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Stiff Lizard
Rodent Roger, a popular Galveston Island exterminator, goes missing the day after he tells private investigator and spy shop owner Xena Cali about a concerning uptick in green iguana sightings on the island. They're crapping in people's boats and falling from trees. Are the lizards swimming over from Florida to escape the pythons, or is it something more nefarious? Can Xena help untangle the mess before the raucous reptiles take over Galveston?
Ultima Penelope Roger is a best-selling writer of romance novels. The Lizard Liquidators have set up shop on Galveston Island. Herpetologist Quintana Flores, PhD, works on a bizarre cruise ship that sails out of the Port of Galveston. Sasha Barlow is a driven junior reporter who'll do anything to get the story. Ned "The Pelican Man" Quinn writes a column about bird necropsies. Captain Ethan Slaughter is the head of the Major Crimes team at the Galveston Police Department. Xena and her team will have to partner with and/or battle this cast of characters and others to solve what becomes a disturbing murder investigation.
Stiff Lizard is the third full-length book in the Spy Shop Mystery series. If you like fast-paced crime novels, clever satire, and gritty beach towns, then you'll love Lisa Haneberg's humorous and contemporary cozy caper.
Ultima Penelope Roger is a best-selling writer of romance novels. The Lizard Liquidators have set up shop on Galveston Island. Herpetologist Quintana Flores, PhD, works on a bizarre cruise ship that sails out of the Port of Galveston. Sasha Barlow is a driven junior reporter who'll do anything to get the story. Ned "The Pelican Man" Quinn writes a column about bird necropsies. Captain Ethan Slaughter is the head of the Major Crimes team at the Galveston Police Department. Xena and her team will have to partner with and/or battle this cast of characters and others to solve what becomes a disturbing murder investigation.
Stiff Lizard is the third full-length book in the Spy Shop Mystery series. If you like fast-paced crime novels, clever satire, and gritty beach towns, then you'll love Lisa Haneberg's humorous and contemporary cozy caper.
- GenresCozy Mystery
364 pages, Paperback
Published March 13, 2021
9 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Haneberg
40 books31 followersLisa Haneberg is the author the Spy Shop Mystery series and over a dozen nonfiction books covering human resources, leadership, and personal success. Available series books include Ghost Rat (prequel novella) Toxic Octopus (#1) and Dead Pelican (#2). All are set in Galveston. She lives with her husband and Hazel the dog in Lexington, Kentucky.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 9, 2021
If you are looking for a wacky cast of characters and outlandish scenarios in a cozy series, then look no further than the Spy Shop series. While this is book three (and yes I broke my rule about not reading out of order) it can easily be read on its own but would probably be best to read in order since there are references to past adventures by Xena and the gang.
Xena is one tough PI and not someone I would want to wrangle with in a dark alley. She is smart, strong, and not afraid to be shot with a taser by senior citizens all in the name of experience for the seniors and for Xena to recover quickly should she ever find herself in that situation (tasered that is). This quote from the book sums up Xena to a T:
"You have the brains to keep trouble far away but the spirit that drives you into the middle of these perilous quagmires."
I loved all of the character names - Rodent, Rascal, Q, Ant, Sparky....and so many more. Those names should give you an idea of the humor to expect along with a well thought out crime. I found myself smiling and laughing throughout the book wondering what could possibly happen next.
I also learned a lot about iguanas, parkour, and gigolos. I had to giggle at the cruise ship, Twisted Ambition, and the activities and amenities that it offered. It had to be quite an adventure for Dora, one of Xena's cohorts, as she investigated a situation aboard. I will never look at a cruise ship the same again.
This is the book to pull out when you want to solve a mystery yet laugh at the same time at the outrageous situations on Galveston Island.
We give the book 5 paws up.
Xena is one tough PI and not someone I would want to wrangle with in a dark alley. She is smart, strong, and not afraid to be shot with a taser by senior citizens all in the name of experience for the seniors and for Xena to recover quickly should she ever find herself in that situation (tasered that is). This quote from the book sums up Xena to a T:
"You have the brains to keep trouble far away but the spirit that drives you into the middle of these perilous quagmires."
I loved all of the character names - Rodent, Rascal, Q, Ant, Sparky....and so many more. Those names should give you an idea of the humor to expect along with a well thought out crime. I found myself smiling and laughing throughout the book wondering what could possibly happen next.
I also learned a lot about iguanas, parkour, and gigolos. I had to giggle at the cruise ship, Twisted Ambition, and the activities and amenities that it offered. It had to be quite an adventure for Dora, one of Xena's cohorts, as she investigated a situation aboard. I will never look at a cruise ship the same again.
This is the book to pull out when you want to solve a mystery yet laugh at the same time at the outrageous situations on Galveston Island.
We give the book 5 paws up.
April 21, 2021
Stiff Lizard is the first book I have read by Lisa Haneberg. It will not be the last. I am looking forward to the next books in this series, as well as reading the first books in this series. While this is Book 3 it is strong enough to be a stand-alone book.
The story centers around a private investigation firm that is investigating the murder of a friend. Added to the main story is all the iguanas popping up all around Galveston. The story also involves a cruise ship and a gigolo. It was unique with a twisting plot that ties the elements of the story together.
The main character, Xena speaks directly to readers which is unusual at first. And as the story progressed I started really loving how Xena was interacting with me. This is one of the elements that makes me want to read the other books in the series.
Stiff Lizard is quite entertaining and became unputtable down for me.
Thanks to Lisa and Stiff Lizard I did find out that Texas does a have problem with invasive Green iguanas. I now understand the metal around tree trunks.
I adored this eccentric story. If you love fast reads and a mystery story that will make you laugh and feel good then check out Stiff Lizard.
The story centers around a private investigation firm that is investigating the murder of a friend. Added to the main story is all the iguanas popping up all around Galveston. The story also involves a cruise ship and a gigolo. It was unique with a twisting plot that ties the elements of the story together.
The main character, Xena speaks directly to readers which is unusual at first. And as the story progressed I started really loving how Xena was interacting with me. This is one of the elements that makes me want to read the other books in the series.
Stiff Lizard is quite entertaining and became unputtable down for me.
Thanks to Lisa and Stiff Lizard I did find out that Texas does a have problem with invasive Green iguanas. I now understand the metal around tree trunks.
I adored this eccentric story. If you love fast reads and a mystery story that will make you laugh and feel good then check out Stiff Lizard.
April 9, 2021
When a book starts off with the main character letting herself be tased to help train older folks in self-defense, you know it’s going to be quite a ride. Stiff Lizard didn’t disappoint. I absolutely loved it! Xena Cali is a private investigator and spy shop owner. Rodent Roger (yes, his actual name) is the island’s top exterminator, and he’s concerned about a sudden rash of green iguanas, especially when he’s seeing flyers for Lizard Liquidators. Is someone moving in on Rodent’s territory, or is there a more sinister motive? Before Xena can answer that question, Rodent goes missing. His wife, Ultima Penelope Roger, hires Xena to find him. (Isn't that just a heck of a name?! Ultima. I love it.)
There’s a fun secondary story line that has Dora, one of Xena’s employees, going way undercover to investigate a cruise singer. The cruise is most definitely NOT your typical Carnival Cruise, and Dora’s reports are absolutely hilarious. I think she’s my favorite character. I’m probably pretty close to her in age and mindset, and I expect my insights on an “adventurous” cruise would be similar to hers. I’d read more of the series just for Dora.
Stiff Lizard has something for everyone: a strong female protagonist who does some crazy parkour and who’s really trying to figure out how to people better (I can relate, Xena – to the peopling, not the parkour); a fascinating cast of characters; a good mystery; and lots and lots of offbeat humor. It’s the third in a series. I didn’t have any problem following the storyline, but now I have to read the first two.
Stiff Lizard may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it sure was my shot of whiskey! Five stars for Ms. Haneberg, and Xena Cali is now on my must-read list.
There’s a fun secondary story line that has Dora, one of Xena’s employees, going way undercover to investigate a cruise singer. The cruise is most definitely NOT your typical Carnival Cruise, and Dora’s reports are absolutely hilarious. I think she’s my favorite character. I’m probably pretty close to her in age and mindset, and I expect my insights on an “adventurous” cruise would be similar to hers. I’d read more of the series just for Dora.
Stiff Lizard has something for everyone: a strong female protagonist who does some crazy parkour and who’s really trying to figure out how to people better (I can relate, Xena – to the peopling, not the parkour); a fascinating cast of characters; a good mystery; and lots and lots of offbeat humor. It’s the third in a series. I didn’t have any problem following the storyline, but now I have to read the first two.
Stiff Lizard may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it sure was my shot of whiskey! Five stars for Ms. Haneberg, and Xena Cali is now on my must-read list.
April 21, 2021
“The question we should each consider isn’t whether we’re Peeping Toms, because we know the answer to that. The unsettling but more useful question is who might be watching you?”
Xena Cali is a thirty-something private eye who owns a spy shop in Galveston, Texas, and is a little freaked about hitting a milestone birthday. She is currently training for a triathlon and has been hardcore into parkour for years. In short, Xena is a fascinating woman who is not afraid to ask tough questions, send her investigative team of two (Sparky and Dora) undercover, spy on suspects using super cool gadgets, or cartwheel over her car to keep her parkour skills honed.
In Stiff Lizard by Lisa Haneberg, green iguanas are suddenly running amok on Galveston Island. Where did they come from, and why Galveston? When Rodent Roger, the local exterminator, asks Xena to help him answer these questions, the mystery kicks into high gear, complete with a laundry list of even more questions, suspicious characters, an iguana infestation that just won’t quit, and murder.
Stiff Lizard is book three in the Spy Shop Mystery series, but it can stand alone just fine. With such a unique plot and zany cast of characters, however, picking up the first two books in the series will definitely be a good idea. The writing is quite zippy and fun, and the pacing is naturally quick. The hilarity factor is high throughout, with a bit of danger and good old-fashioned mystery solving to balance out the levity. Romance seems to be a low priority in book three, but don’t despair if you like a bit of spice added to your mystery. Xena sends Dora undercover on the Twisted Ambition, one of the ships on the Audacious Cruise Line, as a rich older lady looking for a sexy good time. Her job is to lure the ship’s singer, Rascal Romano, into a compromising position and expose his gigolo ways, which are against the rules, even on such a seductive cruise. Dora’s daily report back to Xena make for an uproarious diversion from the main iguana mystery back in Galveston. Lisa Haneberg has a gift for juggling the absurd with the serious and making it all believable and incredibly entertaining.
An interesting aspect that is not found too often in modern fiction is the breaking of that fourth wall. Xena occasionally speaks directly to the reader, which is somewhat odd at first, but a bit of metafiction never hurt anyone and actually fits well in this particular story. Xena is working on her people skills to get more friends, and whom better to practice on than the constant reader, amiright! This metafiction does bring up the question as to why is she talking to the reader in the first place. Either way, this main character is funny, interesting, and worth getting to know across this clever Spy Shop Mystery series.
The actual mystery is quite intricate and raises several ethical questions about using animals to satiate insatiable greed. Even lizards have feelings and deserve respect as living creatures, except when they are stiff from the cold and start falling out of trees or when they leave super-sized steaming iguana ‘muffins’ wherever they please. Stiff Lizard is perfect for anyone wanting a humorous and entertaining departure from real life and some useful tips on what to do and where to eat in Galveston, hopefully without any stiff lizards lurking about.
I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Literary Life in exchange for my honest review.
Xena Cali is a thirty-something private eye who owns a spy shop in Galveston, Texas, and is a little freaked about hitting a milestone birthday. She is currently training for a triathlon and has been hardcore into parkour for years. In short, Xena is a fascinating woman who is not afraid to ask tough questions, send her investigative team of two (Sparky and Dora) undercover, spy on suspects using super cool gadgets, or cartwheel over her car to keep her parkour skills honed.
In Stiff Lizard by Lisa Haneberg, green iguanas are suddenly running amok on Galveston Island. Where did they come from, and why Galveston? When Rodent Roger, the local exterminator, asks Xena to help him answer these questions, the mystery kicks into high gear, complete with a laundry list of even more questions, suspicious characters, an iguana infestation that just won’t quit, and murder.
Stiff Lizard is book three in the Spy Shop Mystery series, but it can stand alone just fine. With such a unique plot and zany cast of characters, however, picking up the first two books in the series will definitely be a good idea. The writing is quite zippy and fun, and the pacing is naturally quick. The hilarity factor is high throughout, with a bit of danger and good old-fashioned mystery solving to balance out the levity. Romance seems to be a low priority in book three, but don’t despair if you like a bit of spice added to your mystery. Xena sends Dora undercover on the Twisted Ambition, one of the ships on the Audacious Cruise Line, as a rich older lady looking for a sexy good time. Her job is to lure the ship’s singer, Rascal Romano, into a compromising position and expose his gigolo ways, which are against the rules, even on such a seductive cruise. Dora’s daily report back to Xena make for an uproarious diversion from the main iguana mystery back in Galveston. Lisa Haneberg has a gift for juggling the absurd with the serious and making it all believable and incredibly entertaining.
An interesting aspect that is not found too often in modern fiction is the breaking of that fourth wall. Xena occasionally speaks directly to the reader, which is somewhat odd at first, but a bit of metafiction never hurt anyone and actually fits well in this particular story. Xena is working on her people skills to get more friends, and whom better to practice on than the constant reader, amiright! This metafiction does bring up the question as to why is she talking to the reader in the first place. Either way, this main character is funny, interesting, and worth getting to know across this clever Spy Shop Mystery series.
The actual mystery is quite intricate and raises several ethical questions about using animals to satiate insatiable greed. Even lizards have feelings and deserve respect as living creatures, except when they are stiff from the cold and start falling out of trees or when they leave super-sized steaming iguana ‘muffins’ wherever they please. Stiff Lizard is perfect for anyone wanting a humorous and entertaining departure from real life and some useful tips on what to do and where to eat in Galveston, hopefully without any stiff lizards lurking about.
I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Literary Life in exchange for my honest review.
April 8, 2021
Stiff Lizard by Lisa Haneberg was as cool and as funny as its protagonist - the amazing Xena Cali. I have said before that I would love to meet a book character in real life, but I have never meant it more than right now. Who wouldn’t want to spend time in a spy shop solving mysteries with a woman who practices parkour and lets people taze and pepper spray her for training?
And as if Xena’s character couldn’t be improved upon even further, I love that she is listening to Dale Carnegie’s classic, How to Win Friends & Influence People, and is seriously applying it to her personal and professional lives. (Side note: My mother has a certificate for completing the leadership training course in New York and has been harassing me to read the book since college. I can now pretend that I have read it, thanks to this wonderful book!)
Haneberg’s writing style is casual and I adore that she breaks the fourth wall repeatedly. I like how she talks about the local places in a way that assumes you know exactly what and where she is describing. I have yet to Google whether each place is actually real, but what I am most interested in researching before my next trip out to Galveston was piqued by this passage:
“There are dozens of beautiful tree sculptures on Galveston Island carved to look like mermaids, dogs, pelicans, dolphins, angels, and other things. Most were commissioned by wealthier homeowners and nonprofit organizations after Hurricane Ike flooded the island in 2008.”
I wonder how many of these sculptures I have walked by and never noticed. I will definitely stop by the visitor’s bureau to pick up the Tree Sculpture Tour map during my next trip.
In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a big fan of quirky characters - and this book has them by the bushels! Such a colorful (quite literally at times) cast from the spy shop employees and friends to the locals and, of course, the clientele and the suspects. There is also a character from Houston that I became quite fond of and sincerely hope plays a bigger role in upcoming books.
Haneberg does a great job of getting you up to speed if you haven’t read the previous books (I hadn’t) but she definitely dangles some great tidbits that make you want to go back and devour the entire series. The Spy Shop Mystery series is definitely on my TBR list and I will sign up for notifications so that I know when the next book drops!
And as if Xena’s character couldn’t be improved upon even further, I love that she is listening to Dale Carnegie’s classic, How to Win Friends & Influence People, and is seriously applying it to her personal and professional lives. (Side note: My mother has a certificate for completing the leadership training course in New York and has been harassing me to read the book since college. I can now pretend that I have read it, thanks to this wonderful book!)
Haneberg’s writing style is casual and I adore that she breaks the fourth wall repeatedly. I like how she talks about the local places in a way that assumes you know exactly what and where she is describing. I have yet to Google whether each place is actually real, but what I am most interested in researching before my next trip out to Galveston was piqued by this passage:
“There are dozens of beautiful tree sculptures on Galveston Island carved to look like mermaids, dogs, pelicans, dolphins, angels, and other things. Most were commissioned by wealthier homeowners and nonprofit organizations after Hurricane Ike flooded the island in 2008.”
I wonder how many of these sculptures I have walked by and never noticed. I will definitely stop by the visitor’s bureau to pick up the Tree Sculpture Tour map during my next trip.
In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a big fan of quirky characters - and this book has them by the bushels! Such a colorful (quite literally at times) cast from the spy shop employees and friends to the locals and, of course, the clientele and the suspects. There is also a character from Houston that I became quite fond of and sincerely hope plays a bigger role in upcoming books.
Haneberg does a great job of getting you up to speed if you haven’t read the previous books (I hadn’t) but she definitely dangles some great tidbits that make you want to go back and devour the entire series. The Spy Shop Mystery series is definitely on my TBR list and I will sign up for notifications so that I know when the next book drops!
April 21, 2021
Rating :★★★★★
Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of a finished book from Lone Star Literary Life partner in exchange for my honest review. The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copy used in this review is an advanced reader copy sent to me in exchange for my honest review. #partner #LSBBT
This engaging and interesting spy novel is the third in the Spy Shop Mystery series. Xena is a strong female lead who takes on the task of any case put in front of her. Her diverse background has awarded her a toolbelt of skills. The novel begins with a gripping scene where Xena is attempting to improve her strength with a unique and highly humorous approach. The main character is a semi-famous local in Galveston, Texas. She owns her Spy Shop and also works as a private investigator. Her new case has taken a new meaning to don’t crap on my parade. She will have to work on her people skills to find the culprit behind the island's new infestation all while not losing her wits.
This novel is a quick read that allows for the reader to be engaged in the full storyline. As a now native Houstonian, I greatly enjoyed that I was able to understand some of the street names and roads that were described. This allowed me to better connect with the novel and the characters. As well as paint a better picture of the true setting. However, if you aren’t from Texas, the author uses descriptive text and context clues to allow the reader to paint a picture of the setting. I did enjoy the full Texas influence in this mystery novel. You get a great deal of that Southern humor as well as getting a chance to experience Xena's struggle with improving her southern hospitality skills. Overall, this book is an easy read. It kept me engaged from start to finish and the character and scene transitions were smooth. This allowed me an opportunity to focus on each character and its development. Which in turn, made for a well-rounded novel. I encourage anyone interested in a humorous take on a Texas-sized reptilian mystery that will have you both on the edge of your seat and laughing all in the same moments.
This book is suited for ages middle grade and up and anyone else interested in a thrilling mystery novel. You will enjoy this author's style of writing and her use of humor.
Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of a finished book from Lone Star Literary Life partner in exchange for my honest review. The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copy used in this review is an advanced reader copy sent to me in exchange for my honest review. #partner #LSBBT
This engaging and interesting spy novel is the third in the Spy Shop Mystery series. Xena is a strong female lead who takes on the task of any case put in front of her. Her diverse background has awarded her a toolbelt of skills. The novel begins with a gripping scene where Xena is attempting to improve her strength with a unique and highly humorous approach. The main character is a semi-famous local in Galveston, Texas. She owns her Spy Shop and also works as a private investigator. Her new case has taken a new meaning to don’t crap on my parade. She will have to work on her people skills to find the culprit behind the island's new infestation all while not losing her wits.
This novel is a quick read that allows for the reader to be engaged in the full storyline. As a now native Houstonian, I greatly enjoyed that I was able to understand some of the street names and roads that were described. This allowed me to better connect with the novel and the characters. As well as paint a better picture of the true setting. However, if you aren’t from Texas, the author uses descriptive text and context clues to allow the reader to paint a picture of the setting. I did enjoy the full Texas influence in this mystery novel. You get a great deal of that Southern humor as well as getting a chance to experience Xena's struggle with improving her southern hospitality skills. Overall, this book is an easy read. It kept me engaged from start to finish and the character and scene transitions were smooth. This allowed me an opportunity to focus on each character and its development. Which in turn, made for a well-rounded novel. I encourage anyone interested in a humorous take on a Texas-sized reptilian mystery that will have you both on the edge of your seat and laughing all in the same moments.
This book is suited for ages middle grade and up and anyone else interested in a thrilling mystery novel. You will enjoy this author's style of writing and her use of humor.
April 13, 2021
I was provided with a review copy. All opinions are my own.
Tell me you're a cozy mystery without TELLING me you're a cozy mystery!
You've got
- a MC who owns a spy shop an is a private eye (and has a corporate account with Moon Pie because she eats so many while solving mysteries)
- loads of quirky townspeople/side characters
- a mysterious death that involves a pest control guy named Rodent Roger...green iguanas
Oh, and there's also an outrageous cruise ship with, erm, interesting characters and dining options and room types (including an epic bed in a master suite that causes a volcano in the lobby to erupt when it is..um..rocked enough.
Stiff Lizard has all the earmarks of a great cozy and amps up the fun. This was a fast-paced story that had me laughing out loud. I loved how the MC Xena broke the fourth wall from time to time to answer a question that is probably on the readers mind (and sometimes wasn't but probably should have been). She's a pretty compelling, intimidating main character, and I love the relationship she had with the co-workers in her spy shop.
This book is part of a series, but I really don't think you need to have read the previous books to know what is going on. The author does make references to situations that happened in earlier books (but more of a tease to make you want to read them - they really don't affect the plot. It worked, because now I want more.)
The dialogue is quick and the plot moved quickly - I read this in one snort-filled sitting. The characters are vividly imagined and unique, and she does a great job with descriptions of her Galveston setting.
All in all, this was an easy-t0-read, fun mystery. I'll be back for more.
Tell me you're a cozy mystery without TELLING me you're a cozy mystery!
You've got
- a MC who owns a spy shop an is a private eye (and has a corporate account with Moon Pie because she eats so many while solving mysteries)
- loads of quirky townspeople/side characters
- a mysterious death that involves a pest control guy named Rodent Roger...green iguanas
Oh, and there's also an outrageous cruise ship with, erm, interesting characters and dining options and room types (including an epic bed in a master suite that causes a volcano in the lobby to erupt when it is..um..rocked enough.
Stiff Lizard has all the earmarks of a great cozy and amps up the fun. This was a fast-paced story that had me laughing out loud. I loved how the MC Xena broke the fourth wall from time to time to answer a question that is probably on the readers mind (and sometimes wasn't but probably should have been). She's a pretty compelling, intimidating main character, and I love the relationship she had with the co-workers in her spy shop.
This book is part of a series, but I really don't think you need to have read the previous books to know what is going on. The author does make references to situations that happened in earlier books (but more of a tease to make you want to read them - they really don't affect the plot. It worked, because now I want more.)
The dialogue is quick and the plot moved quickly - I read this in one snort-filled sitting. The characters are vividly imagined and unique, and she does a great job with descriptions of her Galveston setting.
All in all, this was an easy-t0-read, fun mystery. I'll be back for more.
April 18, 2021
A spy shop owner and private investigator? Sign me up because it makes the amateur sleuthing so much more believable!
Multiple mysteries and laugh out loud moments abound in this cozy yet not a cozy series that showcases Galveston Island to a tee! The connection with the story and characters was even more heightened with Xena’s ability to break the fourth wall and bring readers into the conversation. This perspective also allows the truth to unfold right along with the reader, so every twist and turn is shocking for everyone and incredibly difficult to pin down until the final reveal. You know as much as Xena and it was so much fun to feel like you were a part of the story!
This has to be the most eclectic and quirky cast of characters I have ever read! From the names to their individual hobbies as well as the cruise ship and the setting of Galveston itself, it will be hard to find a more unique group of individuals. Plus, I learned so much about iguanas and reptiles in general! More so than I ever could have wanted in fact! This was such a fun twist and completely unexpected.
Overall, this is a fast-paced, edgy, and easy to read mystery that will resonate really well with fans of cozies! While this is technically the third book in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone without the feeling that you are missing anything. I do look forward to reading more as high expectations have been set for sure! I definitely look forward to returning to this series and can’t wait to read more!
Multiple mysteries and laugh out loud moments abound in this cozy yet not a cozy series that showcases Galveston Island to a tee! The connection with the story and characters was even more heightened with Xena’s ability to break the fourth wall and bring readers into the conversation. This perspective also allows the truth to unfold right along with the reader, so every twist and turn is shocking for everyone and incredibly difficult to pin down until the final reveal. You know as much as Xena and it was so much fun to feel like you were a part of the story!
This has to be the most eclectic and quirky cast of characters I have ever read! From the names to their individual hobbies as well as the cruise ship and the setting of Galveston itself, it will be hard to find a more unique group of individuals. Plus, I learned so much about iguanas and reptiles in general! More so than I ever could have wanted in fact! This was such a fun twist and completely unexpected.
Overall, this is a fast-paced, edgy, and easy to read mystery that will resonate really well with fans of cozies! While this is technically the third book in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone without the feeling that you are missing anything. I do look forward to reading more as high expectations have been set for sure! I definitely look forward to returning to this series and can’t wait to read more!
April 9, 2021
In theatre when the player speaks directly to the audience that’s called “breaking the fourth wall.” It’s not done often, but when it happens it can be quite effective, especially in a comedy or melodrama.
Making that kind of direct connection between author and reader is called “author intrusion.” Or “authorial intrusion,” pronounced with an upper-crust British accent would make one glance around to spy King Arthur.
But I digress.
In Stiff Lizard, the narrator, Xena, frequently speaks to the reader, most of the time to clarify a point or give the meaning of a word that might not be familiar to the reader. She also offers a quick aside like when she makes a humorous comment about the name of the captain of the cruise ship who is known as “Ant.” Zena asks the reader if we, too, wouldn’t think that Rodent Roger would also laugh about the name.
I liked Xena and her team, especially Dora who was willing to go the extra mile for her boss, including doing an under-cover gig on the cruise ship to ferret out the gigilo. But then, who wouldn’t want a free cruise? And the gigilo? He was considered quite handsome. An added bonus to the free trip?
The humor was good throughout, although at times I thought it went a bit too far into campy, making it hard for me to take the investigation into what happened to Rodent Roger seriously. I really wanted to know. And I wanted to know the truth about his wife. And I wanted to know about the Lizard Liquidators. And, of course, I wanted to know how and why Galveston Island was being overrun with Iguanas. Big nasty, pooping everywhere, Iguanas.
So I kept reading.
If you like a quick, fun read with an interesting cast of characters, try Stiff Lizard. You won’t be disappointed, and you’ll get a free guide to some of the best places to visit if you take a trip to Galveston Island.
Making that kind of direct connection between author and reader is called “author intrusion.” Or “authorial intrusion,” pronounced with an upper-crust British accent would make one glance around to spy King Arthur.
But I digress.
In Stiff Lizard, the narrator, Xena, frequently speaks to the reader, most of the time to clarify a point or give the meaning of a word that might not be familiar to the reader. She also offers a quick aside like when she makes a humorous comment about the name of the captain of the cruise ship who is known as “Ant.” Zena asks the reader if we, too, wouldn’t think that Rodent Roger would also laugh about the name.
I liked Xena and her team, especially Dora who was willing to go the extra mile for her boss, including doing an under-cover gig on the cruise ship to ferret out the gigilo. But then, who wouldn’t want a free cruise? And the gigilo? He was considered quite handsome. An added bonus to the free trip?
The humor was good throughout, although at times I thought it went a bit too far into campy, making it hard for me to take the investigation into what happened to Rodent Roger seriously. I really wanted to know. And I wanted to know the truth about his wife. And I wanted to know about the Lizard Liquidators. And, of course, I wanted to know how and why Galveston Island was being overrun with Iguanas. Big nasty, pooping everywhere, Iguanas.
So I kept reading.
If you like a quick, fun read with an interesting cast of characters, try Stiff Lizard. You won’t be disappointed, and you’ll get a free guide to some of the best places to visit if you take a trip to Galveston Island.
April 7, 2021
This has got to be my favorite contemporary fiction series...
I laugh out loud every chapter, 'Galveston.com' is now one of my automatic Google shortcuts, every environmental issue reignites my passion for conservation and career ambitions, and I'm rereading How to Win Friends and Influence People. Xena has shown me the way... WWXD? Or WWDCD (What Would Dale Carnegie Do)? I seriously can't wait for books 3-7. Will there be sharks or monkeys from Moody Gardens? Best Featherfest photo competition? A case of commercial overfishing? Or a side-case in New Mexico? What will Xena's next tattoo be? Above all, I can't wait to hear more about the characters. I have [very real] emotional ties to Xena, Agatha, Dora, Sparky, Ethan, Doug, etc. (even if this is a one-sided relationship.) Fingers crossed for a rapid release of the next book!
I laugh out loud every chapter, 'Galveston.com' is now one of my automatic Google shortcuts, every environmental issue reignites my passion for conservation and career ambitions, and I'm rereading How to Win Friends and Influence People. Xena has shown me the way... WWXD? Or WWDCD (What Would Dale Carnegie Do)? I seriously can't wait for books 3-7. Will there be sharks or monkeys from Moody Gardens? Best Featherfest photo competition? A case of commercial overfishing? Or a side-case in New Mexico? What will Xena's next tattoo be? Above all, I can't wait to hear more about the characters. I have [very real] emotional ties to Xena, Agatha, Dora, Sparky, Ethan, Doug, etc. (even if this is a one-sided relationship.) Fingers crossed for a rapid release of the next book!
May 1, 2021
This was so fun. loved the eccentric cast of characters and the hilarious subplots about the cruise line and How to Win Friends. The only book that ever made me curious about iguanas.
December 18, 2021
I was laughing from the first page, when the protagonist is allowing herself to be tased by senior citizens whom she is teaching self defense. I mean, come on, that's just brilliant. Not sure why this says Kindle edition, because I bought a hard copy so that I could support the author. I love this cozy series set in Galveston with a former HR professional-turned-private-investigator lead. This was an excellent installment and I loved the outlandishly wacky cruise ship setting. Can't wait for the next one!
July 9, 2021
Featured on Lone Star Book Blitz. Lone Star Blogger Team average rating: 4.889 stars.
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