Hot Toddie Homicide

by Constance Barker

When a client at Fang's gym collapses after a vigorous work out in the ring, does that spell natural causes or something more sinister? The deceased isn't quite sure and decides it's time to investigate, via Zeus. Wanda is none too pleased since this victim is a bit of a curmudgeon. But if there is a killer on the loose, better to know and stop them before any body else becomes a victim.Can Wanda find out the truth so Zeus will be rid of the burp inducing grump? And will Fang be able to gain back his reputation as a gym to gain and maintain your health and not as a way to death's door?

143 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 4, 2022

About the author

Constance Barker lives in the Midwest with her husband and two Akitas where she can look out from her screened porch onto a wooded area brimming with activity. Since she was a young girl she read mysteries, often given to her by her grandmother. She loved figuring out who the culprit was and sometimes she was right and other times startled at who the author picked as the assailant. Now she enjoys writing mysteries herself. When she isn't writing stories, she can be found in her favorite vacation spot, Las Vegas or shopping for bargains.

Reviews

[Wannee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder or Not Murder - Another Wonderful Fun Read!!!

Hot Toddie Homicide is the third book in Mystic Bar Mysteries Series.

Wanda Sperling inherits a bar in the small town of Port Jennings in Maine from her Aunt Ashley. When an unlikable man dies during Fight Night in a boxing match and his ghost possessed Zeus, Wanda's side kick paranormal talking kitty, to find the truth if he was killed. To get rid of his unpleasant ghost from Zeus and return Zeus to normal, Wanda need to work fast to investigate and solve the murder and find the killer. Someone is looking for No-Name’s mother, what will happen to No-Name???

I really enjoyed this book. The story line is very original and unique, it's a page turning fun cozy mystery full of mystery, action, twist & turn, and humor with delightful characters, it keeps me entertained as I try to figure out the mystery and murder. I really enjoy it and I highly recommend this book to any cozy mystery fans. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, wondering what story line will Constance come up with ^-^

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a client of Fang's gym appears to be stricken with a heart attack during a fight night sparring, murder isn't on the horizon. But between Wanda, Fang, and Zeus, it becomes apparent to them that there is foul play. When Tweetie's date Detective Tim calls his boss (Chief of Police), Murder has entered the ring.
Zeus is overtaken by the deceased (an unpleasant man named Victor) and Wanda can't work hard or fast enough to solve the crime and evict Victor from poor Zeus's head!
Once again I am amazed at the skillful detective work done by Wanda and others. Combined with a little luck of being in the right place at the right time, some quick thinking has Wanda saving other lives. I like the Chief's willingness to let Wanda work the case on her own, yet the Chief runs a proper investigation as well.
Fun characters, continuing story of baby "no name" and her missing mother, and the regular bar patrons combine to keep the reader guessing what will happen next.
Another enjoyable episode in this terrific series!

[Mike Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

entertaining paranormal/psychic cozy mystery series

A great paranormal/psychic cozy mystery series. If I’m cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. A young woman inherits a bar from her gra ant. A small New England pound that has a small port and fishing industry. Wanda once she moved to town and started running the bar soon realize that she had a psychic connection with a cat. Zeus the cat was her great aunts cat. Her great aunt also had psychic abilities and helped the police solve murders and crimes in their little town. The longer want to stays in town the stronger her psychic ability becomes. Zeus the cat can also channel ghosts and spirits. With the help of her cat she helps the police chief solve crimes in their old town. She’s also raising a young baby left by a woman who she knows almost nothing about. There are several story line twists running through the series but they are all entertaining and a fun read. Check it out

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dead body at the gym is not an advertisement for good health. Guess our heroine is going to need to get her cardio in to solve this one.

This is book three of the series, but it is written as a standalone, so no prior reading is required.

This is a cozy mystery with a psychic and a bar. Frankly, if you drink enough, everyone is seeing things, so I don't see where that is special. Bad jokes aside, the story is well written and easy to read with a fun cast of characters, something our author does very well. The setting is perfect for exploring mysteries and our heroine certainly gets her share. This mystery is a good one with all the usual twists and turns which keep the reader engaged. Overall, another good mystery and I look forward to visiting again soon.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanda is still taking care of the baby and hoping the mother comes back soon. She decides to go to Fang's for the fight one of his member's put together. Wanda was not prepared for the tragedy that happened in the ring, she quickly learns it might be murder. Wanda will work with the police to solve this crime. Will Wanda be able to figure out who really committed this crime before she become a victim herself.

I am really enjoying this story. The characters are interesting and fun. Would love to see the baby named though. This book does hook you into their world and you just enjoy the ride. Recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A death at the gym and the deceased jumps into Zeus to relay that it was murder. He is not a nice man or ghost so Wanda wastes no time to starting the hunt for answers, along with the sheriff. The side story of the no name baby and its mother is still ongoing and someone else is also searching for answers. Loved the depth of the mysteries and the characters. The storyline was fast paced, with secrets, lies and truths coming out. A lot of people wanted this nasty person dead so there are a lot of suspects. The book had my hooked from the beginning with the details and visuals. Loved the ending and how they got rid of the ghost.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another case embroils Wanda and Zeus. The victim is quite the horrible egoist. He made my fist itch and I wanted to punch him. Apparently, he set several others off the same way. Usually, the victim that ‘borrows’ Zeus’ body has some insight and can help with the investigation, Victor was too much of an egoist to be of any help. I loved when Wanda shelved him. That was funny. Clues are also starting to come in about possibilities in the mystery of No Name’s mother. I can’t wait to see how that works out! This is quite an entertaining series and I love reading it!

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unusual number of crimes seem to be committed in and around he bar Wanda inherited from her Aunt.

An arrogant businessman who likes to bully those around him tries to best her friend, a retired boxer, in the ring.

Insults, embarrassment and murder of several parties follow. Greed and hunger for power and money appear lethal motivations

New leads and scary characters appear in the case of the baby. Are more troubles ahead?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanda, Fang and Zeus have their work cut out got them in this one. When Zeus in inhabited by a member of Fang's gym (Victor) that died, she has to discover if it was natural or under mysterious circumstances. Always fun tagging along as the reader while Wanda works the clues to solve the mystery. Excited for what's next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ilene G> · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mystery.

Wanda and her cat Zeus investigate a murder. The annoying ghost of the victim little help. I like the plot, characters and humor. The story kept me guessing who was the murder.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an entertaining series! The whole thing with Zeus channeling the murder victims is so cool! I still can’t believe that the baby is still being called No Name. I hope they figure out what’s going on with the mother soon.

[Diane Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book. Good series

Strange things happen when people die. Zeus the cat can channel the dead. He hates it. Wish there was more Paranormal in the series. Wish Wanda was a witch. Can't wait to find out what happened to no names mother.

[JANE VAN HORN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This is a great series by Constance Barker. Will they ever find d No Names mother? I can't wait for the next book.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victor isn’t the nicest, is he??? But??? Sometimes the weakest really isn’t!!! Did they find No-Name’s mother??? I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.