Barbara Barrett (1)

I just love a book that is full of intrigue, gossip and exciting characters. Rumor is going around that someone is having an affair. Now people have heard who it is, but others don’t want to know. They believe in giving a person a benefit of the doubt, but that doesn’t stop the gossip spreading throughout the community.

My heart beat so fast when the victim was identified by his wife. You could feel the tension as the body was revealed and the moment that the spouse knew her life was show more forever changed. It was a very well written scene and made me think of how difficult it would be to go through such a traumatic event like that. The question now is who is the killer? Sydney and her friends are persuaded in a way to try to find out who killed someone’s husband. I loved that these ladies were retired and all set to have a fun and enjoyable life, but what do you do when someone you know is in trouble?

The stakes are high in this first in a series and the author does a great job of giving us a collection of unique characters. The four friends have their hands full as suspects start to pop up. I loved how they gathered information and slowly went through intricate and damaging evidence. As the investigation grows, there is another big goings on in the town. I couldn't wait to hear all the details of the folly that Sydney's husband is in charge of. It is the talk of the town and suddenly people wan to be a part of it. I had to laugh at one of the acts that was booked for the show. It is a funny moment that lightens the mood in the story.

Will Sydney and her friends solve the murder before the sheriff stops their snooping? I enjoyed the story and how well it flowed. The characters are interesting and I absolutely loved the four women turned sleuths that take investigating serious. You are in for a treat with this well written mystery that is neatly wrapped up at the end. I have to say the ending was tense and I loved how it kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this new series.

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours. The review is my own opinion. show less

Cathy Broderick, essential oils salesperson, plays Mah Jongg with Sydney and her friends, Micki, Kat, and Marianne, so when her distributor is found murdered and Cathy seems the prime suspect, her Mah Jongg friends are enlisted to prove her innocence. Sydney's and Marianne's spouses are also drawn into the investigation since they are not happy about their wives' involvement. Kat has been dating the homicide detective but when she finds out that she has breast cancer she has put a halt to show more their relationship. Howeve4r, the Mah Jongg ladies need some info from the detective and Kat is enlisted to manage the end of their case.

The regular characters are very true to life but the other secondary characters that are suspects seem very two dimensional. Nevertheless, I enjoyed these wacky lqadies and how they support each other whether it be investigating or just a supportive friend. show less

Kat Faulkner is ready for her debut at Lombardi's Supper Club, but before she can step on the stage the Club is closed down because the new owner has dropped dead at his table. Since most of Serendipity Springs senior citizens and police force are in attendance, Sheriff Rick Formero (Kat's boyfriend) has to enlist her help in the investigation. Spending most of their time together not just interrogating witnesses/suspects but also reviewing forensic evidence, Kat and Rick have to cut off show more communication with Syd, Micki, and Marianne to have their partnership remain above board. Needless to say, Syd, Micki, and Marianne start their own parallel search for the truth.

I love these ladies! Not only do I enjoy the Mah Jongg references but I love their friendships and support of each other throughout. Fun mystery with fun characters! show less

Marianne Putnam has been selected to have her one act play - Jokers Wild - produced at the community theater in Serendipity Springs, Florida. She's thrilled, well mostly, the biggest drawback is the creep who has been hired to direct the production. When the creep is a no-show for opening night, Marianne gets dragged into searching for him and discovers the body floating in the pool.
Now a suspect, she is sidelined while her 3 friends, Syd, Micki, and Kat are paired up with Sheriff department show more detectives to try and find the murderer. But is Marianne safe or will she find the murderer (or he find her) before law enforcement does?

Just love how these ladies (and their husbands at times) throw their retirement aside and work to find the truth, even if they don't like the victim.

The relationships of the different couples are entertaining and keeping the action moving. Looking forward to the next one! show less