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The Bartender's Guide to Murder #1
Death in Tranquility
No one talks to the cops. Everyone talks to the bartender. And Avalon Nash is one hell of a bartender.
On the run from her life in Los Angele. Having a drink while waiting to change trains in the former Olympic town of Tranquility, New York, she discovers the freshly murdered bartender at MacTavish’s. A bartender herself, she’s offered the position with the warning he wasn’t the first MacTavish’s bartender to meet a violent end.
Avalon’s superpower is collecting people’s stories, and she’s soon embroiled in the lives of artists, politicians, ghost hunters and descendants of Old Hollywood. Can Avalon outrun the ghosts of her past, catch the ghosts of Tranquility’s past and outsmart a murderer?
The first book in the Bartender’s Guide to Murder series offers chills, laughs, and 30 of the best drink recipes ever imbibed.
On the run from her life in Los Angele. Having a drink while waiting to change trains in the former Olympic town of Tranquility, New York, she discovers the freshly murdered bartender at MacTavish’s. A bartender herself, she’s offered the position with the warning he wasn’t the first MacTavish’s bartender to meet a violent end.
Avalon’s superpower is collecting people’s stories, and she’s soon embroiled in the lives of artists, politicians, ghost hunters and descendants of Old Hollywood. Can Avalon outrun the ghosts of her past, catch the ghosts of Tranquility’s past and outsmart a murderer?
The first book in the Bartender’s Guide to Murder series offers chills, laughs, and 30 of the best drink recipes ever imbibed.
286 pages, Paperback
Published September 29, 2020
15 people are currently reading
2093 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Linnéa
21 books143 followersThe author of bestselling thrillers and award-winning biographies, Sharon enjoys creating protagonists who face adversity with determination, optimism and humor. Her most recent is Avalon Nash, a bartender whose penchant for “collecting stories” leads her to find motives for murder hidden from others. Sharon would be happy to send you a free booklet of Avalon’s favorite cocktails if you email her at Sharon@SharonLinnea.com with the subject line Drinks to Die For.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 17, 2021
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
DEATH IN TRANQUILITY (The Bartender’s Guide to Murder Book #1) by Sharon Linnea is the first cozy mystery in this fun amateur sleuth series featuring a female bartender as the protagonist. Besides the introduction to a new small town full of interesting characters the reader also gets thirty drink recipes related to the story.
Avalon Nash is running from her life in Los Angeles and is presently waiting to change trains in the small former Olympic town of Tranquility, NY. As she waits, she is having a drink in a quaint bar called MacTavish’s. As the orders back up, Avalon tells the waitress she will look for the missing bartender only to find his dead body on a balcony off the back of the bar.
Avalon is a great bartender and collector of stories. She is offered the now open bartending position on a trial basis, delays her departure and soon finds herself embroiled in the lives and secrets of the residents of Tranquility. Avalon learns that this was the second bartender at MacTavish’s to be murdered. Can she help the local state police officer find a killer before she becomes the next bartender to die?
Avalon is a wonderful protagonist. Her talent as a bartender and her insight into people makes her an impressive amateur sleuth. Her love of old movies and the tie in with Old Hollywood in Tranquility added depth to the plot and added many more twists and red herrings. While a portion of Avalon’s personal story was revealed in this book, there is still so much more to learn about her and her secrets. All the secondary characters were interesting and quirky once you get them all sorted out and I am looking forward to seeing them again in future books. There is also a touch of paranormal which is yet to be fully explored.
Overall, an entertaining and well written start to a new series with a wonderful protagonist that I am looking forward to revisiting.
RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (Rounded Up)
DEATH IN TRANQUILITY (The Bartender’s Guide to Murder Book #1) by Sharon Linnea is the first cozy mystery in this fun amateur sleuth series featuring a female bartender as the protagonist. Besides the introduction to a new small town full of interesting characters the reader also gets thirty drink recipes related to the story.
Avalon Nash is running from her life in Los Angeles and is presently waiting to change trains in the small former Olympic town of Tranquility, NY. As she waits, she is having a drink in a quaint bar called MacTavish’s. As the orders back up, Avalon tells the waitress she will look for the missing bartender only to find his dead body on a balcony off the back of the bar.
Avalon is a great bartender and collector of stories. She is offered the now open bartending position on a trial basis, delays her departure and soon finds herself embroiled in the lives and secrets of the residents of Tranquility. Avalon learns that this was the second bartender at MacTavish’s to be murdered. Can she help the local state police officer find a killer before she becomes the next bartender to die?
Avalon is a wonderful protagonist. Her talent as a bartender and her insight into people makes her an impressive amateur sleuth. Her love of old movies and the tie in with Old Hollywood in Tranquility added depth to the plot and added many more twists and red herrings. While a portion of Avalon’s personal story was revealed in this book, there is still so much more to learn about her and her secrets. All the secondary characters were interesting and quirky once you get them all sorted out and I am looking forward to seeing them again in future books. There is also a touch of paranormal which is yet to be fully explored.
Overall, an entertaining and well written start to a new series with a wonderful protagonist that I am looking forward to revisiting.
RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (Rounded Up)
February 21, 2021
I received a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
Death in Tranquility is a new cozy mystery series about a bartender (Avalon Nash) who is embroiled into a mystery of a murdered bartender who's position she then goes on to fill at the same bar he was found in. Avalon discovers that another bartender was brutally murdered at the same bar but can this amateur sleuth discover who murdered these bartenders before she ends up as the next victim?
There are plenty of little twists within this book and Avalons character is spunky and I loved her first impressions in this new, fun mystery series.
Tranquility is a place full of lies and secrets and I enjoyed how Avalon gathers information and collects stories as she works.
I feel there is still much to discover about Avalon and that her back story is only partially exposed in this first book.
Death in Tranquility is a new cozy mystery series about a bartender (Avalon Nash) who is embroiled into a mystery of a murdered bartender who's position she then goes on to fill at the same bar he was found in. Avalon discovers that another bartender was brutally murdered at the same bar but can this amateur sleuth discover who murdered these bartenders before she ends up as the next victim?
There are plenty of little twists within this book and Avalons character is spunky and I loved her first impressions in this new, fun mystery series.
Tranquility is a place full of lies and secrets and I enjoyed how Avalon gathers information and collects stories as she works.
I feel there is still much to discover about Avalon and that her back story is only partially exposed in this first book.
November 12, 2020
Great book from the first page to the last! This cozy mystery has it all – from a well-developed story line to red herrings to fleshed out and fun characters. I won’t rehash the plot, since you can read the book description for yourself. I will say the clever writing avoids any dull moments, peppering the book with humor, suspense and excitement. I read this book in one go on a dreary rainy day and it was a wonderful pick-me-up.
October 20, 2020
This is the first in a new cozy series. This book is what I'm now referring to as a grown-up Nancy Drew book! I loved everything about this, Tranquility, New York is definitely quirky and it's going to be fun to watch these characters develop. The book has plenty of red herrings and it's just fun to read. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and I'm voluntarily providing an honest review.
August 29, 2021
Super cute whodunnit with a refreshing twist - literally - as each chapter ended with an original cocktail recipe, some even pulled straight from the story!
Avalon is new in town, having stopped just to switch trains and ends up quickly being wrapped up in local events. It's interesting to see how she keeps getting hooked into things, and how much she enjoys her new town of Tranquility, New York.
The story is sweet, and fun, and surprisingly sweet for a cozy mystery. It's worth the price of admission just for the drink recipes. And the novel takes a somewhat original approach in our world of heightened racial sensitivity, in that she pretty much describes everyone (don't quote me, but references such as "anglo american" or "northwestern European" come to mind). While a bit tiring and cumbersome to read, I did appreciate this approach as many books claim diversity, but still basically just assume all the characters are caucasian unless otherwise listed.
If you'd like a light mystery perfect for poolside - this one's for you!
Avalon is new in town, having stopped just to switch trains and ends up quickly being wrapped up in local events. It's interesting to see how she keeps getting hooked into things, and how much she enjoys her new town of Tranquility, New York.
The story is sweet, and fun, and surprisingly sweet for a cozy mystery. It's worth the price of admission just for the drink recipes. And the novel takes a somewhat original approach in our world of heightened racial sensitivity, in that she pretty much describes everyone (don't quote me, but references such as "anglo american" or "northwestern European" come to mind). While a bit tiring and cumbersome to read, I did appreciate this approach as many books claim diversity, but still basically just assume all the characters are caucasian unless otherwise listed.
If you'd like a light mystery perfect for poolside - this one's for you!
November 18, 2020
This is a weird little mystery. I almost passed it up on Netgalley (free copy in exchange for my honest review) because I didn't like the cover. I finally gave the blurb a good read and thought, "why not?" At first, I was tempted to stop reading. Avalon and her background starts off as part of the mystery, and stays that way for the most part.
The bartender's murder happens very quickly so the mystery kicks in which kept my attention. The town folk are a diverse bunch, there are more mysteries a foot than the bartender's murder. Another character plays a big role and makes me wonder why that person isn't the main character (isn't even mentioned in the blurb for the second book). Said person is the introduction for yet another weird element which worked for me, but why Avalon takes it so much in stride and doesn't even have more than one question puzzles me.
Ultimately, I liked the book and am curious to get more answers about Avalon and see if the other character gets more page time (and the reader more explanation).
The bartender's murder happens very quickly so the mystery kicks in which kept my attention. The town folk are a diverse bunch, there are more mysteries a foot than the bartender's murder. Another character plays a big role and makes me wonder why that person isn't the main character (isn't even mentioned in the blurb for the second book). Said person is the introduction for yet another weird element which worked for me, but why Avalon takes it so much in stride and doesn't even have more than one question puzzles me.
Ultimately, I liked the book and am curious to get more answers about Avalon and see if the other character gets more page time (and the reader more explanation).
September 27, 2020
Avalon Nash is traveling from LA to NYC by train. She’s in Tranquility NY awaiting her transfer and enjoying herself at the bar across the street. When the teenager working the bar, becomes upset as the bartender has disappeared, Avalon volunteers to look for him. What else does she have to do? Unfortunately, she finds him dead causing her to miss her train. By the next day, Avalon has a job, a rental cottage, and new friends. Although something is not right in the town.
This is the first in a series. I really enjoyed the book, the mysteries that are solved, and the drink at the end of every chapter. I highly recommend.
This is the first in a series. I really enjoyed the book, the mysteries that are solved, and the drink at the end of every chapter. I highly recommend.
October 19, 2020
The excellent start for a new cozy mystery series: it's highly entertaining and engrossing.
I loved the quirky and well thought characters, the humor, the descriptions of the setting.
The solid mystery is full of twists and turns and kept me guessing.
It's strongly recommended.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I loved the quirky and well thought characters, the humor, the descriptions of the setting.
The solid mystery is full of twists and turns and kept me guessing.
It's strongly recommended.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 20, 2020
Review to come!
February 7, 2021
DEATH IN TRANQUILITY by Sharon Linnéa
The First Bartender's Guide to Murder Book
While waiting to change trains in Tranquility, New York Avalon Nash decides to stop in MacTavish's Seaside Cottage for a drink. Instead of getting a second drink, Avalon finds the bartender's murdered body. After jumping in to help serve drinks to the shocked customers she's unexpectedly offered the newly opened position of bartender. Soon Avalon has a new job and a new place to live, if only temporarily. Keeping her eyes and ears open for the state police she soon finds herself getting involved with the people of this former Olympic village. With phantoms of Old Hollywood as well as her own past urging her on Avalon gets more involved than she planned. Will she help find the killer or will she be the next bartender to die?
I absolutely loved this book! The ties to classic Hollywood, the slight paranormal edge, and all those cocktail recipes blend together to make a perfect mystery. The diverse characters add such depth; they aren't caricatures either, but novel beings with incredible backstories peeking out. Avalon, while certainly not an anti-hero, is not your average mystery protagonist. She has a troubled past and only glimpses of her personal story leak out, making me want to learn more about her. That's the case with most of the characters here, from the Episcopalian priest to the Mohawk who seems to vanish. I adore Whistle too.
The mystery was complex and kept me engaged and interested. Secrets and twists abound riveting me to not only the current action, but events proceeding it which impact the story as well.
DEATH IN TRANQUILITY is a dynamic start to a new series. Multifaceted characters, a compelling mystery, and delicious cocktails make this a top shelf read.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me an e-copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
The First Bartender's Guide to Murder Book
While waiting to change trains in Tranquility, New York Avalon Nash decides to stop in MacTavish's Seaside Cottage for a drink. Instead of getting a second drink, Avalon finds the bartender's murdered body. After jumping in to help serve drinks to the shocked customers she's unexpectedly offered the newly opened position of bartender. Soon Avalon has a new job and a new place to live, if only temporarily. Keeping her eyes and ears open for the state police she soon finds herself getting involved with the people of this former Olympic village. With phantoms of Old Hollywood as well as her own past urging her on Avalon gets more involved than she planned. Will she help find the killer or will she be the next bartender to die?
I absolutely loved this book! The ties to classic Hollywood, the slight paranormal edge, and all those cocktail recipes blend together to make a perfect mystery. The diverse characters add such depth; they aren't caricatures either, but novel beings with incredible backstories peeking out. Avalon, while certainly not an anti-hero, is not your average mystery protagonist. She has a troubled past and only glimpses of her personal story leak out, making me want to learn more about her. That's the case with most of the characters here, from the Episcopalian priest to the Mohawk who seems to vanish. I adore Whistle too.
The mystery was complex and kept me engaged and interested. Secrets and twists abound riveting me to not only the current action, but events proceeding it which impact the story as well.
DEATH IN TRANQUILITY is a dynamic start to a new series. Multifaceted characters, a compelling mystery, and delicious cocktails make this a top shelf read.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me an e-copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
February 10, 2021
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking on the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2021/02/10/4-...
DEATH IN TRANQUILITY is a cozy mystery and it’s the first book in THE BARTENDER’S GUIDE TO MURDER series. I liked that each chapter had a title and there were drink recipes at the end of each one. Avalon is new to town and stops at a local bar between trains on her way to New York City and finds a body. From there she’s in the thick of things, temporarily takes over as the bartender, since that’s whose body she finds, and immerses herself in the town when she’s told not to leave due to the murder.
We get to know the town of Tranquility and its inhabitants a little at a time. Everyone seems to have secrets, including Avalon, but she seamlessly fits right in, or does she? There are a lot of twists and turns along with ghost hunters, injuries, past deaths and murders, businesses, artists, politicians, and political leanings. There are a lot of characters, many of whom have a depth to them. There are kindnesses but also threats. Details abound that add layers to the story. There is nice closure with the solving of the murder along with a memorial. There are scenic descriptions throughout that made me feel like I was there. The story did end a little abruptly for me.
Ms. Linnea is a new to me author. I look forward to reading more of her books and not just those in this series.
https://novelsalive.com/2021/02/10/4-...
DEATH IN TRANQUILITY is a cozy mystery and it’s the first book in THE BARTENDER’S GUIDE TO MURDER series. I liked that each chapter had a title and there were drink recipes at the end of each one. Avalon is new to town and stops at a local bar between trains on her way to New York City and finds a body. From there she’s in the thick of things, temporarily takes over as the bartender, since that’s whose body she finds, and immerses herself in the town when she’s told not to leave due to the murder.
We get to know the town of Tranquility and its inhabitants a little at a time. Everyone seems to have secrets, including Avalon, but she seamlessly fits right in, or does she? There are a lot of twists and turns along with ghost hunters, injuries, past deaths and murders, businesses, artists, politicians, and political leanings. There are a lot of characters, many of whom have a depth to them. There are kindnesses but also threats. Details abound that add layers to the story. There is nice closure with the solving of the murder along with a memorial. There are scenic descriptions throughout that made me feel like I was there. The story did end a little abruptly for me.
Ms. Linnea is a new to me author. I look forward to reading more of her books and not just those in this series.
February 14, 2021
Bartenders are known to be good listeners, able to keep customers’ secret flaws and foibles to themselves, but they don’t typically find dead bodies. When Avalon Nash finds one that just happens to be the tender of the particular bar she drifted into, it’s natural that she would step into his position, being a bartender herself. Her new, if temporary, position puts her in the perfect spot to do a little investigating through what she hears, helping the police dontchaknow, and it soon becomes obvious to her that secrets abound in this former Olympic town, not least of which are her own.
Besides secrets, we find that there are a myriad of personality types in Tranquility, not to mention motives, and the twists and turns abound, making this a very entertaining way to while away a few hours in the doldrums of February. Ms. Linnéa has a humorous, clever way of writing and she pulled me right into the story; I love this little town and its eccentric citizens and, oh, an added benefit is the plethora of enticing drink recipes I’m going to have to try ;-)
Besides secrets, we find that there are a myriad of personality types in Tranquility, not to mention motives, and the twists and turns abound, making this a very entertaining way to while away a few hours in the doldrums of February. Ms. Linnéa has a humorous, clever way of writing and she pulled me right into the story; I love this little town and its eccentric citizens and, oh, an added benefit is the plethora of enticing drink recipes I’m going to have to try ;-)
February 14, 2021
Tranquility seems to be the place where people decide to stay when originally they were only waiting to change trains. By stay, I mean end up living there.
That’s what happened to Avalon when the town suddenly needed a new bartender.
It’s a town with secrets and murder. In order to solve the murder, the secrets have to come out. Avalon ends up being the one who collects the secrets.
Can she also solve the murders – both present day and one decades old?
You’ll find a cocktail recipe at the end of each chapter.
I enjoyed getting to know Avalon and Tranquility. I’m looking forward to reading more books set in this interesting town. Thank you, Ms Linea.
***Book provided without charge by PICT. ***
That’s what happened to Avalon when the town suddenly needed a new bartender.
It’s a town with secrets and murder. In order to solve the murder, the secrets have to come out. Avalon ends up being the one who collects the secrets.
Can she also solve the murders – both present day and one decades old?
You’ll find a cocktail recipe at the end of each chapter.
I enjoyed getting to know Avalon and Tranquility. I’m looking forward to reading more books set in this interesting town. Thank you, Ms Linea.
***Book provided without charge by PICT. ***
February 5, 2021
About the Book:
In Tranquility, New York..A murdered bartender in the present, a murdered bartender in the past, an actress thought lost at sea and another actress haunting the MacTavish
Inn..
Avalon Nash is a collector of stories and the best way to do that is to be a craft bartender.
When she gets off a train in Tranquility, New York, she gets way more than just a drink at the Battened Hatch before changing trains to New York City. Join Avalon as she settles into Tranquility and finds that this small town has its fair share of characters, history, murder, and legends.
Why I liked this Book:
🥃 The mix of a current murder and a twenty year old murder
🥃 The fact that there is a ghost story and even a ghost show makes an appearance in the book. (I like paranormal investigations, what can I say)
🥃 The mix of Avalon’s background of being a child raised in Hollywood and the fact that actresses from Hollywood’s past are involved in the plot.
🥃 The characters in the town are quite an eclectic mix.
🥃 There is a craft cocktail recipe after each chapter with some amazing names that match the chapter such as Bloody Handprint and Suite Seven.
Thanks @partnersincrimevbt for the chance to read and review
In Tranquility, New York..A murdered bartender in the present, a murdered bartender in the past, an actress thought lost at sea and another actress haunting the MacTavish
Inn..
Avalon Nash is a collector of stories and the best way to do that is to be a craft bartender.
When she gets off a train in Tranquility, New York, she gets way more than just a drink at the Battened Hatch before changing trains to New York City. Join Avalon as she settles into Tranquility and finds that this small town has its fair share of characters, history, murder, and legends.
Why I liked this Book:
🥃 The mix of a current murder and a twenty year old murder
🥃 The fact that there is a ghost story and even a ghost show makes an appearance in the book. (I like paranormal investigations, what can I say)
🥃 The mix of Avalon’s background of being a child raised in Hollywood and the fact that actresses from Hollywood’s past are involved in the plot.
🥃 The characters in the town are quite an eclectic mix.
🥃 There is a craft cocktail recipe after each chapter with some amazing names that match the chapter such as Bloody Handprint and Suite Seven.
Thanks @partnersincrimevbt for the chance to read and review
February 20, 2021
A cozy murder mystery with a twist, the story flowed fast and had me wondering what type of job did Avalon do, but at the scene of the crime, I got it.
It was interesting although there were a few bits that didn’t sit well with me, like the way she just hup behind the bar and started serving drinks, you know, like a regular worker, I found that to be weird seeing as she was only in the bar half an hour before the mysterious death.
It was interesting although there were a few bits that didn’t sit well with me, like the way she just hup behind the bar and started serving drinks, you know, like a regular worker, I found that to be weird seeing as she was only in the bar half an hour before the mysterious death.
February 2, 2021
As a longtime fan of Sharon Linnea’s other books, I admire her Imaginative style and ability to place the reader in the scene through carefully crafted descriptions of characters and place. I feel as though I know the Town of Tranquility, love the locale, the quirky buildings, the Battened Hatch bar and the various characters that bring this story to life.
Avalon Nash, the bartender / sleuth/ Collector is a modern day Nancy Drew complete with iPhone flashlight but without the roadster. She ultimately makes the point that the measure of one’s success might just be the self satisfaction of making a difference on a small stage.
The recipes at the end of each chapter are very clever way to end each the action and consider the ingredients that make a tasty cocktail. Here’s my ending for this review:
READERS REMEDY
ingredients
1 3 in long zest of lemon
2oz pre-chilled Martini and Rossi dry vermouth
2oz pre-chilled Martini and Rossi sweet vermouth
Splash of Makers Mark bourbon
Method
Coat the inside of a chilled martini glass with the bourbon and discard
Rub the skin side of the lemon zest along the glass edge and then twist tightly over the glass and drop in the glass
Shake the two vermouths together and pour into the glass
Sip and enjoy another chapter
Avalon Nash, the bartender / sleuth/ Collector is a modern day Nancy Drew complete with iPhone flashlight but without the roadster. She ultimately makes the point that the measure of one’s success might just be the self satisfaction of making a difference on a small stage.
The recipes at the end of each chapter are very clever way to end each the action and consider the ingredients that make a tasty cocktail. Here’s my ending for this review:
READERS REMEDY
ingredients
1 3 in long zest of lemon
2oz pre-chilled Martini and Rossi dry vermouth
2oz pre-chilled Martini and Rossi sweet vermouth
Splash of Makers Mark bourbon
Method
Coat the inside of a chilled martini glass with the bourbon and discard
Rub the skin side of the lemon zest along the glass edge and then twist tightly over the glass and drop in the glass
Shake the two vermouths together and pour into the glass
Sip and enjoy another chapter
January 31, 2021
Fantastic book that keeps you guessing until the final page! Great new mystery series that not only has a well-developed story line, but fun, relatable characters. This book never has a dull moment as it is complete with suspense, romance, excitement, and humor (plus some great adult drink recipes). Hard to put down the book. Also a fan of the setting in Tranquility, NY (similar to Lake Placid, NY) and inspired by recipes and stories from my favorite bartender at the Dancing Bear.
January 23, 2021
The perfect book for a perfect winter pandemic weekend getaway at home. Make yourself a Jekyll and Hyde, or perhaps a Midnight Caller, sink into your favorite armchair, leave the outside world behind, and delve into mystery and murder in Tranquility, a town in the Adirondacks “where you change trains and your life changes.” From one false lead to the next, this story of a young bartender on the last leg of her cross country journey from LA to NY with its colorful cast of modern characters, is full of humor and glamour, and great cocktail recipes. With all the chapter ending cliffhangers I also see a Netflix series here. Can't wait to read the sequel.
September 13, 2020
What a fun mystery! Thanks to NetGalley and Arundel Publishing for the chance to read an early copy of this book.
This is the first book in a new series that I very much hope will continue! Our heroine Avalon Nash is in the process of leaving her old life behind, and stops over in the small town of Tranquility in upstate New York when changing trains. Tranquility is on a big lake, and it's a former Olympic town...yes, it is a fictional Lake Placid (tranquil, placid, get it?). I got a huge kick out of this, since I have a lot of nostalgia for upstate New York! Anyway, Avalon accidentally gets involved in a murder and has to stay in the town a few extra days...then she gets hired as a temp to replace the bartender who was killed...then decides that maybe she wants to stay for a bit longer. It's a charming town, even if there are some contentious small-town politics, but that's par for the course. I also appreciated that there's a pretty multicultural cast of characters, even if in the text there's also acknowledgement that overall the area is largely white.
Since it's a mystery I don't want to say too much, especially because so many different things slowly play out -- not only do we eventually solve the mystery of the bartender's death, but we learn more about the Old Hollywood history of the town, and we slowly learn some things about Avalon's background as well.
One of my favorite parts of the book is actually the drink recipes that end each chapter, which are very clever (the chapter title matches the plot and the mood of the drink). It's a fun variety of drinks, some of which we see Avalon prepare in the story itself! I also loved the break from pattern in one chapter, where something bad happens, and the recipe is just "Pour whiskey. Drink. Repeat" so we get an insight into how Avalon's so shaken she can't even think about her lovely inventive recipes.
Finally, if nothing else, read for the cute little Pomeranian who steals the show!
I got this book from the NetGalley Read Now section because the cover caught my eye, with its cocktail ingredients and the lake view in the background. I hope others give this book a chance, because I would love to read more of Avalon's adventures!
This is the first book in a new series that I very much hope will continue! Our heroine Avalon Nash is in the process of leaving her old life behind, and stops over in the small town of Tranquility in upstate New York when changing trains. Tranquility is on a big lake, and it's a former Olympic town...yes, it is a fictional Lake Placid (tranquil, placid, get it?). I got a huge kick out of this, since I have a lot of nostalgia for upstate New York! Anyway, Avalon accidentally gets involved in a murder and has to stay in the town a few extra days...then she gets hired as a temp to replace the bartender who was killed...then decides that maybe she wants to stay for a bit longer. It's a charming town, even if there are some contentious small-town politics, but that's par for the course. I also appreciated that there's a pretty multicultural cast of characters, even if in the text there's also acknowledgement that overall the area is largely white.
Since it's a mystery I don't want to say too much, especially because so many different things slowly play out -- not only do we eventually solve the mystery of the bartender's death, but we learn more about the Old Hollywood history of the town, and we slowly learn some things about Avalon's background as well.
One of my favorite parts of the book is actually the drink recipes that end each chapter, which are very clever (the chapter title matches the plot and the mood of the drink). It's a fun variety of drinks, some of which we see Avalon prepare in the story itself! I also loved the break from pattern in one chapter, where something bad happens, and the recipe is just "Pour whiskey. Drink. Repeat" so we get an insight into how Avalon's so shaken she can't even think about her lovely inventive recipes.
Finally, if nothing else, read for the cute little Pomeranian who steals the show!
I got this book from the NetGalley Read Now section because the cover caught my eye, with its cocktail ingredients and the lake view in the background. I hope others give this book a chance, because I would love to read more of Avalon's adventures!
December 27, 2020
I received this book in lieu of a written review - pssssst I am totally the winner in this arrangement.
Avalon Nash is running from her past, cross country from LA to New York City. A quick pit stop in Tranquility, New York, Avalon finds herself taking up the mantel as bartender, after the previous bartender was found dead...by Avalon herself. On the practical side of the bar, Avalon gets to know the residents of Tranquility, along with all their quirks, stories and secrets. As she listens to the tales and the history or her new found sanctuary, Avalon discovers that Joseph wasn't the first bartender to come to a questionable demise. As she searches for answers, she realises that like the waters of the lake which the town surrounds....on the surface everything in the town seems serene, but underneath the surface its darker, murkier and very dangerous.
Wow! This book most definitely hit the ground running. Once the main character stepped off the train it was non stop mystery and excitement. I was never lost however, and could follow the storyline easily. I did find myself checking the volume of the book however (book one or two), as at some points the main characters past was mentioned and skirted over like it may have been explained in a previous book only to remind myself this was indeed book one. Hopefully these holes/patches will be answered in the next book.
The Characters were believable and (although some were menacing) were likeable. Not too many characters that I got confused which for me is a huge bonus. The mystery was intriguing - and grab your fishing poles people cause there are a few red herrings about. I could see the town, and feel the people from Sharon Linnea descriptions, and found myself invested in Avalon's adventures.
Each chapter is punctuated by a cocktail recipe - insert licking lips sound here. They look delicious. This was a nice touch by the author - each cocktail represented something in the previous chapter.
All in all this was solid, fun ride and I will definitely be following up with the second book in the series.
Avalon Nash is running from her past, cross country from LA to New York City. A quick pit stop in Tranquility, New York, Avalon finds herself taking up the mantel as bartender, after the previous bartender was found dead...by Avalon herself. On the practical side of the bar, Avalon gets to know the residents of Tranquility, along with all their quirks, stories and secrets. As she listens to the tales and the history or her new found sanctuary, Avalon discovers that Joseph wasn't the first bartender to come to a questionable demise. As she searches for answers, she realises that like the waters of the lake which the town surrounds....on the surface everything in the town seems serene, but underneath the surface its darker, murkier and very dangerous.
Wow! This book most definitely hit the ground running. Once the main character stepped off the train it was non stop mystery and excitement. I was never lost however, and could follow the storyline easily. I did find myself checking the volume of the book however (book one or two), as at some points the main characters past was mentioned and skirted over like it may have been explained in a previous book only to remind myself this was indeed book one. Hopefully these holes/patches will be answered in the next book.
The Characters were believable and (although some were menacing) were likeable. Not too many characters that I got confused which for me is a huge bonus. The mystery was intriguing - and grab your fishing poles people cause there are a few red herrings about. I could see the town, and feel the people from Sharon Linnea descriptions, and found myself invested in Avalon's adventures.
Each chapter is punctuated by a cocktail recipe - insert licking lips sound here. They look delicious. This was a nice touch by the author - each cocktail represented something in the previous chapter.
All in all this was solid, fun ride and I will definitely be following up with the second book in the series.
December 13, 2020
Avalon Nash is on her way from Los Angeles to New York. Leaving her Californian life behind and wanting to start afresh somewhere else. Avalon arrivals in a town called Tranquility while waiting on the train to continue her journey. She has time between trains and decides to go for a drink in the bar across the street. After some general conversation and a pleasant drink, Marta, the young barmaid wonders where Joseph, the bar manager, has got to. Avalon decides to help look for him as Marta is serving the customers. Upon opening the door to the smoker’s area, Avalon finds poor Joseph, dead. Avalan is later made aware that Joseph was not the first bar man to die suspiciously… Avalon soon finds herself in the midst of an investigation by Inspector Spaulding in the pleasant town of Tranquility, a town filled with stories of Hollywood celebrities, a haunted room at the inn, a town full of secrets and death...
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it within a matter of hours and found it really enjoyable. When it came to the climax of the book I felt like I couldn’t read it quick enough! I did spy a small spelling mistake toward the start of the book but we’ll let this slide because the book was fabulous! Avalon is a very likeable character and I’m so happy that some of my favourite characters made it to the end! Phew! The book also contains a cocktail recipe after every chapter and I loved that! So unique! I will most definitely giving some of these recipes a go!
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This book is due to be released 29 September 2020 and I highly recommend it!
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it within a matter of hours and found it really enjoyable. When it came to the climax of the book I felt like I couldn’t read it quick enough! I did spy a small spelling mistake toward the start of the book but we’ll let this slide because the book was fabulous! Avalon is a very likeable character and I’m so happy that some of my favourite characters made it to the end! Phew! The book also contains a cocktail recipe after every chapter and I loved that! So unique! I will most definitely giving some of these recipes a go!
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This book is due to be released 29 September 2020 and I highly recommend it!
November 4, 2020
Princess Fuzzypants here: Alcohol can be dangerous to your health- or so it seems from a number of books I have read recently. In this one, Avalon is passing through Tranquility and stops into MacTavish’s for a quick drink before catching her train connection. Then the bartender is murdered and she steps in to serve the drinks and ends up sticking around. It seems Joseph was not the first bartender to die on the job so she might be putting herself in harm’s way. But there is something about this town and its people, not just the former stars of the silver screen who lived her until their deaths.
Tranquility is putting together a film festival. Documentary film-makers are in town to do a story on one of those stars. Little did they know what secrets their presence would revive. Like many small towns, there is no way to stop the gossip yet for decades, the truth has remained hidden. Is someone willing to kill for it to remain so.
Avalon is asked by the investigator to keep her ears open as people tend to talk around bartenders. Then when she interrupts what might have been a second murder, she feels compelled to try to figure out why and discover who is responsible. She is warned not to interfere but she continues. There are some obvious suspects but as in many good mystery, the obvious is often a diversion.
It’s an entertaining read with fascinating characters and a strong plot with an extra twist of lime. It is the first in the series and I am looking forward to spending more time in Tranquility. Five purrs and two paws up. .
Tranquility is putting together a film festival. Documentary film-makers are in town to do a story on one of those stars. Little did they know what secrets their presence would revive. Like many small towns, there is no way to stop the gossip yet for decades, the truth has remained hidden. Is someone willing to kill for it to remain so.
Avalon is asked by the investigator to keep her ears open as people tend to talk around bartenders. Then when she interrupts what might have been a second murder, she feels compelled to try to figure out why and discover who is responsible. She is warned not to interfere but she continues. There are some obvious suspects but as in many good mystery, the obvious is often a diversion.
It’s an entertaining read with fascinating characters and a strong plot with an extra twist of lime. It is the first in the series and I am looking forward to spending more time in Tranquility. Five purrs and two paws up. .
November 15, 2020
The book begins with the main character, Avalon Nash who is on a train, traveling from LA to New York City.
"Sometimes in life you think it's about where you're going, but it turns out to be about where you change trains."
Avalon has to change trains in the small, picturesque town of Tranquility, New York, which was once a site for the Winter Olympics. She stops by a local tavern to have a drink, and while she is there, the bartender goes missing and is shortly found dead. Since she found him, Avalon has to stay for a few days to be available for the murder investigation. Avalon is a bartender herself, and had mixed drinks while the police were there and the body was removed. She accepts the bar owner's offer of a job while she is stuck in town.
I enjoyed this one a lot and am hoping that the series continues, particularly as I'd like to know more about Avalon, who to my mind was the biggest unsolved mystery in the book. We know a little about her background, that she doesn't get along with her parents, and that she is serious about bartending.
This is the first book in the Bartenders Guide to Murder. Each chapter title is the name of a mixed drink (Bloody Handprint, for example), and each chapter ends with the recipe for it.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from Arundel Publishing via Netgalley. These are my opinions of the book.
"Sometimes in life you think it's about where you're going, but it turns out to be about where you change trains."
Avalon has to change trains in the small, picturesque town of Tranquility, New York, which was once a site for the Winter Olympics. She stops by a local tavern to have a drink, and while she is there, the bartender goes missing and is shortly found dead. Since she found him, Avalon has to stay for a few days to be available for the murder investigation. Avalon is a bartender herself, and had mixed drinks while the police were there and the body was removed. She accepts the bar owner's offer of a job while she is stuck in town.
I enjoyed this one a lot and am hoping that the series continues, particularly as I'd like to know more about Avalon, who to my mind was the biggest unsolved mystery in the book. We know a little about her background, that she doesn't get along with her parents, and that she is serious about bartending.
This is the first book in the Bartenders Guide to Murder. Each chapter title is the name of a mixed drink (Bloody Handprint, for example), and each chapter ends with the recipe for it.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from Arundel Publishing via Netgalley. These are my opinions of the book.
November 20, 2020
If a cozy is a warm and welcoming spot of tea or mocha latte and a thriller is a straight shot of Jager then series starter Death in Tranquility from the Bartenders Guide to Murder is well blended cocktail. Avalon is on the run but we don't know from what at least not right away. We do know that she is one heck of bartender and jumps right in when the MacTavish bartender, Joseph, is found dead during his smoke break. What an unusual start to a story, the main character is waiting for a train connection in a quite little New York town and suddenly she is embroiled in a murder mystery, a ghost hunt, a scandalous secret, and a new place to live. Avalon, is a collector of stories, and who gets to hear more stories than a bartender, well maybe a hair dresser, but it seems that this town and it's people do like the Pub. Oh and the people, what an unusual and eclectic group. The story is a interesting as the drink recipes found at the end of each chapter. I thought I had figured out who did the deed but then there were so many possible suspects that I overlooked the actual culprit. I will have to try my hand at making a few of these beverages as I am sure they will make a pretty picture. Oh and the teaser chapter, well played, I am already addicted and will now have to suffer withdrawals until the next book releases.
December 31, 2020
This was the perfect book to read on a holiday weekend. Whodunnit meets Hollywood drama meets things that go bump in the night meets Willoughby/Stars Hollow/small town USA. The main character, a bartender named Avalon is a collector of stories and through her eyes, we get to know the lives and personalities of the people of Tranquility, NY. It can be a little confusing to keep everyone in order but the names and characteristics are memorable and the pieces came together without having to go back to remind myself who's who. The mystery keeps the pages turning and the chapters are short enough to read in a sitting.
Death in Tranquility reminded me of the Nancy Drew books I loved growing up if Nancy Drew became a bartender. It's light and fun while taking seriously the elements that should be handled with sensitivity. As an added bonus, each chapter includes a hand crafted cocktail that fits with that section of the book (as a pastor my favorite new drink is "collared).
Appreciate the ARC from Netgalley and in the interest of full disclosure, I am friends with the author (that said, if you know me, you know it's impossible for me to read books that don't immediately draw me in . . . and I easily jumped into Death in Tranquility and read every page over several days).
Death in Tranquility reminded me of the Nancy Drew books I loved growing up if Nancy Drew became a bartender. It's light and fun while taking seriously the elements that should be handled with sensitivity. As an added bonus, each chapter includes a hand crafted cocktail that fits with that section of the book (as a pastor my favorite new drink is "collared).
Appreciate the ARC from Netgalley and in the interest of full disclosure, I am friends with the author (that said, if you know me, you know it's impossible for me to read books that don't immediately draw me in . . . and I easily jumped into Death in Tranquility and read every page over several days).
November 4, 2020
Avalon Nash is on the run from Los Angeles to New York City, and has to change trains in Tranquility New York. During the layover, she goes to a bar at MacTavish's Hotel. She discovers the bartender, Joseph, dead on the porch overlooking the lake, and and helps out by carrying on the bartending (at which she is an expert). She finds that the limes have been poisoned from a strange smell, and surmises that the murderer may not have gotten the right person, who may be someone who regularly has drinks with lime. MacTavish, owner of the inn offers Avalon a job and a room at the hotel while she thinks about the job. Avalon has missed her train to New York.
State police investigator, Mike Spaulding, arrives, and Avalon finds him very personable. She goes for a walk, finds a house to rent, and decides to take up MacTavish on his offer. She quickly finds some friends, meets a former actress, and some ghostbusters. She also gets involved in an attempted murder and a kidnapping, so there is a good element of excitement and thrills. If you like fancy drinks, there is a drink recipe after every chapter. I enjoyed the book and thought the characters are fun. I look forward to the next book.
State police investigator, Mike Spaulding, arrives, and Avalon finds him very personable. She goes for a walk, finds a house to rent, and decides to take up MacTavish on his offer. She quickly finds some friends, meets a former actress, and some ghostbusters. She also gets involved in an attempted murder and a kidnapping, so there is a good element of excitement and thrills. If you like fancy drinks, there is a drink recipe after every chapter. I enjoyed the book and thought the characters are fun. I look forward to the next book.
May 14, 2021
What was supposed to be a quick stop before catching a train, turns out to be a place that offers Avalon Nash a job and a place to stay. Okay, filling in the shoes of a murder victim may not be the ideal job, specially since the position seems to be cursed, but Avalon has no one to answer to and she is not the one to back down from a challenge unless it is from her past.
Avalon Nash decided to stop for a drink at a local tavern at small town called Tranquility before catching her connecting train. But while there she discovers the body of the bartender. As such, she is asked to hang around for a while by the local authorities and the owner of the tavern offers her the newly opened spot of a bartender. Avalon has always been serious about her skills and interest in bartending, and as such she is good at her job. She collects stories from her customers and as she discovers more about the town and its people, she puts herself in a dangerous position. Will she be able to bring the murderer to justice or will she end up as yet another murdered bartender in the history of Tranquility.
Read the full review on Bookish Indulgences with b00k r3vi3ws
Avalon Nash decided to stop for a drink at a local tavern at small town called Tranquility before catching her connecting train. But while there she discovers the body of the bartender. As such, she is asked to hang around for a while by the local authorities and the owner of the tavern offers her the newly opened spot of a bartender. Avalon has always been serious about her skills and interest in bartending, and as such she is good at her job. She collects stories from her customers and as she discovers more about the town and its people, she puts herself in a dangerous position. Will she be able to bring the murderer to justice or will she end up as yet another murdered bartender in the history of Tranquility.
Read the full review on Bookish Indulgences with b00k r3vi3ws
September 19, 2020
This one's a real winner! The murder mystery is well crafted with great characters, a busy plot complete with twists, some very interesting red herrings, and a super mixology recipe with each chapter. Avalon has left LA to go to NYC but is at an interesting station in New York state to change trains when she runs full on into a murder, temporary bartending job, an unthreatened law enforcement officer, and a trip down memory lane in a place that honors her old school Silver Screen idol. And that's just the first few chapters! I loved all of it and will need to get a print copy to assemble all the drinks recipes for a friend.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Arundel Publishing/Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Arundel Publishing/Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) via NetGalley. Thank you!
November 16, 2020
Drinks, ghosts and murder make for a spell binding mystery.
Avalon Nash is escaping life in Los Angeles. With time on her hands before changing trains for New York City, she decides to have a drink at McTavish’s Seaside Inn in the bucolic town of Tranquility, New York, a former Olympic venue. While one drink doesn’t lead to another, it does lead to Avalon finding the body of the tavern’s murdered bartender, Joseph, and taking over his job. And, he’s not the first bartender to have been murdered there.
It’s a great mystery I couldn’t put down with a cast of characters all with their own agendas that Avalon has to sort through. She even conjures up a ghost who definitely wants to make their presence known. The bonus? A menu of delicious craft cocktails too tempting to pass up.
Avalon Nash is escaping life in Los Angeles. With time on her hands before changing trains for New York City, she decides to have a drink at McTavish’s Seaside Inn in the bucolic town of Tranquility, New York, a former Olympic venue. While one drink doesn’t lead to another, it does lead to Avalon finding the body of the tavern’s murdered bartender, Joseph, and taking over his job. And, he’s not the first bartender to have been murdered there.
It’s a great mystery I couldn’t put down with a cast of characters all with their own agendas that Avalon has to sort through. She even conjures up a ghost who definitely wants to make their presence known. The bonus? A menu of delicious craft cocktails too tempting to pass up.
September 22, 2020
3.5 stars
Death in Tranquility is a good first step to a new series of cozy mysteries by Sharon Linnea. Avalon Nash, roving bartender, is an engaging lead character who stumbles upon the charming town of Tranquility NY and a murder there. Her work as bartender creates a nicely plausible reason for her to become involved in the murder and the murder plot is sufficiently mysterious to keep you guessing who the culprit is right to the end. Support characters are interesting and diverse--and the setting works as the scene of what are sure to be further upcoming books.
please note: the book was supplied free to me for reviewing purposes by Netgalley
Death in Tranquility is a good first step to a new series of cozy mysteries by Sharon Linnea. Avalon Nash, roving bartender, is an engaging lead character who stumbles upon the charming town of Tranquility NY and a murder there. Her work as bartender creates a nicely plausible reason for her to become involved in the murder and the murder plot is sufficiently mysterious to keep you guessing who the culprit is right to the end. Support characters are interesting and diverse--and the setting works as the scene of what are sure to be further upcoming books.
please note: the book was supplied free to me for reviewing purposes by Netgalley
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