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Contessa Munroe #1
Corpse Reviver
A widowed Contessa flees to the northern waters in search of adventure. An entrepreneur dies on an ice pack excursion. But when the victim starts moonlighting from his locked cabin, can the Contessa uncover the true mystery of his death?
Catriona Cullodena Munroe, widow of the late Count de Los Palermo, has fled the family home, avoiding the scramble for title and land. As she searches for the life she always wanted, the Contessa, in the company of the autistic and rejected Tiff, must solve the mystery of a man who just won't let his business go.
Corpse Reviver is the first murder mystery involving the formidable and sometimes downright rude lady of leisure and her straight talking niece. Bonded by blood, and thrown together by fate, join this pair of thrill seekers as they realise that flirting with danger brings a price to pay.
When no one else takes charge, the cream must rise to the top!
Catriona Cullodena Munroe, widow of the late Count de Los Palermo, has fled the family home, avoiding the scramble for title and land. As she searches for the life she always wanted, the Contessa, in the company of the autistic and rejected Tiff, must solve the mystery of a man who just won't let his business go.
Corpse Reviver is the first murder mystery involving the formidable and sometimes downright rude lady of leisure and her straight talking niece. Bonded by blood, and thrown together by fate, join this pair of thrill seekers as they realise that flirting with danger brings a price to pay.
When no one else takes charge, the cream must rise to the top!
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2021
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9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 26, 2021
1.5 stars rounded up.
It’s not often I do this and I don’t like doing it but I have to say this book was truly woeful! It all takes place on a cruise on an exclusive yacht in Alaskan waters. Most of the guests were invitees of the owner, Mr Hughes. But Catriona Munroe, the Contessa, a young widow 25 years old and her 18 year old niece, Tiffany, are random inclusions as she decides to live it up a little after the death of her husband of three weeks. Soon after they join the boat by helicopter things start to go wrong. The first drama occurs on their first outing on the ice when Mr Hughes himself is shot dead by his misfiring gun. And it just carries on from there.
First the positives:
The cover was great, I really liked it, and
It was a quick read, that’s it!
What I didn’t like:
The plot was absurd, you don’t put a dead body in a body bag in a cabin and sail on for another couple of weeks! The smell alone would be unbearable. And the boat should have put in to the nearest port and called the authorities. But no! There is some dispute about whether Mr Hughes is actually dead - how can you not work this out? Everyone just carries on. Are you serious? There are more accidents and another death but again, just chuck the body in their cabin and carry on. Let’s all have a drink and cheer up. My eyes were nearly rolling out of their sockets. It was supposed to be a cosy mystery but the ‘sleuths’ - Cat and Tiff were totally inept. Everyone was just running around like headless chooks. The only sane person on board was the drunk Russian cook who kept warning Cat not to trust anyone, without further explanation of course. How cliche.
The language was jarring and flat. No drama, no emotion. The dialogue was clunky and unrealistic. Oh and by the way there are no penguins in the Arctic! The characters were never developed, they were as flat as cardboard cutouts. The whole thing was just absurd. That is all I have to say! I received a free copy of the book from BookSirens and am providing this review voluntarily.
It’s not often I do this and I don’t like doing it but I have to say this book was truly woeful! It all takes place on a cruise on an exclusive yacht in Alaskan waters. Most of the guests were invitees of the owner, Mr Hughes. But Catriona Munroe, the Contessa, a young widow 25 years old and her 18 year old niece, Tiffany, are random inclusions as she decides to live it up a little after the death of her husband of three weeks. Soon after they join the boat by helicopter things start to go wrong. The first drama occurs on their first outing on the ice when Mr Hughes himself is shot dead by his misfiring gun. And it just carries on from there.
First the positives:
The cover was great, I really liked it, and
It was a quick read, that’s it!
What I didn’t like:
The plot was absurd, you don’t put a dead body in a body bag in a cabin and sail on for another couple of weeks! The smell alone would be unbearable. And the boat should have put in to the nearest port and called the authorities. But no! There is some dispute about whether Mr Hughes is actually dead - how can you not work this out? Everyone just carries on. Are you serious? There are more accidents and another death but again, just chuck the body in their cabin and carry on. Let’s all have a drink and cheer up. My eyes were nearly rolling out of their sockets. It was supposed to be a cosy mystery but the ‘sleuths’ - Cat and Tiff were totally inept. Everyone was just running around like headless chooks. The only sane person on board was the drunk Russian cook who kept warning Cat not to trust anyone, without further explanation of course. How cliche.
The language was jarring and flat. No drama, no emotion. The dialogue was clunky and unrealistic. Oh and by the way there are no penguins in the Arctic! The characters were never developed, they were as flat as cardboard cutouts. The whole thing was just absurd. That is all I have to say! I received a free copy of the book from BookSirens and am providing this review voluntarily.
May 1, 2021
Some say revenge is sweet. The question is, just who is seeking revenge and for what? The main characters in this book, Contessa of Los Palerma (Catriona)), and her niece (Tiffany), set out on a cruise as Catriona begins her new life without her husband (Luigi) who has recently died. Since Luigi's family never liked or trusted Catriona, they offered her an annual stipend to stay away from them. She gladly accepts the money and decides to set sail with her niece to begin her new life as a wealthy widow. Catriona and her niece make an unusual pair as Catriona is quite social and Tiffany, being autistic, is not so social. Yet, as the story progresses, it becomes evident that Tiffany sees and understands more of what is going on than does her Aunt. While it does not take long for a murder to take place on the cruise ship, Tiffany is adamant that something is amiss, and that what people think happened, did not - or did it? Tiffany and Catriona find themselves in several humorous and dangerous situations during the cruise with Catriona actually saving lives while other guests loose their lives. The cast of characters is a delightful mix of crew members and guests on the cruise. The author gives a few clues and misdirections as to the identity of the killer. I did not really enjoy the book at first. Eventually, however, I warmed up to the story and knew I had to find out "who done it!" In fact, I would likely read another of the Contessa Munroe Mystery books in the future. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 24, 2021
The basic story premise here was good and I think it had potential, however, the writing style did not appeal to me. It was stilted and awkward at times. In fact, when I first started reading I thought it was set in Victorian times because that was the feeling I got from the writing. Then I discovered that it was a modern setting. It just didn't feel right.
There were a couple of things about the Contessa that put me off, also. Apparently, she is a new widow, and yet she all but throws herself at the First Officer. I realize that part of it was a ploy to get information out of him, but she was also throwing herself at him in hopes of a relationship developing. This didn't ring true for me. If she really loved Luigi I would think it would have taken more than a few weeks for her to be ready to throw herself into someone else's arms.
I also didn't like the way she treated her niece. Tiff is on the autism spectrum and while Cat appears to take up for Tiff sometimes, other times she is belittling and condescending to her. I felt Cat should have been more supportive of Tiff, especially when others were belittling her and speaking to her very harshly.
Unfortunately, I was rather disappointed in this book.
I recieved a review copy from BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
There were a couple of things about the Contessa that put me off, also. Apparently, she is a new widow, and yet she all but throws herself at the First Officer. I realize that part of it was a ploy to get information out of him, but she was also throwing herself at him in hopes of a relationship developing. This didn't ring true for me. If she really loved Luigi I would think it would have taken more than a few weeks for her to be ready to throw herself into someone else's arms.
I also didn't like the way she treated her niece. Tiff is on the autism spectrum and while Cat appears to take up for Tiff sometimes, other times she is belittling and condescending to her. I felt Cat should have been more supportive of Tiff, especially when others were belittling her and speaking to her very harshly.
Unfortunately, I was rather disappointed in this book.
I recieved a review copy from BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
July 17, 2021
Contessa Catronia Munroe is taking a cruise in the aftermath of her husband’s untimely death. Accompanied by her niece, Tiff, a smart girl on the Autism Spectrum, Cat is looking forward to a getaway. But when the owner of the ship dies in a mysterious gun accident, Cat and Tiff are thrown into a deadly situation.
I enjoyed Cat and Tiff as a crime-solving team, though Tiff is the obvious Sherlock. But like the famous detective, Tiff needs Cat to balance her. They made a good team, but sometimes Cat lacks patience and understanding with her niece. She’ll need to work harder on that.
On the same note, Tiff’s autism was often treated with scorn, as though she just didn’t act correctly. I just thought the author could have done a better job of explaining Tiff’s abilities to the other characters and not have them brush her off as just “other”.
The mystery was very well written, and I had no idea who the killer would be. The author did a fabulous job of giving each character motive. It was hard to figure out who was an enemy and who was an ally. There was definitely enough action and intrigue to keep me interested!
I really look forward to reading more of Cat and Tiff’s adventures!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed Cat and Tiff as a crime-solving team, though Tiff is the obvious Sherlock. But like the famous detective, Tiff needs Cat to balance her. They made a good team, but sometimes Cat lacks patience and understanding with her niece. She’ll need to work harder on that.
On the same note, Tiff’s autism was often treated with scorn, as though she just didn’t act correctly. I just thought the author could have done a better job of explaining Tiff’s abilities to the other characters and not have them brush her off as just “other”.
The mystery was very well written, and I had no idea who the killer would be. The author did a fabulous job of giving each character motive. It was hard to figure out who was an enemy and who was an ally. There was definitely enough action and intrigue to keep me interested!
I really look forward to reading more of Cat and Tiff’s adventures!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 6, 2021
Corpse Reviver is Book 1 in the Contessa Muncie Mystery Series.
G R Jordan has written a fantastic mystery. Corpse Reviver has interesting characters and I enjoyed how the author had them interacting with each other. Catriona Cullodena is a 25 year old widow of the Count de Los Palermo. She is bringing her 18 year old niece, Tiffany Munroe, with her on a cruise in the Northern waters off of Alaska. When the host of the cruise is “accidentally shot and killed” Tiffany does not believe Earnest Hughes is dead. Is he really dead? Maybe/maybe not! This mystery is wildly entertaining and I was trying to find the truth right along with Catriona and Tiff. Things got more interesting when Mr Fogherty is murdered. G R Jordan has written about a cruise that has lots of drama and twists. Murder, blackmail, a hired killer well just about everything that I could want in a mystery. I thought the ending was perfect and a little surprise here and there. I can’t wait to read book 2. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
G R Jordan has written a fantastic mystery. Corpse Reviver has interesting characters and I enjoyed how the author had them interacting with each other. Catriona Cullodena is a 25 year old widow of the Count de Los Palermo. She is bringing her 18 year old niece, Tiffany Munroe, with her on a cruise in the Northern waters off of Alaska. When the host of the cruise is “accidentally shot and killed” Tiffany does not believe Earnest Hughes is dead. Is he really dead? Maybe/maybe not! This mystery is wildly entertaining and I was trying to find the truth right along with Catriona and Tiff. Things got more interesting when Mr Fogherty is murdered. G R Jordan has written about a cruise that has lots of drama and twists. Murder, blackmail, a hired killer well just about everything that I could want in a mystery. I thought the ending was perfect and a little surprise here and there. I can’t wait to read book 2. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
September 1, 2021
After the death of her husband, Contessa Catriona Cullodena Monroe flees her home to escape the family’s fighting over the title and land. She books an exclusive Arctic cruise along with Tiff, her autistic niece, to decide what she wants to do with her life. On the first excursion off the ship, the entrepreneur who owns the ship is killed. Things just don’t feel right so the Contessa begins her search for the truth but that only brings more questions. Can she discover the truth before anyone else dies? Tiff brings her own set of challenges but her talents and abilities soon begin to shine. I would highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with autism. Tiff’s little quirks are downplayed and her intelligence and talents shine brightly to encourage and uplift those dealing with a very misunderstood condition. This is a unique mystery that I really enjoyed reading.
June 23, 2021
What a great start to the Contessa Munroe Mysteries by new-to-me author G.R. Gordon that immediately grabbed my attention and kept me totally involved in all that was happening until I read the last word. I really liked Catriona and her autistic niece Tiff and their dynamic with the other characters when they go on a cruise set in northern waters off Alaska in search of adventure. I loved the must-solve mystery that quickly became a page-turner and the secondary characters enhanced my reading pleasure. If you enjoy twisty mysteries, don't miss "Corpse Reviver." I look forward to more adventures with Cat and Tiff. I received an advance reader copy of this book from Book Sirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
June 22, 2021
Catriona Monroe or Contessa, as she prefers NOT to be called, has just been widowed and left with a very generous yearly stipend. So, to try and recover a bit, she decides to take a northern cruise on a small but luxurious ship and to take her autistic niece, Tiff, along. Catriona and Tiff make quite a team when strange things start happening onboard and they decide to investigate! This is a pretty fast-paced murder mystery with plenty of intrigue to keep your interest. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series! I received a free copy of this book from the author and write this review voluntarily.
July 14, 2021
Alaskan cruise and a murder leads Catriona & Tiffany through twists & turns to try & solve the crime. Wonderful characters, precarious and sometimes funny situations kept me guessing. I did have a hard time getting into this book but it was worth the time to finish it and look forward to the next book in the series.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 12, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A good solid mystery with a satisfying end. My only problem was getting to know the Contessa. She is a conundrum. Also, she seems slightly bored and that makes the story boring. Maybe I can glean more clarity from the next book in the series.
A good solid mystery with a satisfying end. My only problem was getting to know the Contessa. She is a conundrum. Also, she seems slightly bored and that makes the story boring. Maybe I can glean more clarity from the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews