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Hetta Coffey Mystery #6
Just Needs Killin'
Hetta Coffey is a sassy Texan with a snazzy yacht and she's not afraid to use it!
After several months of cruising Mexico's hauntingly beautiful Sea of Cortez, Hetta's in Puerto Escondido, a place once described by author John Steinbeck as "a magic harbor." Anchored out, swaying on the hook at the whim of breeze and tide, surrounded by magnificent views and turquoise water can be magical. Stuck at anchor alone? Not so much.
So when her best friend, Jan, gets them an invite to a party at a nearby luxury resort hosted by a Japanese businessman—all expenses paid—Hetta figures, why not? Why turn down an evening of free food and booze? And besides, what could possibly go wrong?
With Hetta involved? Plenty.
Not only are she and Jan soon up to their necks in hot sake, a succession of unsavory intruders sends Hetta scurrying for a safe harbor, but not before she reaches the conclusion that some folks just need killin'.
After several months of cruising Mexico's hauntingly beautiful Sea of Cortez, Hetta's in Puerto Escondido, a place once described by author John Steinbeck as "a magic harbor." Anchored out, swaying on the hook at the whim of breeze and tide, surrounded by magnificent views and turquoise water can be magical. Stuck at anchor alone? Not so much.
So when her best friend, Jan, gets them an invite to a party at a nearby luxury resort hosted by a Japanese businessman—all expenses paid—Hetta figures, why not? Why turn down an evening of free food and booze? And besides, what could possibly go wrong?
With Hetta involved? Plenty.
Not only are she and Jan soon up to their necks in hot sake, a succession of unsavory intruders sends Hetta scurrying for a safe harbor, but not before she reaches the conclusion that some folks just need killin'.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2014
459 people are currently reading
1122 people want to read
About the author
Jinx Schwartz
29 books317 followersJinx Schwartz is the USA TODAY Best-selling author of the award-winning Hetta Coffey series.
JUST ADD WATER, first in the series, introduces Hetta, a sassy Texan with a snazzy yacht, and she's not afraid to use it. JUST ADD SALT, JUST ADD TROUBLE, JUST DESERTS, JUST THE PITS, JUST NEEDS KILLIN', AND JUST DIFFERENT DEVILS get her into hot Mexican Waters. JUST PARDON MY FRENCH, BOOK 8, FINDS HETTA IN FRANCE and Book 9: JUST FOLLOW THE MONEY, takes a wild ride on two continents, and JUST FOR THE BIRDS, Book 10, gets her afowl of exotic bird smugglers. Book 11 finds her in Texas, and living in an RV until her boat goes missing back in Mexico, and in Just On Porpoise (12 ) her attention is drawn to the almost extinct Vaquita, and JUST SO WRONG (13) finds Hetta taking on the dogfighting trade. Her other books: The Texicans (Texas 1806-1836 Historical Western), Land of Mountains, a YA/TWEEN set in Haiti in the 1950's, Troubled Sea, a thriller in Mexico's Sea of Cortez, and BAJA GET AWAY, suspensful romance in Mexico.
Jinx spends equal time in Arizona and Mexico.
JUST ADD WATER, first in the series, introduces Hetta, a sassy Texan with a snazzy yacht, and she's not afraid to use it. JUST ADD SALT, JUST ADD TROUBLE, JUST DESERTS, JUST THE PITS, JUST NEEDS KILLIN', AND JUST DIFFERENT DEVILS get her into hot Mexican Waters. JUST PARDON MY FRENCH, BOOK 8, FINDS HETTA IN FRANCE and Book 9: JUST FOLLOW THE MONEY, takes a wild ride on two continents, and JUST FOR THE BIRDS, Book 10, gets her afowl of exotic bird smugglers. Book 11 finds her in Texas, and living in an RV until her boat goes missing back in Mexico, and in Just On Porpoise (12 ) her attention is drawn to the almost extinct Vaquita, and JUST SO WRONG (13) finds Hetta taking on the dogfighting trade. Her other books: The Texicans (Texas 1806-1836 Historical Western), Land of Mountains, a YA/TWEEN set in Haiti in the 1950's, Troubled Sea, a thriller in Mexico's Sea of Cortez, and BAJA GET AWAY, suspensful romance in Mexico.
