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Sabrina Salter Mystery #1
No Virgin Island
Sabrina Salter traded a high-pressure job as a Boston meteorologist for life as an innkeeper on sun-soaked St. John. But storm clouds roll in when Sabrina finds Carter Johnson, her most attractive guest, tucked up in a hammock way past check-out time...and he’s not just dead to the world, he’s just plain dead, with a bullet hole in his chest.
This isn’t the first time Sabrina has seen a dead body, and the island police are well aware of that. Thanks to her checkered history, not to mention the fact that she was the last person who saw Carter alive and far from entirely clothed, she finds herself marked as the prime suspect.
The U.S. Virgin Islands may be the sort of place where even defense attorneys wear flip-flops, but the laid-back life is over for Sabrina unless she can clear her name. So, she sets out to solve the crime, only to find herself caught in a tidal wave of adultery, kidnapping, identity fraud and murder in No Virgin Island , C. Michele Dorsey's outstanding mystery debut.
This isn’t the first time Sabrina has seen a dead body, and the island police are well aware of that. Thanks to her checkered history, not to mention the fact that she was the last person who saw Carter alive and far from entirely clothed, she finds herself marked as the prime suspect.
The U.S. Virgin Islands may be the sort of place where even defense attorneys wear flip-flops, but the laid-back life is over for Sabrina unless she can clear her name. So, she sets out to solve the crime, only to find herself caught in a tidal wave of adultery, kidnapping, identity fraud and murder in No Virgin Island , C. Michele Dorsey's outstanding mystery debut.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCrime
272 pages, Hardcover
First published August 11, 2015
55 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
C. Michele Dorsey
6 books35 followersC. Michele Dorsey began her professional life as a registered nurse, moving on to become a lawyer, mediator and adjunct professor of law. Always an enthusiastic reader, Michele longed to tell stories of her own. Joining a writing group and professional writers' organizations (SINC and MWA) provided her with the encouragement and support to write six different novels. Three were finalists in the St Martin Malice Domestic contest. In the same month Michele turned 65, she signed her first publishing contract with Crooked Lane Books for her debut mystery, No Virgin Island (August 2015), which is set in St. John, USVI. Michele is currently writing the second book in the series featuring Sabrina Salter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
May 16, 2023
A murder at a luxury rental house on St. Johns, an island that can only be reached by ferry from St. Thomas. Lots of people living there from the mainland to escape their pasts. This murder brings the media which no one wants the attention. There are several suspects but no real motive that anyone knows about. It's a good mystery on a beautiful island and I was surprised by some of the events in the book. Looking forward to reading Book 2.
June 19, 2021
I don't think I'll be reading the next one. This was mediocre. It was a hard one to stay focused on.
July 19, 2015
This story starts with a woman finding a dead body when she comes to clean up a rental to get ready for the next renters. Sabrina Salter has fled to St. John in the US Virgin Islands after being acquitted of murdering her husband. Both were television personalities in the Boston area and the whole court case caused a media sensation that hasn't died down since the trial ended. She is constantly being vilified by a "legal expert" on one of the cable networks. Sabrina's first response it to leave and hope someone else discovers the body but decides that she has to report it.
She calls her partner Henry who contacts a lawyer turned bar owner named Neil which is a lucky thing since the police would like nothing better than to have Sabrina as their number one suspect. But Sabrina isn't the only one who could have killed the mysterious Carter Johnson. Why was he taking so many pictures of the villa owned by Mara, her husband Rory, and his twins? Why do Dierdre and Sam insist on staying in that villa despite being offered more perks at a better villa? What happened to the gun that next door neighbors Lyla and her Alzheimer's affected husband Evan kept at their home for protection?
This plot had a lot of twists and turns and was very engaging. I really liked Sabrina who just wanted to be left alone to quietly start her life over. Neil and Henry were also looking for new starts on St. John. But before Sabrina can have her peaceful life back, she has to find out who killed Carter Johnson. Unraveling the mystery will expose a lot of secrets.
I enjoyed this story, found it to be a quick read, and recommend it to other mystery lovers.
She calls her partner Henry who contacts a lawyer turned bar owner named Neil which is a lucky thing since the police would like nothing better than to have Sabrina as their number one suspect. But Sabrina isn't the only one who could have killed the mysterious Carter Johnson. Why was he taking so many pictures of the villa owned by Mara, her husband Rory, and his twins? Why do Dierdre and Sam insist on staying in that villa despite being offered more perks at a better villa? What happened to the gun that next door neighbors Lyla and her Alzheimer's affected husband Evan kept at their home for protection?
This plot had a lot of twists and turns and was very engaging. I really liked Sabrina who just wanted to be left alone to quietly start her life over. Neil and Henry were also looking for new starts on St. John. But before Sabrina can have her peaceful life back, she has to find out who killed Carter Johnson. Unraveling the mystery will expose a lot of secrets.
I enjoyed this story, found it to be a quick read, and recommend it to other mystery lovers.
September 1, 2015
On one of the US Virgin Islands, called St. John, a lady who keeps guesthouses for holidaymakers gets the shock of her life to find a guest dead. He's been shot in his villa.
To start with Sabrina denies contact with the man other than escorting him to his villa. But it turns out she's not telling the truth. Her business partner Henry is conspicuously absent when the body is discovered but he's got an alibi of a casual boyfriend, putting the suspicion back on our heroine. Only, Henry isn't telling the complete truth either.
Possible motives and times of access are bandied about as other residents come and go, and the police get to work. Sabrina, who moved here from Boston to escape a scandal, is seen as fair game by a most unprofessional TV journalist. Sabrina was a weather forecast presenter and has had the misfortune to lose a husband.
While these are really ordinary people, the setting is dramatic and lush, and we see what lures the folks to set up home on the islands. The downside is that the remoteness can become too quiet and new goods too awkward to get, so residents don't stay for long in some cases. I'm enjoying this first in the series so much that I'm keen to see more of the islands in Sabrina's next adventures. The story contains adult content.
To start with Sabrina denies contact with the man other than escorting him to his villa. But it turns out she's not telling the truth. Her business partner Henry is conspicuously absent when the body is discovered but he's got an alibi of a casual boyfriend, putting the suspicion back on our heroine. Only, Henry isn't telling the complete truth either.
Possible motives and times of access are bandied about as other residents come and go, and the police get to work. Sabrina, who moved here from Boston to escape a scandal, is seen as fair game by a most unprofessional TV journalist. Sabrina was a weather forecast presenter and has had the misfortune to lose a husband.
While these are really ordinary people, the setting is dramatic and lush, and we see what lures the folks to set up home on the islands. The downside is that the remoteness can become too quiet and new goods too awkward to get, so residents don't stay for long in some cases. I'm enjoying this first in the series so much that I'm keen to see more of the islands in Sabrina's next adventures. The story contains adult content.
November 24, 2017
In C. Michele Dorsey's No Virgin Island, the first installment in the Sabrina Salter mystery series, this debut would take you to the tropical paradise of the Virgin Island. Sabrina Salter was a former meteorologist from Boston, who had a bit of a dark past and accused of murdering her husband. She escaped to the US Virgin Islands to leave all that behind her. But when she discovered a dead body in Villa Mascarpone, one of the Ten Villas she co-owns with Henry, her friend and business partner, it had brought up her dirty laundry once again. She becomes the prime suspect in the investigation and the main news story for Faith Chase's fodder. While they look into who the victim was, she had new friends and close allies in her neighbors on the island as things go a bit awry. From a missing gun to a woman looking for her wrongly kidnapped children, it all comes to the head in a cliffhanger twist on who done it and why in the shocking ending.
September 25, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! A murder mystery with the backdrop of tropical island locale on St. John. Likable characters too. Will probably check others in the series!
July 27, 2015
I was chuckling out loud by the end of the first chapter, which rarely happens when I read a mystery. Overall, I got quite a few laughs out of this book and had a good time reading it.
I am a slow reader. I read this book in 2 days. I did set it down now and then to give myself a chance to figure out who-done-it. Despite a lifetime of reading mysteries by dozens of different authors, I did not predict the ending. Yes, the murderer was in my list of possibilities, but the ending was enough of a surprise to keep me happy right up to the last few pages.
I spent a week at a rented house with the author and her husband (my cousin) and another couple, so the setting was very familiar to me. I loved the descriptions of driving around the island - careening perhaps is a better word than driving - and the bars, beaches and views described in the book will be well-known to those who vacation on St. John in the US Virgin Islands.
I am a slow reader. I read this book in 2 days. I did set it down now and then to give myself a chance to figure out who-done-it. Despite a lifetime of reading mysteries by dozens of different authors, I did not predict the ending. Yes, the murderer was in my list of possibilities, but the ending was enough of a surprise to keep me happy right up to the last few pages.
I spent a week at a rented house with the author and her husband (my cousin) and another couple, so the setting was very familiar to me. I loved the descriptions of driving around the island - careening perhaps is a better word than driving - and the bars, beaches and views described in the book will be well-known to those who vacation on St. John in the US Virgin Islands.
October 17, 2015
About a year ago I was flirping around my condo in my flippers excitedly counting down the days until a romantic vacation on St. John. The trip exceeded expectations and when I read a review for a mystery set there I ordered a few for the library and put it on hold.
The folks that love St. John will enjoy the familiar locations and characters who end up there hoping to escape their past. The mystery isn't hard to figure out-I had it in the first 20 pages or so but its a nice story. There is a significant backstory with both main characters that was pretty distracting-perhaps it will be flushed out more in future books.
The folks that love St. John will enjoy the familiar locations and characters who end up there hoping to escape their past. The mystery isn't hard to figure out-I had it in the first 20 pages or so but its a nice story. There is a significant backstory with both main characters that was pretty distracting-perhaps it will be flushed out more in future books.
October 10, 2015
Would have liked more action and suspense but it was a nice read.
March 20, 2017
A good, fun, quick read while vacationing on St. John.
August 17, 2024
Easy read and kept me entertained. I loved the mix of murder mystery and romance. I’ll definitely grab the next one!
April 16, 2024
Sabrina Salter pulled up roots in Boston and resettled on the gorgeous island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands. As she is trying to put her troubled past behind her, she is horrified to stumble across a murder victim, and to learn that she is a potential suspect too!
A lot of this book was pretty decent, the descriptions of St. John were good, and there were some distinct and likeable side characters. Unfortunately, it wasn't always easy to sympathize with Sabrina, some of her choices and decisions (particularly in lying to the police and her lawyer) were not very wise. Also, the media hounding her was so over the top it felt like intentional efforts to make us feel bad for her. Really, when a Boston news network found out about this murder in a matter of hours, sent a whole reporting team all they way to St John, and said things about Sabrina that would probably get them sued, it made Sabrina feel contrived, not tragic.
The big dud in this book was that ultimately Sabrina didn't do anything to solve the mystery. So much of the book is dedicated to unrelated stuff, and the solution just happens by total luck with a couple of side-characters. Sabrina is at least involved in some risk at the end, thankfully. But I'm always disappointed when a book calls itself a mystery, and then the mystery is solved by dumb luck, not the protagonist.
A lot of this book was pretty decent, the descriptions of St. John were good, and there were some distinct and likeable side characters. Unfortunately, it wasn't always easy to sympathize with Sabrina, some of her choices and decisions (particularly in lying to the police and her lawyer) were not very wise. Also, the media hounding her was so over the top it felt like intentional efforts to make us feel bad for her. Really, when a Boston news network found out about this murder in a matter of hours, sent a whole reporting team all they way to St John, and said things about Sabrina that would probably get them sued, it made Sabrina feel contrived, not tragic.
The big dud in this book was that ultimately Sabrina didn't do anything to solve the mystery. So much of the book is dedicated to unrelated stuff, and the solution just happens by total luck with a couple of side-characters. Sabrina is at least involved in some risk at the end, thankfully. But I'm always disappointed when a book calls itself a mystery, and then the mystery is solved by dumb luck, not the protagonist.
April 7, 2024
"NO VIRGIN ISLAND"-DEATH & DANGER FOR SABRINA SALTER ON THE ISLAND OF ST. JOHN
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“I, Sabrina, am not afraid..” - from "No Virgin Island" by C. Michele Dorsey
Five BAFFLING Stars. “No Virgin Island” is a Sabrina Salter Mystery written by author C. Michele Dorsey. “Death and Danger”, indeed. And the novel wastes no time with the “death” part, as in the opening page Sabrina discovers a body in the luxury villa located off Fish Bay that she was renting out on the US Virgin Island of St. John in the Caribbean Sea. Coming off her own personal State-side troubles, she reluctantly but responsibly calls the St. John police, initiating a series of incidents that will affect her deeply, as well as many others on the island in ways that reach back to the States. The author gives elaborate characterizations of each involved character which gives the reader great insight into their lives. The killer is effectively hidden, as twists and turns keep coming, right up to the end. An enjoyable read that hopefully will become a series of books about the resourceful and engaging Sabrina Salter and her friends. Five ABSORBING Stars. (Kindle. 274 pages. Sabrina Salter returns in another St. John Island Mystery called "Permanent Sunset" by C. Michele Dorsey)
.
“I, Sabrina, am not afraid..” - from "No Virgin Island" by C. Michele Dorsey
Five BAFFLING Stars. “No Virgin Island” is a Sabrina Salter Mystery written by author C. Michele Dorsey. “Death and Danger”, indeed. And the novel wastes no time with the “death” part, as in the opening page Sabrina discovers a body in the luxury villa located off Fish Bay that she was renting out on the US Virgin Island of St. John in the Caribbean Sea. Coming off her own personal State-side troubles, she reluctantly but responsibly calls the St. John police, initiating a series of incidents that will affect her deeply, as well as many others on the island in ways that reach back to the States. The author gives elaborate characterizations of each involved character which gives the reader great insight into their lives. The killer is effectively hidden, as twists and turns keep coming, right up to the end. An enjoyable read that hopefully will become a series of books about the resourceful and engaging Sabrina Salter and her friends. Five ABSORBING Stars. (Kindle. 274 pages. Sabrina Salter returns in another St. John Island Mystery called "Permanent Sunset" by C. Michele Dorsey)
November 19, 2024
If you are thinking, based on the book title, that you are in for a spicy romance mystery, you're going to be disappointed. Not only is there not a single spicy moment, but there is hardly even any mystery.
There's a dead guy, there are a few possible ways the story could go, and then it all unfolds pretty easily. There's no twist or any shocking moments, and throughout the whole book there was really no tension building up to the climax. (The fact that I just used the word climax means that this review has more spice than the entire book.)
There was some confusion in the beginning as to whether I missed a previous book, but it is clearly labeled #1, and I guess they did fill in the odd missing details eventually. Overall, this book was just too boring.
Oh, and I listened to the audiobook--I was not a fan of the narrator's interpretation of a Caribbean accent.
There's a dead guy, there are a few possible ways the story could go, and then it all unfolds pretty easily. There's no twist or any shocking moments, and throughout the whole book there was really no tension building up to the climax. (The fact that I just used the word climax means that this review has more spice than the entire book.)
There was some confusion in the beginning as to whether I missed a previous book, but it is clearly labeled #1, and I guess they did fill in the odd missing details eventually. Overall, this book was just too boring.
Oh, and I listened to the audiobook--I was not a fan of the narrator's interpretation of a Caribbean accent.
June 19, 2022
This book could have benefitted from another lap through line/copy editing. Some of the sentence structure was odd and took a little getting used to, and frequent enough errors sometimes snagged me up, necessitating a re-read of certain passages to grasp what the author was intending.
But beyond that, the story was solid and the characters were realistic. I mostly picked this up because I miss life in the Virgin Islands, and this was a good salve. Spending time in this familiar place was fun, and the mystery kept me guessing to the end (which was satisfying enough, though truly ridiculous).
But beyond that, the story was solid and the characters were realistic. I mostly picked this up because I miss life in the Virgin Islands, and this was a good salve. Spending time in this familiar place was fun, and the mystery kept me guessing to the end (which was satisfying enough, though truly ridiculous).
January 29, 2025
An absorbing who-dunnit, the first in a thoroughly enjoyable mystery series featuring an ex-patriot, "Salty", who keeps getting into trouble. Great characters and plot twists, and a compelling narrative style.
Author C. Michele Dorsey, a retired lawyer and mediator, lives part-time on the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John and part-time on Cape Cod — and her love of sun, sea, and island life shows up strong and authentic.
Heads-up: You'll have to overlook a few proofreading problems but have a heart: This book is well worth it!
Author C. Michele Dorsey, a retired lawyer and mediator, lives part-time on the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John and part-time on Cape Cod — and her love of sun, sea, and island life shows up strong and authentic.
Heads-up: You'll have to overlook a few proofreading problems but have a heart: This book is well worth it!
October 16, 2024
I didn't have any expectations of this book, but I didn't mind it. I liked Sabrina and Harry and I like that she's got a nasty incident in her past that makes her lawyer up fast - even if she's not out there telling the man everything. There's also a neat motive for a couple of people to have murdered the dead man, but I didn't like the eventual killer - that part was lazy. I might read the next book if I can lay my hands on it.
August 5, 2025
I enjoyed the book for what it was, though I do feel like it was more about the media circus than it was actually about the murder case itself. I wish we had been given more potential suspects or clues as to what happened, to keep us on the edge of our seat. I also pretty much predicted who the killer was pretty early on. I wasn’t very moved once the killer was revealed. But an entertaining read for the most part and definitely great for vacation reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2018
Lightweight murder mystery. Nice portrayal of place (St. John). Characters are colorful but underdeveloped. The author tries to use inner dialogues to establish motivations but stops short. I did not connect with any of the characters, despite having been to the VI numerous times and live on an island, myself. They were likable but shallow. Nothing too much at stake. Easy beach reading.
November 21, 2019
Hang on to your flip flops!
After you get lured in by the lush tropical island of St. John, C. Michele Dorsey takes you on a ride that will have you clinging to your rental scooter. The action in NO VIRGIN ISLAND is punctuated by moments that take your breath away in a setting that is already breathtaking. I look forward to accompanying Sabrina Salter on another adventure in the U.S.V.I.
After you get lured in by the lush tropical island of St. John, C. Michele Dorsey takes you on a ride that will have you clinging to your rental scooter. The action in NO VIRGIN ISLAND is punctuated by moments that take your breath away in a setting that is already breathtaking. I look forward to accompanying Sabrina Salter on another adventure in the U.S.V.I.
August 21, 2021
It was a murder mystery on a small island, simple as that. There were lots of crumbs but while they led to an explanation, the reveal of the killer did surprise me a bit. Although the cast of characters was small enough that it wasn't a total shock. This didn't grab me enough to want to continue the series.
October 28, 2016
I started reading this book because once in the dark past I lived in the Virgin Islands and have been to St. John. The story was entertaining and I enjoyed it. If the next book in the series wasn't so expensive I would read it.
July 7, 2022
I really kind of liked this little book…a quick, easy read, an interesting murder mystery if not all that mysterious. It kept me turning pages and held my interest. I would really give it about 3.5 stars but since that isn’t an option…4 it is.
July 24, 2017
I enjoyed the book because it described real places that I know and love on St John.
October 29, 2017
good reading for a rainy weekend
November 25, 2018
Island Mystery
A nice little cozy Island Mystery that takes place in St. Johns, Virgin Islands, where everyone has has something to hide or protect.
A nice little cozy Island Mystery that takes place in St. Johns, Virgin Islands, where everyone has has something to hide or protect.
August 6, 2019
The plot was simple yet has a good twist.
February 16, 2021
Fun, fast, easy beach read.
February 19, 2021
Fun story, loved all the St John references!
March 26, 2021
G
Engaging characters and plot. Loved the location,just like being there. Hope to read more from you. Recommend to anyone who likes a good mystery.
Engaging characters and plot. Loved the location,just like being there. Hope to read more from you. Recommend to anyone who likes a good mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews