by Cynthia Chow

Details at the end of this post on how to win a copy of A Second Chance at Murder, and a link to purchase it where a portion goes to help support KRL.

Despite winning on the Love or Money reality television dating show, Georgia Thornton and her new boyfriend Scott once again find themselves competing in front of the cameras for a cash prize. Their initial prize dwindled quickly as real life set in, so as a favor for her television producer friend Becca, Georgia and Scott are facing off against other couples on Expedition Improbable. A series of races through Europe will have losing teams continually eliminated until one couple remains. The show unexpectedly stalls out in Barcelona, Spain, when Scott inexplicably goes missing, while a woman’s body is left behind.

Devastated by a break-up email sent by Scott, Georgia is steered into continuing on with a replacement partner. He conveniently happens to be her very supportive father Gordon Thornton, who has not-so-conveniently been dating the show’s executive producer.

Despite everyone’s encouragement to move on, Georgia refuses to believe that Scott was in any way involved in the woman’s death, much less one connected to political separatists. She may have only been a public relations police officer, but Georgia still has the investigative skills to interrogate her fellow competitors as they race through the El Monasterio de San Juan de la Pena, paddle down the Rio Aragon, and attempt to stay conscious throughout the nightly fiestas.

I did wonder what direction the author would take after the conclusion in the previous novel of this series. Orgain smartly reboots the format by taking Georgia on yet another reality competition show teeming with strife and ripe for satire. While smoldering Scott is M.I.A throughout this novel, Spanish detective Sergio is more than willing to step in and show Georgia the beauty and allure of Barcelona. Perhaps she could appreciate the tapas, calimochos, and delicious migas if only she wasn’t contending with a pheromone-emitting former NFL player, ruthless and possibly psychotic siblings, and a busty country-singing duo.

The competition tasks primed to make good television viewing are as entertaining in their absurdities as they are thrill rides for the competitors, and readers will be invested in the races as much as they are in the investigation. The action kicks into high gear by the perilous conclusion, and Georgia won’t be the only one gasping for breath. I can’t wait to see what disastrous reality competition Georgia must endure next!

To enter to win a copy of A Second Chance at Murder, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “chance,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen January 23, 2016. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.

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You can use this link to order this book & a portion goes to help support KRL & an indie bookstore:

A Second Chance at Murder

Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).