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Gag Me with a Spoon: Major Bummer Murders #1
Welcome to Wahoo Beach, where there is always plenty of sun, surf, sand… and murder! Gag Me with a Spoon is Book 1 in the Major Bummer Murders series. The year is 1986, and all Tiffany Sloan wants to do is listen to her favorite jams, catch some rays, and have a totally awesome opening weekend for her extreme new putt-putt course. But when a random dead dude is discovered nearby, Tiffany must put down her can of AquaNet and pick up some clues to figure out what happened -- and why -- before her business is mega destroyed. Join Tiffany, her preppy ex-boyfriend, and a punk kid named Zero as they track down information across Wahoo Beach to solve the mystery before the killer can strike again.
232 pages, Paperback
Published January 4, 2022
68 people are currently reading
1123 people want to read
About the author
Melrose McFadden
23 books39 followersClick FOLLOW to get updates on new releases and giveaways!
Melrose McFadden writes cozy mysteries and historical clean mysteries. Melrose Cozies are known for their humor and twists, with some light romance sprinkled in for fun.
Current series-in-progress are:
- Wicked Wick Mysteries -- a classic small-town cozy with buddy female protagonists who own a candle shop. Wicked Wick Mysteries fall into the Culinary & Hobby/Craft sub-genres.
- Major Bummer Murders -- a vibrant, colorful cozy series set in the 1980s at the beach. Like I'm so sure! Major Bummer Murders fall into the Historical, Hobby, and Humor sub-genres.
Melrose is the pen name for co-authoring duo Beth and Leslie. The two have backgrounds in professional writing/editing.
Check out the following sites for more information on Melrose McFadden:
Website: Melrose McFadden
Facebook: Melrose McFadden
Amazon: Melrose McFadden
Instagram: Melrosecozies
BingeBooks:Melrose McFadden
Melrose McFadden writes cozy mysteries and historical clean mysteries. Melrose Cozies are known for their humor and twists, with some light romance sprinkled in for fun.
Current series-in-progress are:
- Wicked Wick Mysteries -- a classic small-town cozy with buddy female protagonists who own a candle shop. Wicked Wick Mysteries fall into the Culinary & Hobby/Craft sub-genres.
- Major Bummer Murders -- a vibrant, colorful cozy series set in the 1980s at the beach. Like I'm so sure! Major Bummer Murders fall into the Historical, Hobby, and Humor sub-genres.
Melrose is the pen name for co-authoring duo Beth and Leslie. The two have backgrounds in professional writing/editing.
Check out the following sites for more information on Melrose McFadden:
Website: Melrose McFadden
Facebook: Melrose McFadden
Amazon: Melrose McFadden
Instagram: Melrosecozies
BingeBooks:Melrose McFadden
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 27, 2021
A sassy 80s mystery
Well, that was quite a different read! I loved the uniqueness of the whole concept: an 1980s story set in an arcade and a mini-golf complex. I loved that! I loved going back in time, to a time where I was 11 years old, lots of recognition! That was way cool and so fun! I loved the cozy elements of this book, but I also felt that it was a little bit grittier, edgier, punkier, than I prefer. But I did like that Miami Vice vibe! I loved the first person for Tiffany’s POV. It makes bonding with the MC that much easier, I always think. I felt immediately pulled into the story. I loved how her job is a bit different than the standard B&B owner or bakery-owner. That really set this story apart from what else is out there. Tiffany is sassy, but can be a bit rude and impatient. And that led me to like her that little bit less than I would a softer, kinder person. Still, it was well worth my time. The twists and turns led somewhere I hadn’t expected, which is always good in a mystery! I truly loved the ending.
Well, that was quite a different read! I loved the uniqueness of the whole concept: an 1980s story set in an arcade and a mini-golf complex. I loved that! I loved going back in time, to a time where I was 11 years old, lots of recognition! That was way cool and so fun! I loved the cozy elements of this book, but I also felt that it was a little bit grittier, edgier, punkier, than I prefer. But I did like that Miami Vice vibe! I loved the first person for Tiffany’s POV. It makes bonding with the MC that much easier, I always think. I felt immediately pulled into the story. I loved how her job is a bit different than the standard B&B owner or bakery-owner. That really set this story apart from what else is out there. Tiffany is sassy, but can be a bit rude and impatient. And that led me to like her that little bit less than I would a softer, kinder person. Still, it was well worth my time. The twists and turns led somewhere I hadn’t expected, which is always good in a mystery! I truly loved the ending.
January 24, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was just getting out on my own in the early 80’s, and had fun recognizing all the slang, music and products of the time. The story was well written, and had plenty of twists and turns that made it interesting. Looking forward to more from this author, in fact have moved on to the first book in her other series!
January 10, 2022
strife, subterfuge, mayhem and murder in an 80s and 90s. kind of way.
makes me feel nostalgic in that I recognize the songs, public phone booths, video arcades and putt putt golf - omg!
a fun read if you remember when - or if you like retro resds
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
makes me feel nostalgic in that I recognize the songs, public phone booths, video arcades and putt putt golf - omg!
a fun read if you remember when - or if you like retro resds
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2022
I loved reading this book! The author did a fantastic job of transporting me back to the 1980’s. There were cool, lovable characters, and the story was really good! The mystery kept me guessing throughout the read, with many twists and turns! I promise you will love “Gag Me with a Spoon!”
March 18, 2024
3.5 stars. I’ve had this series o. My TBR for a while and finally started it. I had to keep reminding myself it’s set in the 80’s Honestly, Zero was my favorite character. One of the things that took me off guard was the switch in point of view with no warning so it took a minute to decipher through whose eyes the story was being told. Tiffany, the main female character is … interesting. I’m not sold in her yet but she did have some growth in terms of how she views Zero so that was good. Overall it wasn’t a bad book, it dragged in places but for the most part the pace was pretty steady.
December 1, 2022
Here for the vibes.
Story itself took a little bit ago get going. Classic, almost scooby-dooesque, murder mystery.But overall the old school 80's above is what's going to keep you interest in the story. Can definitely get a clear picture of every detail, and I'm here for it.
Story itself took a little bit ago get going. Classic, almost scooby-dooesque, murder mystery.But overall the old school 80's above is what's going to keep you interest in the story. Can definitely get a clear picture of every detail, and I'm here for it.
August 23, 2022
The cover art is what originally drew me to this cozy mystery. I love how bright and colorful it was, which reminded me of the 80s. The description sounded interesting and so I ended up buying it. This was an overall fun cozy mystery. I enjoyed the main character Tiffany (a very era appropriate name for sure) she was peak 1980s. In fact, the setting and the atmosphere was probably the best part of the book. Especially all the songs and products of the decade (Tab, Who Shot JR? t-shirts, Bartles & Jaymes, & side ponytails). Just getting to read about everyday life in the 80s brought back a ton of memories. The flip side of this was that every once in a while, it felt like the characters leaned a little too hard into the stereotypical lingo of that era. The mystery itself was there but I wasn't super invested. I might continue on in the series just to reminisce a bit.
May 7, 2022
Totally Rad
I’m a huge fan of the 80s and of mysteries, so I was very excited to read this book. I was not disappointed. The author took me to 1980 something Wahoo Beach, and created a world I was able revisit my favorite times. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series. This is a perfect beach or summer read.
I’m a huge fan of the 80s and of mysteries, so I was very excited to read this book. I was not disappointed. The author took me to 1980 something Wahoo Beach, and created a world I was able revisit my favorite times. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series. This is a perfect beach or summer read.
March 5, 2022
It’s hard to find sopaipillas like that around here – just a fried taco shell!! Btw – Whi killed that dude and does it have anything to do with Wahoo Forever??? I’ve got to stop eating grapefruit!!! Hange in there Tiffany!!! I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
June 21, 2022
Born in the 80s and on a recent nostalgia kick this is the perfect win for me. Reminds me slightly of Grady Hendrix novels which are always SO much fun! The humor, setting and the mysterious scares! Looking forward to diving into this series!
May 1, 2022
A fun flashback to the eighties. Loved the light tone and strong female lead. An enjoyable mystery and a quick, easy read.
May 2, 2022
Enjoyable storyline and read
August 30, 2024
As a born in the 80s, raised in the 90s baby this book took me on a long walk down memory lane in the best way. I REALLY thought I had everything figured out in the first 25% of the book, and while I figured out 1 small part, there was so much I didn’t see coming. Like the dead guy actually being gagged with a spoon - seems obvious now, but I was too busy doing my best “valley girl” voice to think about it. McFadden had me guessing until the end, I love that she didn’t just end the story either once the murderer was caught. It drives me nuts when authors wrap up other parts of the story in an epilogue, like they forgot and had to go back because people were angry it didn’t all get wrapped up. I can’t wait to start the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2023
A story about the people on the boardwalk. Tiffiny run the arcade and golf course there. Her parents gave it to her to run. It seemed a normal day till someone found a dead man on the property. Who was he and how did he get there. Seems like some other vendors of the boardwalk wanted more space on the boardwalk. Tho for some reason Tiffany was a suspect. People may look different then us but does'nt make them wrong for who they are. Did someone guess the wrong trouble makers here?
June 3, 2023
Totally rad
I was born in 1985 and have a special fondness for the 80s. It feels like home. So when I found out about this series, I got so excited.
The book is as good as I expected it would be. Lots of 80s references and super likable characters. I totally wish I could live in 1986 Wahoo Beach!
Really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I was born in 1985 and have a special fondness for the 80s. It feels like home. So when I found out about this series, I got so excited.
The book is as good as I expected it would be. Lots of 80s references and super likable characters. I totally wish I could live in 1986 Wahoo Beach!
Really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
May 30, 2023
Rad
If you were a teen during the 80s, you will enjoy all of the odes to that decade. If you weren't, you will get to learn the language and clothing from the viewpoint of someone who is enjoying it immensely. Btw, the murder weapon is a gag in the mouth. Totally garnly, dude!
If you were a teen during the 80s, you will enjoy all of the odes to that decade. If you weren't, you will get to learn the language and clothing from the viewpoint of someone who is enjoying it immensely. Btw, the murder weapon is a gag in the mouth. Totally garnly, dude!
July 3, 2023
Boardwalk Craziness
What a fun read with crazy characters, an unusual murder, and interesting location. Lots of twists in the story with insight into the true characters of quirky residents. Great beach read for the summer!
What a fun read with crazy characters, an unusual murder, and interesting location. Lots of twists in the story with insight into the true characters of quirky residents. Great beach read for the summer!
August 22, 2023
protagonist too old to sound so 80’s
This book was 100 pages too long. A lot of repetition. The protagonist Tiffany sounded like she was in her early 20’s not her mid-thirties. This book was a total bummer man. What a drag. I won’t be continuing this series.
This book was 100 pages too long. A lot of repetition. The protagonist Tiffany sounded like she was in her early 20’s not her mid-thirties. This book was a total bummer man. What a drag. I won’t be continuing this series.
August 10, 2025
Just alright. Trying to hard for the 80s vibe.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews