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Mexican Mysteries #1
Don't Taco 'Bout Murder
Don't Taco 'Bout Murder!
Emily Monk and Uncle Cornelius are off to Mexico, but this is no package holiday!
It's the Day of the Dead festival, and Emily and Uncle C are joining the crowds at Janitzio Island, where the locals are honouring the dead with sugar skulls, marigolds and personalised altars.
But the pair can't get too comfortable with the celebrations, as they befriend a local woman accused of having killed her husband. They believe that Maria is innocent, but when another person dies in the exact same way, clearing her name becomes a lot harder.
Can the unlikely sleuths find the real killer?
Emily Monk and Uncle Cornelius are off to Mexico, but this is no package holiday!
It's the Day of the Dead festival, and Emily and Uncle C are joining the crowds at Janitzio Island, where the locals are honouring the dead with sugar skulls, marigolds and personalised altars.
But the pair can't get too comfortable with the celebrations, as they befriend a local woman accused of having killed her husband. They believe that Maria is innocent, but when another person dies in the exact same way, clearing her name becomes a lot harder.
Can the unlikely sleuths find the real killer?
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2021
77 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 4, 2021
A fun first in series! I loved the unique setting and the mystery solving team of Emily and her uncle made this a fast paced and well planned mystery with enough twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. I would love to find out more about Emily's mother so I am hoping some more clues are given in the next book in this series!
January 28, 2021
A quick read about an adventure with Emily and her Uncle Cornelius. A holiday in Mexico where they meet new friends and Emily learns something about her mother and ends up figuring out a mystery.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it
January 31, 2021
If I hadn’t received this as an ARC, I would have grabbed it because of the title. I’m a sucker for puns. I am a big fan of Mona Marple and all of other books I have read of hers. This new series definitely did not disappoint. It was a fun quick read with excellent character development. The author always does a fabulous job of keeping the reader engaged and wanting more. I cannot wait to go on more adventures with Emily and her uncle. If you enjoy this book, I recommend reading more books from this author. You will not be disappointed!
January 23, 2021
I’m so excited to see a new series from Mona Marple. I enjoy her other books and was eager to read this one.
I wasn’t able to put this down for long once I started reading it. I was actually surprised to see, when I had to charge my Kindle, that I was past the 50% mark. Time flew by!
I love Mexico. I love the food, the culture, the history, the language, the telenovelas, the music.. everything. Dia de los Muertos is one of my favorite holidays. I love setting up the alters, getting pan de muerto and sugar skulls. The tradition of celebrating our deceased loved ones lives and inviting their spirit to join us has always been important to me. I think this is why the cover drew me in so quickly. I’m so happy Ms. Marple began this series during this wonderfully magical time.
I enjoyed meeting Emily and her Uncle Cornelius. I absolutely love the idea of an uncle and niece traveling together. They made a fun pair! The mystery was interesting though easy for me. I was delighted to see that brujería was incorporated into the mystery. I have found it to play a big part in many of my friends and families homes, including some who say they, “don’t really believe but still.” For those who think witchcraft played a huge part, it didn’t. It was just an accusation but one I have heard in real life, many times, to explain things. I felt the inclusion lent an air of reality to the fiction. There are some small things that were different from my experience of Mexico but that could just be the difference in seeing things through tourist eyes rather than going to be with family. At any rate, they did not affect my enjoyment at all. Other characters that I really liked were Jose and his mother, Maria. The mystery was complete. The book, though, did end with a cliffhanger of sorts. Emily learns something from her uncle and receives something. It sets up a continuation for the series. I’m not a reader who delights in cliffhangers. If it’s a major one, I like it to be stated in the description so I don’t get to the end and find I’m surprised by no ending. In this book, I felt good about it. It set up a reason why Emily may possibly be in Mexico longer than planned, (as is indicated by the series title of Mexican Mysteries). I’m not going into what it is but I’m super intrigued and already eager for book 2. I recommend this page turner for a fun escape!
I received an uncorrected ecopy of this book for review consideration. I voluntarily reviewed it. My review is based upon my enjoyment of the book.
I wasn’t able to put this down for long once I started reading it. I was actually surprised to see, when I had to charge my Kindle, that I was past the 50% mark. Time flew by!
I love Mexico. I love the food, the culture, the history, the language, the telenovelas, the music.. everything. Dia de los Muertos is one of my favorite holidays. I love setting up the alters, getting pan de muerto and sugar skulls. The tradition of celebrating our deceased loved ones lives and inviting their spirit to join us has always been important to me. I think this is why the cover drew me in so quickly. I’m so happy Ms. Marple began this series during this wonderfully magical time.
I enjoyed meeting Emily and her Uncle Cornelius. I absolutely love the idea of an uncle and niece traveling together. They made a fun pair! The mystery was interesting though easy for me. I was delighted to see that brujería was incorporated into the mystery. I have found it to play a big part in many of my friends and families homes, including some who say they, “don’t really believe but still.” For those who think witchcraft played a huge part, it didn’t. It was just an accusation but one I have heard in real life, many times, to explain things. I felt the inclusion lent an air of reality to the fiction. There are some small things that were different from my experience of Mexico but that could just be the difference in seeing things through tourist eyes rather than going to be with family. At any rate, they did not affect my enjoyment at all. Other characters that I really liked were Jose and his mother, Maria. The mystery was complete. The book, though, did end with a cliffhanger of sorts. Emily learns something from her uncle and receives something. It sets up a continuation for the series. I’m not a reader who delights in cliffhangers. If it’s a major one, I like it to be stated in the description so I don’t get to the end and find I’m surprised by no ending. In this book, I felt good about it. It set up a reason why Emily may possibly be in Mexico longer than planned, (as is indicated by the series title of Mexican Mysteries). I’m not going into what it is but I’m super intrigued and already eager for book 2. I recommend this page turner for a fun escape!
I received an uncorrected ecopy of this book for review consideration. I voluntarily reviewed it. My review is based upon my enjoyment of the book.
February 25, 2021
Coming under the genre of Cozy Mystery, Don’t TACO 'bout Murder is, as the punny title suggests, set in Mexico. Young, sheltered Emily Monk and her gregarious Uncle Cornelius are off to New Mexico to enjoy a colorful holiday. But it is also a mission to know more about Emily’s dearly departed mom, her teenage escapades and some secrets which need to be unravelled.
As Emily and her Uncle end up in Janitzio Island, the best place to be to witness the Dia de la Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, the find themselves slap-bang in the middle of a murder mystery. The name of an innocent lady must be cleared and it is up to the investigative skills of Emily and the robust enthusiasm of Uncle C to do just that.
I can’t say that I loved the book but it wasn’t bad either. You figure out the culprit instantly but the plot progresses steadily. I found Emily a bit too naive to be believable which contrasted with her astute sleuthing skills.
In its favor, it was a quick read and things were tidied up nicely, leaving a tiny opening for a sequel.
As Emily and her Uncle end up in Janitzio Island, the best place to be to witness the Dia de la Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, the find themselves slap-bang in the middle of a murder mystery. The name of an innocent lady must be cleared and it is up to the investigative skills of Emily and the robust enthusiasm of Uncle C to do just that.
I can’t say that I loved the book but it wasn’t bad either. You figure out the culprit instantly but the plot progresses steadily. I found Emily a bit too naive to be believable which contrasted with her astute sleuthing skills.
In its favor, it was a quick read and things were tidied up nicely, leaving a tiny opening for a sequel.
July 18, 2024
Entertaining relationships listening 🎶🔰
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 1 of 3
This is a new author and series. I picked it because of the cute cover and story second.
Emily and Uncle C. are on their way to Mexico for a vacation. Emily has never traveled. They arrive in Mexico and the adventure begins. They travel to an island where a death occurs when another. Emily investigates and it is murder. There is a happy ending.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍readers looking for something different mystery novels 👍🔰.
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 1 of 3
This is a new author and series. I picked it because of the cute cover and story second.
Emily and Uncle C. are on their way to Mexico for a vacation. Emily has never traveled. They arrive in Mexico and the adventure begins. They travel to an island where a death occurs when another. Emily investigates and it is murder. There is a happy ending.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍readers looking for something different mystery novels 👍🔰.
January 22, 2021
This is a good, clean cozy mystery. I particularly liked Mona's knowledge about Mexico, the area, foods, lifestyle, it added to the authenticity. An easy read, set at a good pace. A young woman travels with her uncle and has her first experience of flying. Things don't work out to plan as the holiday turns into a murder investigation.
Can she clear a woman's name and reputation? What will she find out about her own past while she is there? A recommended read.
Can she clear a woman's name and reputation? What will she find out about her own past while she is there? A recommended read.
February 1, 2021
Emily and Uncle Cornelius take a trip to Mexico to commemorate Emily's mum's trip to Mexico when she was 18. They want to go to unusual places, not the typical tourist traps, so they head to an island famous for the butterfly net fishermen and the Day of the Dead celebration. While there, they meet Jose and his mother and end up staying with them. During their stay, several fishermen are found dead of assumed accidents. Emily and her Uncle help the locals find out what really happened.
I really enjoyed the characters and the relationships they formed. This was a quick, easy read, and I definitely recommend it.
I really enjoyed the characters and the relationships they formed. This was a quick, easy read, and I definitely recommend it.
December 21, 2022
Oh man, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It definitely opened me up to Mexican culture! First if visiting Mexico is ever on your bucket list this is a fun light-hearted who has done it to read! I had a great time getting to know Emily and Uncle Cornelius! The camaraderie between the two really made this a fun read. Although I must honestly say that I had a great time reading this story. It really was an easy read and if it hadn't been for my busy schedule I could have finished this book in one sitting.
Again, this is my second cozy mystery the story is great yet no recipes. Therefore I had to dig into my culinary creative side and decided to make Birria tacos for the first time & OH MMM GGG I am glad I did that the recipe was to die for and the storyline was the nail in the coffin. I definitely recommend this book if you love puns and clean-cut stories that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Emily and Uncle C are tasked with clearing Maria's name when her husband ends up dead. However someone else is murdered in a similar fashion and well this is where the story begins to get interesting.
Check out my video where I share my Birria Taco recipe and my review on the book https://youtu.be/TChHc9N251U
Again, this is my second cozy mystery the story is great yet no recipes. Therefore I had to dig into my culinary creative side and decided to make Birria tacos for the first time & OH MMM GGG I am glad I did that the recipe was to die for and the storyline was the nail in the coffin. I definitely recommend this book if you love puns and clean-cut stories that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Emily and Uncle C are tasked with clearing Maria's name when her husband ends up dead. However someone else is murdered in a similar fashion and well this is where the story begins to get interesting.
Check out my video where I share my Birria Taco recipe and my review on the book https://youtu.be/TChHc9N251U
January 28, 2021
Emily Monk and her Uncle Cornelius are off on an adventure. We first met them in a short story and I'd hoped that we would see more of them. Enter Don't Taco 'Bout Murder the first in the Mexican Cozy Mysteries by Mona Marple.
In this book, we find Emily and her Uncle C off on a "fact-finding" mission. Emily hopes to learn more about her mother, Uncle C's sister. While Emily is a bit more naive than some might credit - especially in this day and age - it's not detracting, in fact, it makes her sweet, if a bit tentative, but also refreshing.
While hoping to learn the secrets of her mother's one adventure, Emily and Uncle C meet new friends, learn about Dia de los Muertos, and uncover a death that may not have been accidental.
Marple has created a great cast of engaging characters that I, for one, look forward to seeing more of.
Oh, and did I mention that there's a dog?
I highly recommend this book, and indeed the series that will follow it. You will love it!
[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the author with no obligation to review. This review was given freely, and is entirely my own opinion.]
In this book, we find Emily and her Uncle C off on a "fact-finding" mission. Emily hopes to learn more about her mother, Uncle C's sister. While Emily is a bit more naive than some might credit - especially in this day and age - it's not detracting, in fact, it makes her sweet, if a bit tentative, but also refreshing.
While hoping to learn the secrets of her mother's one adventure, Emily and Uncle C meet new friends, learn about Dia de los Muertos, and uncover a death that may not have been accidental.
Marple has created a great cast of engaging characters that I, for one, look forward to seeing more of.
Oh, and did I mention that there's a dog?
I highly recommend this book, and indeed the series that will follow it. You will love it!
[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the author with no obligation to review. This review was given freely, and is entirely my own opinion.]
February 3, 2021
I loved it!
Emily is very endearing with her almost childlike enthusiasm. I couldn’t help but smile! Also because I could relate to her shyness. I just felt a connection! She’s also sweet and an introvert, but being around Uncle C, who is an extrovert, helps get her out of her shell. With his loud voice and boisterous ways, he’ll make sure she gets her adventures! Tactful is not a word that’s in his dictionary, but it opens up a whole new world for Emily. And he means well, plus he’s fun to be around! I loved this book so much, it was so good, I read it in one go! The pages turned themselves and I was swept away to Mexico. Easy-to-read and fun, but also with layers to the story. Emily does something very brave in this book and really becomes more confident, and I loved seeing her grow. I almost cried at the end, felt my throat close up, so beautiful! Not in a fairytale-way, but in a realistic way. Great book!
Emily is very endearing with her almost childlike enthusiasm. I couldn’t help but smile! Also because I could relate to her shyness. I just felt a connection! She’s also sweet and an introvert, but being around Uncle C, who is an extrovert, helps get her out of her shell. With his loud voice and boisterous ways, he’ll make sure she gets her adventures! Tactful is not a word that’s in his dictionary, but it opens up a whole new world for Emily. And he means well, plus he’s fun to be around! I loved this book so much, it was so good, I read it in one go! The pages turned themselves and I was swept away to Mexico. Easy-to-read and fun, but also with layers to the story. Emily does something very brave in this book and really becomes more confident, and I loved seeing her grow. I almost cried at the end, felt my throat close up, so beautiful! Not in a fairytale-way, but in a realistic way. Great book!
January 24, 2021
I loved this quick read about the further adventures of Emily Monk and her Uncle Cornelius. Uncle C, as Emily calls him, takes Emily on her first trip outside of England with the hint of finding out something about Emily's mother. After a lavish night in a very expensive hotel, the pair take a ferry to an Janitzio Island to experience the celebration, "Day of the Dead". As a second and third fisherman die in an apparent accident and the village people are crying witchcraft, Emily takes it upon herself to find out what is really going on. Excellent sleuthing skills and the quirky Uncle Cornelius make this a great quick read. A really good ending.
I received an ARC and voluntarily provided this review.
I received an ARC and voluntarily provided this review.
January 29, 2021
Emily and Uncle Cornelius are going on holiday! They travel to Mexico City and while exploring a Day of the Dead celebration, at the invitation of a staff members of the hotel, stumble upon a mysterious death.
I was absolutely enchanted by Emily's wide eyed amazement at every aspect of her adventure. Uncle Cornelius is delightful as he guides Emily along in her adventure, helps her solve the mystery and reveals a family secret.
This book was the perfect way to escape from everything for an evening, curled up with my dogs and drinking hot chocolate. Thank you Mona Marple for another absolutely delightful story!
I was absolutely enchanted by Emily's wide eyed amazement at every aspect of her adventure. Uncle Cornelius is delightful as he guides Emily along in her adventure, helps her solve the mystery and reveals a family secret.
This book was the perfect way to escape from everything for an evening, curled up with my dogs and drinking hot chocolate. Thank you Mona Marple for another absolutely delightful story!
February 4, 2021
Loved the story. After reading about Emily and Uncle Cornelius in two story stories prior to this book it was nice to actually read more about them. I liked the idea of Uncle Cornelius taking Emily to Mexico, a place that was an adventure for her mother, and helping Emily to see that there was more to her mother.
They get to Mexico just in time to celebrate The Day of the Dead. They find their way to a small fishing village and end up getting involved with not one murder but two. This is a clean fun book to read and well worth your time to read especially to find out who, why, and how plus there are some interesting characters along the way.
They get to Mexico just in time to celebrate The Day of the Dead. They find their way to a small fishing village and end up getting involved with not one murder but two. This is a clean fun book to read and well worth your time to read especially to find out who, why, and how plus there are some interesting characters along the way.
July 1, 2022
interesting cozy
I selected this book as I was looking for a story set in Mexico for a book challenge. This book definitely delivers on giving the reader a glimpse into the culture and traditions in Mexico I enjoyed that aspect very much. The mystery itself was very intriguing even if a bit predictable. I am just not sure what I think of the main characters though. Emily starts out as such an immature and unworldly young lady who suddenly has the gumption to stand up to a very brash bigger than life Texan. It didn’t feel realistic to me. I may try the next book in the series just to see how some plot lines go but not sure yet
I selected this book as I was looking for a story set in Mexico for a book challenge. This book definitely delivers on giving the reader a glimpse into the culture and traditions in Mexico I enjoyed that aspect very much. The mystery itself was very intriguing even if a bit predictable. I am just not sure what I think of the main characters though. Emily starts out as such an immature and unworldly young lady who suddenly has the gumption to stand up to a very brash bigger than life Texan. It didn’t feel realistic to me. I may try the next book in the series just to see how some plot lines go but not sure yet
January 27, 2021
This is the first in a new series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Emily Monk and her uncle Cornelius have left England to visit Mexico. Emily hopes to learn something about her mother. Cornelius is looking forward to giving Emily an adventure. Two days after arriving they go visit Janitzio Island for a Day of the Dead celebration. They enjoy the partying but discover that the fishing industry has experienced a few deaths. A tycoon is offering to buy the industry and make it safer. Emily and Cornelius try to find the real story. Loved it.
January 29, 2021
Love, love, love this book. Emily and Uncle C are charming. Following Emily on her first trip abroad with Uncle Cornelius' penchant for story telling as they stumble into a mystery and work to solve it while still exploring all Mexico has to offer kept me enthralled the entire time, could not put down the book and can't wait to see where their adventures take them next. If you love a good mystery with a little humor tucked in along with a little adventure then this is the book for you. Highly recommend.
January 29, 2021
Don't Taco 'Bout Murder is the first in a series featuring Emily and Cornelius (her Uncle C.). In this book, Emily and Uncle C. travel to Mexico just in time for Dia de Los Muertos.
Emily is excited to have her first trip out of England, and the promise to learn more about her mother adds extra thrills to the trip. It just so happens that Emily and Cornelius get drawn into a murder mystery.
There is a lot of fun to be had as we adventure in Mexico with Emily and Cornelius.
This was a quick, easy book to read. Don't be surprised if you read this in a single sitting!
Emily is excited to have her first trip out of England, and the promise to learn more about her mother adds extra thrills to the trip. It just so happens that Emily and Cornelius get drawn into a murder mystery.
There is a lot of fun to be had as we adventure in Mexico with Emily and Cornelius.
This was a quick, easy book to read. Don't be surprised if you read this in a single sitting!
February 4, 2021
A trip to Mexico turns out to be more than that, it turns to out to be an adventure to remember for Uncle C and Emily Monk. They recreate a trip that Emily's mom did when she was 18 and end up solving a 2 murders. Emily also learns something from her mother's past. I chose this book because I love Ms. Mona's books, she is a wonderful writer and her characters are full of life. My favorite characters are Uncle C and Emily. My favorite part of the book is when she solves the murder. I gave it 5 stars because that is what I think this book deserves.
January 26, 2021
I liked this a lot. Emily and her uncle Cornelius travel to Mexico so Emily could learn more about her mothers past. They become involved in solving a series of murders involving local fishermen. Carefully Emily and Cornelius investigate and come up with the culprit behind these murders. Mona’s books are fun - full of humor and pure escapism. I’m looking forward to more books in this new series
January 28, 2021
Charming! Refreshing! This book about a young girl and her uncle traveling to Mexico to follow in her mother’s footsteps is sweet and enjoyable. They meet some very interesting characters along the way and solve a mystery, too. At the end, the young heroine gets some answers about her mother and a surprise that leaves the reader wanting more. I highly recommend this light read that will have you smiling at the end!
January 29, 2021
I receive an ARC from the author and am giving this review freely
Emily and her Uncle Cornelius are lookinf for answers. She wants to know more about her mother and is kind of naive, but in a sweet way. They make new friends while learning about Día de los Muertos and find themselves in the middle of a a murder.
This is such a sweet and funy cozy mystery
I really liked it and know you'll love it too.
Emily and her Uncle Cornelius are lookinf for answers. She wants to know more about her mother and is kind of naive, but in a sweet way. They make new friends while learning about Día de los Muertos and find themselves in the middle of a a murder.
This is such a sweet and funy cozy mystery
I really liked it and know you'll love it too.
March 8, 2021
It's a family affair
As Emily and Uncle Cornelius bond, Uncle C. plans a wonderful getaway to Mexico for them. But the relaxing holiday turns into anything but that. The author does a fantastic job of pulling the reader into the story and brings the Mexican culture to life in a very realistic way. It's a fast-paced exploration filled with action from the moment they arrive. Very well written and highly recommended!
As Emily and Uncle Cornelius bond, Uncle C. plans a wonderful getaway to Mexico for them. But the relaxing holiday turns into anything but that. The author does a fantastic job of pulling the reader into the story and brings the Mexican culture to life in a very realistic way. It's a fast-paced exploration filled with action from the moment they arrive. Very well written and highly recommended!
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March 27, 2021Mama
Mona Marple has written a delightful story about Emily and her uncle, who go from London to Mexico on holiday, but are seeking to know about why Emily's mom went to Mexico, and the story behind it. Along the way, they get involved in finding out what happened to 3 fishermen and how they lost their lives, and meet someone who will change everyone's lives. I can hardly wait to read more!
Mona Marple has written a delightful story about Emily and her uncle, who go from London to Mexico on holiday, but are seeking to know about why Emily's mom went to Mexico, and the story behind it. Along the way, they get involved in finding out what happened to 3 fishermen and how they lost their lives, and meet someone who will change everyone's lives. I can hardly wait to read more!
January 20, 2021
Mona Marple is one of my favorite authors and I was glad to see a new series by her. And, what a wonderful beginning this book is!! I could tell you what happens but that's what the book blurb is for. I will tell you that if you like clean, cozy mysteries, you will like this book. I'm really excited to read the next book in this series.
January 19, 2021
I really enjoyed Don't Taco 'Bout Murder. This book captured my attention right from the beginning. This is a quick fun read. The book is well written and well paced. I like the characters. The mystery is interesting. I really enjoyed the setting of Mexico. I look forward to more in this series.
January 22, 2021
A holiday adventure leads them into some deaths-accident or foul play. This was a very interesting first book in hopefully a long series. It was very enjoyable. I thought I knew the answer and I was correct but seeing it unfold in the book and tie it up at the end was great. The characters are interesting and it was an overall enjoyable read.
January 28, 2021
Mona Marple really enjoys writing and it shows in her books. This is a fun adventure that takes Emily and her Uncle Cornelius on a trip of discovery about Emily’s mom. The characters are fun and Uncle Cornelius is a quirky/loveable man. I hope to see more of this story evolve in future books. Highly recommend to all cozy mystery lovers.
February 1, 2021
I enjoyed reading this story! It was interesting to see that even though Emily is very naive and hasn’t had much experience with the world, she has a quick mind and a good head on her shoulders. I like how Uncle Cornelius is taking her out to experience the world and allow her to grow up into a well rounded adult. I look forward to their next adventure!
May 12, 2022
Very enjoyable. Makes me miss traveling! Emily and Cornelius compliment each other as characters. His over the top outgoingness compared to Emily’s quiet makes for a good investigation team. But she is coming out of her shell and figured out the murder. She’s also learning more about her mom and dad.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews