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Happy Hoofers Mystery #3
Cancans, Croissants, and Caskets
"A huge treat for mystery fans.” —Peggy Ehrhart You can’t tiptoe when murder’s afoot… It’s Bastille Day in Paris. The Happy Hoofers—Tina, Janice, Pat, Mary Louise, and Gini—are all set to kick off the fete by dancing the cancan on a beautiful sightseeing cruise down the Seine. As the leggy ladies soak in the magic of the city of lights, everything is magnifique …until a very important patron goes belly-up on the top deck. On the heels of their French debut, murder takes center stage. The five daring dancers will need to step lively to stop the crafty killer fast…or their grand finale will turn out far more explosive than the fireworks over the Eiffel Tower… Includes Fashion Tips And Tasty Recipes
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 25, 2015
23 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Mary McHugh
41 books39 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 16, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I want to be a Happy Hoofer! They travel to awesome places and dance. Sometimes they tap their way right into a bunch of trouble but they always seem to shuffle their way out!
If you haven’t met the Happy Hoofers they are a group of friends that love to dance.
Tina is leader of the group. She keeps everything organized. She is the Travel Editor at Perfect Bride magazine.
Janice is an actress and director in community theater. She is divorced with a daughter in college.
Pat is a family therapist and the mother hen of the group.
Mary Louise and Tina have been friends for over 30 years. She has 3 children and a very trying husband named George.
Gini is a redhead with a temper to match. She is a documentary filmmaker and while making a film in India fell in love with a little girl she hopes to adopt.
Janice narrates the story this time. The girls are in Paris and are booked to perform for a week on the Bateau Mouche, a touristy sightseeing boat that travels down the Seine. At the end of their first night passengers are guided to the top deck of the ship to see the Bastille Day fireworks but what they find is a dead body. This is not the first murder the Hoofers have found. They have become pretty well versed in police investigations and they can’t stop themselves from doing a bit of investigating on their own. They are going to have to kick up more than their heels to catch this killer.
This is the second book I have read recently that takes place in Paris. Mary McHugh does an excellent job or describing the “City of Light”. The dancers are staying in a rented apartment and their schedule leaves them plenty of time to see the famous landmarks and partake in some of the culinary delights from places around the city. They even take a trip to Versailles castle and gardens. I would really love to actually visit Paris someday. For now I have to settle for these virtual trips.
The mystery is fun too. Following the clues right along with the ladies. I figured it out a bit before them and I wish I could have let them know because one of them gets themselves into quite a pickle. The story wraps up almost too quickly for me though. I liked the way it played out but a few more pages of danger would have really added to the suspense level.
A very entertaining read with some tempting recipes and some amusing travel tips are included throughout the book.
August 8, 2017
An okay mystery but I have zero interest in touring Paris and was rather bored and let's not mention the 10+ pages of cooking lessons. This book was definitely not written with me in mind. lol
In case you're wondering why I read it in the first place, it has the Eiffel Tower on the cover and I needed that for a reading challenge.
In case you're wondering why I read it in the first place, it has the Eiffel Tower on the cover and I needed that for a reading challenge.
October 9, 2017
In this third "Happy Hoofers Mystery" the ladies are in France, dancing on a bateau each night while living and sight seeing in Paris for the week. The Hoofers are a group of five 50+ ladies who love to dance, Gini, Tina, MaryLouise, Pat and Janice. They all have other jobs/professions and do this on the side. They are entertaining on the trip so get a free trip out of the deal.
Janice narrates this story. She is an actress who is also beautiful so attracts men like flies to a picnic. She says what she thinks and this gets her into trouble. When the owner of the bateau is found murdered on the top deck, the hoofers are not sure what is going to happen to their dancing. When his wife is also killed, the bateau is shut down until the murderer is found. The ladies take advantage of the situation to do some sight seeing. If you have never been to Paris, and I have not, you will enjoy the wonderful descriptions of the sights they visit. The ladies are not as active in solving the murders this time around, but when Janice stumbles onto some things, she puts herself in danger.
Once again the characters were fun, interacted well with one another and were smart. In this book there are also some entanglements. Janice is quickly attracted to one of the characters, but makes the decision that she does not want to have intimate relations with him so quickly. She is also pursued by one of the band members from the ship. Pat also has a relationship with the police captain, but again it is not serious and her partner at home is not cheated on. This story seemed to be more about the location than the mystery itself. Mary McHugh has written another mystery with an emphasis on friendship. There are both fashion tips from Janice and recipes from various chefs and restaurants. A nice book for cozy mystery lovers, especially if you enjoy armchair travel and great food. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
Janice narrates this story. She is an actress who is also beautiful so attracts men like flies to a picnic. She says what she thinks and this gets her into trouble. When the owner of the bateau is found murdered on the top deck, the hoofers are not sure what is going to happen to their dancing. When his wife is also killed, the bateau is shut down until the murderer is found. The ladies take advantage of the situation to do some sight seeing. If you have never been to Paris, and I have not, you will enjoy the wonderful descriptions of the sights they visit. The ladies are not as active in solving the murders this time around, but when Janice stumbles onto some things, she puts herself in danger.
Once again the characters were fun, interacted well with one another and were smart. In this book there are also some entanglements. Janice is quickly attracted to one of the characters, but makes the decision that she does not want to have intimate relations with him so quickly. She is also pursued by one of the band members from the ship. Pat also has a relationship with the police captain, but again it is not serious and her partner at home is not cheated on. This story seemed to be more about the location than the mystery itself. Mary McHugh has written another mystery with an emphasis on friendship. There are both fashion tips from Janice and recipes from various chefs and restaurants. A nice book for cozy mystery lovers, especially if you enjoy armchair travel and great food. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
August 13, 2015
Oh, dear. I'm not sure where to begin, so I'll just share the things that ruined this book for me.
* It's not a mystery and shouldn't be marketed as such. The main character and her friends do nothing to try to solve it. It just happens where they are.
* Main characters who are 50+-year-old tap dancers who are so sexy that every man they meet (and some women) are trying to bed them. Hey, I'm almost 50 and am not saying there aren't beautiful, sexy women in this age range, but...it's pretty over the top here, with them wearing halter tops and fending off amorous men at every turn.
* The repetition of characters' names in dialog--incessantly. "Good one, Pat," Tina said. "That applies to hotels too if you want to get a room you can afford that's fairly decent." (See travel tips below.) And "Oh, and Mary Louise, I'll also tell them the best time to buy is mid-July because the prices go down even more then."
* Fashion tips at the end of the chapters like: "Janice's Fashion Tip: Don't forget your feet! Get a pedicure before you wear those sandals."
* Tedious recipes not only at the end of chapters but occasionally enacted during the text. The cooking class they go to did nothing to advance plot and instead walked readers endlessly through the making of two French desserts. Oi.
* Travel tips clunkily added in. It's like this book doesn't know what it wants to be. But first and foremost, it has to be a story! And all the other stuff thrown in just detracts from the already weak story.
* An obvious and predictable villain
* A lesbian cop in Paris who not only asks out a potential suspect just after meeting her, but who then asks another member of the group out when the main character says, basically, I'm not gay, but try my friend who is. Uh, sure.
I like series mysteries and really wanted to like this, especially with protagonists who aren't 25 and juggling babies. But I just couldn't. Normally, I wouldn't even have finished it, but it was the only novel I had on my Kindle at the moment.
