Mystic Mayhem

Mystic Isle Mysteries #1

by Sally J. Smith, Jean Steffens

From the acclaimed writing team of Sally J. Smith & Jean Steffens comes a hilarious first book in a brand new mystery series that will keep you guessing until the end...

Melanie Hamilton is not your average artist. She brings home the bacon by inking tattoos at New Orleans's Mansion at Mystic Isle, a resort in the middle of the bayou that caters to fans of the peculiar and paranormal, but her true passion comes alive when she volunteers restoring Katrina-ravaged landmarks. Between her day job, her restoration work, and selling her paintings in Jackson Square, Mel's life is more hectic than Bourbon Street on Fat Tuesday. But when a guest of the resort, a millionaire's widow, is poisoned, and Melanie's close friend is arrested for the murder, things go from hectic to downright dangerous.

Mel joins forces with the resort's delish manager, Jack Stockton, to prove her friend's innocence. Soon they find themselves dealing with séances, secret passages, the ghost of the millionaire himself, gators, swamp rats, and a sinister killer who proves that not everything is what it seems in the Louisiana bayou.

Come on along, and get your creep on.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Amazon, Fantasy, Cozy

201 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2015

About the author

Arizona native Sally J. Smith lives in Scottsdale with her husband. The rarest of breeds, an adult born in Arizona, she has been a writer since she could spell. These days she stays busy at her chosen professions of writing and freelance editing. When a free moment appears on the horizon, she's out the door to a play, a movie, or a concert, or just a long walk in the desert--if the temperature's under a hundred, that is.

Reviews

[Gary Sundell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fun read set in post Katrina New Orleans. An enjoyable supporting cast, a main character with heart, some supernatural elements, but not over done. Looking forward to reading book 2 in the series.

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just got back from a vacation in New Orleans.

To then read a book set in that location was fun: I knew the restaurants, the food, the streets and even some of the lingo.

The only mystery I encountered was, will we make it out of New Orleans before the hurricane hits?

We did! And it just missed New Orleans....whew!

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most original, light-paranormal mysteries I've enjoyed this year!! I liked the quirky, eccentric characters. I liked the idea of the unusual resort. It's a fun story!!

[Theresa Cross · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, light read but a lot of things seemed to be tossed in without regard to logic or sense.. A resort hotel with a tattoo parlor? A "haunted" resort with a lot of campy magic themed things instead of ghost themed things? And a simplistic dig at post Katrina politics that has no place in fun fiction and merely perpetuates inaccurate rumors.

The base story was solid, the characters likeable but the author tried a little too hard to throw in a lot of exaggerated stereotypes

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystic Mayhem is an absolutely delightful cozy mystery! I loved the Louisiana flavor, the wonderful main characters and the intelligently plotted story blended with humor, nonsense, danger, and romance. I was also impressed that the main characters figured out who committed murder instead of tripping over the villain as happens in even really good cozy mysteries.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, quick, read with a mix of characters. The main character, Mel, is a great mix of helpful, loyal, and quirky. Between helping with Katrina restoration, painting, and working seances, she keeps busy. When her friend is accused of murder, she gets in the middle, determined to prove her innocent. Recommended for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.

[Linda Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different

It wasn't easy to get into this book at first but the setting and the mystery lured me to keep reading

[Ruth ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

With all the tourist attractions available around the south, it wasn't much of a stretch to read about The Mansion at Mystic Isle-a supernatural resort. Melanie Hamilton is employed there as a tattoo artist, a rather subdued job when compared to the Gypsy fortune teller, the physic medium, and other charlatans hired to give guests a supreme paranormal experience at the hotel. When a guest is murdered at the hotel, Mel takes it upon herself to try and clear the accused-the phony medium who is not only her good friend, but a special friend of the hotel owner as well. For an artist this is quite a challenge, even without ghosts, secret passages, and suspicious guests. The story also included post Katrina restoration, New Orleans food, customs, and of course the bayou.

I enjoyed this book and mystery, and was pleasantly surprised the outcome was more complex than I originally guessed. The element of romance was a nice asset to the story for all the couples involved. I definitely want to read more in this series to learn how relationships turn out! The book was a fun read and was over all too soon; it will appeal to cozy mystery lovers, as well as anyone who enjoys a paranormal twist in their reading.

[Danielle Eisner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I struggled through a good chunk of this book. I might have just been the mood I was in, but it wasn't easy to get into. I did finally reach a point that hooked me and I really enjoyed the book after that.

I'm a little confused by the possible ghost aspect of the story. I wonder if we'll get more answers in future books. It was an interesting development. It was a pretty decent Mystery, but I kept expecting a shocking reveal which never really came. But the reveal was action packed and exciting.

I like Melanie. She was sweet and I rooted for her. I loved Cap'n Jack. He is a total book boyfriend. I would have liked some more of him though. I like Melanie and Jack together.

Even though I did struggle to get into this book at first, I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend this book if you like a silly cozy mystery with lots of twists and turns and maybe some ghosts.

[Cecelia Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has several things that I enjoy in a book. It has mystery, humor and a ghost or two. It is also set in New Orleans which I have always wanted to visit and the city fascinates me.
Melanie and Cat are best friends and roommates. They both also work at The Mansion at Mystic Isle. The Mansion is across the Mississippi fro New Orleans. Harry Villars has turned The Mansion into a haunted house. Fabrizio, the hotel's resident medium and a father figure to Mel, is scheduled to hold a seance for one of the wealthiest guests whose husband has just died. Fabrizio requests that Mel attend the seance to round out the number of attendees. During the seance there is a murder which Mel starts investigating with the help of Jack Morgan, the manager.
Mystery, mayhem, humor, caring people, good works are all her in this book. It is a delightful read with laugh-out-loud moments.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cozy mystery will appeal to readers who want a good-natured courageous heroine. Melanie Hamilton works as a tattoo artist at a New Orleans resort specializing in paranormal and magical events. Readers who like a touch of the supernatural will enjoy the seance and ghosts who make appearances.

When a good friend of Melanie's is arrested for murder, she charges in to find the real killer. Melanie has a delightful sense of humor that keeps the reader smiling. She corrals her friends to search for clues--her developing attraction to the hotel manager, "Cap'n Jack," adds warmth to the pursuit of the killer.

The authors do a marvelous job of depicting New Orleans--just enough dialect to be atmospheric and great descriptions of the scenery and food. Readers will definitely feel like the've taken a fun vacation in New Orleans.

[Amy Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Cozy Mystery

Overall, I liked this book. Not loved, but liked.

Mel is a tattoo artist working in a "haunted mansion"themed resort in New Orleans. She has close friends, a good job, and a super huge crush on her boss. When a murder occurs and one of her friends is implicated, she begins to snoop.

The characters are engaging, and the plot is witty. My only real objection is that the writer is often repetitive in the character development. Best friend is super gorgeous. Repeated in one form or another in every chapter. Mel has a crush on Jack. Again, repeated in every chapter. To be honest, This really slowed down the book.

I am compelled to note, however, that this is a first in series, and so the writer may have been developing the characters with a series in mind. For a first book, it was quite good.

[Carolyn Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read anything by these authors, but it definitely will not be the last. I was so intrigued by what was going on that I wanted to be right there with all those colorful characters, and in the middle of everything. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. I'm also going to go get the other books that Sally J Smith and Jean Steffens have out, I just know they have to be just as good as this one.



I received an e-ARC of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Bonnie Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished book #1 Mystic Mayhem in the series of The Mystic Isle, and it was a great read from first chapter to the last page of the last chapter. Melanie Hamilton has her hands full from her job of Tattooing, to a Game Clue as she and her Boss " Maybe a Boyfriend in coming months " , as they try and help the owner of the Mystic Isle Mansion Hotel try and get Harry's Husband out of jail. At the beginning of the start of the investigation every thing was pilling against the Great Fabeosea himself and the Detective is not budging on another suspect.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun atmosphere

Looking for a fun, whimsical mystery with an offbeat and interesting setting? Then read Mystic Mayhem! In this first book you will encounter gators, swamps, psychics, murder, seances and maybe haunted house! Also thrown in is some romance and tons of upbeat colorful characters. I started this boom and could not put it down. I can't wait to the second book in the series.

[Sandy Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

very enjoyable cozy mystery. really enjoyed the setting at an old spooky mansion in New Orleans. also enjoyed the characters of Melanie, cap n jack, cat and grandma. sesaence, fortune telling and secret passages...murder, missing money and more. a must read.

[Kristin Whitehouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute first book. I thought it was a little awkward at times. It seemed like the main characters would suddenly remember that they were born and raised in New Orleans at remember their accents. I love the setting though.

[Starla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read by these authors but Mysteriesdefinitely not the last. I am now hooked on the Mystic Isle . I enjoyed reading this book and trying to solve the mystery as read Cat and Melanie and Jack trying to solve the Murder and theft. This was a fun book to read.

[Bridgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I read by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I will be reading more of her books in the future. I thought the characters were likeable and the way they developed made you want to know them better. It was one of those books you can just sit and read

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. Would probably read the next one.

[Michael D Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, easy read

A mystery mixed with colorful characters, a creative setting, a little romance and a dash of humor makes this a fun and easy weekend read.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery!

I should probably start this review by noting that I am just a tad bit obsessed with New Orleans. I love everything about the city, and it doesn't take much to convince me to give a try to a book set there. So I was predisposed to like this. That said, this was a fast-paced, fun and well-written cozy murder mystery.

The flavour of New Orleans was well represented. From the turns of phrase locals would use, to mentions of the food, music and history that makes N'Awlins such a cool place, all of this was sprinkled throughout the story, and I enjoyed that.

I also liked the characters. Melanie particularly, as the main character, was smart and likable and determined to help her friends. She never did "too-stupid-to-live" stuff which earned her extra points and likability in my eyes.

The supporting character are also fun here. Most are Southern, which, again made me predisposed to like them, but all of them are given their own individual personalities and are presented as fully realized people who add various things to the story. It was fun getting to know them.

The murder itself was interesting and well-conceived, with plenty of clues for those who like to try to figure out who the murderer is and why.

This was just a nice, enjoyable cozy and I would absolutely read future stories in this series.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Mystic Mayhem” earns 5+/5 Séance Fiascos!

Newbies, like myself, need not start at the beginning, but this first book does answer a few questions more thoroughly about who is who and what is what. Melanie Hamilton, a marvelous artist herself, joins in to help renovate several local sites after Katrina. Also due to her friendships and work ethic she is eager to help out at the resort when staff is short, especially if she’s asked by handsome general manager Jack Stockton. The Great Fabrizio, the resort’s medium and close friend to Mel, is set with a well prepared séance performance for VIP widow Mrs. Elway who hopes to gain information from beyond about her husband: Restless spirit? Cause of death? When the lights unexpectedly go out and plunge the group into darkness, Melanie is quite impressed by Fabrizio’s realistic production. But when the lights come back on, Melanie is sure Mrs. Elway dead in a plate of clams was not part of the performance. Mel’s first murder investigation was not just a challenge for her, but my inner sleuth was greatly entertained by the various twists and turns and the clever manner Mel and her friends. And from Chef Valentine’s kitchen we get a marvelous recipe for Valentine’s Shrimp Creole!

[Jae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mel is a struggling artist who lives in New Orleans, shares an apartment with her BFF Catalina, and works as a tattoo artist on Mystic Isle. In her spare time, Mel paints and helps out with restoration work that is still underway after Hurricane Katrina. Mel's co-workers at Mystic Isle are like an extended family, which is why she gets involved when one of them is accused of murder. Wealthy socialite Cecile Elway dropped dead in the middle of a seance performed by Mystic Isle's Fabrizio, and the trail of clues seems to indicate he's the one who poisoned her. Mel, however, is convinced Fabrizio is being framed, and she sets out to prove it, much to the chagrin of Catalina's boyfriend, Detective Quincy Boudreaux. At least Jack Stockton, the manager of Mystic Isle's hotel, is willing to help, and the fact that he's easy on the eyes is just a bonus.

Very entertaining. The characterizations were marvelous, and the authors' descriptions of the various settings were vivid. I even enjoyed the dialogue that included lots of Cajun patter.

Loved it, four stars!

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great mystery set in the south.The characters are fun but what I really loved was the side comments..like,"recent escapee from the state ...wacky shack" and when Melanie thinks about her hunky boss Jack, it's described as "whenever that man comes around,it was like someone struck a match in my pants " !!! How can you not have a lot of laughs reading this? There are quite a few suspects in this mystery and each character has their place in the story. The setting is in an old southern mansion with lots of secret passageways in the walls. Each chapter brings you into a new aspect of the mystery. The authors did a very nice job with describing the settings in this story so well that you can almost feel the heat and humidity of the deep south. I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves a great mystery with wonderful characters

[Betty Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good. This is all about a resort in the middle of the bayou called Mystic Isle. It caters to the fans of the peculiar and paranormal. This is about Melanie Hamilton who Inks Tattoos at the mansion. She also has a couple of other jobs on the side. She meets Jack Stockton, who is new to the area just hired to manage the resort. They have to join together to solve a murder mystery. This is so well written, I laughed so much, but also tensed up at certain moments when the plot becomes very very serious. Had a hard time putting it down. This is the first time for these authors, and I will certainly be continuing on with this series. Highly recommend.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Melanie Hamilton lives in New Orleans, working as an artist in a tattoo parlor at a haunted mansion hotel and volunteering locally, especially helping rebuild after Katrina. When her friend and coworker is accused of murder at one of his seances, she sleuths it out, discovering even more about the haunted hotel and perhaps the paranormal in her life as well.
This doesn’t read like it’s written by two authors. It’s smooth. The paranormal aspects aren’t off-the-charts, though the authors may be easing the series into it.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seance and Murder

A fun read. Takes place in the bayou area of New Orleans at a resort type venue. They really go for the N’awlins vibe with accents, words and magical themes. The Mansion is a new addition to the New Orleans area, the themes, not the actual mansion. There is a lot of fun happenings, characters and food. The murder happens during a seance and Melanie does her best to make sure her friend, the great Fabrizio does not go down for it. The book is an interesting one and worth the read.

[Diana Crook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never read anything from these

Authors before. I would love to read the rest of the series. I read, depending on their length, about three books a day. I have kindle unlimited. I have read many, many books by a diversified array of authors. All because I have kindle unlimited! I do recommend this book. I was a quick and fun read. Do yourself a favor and start reading now!