by Cynthia Chow
Details at the end of this review on how to enter to win a copy of A Killer Retreat. There is also a link to purchase the book where a portion goes to help support KRL & indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy.
As the owner of Serenity Yoga, owner Kate Davidson is long overdue for a break. However, a ten-day working vacation on Orcas Island for a destination wedding is probably not the ideal holiday. This is the first trip with boyfriend Michael. Even before they arrive at Elysian Springs, Kate has a faceoff with Monica, a leopard print-wearing trophy wife whose off-leash Jack Russell terrier nearly incites Kate’s own beloved Bella into a frenzy. Diagnosed with the expensive and labor-extensive Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency syndrome, Bella the German Shepherd requires meticulous attention or she could starve no matter how much she is fed. 
The wedding of Elysian Spring’s caretakers Emmy and Josh is designed to pamper their guests with the spa facilities as well as with private yoga classes conducted by Kate. Considering the tiny “rustic” cabin and clothing-optional hot tubs, Kate feels lucky her trouble-maker best friend Rene and her boyfriend decided not to join them. Oh wait…
No one is less pleased than Kate to discover that Monica is the step-monster to the bride. Monica demands meat at the vegan restaurant, allows her dog to run rampant, and has the bride in hysterics. When Monica predictably turns up dead, Kate’s fingerprints are all over the scene. The fact she twice threatened the woman’s life makes Kate the number one suspect. Despite Michael’s request that Kate not get involved, Kate investigates Monica’s murder.
Kate may be the owner of a yoga studio, but she’s a work-in-progress. She has issues—anger management, commitment and obsessive-compulsive disorder. While this might make Michael worthy of sainthood and Kate intolerable to the reader, following her progress as she acknowledges her flaws allows her to become more sympathetic. Kate’s complete devotion to Bella also makes her more likable. Her detective skills are questionable but her dedication to Bella is not. She is learning to lower her guard and perhaps allow Michael into her life. Kate may not be able to control every detail of the future but it promises to be rewarding for both her and the reader.
To enter to win a copy of A Killer Retreat, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Retreat,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen February 7, 2015. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.
Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & short stories in our mystery section.
Click on this link to purchase this book and you will be supporting an indie bookstore & a portion goes to help support KRL.
Thanks so much for reviewing a Killer Retreat! It’s always a pleasure to be here!
You are very welcome! Please spread the word 🙂
Lorie
I do some yoga before going to bed so I am intrigued with A Killer Retreat. I had never thought of mixing yoga and cozy mystery. I can’t wait to read it. Thank you for the giveaway.
myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
Jeanetta, Yoga teachers live in the same world as everyone else, which unfortunately contains violence. And my yoga teacher sleuth is far from perfect. I’ve been a cozy mystery fan forever, so I couldn’t imagine writing anything else. I hope you read and love the series!
Great review! This sounds like a great book! Thank you for the contest!
woodrumbetty@gmail.com
Thanks, Betty! I hope you give the series a try!
Sounds good and love the cover! Thanks for chance to win!
Thanks, Lynn. I’m truly fortunate to have scored such a great cover artist. The covers are light and fun–just like I hope my books are!
Yes that is an unusual combo–or maybe more fresh and contemporary–I expert we’re all ‘works in progress,’ otherwise life would be pretty dull.
I know I’m still in progress, that’s for sure! Sorry to chime in so late to this threat. I must not have replied right the first time, as I haven’t been receiving the normal notifications. But I appreciate each and every one of you who took time to read the review and comment on the article!
The cover alone would make me want to read this plus —– there are dogs and a mystery!!
Loved the first book. Would love to win the second. Thanks for the opportunity.
seaaircarol@netscape.net
I ADORE dogs. And Bella, Kate’s German shepherd, plays a huge role in the series.
cute cover
Thank you! I’m fond of it myself! 😉
would so love to win a copy of this book!!
thank you for the chance!!
Good luck!
You did a wonderful job of sharing the feel as well as the details of Killer Retreat. Tracy Weber is one of today’s best cozy authors with the unique perspective she brings to her books. I LOVE BELLA. I read Murder Strikes a Pose only a few months ago and became and avid fan. Of course I had to grab Killer Retreat as soon as it was available one ebook!
Jeannie. I’m blushing! Thank you so much for reading my work!
Loved the first book, and looking forward to this one.
Marlyn–Thank you so much! I hope you love this one even more! 😉
Sounds like a great book and look forward to reading it.
Thank you, Becky! I hope you love it!
We have a winner
Lorie Ham, KRL Publisher