by Kathleen Costa

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win either an ebook or print copy of Bikinis and Murder, and a link to purchase it from Amazon. We also have a drink recipe from Kathleen.

What Happens in Florida…is Murder!
Ellie Bishop was thrilled when her Aunt Olive extended an invitation to spend time with her in sunny Florida. Although her family thought spending time looking for a steady job was a better use of her time, she couldn’t think of a better a way to escape London’s wintery weather. The sun sizzling, the drinks refreshing, the animal-friendly environment fascinating, and the resort doctor heart throbbing, but a brash author, a temperamental food critic, and an elitist businessman end up murdered ensnaring Ellie into investigations that ran afoul of killers, key lime pie, and alligators. Even the local detective was less than thrilled with her input, but despite some perilous moments, she has gained a positive reputation. Now, if she could just find a few peaceful moments, sans a squawking macaw, a nosy cat, and more dead bodies, to work on her tan…there’s not much time left before it’s back to “real life” in London.

Bikinis and Murder earns 5/5 Suspicious Pranks…Engaging & Entertaining!
Sunset Palms Beach Resort is a popular venue for many events, like a mystery writers’ conference or a Key Lime Pie baking contest, so seeing bikini-clad beauties strutting around the resort was just another day in paradise. Bronzed Babe Sunscreen is holding a contest to choose the next face—or body—for the company’s ad campaign, the “Ultimate Bikini Babe,” and first up is a photo shoot on a luxury catamaran hosted by the company owner Don Palmer. Invites were extended to Aunt Olive, of whose books he is a fan, and Ellie, as her plus one, to enjoy the sun, sea, and high fashion spectacle. However, it becomes obvious the CEO, as Aunt Olive states, is a “dreadful, repulsive man,” the PR exec is determined to bring back this contest to its former popularity at any cost, and the contestants will do anything to win a very lucrative contract. But, plagued by rumors, pranks, and a dead contestant may be an indication Karma has donned a bikini and entered the competition! Ellie is excited about being behind-the-scenes of the contest and joins in with the contestants who are around her own age, but it also provides her a unique opportunity as confidant, or eavesdropper, to uncover the truth and once again help to find justice.

Ellie’s budding relationship with the hunky resort doctor Blake Thornton continues to be loosely defined. His ex-girlfriend is the PR exec in charge of the event, and her comments and actions seem like she’s very intent on being an ex-ex. Ellie has always been slightly distant, not wanting to complicate her vacation with romantic entanglement. But, her aunt’s encouragement, Blake’s actions, and her own inner thoughts and feelings make it difficult. They will? They won’t? They…might?

And the Winner Is… H.Y. Hanna has concluded her four-book Barefoot Sleuth series with an absolutely entertaining cozy mystery wrapping up nicely all the loose ends in the series. Of course, the murder investigation addresses some contemporary issues worthy of discussion like #Me Too! and body images, but this delightful cozy also addresses friendships, relationships, and family. Ellie is an admirable character, strong and clever, but she struggles with confidence, like many. She’s real. Aunt Olive, my favorite, is bold with a no-nonsense attitude, and the best role model for Ellie who isn’t quite sure what to do with her life. Sorry to see the series end…maybe they’ll reprise their adventures, but in a different setting. New York? California? Morocco? Just saying.

H.Y. Hanna’s writing style has made me an eager fan. She writes with an engaging realism with realistic problems, characters, interactions, and predicaments. Her humor isn’t slapstick; it’s situational. I love the giggles that come when Hemingway, the scarlet macaw, decides to grab something or someone or the near misses between Ellie and Blake, or Aunt Olive’s no holds barred comments. Her use of descriptive language created a tropical heaven and her characters are endearing, humorous, and yes, devious. Her witty dialogue adds to the engagement and strengthens understanding of emotions and personalities. I loved it!

Barefoot Sleuth Mystery
Flip Flops and Murder (August, 2020) KRL Review HERE
Seashells and Murder (September, 2020) KRL Review HERE
Cocktails and Murder (October, 2020)
Bikinis and Murder (January, 2021)

Audible Delight! The first two books in the series are now in audiobook. Order Book 1, Flip Flops and Murder, HERE, and Book 2, Seashells and Murder, can be ordered HERE, and Book 3, Cocktails and Murder, is HERE. Don’t miss out the absolutely marvelous voice talent of my favorite narrator Pearl Hewitt! What a marvelous way to enjoy H.Y. Hanna’s work!

Be a Big H.Y. Hanna Fan!
USA Today bestselling author H.Y. Hanna is a friend and the author of my all-time favorite series; the now ten-book Oxford Tearoom Mystery always added a little treat for me to bring a proper English tearoom into my home. Another top favorite is the six-book Bewitched by Chocolate series, which sprinkles a bit of magic to the delectable descriptions of all kinds of chocolate. I am thrilled that she has given me another favorite with the entertaining four-book English Cottage Garden Mystery planting wonderful characters and a clever mystery along with a bit of humor. All of her series are in print and eBook, but several are also in audio format giving readers a little extra with the delightful voice artistry of narrator Pearl Hewitt who enriches the already engaging story with varied accents, dialects, emotions, and tone. I always say “Murder is better with an English accent.”

Facebook – H.Y. Hanna Books
Website – H.Y. Hanna
Twitter At @_HYHanna

Pink Bikini Cocktail

Resource A Farmgirl’s Kitchen; Author Jessica Robinson
Pink Bikini Cocktail is a sweet and tropical tasting cocktail that is super easy to make and perfect for your picnic or backyard gathering. (Servings 8 people)

Ingredients
1 (1.75 liter) bottle raspberry lemonade
1-3/4 cups Malibu Coconut Rum
1 cup amaretto liqueur
orange sherbet
fresh raspberries for garnish
orange wedges for garnish
mint leaves for garnish
wooden cocktail picks

Instructions
—Combine the raspberry lemonade, Malibu Coconut Rum, amaretto liqueur in a large pouring pitcher. Stir well.
—Add ice to cocktail glasses and place a scoop of orange sherbet on top of each glass.
—Gently pour the cocktail mixture over the ice and sherbet in each glass. Add a straw and pick with fresh raspberry, orange wedge, and mint leaf to each glass. Enjoy immediately.

To enter to win an ebook or print copy of Bikinis and Murder, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “bikinis,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen February 13, 2021. U.S. residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. IF YOU WANT A PRINT COPY BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS IN THE EMAIL. You can read our privacy statement here if you like. MAKE SURE TO STATE IF YOU WANT PRINT OR EBOOK.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. Be sure to check out our new mystery podcast too with mystery short stories, and first chapters read by local actors. A new episode goes up next week.

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Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.