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Murder on the Equator #2
Rum Raisin Revenge
Just when she thought her vacation couldn’t get any worse, it does.
Jessica James has big plans to finally enjoy her vacation. But when she discovers a dead body in the freezer of a local ice cream shop, she’s soon mixed up in another mystery.
Caught between an investigation, an argument between two mischievous elderly sisters, and a televised fundraiser, Jessica finds herself neck deep in doughnuts, conflict, and unanswered questions.
Can Jessica stay out of trouble and off the camera while catching a criminal and raising money for a good cause? Or will she become the next headliner in the national news?
Jessica James has big plans to finally enjoy her vacation. But when she discovers a dead body in the freezer of a local ice cream shop, she’s soon mixed up in another mystery.
Caught between an investigation, an argument between two mischievous elderly sisters, and a televised fundraiser, Jessica finds herself neck deep in doughnuts, conflict, and unanswered questions.
Can Jessica stay out of trouble and off the camera while catching a criminal and raising money for a good cause? Or will she become the next headliner in the national news?
- GenresCozy Mystery
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2017
55 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Joy
44 books210 followersWhen Jennifer isn’t busy dreaming up new adventures for her favorite characters, she is reading, baking, or chasing her twins around the park.
She believes in happy endings, sweet romance, and plenty of intrigue. She writes what she most enjoys reading, so expect lighthearted stories with happy endings and a few laughs.
Born on the beautiful Oregon coast, she traveled all around the world until she finally settled in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador with her husband and two kids.
She believes in happy endings, sweet romance, and plenty of intrigue. She writes what she most enjoys reading, so expect lighthearted stories with happy endings and a few laughs.
Born on the beautiful Oregon coast, she traveled all around the world until she finally settled in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador with her husband and two kids.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 9, 2020
Jessica James is finally eager to start her real vacation in Ecuador, after the little delay of murder. She's not really the adventurous, outdoorsy type but she'll give it a try, if only for the sake of showing a picture to her mother. OK so maybe she's a little motivated by her feelings for Jake, her roommate Adi's twin brother. Unfortunately, Jessica really IS NOT the outdoorsy type and she has a little mishap. Because of it she can't go on the planned adventure with Adi and Jake. Adi is happy because she doesn't do outdoors and she has her first fashion commission, an order of bridesmaids dresses. Abuelita is happy Jessica is staying home to bake and wants Jessica to stay another month... or forever! Jess is taking Spanish lessons just in case she does decide to stay. She's made friends with the local ice cream shop owner, Victor and offers to share her doughnut recipe with him. After a long, hot day in the sun, Jessica, Adi and Abuelita decide to go for ice cream only to discover Victor dead in his walk-in freezer. Uh-oh not again! Victor's brother Roberto looks like a suspect and his fiancée Vanessa wants Jessica to solve the case in three days so they can be married as planned! Uh? Jessica is no detective but she'll try to pass on any information she knows. Agent Vasquez suspects Jessica knows more than she realizes, especially since she offered to fix Victor's laptop. Meanwhile, the mayor tries to convince Sylvia to buy a table for a local fundraiser. With Abuelita and Tia Rosa fighting over her, Jessica decides to buy a table for herself. She'll just make some of her famous doughnuts, how hard can it be? Adi estimates they'll need at least 2000 doughnuts to feed everyone! Ai ai ai! Can Jessica make that many doughnuts and solve a murder mystery? Will she stay in Ecuador or go home to Portland as planned? Can she stand up to Abuelita who really wants Jessica to stay?
This is such a fun series. I love it! I enjoyed this story more than the previous one. It's fast-paced and less zany and unrealistic. Unfortunately, a good person was murdered and I really hate that. I sort of had a hunch who did it but not why but got distracted by the red herrings. I wasn't totally surprised when the murderer revealed themselves but I was thinking something entirely different at that point.
Jessica is so much like me. I love how bookish she is. She even makes Jane Austen references! I think I need to move to Portland to be within walking distance of this "best" bookstore and three coffeeshops. I don't drink coffee but I love tea, hot chocolate and pastries! I love that Jessica is not outdoorsy and she often makes silly mistakes. Her mishap made me laugh because that's something I would totally do! I feel her pain, almost literally. Jessica is different in Ecuador. Away from her family she's not the middle child, the peacemaker. Jessica is more bold and brave. People rely on her and genuinely like to be around her. She comes to life. Lady, the dog, is now a part of the family and she has a bigger role in the story woohoo!
Jessica's new family is still lovely. Sylvia is no-nonsense but loving. I love/fear Abuelita like everyone else. She is tough and very mean to her sister but deep down she has a heart of gold. Abuelita likes to tease Jessica in a not nice way though. Now she has more information about Jessica's long-lost uncle to hook Jessica and make her stay. Abuelita just wants free doughnuts for life. Abuelita is mean to her sister. Tia Rosa is sweet and kind. I love her gumption and what she does to get back at her sister on the sly. She's brilliant! Adi continues to be fun and likable but not quite so much now she's pursuing her dream of fashion. Jake continues to be relatively elusive. He loves his family and he seems to like Jessica a lot but as a friend. He's the hero, the man of the family, swooping in to save the silly women. I don't like that much but Jessica doesn't see Jake otherwise.
Christian is back and still after Jessica. EW! He's creepy and gross. I LOVE the way Abuelita deals with him. She's my hero! He's a creep. Fernanda, the gloomy teen, is wise beyond her years and a good friend to Jessica. Her mom, Martha, is a hero for working so hard to take care of her family. She seems kind, smart and caring.
Jessica has met some new people in the last week. Victor, a 25-year-old, college dropout now owns the ice cream parlor he inherited from his parents. He seems a little slow, like maybe he has a learning disability and that's why it's taken him so long to find a career that suits him. Or maybe he's just spoiled. He does seem to have a decent head for running the business. The things he says make sense even though he doesn't WANT to wake up before 4 am to make the doughnuts, he knows customers will want them hot in the morning. I think he would have done fine. His brother Roberto doesn't trust Victor to run a business on his own and does a lot of handholding, in spite of being a busy doctor and owning property. As the older brother, he expected to inherit over Victor. That gives him a good motive for murder. His fiancée Vanessa, seems fake. Jessica doesn't like her and thinks Vanessa is a gold digger. I agree with Jessica's assessment and like Jessica, I want to keep an open mind because she's Adi's friend but it does seem like Vanessa has a great motive for killing Victor. She's near the top of my suspect list. Edgar, the store manager, is also a suspect. He had the day off and happened to return just as Jessica discovered Victor's body. Edgar worked at the shop for 7 years. He may not be happy about the changes Victor is making, like making doughnuts. I don't know what other motive he would have for murdering Victor though.
Jessica started taking Spanish lessons with Hugo and Evelyn Santorini, from New Jersey. Abuelita thinks Hugo is in the mafia. *sigh* First, Santorini is Greek, not Italian, second, not every Italian is mafia, especially not not and third, not everyone from Jersey is Tony Soprano. Abuelita's gut tells her Hugo killed Victor. Her gut was wrong last time but this time she might be right. Hugo lives and works above the ice cream shop. He has a motive for killing Victor and is super insensitive. I don't think Hugo did it but I think he's hiding something. He and his wife never go back to Jersey even though their family is there. I think Evelyn may be the killer. She's making ice cream at home and there's a mention of a new ice cream shop opening. Hmm... Plus the title of the novel is Rum Raisin Revenge.
In this book Jessica meets Dr. Montalvo, an eccentric elderly pediatrician. He's so nice and so funny, until he examines Jessica! Yikes! Good thing Jake is sensible and sees why Dr. Montalvo is an alarmist. She also meets Mayor Guerra. He seems slimy and like a true politician. He knows how to get what he wants though.
I can't wait to see what adventures befall Jessica next and what she bakes up! Please, no more bananas! Like Abuelita, I don't like them.
This is such a fun series. I love it! I enjoyed this story more than the previous one. It's fast-paced and less zany and unrealistic. Unfortunately, a good person was murdered and I really hate that. I sort of had a hunch who did it but not why but got distracted by the red herrings. I wasn't totally surprised when the murderer revealed themselves but I was thinking something entirely different at that point.
Jessica is so much like me. I love how bookish she is. She even makes Jane Austen references! I think I need to move to Portland to be within walking distance of this "best" bookstore and three coffeeshops. I don't drink coffee but I love tea, hot chocolate and pastries! I love that Jessica is not outdoorsy and she often makes silly mistakes. Her mishap made me laugh because that's something I would totally do! I feel her pain, almost literally. Jessica is different in Ecuador. Away from her family she's not the middle child, the peacemaker. Jessica is more bold and brave. People rely on her and genuinely like to be around her. She comes to life. Lady, the dog, is now a part of the family and she has a bigger role in the story woohoo!
Jessica's new family is still lovely. Sylvia is no-nonsense but loving. I love/fear Abuelita like everyone else. She is tough and very mean to her sister but deep down she has a heart of gold. Abuelita likes to tease Jessica in a not nice way though. Now she has more information about Jessica's long-lost uncle to hook Jessica and make her stay. Abuelita just wants free doughnuts for life. Abuelita is mean to her sister. Tia Rosa is sweet and kind. I love her gumption and what she does to get back at her sister on the sly. She's brilliant! Adi continues to be fun and likable but not quite so much now she's pursuing her dream of fashion. Jake continues to be relatively elusive. He loves his family and he seems to like Jessica a lot but as a friend. He's the hero, the man of the family, swooping in to save the silly women. I don't like that much but Jessica doesn't see Jake otherwise.
Christian is back and still after Jessica. EW! He's creepy and gross. I LOVE the way Abuelita deals with him. She's my hero! He's a creep. Fernanda, the gloomy teen, is wise beyond her years and a good friend to Jessica. Her mom, Martha, is a hero for working so hard to take care of her family. She seems kind, smart and caring.
Jessica has met some new people in the last week. Victor, a 25-year-old, college dropout now owns the ice cream parlor he inherited from his parents. He seems a little slow, like maybe he has a learning disability and that's why it's taken him so long to find a career that suits him. Or maybe he's just spoiled. He does seem to have a decent head for running the business. The things he says make sense even though he doesn't WANT to wake up before 4 am to make the doughnuts, he knows customers will want them hot in the morning. I think he would have done fine. His brother Roberto doesn't trust Victor to run a business on his own and does a lot of handholding, in spite of being a busy doctor and owning property. As the older brother, he expected to inherit over Victor. That gives him a good motive for murder. His fiancée Vanessa, seems fake. Jessica doesn't like her and thinks Vanessa is a gold digger. I agree with Jessica's assessment and like Jessica, I want to keep an open mind because she's Adi's friend but it does seem like Vanessa has a great motive for killing Victor. She's near the top of my suspect list. Edgar, the store manager, is also a suspect. He had the day off and happened to return just as Jessica discovered Victor's body. Edgar worked at the shop for 7 years. He may not be happy about the changes Victor is making, like making doughnuts. I don't know what other motive he would have for murdering Victor though.
Jessica started taking Spanish lessons with Hugo and Evelyn Santorini, from New Jersey. Abuelita thinks Hugo is in the mafia. *sigh* First, Santorini is Greek, not Italian, second, not every Italian is mafia, especially not not and third, not everyone from Jersey is Tony Soprano. Abuelita's gut tells her Hugo killed Victor. Her gut was wrong last time but this time she might be right. Hugo lives and works above the ice cream shop. He has a motive for killing Victor and is super insensitive. I don't think Hugo did it but I think he's hiding something. He and his wife never go back to Jersey even though their family is there. I think Evelyn may be the killer. She's making ice cream at home and there's a mention of a new ice cream shop opening. Hmm... Plus the title of the novel is Rum Raisin Revenge.
In this book Jessica meets Dr. Montalvo, an eccentric elderly pediatrician. He's so nice and so funny, until he examines Jessica! Yikes! Good thing Jake is sensible and sees why Dr. Montalvo is an alarmist. She also meets Mayor Guerra. He seems slimy and like a true politician. He knows how to get what he wants though.
I can't wait to see what adventures befall Jessica next and what she bakes up! Please, no more bananas! Like Abuelita, I don't like them.
April 17, 2017
This is Book 2 of Murder on the Equator and I highly recommend Book 1 'Cabs, Cakes and Corpses' in order to fully appreciate 'Rum Raisin Revenge'.
Jessica is into her second week of her month long vacation in Ecuador and things have just started to settle down. She is going to become an actual tourist by going on an adventure tour...starting with 'La Casa del Arbol' (the Tree House). She tries to obtain information from her friends Jake and Adi (twins) about this site and 'the swing'. They aren't very forthcoming. As they hike up the mountain, Jessica in her no-tread Converse sneakers starts imagining herself as 'Jessica James, Adventure Explorer'. Then she sees 'the swing'. I loved her reaction to it when she came face to face with it! After the adrenaline kicks in, things start going downhill very quickly. Once back down the mountain, Jessica offers to buy everyone ice cream at Victor's ice cream parlor...but all is not what it seems and Jessica again finds a dead body!
As in book 1, the story is fast-paced, humorous and downright fun! There is much going on and Jessica's adventure tour is put on hold due to some serious injuries. However, the handsome green-eyed Jake gives her a very solicitous hug, that causes Jessica's thought process to jump from friend to long distance relationship to where will they get married! She completely empathizes with Mrs. Bennet! I was laughing out loud and shaking my head as I could picture vividly all the scenarios laid out before me.
Not only do we have our elderly dynamic duo of Aubelito and Tia Rosa having their say and their way, but add in a fundraiser and cooking/baking competition and the game is on! I could just smell and taste the doughnuts! Even Lady, the rescue dog, shines even more in this book. You would think she was human! So take the plunge to find out how dry ice, break and enter, industrial mixer, locked rooms, Juan Valdez and his donkey, lingerie, YouTube and strawberry jam all tie in...oh and the murder too! Believe me, you will not be disappointed!
The cover art for these books also deserves congratulations.
I received an ARC of this book for a fair and honest review.
Jessica is into her second week of her month long vacation in Ecuador and things have just started to settle down. She is going to become an actual tourist by going on an adventure tour...starting with 'La Casa del Arbol' (the Tree House). She tries to obtain information from her friends Jake and Adi (twins) about this site and 'the swing'. They aren't very forthcoming. As they hike up the mountain, Jessica in her no-tread Converse sneakers starts imagining herself as 'Jessica James, Adventure Explorer'. Then she sees 'the swing'. I loved her reaction to it when she came face to face with it! After the adrenaline kicks in, things start going downhill very quickly. Once back down the mountain, Jessica offers to buy everyone ice cream at Victor's ice cream parlor...but all is not what it seems and Jessica again finds a dead body!
As in book 1, the story is fast-paced, humorous and downright fun! There is much going on and Jessica's adventure tour is put on hold due to some serious injuries. However, the handsome green-eyed Jake gives her a very solicitous hug, that causes Jessica's thought process to jump from friend to long distance relationship to where will they get married! She completely empathizes with Mrs. Bennet! I was laughing out loud and shaking my head as I could picture vividly all the scenarios laid out before me.
Not only do we have our elderly dynamic duo of Aubelito and Tia Rosa having their say and their way, but add in a fundraiser and cooking/baking competition and the game is on! I could just smell and taste the doughnuts! Even Lady, the rescue dog, shines even more in this book. You would think she was human! So take the plunge to find out how dry ice, break and enter, industrial mixer, locked rooms, Juan Valdez and his donkey, lingerie, YouTube and strawberry jam all tie in...oh and the murder too! Believe me, you will not be disappointed!
The cover art for these books also deserves congratulations.
I received an ARC of this book for a fair and honest review.
August 25, 2023
This was an enjoyable 2nd installment. Reading about the village life in Baños, Ecuador adds a fun twist to this cozy series.
May 5, 2017
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars
This second of a series was sent to me in ARC form by the author in exchange for an honest review. It is not a standalone book. It builds on the first book, which is all about the first several weeks out of a month’s vacation in Ecuador, Jessica James, from Oregon, is treated to by her family to spend with her mother's old friend, Sylvia, and her family.
Being on the equator, there is, of course, a need for an ice cream parlor, and Jessica has planned to share her Mammy's recipe for donuts with the owner, Victor. She does so and meets several other people while there: an employee and Victor's brother, Roberto, a successful doctor. The doctor's fiancée is using the services of Adi, Sylvia's daughter, and Jessica's roommate, to design and create not only the wedding gown but also the bridesmaids' gown. The shared apartment is crammed with dresses, materials, sequins, the needed sewing machine, etc. as Adi is just starting up her venture.
Jessica is then off on a mountain hike with Adi and her twin brother, Jake, (who looks yummy to Jessica). Jessica takes a bad spill and injures her tail bone. This spoils plans for a Jake-guided tour of other attractions in Ecuador. It also requires that Jessica be seen by a doctor. Here we meet, Vanessa, Dr. Montalvo’s nurse and Roberto’s fiancée.
Upon making a return visit to the ice cream parlor and finding no one present, Jessica, is egged-on to open the door to the walk-in freezer just to make the search complete. Oh, don't you know about how often the electricity goes out in this area and thus dry ice in used to keep frozen goods frozen? Jessica finds the owner dead inside and faints…head injury on top of tail bone problem.
Suspects are plenty. Victor’s and Roberto’s parents favored Victor over Roberto (who was the high achiever) and left everything to Victor upon their death. Roberto pushed Victor to write a will, leaving everything to Roberto. Vanessa, Roberto's fiancée wants Jessica to help solve the murder before the wedding, which is scheduled to occur in 3 days. Then there is Hugo, Jessica’s Spanish teacher and neighbor, who has been rather pushy about wanting some property. As the investigation begins Agent Washington Vasquez is up in Jessica's face about staying out of the investigation.
Abuelita and her sister, Tia Rosa, have their opinions and some secrets and, boy, one does not want to get on Abuelita's bad side or step on her toes. When her parents find out all the "bad luck" Jessica has had with the first weeks of her vacation they set up another month to make up for it. When the Ecuadorian family hears of this they are all over her to stay...permanently. They love her baked goods and suggest she take up that trade.
There is a lot going on in this book (I have not even mentioned the fundraiser.) and as the mystery reaches its peak, I am questioning what I missed. There is an arrest but I am scratching my head as to motive. We do learn about that and I must say that is all the confusion I had not a clue.
This series is building to much more of a permanency in Jessica’s future, I am believing. I am hoping to read of some romance in future books but so far we have only some very vague hints…dropped jam jar! I do think I am going to have to read this again. I am one who likes to look at the end of mystery stories for the solution so I can look for clues as I read. I did take notes as I read but I know I am going to have to reread this one from the beginning.
This second of a series was sent to me in ARC form by the author in exchange for an honest review. It is not a standalone book. It builds on the first book, which is all about the first several weeks out of a month’s vacation in Ecuador, Jessica James, from Oregon, is treated to by her family to spend with her mother's old friend, Sylvia, and her family.
Being on the equator, there is, of course, a need for an ice cream parlor, and Jessica has planned to share her Mammy's recipe for donuts with the owner, Victor. She does so and meets several other people while there: an employee and Victor's brother, Roberto, a successful doctor. The doctor's fiancée is using the services of Adi, Sylvia's daughter, and Jessica's roommate, to design and create not only the wedding gown but also the bridesmaids' gown. The shared apartment is crammed with dresses, materials, sequins, the needed sewing machine, etc. as Adi is just starting up her venture.
Jessica is then off on a mountain hike with Adi and her twin brother, Jake, (who looks yummy to Jessica). Jessica takes a bad spill and injures her tail bone. This spoils plans for a Jake-guided tour of other attractions in Ecuador. It also requires that Jessica be seen by a doctor. Here we meet, Vanessa, Dr. Montalvo’s nurse and Roberto’s fiancée.
Upon making a return visit to the ice cream parlor and finding no one present, Jessica, is egged-on to open the door to the walk-in freezer just to make the search complete. Oh, don't you know about how often the electricity goes out in this area and thus dry ice in used to keep frozen goods frozen? Jessica finds the owner dead inside and faints…head injury on top of tail bone problem.
Suspects are plenty. Victor’s and Roberto’s parents favored Victor over Roberto (who was the high achiever) and left everything to Victor upon their death. Roberto pushed Victor to write a will, leaving everything to Roberto. Vanessa, Roberto's fiancée wants Jessica to help solve the murder before the wedding, which is scheduled to occur in 3 days. Then there is Hugo, Jessica’s Spanish teacher and neighbor, who has been rather pushy about wanting some property. As the investigation begins Agent Washington Vasquez is up in Jessica's face about staying out of the investigation.
Abuelita and her sister, Tia Rosa, have their opinions and some secrets and, boy, one does not want to get on Abuelita's bad side or step on her toes. When her parents find out all the "bad luck" Jessica has had with the first weeks of her vacation they set up another month to make up for it. When the Ecuadorian family hears of this they are all over her to stay...permanently. They love her baked goods and suggest she take up that trade.
There is a lot going on in this book (I have not even mentioned the fundraiser.) and as the mystery reaches its peak, I am questioning what I missed. There is an arrest but I am scratching my head as to motive. We do learn about that and I must say that is all the confusion I had not a clue.
This series is building to much more of a permanency in Jessica’s future, I am believing. I am hoping to read of some romance in future books but so far we have only some very vague hints…dropped jam jar! I do think I am going to have to read this again. I am one who likes to look at the end of mystery stories for the solution so I can look for clues as I read. I did take notes as I read but I know I am going to have to reread this one from the beginning.
September 16, 2020
Tourist becomes detective in Ecuador
This second book in the series was a good balance between plot and descriptive prose.
Jess finds herself mixed up in a mysterious death through a case of bad timing. Even as she tried to stay out of the investigation she gets drawn in. The mystery is full of speculation of who's guilty with several misdirects but in the end the story is wrapped up well and Bloom does a great job of clarifying the motive and how the crime was committed.
The murder mystery is only a small portion of what makes this book so enjoyable. Bloom does a masterful job of creating truly likeable and believable characters. The humor and family banter is well written. Even when they are annoying you feel the emotions and interactions between the characters. It is easy to envision being there in Ecuador with Jess.
The other aspect of the story is the descriptions of Ecuador and the scenery and culture there. It is definitely an armchair tourist book.
Even with all that I must say that my favorite part of the story was.how Bloom ended the book. She puts a wonderful twist that is a perfect and heartwarming setup for the continuation of the series. It is well done and absolutely fits the storyline
Don't miss this book and the series!
This second book in the series was a good balance between plot and descriptive prose.
Jess finds herself mixed up in a mysterious death through a case of bad timing. Even as she tried to stay out of the investigation she gets drawn in. The mystery is full of speculation of who's guilty with several misdirects but in the end the story is wrapped up well and Bloom does a great job of clarifying the motive and how the crime was committed.
The murder mystery is only a small portion of what makes this book so enjoyable. Bloom does a masterful job of creating truly likeable and believable characters. The humor and family banter is well written. Even when they are annoying you feel the emotions and interactions between the characters. It is easy to envision being there in Ecuador with Jess.
The other aspect of the story is the descriptions of Ecuador and the scenery and culture there. It is definitely an armchair tourist book.
Even with all that I must say that my favorite part of the story was.how Bloom ended the book. She puts a wonderful twist that is a perfect and heartwarming setup for the continuation of the series. It is well done and absolutely fits the storyline
Don't miss this book and the series!
May 5, 2017
This was all I now have come to expect from Jennifer Joy!
Funny, well paced, superb writing and engaging characters along with yummies all around to make our mouths water every other page.
We go back to Ecuador to find out what's happening with Jessica after her eventful first week of vacation and even though she just wishes to be tourist-y, her new friends and adventure seem intent on making her become a resident and a local hero!
Can hardly wait for the next one on this series - and also maybe something JAFF along the way...?
I received an ARC in exchange for a sincere review of the book and as a cosy mystery fan I can say I am in love with this universe and can only wonder how much of Jessica's story is truly Jennifer's real life!
Funny, well paced, superb writing and engaging characters along with yummies all around to make our mouths water every other page.
We go back to Ecuador to find out what's happening with Jessica after her eventful first week of vacation and even though she just wishes to be tourist-y, her new friends and adventure seem intent on making her become a resident and a local hero!
Can hardly wait for the next one on this series - and also maybe something JAFF along the way...?
I received an ARC in exchange for a sincere review of the book and as a cosy mystery fan I can say I am in love with this universe and can only wonder how much of Jessica's story is truly Jennifer's real life!
June 6, 2018
Greed, doughnuts and money
Another great book. With only 2 weeks of her holiday left, she wants to cram as much into as she can. However an accident and fainting (whilst discovering another body) mean that she has to stay close at hand for the investigation. Add in theft, a broken laptop, a special charity event run by the mayor, a competition and over 4,000 doughnuts leave with little time to catch her breath. Will she leave at the end of the 2 weeks? Who will win the competition? How is her romance going? Will. The killer be found? A wonderful fast paced romp set in Ecuador filled with quirky characters that you will adore.
Another great book. With only 2 weeks of her holiday left, she wants to cram as much into as she can. However an accident and fainting (whilst discovering another body) mean that she has to stay close at hand for the investigation. Add in theft, a broken laptop, a special charity event run by the mayor, a competition and over 4,000 doughnuts leave with little time to catch her breath. Will she leave at the end of the 2 weeks? Who will win the competition? How is her romance going? Will. The killer be found? A wonderful fast paced romp set in Ecuador filled with quirky characters that you will adore.
August 26, 2017
Fun Continuation
This second book in the Murder on the Equator series picked up where the first book left off. Just when Jessica thinks she can be a normal tourist, another murder happens, and against her inclination, she gets caught up in the middle of the investigation.
These books are fun and, although they are fiction, they have an authentic feel, because the author includes her own experiences. A fun glimpse into Ecuadorian culture.
This second book in the Murder on the Equator series picked up where the first book left off. Just when Jessica thinks she can be a normal tourist, another murder happens, and against her inclination, she gets caught up in the middle of the investigation.
These books are fun and, although they are fiction, they have an authentic feel, because the author includes her own experiences. A fun glimpse into Ecuadorian culture.
April 3, 2019
I absolutely LOVE this series!! Despite its being a murder mystery, Rum Raisin Revenge is a happy, fun, feel good book. Jessica, Adi, Sylvia, Abuelita, Tia Rosa, Jake, Agent Vasquez and all the rest are memorable characters that seem so real you wish you lived in their neighborhood. Good plot, great dialogue, and smoothly moving action make this an entertaining page-turner.
August 16, 2017
Love this Series
I really enjoyed reading the first two books of this series! The characters had unique personalities and the interaction between them kept me laughing! I can't wait for the next book in this series!!
I really enjoyed reading the first two books of this series! The characters had unique personalities and the interaction between them kept me laughing! I can't wait for the next book in this series!!
February 20, 2018
Great read
Ok book two and I love this series sooo much if you love a great cozy then this one by Jennifer Joy is a must read getting the next book now
Ok book two and I love this series sooo much if you love a great cozy then this one by Jennifer Joy is a must read getting the next book now
April 29, 2017
The tumultuous events of Cabs, Cakes and Corpses have died down and 23 year old Jess from Portland, Oregon thinks she can settle down and enjoy the remaining two weeks of her holiday in Ecuador. The plan is for her to spend a week on a trip in the jungle with twins Jake, a professional adventure tour guide, and his sister Adi. As both a taster and tester, they take her on a trek up the nearby mountain to what sounds like the vertigo-inducing The Swing at the End of the World at La Casa del Árbol. Not sure you'd get me on it, should I ever end up in that part of the world!
Jess is made from sterner stuff than me, as are our two favourite elderly sisters, Abuelita and Tia Rosa. She has a whale of a time on the swing and on the trek back down, until an unfortunate accident badly bruises her tailbone, putting a spanner in the works of her jungle trip. The weather is hot so they all call at the local ice cream parlour on their return, only to find the owner, Victor, dead inside his own walk-in freezer. So Jess becomes involved in her third murder case in two weeks! There are a number of suspects: Victor's brother Roberto who's due to be married very soon, his fiancée Vanessa, the ice cream parlour manager Edgar, Hugo who runs the local Spanish language school. All have reasons that could be a motive for murder.
Throw in a local fund-raising gala, and the competition between Abuelita and Tia Rosa heats up even more than normal. Jess gets roped into making thousands of her special recipe doughnuts (which sound delicious) and all this whilst the investigation into Victor's death continues. Even Lady, the dog Jess rescued just after her arrival in Baños, has a significant part to play. The long-suffering Agent Vasquez, the local homicide detective, will be hoping that Jess decides to pack her bags soon, I should think!
The pace of the plot runs along as fast as the first book in the series and is just as entertaining. Jess has the inconvenience of an unwanted suitor to add into the mix, too. Not the delicious sounding Jake, I hasten to add - I can definitely see something happening between these two, given time! Abuelita and Tia Rosa continue their not-always-good-natured bickering throughout which reaches fever pitch during the gala. Jake's and Adi's mum, Sylvia (who runs the local restaurant) also makes a return appearance.
That's all you're going to get in the way of plot detail from me. If you've read Cabs, Cakes and Corpses, you'll love this, too. If you haven't, I suggest you read that one first as there are spoilers for the plot of that in this one.
I hope we're going to see more in this series as I'd really love to see the relationship between Jess and Jake unfold into something stronger than just friendship. Agent Vasquez may have a somewhat different view of Jess remaining in Ecuador for much longer!
One final point - we have two more recipes as a bonus right at the end, both of which look extremely yummy. Sadly, neither are for Jess's doughnuts, but who wouldn't want one for Sylvia's beef empanadas (baked, not fried, so they're better for the waistline) and one for Jess's banana crumb muffins.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Jess is made from sterner stuff than me, as are our two favourite elderly sisters, Abuelita and Tia Rosa. She has a whale of a time on the swing and on the trek back down, until an unfortunate accident badly bruises her tailbone, putting a spanner in the works of her jungle trip. The weather is hot so they all call at the local ice cream parlour on their return, only to find the owner, Victor, dead inside his own walk-in freezer. So Jess becomes involved in her third murder case in two weeks! There are a number of suspects: Victor's brother Roberto who's due to be married very soon, his fiancée Vanessa, the ice cream parlour manager Edgar, Hugo who runs the local Spanish language school. All have reasons that could be a motive for murder.
Throw in a local fund-raising gala, and the competition between Abuelita and Tia Rosa heats up even more than normal. Jess gets roped into making thousands of her special recipe doughnuts (which sound delicious) and all this whilst the investigation into Victor's death continues. Even Lady, the dog Jess rescued just after her arrival in Baños, has a significant part to play. The long-suffering Agent Vasquez, the local homicide detective, will be hoping that Jess decides to pack her bags soon, I should think!
The pace of the plot runs along as fast as the first book in the series and is just as entertaining. Jess has the inconvenience of an unwanted suitor to add into the mix, too. Not the delicious sounding Jake, I hasten to add - I can definitely see something happening between these two, given time! Abuelita and Tia Rosa continue their not-always-good-natured bickering throughout which reaches fever pitch during the gala. Jake's and Adi's mum, Sylvia (who runs the local restaurant) also makes a return appearance.
That's all you're going to get in the way of plot detail from me. If you've read Cabs, Cakes and Corpses, you'll love this, too. If you haven't, I suggest you read that one first as there are spoilers for the plot of that in this one.
I hope we're going to see more in this series as I'd really love to see the relationship between Jess and Jake unfold into something stronger than just friendship. Agent Vasquez may have a somewhat different view of Jess remaining in Ecuador for much longer!
One final point - we have two more recipes as a bonus right at the end, both of which look extremely yummy. Sadly, neither are for Jess's doughnuts, but who wouldn't want one for Sylvia's beef empanadas (baked, not fried, so they're better for the waistline) and one for Jess's banana crumb muffins.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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