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Travel Can Be Murder #1-3
Travel Can Be Murder Cozy Mysteries: Books 1-3
Travel, anyone? Here is your passport to murder – three clean cozy mysteries set in Budapest, Paris, and Amsterdam! Join tour guide Lana Hansen as she leads tourists and readers to fascinating cities around the globe on intriguing adventures that often turn deadly.
Death on the Danube: A New Year’s Murder in Budapest
Who knew a New Year’s trip to Budapest could be so deadly? The tour must go on – even with a killer in their midst! Tour guide Lana Hansen must sleuth out who is killing her clients before she ends up floating in the Danube.
Death by Baguette: A Valentine’s Day Murder in Paris
Paris—the city of love, lights … and murder? Join tour guide Lana Hansen as she escorts five couples on an unforgettable Valentine-themed vacation to France! Unfortunately it will be the last trip for one passenger… Lana must figure out who really killed her client before she has to say bonjour to prison and adieu to her freedom.
Death by Windmill: A Mother’s Day Murder in Amsterdam
A Mother’s Day trip to the Netherlands turns deadly when a guest plummets from a windmill. Was it an accident or a murder? For Lana Hansen, the answer will mean freedom or imprisonment for someone close to her…
Death on the Danube: A New Year’s Murder in Budapest
Who knew a New Year’s trip to Budapest could be so deadly? The tour must go on – even with a killer in their midst! Tour guide Lana Hansen must sleuth out who is killing her clients before she ends up floating in the Danube.
Death by Baguette: A Valentine’s Day Murder in Paris
Paris—the city of love, lights … and murder? Join tour guide Lana Hansen as she escorts five couples on an unforgettable Valentine-themed vacation to France! Unfortunately it will be the last trip for one passenger… Lana must figure out who really killed her client before she has to say bonjour to prison and adieu to her freedom.
Death by Windmill: A Mother’s Day Murder in Amsterdam
A Mother’s Day trip to the Netherlands turns deadly when a guest plummets from a windmill. Was it an accident or a murder? For Lana Hansen, the answer will mean freedom or imprisonment for someone close to her…
488 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2021
819 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer S. Alderson
55 books766 followersHi! I am an American expat currently living in Amsterdam. After traveling extensively around Asia, Oceania, and Central America, I moved to Darwin, Australia, before finally settling in the Netherlands. When not writing, you can find me in a museum, biking around Amsterdam, or enjoying a coffee along the canal while planning my next research trip.
My love of travel, art, and culture inspires my award-winning Zelda Richardson Art Mystery series, Travel Can Be Murder Cozy Mysteries, and Carmen De Luca Art Sleuth Mysteries.
Connect with me here on Goodreads, Facebook, Instagram, or my website.
Thanks for stopping by!
My love of travel, art, and culture inspires my award-winning Zelda Richardson Art Mystery series, Travel Can Be Murder Cozy Mysteries, and Carmen De Luca Art Sleuth Mysteries.
Connect with me here on Goodreads, Facebook, Instagram, or my website.
Thanks for stopping by!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 8, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening
This kindle e-book box set is from my Kindle Unlimited account
I listened to each of these books individually.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of travel family and friends relationships mystery novels. 2024
This kindle e-book box set is from my Kindle Unlimited account
I listened to each of these books individually.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of travel family and friends relationships mystery novels. 2024
Currently reading
June 14, 2021Author discount
March 18, 2022
Good for waiting or killing time.
These 3 stories pretty much repeat themselves, just in different locations. There really are no surprises. I was glad to see it stay G rated, for the most part. That was refreshing.
The back story line and thread throughout the series, on losing her career as a journalist to a liable suit, was just too flimsy. Water tests would have easily backed her report up, whistle blower testimony or not.
Overall the stories were ok. Definitely quick and put-down-able reads, so best for waiting or killing time.
On a different topic;
It really is disheartening to come across so many typos and grammatical errors, especially in digital books. It boggles the mind to see “than” used where a “then” should be and so on. Knowing full well writers have several people to check for those very mistakes, makes you wonder what they did catch.
