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Whit and Whiskers Mystery #2
Something Fishy This Way Comes
Take in the wild beauty of Santa Catalina Island with tour guide and eclectic gift shop owner Whitney Dagner. On the itinerary: dramatic Pacific coastlines, diverse marine life, and murder!
Since returning home from mainland California and finding her groove with the family tourism business, Whitney Dagner's daily routine has become a wonderfully chaotic adventure. She and her nimble kitty, Whiskers, often find themselves at the center of the action on Catalina, from staged treasure hunts to gossipy birdwatchers. But before Whit can get too comfortable in the place where she grew up, a gift shop order leads to a stunning discovery--someone's dead body . . .
One of Whit's best boat tour clients, Leo Franklin was young and newly engaged when he unceremoniously took his own life. Only it doesn't seem like that's what really happened--not after the suspicious activity displayed by his family's old rivals at the scene of his death. As a bitter, generations-long feud between Leo's kin and the local Ahern clan comes to a head, Whit and her police diver not-so-ex-boyfriend must lead a dangerous investigation into years of scandal and bad blood to figure out who's innocent . . . and who's covering a killer's tracks.
Since returning home from mainland California and finding her groove with the family tourism business, Whitney Dagner's daily routine has become a wonderfully chaotic adventure. She and her nimble kitty, Whiskers, often find themselves at the center of the action on Catalina, from staged treasure hunts to gossipy birdwatchers. But before Whit can get too comfortable in the place where she grew up, a gift shop order leads to a stunning discovery--someone's dead body . . .
One of Whit's best boat tour clients, Leo Franklin was young and newly engaged when he unceremoniously took his own life. Only it doesn't seem like that's what really happened--not after the suspicious activity displayed by his family's old rivals at the scene of his death. As a bitter, generations-long feud between Leo's kin and the local Ahern clan comes to a head, Whit and her police diver not-so-ex-boyfriend must lead a dangerous investigation into years of scandal and bad blood to figure out who's innocent . . . and who's covering a killer's tracks.
240 pages, Paperback
Published July 26, 2022
28 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Gabby Allan
3 books127 followersAfter writing plays for her friends to act out as a kid, bad poetry in high school, and her high school Alma Mater song, Gabby Allan finally found her true passion—cozy mysteries. Being able to share her world with readers, one laugh at a time, and touch people’s hearts with her down-to-earth characters makes for the best job ever. This California girl now lives with her husband, daughter, and two insane dogs in Central Pennsylvania where she is hard at work on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
September 22, 2022
I enjoyed the first book in this series and was pleased to find I enjoyed the second book as well. I really like the protagonist and her reluctance to solve the mystery was a fun twist for the genre. I liked the writing, but I did think the story moved a little slowly at times and could have had a bit more action and the ending was a little bit rushed (although I loved how she “solved it”). Whit is focusing on her business, which isn’t doing as great as she hoped, when she happens to stumble on another body. She;’s not interested in solving this mystery until enough people prod her since the victim is involved with a long standing family feud and it looks like the police chief, part of the rival family, will sweep it under the rug as a suicide (despite golf cart tire tracks on the body). I like all of the cast of characters and I especially like that the love interest wasn’t drawn out but also didn’t take over the story. Well written cozy and hope to read more in this series!
December 29, 2022
Review coming soon.
May 29, 2022
Protagonist Whitney Dagner owns Dame of the Sea gift shop on lovely Santa Catalina island in California. She occasionally helps her brother, Nick, give tours in a glass bottom boat. Whit is close to her grandmother, Goldy, who enjoys helping out in the shop. Currently, Goldy’s on a rock painting craze that tourists seem to like. Whit’s best friend, Maribel, mans the front desk at the police station. Whiskers is Whit’s lovable rescue cat.
When rival bird watchers come across a body at the 18th hole, something odd happens. Instead of calling the police, the responding park ranger calls his kinfolks, the Ahern Family, who arrive enmasse. The victim is a member of the Franklin Family who the Aherns have feuded with for years! The Franklin Family asks Whit to look into the suspicious death. The more question she asks; the more threats she receives.
At times, I found the story wordy and wandering, and not enough action. There was plenty of humor, and the main characters are as likeable as they were in book one. I wasn’t totally surprised at the killers identity. The ending was abrupt with a quick wrap-up. I enjoyed book one much more.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
When rival bird watchers come across a body at the 18th hole, something odd happens. Instead of calling the police, the responding park ranger calls his kinfolks, the Ahern Family, who arrive enmasse. The victim is a member of the Franklin Family who the Aherns have feuded with for years! The Franklin Family asks Whit to look into the suspicious death. The more question she asks; the more threats she receives.
At times, I found the story wordy and wandering, and not enough action. There was plenty of humor, and the main characters are as likeable as they were in book one. I wasn’t totally surprised at the killers identity. The ending was abrupt with a quick wrap-up. I enjoyed book one much more.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
September 3, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Whitney Dagner owns the Dame of the Sea gift shop on Santa Catalina Island. Her grandmother Goldy helps out at the shop quite often and even orders merchandise she thinks will sell well. Her latest craze is for painted rocks, some with uplifting messages. They are just flying off the shelves.
Whitney leaves Goldie in charge of the shop while she goes out to bury one of the treasure chests her shop is known for. But when she arrives at her destination she finds two men arguing and a dead body on the ground in front of them. They are trying to assert that the young man took his own life. Whitney is even more confused when she realizes that instead of calling the police they called their family, the Ahern family, who have all started to arrive on the scene.
Whitney knows the deceased, Leo Franklin was a fun guy, newly engaged, and had his whole life ahead of him. There has been a long-time feud between Leo’s family and the Ahern clan, but after all these years would they actually kill someone over the feud? A feud that no one really knows how it started.
With the help of her friend Maribel and her boyfriend Felix, she needs to try to find something that will show he didn’t die by suicide, even if it means uncovering everything about the feuding families.
This story takes place on the idyllic Santa Catalina Island. The author’s descriptions of it really make me want to visit. I would love to see all the sights and enjoy a tour in a glass-bottomed boat.
There is a nice set of core characters, Whitney, Maribel, Goldie, Pops, Nick, Felix, and of course Whiskers. These characters were fleshed out a little more in this second book but there is still much more development needed to really get readers invested in these characters. The relationships do feel genuine. The new characters introduced needed more development as well. Again Goldie was my favorite. I love her confidence and that she goes after whatever she wants. She also mans Dame of the Sea while Whit is chasing down clues.
For me, the story opened with a very slow pace and traveled hither and yon without really getting anywhere. I guess I needed more action mixed in with the humorous passages and Whitney starting her investigation. Whitney always had a lot of irons in the fire but she couldn’t get the clues to fall into place. Then in the last chapters, she had her A-Ha moment the pace picked up with the mystery solved very quickly. The reveal happened in a unique way that was really great.
Something Fishy This Way Comes was a good sequel to Much Ado about Nauticaling. I really enjoy the theme of this series and I am sure the characters will continue to develop as the series continues and Whitney refines her amateur sleuthing techniques. I am curious to see what Ms. Allan has in store next for these characters.
There was a suicide trigger for me in this story but I knew about it beforehand and knew that the character did not take his own life.
Whitney Dagner owns the Dame of the Sea gift shop on Santa Catalina Island. Her grandmother Goldy helps out at the shop quite often and even orders merchandise she thinks will sell well. Her latest craze is for painted rocks, some with uplifting messages. They are just flying off the shelves.
Whitney leaves Goldie in charge of the shop while she goes out to bury one of the treasure chests her shop is known for. But when she arrives at her destination she finds two men arguing and a dead body on the ground in front of them. They are trying to assert that the young man took his own life. Whitney is even more confused when she realizes that instead of calling the police they called their family, the Ahern family, who have all started to arrive on the scene.
Whitney knows the deceased, Leo Franklin was a fun guy, newly engaged, and had his whole life ahead of him. There has been a long-time feud between Leo’s family and the Ahern clan, but after all these years would they actually kill someone over the feud? A feud that no one really knows how it started.
With the help of her friend Maribel and her boyfriend Felix, she needs to try to find something that will show he didn’t die by suicide, even if it means uncovering everything about the feuding families.
This story takes place on the idyllic Santa Catalina Island. The author’s descriptions of it really make me want to visit. I would love to see all the sights and enjoy a tour in a glass-bottomed boat.
There is a nice set of core characters, Whitney, Maribel, Goldie, Pops, Nick, Felix, and of course Whiskers. These characters were fleshed out a little more in this second book but there is still much more development needed to really get readers invested in these characters. The relationships do feel genuine. The new characters introduced needed more development as well. Again Goldie was my favorite. I love her confidence and that she goes after whatever she wants. She also mans Dame of the Sea while Whit is chasing down clues.
For me, the story opened with a very slow pace and traveled hither and yon without really getting anywhere. I guess I needed more action mixed in with the humorous passages and Whitney starting her investigation. Whitney always had a lot of irons in the fire but she couldn’t get the clues to fall into place. Then in the last chapters, she had her A-Ha moment the pace picked up with the mystery solved very quickly. The reveal happened in a unique way that was really great.
Something Fishy This Way Comes was a good sequel to Much Ado about Nauticaling. I really enjoy the theme of this series and I am sure the characters will continue to develop as the series continues and Whitney refines her amateur sleuthing techniques. I am curious to see what Ms. Allan has in store next for these characters.
There was a suicide trigger for me in this story but I knew about it beforehand and knew that the character did not take his own life.
June 29, 2022
Boats and treasures and murder, Oh my! That’s what you’ll get when you read this second book in the Whit and Whiskers mystery series! With a memorable cast of characters, a unique setting, and a cleverly plotted mystery, you won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough to find out whodunnit! I also love the punny titles of the books in this series and I can’t wait to find out what that next one will be!
This author also writes cozy mysteries under the name Misty Simon so do yourself a favor and read those too!
This author also writes cozy mysteries under the name Misty Simon so do yourself a favor and read those too!
July 29, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, Gabby Allan, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2022
Catalina Island is home to its own version of Romeo and Juliet as members of two long-feuding families fall in love and plan to marry. But like the ill-fated Shakespeare characters, Leo and Janina find themselves separated by death.
I saw Gabby Allan at an author event in the fall of 2021 and thought she was great, super friendly and funny. The first Whit and Whiskers mystery I thought was a great reflection of her, fun and funny and engaging. Unfortunately I felt like this book was a bit less polished and I found parts of it difficult to follow. I love the island setting and the main circle of characters is great. Whitney is smart and creative, Goldy is sassy and loving as is Whitney's grandfather. The romance with Felix seems to be heating up a bit, which is going to be interesting to watch.
What I struggled with was the peripheral characters who were part of the feud between the two large island families. There were a lot of characters and because there were so many, they weren't well-developed. While I don't mind that because it did keep the story moving, I found myself many times thinking "who's that again?" I also couldn't keep track of the clues as Whitney was discovering them and didn't feel like her thought process was explained.
Overall, I don't really mind getting a bit lost in the story as long as it moves quickly, keeps me chuckling and gives me something pretty to "look at." Though I preferred the first book to this one, I did enjoy this book and highly recommend this fun series!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
I saw Gabby Allan at an author event in the fall of 2021 and thought she was great, super friendly and funny. The first Whit and Whiskers mystery I thought was a great reflection of her, fun and funny and engaging. Unfortunately I felt like this book was a bit less polished and I found parts of it difficult to follow. I love the island setting and the main circle of characters is great. Whitney is smart and creative, Goldy is sassy and loving as is Whitney's grandfather. The romance with Felix seems to be heating up a bit, which is going to be interesting to watch.
What I struggled with was the peripheral characters who were part of the feud between the two large island families. There were a lot of characters and because there were so many, they weren't well-developed. While I don't mind that because it did keep the story moving, I found myself many times thinking "who's that again?" I also couldn't keep track of the clues as Whitney was discovering them and didn't feel like her thought process was explained.
Overall, I don't really mind getting a bit lost in the story as long as it moves quickly, keeps me chuckling and gives me something pretty to "look at." Though I preferred the first book to this one, I did enjoy this book and highly recommend this fun series!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
July 27, 2022
Whit finds herself in the middle of a modern day "Hatfield and McCoy" family feud, marketing a new product for her shop courtesy of her grandmother Goldy, a relationship with her "ex", keeping a "chonky" Whiskers eating healthy and treasure hunts galore. What she didn't expect was to find a dead body...again.
The mystery, which takes place on Santa Catalina Island, is fast-paced, humorous and filled with twists and turns. The last few pages kept me guessing and I loved the way Whit solved the mystery - it was...nope, no spoilers! A bonus is the lush descriptions of Catalina Island, the beach, tourists and a whole laid back vibe.
Whitney is a favorite cozy character because she's believable. She' s smart, blunt, honest and willing to admit she's not sure about being an amateur sleuth. The author has a way of bringing charming and realistic characters to life...with all their flaws and lovable qualities on display. Of course, no discussion of lovable would be complete without Whiskers, Whit's slightly "chonky" feline friend and fellow sleuth. Every sleuth needs a sidekick!
I'm looking forward to another mystery on Catalina Island with Whit and Whiskers!
I received an ARC from the author and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The mystery, which takes place on Santa Catalina Island, is fast-paced, humorous and filled with twists and turns. The last few pages kept me guessing and I loved the way Whit solved the mystery - it was...nope, no spoilers! A bonus is the lush descriptions of Catalina Island, the beach, tourists and a whole laid back vibe.
Whitney is a favorite cozy character because she's believable. She' s smart, blunt, honest and willing to admit she's not sure about being an amateur sleuth. The author has a way of bringing charming and realistic characters to life...with all their flaws and lovable qualities on display. Of course, no discussion of lovable would be complete without Whiskers, Whit's slightly "chonky" feline friend and fellow sleuth. Every sleuth needs a sidekick!
I'm looking forward to another mystery on Catalina Island with Whit and Whiskers!
I received an ARC from the author and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
July 31, 2022
I had really hoped that some of the issues I had with the first one would have been resolved by the second book but unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case. My absolute biggest pet peeve with cozies (except love triangles) is when the MC doesn't go to work. The premise of the series is based on what the MC does for a living so when they shirk their responsibilities to sleuth and then hem and haw about how their business is going to survive is counterintuitive and irresponsible. Why then, when common sense is not their strong suit, would anyone turn to her to solve the murder? Also, there is so much superfluous writing in this already short book. In several places, the author repeats herself and spells things out when it's unnecessary; it was just mentioned in the last chapter. This book didn't flow well as a result. I will not be continuing with this series.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
March 17, 2022
Whitney and Whiskers make a fun duo in this second book by Gabby Allan.
The story was engaging and I found myself caught up in the story.
Whiskers is my favorite character, he definitely put a smile on my face.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#SomethingFishyThisWayComes #NetGalley
The story was engaging and I found myself caught up in the story.
Whiskers is my favorite character, he definitely put a smile on my face.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#SomethingFishyThisWayComes #NetGalley
September 7, 2022
A great read that will keep you guessing till the very end of the book.
June 7, 2022
Something Fishy This Way Comes is the second book in the Whit and Whiskers cozy mystery series by Gabby Allan.
I absolutely LOVED the first book in the series Much Ado about Nauticaling and was so excited to receive an early copy of this book from the author. Thank you!
I love the setting of Catalina Island as a backdrop. The author creates such a vivid picture in the readers mind and I felt like I was there soaking in the sun, going on an island tour of a glass bottom boat.
Whitney (Whit) is asked to investigate the death of a man by the name of Leo Franklin.
The police are callilng it suicide but the family thinks something nefarious happened.
The "family feud" aspect of this book is fantastic. There is a family feud that Whit didn't know about and no one seems to want to tell her how the feud started.
I love the characters in this book , including Whiskers the cat.
The mystery is complex and well written. There are some red herrings that really kept me guessing until the very end.
I really enjoyed this mystery and can't wait for more books in this series.
I absolutely LOVED the first book in the series Much Ado about Nauticaling and was so excited to receive an early copy of this book from the author. Thank you!
I love the setting of Catalina Island as a backdrop. The author creates such a vivid picture in the readers mind and I felt like I was there soaking in the sun, going on an island tour of a glass bottom boat.
Whitney (Whit) is asked to investigate the death of a man by the name of Leo Franklin.
The police are callilng it suicide but the family thinks something nefarious happened.
The "family feud" aspect of this book is fantastic. There is a family feud that Whit didn't know about and no one seems to want to tell her how the feud started.
I love the characters in this book , including Whiskers the cat.
The mystery is complex and well written. There are some red herrings that really kept me guessing until the very end.
I really enjoyed this mystery and can't wait for more books in this series.
July 23, 2022
I always hate when I give a book less than four stars because I know how much time and energy, along with a bit of the author’s soul, goes into each book. While the elements of what I really enjoyed in the first book in this cozy mystery series, Much Ado About Nauticaling is still there, it felt to me that Gabby Allan isn’t completely sure what direction she wants this series to go in (the main character already has two jobs and is thinking about doing another) and that made the story lag for me.
And then there’s my biggest annoyance when it comes to some Cozies; when there is so much going over the list of suspects and their motives and not nearly enough story. I found myself skimming a lot because the same information was given again and again. Give me more details of the town, the stores, take cruises on the glass bottom boat, describe some of the food or the animals or smells of the seaside. Have the characters get together for other things besides listing the motives, give Goldy and Pops even more page time then they had.
As for the ending, it felt really rushed (and I usually let this pass since a lot of Cozies do this), but it also felt really, really far-fetched, even for fiction. Having two warring families together in one place with barely any conflict. And then once the whodunnit is announced, none of the family reacts violently, and then the book is done.
I’ll try one more in the series since I did enjoy the first one, but with so many great Cozy series out there and not enough time to read every book, sometimes I have to drop series from my to be read pile.
And then there’s my biggest annoyance when it comes to some Cozies; when there is so much going over the list of suspects and their motives and not nearly enough story. I found myself skimming a lot because the same information was given again and again. Give me more details of the town, the stores, take cruises on the glass bottom boat, describe some of the food or the animals or smells of the seaside. Have the characters get together for other things besides listing the motives, give Goldy and Pops even more page time then they had.
As for the ending, it felt really rushed (and I usually let this pass since a lot of Cozies do this), but it also felt really, really far-fetched, even for fiction. Having two warring families together in one place with barely any conflict. And then once the whodunnit is announced, none of the family reacts violently, and then the book is done.
I’ll try one more in the series since I did enjoy the first one, but with so many great Cozy series out there and not enough time to read every book, sometimes I have to drop series from my to be read pile.
August 4, 2022
Whitney Dagner has the life !!! She lives on Santa Catalina Island, has her own cute little gift and souvenir shop, helps with the family boat touring business, has a great roommate anad adorable cat, has a sexy boyfriend, has a brother and grandparents that love her.......readers will want to be her, if only she were real. Unfortunately Whitney is the main character in the Whit and Whiskers Mystery series by Gabby Allan.
The fun, and murder, started with Much Ado About Nauticaling where readers got to know Whitney and her crew along with the going ons around the island. Now Allan introduces her second book in the series, Something Fishy This Way Comes and readers will again be swept away.....
In Something Fishy This Way Comes, Leo Franklin is found on the golf course dead and the Chief of Police is adamant that it was suicide. Leo was in love, about to get married, and was genuinely happy so no one agrees that it was suicide even though they say he left a note. To make matters worse Leo was going to marry Janina who was a member of the Ahern family....the Ahern family and the Franklin family have been feuding for so many years that no one really knows what started the fight in the first place. Whitney is asked by members of the Ahern family to look into Leo's death because they know that suicide was not the cause of death. Whitney is on a very strict deadline because the coroner is away for a few days and when he gets back to the island, he is going to be persuaded by the Chief to rule it a suicide.
Even though Whitney has two in's at the police department with her roommate, Maribel, working the front desk and her boyfriend, Felix, works as a diver for the police, they can't find anything out to help the case. So Whitney does what is asked of her and digs into the dirt on both families to find out what the feud is about and try to solve Leo's case before it is ruled a suicide and it is too late to bring the murderer to justice.
Reader will LOVE this book as well as the first book in this series. Allan will have you wishing everything in the story was real so you could pack a bag and head to the island for some fun in the sun....and try to stay clear of murders and murderers. I truly enjoyed reading Something Fishy This Way Comes, as well as the first book, and did not want to get to the end of the book and have to terminate my time on the island with a great group of people.....but I am excited that I don't have jet lag, suitcases to unpack, dirty laundry to do, cats to get back on their good sides, and mail to go through....and I have my next trip already planned as soon as the next installment of the Whit and Whiskers Mystery series comes out.
