Synopsis

Andi’s step-mother is a real piece of work!

But is Ruby a murderer?

Andi Anna Jones, so-so travel agent/amateur sleuth, puts aside her resentment of her father’s widow and books a 60th birthday cruise to Cancun for Ruby and three friends. Never does Andi imagine the cruise will lead to the murder of a has-been lounge singer—or that Ruby will be the main suspect.

Flirting with more than danger after arriving in Mexico, Andi connects with the charming local sheriff, Manual Rodriquez. After an embarrassing night involving the sheriff, too many margaritas, and a Mariachi band, a chance to check out an eyewitness to the murder leads her to Las Vegas.

In Vegas, a mysterious meeting in the Bodies Exhibition, a body preserving in the prep-room, and an evasive owner of a dance studio, give Andi clues to help Ruby. But when Andi is mercilessly drugged and locked in a storage room, she realizes dear old step-mom isn’t the only one in jeopardy.

 

Review

This was a fun new cozy series for me to start recently…especially since it is set in warmer weather (FL, Mexico, and Las Vegas) while I am freezing here in Texas right now.

Andi Anna has quite an unusual name, and if you say it fast, you might think of a certain film series starring Harrison Ford. The funny thing is that she was really named after her father, just a more feminine name. Andi and her sister have an ex-stepmother, Ruby, that has found herself in a bit of a pickle and has landed in a Mexican jail. Andi seems to be the only one that can go down and help her, and she discovers that maybe she likes investigating things. It doesn’t hurt that there is a handsome Mexican police detective named Manny that has taken an interest in Andi, and Andi in him.

I really enjoyed the multiple locations, trying to solve the mystery, and watching sparks fly between Andi and Manny. There are some red herrings, but a few clues are fairly obvious. However, the main clue eluded me until the end. What a surprise as the killer was revealed.

This book may be on the shorter side, but it is filled with nonstop action, and the race is on to discover the killer before more people die.

The 2nd book is due out at the end of February 2023, and I can’t wait to see what Andi is up to next. I think we haven’t seen the last of Ruby quite yet.

We give this book 4 paws up.

About the Author

Author, Mary Cunningham, grew up on the northern side of the Ohio River in Corydon, Indiana. Her first memories are of her dad’s original bedtime stories that no doubt inspired her imagination and love of a well-spun “yarn.”

Through the author’s horrifying stint as a travel agent, The Andi Anna Jones mysteries sprang to life. The adult/mystery series gives extra meaning to the phrase, “Write what you know.” Cunningham has several published books, including a five-book middle-grade fantasy, women’s lifestyle/humor book, and a sports/military brat biography about a UConn/WNBA basketball player.

She is a member of Sisters In Crime, Sisters In Crime, Atlanta Chapter, International Thriller Writers, Inc., and the Carrollton Writers Guild.

When she gives her fingers a break from the keyboard, she enjoys golf, swimming, and exploring the mountains of West Georgia, where she makes her home with her husband.
 

Website * Author Facebook Page * Twitter

Pinterest * LinkedIn * Goodreads

Author Amazon Page