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An Oceanside Hotel Mystery #1
Booked for Murder
Since when was solving murders on her resume? Maisie Swenson takes over as manager at Florida’s elite Oceanside hotel, thrilled to move on site, catering to the crazy whims of some of the richest people in America with help from her Momma and their basset hound, Bingo. She has her work cut out for her. Make it snow in Florida--check. Helicopter wedding--check. Deliver a baby--check. Dealing with the death of business mogul Norman Olsen… not so check. Looks like he had some dangerous enemies – including his own wife and son. When the murderer targets the hotel again, Maisie thinks the worst of her worries is getting fired. Until the killer comes after her… things just got personal.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
August 30, 2019
This was an easy cozy mystery read that kept me turning the pages. Being the first book in the series we are introduced to the main characters and given their backstory. Maisie and her Momma have a close relationship that is sweet. The mystery is quickly paced with several suspects and some humor as Maisie is determined to find the killer and not lose her job as the manager at the Oceanside Hotel.
November 6, 2020
This is the first book in the oceanside series. Maisie is the new manager of the Oceanside hotel. She has planned a comic convention at the hotel. It is her first event as manager and she is determined that it goes well. Things go wrong almost instantly when a prominent business man is murdered by the pool in the hotel. Maisie's curiosity gets the better of her and she starts digging into what happened.
This was an ok book for me. The story was good but I felt the characters weren't very well developed. I would have liked to have learned more about Maisie and how she became the manager of the Oceanside. Not sure if I would pick up another in the series.
This was an ok book for me. The story was good but I felt the characters weren't very well developed. I would have liked to have learned more about Maisie and how she became the manager of the Oceanside. Not sure if I would pick up another in the series.
August 20, 2020
A fun mystery
A good light interesting story! Interesting characters and I like the work and personal relationships especially Maisie and her Mom!
A good light interesting story! Interesting characters and I like the work and personal relationships especially Maisie and her Mom!
May 6, 2024
Rating: 3.5 /5 (rated down)
Welcome to the Oceanside Hotel in Florida--close enough to Disneyworld, but less mainstream. And meet the manager of this lovely hotel, Maisie! She's fairly new at the job, but totally competent at it for all your needs--
--until a murder takes place.
Uh-oh.
And thus, our murder mystery begins!
_____________
So...myself, I had mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I liked the main character well enough, as well as the setting. I guess I was kind of neutral about it, but it was neat to see her rushing back and forth between trying to solve the murder and just continue to do her job--which can get pretty hectic even without a murder taking place, by the way!
But...on the other hand, I didn't really like the side characters or the detailing of everything that much, as I felt a good deal of it took away from the focus on the mystery and instead tried to give everyone a personality. Like, for example, Maisie's Momma, who was...I dunno, I just didn't particularly like or care about her, and didn't like how the scenes kept going back to Maisie's interactions with her rather than not.
Also, while there's a definite potential love interest introduced here, every time he's mentioned it's with an "amused glint in his eyes" or an "amused look on his face". Like...okay, I get it, he's amused, but can he get literally ANY OTHER personality traits, please?
All in all, I guess I just wanted more than what I got, so...comme si comma ca, I guess. *shrugs*
(Mystery itself was okay, but not really worth all the strenuous extra details it takes to getting us there.)
Welcome to the Oceanside Hotel in Florida--close enough to Disneyworld, but less mainstream. And meet the manager of this lovely hotel, Maisie! She's fairly new at the job, but totally competent at it for all your needs--
--until a murder takes place.
Uh-oh.
And thus, our murder mystery begins!
_____________
So...myself, I had mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I liked the main character well enough, as well as the setting. I guess I was kind of neutral about it, but it was neat to see her rushing back and forth between trying to solve the murder and just continue to do her job--which can get pretty hectic even without a murder taking place, by the way!
But...on the other hand, I didn't really like the side characters or the detailing of everything that much, as I felt a good deal of it took away from the focus on the mystery and instead tried to give everyone a personality. Like, for example, Maisie's Momma, who was...I dunno, I just didn't particularly like or care about her, and didn't like how the scenes kept going back to Maisie's interactions with her rather than not.
Also, while there's a definite potential love interest introduced here, every time he's mentioned it's with an "amused glint in his eyes" or an "amused look on his face". Like...okay, I get it, he's amused, but can he get literally ANY OTHER personality traits, please?
All in all, I guess I just wanted more than what I got, so...comme si comma ca, I guess. *shrugs*
(Mystery itself was okay, but not really worth all the strenuous extra details it takes to getting us there.)
August 20, 2017
Setting: Florida
Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Woman Sleuth
Death, Hint of Violence
Plus(es): Many lighthearted and humorous moments that are very relatable, Enough suspects to make an interesting plot, Good pacing
Maisie Swenson is thrilled that she landed her dream job as a manager at the ritzy Oceanside Hotel. Part of the reason she wanted to move to Florida was to keep an eye on her mother. If that wasn’t enough, in her spare time, Maisie is an aspiring mystery writer.
One of her first assignments is to organize and manage a Comic-Con convention. As a crowd of cosplayers descend on the hotel, Maisie must ensure things run smoothly. However, this proves difficult when she finds the gaming tycoon, Norman Olsen, dead in the hotel pool. When Olsen’s death is a homicide, Maisie catches heat from her boss.
Maisie puts on her amateur detective hat to try and find the killer, regain order, save her job, and maybe even her life.
I thought this is an amusing read. Maisie, her friends, and mother are entertaining characters, and I look forward to getting to know them better. This is a great poolside/beach/relaxing read.
CeeCee James has written several other books including fictional cozy mysteries and non-fiction as well.
Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Woman Sleuth
Death, Hint of Violence
Plus(es): Many lighthearted and humorous moments that are very relatable, Enough suspects to make an interesting plot, Good pacing
Maisie Swenson is thrilled that she landed her dream job as a manager at the ritzy Oceanside Hotel. Part of the reason she wanted to move to Florida was to keep an eye on her mother. If that wasn’t enough, in her spare time, Maisie is an aspiring mystery writer.
One of her first assignments is to organize and manage a Comic-Con convention. As a crowd of cosplayers descend on the hotel, Maisie must ensure things run smoothly. However, this proves difficult when she finds the gaming tycoon, Norman Olsen, dead in the hotel pool. When Olsen’s death is a homicide, Maisie catches heat from her boss.
Maisie puts on her amateur detective hat to try and find the killer, regain order, save her job, and maybe even her life.
I thought this is an amusing read. Maisie, her friends, and mother are entertaining characters, and I look forward to getting to know them better. This is a great poolside/beach/relaxing read.
CeeCee James has written several other books including fictional cozy mysteries and non-fiction as well.
August 13, 2017
Booked for Murder
Maisie has moved to Florida to manage a hotel and take care of her mother although you had better never let her mother hear that. Maisie, her mother, and her mother's Bassett hound Bingo share an apartment at the hotel. Maisie is an aspiring mystery writer.
Her hotel is hosting a comic-con and things get nasty when one of the game producers is found dead in the pool. Maisie is afraid that she will lose her job. However, her boss's good looking saner younger brother is in her corner. Maisie cannot help playing Nancy Drew to make sure the right person is arrested.
If you like cozy mysteries with quirky characters and good plots, then you're in luck because this book has both.
Maisie has moved to Florida to manage a hotel and take care of her mother although you had better never let her mother hear that. Maisie, her mother, and her mother's Bassett hound Bingo share an apartment at the hotel. Maisie is an aspiring mystery writer.
Her hotel is hosting a comic-con and things get nasty when one of the game producers is found dead in the pool. Maisie is afraid that she will lose her job. However, her boss's good looking saner younger brother is in her corner. Maisie cannot help playing Nancy Drew to make sure the right person is arrested.
If you like cozy mysteries with quirky characters and good plots, then you're in luck because this book has both.
July 22, 2017
Have enjoyed all of CeeCee James' books. I read book 2 of the Oceanside Mystery series first and enjoyed it so much I immediately purchased book 1. The book had a great flow and many twists and turns...even some chuckles. It put into perspective how Maisey ended up in Oceanside, Florida working at a resort. Momma is a hoot and I like how they love there little basset hound. The ending was a surprise and look forward to more adventures in Oceanside.
Always enjoy when writers tie series together by mentioning characters from other books, makes them feel more real (to me anyway). Keep up the good work.
Always enjoy when writers tie series together by mentioning characters from other books, makes them feel more real (to me anyway). Keep up the good work.
May 9, 2017
Ms James has created a fantastic new series featuring a very likeable young woman who is managing a posh hotel while writing mystery books on the side. Booked for Murder had me hooked right from page one as I got to know and love Maisie, her quirky mom and equally quirky dog. A complex mystery, difficult guests, not to mention dead ones, and just a hint of possible romance make this a delightful read.
I am a huge fan of CeeCee James's Angel Lakes Mysteries, and now I've quickly become a fan of her Oceanside Mysteries as well.
Highly recommended!
I am a huge fan of CeeCee James's Angel Lakes Mysteries, and now I've quickly become a fan of her Oceanside Mysteries as well.
Highly recommended!
May 10, 2017
In a similar spirit to the Angel Lake series, the author has done an excellent job in Oceanside Mystery.
Maise has no idea what's in store at her new job, as hotel manager. Caring for her momma and loyal companion, Bingo, is her top priority, so she takes it upon herself to unravel the mystery of the Comic-Con, along with other strange occurrences at the hotel.
The backdrop/setting to this cozy mystery is perfect, as the author takes you through the wonderful hotel.
I highly recommend this first book and look forward to what's to come in the series.
Maise has no idea what's in store at her new job, as hotel manager. Caring for her momma and loyal companion, Bingo, is her top priority, so she takes it upon herself to unravel the mystery of the Comic-Con, along with other strange occurrences at the hotel.
The backdrop/setting to this cozy mystery is perfect, as the author takes you through the wonderful hotel.
I highly recommend this first book and look forward to what's to come in the series.
May 18, 2017
There's a new detective in the house, or should that be a new house detective? The new manager of the Oceanside Hotel in Florida won't abide a suspicious death in her hotel that could endanger her sweet new job. Besides, she also writes mysteries, why not try to solve this one? You'll enjoy the southern charm of this new series so join Maisie Swenson, her lovable Momma, and their dog Bingo on this raucous ride. There are lots of loveable and interesting characters as well as plot twists that will have you turning pages.
July 29, 2017
E-Reader. Murder Mystery
Maisie Swenson moves to Florida to closer her Mom & Bingo. She's hired as hotel manager at the elite Oceanside Hotel.
During a convention, business mogul Norman Olsen is murdered.
All kinds of weird things start to happen after the Sheriff's Department arrests a suspect.
There are too characters to name. So much happens & Maisie is also in danger.
Good read. Enjoy this book.
Maisie Swenson moves to Florida to closer her Mom & Bingo. She's hired as hotel manager at the elite Oceanside Hotel.
During a convention, business mogul Norman Olsen is murdered.
All kinds of weird things start to happen after the Sheriff's Department arrests a suspect.
There are too characters to name. So much happens & Maisie is also in danger.
Good read. Enjoy this book.
May 31, 2017
Love the investigations, put together well. A suspenseful read.
August 24, 2017
Nice, simple, cute, fun mystery. I enjoyed it.
August 30, 2022
A cute cozy mystery. Fun read.
May 22, 2017
I enjoyed reading "Booked for Murder" by CeeCee James, the first book in the Oceanside Mystery series.
The main character, Maisie, has just taken a job as the manager of an ocean side hotel in Florida where she has an apartment with her elderly mother. Maisie loves a mystery and, in her spare time, she's writing a mystery novel.
At the first conference she's in charge of, a "famous" man is murdered and Maisie is worried that all of the negative publicity the hotel is getting will result in her losing her job. But, as she tries to find the killer, she soon discovers two things: that writing a mystery novel is a whole lot safer than being involved in a real life murder and that losing her job would be the least of her problems.
The main character, Maisie, has just taken a job as the manager of an ocean side hotel in Florida where she has an apartment with her elderly mother. Maisie loves a mystery and, in her spare time, she's writing a mystery novel.
At the first conference she's in charge of, a "famous" man is murdered and Maisie is worried that all of the negative publicity the hotel is getting will result in her losing her job. But, as she tries to find the killer, she soon discovers two things: that writing a mystery novel is a whole lot safer than being involved in a real life murder and that losing her job would be the least of her problems.
May 21, 2017
This was a fun read. A new detective is in the house, or should I say hotel?!? She is a likeable character-- managing the hotel, taking care of her Momma and writing mysteries. I look forward to reading the next book in the series
February 19, 2020
I wanted to like this
I stopped five chapters in...
I don’t know if it was the flow (or lack of)
The characters (they felt flat)
Or the story itself but I just couldn’t do it
I stopped five chapters in...
I don’t know if it was the flow (or lack of)
The characters (they felt flat)
Or the story itself but I just couldn’t do it
July 13, 2018
Maisie, the new manager of the prestigious Oceanside Hotel in Florida, soon finds out her new job is rather demanding: a comic-con convention is scheduled, and hundreds of guests come pouring in all at once. She doesn’t want to mess it up; after all, she’s got her mother to support, too. But, besides all the usual little problems with the guests, something much worse happens in the middle of the convention – Maisie finds Norman Olsen, a famous computer deviser, dead on an inflatable armchair in the hotel’s swimming pool.
All hell breaks loose, of course, police arrive, interviews take place, Maisie’s boss is shocked. Soon, there’s a whole list of suspects – the young and pretty widow, the son and business competitor, the young fellow who’d just been fired by Olsen, his girlfriend and her friend, the hotel’s young tennis instructor, even the receptionist… And, since Maisie also happens to be a mystery writer, she just can’t resist doing a bit of sleuthing of her own!
A lovely read for every fan of cosy mysteries; a most likeable protagonist, a wonderful sense of humour, moments of real suspense and even of thoughtfulness and emotion as well. Makes us want to read more of Maisie’s adventures!
All hell breaks loose, of course, police arrive, interviews take place, Maisie’s boss is shocked. Soon, there’s a whole list of suspects – the young and pretty widow, the son and business competitor, the young fellow who’d just been fired by Olsen, his girlfriend and her friend, the hotel’s young tennis instructor, even the receptionist… And, since Maisie also happens to be a mystery writer, she just can’t resist doing a bit of sleuthing of her own!
A lovely read for every fan of cosy mysteries; a most likeable protagonist, a wonderful sense of humour, moments of real suspense and even of thoughtfulness and emotion as well. Makes us want to read more of Maisie’s adventures!
May 11, 2017
Louisa May Marigold Swenson, Maisie for short, is the new manager of the Oceanside Hotel in Starke Springs, Florida. One of her first duties is overseeing a Comic-Con Convention at the hotel.
Shortly after the convention starts, there is a disturbance in the main meeting room. With the help of Norman Olsen, owner of Olsen Studios which makes one of the games for the show, Maisie is able to restore peace and quiet. Later that day, Mr. Olsen is found dead in the hotel pool and the police suspect foul play. Fortunately, the rest of the event runs fairly smoothly.
There is a Fantasy/Sci-Fi Convention scheduled for the following weekend. During the initial setup, some of the equipment catches fire. Reacting quickly, Maisie grabs a fire extinguisher and puts it out. It turns out the fire was deliberately set.
Who killed Mr. Olsen? Who started the equipment fire? Are the incidents related? Is somebody trying to sabotage Maisie in her new job?
The characters are well developed and very believable. The story has a great pace.
Shortly after the convention starts, there is a disturbance in the main meeting room. With the help of Norman Olsen, owner of Olsen Studios which makes one of the games for the show, Maisie is able to restore peace and quiet. Later that day, Mr. Olsen is found dead in the hotel pool and the police suspect foul play. Fortunately, the rest of the event runs fairly smoothly.
There is a Fantasy/Sci-Fi Convention scheduled for the following weekend. During the initial setup, some of the equipment catches fire. Reacting quickly, Maisie grabs a fire extinguisher and puts it out. It turns out the fire was deliberately set.
Who killed Mr. Olsen? Who started the equipment fire? Are the incidents related? Is somebody trying to sabotage Maisie in her new job?
The characters are well developed and very believable. The story has a great pace.
October 27, 2017
Maisie Swenson of the Oceanside Hotel is anxious to prove to her new boss that he hired the right candidate for manager. She has moved to Florida from Tennessee to help her mother, since her Dad died and their house was lost to medical costs. She moves her Mom and dog Bingo into the hotel suite that is hers. The first event she is responsible for is ComiCon She never expected a murder in the pool of one of the most popular game creators. She is going to have to help solve this murder before the hotel owner loses faith in her abilities.
There are some authors that are able to endow their characters with an accent and CeeCee James is one. I looked at the text and couldn’t really see why I found the voice of Maisie to be southern. The other characters were more fuzzy, sliding in and out of the story with very little impact.
This is a cozy mystery that is an easy read, though I wasn’t always engaged and found it easy to put the book down and had to remind myself to pick up again.
There are some authors that are able to endow their characters with an accent and CeeCee James is one. I looked at the text and couldn’t really see why I found the voice of Maisie to be southern. The other characters were more fuzzy, sliding in and out of the story with very little impact.
This is a cozy mystery that is an easy read, though I wasn’t always engaged and found it easy to put the book down and had to remind myself to pick up again.
August 6, 2017
Maisie Swenson has taken over as manager at a hotel in Florida, partly to take care of her Momma and basset hound, Bingo. One of her first tasks is to make sure the ComicCon booked for that weekend runs smoothly. When a wealthy guest is found floating in the pool dead and other suspicious occurrences happen, it's up to Maisie to find the killer and save her job.
This is a fast and entertaining read. Maisie is a fun heroine. She writes mystery novels on the side but never expects to have to use her expertise to solve a real murder. Momma and the other secondary characters have interesting quirks; I love the pans rattling as Momma cooks. I didn't identify the real murderer which is a prerequisite for me in murder mysteries; I want it to be a mystery and not figure it out halfway through the book.
This is the first book in a cozy murder series, so I'll be looking forward to reading the rest of Maisie's adventures.
This is a fast and entertaining read. Maisie is a fun heroine. She writes mystery novels on the side but never expects to have to use her expertise to solve a real murder. Momma and the other secondary characters have interesting quirks; I love the pans rattling as Momma cooks. I didn't identify the real murderer which is a prerequisite for me in murder mysteries; I want it to be a mystery and not figure it out halfway through the book.
This is the first book in a cozy murder series, so I'll be looking forward to reading the rest of Maisie's adventures.
January 31, 2022
This is another series I've been wanting to start for a long time, and I'm glad I finally did. I really like Maisie and Momma and that cute little basset Bingo. Momma's such a character and cracks me up! All the A and B characters were nice, but I absolutely couldn't stand that Sierra who was so jealous of Maisie getting the manager job she'd applied for. I thought for sure she might be trying to sabotage her.
When a dead guy showed up in the pool, Maisie as manager had to work quickly to make sure it didn't affect the hotel's reputation and ultimately her job. I wasn't sure who the killer was until the almost point of reveal. I loved what Maisie did to the killer at the showdown too, and even Momma was proud of her. I hope Maisie takes time to get to know Jake. He sure seemed a lot nicer and easier-going than his uptight brother who was Maisie's boss at the hotel. I'm sure I'll be reading the next one soon!
When a dead guy showed up in the pool, Maisie as manager had to work quickly to make sure it didn't affect the hotel's reputation and ultimately her job. I wasn't sure who the killer was until the almost point of reveal. I loved what Maisie did to the killer at the showdown too, and even Momma was proud of her. I hope Maisie takes time to get to know Jake. He sure seemed a lot nicer and easier-going than his uptight brother who was Maisie's boss at the hotel. I'm sure I'll be reading the next one soon!
October 7, 2017
Maisie is the manager at the Oceanside Hotel, a recent new job in which she was still proving herself to her boss. Kinda hard to do that when a murder, an arson attempt and large and often rowdy convention crowds keep rearing their ugly heads. Maisie came to Florida and took this job to be able to watch over her mother. Now it seems that job is harder and harder to do with all that is going on at the hotel.
I enjoyed this first book of the series, and getting to meet Momma as well as the other regular characters and of course Bingo. The murder mystery was good. For me however, it seemed to suddenly race to the conclusion near the end, like time was up and the author just threw everything together to end the book. I would have liked a little more information as to why Maisie suddenly knew who the murderer was, what gave it away to her, etc.
I enjoyed this first book of the series, and getting to meet Momma as well as the other regular characters and of course Bingo. The murder mystery was good. For me however, it seemed to suddenly race to the conclusion near the end, like time was up and the author just threw everything together to end the book. I would have liked a little more information as to why Maisie suddenly knew who the murderer was, what gave it away to her, etc.
November 8, 2024
Booked for Murder by CeeCee James was a decent introduction to the Oceanside Mystery series, though I had mixed feelings about it. This is the first book I've read by this author, and while the storyline was interesting, I struggled a bit with the character development. Maisie, the new manager of the Oceanside Hotel, plans a comic convention as her first big event, but when a prominent businessman is found murdered by the pool, her curiosity leads her into the investigation. The premise is engaging, but I would have liked a bit more backstory to make the characters feel more fleshed out, especially since I learned later that these characters have a previous series that builds up to this one.
While I enjoyed Maisie juggling her job with the investigation, some of the side characters and extra details felt distracting rather than adding depth to the mystery. For example, Maisie’s interactions with her mom and a potential love interest were repeated a bit too often without adding much to the plot. Ultimately, the mystery itself was good, but I felt it could have wrapped up sooner if a few clues had been pursued more directly.
So, 3 stars—it was a decent read and enough to make me consider the rest of the series, though I’m not in a rush to seek them out.
While I enjoyed Maisie juggling her job with the investigation, some of the side characters and extra details felt distracting rather than adding depth to the mystery. For example, Maisie’s interactions with her mom and a potential love interest were repeated a bit too often without adding much to the plot. Ultimately, the mystery itself was good, but I felt it could have wrapped up sooner if a few clues had been pursued more directly.
So, 3 stars—it was a decent read and enough to make me consider the rest of the series, though I’m not in a rush to seek them out.
June 12, 2018
***** Such a Fun Whodunit!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I must say, it dovetailed perfectly with my cardinal rules of engagement. Right off the bat I was drawn into the story by its charming prose and the two loaded-with-appeal principal characters, Maisie and her mother. When an inexplicable murder happens involving several suspects, a bitter colleague nemesis who thought she should have gotten Maisie’s job keeps appearing, and a slow, potential love interest hints at future sparks, how could I not keep going until the very end? And to top things off, by making this well plotted story take place at a hotel, James has created an environment rife with lots of unborn possibilities for future books in this series. Definitely recommended!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I must say, it dovetailed perfectly with my cardinal rules of engagement. Right off the bat I was drawn into the story by its charming prose and the two loaded-with-appeal principal characters, Maisie and her mother. When an inexplicable murder happens involving several suspects, a bitter colleague nemesis who thought she should have gotten Maisie’s job keeps appearing, and a slow, potential love interest hints at future sparks, how could I not keep going until the very end? And to top things off, by making this well plotted story take place at a hotel, James has created an environment rife with lots of unborn possibilities for future books in this series. Definitely recommended!
June 26, 2019
Maisey Swensen Moved to Florida to take over as manager at a convention hotel in order to help take care of her aging but still independent senior citizen mother.
At the first convention she overseas, one of the guests, a rich gaming mogul is murdered. As the police continue to investigate, a fire is set to one of the vendors expensive sound systems at the second convention.
Maisy puts all of her efforts into finding the real murderer as she believes the police have arrested the wrong person, and her investigations have already caused a threat to be left against her mother. She needs to know the hotel and all the residences are safe.
This is another fun story from CeeCee James. It has developed characters, and a bit of humor thrown in also.
At the first convention she overseas, one of the guests, a rich gaming mogul is murdered. As the police continue to investigate, a fire is set to one of the vendors expensive sound systems at the second convention.
Maisy puts all of her efforts into finding the real murderer as she believes the police have arrested the wrong person, and her investigations have already caused a threat to be left against her mother. She needs to know the hotel and all the residences are safe.
This is another fun story from CeeCee James. It has developed characters, and a bit of humor thrown in also.
April 22, 2020
# 1 in the "elite" Florida Oceanside hotel cozy mystery series with Maisie Swenson (oozing Southern charm & humor) as manager catering to the crazy whims of some of the richest people in America who stay here. 34 year old Masie has moved from Tennessee to Starke Springs, Florida to mange the hotel and take care of her not needing care mother.
While dealing with the unhappy employee who is undermining efforts who wanted to manager's job, she finds herself dealing with the murder of business mogul Norman Olsen during the Comic Con session held at the hotel. As she investigates, she finds clues which causes the murderer focuses on her.
While dealing with the unhappy employee who is undermining efforts who wanted to manager's job, she finds herself dealing with the murder of business mogul Norman Olsen during the Comic Con session held at the hotel. As she investigates, she finds clues which causes the murderer focuses on her.
June 25, 2017
I read this for the Popsugar Challenge category "set in a hotel". It's first in a series, so a good part of the book is setting up the characters and the setting (the hotel of course). But, it was still a satisfying if quick read. I liked the main character/hotel manager who is starting a new career and taking care of her mother, who lost her home after her father died. She does that amateur detective thing that is required in this kind of a book, but it didn't leave me thinking "why would she do that?" as so many mysteries of this style do. I'll probably check out the next one in the series.
April 2, 2018
I love a good mystery, and this author has produced a good one. Maisie Swenson is a new manager at a result hotel...and she also enjoys writing mysteries. She's also presented with the death of a guest and although fearing for her job, she doesn't agree with the police when they arrest their suspect. So she decides to dig a little and comes up with some information she thinks might be helpful to the case. Unfortunately, the real killer decides to dissuade her. The story makes sense and has a homey feel to it. I'll be buying the next in this series.
May 16, 2019
“Life isn’t so much about the smooth sailing, but what you do with the waves.”
This is a fun cozy mystery that has a lot of potential for a good series. While it started a little slow, it quickly cranks up the suspense. There are a lot of good cliffhanger chapters, fun characters, and red herrings galore. I wish it focused a little more on the Florida setting but it is mostly contained within the hotel where lead character Maisie works. So I’m hoping that will change some as the series progresses.
This is a fun cozy mystery that has a lot of potential for a good series. While it started a little slow, it quickly cranks up the suspense. There are a lot of good cliffhanger chapters, fun characters, and red herrings galore. I wish it focused a little more on the Florida setting but it is mostly contained within the hotel where lead character Maisie works. So I’m hoping that will change some as the series progresses.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews