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The Bartender's Guide to Murder #2
Death by Gravity
Nobody talks to the cops. Everybody talks to the bartender.
On a cool June night at the Battened Hatch, bartender Avalon Nash is the last to see an Olympic medalist before his mysterious demise. Her superpower is collecting people’s stories, and she soon discovers that the medalist’s death connects to an unsolved kidnap/murder of a teenager 20 years before—and the perp is looking to silence anyone getting close to the truth.
As Avalon settles into her new home in the Olympic village of Tranquility, New York, can she solve the devastating murders, figure out who is worth trusting, and start to be vulnerable again—while tracking and outwitting a murderer?
The second book in the Bartender’s Guide to Murder series offers scares, humor, and 30 MORE of the best drink recipes ever imbibed.
On a cool June night at the Battened Hatch, bartender Avalon Nash is the last to see an Olympic medalist before his mysterious demise. Her superpower is collecting people’s stories, and she soon discovers that the medalist’s death connects to an unsolved kidnap/murder of a teenager 20 years before—and the perp is looking to silence anyone getting close to the truth.
As Avalon settles into her new home in the Olympic village of Tranquility, New York, can she solve the devastating murders, figure out who is worth trusting, and start to be vulnerable again—while tracking and outwitting a murderer?
The second book in the Bartender’s Guide to Murder series offers scares, humor, and 30 MORE of the best drink recipes ever imbibed.
286 pages, Paperback
First published December 2, 2020
1 person is currently reading
986 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Linnéa
21 books142 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 12, 2021
This compelling and well-written story totally surprised me with its engaging and intriguing characters along with a plot full of unexpected developments and red herrings. When Avalon Nash stepped off a train in upper New York, her cross country journey was derailed after she was told not to leave town. Now Avalon has settled into enjoying her life as a bartender in a town flushed full of Olympians and tourists. When one dies after leaving her bar, she picks up information without seeming to investigate. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2021
I really enjoy this series. Although the main character isn’t my cup of tea, it doesn’t really matter. The plot is strong, and the supporting characters are fleshed out and interesting. Relationships grow and unfold. Story lines twist and turn, winding in deliciously curious ways. In short, the whole book just flows and works and make you want to continue turning the pages. Best of all, I never saw the final twist coming. Five stars!
January 26, 2021
This is the second book about bartender Avalon Nash. In the first book she stops to change trains in Tranquility on her way to Brooklyn, the bartender is murdered and Avalon takes over the bar. When she is offered the job, she decides to stay.
Davy Edison was only seven when his beloved older sister, Misty, was kidnapped from their huge house on Lake Tranquility. The family found a hand worked on by an animal and assumed she was dead. Many years later, in Tranquility, Olympic gold medal winner and now trainer, Brian Eddings, is at Avalon's bar, entertaining the Olympic trainees. He has set up a luge on the porch. At the end of the evening, the bus takes the trainees back, and Brian helps Avalon clean up the bar and leaves her $100 tip. The next morning, Detective Mason, who is not the most friendly cop, comes to tell her that Brian is dead, and she was the last person to see him alive. She then rushes to do a bartending stint at the wealthy Cavalleros Family home on the private side of Lake Tranquility. She sees the house where Misty was kidnapped, and learns that Brian used to date her. Is Brian's death connected to Misty's disappearance?
Avalon has made many friends in Tranquility, including Hannah, the pastor of one of the churches, Marta, who has just graduated from high school and is now assistant bar tender before she goes off to art school, and Philip, who she saved in the first book. She is also very good at listening to people's stories. When Brian's girlfriend is found dead in a ditch from a hit and run, Avalon now has an old disappearance and two new murders to solve.
The big question is whether Avalon can find out what really happened to Misty and another girl who went missing at the same time as well as finding the murderer of Brian and his girlfriend without drawing the attention of the murderer. As in the first book, Avalon manages to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Can she outwit the murderer?
This is a great book with a VERY exciting ending.
Davy Edison was only seven when his beloved older sister, Misty, was kidnapped from their huge house on Lake Tranquility. The family found a hand worked on by an animal and assumed she was dead. Many years later, in Tranquility, Olympic gold medal winner and now trainer, Brian Eddings, is at Avalon's bar, entertaining the Olympic trainees. He has set up a luge on the porch. At the end of the evening, the bus takes the trainees back, and Brian helps Avalon clean up the bar and leaves her $100 tip. The next morning, Detective Mason, who is not the most friendly cop, comes to tell her that Brian is dead, and she was the last person to see him alive. She then rushes to do a bartending stint at the wealthy Cavalleros Family home on the private side of Lake Tranquility. She sees the house where Misty was kidnapped, and learns that Brian used to date her. Is Brian's death connected to Misty's disappearance?
Avalon has made many friends in Tranquility, including Hannah, the pastor of one of the churches, Marta, who has just graduated from high school and is now assistant bar tender before she goes off to art school, and Philip, who she saved in the first book. She is also very good at listening to people's stories. When Brian's girlfriend is found dead in a ditch from a hit and run, Avalon now has an old disappearance and two new murders to solve.
The big question is whether Avalon can find out what really happened to Misty and another girl who went missing at the same time as well as finding the murderer of Brian and his girlfriend without drawing the attention of the murderer. As in the first book, Avalon manages to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Can she outwit the murderer?
This is a great book with a VERY exciting ending.
October 9, 2023
Great mystery story and really enjoying the series. Avalon seems to have a knack for finding trouble and solving mysteries all while pouring a perfect drink! Terrific audio narration.
February 2, 2021
Phenomenal - if I could I would give this series 10 stars! The second book in the Bartenders Guide to Murder series not only exceeded my expectations but offered a suspenseful, funny, enchanting story, complete with the best drink recipes (and a little bit of romance). The story encapsulated the small town charm of Tranquility, NY and brought Avalon Nash again into the spotlight as bartender/ detective. Like book one, Avalon did not know who she could trust as she came head to head with murderers and ghosts. This book kept me on my toes and was hard to put down! By far the best mystery series I have read!
January 27, 2021
Ooohhhh the personalities, dark secrets and their heart aches that lurk in this quaint little Adirondacks town and slowly emerge from the woodwork while you navigate cliffhanger after cliffhanger. Brilliantly constructed! Enjoy together with one of the many creative cocktails with names to match the happenings.
December 27, 2020
When Sharon Linnea emailed me to tell me that the second novel in The Bartender’s Guide to murder series was being released on 2 December 2020, I had to pre-order it straight away. I had found Death in Tranquility on NetGalley as a ‘read now’ book and I’m so glad I did as I loved it! Star studded, creative, mysterious and current, there is so much to love about this series!
Avalon Nash is back behind the bar at the Battened Hatch in the wonderful town of Tranquility! With the bar filled with hopeful Olympians and their golden-era heroes, Avalon serves up her signature cocktails and it’s a regular close up as usual, little didn’t Avalon know she was the last person to see her customer, Brian Eddings, alive. With Avalon caught up in the investigation of Brian’s death, stories linking the deceased to a 20 year old mystery and Avalon hearing more rumours she pops on her investigative hat and starts to ask questions because let’s face it, everyone talks to the bartender!
I thoroughly enjoyed the follow up to Death in Tranquility! Avalon Nash is such a lovable and caring character - we see more of the relationship develop between Avalon, Marta, Hannah & Philip and it only makes me love the books more. I love that there was yet another old mystery included in the story as there was in the first book giving the story more depth and it gives us a chance to see brave Avalon’s nervous side! I’m praying that the follow up novel will not be far away because I love these characters and I need to go back to Tranquility ASAP!
Avalon Nash is back behind the bar at the Battened Hatch in the wonderful town of Tranquility! With the bar filled with hopeful Olympians and their golden-era heroes, Avalon serves up her signature cocktails and it’s a regular close up as usual, little didn’t Avalon know she was the last person to see her customer, Brian Eddings, alive. With Avalon caught up in the investigation of Brian’s death, stories linking the deceased to a 20 year old mystery and Avalon hearing more rumours she pops on her investigative hat and starts to ask questions because let’s face it, everyone talks to the bartender!