These 3 stories pretty much repeat themselves, just in different locations. There really are no surprises. I was glad to see it stay G rated, for the most part. That was refreshing.
The back story line and thread throughout the series, on losing her career as a journalist to a liable suit, was just too flimsy. Water tests would have easily backed her report up, whistle blower testimony or not.
Overall the stories were ok. Definitely quick and put-down-able reads, so best for waiting or killing time.
On a different topic;
It really is disheartening to come across so many typos and grammatical errors, especially in digital books. It boggles the mind to see “than” used where a “then” should be and so on. Knowing full well writers have several people to check for those very mistakes, makes you wonder what they did catch.
October 9, 2021
Very predictable
Good descriptions of travel. However central murder plots too obvious. Central character is too much of a cardboard cut out. She is supposed to be an ex investigative reporter but the most obvious signs completely pass her by until the last chapter. Carried on reading just to see it if was as predictable as I thought and I was right about the identity of the killer. It was and I was. I like a book where the central character reacts to situations more realistically and suspects the killer before or at least at the same time as I do not a long way after.
Good descriptions of travel. However central murder plots too obvious. Central character is too much of a cardboard cut out. She is supposed to be an ex investigative reporter but the most obvious signs completely pass her by until the last chapter. Carried on reading just to see it if was as predictable as I thought and I was right about the identity of the killer. It was and I was. I like a book where the central character reacts to situations more realistically and suspects the killer before or at least at the same time as I do not a long way after.
July 12, 2022
Makes me want to travel
Well, on the one hand, it makes me want to travel but on the other, it makes me tired thinking about all that goes into traveling. Getting an opportunity to travel as a tour guide for her landlords travel agency, Lana reluctantly agrees not knowing that a murder will result in her using her investigative skills from her time as a reporter to help solve the crime. First time is in Budapest, then Paris, and finally the Netherlands. The third is more personal as it involves her mother, but at the end of the day, they help her get over being divorced and jobless.
Lots of background on the locations, hence my desire to travel and visit those places. A little romance, although the cheating potential boyfriend in book 2 didn't help with her finding a new love interest. I did like the themes of the trips. Although being a guide to couples and you aren't one is depressing. The mother's day overstated that way too with estrangement from her mom. The first was just depressing as she was hoping to get past her heartache to be working with a heartbreaker who ends up murdered. There is usually a good reason for her getting involved.
Well, on the one hand, it makes me want to travel but on the other, it makes me tired thinking about all that goes into traveling. Getting an opportunity to travel as a tour guide for her landlords travel agency, Lana reluctantly agrees not knowing that a murder will result in her using her investigative skills from her time as a reporter to help solve the crime. First time is in Budapest, then Paris, and finally the Netherlands. The third is more personal as it involves her mother, but at the end of the day, they help her get over being divorced and jobless.
Lots of background on the locations, hence my desire to travel and visit those places. A little romance, although the cheating potential boyfriend in book 2 didn't help with her finding a new love interest. I did like the themes of the trips. Although being a guide to couples and you aren't one is depressing. The mother's day overstated that way too with estrangement from her mom. The first was just depressing as she was hoping to get past her heartache to be working with a heartbreaker who ends up murdered. There is usually a good reason for her getting involved.
May 7, 2023
'Travel can be murder' Cosy Mysteries - books 1-3 were overall a very good read! I loved the inclusion of the various European architect, historic and tourist sites, although I felt that the author was in a US American way very critical of some important, interesting and historic sites and very disparaging!
Her disparaging view of European law enforcement agencies was just plain rude! she was very unwarranted in her comparison of their ability to conduct murder investigations compared to 'Seatle' in the US............as if the US law enforcement agencies had 'better' investigators, very rude and condescending of the author!
Also the over use of the archaic word 'gotten' so inappropriately used and 'reckoned'! Seriously? who uses that word so much?
The use of 'qua' which is not normal usage in the English language was also very disturbing and didn't make any sense.
I have no doubt that US Americans would not find anything to complain about with these grammatically incorrect narratives, and if other English speakers can overlook them they will enjoy the narratives.
