On the Wings of Murder

Florida Keys Bed & Breakfast Cozy Mystery #3

by Danielle Collins

Photographing wildlife can be a fun and exciting hobby. Photographing a dead body, on the other hand . . .

Eva Stewart has taken up a new hobby: photography. What better place to take pictures than the Great White Heron Refuge? While capturing the local wildlife on film, she stumbles across a dead body. Of course, the murder mystery book club jumps on the case. Can Eva and the book club find another killer or have they finally gotten in over their heads?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Cozy, Fiction

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2021

Reviews

[William]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

Eva Stewart and Vicky go on a day trip to bird sanctuary on a local island. They are enjoying the day and tour when there is a murder. Why? Who did it? Detective Jerome Makos and ME Vicky investigate the crime scene. Eva points out something to Det Makos which turns out to be a camera 📷 strap. The Book Club at the next meeting talk about the investigation. They are given assignments and at the meeting they discuss the assignments which Eva gives to Makos. It all comes together with their combined investigation leading to the arrest of the killer and others. I would highly recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡🏡

[Tiffany E-P]

Audio book while cross stitching. Didn’t realize I was starting a series at book #3 but it didn’t give away earlier plots so I can go back and catch up. Cozy murder in the Keys and it was light and enjoyable. Ava’s possible romantic interests are intriguing. I like that she solved the murder using tools available to anyone and a little bit of logic.

[Barb]

Many of the reviews here on GR complained about the typos and misspellings in the book (ironic that many of those same reviews contained typos themselves), but I listened to the audiobook, so they weren't able to influence my opinion of the story.

I like Ava and her friends, and I like that the budding romance is blossoming slowly, rather than the insta-love that shows up in so very many books. I'm in a mystery-only book group and we frequently try to work out the culprit and motive, but I don't think any of us would try to solve an actual murder! I especially like the parrot, Poirot, although he doesn't play much of a role in this story.

Because the book was so short, there wasn't much time to investigate the death, so everything seemed a bit rushed, but I don't think any steps were skipped along the way. There was some crucial information that wasn't mentioned until the very end of the book, during the Poirot-like explanation of the crime, and that didn't seem quite fair to the reader. That said, I suspected that character relatively early on, although I had not figured out the exact motive.

I haven't read anything about the next book in the series, but since the series is set in Key West, I'm guessing the Hemingway mentioned in the title refers to the author, and am intrigued to see how everything ties in with Ava and her book group.

[Elizabeth]

A cute mystery. Too bad I can't figure it out alongside Eva Stewart. All the main clues are revealed right when the culprit is caught and figured out.

But I do love the small town romance between Eva and Jerome - it is very fluffy - and the way they work together realistically. Most books, they would collaborate seamlessly without fault but in this, Danielle wrote the coworker-slash-partner dynamic so well!

Then the Murder Mystery Book Club where every single member is unique in their own way.
(My favorite, out of the club, is Vicky. Such a queen.)

[Sarah Kruszka]

3.5, Not my favorite in the series. I still love the setting of being taken to Key West and the cozy B&B. I continue to enjoy the character build for each main person. It’s fun watching the relationships grow and see a little romance.

[Karin]

Who killed Beth Swanson and why??? Who or what was she taking pictures of??? I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.

[Oleander]

This third book explores Eva's developing life in the Keyes. Her friendships are growing stronger, as are her feelings for Jerome. She seems terribly naive about the way male and female relationships work though. What does it mean when a man wants you to have coffee with him and go out to dinner. He's just being a friend right? The murder mystery was very weak. This installment was just not as good as the first two books in the series.

[Cheryl A. Flagg]

The solution seems to be too neatly and quickly wrapped up. It is not believable that a competent detective and police force couldn't have solved the crime. I found several typos (ex:. Extension should have been extinction) and a number of punctuation errors. A good proofreader would have caught these. I like the characters bur I feel this was a quickly written book.

[frank kirst]

Proof reader !!!

This book could really use a proof reader, many sentences used the incorrect word or the sentence was constructed in a way that made little sense. The story was VERY superficial and at times really unbelievable ! Would not read later books.

[Alicia Mickey]

I enjoyed the story very much, but the amount of typos is disturbing- misspellings and the wrong words in some places. I've started the next book and have noticed a few typos already.

[Short, Sweet and Cozy]

Book 3 in the awesome Florida Keys B&B Cozy Mystery series!

The Florida Keys B&B Cozy Mystery series by Danielle Collins is one of my new favorites! It has everything I love about cozy mysteries- likable and interesting characters, friendship, possible romance, humor, and an intriguing mystery. Eva Stewart owns the Key's B&B in Key West, FL. Her new hobby is photography. Eva is also part of a mystery book club. The members are wonderful and add humor and friendship to the story.. Eva and her best friend, Vicky, visit a wildlife refuge so they can view birds and wildlife and Eva can practice taking pictures. Unfortunately they also find a dead body. Vicky is the Medical Examiner so she often helps solve cases along with the book club members. Detective Jerome Makos is the Detective on the case and he and Eva are slowly becoming friends. Of course he lets her help occasionally and she keeps him informed of what she finds out. Not realistic but it helps keep the story flowing smoothly. The other curious thing to me is that Eva uses Uber or calls a cab and doesn't have her own car? In Key West? The characters and their friendships are what makes this cozy so enjoyable! They have common sense and intelligence which makes this series even more enjoyable. I can't wait for the next book!

[Valorie Hunter]

Great book!!!!

I love this series!!!!
Eva is wanting some down time in between the B&B guests, plus helping Elijah with his first total art exhibition of all his art.
So Geraldine arranged a day trip to the Great White Heron Wildlife Refuge, so she can get great pictures of birds and landscape on Johnston Key.
Well, it starts out great and as the go down a trail towards the water they discover a disturbing sight. That involves detective Makos and it gets ugly as the investigation progresses.
Eva and her murder mystery book club start their investigation.
Then in the middle Eva helps Elijah places his art.
Now something pops up from her past.
Now you have to get and read this book!!!!

[Grace]

Audiobook while playing game. I feel the ending is a bit abrupt. what happened to the goon? usually goons don't stop what they do unless the higher up direct them to and in this case I am sure those goons' boss aren't the dirty ranger. He only allow them to do what they want in the sanctuary.

Then the hint about the emails as the cliffhanger....what has happened in her previous life? Its not as engaging as some of the mysteries I have read. Also, I think she really need to let the builder know that she isn't interest and get him understand they are just friends. He is kissing her hand on their coffee meeting while he need to find out what she really like to do and don't like to do. He isn't picking up the hints she gave him, seems very obtuse to me.

[Kathleen]

This is the third book in the series. Eva Stewart and Vicky, the medical examiner, visit the Great White Heron Wildlife Refuge, so Eva can practice her photography. While there Beth Swanson dies on the trail. What was she taking photos of and why was she murdered?

I found this well-plotted and character development is occurring. Detective Jerome Makos is assisted by Eva with her keen perceptions and observations. It was a shame whom the killer turned out to be but it happens.

I listened to this book from Hoopla through my library. I actually rate this 3.5 but there are no half points in this rating system. Fast paced read, I enjoyed it.

[Scott]

This is the third book in the Florida Keys Bed & Breakfast Cozy Mystery series.
We're back in the Keys and Eva has taken up photography as a new hobby and while snapping pictures at a local wildlife refuge she finds a dead body. Can Eva and her murder mystery book club find the killer?

These books are short (around 200 pages) and they are always more about the characters, yes there's a murder and a killer and clues but for a mystery book, that is secondary to character development and interactions (which I'm fine with since I'm a character-first reader). Really enjoyed this and it was a great palette cleanser.

[Sue Ellen]

I kind of had trouble keeping track of this one. Maybe it was because I didn't really find the mystery interesting.There was really nothing connecting the reader to the murdered character—nothing connecting the main character to the murdered character. In the end, I just felt totally disconnected. I didn't care if the murder was solved or not.

There were also quite a few typos and word omissions, some of them leaving me confused because I was having trouble figuring out what the writer meant to say.

[Kav]

I love Eva and her murder mystery book club posse -- they make a great eclectic investigative team and I like the way they play nice (more or less) with the police. Collins captures the Keys vibe to cozy perfection. Plus there's the hint of romance in the air and I hope it turns out the way I want it to. There's also a bit of a cliffhanger regarding Eva's past that I'm anxious to figure out. Will be diving into the fourth book very soon.

[Teresa]

I’m enjoying the heck out of this series! As I wrote in a previous review, this series is just what I needed-the right summer cozy audiobook at the right time! Key West, book club, good friends, mature, self assured main character, potential for romance, fun, entertaining, solid mystery. Narrator boosted it to 5 stars for me-talented and a good match for the story. I will definitely listen to the remainder of the series. Highly recommend the audio version.

[Mary]

I keep reading the great ones!

This was another good bang series mystery. I have read four now and enjoy each one .

This one found us on another Key I Key West Florida. The murder took place on a reserve for birds. The killer was some one I authority and should have known better.

These books are d and Breakfast .

[Vanessa]

Another quick cozy mystery… same characters in the other books. Enjoying getting to know them more.. each book I read. This was another with Eva the sleuth and her mystery book club participants and they come together to solve a death that they encounter. Won’t give away the story. Just enjoy the sweet little book.. off to read the 4th..
Happy Reading 📖

[Connie]

This was so good!

I really enjoy the setting, characters, & story…though I did figure out the killer later in the book (just a hunch). I really like the interaction between the characters! Plus I love that the author gives a hint about the next book in the series…I’ll be reading it next!

[marcia mccoy]

Fun and interesting read

I enjoy the main characters and their interactions. Of course, since this is a cozy mystery, there had to be a hunky detective who is interested, or is he, in the owner of the B and B. The mystery was intriguing and the thought processes in the solving was interesting.

[Ann Caroprese]

This is the third book I have read by this author I just discovered. I love the Key West setting and the author's ability to paint a picture with words. I also like the characters. However by the third book its jut too predictable. I will probably read the other two in the series but maybe take a break for a while!

[Shelbylynne]

Another good, cozy mystery

I am still enjoying this series. The characters are engaging and fun. The only thing that I feel lacking is that we only get vague references to the character's pasts, but we never really seem to get any more information.

Looking forward to what the next book brings.

[Diana Crook]

Enjoyable

Wow!! I really like Daniel's writing style. It all flows so well together. Keeps you wondering what comes next. Keeps you interested but not overwhelming. Lots of clues, so you can put it all together. I love, love Danielle's books! They keep you guessing. I enjoy the bickering between friends. Maybe a few kisses! Keep your books coming!

[Carol L. Caldwell]

Interesting Plot

This book has an interesting plot, and pretty straightforward. The characters are companionable and like those who escape to Key West to get away from the "real" world.
The part I have trouble with is that many sentences read like they are badly written by AI. Double words, wrong tenses, awkward wording break up the flow. It reads like it wasn't edited.

[Emily Nagy]

A very cozy read for sure! Easy and enjoyable. As I read the series, the become redundant. Jerome and Eva still are undecided. Eva has a knack for seeing a murder or a victim. The MMBC does some sluething but we don’t hear many details. Then it rushes at the end and is solved.

But again, still enjoyable. Great for a beginner to murder mysteries.

[Carole Craddock]

Wonderful series! The characters and their relationships are coming along nicely, and this has become one of the series I am enjoying the most! I am anxious to see how Eva and Jerome's friendship evolves!

[Jennifer Cagle]

Interesting mystery

Eva and Vicki find a dead body while visiting a nature preserve. Its an exciting adventure as they put the pieces together to solve the murder. Eva and Jerome grow a little closer in their friendship.

[John Colone]

Love the Florida Keys Books

Enjoyed this series set in Key West. We live in Florida and visit the Keys when we can. The settings are great and I am hooked on cast of characters and the developing relationships. Looking forward to the next in this series.