I thoroughly enjoyed the follow up to Death in Tranquility! Avalon Nash is such a lovable and caring character - we see more of the relationship develop between Avalon, Marta, Hannah & Philip and it only makes me love the books more. I love that there was yet another old mystery included in the story as there was in the first book giving the story more depth and it gives us a chance to see brave Avalon’s nervous side! I’m praying that the follow up novel will not be far away because I love these characters and I need to go back to Tranquility ASAP!
February 17, 2021
This is book 2 in The Bartender's Guide to Murder series, one of the best mystery series I've read in a long time. I recommend reading book 1 (Death in Tranquility) where the town and some recurring characters are introduced. Tranquility is a fictional town in New York where athletes can train for winter sports all year. There are a lot of celebrities or near celebrities living in the town, including visiting Olympic athletes coming to train, some Olympic medalists living in the town, and a sprinkling of former film stars.
Avalon, the main character, is the bartender at the Battened Hatch. One fun thing about the book is that each chapter name is the name of a mixed drink, and a recipe for the drink is at the end of the chapter. I like that Avalon loves her chosen job. She takes it very seriously, to give good service and help create a place that is well run and welcoming to everyone - the locals, the Olympic trainees, and the tourists. She has settled a bit more into the town and knows people by name and what they do.
In this book, there are three mysteries. There is the mysterious death of Brian, a former Olympic winner who was last seen (as far as anyone knows) at the Battened Hatch. Then there is the mystery of a teenaged girl who disappeared many years before. There is also a bit more revealed about Avalon and her past life.
Avalon was questioned since she was one of the last people to see Brian, who was found dead in his bed. Being a good listener, as locals tell her bits and pieces of Brian's past and a local tragedy, Avalon begins to put it all together and does some investigating herself. I highly recommend both books in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and Arundel Publishing for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed it, and these are my honest impressions of the book.
Avalon, the main character, is the bartender at the Battened Hatch. One fun thing about the book is that each chapter name is the name of a mixed drink, and a recipe for the drink is at the end of the chapter. I like that Avalon loves her chosen job. She takes it very seriously, to give good service and help create a place that is well run and welcoming to everyone - the locals, the Olympic trainees, and the tourists. She has settled a bit more into the town and knows people by name and what they do.
In this book, there are three mysteries. There is the mysterious death of Brian, a former Olympic winner who was last seen (as far as anyone knows) at the Battened Hatch. Then there is the mystery of a teenaged girl who disappeared many years before. There is also a bit more revealed about Avalon and her past life.
Avalon was questioned since she was one of the last people to see Brian, who was found dead in his bed. Being a good listener, as locals tell her bits and pieces of Brian's past and a local tragedy, Avalon begins to put it all together and does some investigating herself. I highly recommend both books in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and Arundel Publishing for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed it, and these are my honest impressions of the book.
February 2, 2024
Death by Gravity
The Bartender's Guide to Murder, Book 2
By: Sharon Linnea
Narrated by: Abbie Pfaff
Eerily suspenseful and sooo good!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 02-01-24
Gravity… we take it for granted. But when it’s used for nefarious purposes … well that’s another story entirely! Take “Death by Gravity” for example, a riveting, haunting, dare I say eerily feeling, “just WHERE did those seven hours go” …. journey through one of the best stories I’ve experienced this year! The plot, twisting like a luge track through the hauntingly empty Olympic village in Tranquility NY, really held my interest. It made me shiver. It made me fear for the futures … wondering if there WOULD be futures … for characters I had come to care for! Oh the characters! I love Sharon Linnea’s fully developed characters! They are all so clearly defined, even having fully explained backstories where necessary! Backstories that integrate beautifully with the story! This attention to detail makes it so easy to feel as if I know them, be it for yea or nay! I’ll not get into how I personally feel about whom, that would be ruining the many surprises contained in this beautifully crafted story! I will tell you that this story is certainly worthy of a listen! Everything, absolutely EVERYTHING is plotted out PERFECTLY, with a wonderfully tense, suspenseful build! After the reveal this listener was once again able to breathe! No unanswered questions, just a bit of sadness that for now, it was time to bid farewell to the wonderful cast of characters I’d gotten to know along the way. The author’s vision was given glorious life through beautifully brilliant, engaging, emotive narration that truly made listening a pleasure. Five stars across all categories! I loved it, and I am looking forward to more of this fantastic series!
The Bartender's Guide to Murder, Book 2
By: Sharon Linnea
Narrated by: Abbie Pfaff
Eerily suspenseful and sooo good!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 02-01-24
Gravity… we take it for granted. But when it’s used for nefarious purposes … well that’s another story entirely! Take “Death by Gravity” for example, a riveting, haunting, dare I say eerily feeling, “just WHERE did those seven hours go” …. journey through one of the best stories I’ve experienced this year! The plot, twisting like a luge track through the hauntingly empty Olympic village in Tranquility NY, really held my interest. It made me shiver. It made me fear for the futures … wondering if there WOULD be futures … for characters I had come to care for! Oh the characters! I love Sharon Linnea’s fully developed characters! They are all so clearly defined, even having fully explained backstories where necessary! Backstories that integrate beautifully with the story! This attention to detail makes it so easy to feel as if I know them, be it for yea or nay! I’ll not get into how I personally feel about whom, that would be ruining the many surprises contained in this beautifully crafted story! I will tell you that this story is certainly worthy of a listen! Everything, absolutely EVERYTHING is plotted out PERFECTLY, with a wonderfully tense, suspenseful build! After the reveal this listener was once again able to breathe! No unanswered questions, just a bit of sadness that for now, it was time to bid farewell to the wonderful cast of characters I’d gotten to know along the way. The author’s vision was given glorious life through beautifully brilliant, engaging, emotive narration that truly made listening a pleasure. Five stars across all categories! I loved it, and I am looking forward to more of this fantastic series!
September 26, 2023
I enjoyed this book. This is the second book in the series and although I am still skipping the recipes given at the end of each chapter, which are annoying because i want to listen to a mystery not a cook book, I am enjoying the series. You don't need to have read or listened to the previous book because the author does give a lot of the background story and it does work as a standalone. There is a lot going on in this story with the murder and cold case, and for the most part it does flow along nicely, if a little slow. There was a few surprises that I didn't see coming and I certainly didn't guess the killer or why. I like the characters and the developing friendships, in this book Avalon is beginning to let down her walls and make friends. The ghostly connections was more subtle in this book . Off to start the next book.
Avalon is the is the last person known to have seen Olympic medalist Brian alive. The police are in no hurry to release his cause of death but when the following day his girl friend is found dead the victim of a hit and run, Avalon can't help but feel the same killer killed them both. As a bartender Avalon is privy to a lot of stories and the biggest story around Brian is the fact that his high school girl friend was kidnapped and killed, scarring everybody involved. Will Avalon have to solve her disappearance in order to find the connections between the new deaths? Or will helping the police take her out of her comfort zone?
I liked the narrator. She brings the story to life by providing each character there own voice.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Avalon is the is the last person known to have seen Olympic medalist Brian alive. The police are in no hurry to release his cause of death but when the following day his girl friend is found dead the victim of a hit and run, Avalon can't help but feel the same killer killed them both. As a bartender Avalon is privy to a lot of stories and the biggest story around Brian is the fact that his high school girl friend was kidnapped and killed, scarring everybody involved. Will Avalon have to solve her disappearance in order to find the connections between the new deaths? Or will helping the police take her out of her comfort zone?
I liked the narrator. She brings the story to life by providing each character there own voice.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 21, 2021
Let me just say I enjoyed the idea of a bartender solving crimes.
This book has a great cover and every chapter has a cocktail dedicated to it which I must say was different.
The story ‘mixes’ the death of a former Olympian and a missing person’s case from over 30 years ago.
Since I jumped into book 2 instead of starting with the first one at times I was a little lost with all the names, connections to people and what really took place in the first book. I think I would have enjoyed this book more had I read the books in order. That is not to say you can’t read just this book and enjoy it.