Her disparaging view of European law enforcement agencies was just plain rude! she was very unwarranted in her comparison of their ability to conduct murder investigations compared to 'Seatle' in the US............as if the US law enforcement agencies had 'better' investigators, very rude and condescending of the author!
Also the over use of the archaic word 'gotten' so inappropriately used and 'reckoned'! Seriously? who uses that word so much?
The use of 'qua' which is not normal usage in the English language was also very disturbing and didn't make any sense.
I have no doubt that US Americans would not find anything to complain about with these grammatically incorrect narratives, and if other English speakers can overlook them they will enjoy the narratives.
September 24, 2021
Travel, anyone? Here is your passport to murder – three clean cozy mysteries set in Budapest, Paris, and Amsterdam! Join tour guide Lana Hansen as she leads tourists and readers to fascinating cities around the globe on intriguing adventures that often turn deadly.
Death on the Danube: A New Year’s Murder in Budapest; Death by Baguette: A Valentine’s Day Murder in Paris and Death by Windmill: A Mother’s Day Murder in Amsterdam. I loved the quick pace and the short chapters. Plus a cast of very interesting characters, whom you will come to know quite well before the book is done. What a delightful combination, sweets and murder, you won’t expect it coming but they just got to figure it out in a most interesting way what a treat. I highly recommend this sweet set.! I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the book
Death on the Danube: A New Year’s Murder in Budapest; Death by Baguette: A Valentine’s Day Murder in Paris and Death by Windmill: A Mother’s Day Murder in Amsterdam. I loved the quick pace and the short chapters. Plus a cast of very interesting characters, whom you will come to know quite well before the book is done. What a delightful combination, sweets and murder, you won’t expect it coming but they just got to figure it out in a most interesting way what a treat. I highly recommend this sweet set.! I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the book
July 13, 2023
Interesting and fun!
These books are filled with travel info and interesting characters. Each book brings us tourism spots within each different city/ country. Lana, a new tour guide, takes us on a journey which is filled with the wonders of different places, cafes, restaurants and what make each site unique. As it is Lana’a first time I’m
N Budapest, Paris and Amsterdam, we get a perspective of visiting each site from her eyes, as if we are there. I love how we discover the interesting things about each. Of course, there are murders, which I would hope never to experience on a tour. The tours continue as Lana works to solve each mystery. A bit unbelievable, but expected in each book. But, the wonders of the places, the different characters as well as the motives all work to bring us a really good book.
These books are filled with travel info and interesting characters. Each book brings us tourism spots within each different city/ country. Lana, a new tour guide, takes us on a journey which is filled with the wonders of different places, cafes, restaurants and what make each site unique. As it is Lana’a first time I’m
N Budapest, Paris and Amsterdam, we get a perspective of visiting each site from her eyes, as if we are there. I love how we discover the interesting things about each. Of course, there are murders, which I would hope never to experience on a tour. The tours continue as Lana works to solve each mystery. A bit unbelievable, but expected in each book. But, the wonders of the places, the different characters as well as the motives all work to bring us a really good book.
March 23, 2024
These are the ideal sort of cozy mysteries. The victim (at least the main one) is a generally obnoxious person, likely one that deserves some sort of punishment. Because of his/her annoying personality and undesirable actions, there are a wealth of possible suspects. And the main sleuth has problems of her own, enough to make the process of tracking down clues and finding out who-dunnit more challenging.
Alas, as in real life, there's always going to be a bit of collateral damage. Such is the nature of murder mysteries.
As for the writing itself, it's clear and flows smoothly, so makes very pleasant reading. The detailed travelogue descriptions are an added bonus for armchair travelers.
Alas, as in real life, there's always going to be a bit of collateral damage. Such is the nature of murder mysteries.
As for the writing itself, it's clear and flows smoothly, so makes very pleasant reading. The detailed travelogue descriptions are an added bonus for armchair travelers.
