellie enjoys so much about Florida it's impossible not to hope this vacation never ends. When this was done I picked up the second one, then the third.
March 28, 2024
A fast paced cozy mystery with a missing aunt and murdered writer next door. I enjoyed the characters including the resort parrot and cat. Looks like a good series to get into.
I enjoyed it as much the second time I read this.
I enjoyed it as much the second time I read this.
July 30, 2020
Just when Ellie was certain that her live-in boyfriend was going to propose, he confirmed that he was, but not to her! Brokenhearted, Ellie Bishop returned to London to live with her parents.
In London, Ellie worked temp jobs to provide herself with some income. Ellie was surprised by an invitation from her Aunt Olive to join her in sunny Florida for Christmas and New Year. She even included the airline ticket and some information on the Sunset Palms Beach Resort where the National Romance Writer’s Society is meeting. Aunt Olive is a romance author and is there participating in the meeting. She also plans to extend her stay through the end of the year. Ellie excitedly jumps at the invitation.
Ellie planned to surprise her Aunt Olive by arriving a week early. Then she learned that no one had seen her aunt since the previous night. Following the author’s meeting, Ellie had a chance to meet some of the authors and enjoyed making new friends. She especially enjoyed meeting Hemingway, the resort’s scarlet macaw and Mejito, the resort’s black cat. They both immediately adopted Ellie.
Later that evening, while looking out through her patio door, Ellie thought she saw something in the pool. Taking a closer look, she discovered that the object in the pool was a body. She immediately went for help and the police asked her if she checked the body for any signs of life? She had not.
It turns out that the dead woman, Lillian Fox, was very unpopular among the authors. She promoted herself as a mentor, but failed to follow through. This leaves the suspect list wide open.
Who killed Lillian Fox? Why was she killed? Where is Aunt Olive? Can Ellie find her aunt and unravel the mystery?
H.Y. Hanna has is off to a great start with this new series. She has wonderful characters you could expect to meet on the street or maybe even in your own neighborhood. They are totally believable and have wonderful personalities. Many are people you would love to meet, while others are not-so-nice and you want to avoid - just like real life. I am looking forward to more stories in this wonderful series.
In London, Ellie worked temp jobs to provide herself with some income. Ellie was surprised by an invitation from her Aunt Olive to join her in sunny Florida for Christmas and New Year. She even included the airline ticket and some information on the Sunset Palms Beach Resort where the National Romance Writer’s Society is meeting. Aunt Olive is a romance author and is there participating in the meeting. She also plans to extend her stay through the end of the year. Ellie excitedly jumps at the invitation.
Ellie planned to surprise her Aunt Olive by arriving a week early. Then she learned that no one had seen her aunt since the previous night. Following the author’s meeting, Ellie had a chance to meet some of the authors and enjoyed making new friends. She especially enjoyed meeting Hemingway, the resort’s scarlet macaw and Mejito, the resort’s black cat. They both immediately adopted Ellie.
Later that evening, while looking out through her patio door, Ellie thought she saw something in the pool. Taking a closer look, she discovered that the object in the pool was a body. She immediately went for help and the police asked her if she checked the body for any signs of life? She had not.
It turns out that the dead woman, Lillian Fox, was very unpopular among the authors. She promoted herself as a mentor, but failed to follow through. This leaves the suspect list wide open.
Who killed Lillian Fox? Why was she killed? Where is Aunt Olive? Can Ellie find her aunt and unravel the mystery?
H.Y. Hanna has is off to a great start with this new series. She has wonderful characters you could expect to meet on the street or maybe even in your own neighborhood. They are totally believable and have wonderful personalities. Many are people you would love to meet, while others are not-so-nice and you want to avoid - just like real life. I am looking forward to more stories in this wonderful series.
July 7, 2021
H.Y. Hanna excels at writing a likable female protagonist. While I may become exasperated at the leads in both the Cottage Garden series and the Oxford Tearoom series, I never stop wanting them to succeed and be happy. That continues to be the case here. While Ellie isn't necessarily the brightest bulb in the box, I wanted her to have an awesome vacation, solve the mystery, and get a few dates in with the doctor. Oh, I forgot to mention that the love interests that this author writes are just lovely too. They aren't OTT alpha rather down-to-earth regular men with a heart of gold. Of course they're handsome to boot, but that just adds to the appeal. Overall, I'm excited to see what Ellie bumbles into next!
January 27, 2023
Flip Flops and Murder is book 1 of the Barefoot Sleuth series by K.Y. Hanna. This was my first book by this author. While this book was just okay to me, I did find it to be somewhat charming, so I would give the author another try by reading book 2 in the series. I felt there was a lot of unnecessary filler in this book, especially in the beginning, along with several ridiculous and illogical events and actions. Then, when the murder was actually solved, I was laughing out loud the whole time at the sheer lunacy of the whole thing playing out. It was really quite silly. Yet I still found the book to be somewhat charming so I don’t know what that says. I thought the romantic interest was sweet and a good pairing. The bird and cat were great additions to the story and solving the mystery. The narration was good. The narrator has a great meow and a really good parrot voice so that was fun. Overall, I give this book 2.5 stars but I will round up to 3.
October 7, 2021
4.5 stars. This book took a little bit of time to grab me, but I'm still struggling to call it a five star book in my head. The action picked up at a glacial pace, introducing the main character, and then whisking her off, and neatly depositing her in the action. While many of the plot twists were total cliches, they still grabbed me, and I enjoyed the build up. The final reveal was telegraphed way too early, so I was completely unsurprised by the final reveal, but the resolution did make me smile.
February 3, 2023
Ellie, who temps in London and lives with her parents, has just received an unexpected gift. Her Aunt Olive, a writer who lives in Florida, has sent Ellie a plane ticket and invited her to stay at a luxury resort. Ellie arrives early to surprise Olive, but she is surprised to find that Olive isn't there. Then there is a murder at the resort where a writer's conference is taking place, and it's one of the best-known writers who, of course, no one likes. Ellie's a somewhat unsubtle amateur sleuth--telling everything she thinks she knows to people she barely knows. I especially liked the talking parrot, Hemingway, and the cat, Mojito, who live at the resort.
November 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this first entry in a new cozy mystery series (at least it's new to me) - Barefoot Sleuth. The MC is Ellie, a 20 something from London visiting the west coast of Florida for the Christmas break. When she arrives, her Aunt Olive is missing even though she was there to attend a writers conference. Ellie gets worried but realizes she did arrive a week earlier than anticipated. Next thing you know, the writer in the villa next door is murdered, Aunt Olive is a suspect, and Ellie had to do some amateur sleuthing to get her aunt's name cleared. It was a fun ride and an easy read.
August 7, 2020
I was disappointed when I heard H.Y.Hanna's latest series is set in Florida; I've enjoyed her other cozy mystery series set in quaint English towns. Yes, the main character lives in London, but within a few pages she ends up at a luxury resort in Florida. Well, despite not being set in Florida I actually enjoyed the book, and look forward to the next in the series.....I'll be curious to see how she keeps our main character in Florida.
September 13, 2020
Awful, awful writing. I had to skip lots of pages to speed up the tortuous reading process (I still wanted to know who the murderer was) but was still able to keep up with the tedious plot development.
February 26, 2021
Fun new series great mystery
What a fun story , love the parrot setting fancy Florida resort very different enablement for the lead character who fly in from London to stay with her aunt who hope makes more of appearance in second book. Good plot developed characters lots of twist couple red herrings thrown in.
What a fun story , love the parrot setting fancy Florida resort very different enablement for the lead character who fly in from London to stay with her aunt who hope makes more of appearance in second book. Good plot developed characters lots of twist couple red herrings thrown in.
February 24, 2023
Yawn.
I love easy, cozy mysteries to unwind to, but this one wasn't really that interesting. Very little conflict, and everything required me to suspend my belief - a little in a cozy mystery is fine. Too much is not ok.
I love easy, cozy mysteries to unwind to, but this one wasn't really that interesting. Very little conflict, and everything required me to suspend my belief - a little in a cozy mystery is fine. Too much is not ok.
February 12, 2024
Another series from an author I really enjoy, and a similar cosy mystery. This time it is in Florida with Ellie leaving the UK to go visit with her aunt and of course coming across a murder and helping to work out what happened. I'm sure I will love this series like the others.
August 21, 2024
Audiobook.
4+ rounded up. Delightful cozy murder mystery.
4+ rounded up. Delightful cozy murder mystery.
November 6, 2020
This was a fun book,
April 8, 2021
Cute story
Really enjoyed this cute mystery. From Florida and like to see how writers view Florida from their viewpoint. Want to read more.
