Bikinis and Murder

Barefoot Sleuth #4

by H.Y. Hanna

Join barefoot sleuth Ellie on her fourth adventure as she finds mystery and murder lurking among the swaying palm trees and white sand beaches of Gulf Coast Florida.

When death strikes a bikini contest at her luxury beach resort, Ellie must use all her wits to find the killer. Help comes from Hemingway the parrot and Mojito the resort cat - not to mention her eccentric Aunt Olive - but Ellie also has other things on her mind.

With her time in the Sunshine State coming to an end, she has to decide whether to follow her heart and let her "vacation fling" with handsome resort doctor Blake Thornton turn into something more...

GENRE: beach mystery, cat cozy mystery series, culinary cozy mysteries, women sleuth, amateur sleuth, humorous cozy mysteries

Genres: Mystery, Cozy, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Cats, Animals

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2021

About the author

USA 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

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last in the Barefoot Sleuth Mysteries series. I have enjoyed reading this series although maybe not quite as much as some of her others.

All the usual characters are in this one as they try to discover the murderer of a beauty pageant competitor. Ellie has problems with Blake's previous girlfriend. Aunt Olivia's sleuthing is almost fatal. Mojito, the cat, plays a small role, and Hemingway, the parrot, learns a lot of new words.

The book wraps the series in a slightly ambiguous way. A small window may have been left open on purpose for an offshoot series. If this is the case I will certainly read it.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

Bikinis and Murder is the last book in the series. I've enjoyed this sun and beach vacation themed cozy mystery so far and I was excited to dive into the last book in the series. This was a light and fast paced read, which fit what I was in the mood for and I enjoyed reading it.

I didn't really care for the bikini contest plot line for this book, but I did enjoy the book and following along with the mystery. As the last book in the series I had expected more focus to be on what Ellie would do with her life, but that actually didn't get addressed until very late in the book. The ending leaves things pretty open with a hint of which choice Ellie probably will make for her future, but it felt a bit unsatisfying to me. I would've liked a more clearer direction and to see what she decided and maybe a hint of how that pans out. On the other hand it did feel like a good point to end the series now that Ellie's vacation is over, while still leaving things open for possible future books.

The mystery was a solid one. It was interesting with enough possible suspects and a nice twist. I liked how besides the murder there were a few other things going on and it was unclear whether these were connected or not and if yes how. With the multiple suspects and possible angles and motives it felt unclear for a long time which direction it would go in. It felt like there wasn't enough evidence for either suspect even though Ellie, her aunt and Blake all jump on a possible suspect. So it was interesting to see things play out. I did manage to predict a few of the red herrings and was even thinking in the right direction for the suspect a few times, but I was still surprised when things came to light.

One thing about the mystery that didn't work for me was how Ellie how got involved this time, she's determined to not get involved and sorta gets pushed into it by her aunt. Sh eventually gets more invested and manages to solve it, but to me it felt like she wasn't really into solving the mystery in this book and it felt a bit annoying to me how she allowed her aunt to push her into some situations. I also didn't really care for the ex plot line, Blake's ex shows up and has a connection to the mystery. I was happy with how the romance was resolved, but would've liked to see a bit more of them and them being together.

Like in the previous books I enjoyed the resort pets in this book. The cat Mojito and the parrot Hemmington again make multiple appearances and I liked the scenes with them in it.

To summarize: This was a fun ending to this series. It has another solid mystery, even tough I personally didn't really care about the bikini contest theme of this book. There were plenty of suspects and different possible motives that made me unsure who the murderer was. I did manage to figure out a few of the red herrings, but wasn't fully sure who the murderer was until the reveal toward the end. I liked the appearances of the resort pets again in this book and they make for some funny scenes. I did feel like the ending to the series wasn't as satisfying as I had hoped, it mostly reads like just another mystery and at the end there is a bit of a hint of what might be next for Ellie. All in all this was a fun cozy mystery series with a vacation theme.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure if this is the last one of the series or not. If so, I'm a little sad that we won't find out more about Aunt Olive, Ellie, and the gang. However, I must say that the romance aspect of this installment made me a little mad. Blake's ex-girlfriend appears throughout this story and while it's clear she wants to get back together with him, he never really puts his foot down with her until almost the end of the story. Plus, when Ellie voice suspicions of his ex, Blake calls her suspicions "stupid" more than once. I'm not OK with either partner belittling the other's thoughts or feelings as stupid. It's not right, not in fiction and not in real life.

Overall, I'd recommend this to readers who enjoy light hearted cozies that feature likable characters, beautiful locales, and adorable animals.

[John Presler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bikini contest attracts many beautiful girls, each trying to look more glamorous and memorable than the last. When Don Palmer, owner of Bronzed Babe Sunscreens, decides to sponsor a bikini contest in an effort to boost his sales, he has no idea it could also increase the mortality rate in the area.

Ellie has some time on her hands and curiosity in her heart offers to assist the contest organizer. She does not realize until it is too late that the organizer is none other than Gina, Dr. Blake Thornton’s former girlfriend, and Gina wants Blake back!

During a photographic outing before the contest actually starts, one of the girls in dunked into the sea. Fortunately, being a strong swimmer, she is able to survive. On the down side, the rest of the shooting day was lost and there was damage to the vessel. Then, one of the girls had a bad reaction to the food and needed to take some medication. Luckily it was close at hand.

When the generous resort owner offered the contestants and Ellie a free Spa day to make up for the lost day on the ocean, all were excited and ready for it. The idea of massages, manicures/pedicures, etc. was exciting and at the same time relaxing…except for one contestant, who did not find it relaxing, as she died!

Was the girl's death accidental or intentional? How far will Gina go in her efforts to win Blake back? Is Blake susceptible to Gina's schemes? What is Gina capable of in her efforts to make Ellie look bad? Can Ellie unravel the mystery before somebody else dies?

H.Y. Hanna writes books with so many ins and outs, ups and down, and presents so many speculations that it is torture to put the books down and go to sleep at night. It does make interesting dreams, though. It gets harder the closer you are to the end of the book. I think the only way she could write a bad book is to have “bad” in the title.

[Debi Paglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and this 4th book is the best one yet! Ellie’s family in England does not support her lifestyle in any way and acts like she is an embarrassment to them. It’s nice to know that her aunt, who lives in America, is very supportive and even pushes adventure on her. Ellie is a sweet, caring young women. The setting of a Gulf Coast resort in Florida is perfect for her eccentric aunt’s temporary home. There’s adventure, mystery, murder and a little romance in this series. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys present day cozy mysteries.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tied up in a Christmas bow!

Was a little worried, but this book tied up the series yet left room for a spinoff! Love the animals!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute series.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed this series. This installment was fun, and if it wasn't the last book of the series, I would have absolutely adored it! I was hoping for a little more satisfying end for the series as a whole (at least an epilogue!) but I'm holding out hope that the author may let us see into the future at some point.

[Camille Bowen · Rating 1 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY NOT

The entire series was engaging and easy to follow. Entertaining and not super deep, what I generally expect from the average cozy mystery series. There are some stereotypes, which I would not expect from something written this recently but not so bad that I couldn't move past them. This last novel in this series however was in my opinion very anti-woman. It portrayed a feminist activist as crazed and feminism as some radical, negative movement that normal people wouldn't approve of. I do not know the personal views of the author but I find it troubling that a woman writer, whose protagonist is a women and whose target audience is likely women would write something like this in this day and age. I cannot see myself picking up any of her other works after this experience.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bikinis and Murder earns 5/5 Suspicious Pranks...Engaging & Entertaining!

Sunset Palms Beach Resort is a popular venue for many events, so seeing bikini-clad beauties strutting around the resort was just another day in paradise. Bronzed Babe Sunscreen is set to choose the next face—or body—for the company’s ad campaign, and first up is a photo shoot on a luxury catamaran hosted by the company owner. Invites were extended to Aunt Olive, of whose books he is a fan, and Ellie, as her plus one, to enjoy the high fashion spectacle. However, it becomes obvious the CEO, as Aunt Olive states, is a “dreadful...man,” the PR exec is determined to bring back this contest to its former popularity at any cost, and the contestants will do anything to win a very lucrative contract. But, plagued by rumors, pranks, and a dead contestant may be an indication Karma has donned a bikini and entered the competition! Ellie is well-received behind-the-scenes as she and the contestants are around her own age, but it also provides her a unique opportunity as confidant, or eavesdropper, to uncover the truth and once again help to find justice. She’s also dancing around her relationship with the resort doctor Blake Thornton, yet still loosely defined, and complicated with his ex-girlfriend the PR exec in charge of the event; she may be vying for some rekindling. Ellie has always been slightly distant, not wanting to complicate her vacation with romantic entanglement. But, her aunt’s encouragement, Blake’s actions, and her own inner thoughts and feelings make it difficult. They will? They won’t? They...might?

And the Winner Is... H.Y. Hanna has concluded her four-book Barefoot Sleuth series with an absolutely entertaining cozy mystery wrapping up nicely all the loose ends in the series. Of course, the murder investigation addresses some contemporary issues worthy of discussion like #Me Too! and body images, but also addresses friendships, relationships, and family. Ellie is an admirable character, strong and clever, but she struggles with confidence, like many. She’s real. Aunt Olive, my favorite, is bold with a no-nonsense attitude, and the best role model for Ellie who isn’t quite sure what to do with her life. Sorry to see the series end...maybe they’ll reprise their adventures, but in a different setting. New York? California? Morocco? Just saying. Her writing style has made me an eager fan. She writes with an engaging realism with realistic problems, characters, interactions, and predicaments. Her humor isn’t slapstick; it’s situational. I love the giggles that come when Hemingway, the scarlet macaw, decides to grab something or someone or the near misses between Ellie and Blake, or Aunt Olive’s no holds barred comments. Her use of descriptive language created a tropical heaven and her characters are endearing, humorous, and yes, devious. Her witty dialogue adds to the engagement and strengthens understanding of emotions and personalities. I loved it! I highly recommend starting with “Flip Flops and Murder,” but other than some personal growth, the books can be stand alones.

Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It is sad that this is the last book in the series but the author has left us with the possibility of seeing the characters again, although not sure if it will be the same if they move location because you won't have the loveable Mojito ( a mischievous cat) or the amusing Hemingway ( a loud talkative parrot). You don't need to have read or listened to the previous books but it does help as you get to know the characters so well. The characters are what makes this a great series and the author always develops such a like able cast and funny situations. I had worked out who the killer was because the author left a few bread crumbs for you to pick up but it was still a lot of fun. I love this author and always get the audio book versions, so as I am reading this I am already hearing Pearl Hewitt in my head and I can't wait.
As Ellie's time at the beach resort draws to an end, she never thought she would find herself involved in another murder investigation. Her aunt as a famous author is invited to join the owner of a sun screen lotion that holds a bikini competition every year. Ellie's boyfriend's ex girlfriend is in charge of the publicity for the event and isn't happy to see Ellie but she is even less happy when feminist target the contestant. Strange accident and messages also follow the group but it is only when one of the girls turns up dead that Aunt Olive asks Ellie to investigate with her. Can Ellie, Aunt Olive, Mojito and Hemingway find the killer before they strike again?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really enjoyable series and this book keeps you turning pages trying to figure out the murder and the motive. Ellie is nearing the end of her vacation in Florida with her eccentric Olive and she is still not sure of what she wants to do with her life when she goes back home to England. Blake, the doctor and then there is Blake's ex-girlfriend, Gina, who is the PR director of a Bikini contest for a skin product company owned by a sleezy CEO. Oh what a tangled web is woven! And as with all contests of these types, the contestants like to snipe at each other. And Ellie has Mojito the cat and the parrot, Hemingway who happen to take especially to her. When one of the contest girls is murdered, the police take the easiest suspect, female activist, Sandy, into custody and stops investigating. When Aunt Olive tells Ellie she knows Sandy is innocent and they have to investigate, Ellie is skittish. But her Aunt gets her involved. So Ellie and her aunt are on a mission to find the real murderer. When one of the other contestants gets a warning in her room about being next, things get even more dire. With a jealous ex-girlfriend pushing her way back into Blake, a murder and a warning, things get complicated. The ending is a surprise, although in hindsight I now see where there were clues along the way, you won't see them. And, with Ellie's vacation with her aunt is coming to and end, where does that leave her. She is ambivilant about going home. This is a great series and keeps you turning pages. I received and ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own!

[Heather Belleguelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

We knew that this was going to be the final book in the Barefoot Sleuth series, and, in my opinion, Ms Hanna has saved the best until last. I hadn’t been enjoying this series as much as the author’s other series, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book, with Ms Hanna back at her best with a full-length novel.

With this being the last instalment of Ellie’s adventures in Florida, there was a lot to fit in to the story alongside the murder mystery, but the author tied up all the ends successfully. The mystery was an engaging one, touching on the issue of the objectification of women and all that goes with that, but not in a heavy way. As ever, there was plenty of humour, provided for the most part by the outrageous Aunt Olive, the cheeky Hemingway, and cute Mojito. And then, of course, we were wondering what, if anything, was going to happen between Ellie and the gorgeous Dr Blake.

As I said earlier, this novel is, in my opinion, the best of the series, and so it’s a fitting way for us to leave Ellie and all those at the Sunset Palms resort. They need a break after all those murders! A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All the above opinions are my own.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this the fourth installment of the Barefoot sleuth mysteries which puts Ellie in the middle of a bikini contest, lechery and murder. I really enjoy the more modern elements of this kind of cozy. Hemingway, Aunt Olive, Mojito, Dr. (cute but she's not interested, then again maybe she is,) and the fun of living at a Florida resort which never gets old are all here. This has one of my more favorite endings and rescues.

What I hope for in the series to come?

o Ellie finds she can become good at something other than sleuthing. Maybe she can become a mystery novelist too? Or draw cartoons of Hemingway and Mojito?

o I want to know what those pies tasted like in book 2. Ellie judges a Key lime pie contest.

0 Ellie goes to Disney and dresses up like a Disney Princess.

As far as the romance goes between Ellie and the Dr. Well, she is so young. I kind of like her being free.

[Myriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always sad when a series ends, especially when it is such a fun one like this! With the weather being dreary and the world still in lockdown, it was like a breath of fresh air to sleuth along with Ellie, to walk barefoot on the sandy beach, feel the wind in one‘s hair on the catamaran... it would be cool to have a new series that is still based on Ellie, but with the setting of her new life as a backdrop!
The last book really was a nice wrap up of all the plots that had been going on, and a way to say goodbye to the actual stars of the show: Mojito and Hemingway! I’ll surely miss those little rascals 😊 the mystery itself was thoughtfully constructed!
Can’t wait to see what H.S. Hanna has up her sleeve for the next miniseries (let there be one, pretty please? 😄)!

Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Janice Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sad this is the last one in the series and I have to admit, this is most likely my favourite series so far by the very talented Ms Hanna. It has fun, frolics, animal antics, murder and mayhem. A wonderful addition to the series and whilst I understand it ended appropriately for a series and lets be honest, there are only so many murders one can expect in a top-notch holiday resort within a relatively short time period before it would just be silly, but I am so sad its ended... That said, I do really believe that the ending also paves the way for a spin off - So please H Y Hanna, if you read this, then please don't let this be the end...!

I do suggest you read the first three if you haven't done so already. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did... :o)

[J Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last in the series of the barefoot sleuth, and it didn’t disappoint. The story flows and is easy to read.
After one of the contestants at a bikini competition being held at the beach resort where Ellie is staying is found dead, Ellie and her Aunt Olive decide to investigate, as always there are lots of red herrings, but with the help of the parrot Hemingway and the resort cat Mojito, Ellie is soon on the trail.
H.Y. Hanna has such a talent for developing the characters that you really feel you know them, I am sad we won’t be involved in more of Ellie’s adventures but H.Y. Hanna has left no loose ends and who knows we may come across Ellie and her handsome doctor again.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always a fun entertaining cozy mystery

H Y Hanna is prolific. She has been quickly turning out so many fun entertaining stories . This is another in that mode. This is a continuation of the Florida resort series. And just when you thought it might end, there is a cliff hanger ending, so that she continue or twist it in a new direction. Clever! A bikini contest causes a stir at the resort, when a feminist agitator shows up and disrupts the competition. When someone is killed there are multiple suspects. Ellie and her Aunt are in the thick of the mystery and again help to uncover the truth

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the thermometer tops at 32 degrees in mid April spring weather, I can understand why Ellie is enjoying her stay with her aunt at a resort on the Gulf Coast of Florida. A handsome doctor, a sweet cat (Mojito) and a spunky talking parrot (Hemingway is practically the star of the book) make her stay all the more interesting. If only there weren't so many dead bodies! Ellie has only been in Florida for a month and this is her fourth murder!

Several beautiful girls are at the resort while competing in a bikini competition. The winner will not only get cash but also a contract to be the face of a sunscreen company. Handling the PR for the contest is Gina, doctor Blake's ex girlfriend.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

knew book four was gonna be time to say goodbye to Ellie, Blake, Olive and all the awesome folks at Sunset Palms Beach Resort, but I loved how the author handled the ending. It did actually seem like she might’ve left it open to revisit in the future…I can only hope lol.

As far as the murder case went, it was a good one and while the person I wanted to see as the killer wasn’t the killer, they still got some type of comeuppance from it. Ellie got an amazing opportunity at the end and I’m pretty sure I know what her final decision would’ve been. I’ve had a great time binge-reading this series.

[Pamela Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual I had so much fun reading Bikinis and Murder (Barefoot Sleuth Mysteries ~ Book 4). I have enjoyed each installment of the series and I really hope that there will be another one. The mystery kept me guessing, though there are clues throughout the book that make sense when you find out who t he murder is. I love the romance and I hope that if the series continues that it will blossom. I love everything that HY Hanna writes and this is no exception. It makes it even more fun that it takes place in Florida a few hours from where I live. It really has something for everyone!

[Jan Vasilius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good close to a good series

This is the 3rd H Y Hanna series that I have finished with a smile on my face. Well written, without grammatical facts and annoying typos. Likeable heroine, enjoyable setting, slowly building romance (no smut) and some nice bits of trivia. Oh, yes, a murder to be solved! This series has outstanding supporting characters including an invasive cat, an irrepressible parrot and a marvelous aunt, who I believe was modelled after myself (how did the author know?). A light mystery, perfect for a beach read. Enjoy!

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bikinis and Murder by H.Y. Hanna is the 4th book in the Barefoot Sleuth series. A bikini contest, at the resort where Ellie is staying with her mystery writer aunt, is being sabotaged and results in the murder of one of the contestants. A fun book in the series where Hemingway, the parrot, and Mojito, the resort cat play a part in solving the crime. Hemingway especially seems to come up with sayings at the most inopportune moments. I love that Ellie and Blake have finally got together and am looking forward to their next adventures.

[Carol Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie finds herself up against another murder. I still think the resort is is staying at would be a great place to visit. It seems to be a really happening place and I would love to meet all of the resort staff (and animals). If I were Ellie I would definitely want to extend my stay as long as I could even if it meant facing my nemesis and trying to figure out where my relationship with the good doctor was going.
I received a copy to read, the review is mine.

[Cécile Soler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth and last instalment of this balmy barefoot sleuth mysteries’ miniseries is as enjoyable as the three previous books. We get to see a bit more of aunt Olive, one of the most delightful characters of this series. I also loved the feminist touch of this fourth book, which adresses the controversy of the beauty pageants and what they mean for women bodies. But even with this serious undertone, humour still dominates the pages, despite the murder !

[Saket · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Read

This is wife posting from husbands subscription. This series and books are amazing. You feel like you are part of their life. Characters are developed nicely. If you like whodunnit type stories then surely read it. I fell in love with macaw and want to explore Florida affter reading this series.

[Gary and Sandra Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book

Curvaceous women, a wealth and creepy businessman and bikinis make for a delicious murder mystery. Ellie and her aunt must solve this case before one of them becomes a target. On board to help is one mouthy bird, one mischievous cat and a very handsome doctor, does Ellie stay or go home? Here's hoping for another book to find out.

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending to a phenomenal series!

Although I'm hoping there will be more in this series! I don't
want it to end! I've become attached to Hemingway and
Mojito, the cat. All the characters were interesting. Never
suspected the killer was who she was and the motive was
great. Never would have thunk it! Come on! Don't end the
series!!!!!!

[Emme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another addition to the series. Once again Ellie is thrown imto another mystery, including her usual sidekicks, Hemingway, Mojito, Aunt Olive and Blake. Hoping the Ms. Hanna decides to continue the fun series.

Received an advanced copy; however, all comments are my own.

[Linda Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas approaches under the Florida sun

Once again, Ellie and her aunt Olive find themselves embroiled in a murder mystery at the resort. Ellie starts to consider her options for the new year--now that it seems she may have some!