I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Shrimply Dead
by Maggie Toussaint
Series: Sea Food Caper Mystery #3
Series Rating:
Published by Muddle House Publishing on April 12, 2021
Genres: Cozy Culinary Animal Mystery
Pages: 237
Format: Kindle
Source: Great Escapes Book Tours
Goodreads
BookBub
Get Your Copy at: Amazon, Book Depository, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks
When veterinarian and amateur naturalist Jasmine Garr is shot in her yard, residents of Shell Island press caterer River Holloway into investigating the homicide. River dons her amateur sleuth cap and sets out to discover who killed her former catering customer.
Between Jasmine’s estranged cousin, a rival veterinarian, a wild animal trapper, the chicken lady, and a real estate broker, River has plenty of suspects to consider. As she peels back the layers of Jasmine’s life, dangerous secrets come to light.
Jasmine’s orphaned kitty, Iris, along with River’s cat Major, and her husband Pete help River sift through the evidence. At the same time, River recently expanded her catering business. She must service her regular catering clients, plus provide fresh baked goods for Pete’s ice cream shop.
The killer follows River’s every move relishing the thought of another victim. Time is running out. Will River solve the murder before she becomes a cold dish?
Book 3 of Maggie Toussaint’s Seafood Capers Mysteries brims with action and adventure in a lush island setting. Authentic Southern recipes included.
Shrimply Dead by Maggie Toussaint is a wonderful mystery with lots of Southern Charm and quirky characters.
Will River find justice for Jasmine?
River Holloway
Our sleuth is River Holloway Merrick. She runs a catering business on Shell Island. Oh, and she helps her friend clean houses on the side. River recently married Pete. She also has adopted two cats (one in this installment) and a large dog. The people on the island call River a Finder of things. Lately, she has expanded that finding to helping with murder investigations. River is also extremely kind-hearted and volunteers at a moment’s notice. She tutors at the local school once a week. Seriously, River is going nonstop; at least it seems that way. She even takes food to the elderly on the island as she worries that they aren’t eating enough.
River is a great character. She has a heart of gold, cooks, and bakes the most delicious things. River is a hard worker. I would so totally be her friend, and I would totally want some of those maple shortbread cookies.
The Mystery
This is where the story gets complicated. So, River caters an awards dinner where Jasmine receives a do-gooder award on Saturday, and then she gets killed the next day. Shot in her own backyard and left for dead. There is a love triangle that involves a realtor, a small animal trapper, and possibly the victim’s cousin. Then there is the next-door neighbor, and once the will is read, we add the attorney, a local veterinarian, and a coalition to the suspect list. Then alligators start showing up on the island in places where they weren’t before. I had a feeling about who the culprit was but I couldn’t figure out the motive. However, after the reveal, I see it now.
Mix in with all of this an election for Sheriff. It is all quite funny. I love the characters and how they meet up at the post office to share the local gossip.
Five Stars
I extremely enjoyed Shrimply Dead by Maggie Toussaint. The characters are funny, realistic, and the island as a setting gives it a great place with its own set of challenges. My rating is five stars and I recommend this book to everyone.
Other Books in the Series
Giveaway
Prize:(2) Print Copy – Shrimply Dead (A Seafood Caper Mystery) by Maggie Toussaint (U.S. Only)
Tour Organized by:
To find all the tour information, click the banner at the top of the page.
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Thank you for dropping by! What do you think of Shirmply Dead by Maggie Toussaint?
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
About Maggie Toussaint
Southern author Maggie Toussaint writes cozy and paranormal mysteries, romantic suspense, and dystopian fiction, with twenty-plus fiction novels published. A three-time finalist for Georgia Author of the Year, she’s won three Silver Falchions, the Readers’ Choice, and the EPIC Awards. She’s past president of Mystery Writers of America-Southeast chapter and an officer of LowCountry Sisters In Crime. She lives in coastal Georgia, where secrets, heritage, and ancient oaks cast long shadows.
Hey there! I’m very happy to be hosted here at Baroness Book Trove today on SHRIMPLY DEAD’s Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour. And I’m over the moon about your review of the story. You had me at loving the maple shortbread cookies. They are indeed awesome tasting. Thanks so much for your generosity of words and your kindness! The Five Star review is much appreciated.