Red Hot by Dana Dratch

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Red Hot

by Dana Dratch

Series: Red Herring Mystery #3
Series Rating:
Published by Kensington Publishing Corporation on May 26, 2020
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 368
Format: Kindle
Goodreads
BookBub
Get Your Copy at: Amazon, Book Depository
Also in this series: Seeing Red

Freelance writer Alex Vlodnachek hasn’t had a vacation in ages. So when her sister invites her—and pup Lucy—for a girls’ getaway to Miami, it’s too tempting to resist.

Big sister Annie wants Alex to savor a little fun in the sun at her South Beach condo. Redhead Alex just wants to escape complications at home, enjoy a little R and R, and find an industrial-sized bottle of sunscreen. But trouble is hot on her heels—along with a few stray friends and relatives.

On the eve of the condo association's hotly contested election, everything in the luxury high-rise is going haywire. But board president and social butterfly Leslie McQueen seems curiously absent amidst the chaos. Along with a good chunk of the association's cash.

When several of Annie’s friends are left holding the bag, Alex jumps in to help—and discovers the tony condo tower offers no shortage of shady characters, murder, and mayhem.

But when her brother, Nick, arrives—with their irrepressible grandmother, Baba, and Alex’s pal Trip, in tow—is the gang riding to the rescue? Or plunging Alex into more hot water?

Red Hot by Dana Dratch is fabulously written. The characters are so full of life, with quirks and all. I felt like I was in South Beach with the Vlodnachek family.

Where is Leslie, and why would she want to be the HOA president?

Alex Vlodnachek

Alex is our sleuth, she is also a freelance reporter, on vacation with her supermodel sister Annie in South Beach. Although, Alex is also here to help Annie figure out why the HOA has decided to do an emergency election for the office of HOA president. Because seriously, who wants to do all that work for free.

It’s funny that Alex is so upset with Ian (her neighbor at home) for protecting his family, and yet here she is doing the same thing. Oh, and Ian is popping up in her thoughts. Hmmm. Does she protest her dislike too much? I like Alex, she is down to earth, funny and she gets things done. She has a great family and seems to make friends easily.

The Mystery

So, this installment also has multiple mysteries. I happen to love this about Ms. Dratch; it’s like bonuses in each book. So, we have:

• The four candidates that no one has seen or met and the emergency HOA election.
• Where did the HOA money go?
• Why did the other two officers go along with Leslie’s plan?
• Who did Leslie in, and why?

So as you can see, Alex’s vacation isn’t actually as she thought it would be. But everyone seems to have fun.

The Family in Red Hot

The Vlodnachek family is full of witty and quirky people.

We have Anastasia (Annie), who is a successful supermodel, globe-trotting around and running her agency.

Nick, their brother that is now a baker. He has a good head on his shoulder but, at times, seems naive. Nick also has a huge heart and loves people and animals easily.

Then there is Baba, their Russian grandmother who doesn’t speak much English, cooks well and dresses with her flair. Yet, she is fiercely protective.

Alex’s best friend, Trip Cabot, who helps her with her freelance articles, is a great guy, and he sticks by Alex though all of the things that Alex goes through.

Then there is Gabby, Nick’s ex, and everyone’s friend. Gabby has these unique talents that Alex sometimes needs to borrow. She also pops up from time to time expectantly.

Last we have Lucy, Nick’s dog. Lucy is still a puppy, but she is relatively well behaved. Living in a penthouse has proved to be challenging at times for the pup. However, she has been pampered and made a new friend.

Five Stars

I absolutely love this book. Ms. Dratch brings everything to life. It’s like I was there enjoying the Florida sun with them. My rating for Red Hot by Dana Dratch is five stars, and I highly recommend this book to all you cozy readers out there.

I am looking forward to reading Flame Red Alex’s next adventure.

Other Books in the Series

I hope you enjoyed this review of Red Hot by Dana Dratch.

Until the next time,

 

This Guest Review is for Baroness’ Book Trove. 

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