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Barefoot Sleuth #3
Cocktails and Murder
Ellie is looking forward to finally enjoying her unexpected vacation in Florida: strolling on the white sand beaches, lounging in luxurious cabanas, and swimming in the sparkling waters of the Gulf... But she's barely sipped her first mojito before she finds herself sucked into another mystery! This time, Ellie is on the trail of a clever murderer who uses a deadly tiki cocktail to kill and her search for clues takes her aboard a luxury yacht, fishing in Tampa Bay,and even up close and personal with one of the Sunshine State's most famous residents: the American alligator! Ellie is horrified when her newfound friend - headwaiter Sol - is named the key suspect and she's determined to prove his innocence.But it's not just the murder that's troubling her: there's also her budding romance with handsome resort doctor Blake Thornton and his strange behavior on the night of the murder. Is he cheating on her? Or is it something more sinister? With her eccentric Aunt Olive giving her sleuthing tips and the two resort animals lending a beak and a paw, Ellie is sure she can crack the case. But if she turns out to be wrong, she might find out what "swimming with the fishes" really means....
GENRE: beach mystery, cat cozy mystery series, culinary cozy mysteries, women sleuth, amateur sleuth, humorous cozy mysteries
GENRE: beach mystery, cat cozy mystery series, culinary cozy mysteries, women sleuth, amateur sleuth, humorous cozy mysteries
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2020
354 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
H.Y. Hanna
66 books1,089 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 58 reviews
March 20, 2024
Third in the Barefoot Sleuth series and I am still liking them but not loving them. I do love the covers though especially little Mojito the black cat appearing on each of them. Mojito is also my favourite character in the books.
In Cocktails and Murder Ellie is still enjoying her holiday in Florida. She does not get much time to indulge in the cocktails and the pool before another murder victim turns up and she is back in action as amateur sleuth. The mystery was interesting but there was a lot of padding in the form of information about sailing, fishing, alligators and more.
I am intrigued by the fact that Ellie has been involved in solving three separate murders so far and she is only on holiday. There is obviously a time limit and a body count limit too. I can't wait to see how the author deals with this.
In Cocktails and Murder Ellie is still enjoying her holiday in Florida. She does not get much time to indulge in the cocktails and the pool before another murder victim turns up and she is back in action as amateur sleuth. The mystery was interesting but there was a lot of padding in the form of information about sailing, fishing, alligators and more.
I am intrigued by the fact that Ellie has been involved in solving three separate murders so far and she is only on holiday. There is obviously a time limit and a body count limit too. I can't wait to see how the author deals with this.
July 9, 2021
2.5 stars.
This was like the two previous installments but the ending was no bueno. It actually highlighted the fact that I would've preferred this with no romance (as little as there already is) at all. Still, I liked the fun and easy vibe and the adorable resort animals. :)
This was like the two previous installments but the ending was no bueno. It actually highlighted the fact that I would've preferred this with no romance (as little as there already is) at all. Still, I liked the fun and easy vibe and the adorable resort animals. :)
September 16, 2020
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
Cocktails and Murder is the third book in H.Y. Hanna's Barefoot Sleuth Cozy Mystery series. It follows Ellie while she's on vacation at a beach resort in Florida and solves mysteries. The unique setting and having a character be on vacation and solving mysteries is definitely one of the fun things about this series.
In this book Ellie gets involved in another mystery after overhearing some conversations a guy had who later gets murdered. Then her friend Sol is the main suspects and she is determined to find the real killer. The mystery didn't grip me as much as I wanted. There were a few possible suspects that all had a good motive. It just wasn't as interesting of a mystery somehow. My favorite part was actually finding out some of the secrets the side characters were keeping that made them look suspicious. There were a few obvious red herrings, but at the end I was still left with a few possible suspects. I had figured out the explanation of a few of the inconsistencies/ clues and predicted a few reveals. Sometimes it's fun to be able to guess those, but here it just felt like they were a bit too obvious.
While I didn't enjoy the mystery as much as in some of the previous books I still had fun reading this one. The sunny setting of the beach resort makes for an interesting cozy mystery setting. In this book Ellie learns more about cocktails thanks to a class as well as alligators due to a visit to an alligator farm. I like how Ellie believes in Sol's innocence and stands up for her friend. There are some fun scenes with her aunt Olive. And the two resort pets make some fun appearances as well.
There were a few scenes that felt a bit over the top or ridiculous at times, like one of the later scenes at the farm. Or how Ellie seems to overhear all the relevant conversations or stumble upon the right scene to get information. I didn't really care for the romance troubles in this one, but that's mainly as it's such an obvious ploy that happens in so many books. On the other hand given what happened in her past it did make sense how Ellie reacted to what she saw. And I was happy that she was able to admit when she's wrong. There are also a few new side characters we learn about as well in this book.