My only issue is that everything felt a little rushed in this story. I wanted it to slow down. There is so much dialogue at times while other times I’m getting details about places that really don’t help the story along. I wish it had a better balance of the two so I could get a better feel of the characters, their relationships and of the town. The same with the ending it felt a little rushed and came out of nowhere.
I also assume there will be a 3rd book from that ending.
https://theworldisabookandiamitsreade...
This book has a great cover and every chapter has a cocktail dedicated to it which I must say was different.
The story ‘mixes’ the death of a former Olympian and a missing person’s case from over 30 years ago.
Since I jumped into book 2 instead of starting with the first one at times I was a little lost with all the names, connections to people and what really took place in the first book. I think I would have enjoyed this book more had I read the books in order. That is not to say you can’t read just this book and enjoy it.
My only issue is that everything felt a little rushed in this story. I wanted it to slow down. There is so much dialogue at times while other times I’m getting details about places that really don’t help the story along. I wish it had a better balance of the two so I could get a better feel of the characters, their relationships and of the town. The same with the ending it felt a little rushed and came out of nowhere.
I also assume there will be a 3rd book from that ending.
https://theworldisabookandiamitsreade...
February 26, 2021
This is the second book in The Bartender's Guide to Murder series and one I enjoyed. I like the setting of the Olympic snow training center (Lake Placid) and the plot revolving around gold medals and frustrated potential Olympian athletes. We readers are thrust onto zip lines and luge runs in the midst of deadly suspense.
I like Avalon, a reluctant sleuth and accomplished bartender. It was interesting to have some of her walls come down in this novel as we find out a bit more about her family history. Linnea provides a good balance of character development and murder investigation, periodically interrupted with a potentially ghostly appearance.
A decades old unsolved kidnapping is also part of the plot. Avalon works to solve that mystery alongside what appears to be two current murders. While doing that, Avalon also helps those she is getting to know better, maybe actually becoming a friend to others.
I don't drink alcohol but the cocktail recipes included look delicious. While Linnea is an accomplished bartender, the recipes are from someone else and you can see videos of them being made at the book series website.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I like Avalon, a reluctant sleuth and accomplished bartender. It was interesting to have some of her walls come down in this novel as we find out a bit more about her family history. Linnea provides a good balance of character development and murder investigation, periodically interrupted with a potentially ghostly appearance.
A decades old unsolved kidnapping is also part of the plot. Avalon works to solve that mystery alongside what appears to be two current murders. While doing that, Avalon also helps those she is getting to know better, maybe actually becoming a friend to others.
I don't drink alcohol but the cocktail recipes included look delicious. While Linnea is an accomplished bartender, the recipes are from someone else and you can see videos of them being made at the book series website.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
February 16, 2021
This one's another 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. Backstory is that Avalon left LA to go to NYC (family in Brooklyn) but is at an interesting station in an upper New York state town with a prior Olympic history to change trains when she runs full on into a murder and a temporary bartending job (now it's really permanent). Avalon's real schtick is listening to others and sometimes writing it all down, and this time it nearly gets her killed. Past Olympians is where the story begins and ends but with some truly amazing events in between.
I loved all of it and will need to get a print copy of this one as well to assemble all the drinks recipes for my favorite mixologist.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Arundel Publishing/Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) via NetGalley. Thank you!
I loved all of it and will need to get a print copy of this one as well to assemble all the drinks recipes for my favorite mixologist.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Arundel Publishing/Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) via NetGalley. Thank you!
March 16, 2021
Bartender's Guide to Murder, book 2 is just as good as book 1 and it comes with excellent cocktail recipes. I never realized how many different types of simple sugars could be created. Thankfully, Avalon, bartender extraordinaire and collector of stories is looking into not one but two mysterious deaths and a 20 year old disappearance as well. Of course she would know about disappearing. I am glad that we learn a little bit more about how she ended up in Tranquility and that she has decided that it isn't just a stop over. So many feels from this story, good, bad, sad, romantic, maddening, scary, and that is just in the first few chapters! So many great characters in Tranquility that I will wait with baited breath deciding if I can or should attempt to make one of Avalon's amazing drink recipes, because much like our heroine, I am not trying some crazy high zipline!
November 21, 2022
This is the second book in this great series. It can be read as a stand alone but you'd miss an equally awesome first book. From the title and the cover art, you'd expect this to be a cozy mystery but it's really much more than that. THE BARTENDER'S GUIDE TO MURDER centers on a young woman, Avalon Nash, who has the uncanny knack of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. She is the bartender in the series title and her customers tend to talk to her. She is a very good listener.
When her last customer of the day is murdered, the local police think Avalon would be a good suspect. So Avalon and her friends must dig a little deeper to find the real murderer.
The mystery remains central but the characters make this an excellent read. Try it for yourself.
When her last customer of the day is murdered, the local police think Avalon would be a good suspect. So Avalon and her friends must dig a little deeper to find the real murderer.
The mystery remains central but the characters make this an excellent read. Try it for yourself.
April 23, 2021
This is a strange series. Avalon is a bit unlikeable to me though in this book we are given some more clues as to why. However, I don't find the explaination so far as truly plausible. The author also seems to make a point of telling the reader what race the characters are, but it doesn't flow naturally for me and stands out as strange.. There's a lot of character introspection as well which detracts from the mystery for me.
Regarding the mystery, it's nice there are two mysteries, the current death and a kidnapping from the past, and that kept me reading..
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Regarding the mystery, it's nice there are two mysteries, the current death and a kidnapping from the past, and that kept me reading..
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
February 26, 2021
This is the second book in this series and it’s even better than the first one which I loved. This series is set near Lake Placid, site of previous winter Olympics and a winter Olympic training grounds. Brian is a gold meadow luger and is celebrating with the new squad of trainees. The only problem is he’s found dead several hours later. Avalon Nash a bar tender who just wandered into town several months ago is a story gatherer. This trait enables her to solve mysteries. I love the characters especially Avalon. The drink recipes look fabulous and doable. I look forward to more.
Read
July 28, 2021Another edgy and intriguing mystery by Sharon Linnea! I love the setting and the fast paced story. Not your typical cozy mystery! I love mysteries that include cupcakes and puppies but every so often you need a strong cocktail and a bit of murder. Not only is Avalon crafty with her bartending skills but she's also crafty at sniffing out a killer. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
September 23, 2021
I read the first book in this series and loved it. I wasn't as engrossed in book 2 as in the previous one. I found Avalon a little off putting this go around. I haven't been able to figure out why yet, I just didn't enjoy her character. I was also bothered by the fact that the author continually pointed out race this time. I don't know what bearing that had on the mystery.
April 20, 2023
I loved the narration of Abbie Pfaff . She brings the characters, suspense and the story to life .
Avalon Nash has a new job as a bartender in Tranquility NY. Everyone talks to a bartender, which is good as these stories help her solve mysteries. There are more twists and turns, with a ending that will surprise you
Loved
Avalon Nash has a new job as a bartender in Tranquility NY. Everyone talks to a bartender, which is good as these stories help her solve mysteries. There are more twists and turns, with a ending that will surprise you
Loved
March 19, 2021
A solid cozy mystery and a good second installment in this series.
It's well written, the characters are likable and it kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's well written, the characters are likable and it kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 23, 2021
I wasn’t too enthralled with this story, although it was well written had mild intrigue and excitement. Avalon’s sleuthing ability was almost non-existent, just like the involvement of the police. Her tough gal persona wasn’t convincing, just like her investigative style.
January 2, 2021
A former Olympian’s death leads Avalon on a search that leads to a 30-year-old missing persons case. Some very unusual cocktails make their appearance.
June 27, 2021
another fun whodunit by Sharon Linnea. Smart, witty, layered mystery with a bonus cocktail recipe at the end of each chapter. (and by the end you'll understand the title).
May 11, 2023
I read this book, having not read the first...however, it did not diminish my enjoyment.
I found the lead character engaging and the setting was fun!
A fun book and I will look for book #3.
I found the lead character engaging and the setting was fun!
A fun book and I will look for book #3.
September 11, 2024
~Disclaimer: I received a free audiobook copy of this book. ~
Since I enjoyed the first book in the series—both the writing and the narration—I was excited to grab the second book when I had the chance to get it for free.
Poor Avalon is dealing with more murder in Tranquility, which is pretty much par for the course in a murder mystery series. This time, there's also the added mystery of a past abduction to unravel. The story does a great job of building suspense through Avalon’s many conversations, each one revealing more pieces of the puzzle. We also get more hints about Avalon’s past, and even meet someone from her history, which adds an interesting twist.
The characters remain well-developed and feel like real people—quirks and all! Some of them are quite odd, but that's what makes them interesting.
We also get introduced to a new investigator, who is far less likable and much more abrasive than the one from the first book. I sensed trouble from the moment he showed up.
If you're wondering if our tastes align, I enjoy watching Midsomer Murders and have liked the series A Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery.
The book also continues the trend of including cocktail recipes, though I still haven't tried making any of them, so I can't speak to their quality. Some of the recipes even suggest the best season for using fresh ingredients.
Overall, if you liked the first book, you'll probably enjoy this one as well. I'm definitely looking forward to diving into the next book in the series!
Since I enjoyed the first book in the series—both the writing and the narration—I was excited to grab the second book when I had the chance to get it for free.
Poor Avalon is dealing with more murder in Tranquility, which is pretty much par for the course in a murder mystery series. This time, there's also the added mystery of a past abduction to unravel. The story does a great job of building suspense through Avalon’s many conversations, each one revealing more pieces of the puzzle. We also get more hints about Avalon’s past, and even meet someone from her history, which adds an interesting twist.
The characters remain well-developed and feel like real people—quirks and all! Some of them are quite odd, but that's what makes them interesting.
We also get introduced to a new investigator, who is far less likable and much more abrasive than the one from the first book. I sensed trouble from the moment he showed up.
If you're wondering if our tastes align, I enjoy watching Midsomer Murders and have liked the series A Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery.
The book also continues the trend of including cocktail recipes, though I still haven't tried making any of them, so I can't speak to their quality. Some of the recipes even suggest the best season for using fresh ingredients.
Overall, if you liked the first book, you'll probably enjoy this one as well. I'm definitely looking forward to diving into the next book in the series!
December 4, 2020
Love this series
We return to fictional Lake Placid for another wonderful bartender mystery! It's interesting that despite this being such a small town, its international fame means that this story can focus on an entirely different area. Last time we had a film festival and Hollywood history. This time, we get an Olympic focus, and we learn more about the absurdly rich families across the lake. Avalon finds herself in the middle of another mystery that resonates across the decades, and we get twists and turns with family secrets and suspenseful settings. We also have more character development with Avalon as we learn some more of her own past and see her relationships I Tranquility deepen. Finally, we continue to get the diversity of the cast of characters and the acknowledgement of some real world concerns in a small, predominantly white town.
My one quibble is that there are a few little typos such as flare/flair and Black being inconsistently capitalized as a descriptor, but they in no way impacted my enjoyment of the story, and I'm always willing to give more leeway to small presses. Overall I'm delighted that we got another Avalon adventure so soon after the series debut resort this year, and I can't wait to read more. Plus, with all of the local references I've had an easy time choosing Christmas presents for some mystery-loving New Yorkers!
We return to fictional Lake Placid for another wonderful bartender mystery! It's interesting that despite this being such a small town, its international fame means that this story can focus on an entirely different area. Last time we had a film festival and Hollywood history. This time, we get an Olympic focus, and we learn more about the absurdly rich families across the lake. Avalon finds herself in the middle of another mystery that resonates across the decades, and we get twists and turns with family secrets and suspenseful settings. We also have more character development with Avalon as we learn some more of her own past and see her relationships I Tranquility deepen. Finally, we continue to get the diversity of the cast of characters and the acknowledgement of some real world concerns in a small, predominantly white town.
My one quibble is that there are a few little typos such as flare/flair and Black being inconsistently capitalized as a descriptor, but they in no way impacted my enjoyment of the story, and I'm always willing to give more leeway to small presses. Overall I'm delighted that we got another Avalon adventure so soon after the series debut resort this year, and I can't wait to read more. Plus, with all of the local references I've had an easy time choosing Christmas presents for some mystery-loving New Yorkers!
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