Jinx spends equal time in Arizona and Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
July 19, 2017
Just Needs Killin' (Hetta Coffey Mystery, #6) by Jinx Schwartz is an audio book I requested and the review is voluntary. This is a strange mystery, at least different from mysteries I am use to. The two girls of the story break laws, or try to break laws, and don't seem to think anything about it. They somehow get mixed up in the Japanese mafia, find a dead body but don't turn the murder in. Plan a murder, steal precious items, and they don't seem to care too much. (Maybe the friend, not the main gal, Hetta.) Strange story. There is lots of humor, action, adventure, and traveling. The narrator is perfect for this story.
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December 1, 2019Hetta and Jan are at it again in this exciting and fun cozy mystery of the coast Baja, California. Jan arrives unexpectedly to visit a Hetta. There is a party tonight that Jan is invited and she wants Hetta go with her. Once there they learn an old friend, Ishikawa is the host. They find him DEAD with head cut off. Hetta takes pictures and they leave.
Hetta is picked up by the Mexican police and thinks she is going to jail. Aunt Lil enters the story. They joined Chino his research vessel determined to put an end to Luyan interference in their lives. Other friends are on the research boat.
The subplots are nicely brought together with several twists and turns to a great ending. I am looking forward to Hetta's next adventure.
Hetta is picked up by the Mexican police and thinks she is going to jail. Aunt Lil enters the story. They joined Chino his research vessel determined to put an end to Luyan interference in their lives. Other friends are on the research boat.
The subplots are nicely brought together with several twists and turns to a great ending. I am looking forward to Hetta's next adventure.
September 6, 2015
Entertaining.
Was very entertaining to follow Hetta Coffey, her adventures of hunting Spanish and Japanese ships. Recovering gold and silver coins, Ming dynasty vases. Easy read.
Was very entertaining to follow Hetta Coffey, her adventures of hunting Spanish and Japanese ships. Recovering gold and silver coins, Ming dynasty vases. Easy read.
June 30, 2016
Two educated women can't be this stupid in real life.
February 28, 2017
Hetta is a full time boater, or is it called Yachty? She has been since she decided to ditch conventional life, somewhere around book two of the series. Book 6 brings Hetta and her gal-pal, Jan, back to Magdalena Bay, Mexico. She takes a job with Jan's beau, Chino and the gang on their expedition to find the lost Japanese galleon under the Mexican sea of Cortez.
Soon Hetta finds herself in over her head and deep in doodoo over some treasure she's determined to keep for herself, and Jan, of course. All the while trying to find who cut off multi millionaire, Ishimoto's, head for getting to the goods first. Literally.
~ another laugh out loud read for Hetta and the gang. Quick witted with well thought out antics and colorful characters.
Soon Hetta finds herself in over her head and deep in doodoo over some treasure she's determined to keep for herself, and Jan, of course. All the while trying to find who cut off multi millionaire, Ishimoto's, head for getting to the goods first. Literally.
~ another laugh out loud read for Hetta and the gang. Quick witted with well thought out antics and colorful characters.
August 4, 2014
Another great Hetta Coffey romp from Jinx Schwartz -- humor, mystery, and a boat ride no one will forget easily. The book stands alone very well, but any reader who has the option to start with series #1 and move forward in order, will especially enjoy visiting old friends, recognizing places, and finding surprise connections when they arise.
August 10, 2014
A pleasure
this series I enjoy for reasons that have nothing to do with plot. the writing, humor, intelligence and characters make it all worthwhile. if I read the plot of each book it wouldn't sound very interesting yet surprise! it is because of this author's writing style.
looking forward to the next
this series I enjoy for reasons that have nothing to do with plot. the writing, humor, intelligence and characters make it all worthwhile. if I read the plot of each book it wouldn't sound very interesting yet surprise! it is because of this author's writing style.
looking forward to the next
August 11, 2014
Loved this entire series. The antics of Hetta and Jan are really page turning material. Believe I read through this one faster than the others. Really a great series, hope there is a follow up, a must read in my opinion.
March 18, 2017
A good fun read. Others have related the somewhat complicated storyline but it's set in the world of the Sea of Cortez, deep sea diving and archealogical discovery mixed in with Mexican gangsters and tough women. Worth the read.
August 3, 2014
Wonderful
I really enjoyed this 6th book in the series. Hetta is wonderful and I love her zaney fiends. Start with bok one and read the whole series you will not be disappointed.
I really enjoyed this 6th book in the series. Hetta is wonderful and I love her zaney fiends. Start with bok one and read the whole series you will not be disappointed.
August 6, 2014
This has got to be the best Betts yet. The way that woman can get into trouble is just amazing. But how she manages to stay ahead of death is even more amazing. Can't wait till the next one.
August 6, 2014
Good and funny read!
Good and funny read!
enjoyed this story...like the others s t starring Hetta! Her 'adventures' make me ad I don't have e a boat!
Good and funny read!
enjoyed this story...like the others s t starring Hetta! Her 'adventures' make me ad I don't have e a boat!
August 21, 2014
Another clever hit in the Hetta Coffey series.
March 10, 2015
Enjoyable read
The plot seems very far fetched, but that is fiction for you. I will most likely pread this author again.
The plot seems very far fetched, but that is fiction for you. I will most likely pread this author again.
September 13, 2019
This book really had me laughing a lot at all the jams the two Texas womwe, Hetta and Jan, get themselves into. This time it was Jan who managed to get into trouble first and of course she called her BFF to come get her---and they really had to keep secrets from their boyfriends! It all starts with a dead body--who the snoops see being taken away by Hetta's numero uno person non gratis and a couple of other nefarious characters.
They end up working with Jan's boyfriend on his boat attempting to find a ship that sunk many many many years ago. Treasure=Moola in Hetta's vocabulary and besides she and Jan really want to kill someone. A Ming Dynasty Vase is located but Jan's boyfriend says it has to go to the Mexican government--UH--time to take matters into her two hands--that vase is worth millions--and Hetta wants it!
They both get certified to scuba dive--but it is Po' Thang, Hetta's dog, that in one of his forays into the waters to find his treasures that brings up silver coins! UH OH--Dollar signs in Hetta's and Jan's eyes.
Then they realize that the two Japanese guys take off to go fishing every day at the same time---you know they had to find out what they were really doing!!
Hetta's numero uno person non gratis gets on their ship---
Will Hetta and Jan manage to escape--what about all that treasure?
I can guarantee that Just Needs Killin' will keep you reading, gasping and laughing at the stuff these two Texans pull. Ingenius to say the least!
They end up working with Jan's boyfriend on his boat attempting to find a ship that sunk many many many years ago. Treasure=Moola in Hetta's vocabulary and besides she and Jan really want to kill someone. A Ming Dynasty Vase is located but Jan's boyfriend says it has to go to the Mexican government--UH--time to take matters into her two hands--that vase is worth millions--and Hetta wants it!
They both get certified to scuba dive--but it is Po' Thang, Hetta's dog, that in one of his forays into the waters to find his treasures that brings up silver coins! UH OH--Dollar signs in Hetta's and Jan's eyes.
Then they realize that the two Japanese guys take off to go fishing every day at the same time---you know they had to find out what they were really doing!!
Hetta's numero uno person non gratis gets on their ship---
Will Hetta and Jan manage to escape--what about all that treasure?
I can guarantee that Just Needs Killin' will keep you reading, gasping and laughing at the stuff these two Texans pull. Ingenius to say the least!
December 29, 2017
Gringas
Hetta needs a vacation. She's in the area of some of the most beautiful beaches and she needs a vacation. ...? Well with her and Jan's luck they probably should give Mexico a break and take one.
Hetta joins Jan on Chino's expedition ship for part of the summer while they do research of a possible location of a sunken ship some 400+ years ago. While they are on their expedition they notice that the two Oriental mates take off everyday on their Pangas and usually return a couple of hours later. So they investigate their ship mates wear abouts and find their location and spy on them and think t hey are bringing up gold bars which would be treasures of the ship and worth plenty of m o n e y.
As t hey move forward with their investigation they wind up stirring t he pot and with that comes trouble. Which for both Hetta and Jan means serious trouble but also puts the rest of t h e crew in danger as well. They find the g old aboard the ship. The Chinese guys notify their team who overtake the ship. These are real bad guys and lives are in danger.
Hetta usually finds h e r way out of these fixes but with most the crew on a weekend away from the ship with just herself, Jan and the Chinese things look rough. Will they go down with the ship, find a way out or be killed?
Hetta needs a vacation. She's in the area of some of the most beautiful beaches and she needs a vacation. ...? Well with her and Jan's luck they probably should give Mexico a break and take one.
Hetta joins Jan on Chino's expedition ship for part of the summer while they do research of a possible location of a sunken ship some 400+ years ago. While they are on their expedition they notice that the two Oriental mates take off everyday on their Pangas and usually return a couple of hours later. So they investigate their ship mates wear abouts and find their location and spy on them and think t hey are bringing up gold bars which would be treasures of the ship and worth plenty of m o n e y.
As t hey move forward with their investigation they wind up stirring t he pot and with that comes trouble. Which for both Hetta and Jan means serious trouble but also puts the rest of t h e crew in danger as well. They find the g old aboard the ship. The Chinese guys notify their team who overtake the ship. These are real bad guys and lives are in danger.
Hetta usually finds h e r way out of these fixes but with most the crew on a weekend away from the ship with just herself, Jan and the Chinese things look rough. Will they go down with the ship, find a way out or be killed?
February 23, 2017
Another Hetta adventure! While this is #6 in the series, I read #8 first. While there is clearly a lot of backstory by this time, it did not impact my enjoyment of either of these romps.
While Hetta is clearly an agent of chaos, for good and ill, the plots are pretty implausible- but that's part of the fun. Coincidences abound- despite what Hetta thinks- and it can all get pretty silly. And I am pretty sure that if I mapped out the plotlines, there would be places that simply do not work- but I'm not going to, because they are too much fun.
I also think the characterizations are done well. I'm not sure that any characters are exactly well-rounded, but they are vivid and distinctive. And- even better!- they all have their own agendas and prioritites, and proceed with them leading to both problems and serendipity. Nicely done!
I will likely read more in this series- it's light and entertaining and will not benefit from over-thinking.
While Hetta is clearly an agent of chaos, for good and ill, the plots are pretty implausible- but that's part of the fun. Coincidences abound- despite what Hetta thinks- and it can all get pretty silly. And I am pretty sure that if I mapped out the plotlines, there would be places that simply do not work- but I'm not going to, because they are too much fun.
I also think the characterizations are done well. I'm not sure that any characters are exactly well-rounded, but they are vivid and distinctive. And- even better!- they all have their own agendas and prioritites, and proceed with them leading to both problems and serendipity. Nicely done!
I will likely read more in this series- it's light and entertaining and will not benefit from over-thinking.
March 14, 2018
Hetta Coffey is living the life I envisioned for myself--sort of. Parts of it. Well I sailed and raced on boats, played in Mexico, and traveled a lot. But did NOT get involved with gangsters of ANY origin be they Japanese, Mexican or home-grown, except vicariously, thank you, by reading. Author Jinx Schwartz's refreshingly free and fun-loving duo of Texas cuties in their late youths (40 is the new 30) romp and stomp on the Sea of Cortez and its environs in this delightful book which has references ranging from the Conquistadors to the Texas Rangers to World War II and the Japanese plan to buy Mexico (well, something like that). And I had the added delight of listening to the AUDIO, vivaciously narrated by Stevie Puckett who perfectly captures our madcap gals.
September 18, 2023
Inciting incident then a whole bunch of nothing for most of the book and a bit of action again at the end.
Snooze fest for most of it and continuously goes off on tangents that have nothing to do with the actual story. I don't mind the occasional side quest but it felt like the whole book was one big meander.
And, oh my goodness the constant, CONSTANT sarcastic comments and wise-cracking! It didn't stop, didn't let up for even one page.
Snooze fest for most of it and continuously goes off on tangents that have nothing to do with the actual story. I don't mind the occasional side quest but it felt like the whole book was one big meander.
And, oh my goodness the constant, CONSTANT sarcastic comments and wise-cracking! It didn't stop, didn't let up for even one page.
September 30, 2017
Another good one!
I get such a kick out of the Hetta Coffee books! Jan and Hetta can get in more trouble and come up with the craziest schemes to escape their troubles. Jinx Schwartz , author, has a zany sense of humor that I am kept laughing at her characters antics and their explanations . Looking forward to the next one!
I get such a kick out of the Hetta Coffee books! Jan and Hetta can get in more trouble and come up with the craziest schemes to escape their troubles. Jinx Schwartz , author, has a zany sense of humor that I am kept laughing at her characters antics and their explanations . Looking forward to the next one!
December 17, 2019
Looking for Treasure
Sixth in the series, this one is a hoot! Hetta makes plans to off Lujan but ends up working the summer on Jan's boyfriend's research vessel as they try to locate the Galileo wreck of his ancestors. Recommended to all who enjoy a good story, this series is awesome!
Sixth in the series, this one is a hoot! Hetta makes plans to off Lujan but ends up working the summer on Jan's boyfriend's research vessel as they try to locate the Galileo wreck of his ancestors. Recommended to all who enjoy a good story, this series is awesome!
February 1, 2020
This is a lovely book in the Hetta Coffey series. As always, Hetta and Jan are up to the gunwhales in very hot and salty water. The characters are eccentric and enjoyable and the storyline light. I thought the end was a little weak for me, hence my four star rating. However, this did not ruin the book for me. A nice read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
June 11, 2018
Gosh, what a fun read, my first Jinx Schwartz book!
Found myself needing a break from historical novels, biography and the classics and somehow ordered this book for my Fire Pad! What a wonderful, fun book! I want to read other adventures of Hetta Coffey! Thanks Jinx
Found myself needing a break from historical novels, biography and the classics and somehow ordered this book for my Fire Pad! What a wonderful, fun book! I want to read other adventures of Hetta Coffey! Thanks Jinx
March 18, 2019
Fun read!
Mrs. Schwartz kept me interested from start to finish. Her sense of humor is wonderful and her storytelling kept me up all hours of the night. I didn't want to put it down!
Mrs. Schwartz kept me interested from start to finish. Her sense of humor is wonderful and her storytelling kept me up all hours of the night. I didn't want to put it down!
July 26, 2019
Hetta goes treasure hunting!
An entertaining story about lost gold, sunken ship, and mobsters. This book was very interesting, I loved the storyline and humor in this book, well written and very entertaining!
An entertaining story about lost gold, sunken ship, and mobsters. This book was very interesting, I loved the storyline and humor in this book, well written and very entertaining!
May 29, 2020
Hetty she is a strong independent sassy woman, her stories of murder and mayhem are always a delight. The audio was good and brought the story to life, and was good narration. Given audio for for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
May 6, 2017
Hetta Coffey is such a hoot! Imagine having a friend like her? It would be hard not to say "Do not call me again" LOL
May 6, 2017
Fun read I love hetta and jan they remind me of Lucy and ethyl
May 26, 2017
Good writing. Good characters. I love the dog's name. This plot is weird and curious.
July 13, 2017
I always find these rather ridiculous but an enjoyable adventure. This one lived up to my expectations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews