A Canary in the Canal By Anna Celeste Burke: Review/Giveaway

Sep 12, 2020 | 2020 Articles, Kathleen Costa, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Kathleen Costa

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of A Canary in the Canal along with a $10 Amazon gift card, and a link to purchase it from Amazon.

Hey There, Georgie Girl!
Georgie Shaw started out as the public relations executive for Catmmando Tom, a famous cartoon cat superhero, however now she is a corporate VP for Marvelous Marley World entertainment empire in charge of the food and beverage division. Her boss, the egocentric eccentric Max Marley, relies heavily on Georgie, even if often a bit demanding and overusing his “Hey, there, Georgie Girl” greeting. Jack Wheeler, her husband and local detective, is also employed by Max as a security consultant on the newest Marley project; an entire city is being built in North Palm Springs called New Arcadia. But, it’s the mayhem and murder that cause the most conflict, however she relies on a keen sense and a detective husband to uncover the truth.

A Canary in the Canal earns 5/5 Jazz Riffs…Engaging “Can’t Miss” Fun!
When Max barks, Georgie listens, but this time it’s a more pleasant command. She’s expected to step in as a PR substitute and attend a cocktail party in the historic canal district of Venice, California. The evening will showcase guest of honor and jazz singer Kay Garland accented with excellent food with a “Big Easy” flare. “Uppity ups” aren’t her husband Jack’s preferred crowd, but he’s a jazz fan, and getting to hear Ms. Garland perform might just entice him to join her. Ms. Garland is set to perform in Marley’s studio’s new, innovative animated feature Jazz!, a salute to the history of jazz. Added to the night’s festivities is a young singer, Melody Monroe, who will duet with Ms. Garland, but arriving late and acting oddly Georgie describes her as “trouble.” However, the trouble is against Melody. She is found in the canal behind the house…dead, and there’s a whole guest list of suspects to ponder.

Brilliant! Georgie Shaw is an all-time favorite series from Top Ten favorite author Anna Celeste Burke. Written using a first-person narrative from Georgie’s perspective, this eighth book is laced with her witty humor, a loving relationship, and two rambunctious Siamese fur balls. The drama is intriguing with so many characters not what they appear from innocent to conniving, from uninvolved to “up to their neck,” from open and honest to secretive. It was difficult to point fingers at one, since more felonies occur causing an exciting tale loaded with twists and misdirection. I was surprised, yet thrilled, how the tale finally concluded. One element I enjoy in Burke’s work is the titles to gives to each chapter. It’s a mini puzzle for me to figure what in the chapter supports the title.

Bonus! Anna Celeste Burke is a trained chef, so you always count on a handful of easy-to-follow recipes from sweet to savory and perfect for casual or celebratory gatherings. Enjoy Pecan Praline Bars, Dirty Rice, Cajun Barbecue Shrimp, Artichoke Alla Romano, and Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken Breasts and Vegetables.

Alert! Set to release on December 8, the ninth Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery is a Christmas treat. Georgie and her husband hope to celebrate their anniversary…quietly, but her boss goes missing. A Merry Christmas Anniversary Mystery is on PREORDER HERE.

Be a Big Anna Celeste Burke Fan!
Along with the six-book Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery series, Anna Celeste Burke pens four other very entertaining series that offer different aged females with realistic flaws but strength of character and different setting within California from the coast to the desert, but all with the same well-written adventure, humor, and realism. There is the seven-book Georgie Shaw Mystery, the three-book Seaview Cottages Mystery, the three-book Calla Lily Mystery, and the three-book Corsario Cove Mystery.

Facebook – Anna Celeste Burke
Website – Desert Cities Mystery/Anna Celeste Burke
Twitter – aburke59
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Receive FREE Gift Gnarly New Year from the Corsario Cove series.

NEW SERIES!
Anna Celeste Burke is one of eight authors writing a book in the Witches Academy series showcasing enchanted witches different in style, background, and trouble. Burke is releasing the fifth book, Kitchen Magic, on September 22. Muriel Bright is a graduate of the Witches’ Academy of Sorcery and a popular personality on the foodie channel who finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery which just might make public her magical tendencies. Preorder HERE.

To enter to win an ebook copy of A Canary in the Canal along with a $10 Amazon gift card, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, with the subject line “canary,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen September 19, 2020. Only US entries and you must be at least 18 to enter. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

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. Also listen to our new mystery podcast where mystery short stories and first chapters are read by actors! They are also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify. A new episode went up this week!

You can use this link to purchase these book from Amazon. If you have ad blocker on you may not see the link:

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.

34 Comments

  1. Fun…love the cover…that Siamese looks mischievous..
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

    Reply
  2. Venice, CA isn’t what it used to be. Count me in!

    Reply
  3. I’ve never read one of Ms. Burke’s books that I haven’t loved.

    Reply
  4. This sounds wonderful. Thanks for the review and the contest.

    Reply
    • ckmbeg (at) gmail (dot) com

      Reply
  5. Jazz and Cooking and Canaries… oh, my!
    This is not a series I’ve read yet, but it looks fun. We had a Siamese cat when I was younger named, Tomoko, and she was such a chatty, loving kitty. 🙂

    Reply
  6. Great series. Would love to read “A Canary In The Canal”.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  7. Not a series I’ve read yet, but I love Siamese cats. We had one when I was growing up and she was so talkative and loving!

    Reply
  8. I love this beautifully written review, Kathleen! Thank you for reading and reviewing A Canary in the Canal. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I have a great time writing about Georgie, Jack, Miles and Ella, their rascally Siamese cats. And don’t get me started talking about Max–he’s a combo of some of the various bosses I’ve had over the years in different settings. His shortness of stature and the bayou patoi in his speech comes from my sweet little grampa who grew up along the Mississippi. I can’t wait for you readers to find out about their next adventure. It’s a blast!! LOL! xx Anna

    Reply
  9. I love all of Anna’s books. Also familiar with the area where she lives…only I lived in the pass..so we get the smoke from the fires before they get to her area. Stay safe everyone.

    Reply
  10. I owed a very quite siamese cat. I love seeing pictures of them.

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  11. Would love to read “A Canary In The Canal. I have read several of the books and loved them.

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  12. This book sounds like I will really enjoy it. We have 4 pups and 2 kitties. I enjoy them and stories that include animals!

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  13. Great cover art.

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  14. I love the characters, especially the cats! Miles and Ella remind me of my 2 Siamese babies, Tasha and Tiger.

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  15. These books are great…of course I love all of your books that I have read so far.

    Reply
  16. I love a good story with cats, especially Siamese since i have my Lucky a Siamese cat. Thank you for this amazing opportunity at such an amazing giveaway.

    Reply
  17. Canary
    I would love to read this book. Thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  18. I love this series!

    Reply
  19. I haven’t read Canary in the Canal yet so I would love to win it. Thanks.

    Reply
  20. I especially like stories that involve animals!
    Bonnie Varnell

    Reply
  21. I like the colorful cover on this one and I really like the Georgia Shaw stories. Getting this book would be great.

    Reply
  22. Would love to read! Thank you for the info!

    Reply
  23. Love the recipes included. It’s a nice bonus to some fun books.
    Vipersweb at gmail dot com

    Reply
  24. I’ve enjoyed Anna’s books very much, just enough humor and mystery to keep me involved in the story.

    Reply
  25. I love all your books. Can’t wait to read A Canary in the Canal. Great series.

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  26. Haven’t read the book yet, but I so want to!!

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  27. Looks like I found a new series.
    The story sounds like a fun
    read. thanks
    txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply
  28. the review certainly served to whet my appetite for A Canary in the Canal. Ms. Burke is a favorite of mine, and I expect that this book will live up to my expectations. The food, the music, the Siamese cats, and murder. What else could you ask for.

    Reply
  29. Looks like an amazing series! I love the covers! 🙂

    Reply
  30. We have a winner!

    Reply

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