Really enjoyed this cute mystery. From Florida and like to see how writers view Florida from their viewpoint. Want to read more.
July 25, 2020
Flip Flops and Murder earns 5+/5 Squawking Macaws...Entertaining Fun!
Ellie Bishop wants to escape her dead-end job, broken heart, and dreary London winter. Relief came from her eccentric Aunt Olive who extended an invitation (and plane ticket) for her to spend the holidays at an up-scale, all-inclusive Florida resort. Could she say “yes” any faster? She steps off the plane, breathes deep the fragrant Florida air, and dabs the sweat from her brow. Dreams come true! When she arrives at the hotel, she discovers a new sun hat, cute flip flops, and her Aunt Olive missing. It is strange since Aunt Olive was suppose to be attending the writers’ conference held at the resort. Ellie starts asking around and attempts to raise the alarm about her elderly aunt’s disappearance, but with no luck, she explores the resort and meets many of the writers in attendance. However, she witnesses a few professional and personal conflicts, and when Lillian Fox, famous author and queen bee at the conference, is found dead, the police become suspicious of Aunt Olive’s disappearance.
Brilliant FUN! H.Y. Hanna may be a good friend, but she’s also an excellent writer engaging me again in another witty, clever, cozy mystery. This book is a bit shorter than her other books, but don’t think it short on content and entertainment. She continues to put her strong female characters, always working on confidence issues, into wonderful surroundings with challenges, friends, family, a romantic opportunity, and a fur, or feathered, friend to add some angst and comic relief. Transplanting, temporarily, her British millennial across the Atlantic to a Florida resort offered some interesting predicaments, but people are people no matter what, she blends in well. The murder mystery had me enjoying the bouncing around from the obvious to the obscure, including questioning whether Ellie’s aunt not only wrote about murder, but committed it as well! Ok, let’s talk “hunky” doctor. Although Ellie is only on vacation, she may discover this doctor’s specialty is mending her broken heart. Hanna’s descriptions of the tropical environment, regional delicacies, and antics by two- and four-legged characters along with realistic dialogue to help illustrate personalities kept me engaged and eager for more!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Ellie Bishop wants to escape her dead-end job, broken heart, and dreary London winter. Relief came from her eccentric Aunt Olive who extended an invitation (and plane ticket) for her to spend the holidays at an up-scale, all-inclusive Florida resort. Could she say “yes” any faster? She steps off the plane, breathes deep the fragrant Florida air, and dabs the sweat from her brow. Dreams come true! When she arrives at the hotel, she discovers a new sun hat, cute flip flops, and her Aunt Olive missing. It is strange since Aunt Olive was suppose to be attending the writers’ conference held at the resort. Ellie starts asking around and attempts to raise the alarm about her elderly aunt’s disappearance, but with no luck, she explores the resort and meets many of the writers in attendance. However, she witnesses a few professional and personal conflicts, and when Lillian Fox, famous author and queen bee at the conference, is found dead, the police become suspicious of Aunt Olive’s disappearance.
Brilliant FUN! H.Y. Hanna may be a good friend, but she’s also an excellent writer engaging me again in another witty, clever, cozy mystery. This book is a bit shorter than her other books, but don’t think it short on content and entertainment. She continues to put her strong female characters, always working on confidence issues, into wonderful surroundings with challenges, friends, family, a romantic opportunity, and a fur, or feathered, friend to add some angst and comic relief. Transplanting, temporarily, her British millennial across the Atlantic to a Florida resort offered some interesting predicaments, but people are people no matter what, she blends in well. The murder mystery had me enjoying the bouncing around from the obvious to the obscure, including questioning whether Ellie’s aunt not only wrote about murder, but committed it as well! Ok, let’s talk “hunky” doctor. Although Ellie is only on vacation, she may discover this doctor’s specialty is mending her broken heart. Hanna’s descriptions of the tropical environment, regional delicacies, and antics by two- and four-legged characters along with realistic dialogue to help illustrate personalities kept me engaged and eager for more!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
March 27, 2021
Great read
I am really excited about this new series set in Florida where I lived in the past. This resort setup seems really good for coming up with new people and problems. Can't wait to see what happens next!😀
I am really excited about this new series set in Florida where I lived in the past. This resort setup seems really good for coming up with new people and problems. Can't wait to see what happens next!😀
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