To summarize: This was another fun read in this series. The beach resort setting of this cozy mystery makes for a fun and unique setting. The mystery in this one didn't really grip me, but I liked uncovering some of the secrets people were keeping. A few of the red herrings or reveals seemed a bit obvious to me, which lessened the fun of the mystery a bit. I like how Ellie got involved and had a motivation to solve the mystery as her friend was the main suspect. There are some fun scenes with Ellie and her aunt Olive as well as the two resort pets that made some fun appearances. I liked the bit we learn about alligators in this book. I didn't care for the romance troubles as the romance didn't progress much in this book and the hurdle was an obvious one you often see in romances. I did find how Ellie reacted realistic, but I was glad when it got resolved. All in all this continues to be a fun cozy mystery series.
Cocktails and Murder is the third book in H.Y. Hanna's Barefoot Sleuth Cozy Mystery series. It follows Ellie while she's on vacation at a beach resort in Florida and solves mysteries. The unique setting and having a character be on vacation and solving mysteries is definitely one of the fun things about this series.
In this book Ellie gets involved in another mystery after overhearing some conversations a guy had who later gets murdered. Then her friend Sol is the main suspects and she is determined to find the real killer. The mystery didn't grip me as much as I wanted. There were a few possible suspects that all had a good motive. It just wasn't as interesting of a mystery somehow. My favorite part was actually finding out some of the secrets the side characters were keeping that made them look suspicious. There were a few obvious red herrings, but at the end I was still left with a few possible suspects. I had figured out the explanation of a few of the inconsistencies/ clues and predicted a few reveals. Sometimes it's fun to be able to guess those, but here it just felt like they were a bit too obvious.
While I didn't enjoy the mystery as much as in some of the previous books I still had fun reading this one. The sunny setting of the beach resort makes for an interesting cozy mystery setting. In this book Ellie learns more about cocktails thanks to a class as well as alligators due to a visit to an alligator farm. I like how Ellie believes in Sol's innocence and stands up for her friend. There are some fun scenes with her aunt Olive. And the two resort pets make some fun appearances as well.
There were a few scenes that felt a bit over the top or ridiculous at times, like one of the later scenes at the farm. Or how Ellie seems to overhear all the relevant conversations or stumble upon the right scene to get information. I didn't really care for the romance troubles in this one, but that's mainly as it's such an obvious ploy that happens in so many books. On the other hand given what happened in her past it did make sense how Ellie reacted to what she saw. And I was happy that she was able to admit when she's wrong. There are also a few new side characters we learn about as well in this book.
To summarize: This was another fun read in this series. The beach resort setting of this cozy mystery makes for a fun and unique setting. The mystery in this one didn't really grip me, but I liked uncovering some of the secrets people were keeping. A few of the red herrings or reveals seemed a bit obvious to me, which lessened the fun of the mystery a bit. I like how Ellie got involved and had a motivation to solve the mystery as her friend was the main suspect. There are some fun scenes with Ellie and her aunt Olive as well as the two resort pets that made some fun appearances. I liked the bit we learn about alligators in this book. I didn't care for the romance troubles as the romance didn't progress much in this book and the hurdle was an obvious one you often see in romances. I did find how Ellie reacted realistic, but I was glad when it got resolved. All in all this continues to be a fun cozy mystery series.
September 7, 2020
Cocktails and murder is book number 3 in the relatively new cozy mystery book series called "Barefoot sleuth cozy mysteries" by H.Y. Hanna. The only problem I have with this series is I must wait until January 31, 2021 (next year!) for number 4! I don't know how I will be able to wait until that next book comes out!
This book follows Ellie Bishop, a British girl, who had temporary jobs in Britain and no real ambition, Then she gets a letter from Aunt Olive who is living life to the fullest. Aunt Olive invites Ellie to spend an extended period of time at The Sunset Palms Beach Resort across the Atlantic in Florida in the United States, during the Christmas holidays. Aunt Olive even sends her a plane ticket paid in full and the resort is an all-inclusive package all paid for by Aunt Olive. It should be noted Aunt Olive is a wealthy widow and mystery writer. Ellie goes as she has no long term job, and it will be better weather than the English weather would be during the winter!
In this great installment, Ellie is taking a class offered by the resort on how to mix cocktails. while concentrating and making a mistake she is going to ask the good looking man who is teaching a question having an argument with his Uncle Walt Saunders over Rob's idea to start a cocktail bar and have his billionaire Uncle Walt finance him. Uncle Walt tells him it is the worst idea Rob ever had.
Then Ellie is sitting behind a potted palm tree as she does often to people-watcg in the Hammerheads Bar and Grill at the resort and overhears Uncle Walt with Roy Mack who he gave money for him to start up the Groovy Gator Farm off the resorts land. when Mack challenges Uncle Walt Saunders to drink a whole bowl of the bar;s signature cocktail Scorpion Bowl. Then Roy Mack brings out a bag of dried up scorpions and drops one in the cocktail, But Uncle Walk gets it out. Uncle Walt wants to check the books of the Groovy Gator Farm he expects something wrong is going on in the business financially at the Groovy gator farm which angers Roy at first, then he agrees to have him come the next morning.
Then Uncle Walt's year's younger wife, Tonya, comes in the restaurant and she is pure evil. she asks the waitress,Ava, for Coke and when she brings it to her she says she didn't order that and keep doing that, finally Ava loses her temper. Sol the waiter at Hammerheads bat and grill intervenes. Uncle Walt threatens to gave Sol fired.
that night Uncle Walt is found dead at the Ocean View Wing which is the most expensive place to stay and where he is staying with wife Tonya.
They discover he was murdered by somebody adding Valium in the cocktail. the explanation given in the book is that Valium can kill when mixed with alcohol by causing heart problems and he already had heart problems.
Sol is accused of the murder and Ellie knows that Sol wouldn't do it and she puts her sleuthing skills to use and tries to find the murderer herself
I think I will read more H.Y. Hanna in the future if they are as good as this one!
This book follows Ellie Bishop, a British girl, who had temporary jobs in Britain and no real ambition, Then she gets a letter from Aunt Olive who is living life to the fullest. Aunt Olive invites Ellie to spend an extended period of time at The Sunset Palms Beach Resort across the Atlantic in Florida in the United States, during the Christmas holidays. Aunt Olive even sends her a plane ticket paid in full and the resort is an all-inclusive package all paid for by Aunt Olive. It should be noted Aunt Olive is a wealthy widow and mystery writer. Ellie goes as she has no long term job, and it will be better weather than the English weather would be during the winter!
In this great installment, Ellie is taking a class offered by the resort on how to mix cocktails. while concentrating and making a mistake she is going to ask the good looking man who is teaching a question having an argument with his Uncle Walt Saunders over Rob's idea to start a cocktail bar and have his billionaire Uncle Walt finance him. Uncle Walt tells him it is the worst idea Rob ever had.
Then Ellie is sitting behind a potted palm tree as she does often to people-watcg in the Hammerheads Bar and Grill at the resort and overhears Uncle Walt with Roy Mack who he gave money for him to start up the Groovy Gator Farm off the resorts land. when Mack challenges Uncle Walt Saunders to drink a whole bowl of the bar;s signature cocktail Scorpion Bowl. Then Roy Mack brings out a bag of dried up scorpions and drops one in the cocktail, But Uncle Walk gets it out. Uncle Walt wants to check the books of the Groovy Gator Farm he expects something wrong is going on in the business financially at the Groovy gator farm which angers Roy at first, then he agrees to have him come the next morning.
Then Uncle Walt's year's younger wife, Tonya, comes in the restaurant and she is pure evil. she asks the waitress,Ava, for Coke and when she brings it to her she says she didn't order that and keep doing that, finally Ava loses her temper. Sol the waiter at Hammerheads bat and grill intervenes. Uncle Walt threatens to gave Sol fired.
that night Uncle Walt is found dead at the Ocean View Wing which is the most expensive place to stay and where he is staying with wife Tonya.
They discover he was murdered by somebody adding Valium in the cocktail. the explanation given in the book is that Valium can kill when mixed with alcohol by causing heart problems and he already had heart problems.
Sol is accused of the murder and Ellie knows that Sol wouldn't do it and she puts her sleuthing skills to use and tries to find the murderer herself
I think I will read more H.Y. Hanna in the future if they are as good as this one!
October 1, 2020
Cocktails and Murder earns 5+/5 Scorpion Punches...Engaging Delight!
Another suspenseful story in H.Y. Hanna’s Barefoot Sleuth Mystery series as Ellie continues to enjoy her Florida vacation, and in between a couple of murders she solved, she relaxes by the pool, strolls on the beach, and heads over to the Bar & Grill for a cool cocktail, spicy treat, and some people watching. Today people watching was more awkward eavesdropping than casual curiosity when she overhears Walter Saunders in deep conversation with a business partner: gators to scorpions? Then, the much younger, fancier, full of vinegar Mrs. Saunders shows up, and pranks the young waitress, accusing her of incompetence, and when Sol tries to diffuse the situation, Mr. Saunders threatens to have his job! So, of course, that puts the two of them on the suspect radar when Mr. Saunders ends up dead!
This third book is filled with misunderstandings, close calls with reptiles, surprises, and a whopper of a cocktail...Scorpion! The murder solution seemed obvious, but hold on, H.Y. Hanna is well known to hide the solution and then systematically reveal, to my enjoyment, more suspects and motives. I just thought to arrest the lot of them from the wife, the nephew, the partner, the punked waitress, and Sol. The “romance” dance between Ellie and the hunky doc has had a few missteps, and Aunt Olive’s counsel is to be bold which isn’t quite Ellie’s style. Animal lovers will enjoy the macaw Hemingway and the cat Mojito who have free reign around the resort. Her writing style and organization of the drama is well plotted and steady, descriptive language engaging, and filled with endearing, and some, frustrating characters and fascinating insights into scorpions and gators. Aunt Olive remains a favorite character, but so is Ellie who is realistic, strong, self-sufficient, and clever but struggling with confidence and often in the romance department, too. Loved it!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Another suspenseful story in H.Y. Hanna’s Barefoot Sleuth Mystery series as Ellie continues to enjoy her Florida vacation, and in between a couple of murders she solved, she relaxes by the pool, strolls on the beach, and heads over to the Bar & Grill for a cool cocktail, spicy treat, and some people watching. Today people watching was more awkward eavesdropping than casual curiosity when she overhears Walter Saunders in deep conversation with a business partner: gators to scorpions? Then, the much younger, fancier, full of vinegar Mrs. Saunders shows up, and pranks the young waitress, accusing her of incompetence, and when Sol tries to diffuse the situation, Mr. Saunders threatens to have his job! So, of course, that puts the two of them on the suspect radar when Mr. Saunders ends up dead!
This third book is filled with misunderstandings, close calls with reptiles, surprises, and a whopper of a cocktail...Scorpion! The murder solution seemed obvious, but hold on, H.Y. Hanna is well known to hide the solution and then systematically reveal, to my enjoyment, more suspects and motives. I just thought to arrest the lot of them from the wife, the nephew, the partner, the punked waitress, and Sol. The “romance” dance between Ellie and the hunky doc has had a few missteps, and Aunt Olive’s counsel is to be bold which isn’t quite Ellie’s style. Animal lovers will enjoy the macaw Hemingway and the cat Mojito who have free reign around the resort. Her writing style and organization of the drama is well plotted and steady, descriptive language engaging, and filled with endearing, and some, frustrating characters and fascinating insights into scorpions and gators. Aunt Olive remains a favorite character, but so is Ellie who is realistic, strong, self-sufficient, and clever but struggling with confidence and often in the romance department, too. Loved it!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
September 30, 2020
Ellie Bishop has been invited to accompany her Aunt Olive, a successful mystery novelist, on a vacation to Tampa Bay, Florida.
One afternoon Ellie is enjoying a round of people watching from a secluded corner of the resort terrace. She had not planned to eavesdrop on a meeting going on at the table on the other side of the potted palms. The meeting involved Mr. Saunders and one of his partners, Mr. Roy Mack. Nor did she plan on listening to Mrs. Sanders being abusive to Ava, a young and pretty waitress. Ellie did stand up and make herself known as a witness when the “fun” started to escalate into threats against the resort employees.
The next morning, as Ava is exiting an apartment suite, she runs into Ellie. Ava was in total shock and didn’t know what to do. She had gone into the suite to service the unit, only to find Mr. Saunders - Dead! He was alone in the unit and his wife was nowhere to be found. Ellie immediately notified the resort manager, who in turn called the police. Ellie felt that was all she could do for Mr. Saunders.
Did Mr. Saunders die of natural causes or was it something more sinister? Where is Mrs. Sanders? Does she know anything about her husband's death? Can Ellie figure out what really happened?
H.Y. Hanna has a wonderful start on a series that can go on for a long time, the characters are fantastic, they intermingle and there is room for more to come in or some to leave and return later in the series, it is wonderful. For example Ellie has believable issues; her on/off relationship with Blake is realistic. She has a wonderful relationship with Aunt Olive and Aunt Olive treats her like the adult that she is. The locations are interesting a.k.a. Alligator Farm. While this is extremely interesting, I don’t think I would ever personally visit one. Each book seems to bring out more of Ellie and Olive’s personalities and relationships.
One afternoon Ellie is enjoying a round of people watching from a secluded corner of the resort terrace. She had not planned to eavesdrop on a meeting going on at the table on the other side of the potted palms. The meeting involved Mr. Saunders and one of his partners, Mr. Roy Mack. Nor did she plan on listening to Mrs. Sanders being abusive to Ava, a young and pretty waitress. Ellie did stand up and make herself known as a witness when the “fun” started to escalate into threats against the resort employees.
The next morning, as Ava is exiting an apartment suite, she runs into Ellie. Ava was in total shock and didn’t know what to do. She had gone into the suite to service the unit, only to find Mr. Saunders - Dead! He was alone in the unit and his wife was nowhere to be found. Ellie immediately notified the resort manager, who in turn called the police. Ellie felt that was all she could do for Mr. Saunders.
Did Mr. Saunders die of natural causes or was it something more sinister? Where is Mrs. Sanders? Does she know anything about her husband's death? Can Ellie figure out what really happened?
H.Y. Hanna has a wonderful start on a series that can go on for a long time, the characters are fantastic, they intermingle and there is room for more to come in or some to leave and return later in the series, it is wonderful. For example Ellie has believable issues; her on/off relationship with Blake is realistic. She has a wonderful relationship with Aunt Olive and Aunt Olive treats her like the adult that she is. The locations are interesting a.k.a. Alligator Farm. While this is extremely interesting, I don’t think I would ever personally visit one. Each book seems to bring out more of Ellie and Olive’s personalities and relationships.
October 26, 2020
3.5 stars
The Barefoot Sleuth Mysteries are such breezy, light fun! COCKTAILS AND MURDER, the third book in the series by H.Y. Hanna, is no exception. It does not capture my attention as much as the previous books, but it is still entertaining.
This installment finds Londoner Ellie still on vacation with her Aunt Olive at a luxury resort in Florida. When a prominent guest is murdered and her new friend, head waiter Sol, becomes the police’s prime suspect, Ellie does all that she can, including inadvertently putting herself in danger, to clear his name. At the same time, she faces some relationship troubles with resort doctor Ben.
The characters featured in this series have become familiar friends with the addition of this third installment. I like Ellie, and her Aunt Olive cracks me up. I also really enjoy getting to know more about Sol in this installment. Of course, the resort animals (Mojito the cat and Hemingway the Macaw) make several appearances and add humor and color to the story.
The mystery here is well developed and executed, but, for no reason that I can pinpoint, it is not my favorite of the series. There are plenty of suspects to consider, and they all make sense…I don’t know. There is a big scene towards the end of the book that feels oh-so-over-the-top and unbelievable. Ellie’s sleuthing seems more about being in the right place at the right time than actual investigation. The side plot about her budding relationship with Ben is not really needed, and her assumptions bother me. I understand her past relationship baggage, but her reaction and handling of it all just feels immature.
Overall, I enjoyed COCKTAILS AND MURDER and recommend it to any cozy reader looking for a quick diversion from the real world.
I received a copy of this title from the author and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
The Barefoot Sleuth Mysteries are such breezy, light fun! COCKTAILS AND MURDER, the third book in the series by H.Y. Hanna, is no exception. It does not capture my attention as much as the previous books, but it is still entertaining.
This installment finds Londoner Ellie still on vacation with her Aunt Olive at a luxury resort in Florida. When a prominent guest is murdered and her new friend, head waiter Sol, becomes the police’s prime suspect, Ellie does all that she can, including inadvertently putting herself in danger, to clear his name. At the same time, she faces some relationship troubles with resort doctor Ben.
The characters featured in this series have become familiar friends with the addition of this third installment. I like Ellie, and her Aunt Olive cracks me up. I also really enjoy getting to know more about Sol in this installment. Of course, the resort animals (Mojito the cat and Hemingway the Macaw) make several appearances and add humor and color to the story.
The mystery here is well developed and executed, but, for no reason that I can pinpoint, it is not my favorite of the series. There are plenty of suspects to consider, and they all make sense…I don’t know. There is a big scene towards the end of the book that feels oh-so-over-the-top and unbelievable. Ellie’s sleuthing seems more about being in the right place at the right time than actual investigation. The side plot about her budding relationship with Ben is not really needed, and her assumptions bother me. I understand her past relationship baggage, but her reaction and handling of it all just feels immature.
Overall, I enjoyed COCKTAILS AND MURDER and recommend it to any cozy reader looking for a quick diversion from the real world.
I received a copy of this title from the author and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
September 10, 2020
Love this series! The main character, Ellie, is trying to be adventurous and enjoy her spur-of-the-moment Florida vacation, but keeps running into trouble. Her aunt, who she is visiting, is a hoot! Her new boyfriend is too good to be true. The descriptions of the Gulf of Mexico resort are lovely. The storylines are very interesting and definitely hold your attention. And the surprise ending is always a bonus!
September 26, 2020
Ellie finds herself wrapped up in another situation at the resort again. Someone dies after drinking a cocktail and because people that Ellie knows are involved in it, she too decides to find out what is going on. With help from Hemmingway and Mojito, she follows the clues to sort out what exactly happened. Her relation with the good doctor and her aunt are also explored as she continues her stay at the resort. Look forward to the next adventure.
September 6, 2020
Another interesting installment! Can't wait to see what happens during the rest of the vacation!
February 5, 2024
This old lady really liked this book!
Loved it! Elly and her aunt are a lot of fun (specialy her very easy attitude toward sex) and the very satisfiying ending when an unfaithful goldigger gets her just desserts brings a smile. Not to mention the hunky doctor love interest😊.
Loved it! Elly and her aunt are a lot of fun (specialy her very easy attitude toward sex) and the very satisfiying ending when an unfaithful goldigger gets her just desserts brings a smile. Not to mention the hunky doctor love interest😊.
September 10, 2020
I am loving this series and this book is no exception. The books just get funnier and funnier as the characters develop or as you learn more about them. The author always includes animals in her series and I am a big cat fan but I think it has to be the inclusion of the parrot that makes the books, he is so funny and naughty and a real character that just brings a smile to your face. I also like the fact that crocodiles made it in to this book because when I think of Florida crocodiles are the first thing I think of but after reading this book I won't be thinking of them in the same way hehe (you will have to read it to see what I am talking about). The rest of the characters are just as well written about and with this book being book three they feel like old friends. I would recommend reading the previous books not because they necessarily follow on from each other because they great if you like cozy murder mysteries with a touch of romance and lots of animal antics. There is also lots of helpful tips and myth busters (you have to say the author does her research) like how to get away from a crocodile or how make a cocktail, just so you know if you ever find yourself in Flordia. Can't wait for the next book.
Ellie is a very down to earth type of girl and set in her ways like only drinking one type of drink. So dropping everything and going to stay with her aunt for a month in Florida is living on the edge. So is signing up for cocktail lesson but that is exactly what she does. She had no idea that by doing so she would have front row seats to a murder. When an obnoxious rich man is found dead her new friend is the polices number one suspect. Can Ellie find the culprit? Sol doesn't help himself as he is obviously keeping secrets and so is the good doctor. Why did he break a date with Ellie?
Definitely a book to add to my audio book collection. If only to hear how the narrator copes with the parrot fun.
Ellie is a very down to earth type of girl and set in her ways like only drinking one type of drink. So dropping everything and going to stay with her aunt for a month in Florida is living on the edge. So is signing up for cocktail lesson but that is exactly what she does. She had no idea that by doing so she would have front row seats to a murder. When an obnoxious rich man is found dead her new friend is the polices number one suspect. Can Ellie find the culprit? Sol doesn't help himself as he is obviously keeping secrets and so is the good doctor. Why did he break a date with Ellie?
Definitely a book to add to my audio book collection. If only to hear how the narrator copes with the parrot fun.
February 6, 2021
Cocktails and Murder is the third book in a really fun series! Ellie was invited to spend an extended holiday by her eccentric Aunt Olive, a mystery writer who is staying at a Tampa Bay resort hotel. When relaxing around the pool, she overhears conversations and actions that could mean trouble for her friends at the hotel. When one of the rich clients staying at the hotel and his very young wife harasses a young waitress and then Sol, the head waiter, while intervening gets tripped by the wife, the couple blame it on Sol. But Ellie was sitting right there and saw it all. But when the there is a murder and Sol gets the blame Ellie with advice from her Aunt feel she has to help save her friend. Tie this theme together with the infatuation she has for Blake, the resort doctor. But is he in to her, is there trouble in paradise? Weave the murder with a romantic corundrum and an alligator farm and you have a totally enjoyable read that you can't put down until you have finished to see who-dun-it and how Ellie will get out of being in an alligator enclave, finding a murderer to help her friend Sol and unraveling her romance with Dr. Blake! I can't wait to see what will happen to Ellie next and where her relationship goes since the ending leaves us with a surprise! I received and ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
September 14, 2020
London resident Ellie, who is visiting her fun-loving widowed aunt in Florida at a holiday resort, has already been drawn into, and unintentionally helped to solve, several mysteries. But all Ellie really wants to do is experience the area's different culture and cuisine while making new friends--and maybe pursue a romantic interest. She finds herself, though, in compromising positions where she hears something suspicious but, instead of sharing what she learns with police or telling a trustworthy person (is there anyone she can really trust?) whom she's about to follow or interview, she finds herself in precarious positions where she could lose her life. The resort's loveable macaw and cat can be troublesome at times, but they do come through in the end to provide comfort and clues. I never can guess who will be murdered of all the bullies presented, and I never can guess who the murderer is among those who have strong motives to do the deed.
March 4, 2021
This book is so far my favorite barefoot sleuth mysteries. Get ready to sip some alcoolic exotic beverages with your eyes and have your head spin until you don’t know who could have committed the murder Ellie -the main character- has to deal with… Just when her love life looks like it’s heading toward a too familiar direction : doom.
Knowing Florida pretty well after decades of winter vacationing over there, I love the way the author is rendering the tropical atmosphere of the sunshine state : from the fishing trip, to the luxury resort and yacht, fruity cocktails and « quaint » tourist parks, little is left out. But if you have an alligator phobia, beware. Even though the murderer is of the poisener kind, the Florida’s favorite predator’s jaws are never far away from our favorite characters.
Knowing Florida pretty well after decades of winter vacationing over there, I love the way the author is rendering the tropical atmosphere of the sunshine state : from the fishing trip, to the luxury resort and yacht, fruity cocktails and « quaint » tourist parks, little is left out. But if you have an alligator phobia, beware. Even though the murderer is of the poisener kind, the Florida’s favorite predator’s jaws are never far away from our favorite characters.
October 4, 2020
H.S. Hanna‘s short cozy mystery series is progressing nicely in this second to last installment! By now, we‘ve come to know and love Ellie, Aunt Olive and all the other regulars of the hotel, not to forget the two resident pets, Hemingway the parrot and Mojito the cat - it‘s gonna be real hard to say goodbye to them after the next book!
I love sleuthing along with Ellie in sunny Florida, and this time‘s no exception. And especially during these trying times, I, and I‘m sure other readers as well, can live vicariously through Ellie - travelling, falling in love, encounters with mischievous pets and dangerous animals, and solving a mystery! Open the book, turn the pages and immerse yourself already 😉
I love sleuthing along with Ellie in sunny Florida, and this time‘s no exception. And especially during these trying times, I, and I‘m sure other readers as well, can live vicariously through Ellie - travelling, falling in love, encounters with mischievous pets and dangerous animals, and solving a mystery! Open the book, turn the pages and immerse yourself already 😉
September 20, 2020
I really enjoy Ms Hanna’s other series set in England but for some reason this series just doesn’t hold my interest. And has put me to sleep on more than one occasion.
This series does not have a very large cast of characters nor does the heroine venture very far from the resort where she is staying with her Aunt. Is that what is missing? Actually I am curious how long this can keep going since Ellie is just there on vacation. There have already been 3 books, 3 murders for her to solve, and a very, very slow-moving romance which may or may not take off. I do know there will be a 4th since there is a preview at the end of the third book. Let’s just hope HY Hanna starts moving the storyline in a more interesting direction.
This series does not have a very large cast of characters nor does the heroine venture very far from the resort where she is staying with her Aunt. Is that what is missing? Actually I am curious how long this can keep going since Ellie is just there on vacation. There have already been 3 books, 3 murders for her to solve, and a very, very slow-moving romance which may or may not take off. I do know there will be a 4th since there is a preview at the end of the third book. Let’s just hope HY Hanna starts moving the storyline in a more interesting direction.
November 19, 2025
Just when Ellie thought she and Blake had something special, she started suspecting him of seeing someone else. Meanwhile there was another murder at the resort and Ellie started sleuthing again to make sure her good friend Sol didn’t go down for something he didn’t do. The showdown was pretty exciting and probably Ellie’s most dangerous one yet. I really wondered how she was gonna get out from under this mess, when someone had called the cavalry, thankfully!
When the reveal happened, I remembered something Aunt Olive said about writing a mystery. Yep that’s true—you’ll have to read it and find out!
When the reveal happened, I remembered something Aunt Olive said about writing a mystery. Yep that’s true—you’ll have to read it and find out!
September 14, 2020
Number three of the Barefoot Sleuth series, with Ellie and Aunt Olive m pursuit of another criminal.
Ellie is still visiting her aunt at the Florida resort and of course there is another murder. This time Ellie is on the trail of the murderer to save her friend , the resort maitre de, from being accused of the crime. As Ellie gets herself into a tight spot up a tree with chomping alligators underneath, she is able to save the day. Each of these fun novels are lighthearted with a quick mystery to solve and a little romance on the side.
Ellie is still visiting her aunt at the Florida resort and of course there is another murder. This time Ellie is on the trail of the murderer to save her friend , the resort maitre de, from being accused of the crime. As Ellie gets herself into a tight spot up a tree with chomping alligators underneath, she is able to save the day. Each of these fun novels are lighthearted with a quick mystery to solve and a little romance on the side.
September 22, 2020
This was a fun and entertaining read. I enjoyed reading about the various cocktails and the information about the alligators.
The mystery was good but I got a sense that the series is becoming somewhat predictable and formulaic. Ellie seems to stumble head long into each investigation and wrangles herself out of bother with equal ease and not much skill.
I'd like to see more from the aunt as she is such a unique character and a mystery writer to boot. I'd also like to see some background story for the resort doctor as he is such a nice character.
A quick and entertaining read. Perfect weekend reading.
The mystery was good but I got a sense that the series is becoming somewhat predictable and formulaic. Ellie seems to stumble head long into each investigation and wrangles herself out of bother with equal ease and not much skill.
I'd like to see more from the aunt as she is such a unique character and a mystery writer to boot. I'd also like to see some background story for the resort doctor as he is such a nice character.
A quick and entertaining read. Perfect weekend reading.
April 9, 2022
While attending a cocktail mixing class at the Florida beach resort where her aunt lives, Ellie overhears a conversation that gets her involved in a murder and ends in a night time adventure at an alligator farm.
Ellie commits the most maddening mistake of dumb heroines in cozy mysteries - she feels that before she goes to the police to say that she knows who the killer is, she feels she has to go to the likely killer to get their side of the story. Continuing her streak of stupidity, she later confides to much in the real killer and is shocked when they pull out a gun.
Ellie commits the most maddening mistake of dumb heroines in cozy mysteries - she feels that before she goes to the police to say that she knows who the killer is, she feels she has to go to the likely killer to get their side of the story. Continuing her streak of stupidity, she later confides to much in the real killer and is shocked when they pull out a gun.
September 11, 2020
H.Y. Hanna can spin a tale better than anyone I have read. Her new series featuring Ellie, a young English woman visiting Florida is so much fun. Ellie asked for a bit of adventure and she found quite a lot more than a bit. Murder, mayhem, alligators and a little romance keep you reading and turning pages to see what happens next. You will enjoy this series. I highly recommend this book and all the books Ms. Hanna has written.
September 12, 2020
Books one and two in the series were excellent and this one doesn’t disappoint.
The story is a classic who-dun-it, and moves along at a great pace.
It is obvious a lot of research has been done by the author regarding the origins of cocktails and so much interesting information about alligators.
As ever I didn’t work out who the guilty party was, I love how the characters are developing, including Hemingway the parrot and Mojito the cat. I look forward to the next book.
The story is a classic who-dun-it, and moves along at a great pace.
It is obvious a lot of research has been done by the author regarding the origins of cocktails and so much interesting information about alligators.
As ever I didn’t work out who the guilty party was, I love how the characters are developing, including Hemingway the parrot and Mojito the cat. I look forward to the next book.
September 15, 2020
The word that comes to mind is GREAT! I am enjoying the adventures of Ellie. I went through all 3 Barefoot Sleuth Mysteries in a few days —- and now I have to wait close to 5 months. LOL— maybe I can recoup from the almost heart attack during the “night trip” to the alligator farm.
I just hope Ellie and Blake work things out. Ellie needs to stay in the US and possibly be in security at the resort or her Aunt Olive’s personal assistant.
Looking so forward to Bikinis and Murder.
I just hope Ellie and Blake work things out. Ellie needs to stay in the US and possibly be in security at the resort or her Aunt Olive’s personal assistant.
Looking so forward to Bikinis and Murder.
September 28, 2020
I love this new series by HY Hanna, but this edition of Barefoot Sleuth Cozy Mystery series is my favorite! The mystery is so much fun trying to figure out, Aunt Olive was even funnier, Hemingway the bird, and Mojito the cat were a hoot as usual, there was even some suspense! I didn't want this story to end, I was having a blast reading it! Plus you'll learn about alligators! Do not miss this installment of Barefoot Sleuth Cozy Mysteries!
August 10, 2021
I just couldn't put this book down!!
Had me hook, line and sinkered right from the beginning!
It had an intense story line. Especially the alligator parts.
Loved the characters, but I definitely enjoy Hemingway,
the parrot, and Mojito, the cat. Hemingway is hilarious! I
love the romance between Ellie and Blake! I sincerely
hope this series will continue and Ellie decides to remain
in Florida. This is a phenomenal series which should
not end!!!!!
Had me hook, line and sinkered right from the beginning!
It had an intense story line. Especially the alligator parts.
Loved the characters, but I definitely enjoy Hemingway,
the parrot, and Mojito, the cat. Hemingway is hilarious! I
love the romance between Ellie and Blake! I sincerely
hope this series will continue and Ellie decides to remain
in Florida. This is a phenomenal series which should
not end!!!!!
August 15, 2021
Fun in the sun
What to you get when you mix cocktails and crocodiles ? A snapping good story. Ellie stumbles again into a murder and a friend of hers is the main suspect so she sets out to find the real killer which leads to a confrontation with a gun. How she gets out of this mess makes must read story with a cast of interesting characters, two and four legged. OH! Can't forget Hemingway too.
What to you get when you mix cocktails and crocodiles ? A snapping good story. Ellie stumbles again into a murder and a friend of hers is the main suspect so she sets out to find the real killer which leads to a confrontation with a gun. How she gets out of this mess makes must read story with a cast of interesting characters, two and four legged. OH! Can't forget Hemingway too.
February 7, 2023
I liked this one a great deal better! It did actually stump me for a minute, though in retrospect the clues were still pretty spelled out, just among more elaborate red herrings! Despite enjoying the plot better, I do still have one grievance: Ellie’s typically charming character was incredibly irrational and a bit ridiculous this go-round. Otherwise, this was another really cute story, and I’m excited to read the last book!
September 11, 2020
Another exciting adventure
Ellie manages to be in the middle of yet another murder mystery, with lots of plausible suspects. Meanwhile her almost-relationship with Blake hits a snag, and Ellie gets up close and personal with an alligator in this third installment of the Tampa Bay area beach resort series.
Ellie manages to be in the middle of yet another murder mystery, with lots of plausible suspects. Meanwhile her almost-relationship with Blake hits a snag, and Ellie gets up close and personal with an alligator in this third installment of the Tampa Bay area beach resort series.
February 6, 2021
Third in the Barefoot Sleuth mystery series. Ellie is still enjoying her vacation in Florida when she an a much loved resort staff member, Saul, meet the worst guests in the three books I have read so far including the murderers. She must clear Saul and find the murderer. We hope she does not get eaten by Florida's indigenous reptile, the alligator.
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