The fun, and murder, started with Much Ado About Nauticaling where readers got to know Whitney and her crew along with the going ons around the island. Now Allan introduces her second book in the series, Something Fishy This Way Comes and readers will again be swept away.....
In Something Fishy This Way Comes, Leo Franklin is found on the golf course dead and the Chief of Police is adamant that it was suicide. Leo was in love, about to get married, and was genuinely happy so no one agrees that it was suicide even though they say he left a note. To make matters worse Leo was going to marry Janina who was a member of the Ahern family....the Ahern family and the Franklin family have been feuding for so many years that no one really knows what started the fight in the first place. Whitney is asked by members of the Ahern family to look into Leo's death because they know that suicide was not the cause of death. Whitney is on a very strict deadline because the coroner is away for a few days and when he gets back to the island, he is going to be persuaded by the Chief to rule it a suicide.
Even though Whitney has two in's at the police department with her roommate, Maribel, working the front desk and her boyfriend, Felix, works as a diver for the police, they can't find anything out to help the case. So Whitney does what is asked of her and digs into the dirt on both families to find out what the feud is about and try to solve Leo's case before it is ruled a suicide and it is too late to bring the murderer to justice.
Reader will LOVE this book as well as the first book in this series. Allan will have you wishing everything in the story was real so you could pack a bag and head to the island for some fun in the sun....and try to stay clear of murders and murderers. I truly enjoyed reading Something Fishy This Way Comes, as well as the first book, and did not want to get to the end of the book and have to terminate my time on the island with a great group of people.....but I am excited that I don't have jet lag, suitcases to unpack, dirty laundry to do, cats to get back on their good sides, and mail to go through....and I have my next trip already planned as soon as the next installment of the Whit and Whiskers Mystery series comes out.
August 23, 2022
Something Fishy This Way Comes is the second book in the Whit and Whiskers Mystery series. While I didn’t like it as much as the first, Much Ado About Nauticaling, it still has characters that I became invested in in the first book, and I enjoyed jumping back into their lives on Santa Catalina Island.
Whitney Dagner and her brother run the glass bottomed boat tour company that their grandparents previously ran. Whit also runs a small shop, and it’s her true passion and reason for moving back to Catalina. The way the shop is described makes me want to visit and shop. Whit tries to showcase mainly local artisans and handcrafted items though she also carries some of the items tourists look for while on vacation. I recently visited a shop in St. Augustine that does the same thing, and it was delightful. I bought a little nativity ornament made by a local woman. She finds tiny shells to resemble Mary and Joseph. To represent Jesus in the mangers, she uses an even tinier shell with a tiny pearl bead in it. I like to think that that’s the type of item Whit would carry in her shop. Thankfully, Whit’s grandma, or Goldy as she insists upon being called, is around to help run the store while Whit is running around trying to solve mysteries.
Of course in Something Fishy This Way Comes, Whit finds a body while hiding a treasure chest. People buy maps in Whit’s shop that her grandpa makes, and they lead to the treasure. It’s a fun element that the author used in the first book too. The mystery takes off from there with two longtime feuding families feuding again about whether the victim was killed or committed suicide.
I gave this book 3 stars, but I’m still hoping that the series can be great. The characters are enjoyable, so I am looking forward to seeing character growth in the next book. The island setting is beautiful, and I look forward to reading about Whit’s small island town – the shops, eateries, etc. – in vivid detail. Whiskers doesn’t play as much of a role in this second book, but I’m confident that he will play a bigger role in helping sniff out some clues with Whit. Though it can be read as a stand alone, I recommend reading Much Ado About Nauticaling before Something Fishy This Way Comes. I feel as if I got to know the characters better in that book. If you’re looking for a new cozy mystery series with a beautiful setting, give Whit and Whiskers a try.
Whitney Dagner and her brother run the glass bottomed boat tour company that their grandparents previously ran. Whit also runs a small shop, and it’s her true passion and reason for moving back to Catalina. The way the shop is described makes me want to visit and shop. Whit tries to showcase mainly local artisans and handcrafted items though she also carries some of the items tourists look for while on vacation. I recently visited a shop in St. Augustine that does the same thing, and it was delightful. I bought a little nativity ornament made by a local woman. She finds tiny shells to resemble Mary and Joseph. To represent Jesus in the mangers, she uses an even tinier shell with a tiny pearl bead in it. I like to think that that’s the type of item Whit would carry in her shop. Thankfully, Whit’s grandma, or Goldy as she insists upon being called, is around to help run the store while Whit is running around trying to solve mysteries.
Of course in Something Fishy This Way Comes, Whit finds a body while hiding a treasure chest. People buy maps in Whit’s shop that her grandpa makes, and they lead to the treasure. It’s a fun element that the author used in the first book too. The mystery takes off from there with two longtime feuding families feuding again about whether the victim was killed or committed suicide.
I gave this book 3 stars, but I’m still hoping that the series can be great. The characters are enjoyable, so I am looking forward to seeing character growth in the next book. The island setting is beautiful, and I look forward to reading about Whit’s small island town – the shops, eateries, etc. – in vivid detail. Whiskers doesn’t play as much of a role in this second book, but I’m confident that he will play a bigger role in helping sniff out some clues with Whit. Though it can be read as a stand alone, I recommend reading Much Ado About Nauticaling before Something Fishy This Way Comes. I feel as if I got to know the characters better in that book. If you’re looking for a new cozy mystery series with a beautiful setting, give Whit and Whiskers a try.
July 27, 2022
This is a continuation of Gabby Allan's Whit and Whiskers Mystery series and having read book one (Much Ado about Nauticaling) and also as a lover of cozy mysteries, I jumped at the chance to read Something Fishy This Way Comes.
I got to meet up with Whitney Dagner again, who has returned to Santa Catalina Island, her, hometown, after living in Los Angeles. She is running Nautically Yours, her family's tourism company, alongside her brother Nick. They have a gift shop, Dame of the Sea, as well as a glass-bottomed boat that Whitney pilots. When a boat tour client, Leo Franklin who has recently got engaged to Janina is found dead; did he commit suicide? Whit dons her sleuthing cap when she gets involved at the request of the Franklins. Could the Aherns, a local clan that has feuded with the Franklins, be responsible?.
I really enjoyed this intriguing story and I like Gabby Allan's portrayal of Whit and Goldy, Whit's sassy gran. Whit's cat, Whiskers plays a good part, too. The mystery itself was well done; there was a good stock of suspects and the madcap tale delivers on humour, too. I'm already looking forward to seeing what's in store for Whit in book 3.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I got to meet up with Whitney Dagner again, who has returned to Santa Catalina Island, her, hometown, after living in Los Angeles. She is running Nautically Yours, her family's tourism company, alongside her brother Nick. They have a gift shop, Dame of the Sea, as well as a glass-bottomed boat that Whitney pilots. When a boat tour client, Leo Franklin who has recently got engaged to Janina is found dead; did he commit suicide? Whit dons her sleuthing cap when she gets involved at the request of the Franklins. Could the Aherns, a local clan that has feuded with the Franklins, be responsible?.
I really enjoyed this intriguing story and I like Gabby Allan's portrayal of Whit and Goldy, Whit's sassy gran. Whit's cat, Whiskers plays a good part, too. The mystery itself was well done; there was a good stock of suspects and the madcap tale delivers on humour, too. I'm already looking forward to seeing what's in store for Whit in book 3.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
July 5, 2022
I'm happy to say this second book of the Whit and Whiskers series is another winner. The combination of Whit, her cat Whiskers and the setting of Santa Catalina make for a very enjoyable reading escape. This time there is a death - was it suicide as the police say? Or is Leo's family right to say it was murder. He was young and soon to marry but it may have been a modern day version of Romeo and Juliet. Family feuds can turn deadly and Whit sets out to get answers. Whit has the questions but the people who have the answers are silent which makes catching a killer an uphill battle. Besides helping Leo's family find his killer, Whit runs the family gift shop and helps with the glass bottom boat tours with her brother.
Whit is a great character but her grandmother, Goldy is my favorite. With the lovely island setting and a well crafted mystery plus a cat, this is a cozy mystery series that checks all of the boxes.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Whit is a great character but her grandmother, Goldy is my favorite. With the lovely island setting and a well crafted mystery plus a cat, this is a cozy mystery series that checks all of the boxes.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 12, 2022
When Whitney, who's returned to Catalina Island to run a gift shop, finds the body of an old friend, she is shocked that the police are determined to call it suicide. Then she learns that a long-standing feud between the Franklins, the family to which the dead man belonged, and the Aherns, who run the local police force, still affects the island after 100 years, even though no-one seems to know what started the feud. All her friends are determined that Whit investigates, and she does want to find out the truth, but it's not easy, even with the help of her diver boyfriend, her police dispatcher bestie, her brother, and the difficult grandparents who raised her.
April 10, 2024
I love the whimsical cover! There just isn't enough Whiskers in this, which is what I said about the first one.
August 27, 2022
One of the things I enjoy so much about the Whit & Whiskers Mystery series is how closely the sense of humor mirrors my own. With Whit’s first person narration, we get a front row seat for her dry humor, and I love it. But it’s not just Whit that has a delightful wit (sorry … couldn’t resist … that pun was just begging to be used) – her family does too, and boyfriend Felix fits right in. I find myself chuckling a lot at their conversations and at Whit’s reactions & asides.
Move over, Hatfields & McCoys. The Franklins & Aherns have the floor now. The mystery in Something Fishy This Way Comes is a complex pretzel of a murder case made all the twistier by a feud between two prominent families on Catalina Island and a Romeo-Julietish romance. When a young man from the Franklin clan dies before he can run off & marry a young woman from the Ahern clan, Whit must deal with one side trying to cover up a murder and the other side demanding she investigate. I enjoyed following along as Whit, her police diver boyfriend Felix, and her roommate Maribel (who is the perfect sidekick) wrangle a group of birdwatchers, dodge not-so-cleverly-veiled threats, and stumble onto clues.
My favorite part of this mystery, though, was peeking over Whit’s shoulder as she dug into the archives to see if she could find out once and for all what this doggoned feud was all about. The reason it was my favorite is because, in the process, she unearthed some other interesting tidbits of history that open up some possibilities for future cases (are there secrets behind the other businesses that were housed where Whit’s gift shop is now??) and maybe a job that would give her the personal fulfillment she still hasn’t quite found. I’d love to see Whit a bit more settled and at peace – given the beautiful setting she lives in and the endearing group of family and friends around her, she deserves to be content.
Bottom Line: Something Fishy This Way Comes by Gabby Allan delivered all the things I enjoyed about book one, with some added twists that give this book its own flavor. Dry humor, warm relationships, colorful characters, and a quaint paradise setting draw readers into the story and the well-crafted mystery keeps them turning pages until the end. I’m looking forward to visiting Catalina, Whit, and her enigmatic feline sidekick Whiskers again!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
Reviewer’s Note: Readers may want to be aware that there is scattered usage of mild curse words throughout this book, including a couple instances of a stronger expletive.
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Move over, Hatfields & McCoys. The Franklins & Aherns have the floor now. The mystery in Something Fishy This Way Comes is a complex pretzel of a murder case made all the twistier by a feud between two prominent families on Catalina Island and a Romeo-Julietish romance. When a young man from the Franklin clan dies before he can run off & marry a young woman from the Ahern clan, Whit must deal with one side trying to cover up a murder and the other side demanding she investigate. I enjoyed following along as Whit, her police diver boyfriend Felix, and her roommate Maribel (who is the perfect sidekick) wrangle a group of birdwatchers, dodge not-so-cleverly-veiled threats, and stumble onto clues.
My favorite part of this mystery, though, was peeking over Whit’s shoulder as she dug into the archives to see if she could find out once and for all what this doggoned feud was all about. The reason it was my favorite is because, in the process, she unearthed some other interesting tidbits of history that open up some possibilities for future cases (are there secrets behind the other businesses that were housed where Whit’s gift shop is now??) and maybe a job that would give her the personal fulfillment she still hasn’t quite found. I’d love to see Whit a bit more settled and at peace – given the beautiful setting she lives in and the endearing group of family and friends around her, she deserves to be content.
Bottom Line: Something Fishy This Way Comes by Gabby Allan delivered all the things I enjoyed about book one, with some added twists that give this book its own flavor. Dry humor, warm relationships, colorful characters, and a quaint paradise setting draw readers into the story and the well-crafted mystery keeps them turning pages until the end. I’m looking forward to visiting Catalina, Whit, and her enigmatic feline sidekick Whiskers again!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
Reviewer’s Note: Readers may want to be aware that there is scattered usage of mild curse words throughout this book, including a couple instances of a stronger expletive.
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
November 15, 2022
I read and reviewed the first book in this series before. I thought this was part of another series when I first requested it, but the minute I encountered our leading lady, I realised my mistake. That said, I actually preferred this installment over the first. Hopefully, the trend will keep up!
Whitney Dagner has gained a reputation after the previous adventure as someone who can get to the bottom of things. She runs a gift shop on an island, having come back from the mainland for a quieter life. As such books go, she is not going to get any downtime.
As she is trying to make sense of what her latest customer wants, he gets a call to get to the golf course. Whitney also heads off in that direction in order to place treasure. This last part is what she does as part of her job. She sells custom treasure maps for people, and they are used as gifts.
On the golf course, a young man lies dead. He falls on one side of a family feud that has stretched through generations. This complicates issues because one side wants this labelled a suicide and closed up, while the other obviously wants to get to the truth.
Whitney is approached by multiple people to figure things out. I found the investigation and the interactions quite thorough, but it felt a little rushed. Although there was a timer on the closure of the case, I think this would have benefitted with more time spent with Whitney as she figured things out.
The reveal is believable and toes the boundary between being light and serious, and should satisfy most readers of this genre. The overall writing was smooth and makes for an easy read. I would recommend this series to those who like these kinds of mysteries.
As backstories for the central characters go, the Dagner family are not ordinary. We are provided more background into the missing parents but the family still on the island are highly involved in each other's daily lives. I am still a little uncertain of the role of the cat in this. Whiskers has a prominent position on the cover and the title, but to my recollection, I do not think there was any involvement towards the solution from the cat.
I was not as sure after the first if I would continue with the series, but my reaction to this story makes me look forward to the next.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers. My review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
Whitney Dagner has gained a reputation after the previous adventure as someone who can get to the bottom of things. She runs a gift shop on an island, having come back from the mainland for a quieter life. As such books go, she is not going to get any downtime.
As she is trying to make sense of what her latest customer wants, he gets a call to get to the golf course. Whitney also heads off in that direction in order to place treasure. This last part is what she does as part of her job. She sells custom treasure maps for people, and they are used as gifts.
On the golf course, a young man lies dead. He falls on one side of a family feud that has stretched through generations. This complicates issues because one side wants this labelled a suicide and closed up, while the other obviously wants to get to the truth.
Whitney is approached by multiple people to figure things out. I found the investigation and the interactions quite thorough, but it felt a little rushed. Although there was a timer on the closure of the case, I think this would have benefitted with more time spent with Whitney as she figured things out.
The reveal is believable and toes the boundary between being light and serious, and should satisfy most readers of this genre. The overall writing was smooth and makes for an easy read. I would recommend this series to those who like these kinds of mysteries.
As backstories for the central characters go, the Dagner family are not ordinary. We are provided more background into the missing parents but the family still on the island are highly involved in each other's daily lives. I am still a little uncertain of the role of the cat in this. Whiskers has a prominent position on the cover and the title, but to my recollection, I do not think there was any involvement towards the solution from the cat.
I was not as sure after the first if I would continue with the series, but my reaction to this story makes me look forward to the next.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers. My review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
July 23, 2022
Readers will either be drawn to this title by its cover or they won’t. Cozy lovers will see many elements of what makes these stories so loved. There is the pet, of course and also a pretty cheerful illustration for a story that is about murder and detection.
From the publisher:
In Gabby Allan’s second Santa Catalina Island-set mystery series with a rom-com twist, boat tour guide Whitney Dagner, her chonky cat Whiskers, and Whitney’s not-so-ex police diver boyfriend must lead a dangerous investigation into years of scandal and bad blood…
Take in the wild beauty of Santa Catalina Island with tour guide and eclectic gift shop owner Whitney Dagner. On the itinerary: dramatic Pacific coastlines, diverse marine life, and murder!
Since returning home from mainland California and finding her groove with the family tourism business, Whitney Dagner’s daily routine has become a wonderfully chaotic adventure. She and her nimble kitty, Whiskers, often find themselves at the center of the action on Catalina, from staged treasure hunts to gossipy birdwatchers. But before Whit can get too comfortable in the place where she grew up, a gift shop order leads to a stunning discovery—someone’s dead body . . .
One of Whit’s best boat tour client’s, Leo Franklin was young and newly engaged when he unceremoniously took his own life. Only it doesn’t seem like that’s what really happened—not after the suspicious activity displayed by his family’s old rivals at the scene of his death. As a bitter, generations-long feud between Leo’s kin and the local Ahern clan comes to a head, Whit and her police diver not-so-ex-boyfriend must lead a dangerous investigation into years of scandal and bad blood to figure out who’s innocent . . .and who’s covering a killer’s tracks.
I enjoyed this title. It was fun to spend time with the characters, including a cat. In addition, Catalina makes for a lovely setting.
Those looking for an easy summer read might want to try this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for this title. All opinions are my own.
From the publisher:
In Gabby Allan’s second Santa Catalina Island-set mystery series with a rom-com twist, boat tour guide Whitney Dagner, her chonky cat Whiskers, and Whitney’s not-so-ex police diver boyfriend must lead a dangerous investigation into years of scandal and bad blood…
Take in the wild beauty of Santa Catalina Island with tour guide and eclectic gift shop owner Whitney Dagner. On the itinerary: dramatic Pacific coastlines, diverse marine life, and murder!
Since returning home from mainland California and finding her groove with the family tourism business, Whitney Dagner’s daily routine has become a wonderfully chaotic adventure. She and her nimble kitty, Whiskers, often find themselves at the center of the action on Catalina, from staged treasure hunts to gossipy birdwatchers. But before Whit can get too comfortable in the place where she grew up, a gift shop order leads to a stunning discovery—someone’s dead body . . .
One of Whit’s best boat tour client’s, Leo Franklin was young and newly engaged when he unceremoniously took his own life. Only it doesn’t seem like that’s what really happened—not after the suspicious activity displayed by his family’s old rivals at the scene of his death. As a bitter, generations-long feud between Leo’s kin and the local Ahern clan comes to a head, Whit and her police diver not-so-ex-boyfriend must lead a dangerous investigation into years of scandal and bad blood to figure out who’s innocent . . .and who’s covering a killer’s tracks.
I enjoyed this title. It was fun to spend time with the characters, including a cat. In addition, Catalina makes for a lovely setting.
Those looking for an easy summer read might want to try this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for this title. All opinions are my own.
September 11, 2022
SOMETHING FISHY THIS WAY COMES by Gabby Allan
The Second Whit and Whiskers Mystery
When Whitney Dagner heads over to the golf course to bury one of her shop's special treasures she's not entirely surprised to find two twitchers, AKA birdwatchers, arguing. What is surprising is that they're doing it over a dead body. The body is that of Leo Franklin, a young man who finally got his life turned around and whose family is on one side of a longstanding feud. Before the police arrive a whole contingency of Aherns arrive, the opposing family in the feud, declaring his death a suicide. Whit is doubtful Leo would take his own life and when his family asks her to look into matters, she can't resist, especially since the Chief of police is an Ahern and eager to rule the death a suicide. Whit and her friends will scramble to get to the truth before the coroner calls case closed, or someone closes the case on them!
I find feuds fascinating, especially when current family members have no clue what the feud is actually about. That's the case in SOMETHING FISHY THIS WAY COMES, and Whit believes discovering the root of the feud will lead to the murderer of today. I love the way Whit works with her family and friends to solve a puzzle, as well as live their best lives on Catalina Island. Always there for each other, caring, but poking fun as well, they bring love and community to the pages.
The mystery was complex. How did Leo actually die? Was his death due to the feud? Or was it something more recent? Who wanted him dead and who could have killed him? These questions have Whit and readers alike puzzled. But the murder isn't the only problem Whit has to solve, she also has Goldie's new ideas for the shop. I enjoy the balance between mystery, island drama, and daily living.
SOMETHING FISHY THIS WAY COMES is a fast paced quick read. Charming characters, lots of laughs, and a complex puzzle make this second Whit and Whiskers Mystery a fun and refreshing delight.
The Second Whit and Whiskers Mystery
When Whitney Dagner heads over to the golf course to bury one of her shop's special treasures she's not entirely surprised to find two twitchers, AKA birdwatchers, arguing. What is surprising is that they're doing it over a dead body. The body is that of Leo Franklin, a young man who finally got his life turned around and whose family is on one side of a longstanding feud. Before the police arrive a whole contingency of Aherns arrive, the opposing family in the feud, declaring his death a suicide. Whit is doubtful Leo would take his own life and when his family asks her to look into matters, she can't resist, especially since the Chief of police is an Ahern and eager to rule the death a suicide. Whit and her friends will scramble to get to the truth before the coroner calls case closed, or someone closes the case on them!
I find feuds fascinating, especially when current family members have no clue what the feud is actually about. That's the case in SOMETHING FISHY THIS WAY COMES, and Whit believes discovering the root of the feud will lead to the murderer of today. I love the way Whit works with her family and friends to solve a puzzle, as well as live their best lives on Catalina Island. Always there for each other, caring, but poking fun as well, they bring love and community to the pages.
The mystery was complex. How did Leo actually die? Was his death due to the feud? Or was it something more recent? Who wanted him dead and who could have killed him? These questions have Whit and readers alike puzzled. But the murder isn't the only problem Whit has to solve, she also has Goldie's new ideas for the shop. I enjoy the balance between mystery, island drama, and daily living.
SOMETHING FISHY THIS WAY COMES is a fast paced quick read. Charming characters, lots of laughs, and a complex puzzle make this second Whit and Whiskers Mystery a fun and refreshing delight.
August 25, 2022
Whitney “Whit” Dagner returned to her hometown of Santa Catalina Island and joined the family tour and gift shop business. She’s making a real success of the shop. The one major problem that Whit finds herself having is stumbling upon dead bodies. It happened a few months ago and history is already repeating itself.
One of her client’s, Leo Franklin, is found dead on the golf course and the police immediately decide it’s suicide. Whit isn’t buying it, but she doesn’t really want to get involved. After all, she’s not really an investigator. However, her pushy grandparents, as well as the rest of the town, look to Whit to solve this mystery.
Against her better judgement, Whit investigates with the help of her friends and family. She discovers there’s more here than meets the eye. From family feuds to hidden romances, Whit has her work cut out for her to find a killer. When she starts receiving threats, she fears she might be getting close to the truth.
I loved my second visit to Santa Catalina Island. It was even more fun than my first visit. In this second book in the series, the cast of characters are more defined and entertaining. Whit’s relationships with her friends and family are realistic.
The storyline moved at a fast-pace. The climax was a surprise. I didn’t figure out “whodunit” until Whit did. I stuck by her side the whole time to figure this out. LOL
The mystery is contained in this book, but it’s so much more fun to read book #1 and get to know the characters better. A fun, suspenseful page turner. Yes, there is a cat involved too! I hope a third book will be coming out soon!
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
One of her client’s, Leo Franklin, is found dead on the golf course and the police immediately decide it’s suicide. Whit isn’t buying it, but she doesn’t really want to get involved. After all, she’s not really an investigator. However, her pushy grandparents, as well as the rest of the town, look to Whit to solve this mystery.
Against her better judgement, Whit investigates with the help of her friends and family. She discovers there’s more here than meets the eye. From family feuds to hidden romances, Whit has her work cut out for her to find a killer. When she starts receiving threats, she fears she might be getting close to the truth.
I loved my second visit to Santa Catalina Island. It was even more fun than my first visit. In this second book in the series, the cast of characters are more defined and entertaining. Whit’s relationships with her friends and family are realistic.
The storyline moved at a fast-pace. The climax was a surprise. I didn’t figure out “whodunit” until Whit did. I stuck by her side the whole time to figure this out. LOL
The mystery is contained in this book, but it’s so much more fun to read book #1 and get to know the characters better. A fun, suspenseful page turner. Yes, there is a cat involved too! I hope a third book will be coming out soon!
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 18, 2022
I adored Gabby Allan's Much Ado About Nauticaling so I was excited to get the chance to read her newest book Something Fishy This Way Comes.
The first thing I want to say is that I love her titles and their take on classics, but with that nautical twist. Also, her covers are so appealing with their bright colors that just scream summer, and I will admit, the cover cat Whiskers who I swear could be kin to my Marmalade they look so much alike!
Speaking of Whiskers, I think he or she ( I cannot for the life of me remember if the cat is male or female ) and Whitney make the cutest detective duo, they are both so fun.
Whitney again finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery, this time it involves a feud between two families.
I love the setting on Catalina, Gabby Allan makes it come to life for me and gives it such a cozy feel, and I was glad to be able to pay it another visit. She makes you want to call your travel agent and book you a room ASAP. I suggest you put it on your vacation bucket list because I have been there and loved it!
Allan writes colorful characters that really add to the store, doesn't matter if they are the main or the secondary characters, they are all vibrant and entertaining. In both books, my favorite is Goldie, Whitney's grandmother who adds excellent comedic parts to the story with her quirkiness.
A Little Note to first-time readers, this is the second book in the Whit and Whiskers Mystery Series, but you can totally pick it up today and read it without needing to read Much Ado About Nauticaling....but if you do, be sure to go back and read the first one because if you like Something Fishy This Way Comes you will love Much Ado!
The first thing I want to say is that I love her titles and their take on classics, but with that nautical twist. Also, her covers are so appealing with their bright colors that just scream summer, and I will admit, the cover cat Whiskers who I swear could be kin to my Marmalade they look so much alike!
Speaking of Whiskers, I think he or she ( I cannot for the life of me remember if the cat is male or female ) and Whitney make the cutest detective duo, they are both so fun.
Whitney again finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery, this time it involves a feud between two families.
I love the setting on Catalina, Gabby Allan makes it come to life for me and gives it such a cozy feel, and I was glad to be able to pay it another visit. She makes you want to call your travel agent and book you a room ASAP. I suggest you put it on your vacation bucket list because I have been there and loved it!
Allan writes colorful characters that really add to the store, doesn't matter if they are the main or the secondary characters, they are all vibrant and entertaining. In both books, my favorite is Goldie, Whitney's grandmother who adds excellent comedic parts to the story with her quirkiness.
A Little Note to first-time readers, this is the second book in the Whit and Whiskers Mystery Series, but you can totally pick it up today and read it without needing to read Much Ado About Nauticaling....but if you do, be sure to go back and read the first one because if you like Something Fishy This Way Comes you will love Much Ado!
October 18, 2022
Something Fishy This Way Comes is Gabby Allan's second book in the Whit and Whiskers Mystery series. The protagonist in this series, Whitney Dagner, has returned home to Catalina Island from the mainland, opened a gift shop, and is helping out with her family's boat tours. As part of the gift shop, she sells treasure chests which she then buries for her customers and provides them with a map so the recipient can go on a treasure hunt. While getting ready to bury one of the chests, Whitney comes across a couple of her customers arguing on the golf course while standing over the body of another. Due to a long-standing family feud, a cover-up is attempted by trying to force a ruling of suicide which leads Whitney to investigate not only the current crime but also the origins of the feud.
Within the plot and character development, the author has done a good job of weaving the various aspects and relationships into the fabric of this story. Using the underlying family feud, the author is able to include multiple twists and red herrings that lead to a few surprising revelations as to the ultimate culprit and motive for the murder. The feud also enables the reader to learn more about the history of the characters that make up the cast of this series that could ultimately lead to future installments of this series. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Whitney and the rest of the characters in this series.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Within the plot and character development, the author has done a good job of weaving the various aspects and relationships into the fabric of this story. Using the underlying family feud, the author is able to include multiple twists and red herrings that lead to a few surprising revelations as to the ultimate culprit and motive for the murder. The feud also enables the reader to learn more about the history of the characters that make up the cast of this series that could ultimately lead to future installments of this series. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Whitney and the rest of the characters in this series.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing and am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 22, 2022
It was great to travel to Catalina Island and visit with Whit and all her friends again. I'd enjoyed the first book and was really looking forward to the next one, and it didn't disappoint. I just love Pops and Goldy's characters! Those two crack me up. They're the kind of older couple you just wanna be like when you're their age. Whit and Felix were at a comfortable spot in their relationship. I liked how she was quick to rely on him and didn't always make him feel like she wanted to go sleuthing alone. They did make a good sleuthing team. Goldy came up with a great little moneymaking idea, and Whit had to admit her grandma had what it took to run the front of the shop.
The mystery was very twisty but for some odd reason, I named someone fairly early and they ended up being the perp. It was great how Whit assembled all her suspects for a little dinner cruise on the family boat. Long ago grievances and feud reasons were aired, and those needing punished got their comeuppance.
I hope there'll be more in this series. I'm eager to see Maribel eventually become a police officer since she's studying for that. With one of her roadblocks out of the way, she's sure to succeed!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
The mystery was very twisty but for some odd reason, I named someone fairly early and they ended up being the perp. It was great how Whit assembled all her suspects for a little dinner cruise on the family boat. Long ago grievances and feud reasons were aired, and those needing punished got their comeuppance.
I hope there'll be more in this series. I'm eager to see Maribel eventually become a police officer since she's studying for that. With one of her roadblocks out of the way, she's sure to succeed!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
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August 28, 2022Thank you to Kensington Books for the gifted copy of SOMETHING FISHY THIS WAY COMES! All opinions in this review are my own.
I will be honest, the first thing that drew me to the Whit and Whiskeres series was the puns in the titles! Since then, I have loved reading these summery cozy mysteries!
In SOMETHING FISHY THIS WAY COMES, the sequel to Much Ado About Nauticaling, Whitney Dagner is pulled into yet another murder mystery on Catalina Island. In a Romeo-and-Juliet-like family feud, the body of a local man, who was engaged to a woman from the opposing family, is discovered on the golf course. Whit and her friends must uncover who is behind this terrible crime before the old feud completely consumes both families.
While the first book in the series definitely had more shock value in the discovery of the body, I like the old family feud drama that is at the center of this one. I like that Catalina Island is so small because it means all of the suspects are actual characters in the book. Whit's cast of family and friends is entertaining so that even though they are trying to solve a murder, there are many humorous moments as well. Also, naturally, Whiskers is a large reason for why I enjoy this series so much! Any time the orange cat shows up, I know it's going to be a great scene!
SOMETHING FISHY THIS WAY COMES is available now!
I will be honest, the first thing that drew me to the Whit and Whiskeres series was the puns in the titles! Since then, I have loved reading these summery cozy mysteries!
In SOMETHING FISHY THIS WAY COMES, the sequel to Much Ado About Nauticaling, Whitney Dagner is pulled into yet another murder mystery on Catalina Island. In a Romeo-and-Juliet-like family feud, the body of a local man, who was engaged to a woman from the opposing family, is discovered on the golf course. Whit and her friends must uncover who is behind this terrible crime before the old feud completely consumes both families.
While the first book in the series definitely had more shock value in the discovery of the body, I like the old family feud drama that is at the center of this one. I like that Catalina Island is so small because it means all of the suspects are actual characters in the book. Whit's cast of family and friends is entertaining so that even though they are trying to solve a murder, there are many humorous moments as well. Also, naturally, Whiskers is a large reason for why I enjoy this series so much! Any time the orange cat shows up, I know it's going to be a great scene!
SOMETHING FISHY THIS WAY COMES is available now!
April 25, 2022
Whit is at it again. This time, she’s caught in the middle of a long-standing family feud. And everyone is looking at her to solve the murder. The characters are fun – especially Whit’s grandmother, Goldy. She is definitely not your typical granny. The setting is amazing. It makes you want to go to Santa Catalina island just to see the places talked about (note: not all of them are real, but enough are to make it interesting). I want to ride a golf cart around and walk the streets of this town.
This is the second book in the new series, but you don’t have to read the first one to know who’s who and what’s going on – though I do recommend you do just for the fun of it. The author has a deft hand with humor and mystery and keeps you guessing until the end.
Recommendation: Highly recommended for cozy enthusiasts.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
This is the second book in the new series, but you don’t have to read the first one to know who’s who and what’s going on – though I do recommend you do just for the fun of it. The author has a deft hand with humor and mystery and keeps you guessing until the end.
Recommendation: Highly recommended for cozy enthusiasts.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
April 8, 2022
Book 2 in the Santa Catalina Mystery Series, Something Fishy This Way Comes was a fun cozy mystery.
Since returning home from mainland California and finding her groove with the family tourism business, Whitney Dagner’s daily routine has become a wonderfully chaotic adventure. She and her nimble kitty, Whiskers, often find themselves at the center of the action on Catalina, from staged treasure hunts to gossipy birdwatchers. But before Whit can get too comfortable in the place where she grew up, a gift shop order leads to a stunning discovery—someone’s dead body . . .
One of Whit’s best boat tour client’s, Leo Franklin was young and newly engaged when he unceremoniously took his own life. Only it doesn’t seem like that’s what really happened—not after the suspicious activity displayed by his family’s old rivals at the scene of his death. As a bitter, generations-long feud between Leo’s kin and the local Ahern clan comes to a head, Whit and her police diver not-so-ex-boyfriend must lead a dangerous investigation into years of scandal and bad blood to figure out who’s innocent . . .and who’s covering a killer’s tracks.
Since returning home from mainland California and finding her groove with the family tourism business, Whitney Dagner’s daily routine has become a wonderfully chaotic adventure. She and her nimble kitty, Whiskers, often find themselves at the center of the action on Catalina, from staged treasure hunts to gossipy birdwatchers. But before Whit can get too comfortable in the place where she grew up, a gift shop order leads to a stunning discovery—someone’s dead body . . .
One of Whit’s best boat tour client’s, Leo Franklin was young and newly engaged when he unceremoniously took his own life. Only it doesn’t seem like that’s what really happened—not after the suspicious activity displayed by his family’s old rivals at the scene of his death. As a bitter, generations-long feud between Leo’s kin and the local Ahern clan comes to a head, Whit and her police diver not-so-ex-boyfriend must lead a dangerous investigation into years of scandal and bad blood to figure out who’s innocent . . .and who’s covering a killer’s tracks.
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