Vi and Jack are journeying on a second honeymoon. Sand, sea, long, lingering nights along with slow, sleepy mornings seem to be just what life demands.
They set out, driven by whimsy. Soon they join a small boat tour of the islands along with other travelers. At first, they’re surrounded by loving families, but as the journey progresses, they uncover that all is not what it seems. And with that, someone is found down. But why?
Book 39 finds Violet and Jack on the high seas without any of their usual counterparts in tow.
After leaving everyone in the countryside of England, Jack and Vi board a small cruise ship in hopes of finding rest and relaxation while touring the small islands around Spain. But small beds, thin walls, no bath tubs to be had, their anniversary cruise celebration turns out to be anything but restful. Throw in a 'rose petal' murder, and Jack and Violet Wakefield are called upon to find the killer!
I have read the whole series of The Violet Carlyle Mysteries series and this book was- okay. Just okay. Short. Easy. Read. There was absolutely nothing new in this book and didn't add to the series. I am racking my brain trying to include something of interest, something that happened that would roll into book 40, but nothing. The size of the bed on the ship was mentioned at least a dozen times, so maybe that will be carried over! No, probably not. As you can imagine I didn't finish the book thinking 'wow this was a great read!'. If you can get it free to read, definitely do that.
An endearing cast of characters, an exotic setting and a locked room murder are all wasted by abysmal editing and formatting. Almost every chapter stops abruptly and sometimes after a blank screen, the next chapter apparently starts in the middle. The reader has no idea if clues or scenes revealing the characters' motives or actions. occurred In these blanks. For example location 439 jumps to 449 followed by locatiion 456.
The solution is jarring with very little exposition.. The familiar leads of Vi and her husband Jack, In the midst of recreating their honeymoon prior to the birth of their baby, don't jump ship from the nasty arguing family that shares their steamer or cut ties with them onboard. Given Vi''s posttraumatic stress from previous murder investigations, and a recent miscarriage, Jack''s desire to embroil them in another nasty murder,seems highly improbable. I have read all of their previous cozy mysteries and the Smith Investigations spin-off, and find the book too flawed,to recommend. Don't purchase this book until the text is corrected.
I love the characters in the Lady Violet & Smith Investigates series and highly recommend both series. While some entries are better than others they are fast, enjoyable reads. BUT starting with Murder With Daffodils and Show of Evil there are many ,many typos in each book (kindle edition). Even worse than the typos are the mixing up of names (Lila and Ham instead of Rita and Ham). These mistakes are rampant in the last 8 books I have read. They are so short I cannot believe the author or at least a friend doesn't read them before releasing them.
I was surprised that I did not miss the *Regular Characters " as much as I thought I would but the "boat characters " you added made the book a very enjoyable read. But I will be happy to see the "regulars" in the next book. Can not wait to see if the baby is a boy or girl could be both as Violet is a twin🤔Just saying. As usual Loved the book😍
Rating 3.5*. Nothing wrong with story other than the usual editing errors. The story is brief without the gang around. Gives the reader an opportunity to reset from all the drama of the holidays with Vi and Co. as well as the craziness of Smith's world. I try to read each of those series concurrently so that they are both following the same timeline. Otherwise I find the characters making references I don't understand.
This was a murder mystery with a beginning, A solution and an ending. The plot is easily followed, the main characters are endearing, intelligent, loving, and loyal to each other. The supporting characters show promise of future friendships and the variety humanity has. I definitely recommend this book.
This story was a bit off from the norm with Vi and all. She is finally pregnant, and she and Jack go on a holiday. While not filled with the normal high activity as usual, this truly shows how much Vi and Jack need to spend time together. It’s a sweet story with, yes a murder to solve. I enjoyed this as with all in this series.
I have read the entire series up through A Tender Little Murder, book number 39 and I enjoyed this book the best so far.I enjoyed that it was just Vi and Jack and it seemed a bit refreshing in the more positive ending. All of the books are good so I strongly suggest that you give them a try and see how the characters progress with each book and as they mature.
I love these books. The development of the characters and their relationships are so well done. The mysteries keep me guessing. Can't wait for the next Violet book and love that I have the Smith and Beatrice mysteries in between.
A wonderful historical murder mystery. This time Violet and Jack go off on their own adventure. They go on a cruise and of course there is a murder. I really liked this book and can't wait to read the next one.
Not as dark as the last few books. Thank goodness! Still miss Victor and the others. Wild women not welcome on small cruise ships. But a good who dunnit. Looking forward to the next book.
I'm disappointed in the length of Beth's books. She's publishing more but they are basically novellas at a price of a book. Additionally the endings have become very abrupt. I do enjoy the characters. Unsure I'll continue with the series
This is a sweet twisted little murder mystery romance story with dramatic characters to set the scenes . With menacing husbands and loud voices and slaps. 🙀❣️💃🏻😈😒😉😢😢
As much as I have loved this series, after reading this book I wonder if it is time to end it. The story was just so-so and short. It seemed like the author was just trying to get a book out quick and not really caring about how good it was. I'd rather wait longer for a new book that has a meatier plot rather than a quick short story that has no point. I enjoy the Smith investigation books now more that the Violet ones.