Foundation and Temptations

Sunshine Cove Cozy Mystery #6

by Ava Zuma

When did looking good cause so much trouble and a murder?!

Celia loves her job. Seeing people look good after applying her makeup products gives her great satisfaction.

She can't believe her luck when the wife of a famous sports star employs her services for a celebrity event.

However, she's left speechless and confused when this client is found dead at the after party and Celia is identified as the prime suspect.

As she delves deeper into the victim's life, she discovers that there are many people who wanted to take her place as the wife of a celebrity. But who wanted it bad enough to have wanted to kill her?

Celia knows she has to think outside the box and follow her instincts, otherwise she might end up behind bars or worse, teh killer's next victim.

If you want to enjoy a light-hearted read, with an amateur female sleuth and a gripping murder mystery with a touch of romance, then you'll love Celia Dube and all the friendly and not-so-friendly characters in Sunny Cove.

No cliffhanger, swearing or graphic scenes!

154 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2021

Reviews

[Elyse · Rating 3 out of 5]

This audiobook was given to me freely by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Am I sad this is the final book in the Sunshine Cove Cozy Mystery series? Nah. It was a fun series but it didn't need to overstay its welcome. I got the audiobook version for the final book so that was a fun little difference instead of the e-book. It seems very strange for Celia to constantly be the suspect. Like I know they don't know they live in a cozy mystery series but it gets old that Celia is always the prime suspect. She has to be there, it's her series. But whatever. I did feel like this was the weakest of the series and had a hard time paying attention or caring. Maybe e-book is better than audio for this series.

[Michele Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celia Dube is half owner of the Afrostar Nail Parlor in Sunshine Cove. She and her accountant are going over the books for the parlor when Mika Motsepe comes looking for her to hire her as the makeup person for an awards ceremony for her husband Dean, a celebrety rugby player. Celia is finishing up at the nail parlor when she passes out and is sent to the hospital. It's determined that her blood pressure is slightly elevated and she is not getting enough sleep, exercise nor is she eating well. She is ordered to stay away from work for the next week. She decides to accept the job for Mika and goes to their home a few days later to do the makeup for the awards ceremony. While attending the after party, Celia spills a drink on herself and goes to the wash room to clean up. On her return she finds Mika unconscious and dying. She is accused of poisoning Mika and arrested but released on bail. Since the police are not looking too hard at anyone else, she decides to solve the murder herself.

I am voluntarily reviewing this book after receiving it free.

[Sofe · Rating 4 out of 5]

EBook Review: FOUNDATION AND TEMPTATIONS by Ava Zuma

(F) irst...
(O) bjective
(U) nderstanding
(N) utritional
(D) iet...
(A) ttention
(T) o
( I ) ncreasing
(O) verall
(N) eeded

(A) ssistance...
(N) ot
(D) eterrent...

(T) hen
(E) nables
(M) oving
(T) oward
(A) nswering
(T) he
( I ) nvestigation
(O) f
(N) ew
(S) uspects...

FOUNDATION AND TEMPTATIONS, simultaneously handled.
Vital to discover, the murderer.

She's told to, stand back.
But can she, when framed?

In recovery herself, should rest.
But she just, can't ignore.

Has relationship with, a detective.
How will this, affect it?

So many things, going on.
It's hard to, keep up.

Jump on in, read story.
You'll be glad, you did!

****************************************************
I received free, via a free ebook promo
and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
****************************************************

[Rosemary K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celia Dube is a talented make-up artist which is why she's offered a lucrative side job by Mika. Celia has been working nonstop and is exhausted so she doesn't accept immediately. Later she changes her mind. Bad decision! Now she's suspected of murder and is taken into custody. The police have closed the case. They believe Celia is guilty. If she wants to avoid prison, she has to find who murdered Mika and set her up to take the blame. I like her attitude. She's fearless and determined. I knew that she would find the culprit. Her boyfriend, Detective Bill Koloane has her back. He helps as much as he can. He's definitely a keeper. I was glad that Celia had friends to help her unravel the clues. Someone will go to any length to stop our heroine. Who knew that's Sunny Cove was such a happening town.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sixth in the Sunshine Cove Mystery series. The first I have read or listened to.
Celia is in need of some money. She needs to increase her medical insurance after collapsing at work. She has not insured herself as she has her children & mother. She is the primary bread winner in this family.

She decides to accept the job for Mika to do makeup for awards ceremony. She is invited to the after party. While attending the after party, Celia spills a drink on herself and goes to the restroom to clean up. On her return she finds Mika unconscious and dying. She is accused of poisoning Mika and arrested. The police are not looking too hard at anyone else. Celia decides she mus solve the murder herself.

I enjoyed this clean cozy mystery.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixth in the Sunshine Cove Cozy mystery series set in South Africa, Celia Dube finds herself a suspect in a murder again. Celia is hired (and really well paid) to do the makeup for Mika before the award ceremony, where Dean, her husband is being recognized. Once there, she’s enjoying drinks with Mika when a drink is spilled on her dress. On Mika’s advice she heads to the ladies room to ringed it out, and returns to find Mika slumped over on the table dead! And guess who the main suspect is - yep, it’s Celia! So she’s investigating to figure who might want Mika dead. It turn out, there are plenty of suspects. But where to start?

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celia is in need of some money. She needs to up her medical insurance after collapsing at work. Mika and Dean Motsepe hire her to do their make-up for an award show. After the show, Mika and Celia are sitting at a table when a bartender brings them a drink. One spills on Celia, and when she goes to clean up, she comes back to the table and Mika is non- responsive. Later Mika dies and Celia is arrested! Can she prove her innocence? Who is framing her? Then there is her relationship with Bill to consider. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Copy for Review

Celia and the residents of Sunshine Cove are back to entertain you with their wit and penchant for solving crimes set in South Africa. Another murder hits the town as Celia will use her sleuthing skills.

A charming read in this light hearted cozy read that features a beauty consultant who will amuse you as she finds a way to solve cases.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foundation and Temptations is the sixth book in the Sunshine Cove Cozy Mystery series.

I am really enjoying this series. Celia is a wonderful character who is likable and realistic. The story is entertaining and has suspense and twists and turns as she tries to prove her innocence of murder.
I read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book with no obligation.

[Marlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

great audio book.

[Brenda McLauchlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Foundation and Temptations (Sunshine Cove Cozy Mystery Book 6), is a great mystery set in the rich world of the famous. It is well written and includes twists and turns of interest. Keeps you guessing 'till the very end!