* It's not a mystery and shouldn't be marketed as such. The main character and her friends do nothing to try to solve it. It just happens where they are.
* Main characters who are 50+-year-old tap dancers who are so sexy that every man they meet (and some women) are trying to bed them. Hey, I'm almost 50 and am not saying there aren't beautiful, sexy women in this age range, but...it's pretty over the top here, with them wearing halter tops and fending off amorous men at every turn.
* The repetition of characters' names in dialog--incessantly. "Good one, Pat," Tina said. "That applies to hotels too if you want to get a room you can afford that's fairly decent." (See travel tips below.) And "Oh, and Mary Louise, I'll also tell them the best time to buy is mid-July because the prices go down even more then."
* Fashion tips at the end of the chapters like: "Janice's Fashion Tip: Don't forget your feet! Get a pedicure before you wear those sandals."
* Tedious recipes not only at the end of chapters but occasionally enacted during the text. The cooking class they go to did nothing to advance plot and instead walked readers endlessly through the making of two French desserts. Oi.
* Travel tips clunkily added in. It's like this book doesn't know what it wants to be. But first and foremost, it has to be a story! And all the other stuff thrown in just detracts from the already weak story.
* An obvious and predictable villain
* A lesbian cop in Paris who not only asks out a potential suspect just after meeting her, but who then asks another member of the group out when the main character says, basically, I'm not gay, but try my friend who is. Uh, sure.
I like series mysteries and really wanted to like this, especially with protagonists who aren't 25 and juggling babies. But I just couldn't. Normally, I wouldn't even have finished it, but it was the only novel I had on my Kindle at the moment.
August 23, 2015
Mary McHugh is a new author to me, I'm sorry that i didn't discover her previously. I loved this book, set in Paris, about an over 50 dance group. The Happy Hoofers have been hired to provide entertainment on a sight seeing boat on the Seine River. From a Russian cruise to a Spanish train to the sights of beautiful France. Go ahead and join the ladies for a fun filled romp through some of the most beautiful countries in the world.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
April 6, 2022
I really enjoy this cozy series and especially the fact each book has a different member of the ensemble cast as the narrator. This time Jan, the actress, narrates the adventure in Paris as the Happy Hoofers perform on a River boat on the Seine. Again murder follows them and they meet many interesting character. The dynamic of the group’s friendships continues to develop as does the wonderful description of the places they visit in Paris. The mystery is well developed and the motive is logical. I did figure out the guilty party before it was revealed. The other reason I did not give this a 5 star is there are timeline inconsistencies- Jan’s initial visit to the club is repeatedly referred to as the night before when in fact it was 2 and 3 nights prior. Not a judge deal but a bit of an annoyance
I look forward to reading about the ladies adventures in Rio
I look forward to reading about the ladies adventures in Rio
September 5, 2015
This is the second Happy Hoofers book I have read.
The Hoofers are five friends (Tina, Gini, Pat, Jan and Mary Louise) who tap dance and have been invited to perform all over the world. Each book is told from a different dancer's point of view.
This one is told by Janice,Rogers, an actress, who also happens to have the wildest adventure on this trip.
The ladies are invited to perform on a dinner cruise show boat (Bateau Mouche} in Paris for the week surrounding Bastille Day (a Fête Nationale Française.)
Each has a different personality and individual connection to France.
Gini Miller spent time there as a student and is the only one fluent in the language.
Jan was there twenty five years ago one of her honeymoons. While not presently married, she does enjoy the company of a male friend back home. She claims to be looking for intellectually stimulating partners. The worst thing she can say about her friend Tom is that he is reliable. Jan has her wild and adventurous side.
While dedicated to giving the best performances they can, the Happy Hoofers will take advantage of every free moment to sight see and appreciate Paris. The readers go along and I learned much about the historical city.
On the second night of their job, when the passengers are going up to the top deck to enjoy fireworks, things take a serious turn when their employer is found dead, disrupting everyone's vacation and celebration.
This introduces the gang to Police Captain Geneieve Chantal, who took a special interest in Pat. And gives American nightclub owner Alan Anderson a chance to whisk Jan away to his PRIVATE nightclub.
Gini remarks, "Doesn't it seem to you that we attract murderers and killing and mayhem wherever we go?
Which turns out to be an omen, as another murder is committed soon after followed by Jan's personal mayhem.
Not much dancing takes place in Paris, but oh the food! Sprinkled liberally through the book are recipes so good I believe I gained a few pounds while reading this mystery.
I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for an honest read and review.
The Hoofers are five friends (Tina, Gini, Pat, Jan and Mary Louise) who tap dance and have been invited to perform all over the world. Each book is told from a different dancer's point of view.
This one is told by Janice,Rogers, an actress, who also happens to have the wildest adventure on this trip.
The ladies are invited to perform on a dinner cruise show boat (Bateau Mouche} in Paris for the week surrounding Bastille Day (a Fête Nationale Française.)
Each has a different personality and individual connection to France.
Gini Miller spent time there as a student and is the only one fluent in the language.
Jan was there twenty five years ago one of her honeymoons. While not presently married, she does enjoy the company of a male friend back home. She claims to be looking for intellectually stimulating partners. The worst thing she can say about her friend Tom is that he is reliable. Jan has her wild and adventurous side.
While dedicated to giving the best performances they can, the Happy Hoofers will take advantage of every free moment to sight see and appreciate Paris. The readers go along and I learned much about the historical city.
On the second night of their job, when the passengers are going up to the top deck to enjoy fireworks, things take a serious turn when their employer is found dead, disrupting everyone's vacation and celebration.
This introduces the gang to Police Captain Geneieve Chantal, who took a special interest in Pat. And gives American nightclub owner Alan Anderson a chance to whisk Jan away to his PRIVATE nightclub.
Gini remarks, "Doesn't it seem to you that we attract murderers and killing and mayhem wherever we go?
Which turns out to be an omen, as another murder is committed soon after followed by Jan's personal mayhem.
Not much dancing takes place in Paris, but oh the food! Sprinkled liberally through the book are recipes so good I believe I gained a few pounds while reading this mystery.
I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for an honest read and review.
August 20, 2015
This is a new series for me. It is not published yet. I received it from Net Galley for an honest review.
I loved the book. I enjoyed the fact that the five Happy Hoofers were in Paris to perform on July Fourteenth. Bastille day, like our Fourth of July. Tina, Mary Louise, Gini, Pat, and Janice travel the world tap dancing.
I learned many things about Paris that I did not know and many things that I did know, but had forgotten. Gini had lived in Paris for over a year so she was able to show the others some special spots of interest. Janice had been in Paris 25 years ago with one of her husbands on a honeymoon, so she was happy to walk around to see some things.
Everything seemed great until they were finished with their first performance and then all hell breaks out and everything changes.
You really need to read the book to enjoy it as much as I did. Mary McHugh is a great storyteller and I am hooked on the Hoofers and can't wait for their next adventure in Rio!
Really worth the time to read.
I loved the book. I enjoyed the fact that the five Happy Hoofers were in Paris to perform on July Fourteenth. Bastille day, like our Fourth of July. Tina, Mary Louise, Gini, Pat, and Janice travel the world tap dancing.
I learned many things about Paris that I did not know and many things that I did know, but had forgotten. Gini had lived in Paris for over a year so she was able to show the others some special spots of interest. Janice had been in Paris 25 years ago with one of her husbands on a honeymoon, so she was happy to walk around to see some things.
Everything seemed great until they were finished with their first performance and then all hell breaks out and everything changes.
You really need to read the book to enjoy it as much as I did. Mary McHugh is a great storyteller and I am hooked on the Hoofers and can't wait for their next adventure in Rio!
Really worth the time to read.
June 9, 2018
Okay, i'm just going to start off by saying, i'm probably not the target audience for a book about a group of 50+ women traveling to Paris and acting like they're sexy. But I am of the belief that if a book is good, it can transcend target audiences. This...this was not a book that did that.
This book was in a word, a trainwreck. a gloriously, terrible, hilariously awful trainwreck. Like...if this trainwreck were full of clowns, and fake noses and balloon animals littered the ground in the carnage. Everything about this book was wrong. but also hilarious.
First off, the group they're in is called "The Happy Hoofers". This group of 45+ women from New Jersey get invited to Paris to dance on this super fancy boat because they're apparently so good. (Snicker) okay yeah no. That's a contrived reason to be in Paris. Considering that the amount of time they actually WORK at this so-called job is less than 3 pages of the actual book, you really could have just said "they were on vacation" and i w0uld have believed it a lot more. Hell, this book READS like a Paris travelog.
That is literally what 3/4 of this book is. A Paris travelog. The characters will fart around Paris and talk about all the wonderful things to see and the food to eat. They go to a museum, then a cafe, then talk about going somewhere else, then rinse and repeat.
And then someone gets murdered. oh yeah. did i forget to mention that this is a mystery? Because yeah, the book sure does forget that. The girls are on the boat dancing, then a dude gets murdered. They basically go "oh, that stinks" and the very next chapter they're off gallavating in Paris again. They're not solving the mystery, they're not even really PART of it for most of the book. They're kind of just.....in the general vicinity when it happens.
After they cavort around Paris some more, another person gets killed. Then they gallavant more in Paris. I wish i was making this up. Look, if you wanted to make a fictional account of older women trapsing around paris, don't pretend it's a murder mystery. Because it's not. We're basically blatantly TOLD who the murderer is VERY early on in the book and the women don't even DO anything to solve the case. The answer is quite literally dropped into their lap.
This brings me to the biggest problem with this book. The main character Janice is awful. She is an absolutely, terrible, awful character. She vapid, annoying, useless, and just a terrible character overall. She has this delusion that she and her friends are these smoking hot girls in their early 20's when she's really a 50+ plus mom who has the self preservation of a stick. Of course it doesn't help that the author has every single male character smitten with her the moment they see her. Yeah, because in all places, PARIS every dude's going to want to jump on her. K. sure.
There's a male character named Ken who likes her but of course, she doesn't because he's "a nice guy" and she says that she's only attracted to "powerful men" despite the fact being married 3 times to this type and it never working out saying that they're not dependable. You see what i'm getting at here. She's just an awful character. Character gets murdered? Eh. that's annoying. FREE DAY TO WALK AROUND PARIS! Second person gets murdered? WALK AROUND PARIS! At one point she gets drugged and kidnapped. She escapes... and then BAKING CLASS! Yep, let's interrupt this silly little murder story by having her head out with her friends to go a baking class and check out Monet's old house. It's like..I...i can't even.
The reason she's kidnapped is because the murderer leaves behind an earring at the crime scene. (Ace murderers i know) and she looks at this dude she's going on a date with and is like "hey, that guy who works for you is missing an earring and it's the same kind found at the scene of the murder!" Now prepare yourselves for a shocker...but the guy who hired this guy KNEW that! DUN DUN DUNNNNNN!!!! Yeah. maybe telling the employer of a guy you think is a murderer that you know he's a murderer is a bad idea. just saying.
She also has a squeeze at home, but because it's Paris they all act like it's okay to flirt with other people because they're all terrible characters. The only thing Janice does in the entire story is when she's kidnapped for a second time she says a word into a phone and the plot is resolved. um. yay?
All this book is, is a self gratification book. it's a book series about a 50+ plus woman (Janice) who wants to talk about how "sexy" she and her friends are and how all men want her while trying to sound intelligent by talking about how much she likes certain painters and how they make her feel and blahdy blah. Her emotional immaturity is FLAGRANT throughout the book, her intelligence is a painted facade on a young girl who never had a daddy who loved her, and made a terrible decision to have a kid at 17 while she was just a kid herself. If she's meant to be a strong protagonist, it's a JOKE.
If you wanted to write a fanfic about you and the Golden Girls cavorting around France then do it. But don't write with the pretense of it being a murder mystery. The mystery itself only takes up about 30 pages at most while the rest is filled with Parisian landmarks, gossiping, and recipes (YES ACTUAL RECIPES)
The only reason this book doesn't get a 1 is because it was an incredibly fast read and i found myself laughing at every chapter questioning to myself that this could be an actual real book that got published. it's actually quite fascinating that this exists. Who needs strong female characters when you have gossiping, recipes, and flirting? I just.... no. Also..I hate to break it to this author. Janice would not have men falling over to get to her. I know this is a fantasy. But...no. just no.
2/5. Happy Hoofers (snickers) jesus.
This book was in a word, a trainwreck. a gloriously, terrible, hilariously awful trainwreck. Like...if this trainwreck were full of clowns, and fake noses and balloon animals littered the ground in the carnage. Everything about this book was wrong. but also hilarious.
First off, the group they're in is called "The Happy Hoofers". This group of 45+ women from New Jersey get invited to Paris to dance on this super fancy boat because they're apparently so good. (Snicker) okay yeah no. That's a contrived reason to be in Paris. Considering that the amount of time they actually WORK at this so-called job is less than 3 pages of the actual book, you really could have just said "they were on vacation" and i w0uld have believed it a lot more. Hell, this book READS like a Paris travelog.
That is literally what 3/4 of this book is. A Paris travelog. The characters will fart around Paris and talk about all the wonderful things to see and the food to eat. They go to a museum, then a cafe, then talk about going somewhere else, then rinse and repeat.
And then someone gets murdered. oh yeah. did i forget to mention that this is a mystery? Because yeah, the book sure does forget that. The girls are on the boat dancing, then a dude gets murdered. They basically go "oh, that stinks" and the very next chapter they're off gallavating in Paris again. They're not solving the mystery, they're not even really PART of it for most of the book. They're kind of just.....in the general vicinity when it happens.
After they cavort around Paris some more, another person gets killed. Then they gallavant more in Paris. I wish i was making this up. Look, if you wanted to make a fictional account of older women trapsing around paris, don't pretend it's a murder mystery. Because it's not. We're basically blatantly TOLD who the murderer is VERY early on in the book and the women don't even DO anything to solve the case. The answer is quite literally dropped into their lap.
This brings me to the biggest problem with this book. The main character Janice is awful. She is an absolutely, terrible, awful character. She vapid, annoying, useless, and just a terrible character overall. She has this delusion that she and her friends are these smoking hot girls in their early 20's when she's really a 50+ plus mom who has the self preservation of a stick. Of course it doesn't help that the author has every single male character smitten with her the moment they see her. Yeah, because in all places, PARIS every dude's going to want to jump on her. K. sure.
There's a male character named Ken who likes her but of course, she doesn't because he's "a nice guy" and she says that she's only attracted to "powerful men" despite the fact being married 3 times to this type and it never working out saying that they're not dependable. You see what i'm getting at here. She's just an awful character. Character gets murdered? Eh. that's annoying. FREE DAY TO WALK AROUND PARIS! Second person gets murdered? WALK AROUND PARIS! At one point she gets drugged and kidnapped. She escapes... and then BAKING CLASS! Yep, let's interrupt this silly little murder story by having her head out with her friends to go a baking class and check out Monet's old house. It's like..I...i can't even.
The reason she's kidnapped is because the murderer leaves behind an earring at the crime scene. (Ace murderers i know) and she looks at this dude she's going on a date with and is like "hey, that guy who works for you is missing an earring and it's the same kind found at the scene of the murder!" Now prepare yourselves for a shocker...but the guy who hired this guy KNEW that! DUN DUN DUNNNNNN!!!! Yeah. maybe telling the employer of a guy you think is a murderer that you know he's a murderer is a bad idea. just saying.
She also has a squeeze at home, but because it's Paris they all act like it's okay to flirt with other people because they're all terrible characters. The only thing Janice does in the entire story is when she's kidnapped for a second time she says a word into a phone and the plot is resolved. um. yay?
All this book is, is a self gratification book. it's a book series about a 50+ plus woman (Janice) who wants to talk about how "sexy" she and her friends are and how all men want her while trying to sound intelligent by talking about how much she likes certain painters and how they make her feel and blahdy blah. Her emotional immaturity is FLAGRANT throughout the book, her intelligence is a painted facade on a young girl who never had a daddy who loved her, and made a terrible decision to have a kid at 17 while she was just a kid herself. If she's meant to be a strong protagonist, it's a JOKE.
If you wanted to write a fanfic about you and the Golden Girls cavorting around France then do it. But don't write with the pretense of it being a murder mystery. The mystery itself only takes up about 30 pages at most while the rest is filled with Parisian landmarks, gossiping, and recipes (YES ACTUAL RECIPES)
The only reason this book doesn't get a 1 is because it was an incredibly fast read and i found myself laughing at every chapter questioning to myself that this could be an actual real book that got published. it's actually quite fascinating that this exists. Who needs strong female characters when you have gossiping, recipes, and flirting? I just.... no. Also..I hate to break it to this author. Janice would not have men falling over to get to her. I know this is a fantasy. But...no. just no.
2/5. Happy Hoofers (snickers) jesus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2019
Third installment in the Happy Hoofers mystery series is set in Paris; City of Lights. The Hoofers, five American women dancers, have been signed to dance on a bateau mouche (floating restaurant) along the Seine. A week dancing in one of the most beautiful cities of the world; what could go wrong? First night: murder...
I like the makeup of the five Hoofers as they have different personalities. Each book in the series is told from the perspective of a different woman. I also like the details about the music, food, city, etc. that truly makes me feel like I am part of the story. Well-done by author Mary McHugh.
However, I had guessed the plot and reasons for murder very early in the story. This did not ruin it for me, but made things a bit more obvious to me. I do look forward to the next book in the series that will take place in Rio de Janiero.
I like the makeup of the five Hoofers as they have different personalities. Each book in the series is told from the perspective of a different woman. I also like the details about the music, food, city, etc. that truly makes me feel like I am part of the story. Well-done by author Mary McHugh.
However, I had guessed the plot and reasons for murder very early in the story. This did not ruin it for me, but made things a bit more obvious to me. I do look forward to the next book in the series that will take place in Rio de Janiero.
October 2, 2017
This was a surprising find for me --- I had never heard of the author or the series, but was given the book by a friend. It's a composite of a travelogue, cook book and murder mystery. It is rather predictable, but charming nonetheless, involving 5 middle-aged Happy Hoofers, tap dancers who take a job on a tour boat in Paris and run into a murder. I really liked the descriptions of Paris and the descriptions of the various foods, complete with recipes, and would read more of this series. It's an easy read and entertaining.
May 13, 2022
I liked the story a lot but a couple of the ladies behavior disappointed ☹️ me. I am not a "stick in the mud" but if you are with someone you don't be messing with someone else. 😠 I knew who the killer was as soon as they came into the story but it was still interesting. 🙂 Not sure if I want to continue the series or not 🤔 but I probably will.
June 10, 2024
This is a fun series and I enjoy the travel descriptions.
March 8, 2017
This was a good cozy mystery utilizing a dance group of five women. The women have other full-time jobs but they travel together as a dance group on one-week engagements abroad. This time in Paris. The descriptions of Paris are great. This is a quick, easy read but the multiple murders and kidnapping is a bit too much.
August 25, 2015
I just finished reading Cancans, Croissants, and Caskets by Mary McHugh. It is the third book in The Happy Hoofers Mystery series. The Happy Hoofers are off the Paris, France! They are dancing on the Bateau Mouche. It is a boat that does dinner cruises on the Seine. They will dance each evening for a week (five days). The ladies rented an apartment to stay at while they are in Paris. The Happy Hoofers include: Janice Rogers (actress), Tina Powell (travel writer for a bridal magazine), Gini Miller (documentary filmmaker), Mary Louise Temple (housewife), and Pat Keller (family therapist). This book is told from the perspective of Janice Rogers. Each book is told from a different Happy Hoofers perspective (which I really do not like). The ladies arrive in Paris early on Bastille Day (they did not plan well). They are to perform that evening on the boat. They first take a quick nap and then head to the Bateau Mouche to check in with the owner, Henri Fouchet. They meet his wife, Madeleine Fouchet as well as the singer, Suzette Millet and the band. Suzette is a lovey singer who is wanting to leave the boat to go to America. She has been offered to sing at Le Bateau Mouche, a nightclub in New York. It is named after the boat and owned by Alan Anderson.
At the end of their first performance, everyone heads to the upper deck for the fireworks. A scream rings out. Henri Fouchet has been shot. Captain Genevieve Chantal arrives to investigate the murder. Who wanted Henri dead and why? There are several suspects. During the day the Happy Hoofers sight see around Paris and at night they dance on Bateau Mouche until there is another death. Madame Fouchet is found dead. That is the end of dancing on Bateau Mouche. There is romance is the air for Janice. She has two men interested in squiring her around Paris. Pat is enjoying Paris with Captain Chantal. While out enjoying the Paris nightlife, Janice stumbles upon an important clue. Will it get her killed?
I did not like Cancans, Croissants, and Caskets as much as the previous two books in the series. The mystery was too simple. I did not like that the Happy Hoofers do not actually work to solve the mystery. It just kind of happens. The best part of a cozy mystery is following the clues along with the characters to solve the crime. There are fashion tips from Janice that I found to be a little simple (and a little idiotic). It does include some lovely French recipes. I give Cancans, Croissants, and Caskets 3 out of 5. I found Cancans, Croissants, and Caskets was too similar to the previous books in the series. I am tired of Janice attracting every man within a 50 mile radius and they fall in love with her (happens in every book). Is she Bridget Bardot (I am really dating myself with this reference)? We did not get many details on each character (we got a little at the very end of the book) because each book focuses on a different character (I wish we would just have one main character). This book focuses on Janice. I got really tired of the references to her second marriage (which only lasted two years and ruined her relationship with her daughter) and the honeymoon they went on in Paris. The book focuses more on the sights of Paris and recipes than on the mystery. I was just disappointed overall.
I received a complimentary copy of Cancans, Croissants, and Caskets from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.
At the end of their first performance, everyone heads to the upper deck for the fireworks. A scream rings out. Henri Fouchet has been shot. Captain Genevieve Chantal arrives to investigate the murder. Who wanted Henri dead and why? There are several suspects. During the day the Happy Hoofers sight see around Paris and at night they dance on Bateau Mouche until there is another death. Madame Fouchet is found dead. That is the end of dancing on Bateau Mouche. There is romance is the air for Janice. She has two men interested in squiring her around Paris. Pat is enjoying Paris with Captain Chantal. While out enjoying the Paris nightlife, Janice stumbles upon an important clue. Will it get her killed?
I did not like Cancans, Croissants, and Caskets as much as the previous two books in the series. The mystery was too simple. I did not like that the Happy Hoofers do not actually work to solve the mystery. It just kind of happens. The best part of a cozy mystery is following the clues along with the characters to solve the crime. There are fashion tips from Janice that I found to be a little simple (and a little idiotic). It does include some lovely French recipes. I give Cancans, Croissants, and Caskets 3 out of 5. I found Cancans, Croissants, and Caskets was too similar to the previous books in the series. I am tired of Janice attracting every man within a 50 mile radius and they fall in love with her (happens in every book). Is she Bridget Bardot (I am really dating myself with this reference)? We did not get many details on each character (we got a little at the very end of the book) because each book focuses on a different character (I wish we would just have one main character). This book focuses on Janice. I got really tired of the references to her second marriage (which only lasted two years and ruined her relationship with her daughter) and the honeymoon they went on in Paris. The book focuses more on the sights of Paris and recipes than on the mystery. I was just disappointed overall.
I received a complimentary copy of Cancans, Croissants, and Caskets from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.
March 28, 2016
Title: Cancans, Croissants, and Caskets - Happy Hoofers Mystery 2
Author: Mary McHugh
Published: 8-25-15
Publisher: Kensington Books
Pages: 352
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Women's Fiction; Cozy Mystery
ISBN: 9781617733635
ASIN: B00QDYYJR2
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
.
The Happy Hoofers have packed their bags and are headed of to Paris to dance the cancan on the dinner cruise ship, Bateau Mouche (translated means Riverboat) after being hired by Henri and Madeleine Fouchet. They are to perform nightly the week of Bastial Day (which is France's Independence Day, July 14th). Directly after their first performance the guest head to the upper deck for the fireworks display. A scream rings out and it is discovered that Henri has been shot and lies dead. Enter the very capable Detective Genevieve Chantall who is quite taken with Pat. Then Madeleine is murdered and the ladies wonder who could be next and why.
The Happy Hoofers is a group of women of mature age in their 50's who are determined to enjoy life to its fullest and dance their way around the world. There is Janice Roger's, an actress, it is from her point of view this story, set in Paris, is told. There is also Tina Powell, a travel writer for Perfect Bride magazine; Gini Miller, a filmmaker; Mary Louise Parker, a housewife; and Pat Keller, a family therapist. Each book is told from a different woman's point of view. Book 1, Chorus Line, Caviar and Corpses which takes place in Russia, is told by Tina Book 2, Flamenco, Flan and Fatalities takes place in Spain and is told by Gini and Book 4 Bossa Novas, Bikinis and Bad Ends, coming out at the end of April, is set in Rio de Janeiro and is told from Pat's viewpoint. Each book can be read as a standalone novel. Each also includes travel tips and recipes to tempt readers to enjoy.
I found the layout a bit different in this book. I wish they had moved the fashion tips, Travel tips and recipes to the rear of the book, rather than spacing them with the chapters. They were a bit distracting. The ladies had little involvement in the mystery, but did find and a couple of important clues and evidence. Having said that I want to tell you that it is was a good story and I always enjoy spending time with the Happy Hoofers and the inspiration they provide all women to not let age stop you from doing something you love. A score of 4 out of 5 stars.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/canca...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Author: Mary McHugh
Published: 8-25-15
Publisher: Kensington Books
Pages: 352
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Women's Fiction; Cozy Mystery
ISBN: 9781617733635
ASIN: B00QDYYJR2
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
.
The Happy Hoofers have packed their bags and are headed of to Paris to dance the cancan on the dinner cruise ship, Bateau Mouche (translated means Riverboat) after being hired by Henri and Madeleine Fouchet. They are to perform nightly the week of Bastial Day (which is France's Independence Day, July 14th). Directly after their first performance the guest head to the upper deck for the fireworks display. A scream rings out and it is discovered that Henri has been shot and lies dead. Enter the very capable Detective Genevieve Chantall who is quite taken with Pat. Then Madeleine is murdered and the ladies wonder who could be next and why.
The Happy Hoofers is a group of women of mature age in their 50's who are determined to enjoy life to its fullest and dance their way around the world. There is Janice Roger's, an actress, it is from her point of view this story, set in Paris, is told. There is also Tina Powell, a travel writer for Perfect Bride magazine; Gini Miller, a filmmaker; Mary Louise Parker, a housewife; and Pat Keller, a family therapist. Each book is told from a different woman's point of view. Book 1, Chorus Line, Caviar and Corpses which takes place in Russia, is told by Tina Book 2, Flamenco, Flan and Fatalities takes place in Spain and is told by Gini and Book 4 Bossa Novas, Bikinis and Bad Ends, coming out at the end of April, is set in Rio de Janeiro and is told from Pat's viewpoint. Each book can be read as a standalone novel. Each also includes travel tips and recipes to tempt readers to enjoy.
I found the layout a bit different in this book. I wish they had moved the fashion tips, Travel tips and recipes to the rear of the book, rather than spacing them with the chapters. They were a bit distracting. The ladies had little involvement in the mystery, but did find and a couple of important clues and evidence. Having said that I want to tell you that it is was a good story and I always enjoy spending time with the Happy Hoofers and the inspiration they provide all women to not let age stop you from doing something you love. A score of 4 out of 5 stars.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/canca...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
June 14, 2016
Cancans, Croissants and Caskets is the third installment in the Happy Hoofers Mystery series. This book finds the five tap dancing friends (Tina, Mary Louise, Gini, Pat and Jan) hired to perform on a Bateau Mouche (sightseeing boat) on the Seine in Paris. Each of the books is narrated by a different member of the group and Cancans is told from Janice Roger's perspective.
The group arrives in Paris on Bastille Day, which is the American equivalent of Independence Day so things around the city are very busy. The ladies check in to the beautiful apartment they have rented for their weeklong stay, head over to the boat where they meet up with the house band, singer Suzette Millett and the owners of the boat, Henri and Madeline Fouchet.
The mystery in the book revolves around the murder of two characters, but as in the other books in the series the investigation into their deaths is not the focal point of the storyline. Unlike other traditional cozies the ladies have very little to do with hunting down the killer, and gather most of their information regarding the murder through limited conversations with a third party.
This series reads more like a travel guide, with elaborate descriptions of the landmarks, foods and language of the locales the ladies visit. In this case it was interesting to learn about the Parisian countryside and even pick up a few French phrases, but for me it took a little away from the joy of solving the murder and I found myself skipping over some of the wordy descriptions.
The author also focuses on the private life of whichever one of the ladies is narrating the particular book in the series. Cancans devotes a lot of time to the love life of Janice and also to the budding romantic relationship between Pat and Police Captain Genevieve Chantal.
The book ends abruptly with just a brief mention of the capture of the killer. While a reason for the murder was touched on in the earlier pages, I was left feeling that the killer's motive for murder was rather flimsy and farfetched. It was disappointing to not have the killer admit to his crime or hear his confession. The colorful, fun cover is what drew me to this cozy but alas, there was no cute puppy or any mention of a dog throughout the entire book.
This was a quick and easy read, with likeable characters and yummy recipes, but if you are looking for a true cozy mystery this book reads more like Chick Lit.
I received an advanced copy of Cancans, Croissants and Caskets through NetGalley via publisher Kensington Publishing. While I was not required to write a review, I was more than happy to give an honest opinion.
The group arrives in Paris on Bastille Day, which is the American equivalent of Independence Day so things around the city are very busy. The ladies check in to the beautiful apartment they have rented for their weeklong stay, head over to the boat where they meet up with the house band, singer Suzette Millett and the owners of the boat, Henri and Madeline Fouchet.
The mystery in the book revolves around the murder of two characters, but as in the other books in the series the investigation into their deaths is not the focal point of the storyline. Unlike other traditional cozies the ladies have very little to do with hunting down the killer, and gather most of their information regarding the murder through limited conversations with a third party.
This series reads more like a travel guide, with elaborate descriptions of the landmarks, foods and language of the locales the ladies visit. In this case it was interesting to learn about the Parisian countryside and even pick up a few French phrases, but for me it took a little away from the joy of solving the murder and I found myself skipping over some of the wordy descriptions.
The author also focuses on the private life of whichever one of the ladies is narrating the particular book in the series. Cancans devotes a lot of time to the love life of Janice and also to the budding romantic relationship between Pat and Police Captain Genevieve Chantal.
The book ends abruptly with just a brief mention of the capture of the killer. While a reason for the murder was touched on in the earlier pages, I was left feeling that the killer's motive for murder was rather flimsy and farfetched. It was disappointing to not have the killer admit to his crime or hear his confession. The colorful, fun cover is what drew me to this cozy but alas, there was no cute puppy or any mention of a dog throughout the entire book.
This was a quick and easy read, with likeable characters and yummy recipes, but if you are looking for a true cozy mystery this book reads more like Chick Lit.
I received an advanced copy of Cancans, Croissants and Caskets through NetGalley via publisher Kensington Publishing. While I was not required to write a review, I was more than happy to give an honest opinion.
August 22, 2015
Note: There's no actual details, but this review is spoilerish.
This is a joint review for Flamenco, Flan and Fatalities and Cancans, Croissants and Caskets because they are basically the same book. (I haven't read the first one in the series.) The set up is that there is this 50ish troupe of 5 women who do dance performances and get to travel because of it. Murders occur during the trip, one or more fall in love/lust (despite being on trips of a week or less), one of the gals gets in danger because she notices something, yet in each book the killer gets away with the first attempt to silence the hoofer then stupidly makes another attempt getting caught.
This is more a chick lit read about 5 50+ ladies traveling, how they are dressed and what they see and eat. We know every meal and there are some recipes included in each book. The books alternate with a different "hoofer" being the main character and this character gives tips at the end of every chapter. Gini gives photography tips in Flamenco and Janice gives fashion tips in Cancans (Why fashion? She's an actress true, but that makes her a fashion expert? We've all seen some of those fashion nightmares on the red carpet.) The tips are so simple, I thought they were tongue in cheek at first. Bring sunglasses and an umbrella? Don't take pictures of someone eating?
As a mystery series, I'd have to give the books a 1 star rating. Typically, main characters participate in solving the crime. There is none of that though, at least, the local cops do interviews. The crooks in both cases basically out themselves and did a pathetic job of trying to cover up their crime especially in Flamenco. If there was any evidence, it was very circumstantial.
Why muck up the series with romance? Especially those characters who are in relationships. Yes, we all know people cheat, but it's just implausible that multiple hoofers (and again, there are only 5 of them) are tempted in each book knowing that their friends are witness to this. It's distasteful, especially with so much page space devoted this stuff.
I received copies of both books from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
This is a joint review for Flamenco, Flan and Fatalities and Cancans, Croissants and Caskets because they are basically the same book. (I haven't read the first one in the series.) The set up is that there is this 50ish troupe of 5 women who do dance performances and get to travel because of it. Murders occur during the trip, one or more fall in love/lust (despite being on trips of a week or less), one of the gals gets in danger because she notices something, yet in each book the killer gets away with the first attempt to silence the hoofer then stupidly makes another attempt getting caught.
This is more a chick lit read about 5 50+ ladies traveling, how they are dressed and what they see and eat. We know every meal and there are some recipes included in each book. The books alternate with a different "hoofer" being the main character and this character gives tips at the end of every chapter. Gini gives photography tips in Flamenco and Janice gives fashion tips in Cancans (Why fashion? She's an actress true, but that makes her a fashion expert? We've all seen some of those fashion nightmares on the red carpet.) The tips are so simple, I thought they were tongue in cheek at first. Bring sunglasses and an umbrella? Don't take pictures of someone eating?
As a mystery series, I'd have to give the books a 1 star rating. Typically, main characters participate in solving the crime. There is none of that though, at least, the local cops do interviews. The crooks in both cases basically out themselves and did a pathetic job of trying to cover up their crime especially in Flamenco. If there was any evidence, it was very circumstantial.
Why muck up the series with romance? Especially those characters who are in relationships. Yes, we all know people cheat, but it's just implausible that multiple hoofers (and again, there are only 5 of them) are tempted in each book knowing that their friends are witness to this. It's distasteful, especially with so much page space devoted this stuff.
I received copies of both books from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
August 25, 2015
Absolutely LOVED this book!! I'm not exactly sure which # this is in the series, but wish I'd have known about them!!
The author caught me right in the beginning, which is hard to do! This seems like it's in the cozy genre & honestly , many of those are quite boring until you're about halfway through, or just poorly written. The authors use of descriptions made me feel as if I lived in Paris all my life, yet I was never there. Beautifully descriptive & captivating read!
My mind was given a vacation to France through her wonderful descriptive writing!
The Happy Hoofers are a group of 5 women who dance. In this book they're hired to tap dance on an expensive "boat" for guests that will all be celebrating Bastille Day holiday in France, much like our July 4th holiday. After their first night of dancing, the owner of this boat is found dead---in starts the mystery. Some very colorful people & personalities makes many of them suspects. At the end of the chapters, instead of recipes, she leaves fashion tips, which is more apropos for this type series
Read this book if you want to take your mind on a wonderful vacation to France in the summertime.....& to see who was the murderer!!
One of the best "cozy mysteries I've read, new to me & am looking forward to more from this author!
I received a digital copy of this book from Net Galley & Kensington Publishing--thank you! In return, I gave an honest review
The author caught me right in the beginning, which is hard to do! This seems like it's in the cozy genre & honestly , many of those are quite boring until you're about halfway through, or just poorly written. The authors use of descriptions made me feel as if I lived in Paris all my life, yet I was never there. Beautifully descriptive & captivating read!
My mind was given a vacation to France through her wonderful descriptive writing!
The Happy Hoofers are a group of 5 women who dance. In this book they're hired to tap dance on an expensive "boat" for guests that will all be celebrating Bastille Day holiday in France, much like our July 4th holiday. After their first night of dancing, the owner of this boat is found dead---in starts the mystery. Some very colorful people & personalities makes many of them suspects. At the end of the chapters, instead of recipes, she leaves fashion tips, which is more apropos for this type series
Read this book if you want to take your mind on a wonderful vacation to France in the summertime.....& to see who was the murderer!!
One of the best "cozy mysteries I've read, new to me & am looking forward to more from this author!
I received a digital copy of this book from Net Galley & Kensington Publishing--thank you! In return, I gave an honest review
August 22, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
You can't tiptoe when murder's afoot…
It's Bastille Day in Paris. The Happy Hoofers—Tina, Janice, Pat, Mary Louise, and Gini—are all set to kick off the fete by dancing the cancan on a beautiful sightseeing cruise down the Seine. As the leggy ladies soak in the magic of the city of lights, everything is magnifique...until a very important patron goes belly-up on the top deck.
On the heels of their French debut, murder takes center stage. The five daring dancers will need to step lively to stop the crafty killer fast...or their grand finale will turn out far more explosive than the fireworks over the Eiffel Tower...
I have to say - I wasn't a fan of this book. It was billed as a mystery but that's not accurate. A mystery happens while they are in Paris but they don't really take an active part in solving it.
Between that, the stilted dialogue, the cooking lessons and recipes stuck randomly through the book - I just felt this could have been so much more than it was.
I did enjoy reading the "guided tour" of the Paris and the festivities of Bastille Day. That was a positive to come out of this book but they were sadly too few and far between.
Paul
ARH
You can't tiptoe when murder's afoot…
It's Bastille Day in Paris. The Happy Hoofers—Tina, Janice, Pat, Mary Louise, and Gini—are all set to kick off the fete by dancing the cancan on a beautiful sightseeing cruise down the Seine. As the leggy ladies soak in the magic of the city of lights, everything is magnifique...until a very important patron goes belly-up on the top deck.
On the heels of their French debut, murder takes center stage. The five daring dancers will need to step lively to stop the crafty killer fast...or their grand finale will turn out far more explosive than the fireworks over the Eiffel Tower...
I have to say - I wasn't a fan of this book. It was billed as a mystery but that's not accurate. A mystery happens while they are in Paris but they don't really take an active part in solving it.
Between that, the stilted dialogue, the cooking lessons and recipes stuck randomly through the book - I just felt this could have been so much more than it was.
I did enjoy reading the "guided tour" of the Paris and the festivities of Bastille Day. That was a positive to come out of this book but they were sadly too few and far between.
Paul
ARH
September 17, 2015
I couldn't wait to read another fun adventure of Happy Hoofers, five dancers in their fifties who perform around the world. Each book is narrated from the point of view of one of the dancers and takes place in a different country: from Spain we pass to the magical atmosphere of Paris. The descriptions of Paris are very well done, really it seems to be there.
Tina, Pam Gini, Janice, Mary Louise must perform with a cancan on the Bateau Mouche, a cruise ship along the Seine. The night of their debut their employer, Henry, is found dead. The dances are not suspects but are involved in the investigation. The star of this episode is Janice: she is a little melancholic, spent in Paris her second honeymoon. It was a very beautiful journey but the marriage ended badly ....
All the characters are fun and whimsical, the story line is addictive and a total page turner, This book has everything a reader could ask for and more: there is humor, mystery, romance, friendship, a wonderful setting and cute recipes.
I can't wait to read a new adventure of these funny five women.
Highly recommended to those who love cozy mystery and Paris
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Kensington via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
Tina, Pam Gini, Janice, Mary Louise must perform with a cancan on the Bateau Mouche, a cruise ship along the Seine. The night of their debut their employer, Henry, is found dead. The dances are not suspects but are involved in the investigation. The star of this episode is Janice: she is a little melancholic, spent in Paris her second honeymoon. It was a very beautiful journey but the marriage ended badly ....
All the characters are fun and whimsical, the story line is addictive and a total page turner, This book has everything a reader could ask for and more: there is humor, mystery, romance, friendship, a wonderful setting and cute recipes.
I can't wait to read a new adventure of these funny five women.
Highly recommended to those who love cozy mystery and Paris
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Kensington via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
March 2, 2016
There's a fair amount of humour in this Parisian murder mystery where I guessed who the murderer was very early on but I didn't care. I was laughing too much at the escapades of the dancing friends, who have great fun as they work on board a boat despite the murder which they delve into head and feet first. They get put in lots of danger, some where I thought the end had to be near because there was seemingly no way out of certain sticky situations.
I was frustrated on their behalf at the way the enemy kept slipping out of police notice, who, it must be noted, take a personal interest in the dancing troupe. That relationship has a few perks which are appreciated despite the somber ccasion it's given in. I'm looking forward to reading the previous 2 books in the series which exactly my kind of read, along with helping me travel the world from my sofa!
Random trivia: while looking for Mary's website I discovered she's worked on the magazine Good Housekeeping, which I read - very cool!
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Cornerhttp://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
I was frustrated on their behalf at the way the enemy kept slipping out of police notice, who, it must be noted, take a personal interest in the dancing troupe. That relationship has a few perks which are appreciated despite the somber ccasion it's given in. I'm looking forward to reading the previous 2 books in the series which exactly my kind of read, along with helping me travel the world from my sofa!
Random trivia: while looking for Mary's website I discovered she's worked on the magazine Good Housekeeping, which I read - very cool!
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Cornerhttp://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
September 4, 2015
Happy Hoofers Book #3
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This is the first time I have read anything by this author. I was pleasantly surprised by the writing style and was hooked from the start. If you enjoy traveling, humor and a little bit of romance, be sure to check this series out.
The Happy Hoofers are a group of fifty-something ladies who love to dance and have a fabulous time doing it, until a dead body appears, that is.
The five friends are invited to dance in Paris, on Bateau Mouche, a luxurious style dinner cruise. They will dance for 7 nights and enjoy their time exploring the joys of Paris.
When someone is murdered on their first night dancing, the ladies hope this doesn’t interfere with their sightseeing plans. Paris is beautiful and with many offers to see the wonderful sights, the ladies set out for some adventures of their own.
Join Jan, Tina, Gini, Pat & Mary Louise as they decide to make Paris their own.
A little romance is in the air, but for one unlucky hoofer, this may be the last time she dances anywhere.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This is the first time I have read anything by this author. I was pleasantly surprised by the writing style and was hooked from the start. If you enjoy traveling, humor and a little bit of romance, be sure to check this series out.
The Happy Hoofers are a group of fifty-something ladies who love to dance and have a fabulous time doing it, until a dead body appears, that is.
The five friends are invited to dance in Paris, on Bateau Mouche, a luxurious style dinner cruise. They will dance for 7 nights and enjoy their time exploring the joys of Paris.
When someone is murdered on their first night dancing, the ladies hope this doesn’t interfere with their sightseeing plans. Paris is beautiful and with many offers to see the wonderful sights, the ladies set out for some adventures of their own.
Join Jan, Tina, Gini, Pat & Mary Louise as they decide to make Paris their own.
A little romance is in the air, but for one unlucky hoofer, this may be the last time she dances anywhere.
August 30, 2015
I received this ARC for an honest review from Netgalley
Cancans, Croissants, and Caskets is the 3rd book in the Happy Hoofers series, and my second book by this author. I read Flamenco, Flan and Fatalities and enjoyed it much more than I enjoyed this book. In that book the Hoofers work together to solve the murder, and it was suspenseful and fun. In Cancans, Croissants, and Caskets the Hoofers do nothing to solve the murder, it just unfolds in the story. Every book is told by a different Hoofer, in Flamenco, Flan and Fatalities is told by Gina, who is outspoken and determined to solve the crime. This book is told by the actress Jan who is much more reserved, this might be the reason for the difference, but it was disappointing. I do enjoy the idea of five 50 year old women hoofing it across the country.
If you want a nice story about Paris, with lots of tourist details, you might enjoy this book. If you want a mystery, than read Flamenco, Flan and Fatalities instead.
Cancans, Croissants, and Caskets is the 3rd book in the Happy Hoofers series, and my second book by this author. I read Flamenco, Flan and Fatalities and enjoyed it much more than I enjoyed this book. In that book the Hoofers work together to solve the murder, and it was suspenseful and fun. In Cancans, Croissants, and Caskets the Hoofers do nothing to solve the murder, it just unfolds in the story. Every book is told by a different Hoofer, in Flamenco, Flan and Fatalities is told by Gina, who is outspoken and determined to solve the crime. This book is told by the actress Jan who is much more reserved, this might be the reason for the difference, but it was disappointing. I do enjoy the idea of five 50 year old women hoofing it across the country.
If you want a nice story about Paris, with lots of tourist details, you might enjoy this book. If you want a mystery, than read Flamenco, Flan and Fatalities instead.
September 21, 2015
This book was sent to me from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is the first time I have read a novel by this author. "Mary McHugh""
The story takes place in Paris on the Bateau Mouche, which is a sightseeing floating dinner theater. There are 5 friend named, Gini, Tina, Pat, Janice. and Mary Louise, who are an over the 50's dance group called the "Happy Hoofers" as there trip begins they are drawn into a murder mystery when the owner of the theater is murdered.. The 5 friends hope that this situation don't interfere with there plans to sight see in Paris.
See what happens when the 5 friends decide to make Paris their own, but for one it is not so lucky it could be the last time she dances.
The story also includes recipes and also some fashion hints. This is a novel of many different turns.
It was a good read, but not my usual type of book to read. I gave it 4 stars.
This is the first time I have read a novel by this author. "Mary McHugh""
The story takes place in Paris on the Bateau Mouche, which is a sightseeing floating dinner theater. There are 5 friend named, Gini, Tina, Pat, Janice. and Mary Louise, who are an over the 50's dance group called the "Happy Hoofers" as there trip begins they are drawn into a murder mystery when the owner of the theater is murdered.. The 5 friends hope that this situation don't interfere with there plans to sight see in Paris.
See what happens when the 5 friends decide to make Paris their own, but for one it is not so lucky it could be the last time she dances.
The story also includes recipes and also some fashion hints. This is a novel of many different turns.
It was a good read, but not my usual type of book to read. I gave it 4 stars.
September 20, 2015
Takes place in Paris, over the course of about a week, starring 5 amazingly beautiful and talented, fifty-something, American tap dancers with varying personalities, a la the Spice Girls.
Although classified as a mystery, little time is devoted on the story compared to the time raving about the city of Paris, from a tourist's point of view. Also covered extensively are recipes and menus encountered.
Overall frothy and unsurprising, while still being cozy and reassuring. Some of the characters would have benefited from more attention from the author, to round them out a bit. However, it is understandable that the magnificence of Paris would make everyone and everything seem stale and predictable in comparison.
I would recommend this to light mystery lovers who have not been to Paris.
**eARC Netgalley**
Although classified as a mystery, little time is devoted on the story compared to the time raving about the city of Paris, from a tourist's point of view. Also covered extensively are recipes and menus encountered.
Overall frothy and unsurprising, while still being cozy and reassuring. Some of the characters would have benefited from more attention from the author, to round them out a bit. However, it is understandable that the magnificence of Paris would make everyone and everything seem stale and predictable in comparison.
I would recommend this to light mystery lovers who have not been to Paris.
**eARC Netgalley**
August 26, 2015
Great Series!
This is a great series; this is the third book in the A Happy Hoofers Mystery series by Mary McHuch. This book can be read as a standalone, but once you read one you will want to go back and read the others. Tina, Janice, Pat, Mary, Louise, and Gini are members of The Happy Hoofers, they are set to kick off the fete by dancing the cancan on the sightseeing cruise down the Seine. On the night of their debut, an important patron ends up murdered. The members of the Happy Hoofers put their sleuthing skills to work to find the killer before they kill again. If you are looking for a great mystery then you need to read this book, I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
This is a great series; this is the third book in the A Happy Hoofers Mystery series by Mary McHuch. This book can be read as a standalone, but once you read one you will want to go back and read the others. Tina, Janice, Pat, Mary, Louise, and Gini are members of The Happy Hoofers, they are set to kick off the fete by dancing the cancan on the sightseeing cruise down the Seine. On the night of their debut, an important patron ends up murdered. The members of the Happy Hoofers put their sleuthing skills to work to find the killer before they kill again. If you are looking for a great mystery then you need to read this book, I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
October 19, 2015
The Happy Hoofers are at it again. Wherever they go, these ladies find trouble and murder. Paris is no exception. This story is so enjoyable. The characters are charming and feisty. This group of friends are good at what they do both on and off stage. I could feel the love and caring that they had for one another. It added depth to the story. The dialogue was interesting and Paris provided a romantic and mysterious setting. The highlights of the City of Lights was a nice touch as were the recipes. This story is a strong addition to the series. There were plenty of suspects and potential motives. I didn't know who the culprit was. I was kept guessing. This was an exciting and exhilarating adventure. Mary McHugh does a great job weaving romance and mystery together. I enjoy this series and am looking forward to the next book.
September 9, 2015
I love this series, and this book just cemented that opinion for me. I love that the main characters are over 50, and that each book is told from the point of view of a different dancer. This time around, we get Janice's perspective and get to know more about her.
I was also thrilled that this story takes place in Paris, which is a place I've always wanted to visit. The author describes it vividly, putting me right in the city. And the food--there are so many descriptions, and recipes that I look forward to trying soon.
The next book will take the ladies, and the readers, to Rio. I can hardly wait!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
I was also thrilled that this story takes place in Paris, which is a place I've always wanted to visit. The author describes it vividly, putting me right in the city. And the food--there are so many descriptions, and recipes that I look forward to trying soon.
The next book will take the ladies, and the readers, to Rio. I can hardly wait!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
September 7, 2015
The Happy Hoofers are on the road again, this time in Paris to dance on a dinner cruise on the Seine. As always there are a couple of murders, and a lot of eating, sightseeing, and flirting. One thing that makes this series different is that each of the books is narrated by a different member of the group, who coincidentally is also the one who comes up with the clue to solve the mystery and is attacked by the murderer. So, yes, there's a formula, and the mysteries are pretty incidental to the story, but it's fun to see the various glamorous locales through the group's eyes and the recipes are a fun addition.
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