October 30, 2021
I'm not surprised at how much I liked these mysteries (the first 3 in the travel can be murder series). Each centered on an international tourist destination with Lana as a tour guide. Paris, Budapest, and Amsterdam were described so enticingly, I was ready make flight reservations. It was fun looking up photos of the various sites (I've been to Paris and was transported back to my tour of Versailles, the Hall of Mirrors, the gardens, Marie Antoinette's home, the sheer magnificence of the whole complex). I'm hoping to visit the other two destinations as well.
The mysteries were great, I'm ready to read more in the series (the next one is set in Edinburgh, one of my favorite cities).
The mysteries were great, I'm ready to read more in the series (the next one is set in Edinburgh, one of my favorite cities).
September 24, 2021
Cozey Travels can be Murder
How is that Ms.Alderson makes work sound 🤔like so much fun I mean hey I want to be a travel blogger and guide ,even solving a mystery or two if I had to. The characters are vibrant, intriguing,the plots satisfying, a mystery to die for. You get brought into the story then you withdraw until you've read each and every page carefully finding a glimpse into who committed that haines deed. Acquire "Travel Can be Murder " today for hours of great entertainment. Kat
How is that Ms.Alderson makes work sound 🤔like so much fun I mean hey I want to be a travel blogger and guide ,even solving a mystery or two if I had to. The characters are vibrant, intriguing,the plots satisfying, a mystery to die for. You get brought into the story then you withdraw until you've read each and every page carefully finding a glimpse into who committed that haines deed. Acquire "Travel Can be Murder " today for hours of great entertainment. Kat
May 15, 2022
Excellent
These books were excellent for what they were light, cozy mysteries and romance. Easy on the mind they kept me entertained while not stressing me with attempts to unravel complicated plots and schemes. The crimes were straight forward and so were the solutions. Meanwhile, the characters were likeable and engaging. I cared about the outcome and how it would affect them. A big plus traveling too different countries and touring them. I would definitely recommend for good light reading.
These books were excellent for what they were light, cozy mysteries and romance. Easy on the mind they kept me entertained while not stressing me with attempts to unravel complicated plots and schemes. The crimes were straight forward and so were the solutions. Meanwhile, the characters were likeable and engaging. I cared about the outcome and how it would affect them. A big plus traveling too different countries and touring them. I would definitely recommend for good light reading.
August 11, 2023
Travel Mysteries
These are cute little books in the category of cozy mysteries. Each book is a separate holiday/tourist location and contain actual tourist destinations you would encounter in each locale. You get introduced to several reoccurring characters in book one. Book one for me was just too short and felt pushed for a hurried ending. Each book gets better from there at least giving more time to detail, character development and plot. All in all a cute little set for this type book.
These are cute little books in the category of cozy mysteries. Each book is a separate holiday/tourist location and contain actual tourist destinations you would encounter in each locale. You get introduced to several reoccurring characters in book one. Book one for me was just too short and felt pushed for a hurried ending. Each book gets better from there at least giving more time to detail, character development and plot. All in all a cute little set for this type book.
October 25, 2021
It was a four star review before book three
I enjoyed the first two books of this series but found book three unbelievable. That Lana, a tour guide and main character, tried to strangle one of the guests on her tour (whatever the reason) , and was allowed to continue in her position in spite of the tour agency owner being present, was just beyond belief. I have no interest in reading any other book in this series.
I enjoyed the first two books of this series but found book three unbelievable. That Lana, a tour guide and main character, tried to strangle one of the guests on her tour (whatever the reason) , and was allowed to continue in her position in spite of the tour agency owner being present, was just beyond belief. I have no interest in reading any other book in this series.
July 31, 2022
What A Fun Traveling Mystery Series
This series follows Lana who is helping her good friend by working as a travel guide. We went to Paris and Holland and the descriptions of the cities was fantastic. I felt I was there on the tours. But of course there was a mystery to solve. What really amazed me in the first three books is how the story was consistently interwoven between the three books. I did enjoy that.
This series follows Lana who is helping her good friend by working as a travel guide. We went to Paris and Holland and the descriptions of the cities was fantastic. I felt I was there on the tours. But of course there was a mystery to solve. What really amazed me in the first three books is how the story was consistently interwoven between the three books. I did enjoy that.
May 28, 2023
A fun boxed set of clean cozy mysteries that allow you to travel to Budapest, Hungary for New Year's, Paris on Valentine's Day, & a Mother's Day trip to Amsterdam. Jennifer S. Alderson, herself an experienced traveler, writes of real places, so you get to be an international traveler without leaving your favorite reading spot. Make sure you have internet access while reading - you're gonna want to google the stops on the tour.
Lana is a disgraced investigative reporter who now works as a tour guide for her landlady's company, Wanderlust Tours. Unfortunately, these tours have a bit of a body count. Fortunately, Lana uses her investigative reporter skills to suss out the culprits.
The reader can solve the murders before Lana can, & I'd like for Lana to be a bit more pushy & nosy in her investigations, but the books are still enjoyable.
Lana is a disgraced investigative reporter who now works as a tour guide for her landlady's company, Wanderlust Tours. Unfortunately, these tours have a bit of a body count. Fortunately, Lana uses her investigative reporter skills to suss out the culprits.
The reader can solve the murders before Lana can, & I'd like for Lana to be a bit more pushy & nosy in her investigations, but the books are still enjoyable.
September 30, 2025
Wonderful varied travel stories that are interesting and detailed, twisty and have fabulous quirky and unique characters. The sights and events are descriptive which is great for non travellers to get a feel of what the characters are seeing. I picked this box set up as a freebie offer and it's my first by this author, I definitely hope sometime I will get to read the rest of at least this series.
October 2, 2021
Entertaining stories
I enjoyed reading about Lana and her adventures as a tour guide. Lana was a lovable character, as was her boss, Dotty and her other friends. The characters were crafted so well that they became real people, who's lives mattered to me. I liked the descriptions of the countries that Lana traveled through because they piqued my interest in them.
I enjoyed reading about Lana and her adventures as a tour guide. Lana was a lovable character, as was her boss, Dotty and her other friends. The characters were crafted so well that they became real people, who's lives mattered to me. I liked the descriptions of the countries that Lana traveled through because they piqued my interest in them.
October 4, 2021
Fast-paced and Entertaining
It is delightful to read of all the interesting places that the characters in these stories visit. Lana is a good sleuth and tour guide. Just hoping because tourists keep getting murdered on the tours, people will not stop booking with her company! Will definitely read further editions.
It is delightful to read of all the interesting places that the characters in these stories visit. Lana is a good sleuth and tour guide. Just hoping because tourists keep getting murdered on the tours, people will not stop booking with her company! Will definitely read further editions.
October 8, 2021
Makes me want to travel by wanderlust tours
A unique cozy mystery. The story makes me feel like I am on a European trip/vacation with out all of the jet lag and expenses. If, I had the money and opportunities I want to go on a tour with both Lana and Randy being the tour guides. Looking forward to more entertaining tours.
A unique cozy mystery. The story makes me feel like I am on a European trip/vacation with out all of the jet lag and expenses. If, I had the money and opportunities I want to go on a tour with both Lana and Randy being the tour guides. Looking forward to more entertaining tours.
November 12, 2021
Very interesting!
I enjoy when the main character in a murder mystery acts like a normal person would in the situations encountered. In The first two books the victim and murderer were obvious to me. The third was less obvious but still predictable. I enjoyed the theme countries and background stories. The travelogue was an interesting side to the story.
I enjoy when the main character in a murder mystery acts like a normal person would in the situations encountered. In The first two books the victim and murderer were obvious to me. The third was less obvious but still predictable. I enjoyed the theme countries and background stories. The travelogue was an interesting side to the story.
November 21, 2021
Three great stories
I really enjoyed these three books beginning the"Travel Can Be Murder" series.
Mysteries are my favourite genre of books to read. I was especially impressed that the author kept the suspense right up to the end of each book.
Yay for author Jennifer Alderson!
I really enjoyed these three books beginning the"Travel Can Be Murder" series.
Mysteries are my favourite genre of books to read. I was especially impressed that the author kept the suspense right up to the end of each book.
Yay for author Jennifer Alderson!
Read
December 3, 2021Great Cozies Wrapped Around Travel Tours
Lana has had one career that when down the chute. A marriage that dissolved through no fault of her own.Today the travel industry has opened up for her. She was investigative journalist. Now I know your thinking what does one have to do with the other. Lana makes it work for her
Lana has had one career that when down the chute. A marriage that dissolved through no fault of her own.Today the travel industry has opened up for her. She was investigative journalist. Now I know your thinking what does one have to do with the other. Lana makes it work for her
January 22, 2022
A trilogy of mayhem, murder and a quick geography on parts of Europe.
A novice tour guide sets off with a group to Budapest. As much goes wrong, she plays the part of a detective to assist in the case. Book two goes to France. More excitement ensues. More murders. This next one takes place in the Netherlands with windmills and lots of tulips. Much to do and more murder.
A novice tour guide sets off with a group to Budapest. As much goes wrong, she plays the part of a detective to assist in the case. Book two goes to France. More excitement ensues. More murders. This next one takes place in the Netherlands with windmills and lots of tulips. Much to do and more murder.
March 21, 2022
Another great read
I really enjoyed reading the 3 book set, the way each book was slightly tied to the one before was interesting to me. I liked reading about all the sites and places Lana was able to visit, and trying to solve each murder with a lot of suspects made the books even better.
I really enjoyed reading the 3 book set, the way each book was slightly tied to the one before was interesting to me. I liked reading about all the sites and places Lana was able to visit, and trying to solve each murder with a lot of suspects made the books even better.
July 31, 2023
Good premise
Travel is fun, being a tour guide isn’t easy, but the perks are great. Book 3 wasn’t as mysterious as the first two in the series, the killer was easily detected early on and Lana seemed to have put on blinders for the whole story. And the sudden love interest was just too corny.
Travel is fun, being a tour guide isn’t easy, but the perks are great. Book 3 wasn’t as mysterious as the first two in the series, the killer was easily detected early on and Lana seemed to have put on blinders for the whole story. And the sudden love interest was just too corny.
January 4, 2024
The storylines were fine although I guessed who the murderer was very early on in book 3.
My reasons for giving only 3 stars are the errors in the books. Proper proof reading is needed. The worst example is in book 3. Lana and Randy were alone on the 3rd boat. Yet suddenly Lana was on the 1st boat talking to the murder suspects. I found that very annoying.
My reasons for giving only 3 stars are the errors in the books. Proper proof reading is needed. The worst example is in book 3. Lana and Randy were alone on the 3rd boat. Yet suddenly Lana was on the 1st boat talking to the murder suspects. I found that very annoying.
January 5, 2024
Travel Can Be Murder Cozy Mysteries:Books 1-3 by Jennifer S. Alderson.
Very great books of travel to different countries with accurate description of the countries and Cities. Great suspense and difficult to put the books down, I enjoyed the story’s very much and would recommend reading them.
Very great books of travel to different countries with accurate description of the countries and Cities. Great suspense and difficult to put the books down, I enjoyed the story’s very much and would recommend reading them.
February 11, 2024
Cozy Mysteries
I enjoyed all three stories in this collection. I did figure out a key piece of evidence in the last book very early and wondered why the author didn't tell it until closer to the end. The writing style was one that drew me in and let me travel to the destinations from my armchair, which was cost efficient. Look forward to reading more by this author.
I enjoyed all three stories in this collection. I did figure out a key piece of evidence in the last book very early and wondered why the author didn't tell it until closer to the end. The writing style was one that drew me in and let me travel to the destinations from my armchair, which was cost efficient. Look forward to reading more by this author.
August 5, 2024
Well-written cozies
Travel Can Be Murder Boos 1-3 are my first experience with the author, Jennifer S. Alderson. The cozy mysteries kept my interest with believable and familiar-feeling characters. I'm anxious to see where Lana goes next and what happens to engage her investigation.
Travel Can Be Murder Boos 1-3 are my first experience with the author, Jennifer S. Alderson. The cozy mysteries kept my interest with believable and familiar-feeling characters. I'm anxious to see where Lana goes next and what happens to engage her investigation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews