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Mina's Adventures #7
Sniffing Out Murder
One dog with two names, twice lost, yet always found. Two newly orphaned boys who love their dog and love each other so much they vow to stick together against all odds. Enter super sleuth Mina Calvi, the quasi-grown up Italian import who likes cats more than dogs. When she tries to locate the owners of a lost dog, Mina is drawn into tracking down a murderer in spite of her loneliness, absentee boyfriend, and the fact that even with an espresso machine worth more than a diamond ring, she still can't manage to make a good cup of coffee .
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2017
185 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Maria Grazia Swan
35 books207 followersMaria Grazia Swan was born in Italy, but this rolling stone has definitely gathered no moss. She lived in Belgium, France, Germany, in beautiful Orange County, California where she raised her family, and is currently at home in Phoenix, Arizona—but stay tuned for weekly updates of Where in the World is Maria Grazia Swan?
As a young girl, her vivid imagination predestined her to be a writer. She won her first literary award at the age of fourteen while living in Belgium. As a young woman Maria returned to Italy to design for—ooh-la-la—haute couture. Once in the U.S. and after years of concentrating on family, she tackled real estate. These days her time is devoted to her deepest passions: writing and helping people find happiness.
Maria loves travel, opera, good books, hiking, and intelligent movies (if she can find one, that is). When asked about her idea of a perfect evening, she favors stimulating conversation, spicy Italian food and perfectly chilled Prosecco—but then, who doesn’t?
Maria has written short stories for anthologies, articles for high profile magazines and numerous blogs tackling love and life. She engaged her editorial and non-fiction skills for Mating Dance Rituals for Singles Who Weren't born yesterday. Her romantic suspense novels Love Thy Sister,Bosom Bodies and Italian Summer are available at Amazon.com.
Her new series, published by Gemma Halliday is also available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, the first book is title Gemini Moon
Website: http://www.mariagraziaswan.com
Contact Maria: mariagswan@gmail.com
-or- touch base with her on Facebook.
As a young girl, her vivid imagination predestined her to be a writer. She won her first literary award at the age of fourteen while living in Belgium. As a young woman Maria returned to Italy to design for—ooh-la-la—haute couture. Once in the U.S. and after years of concentrating on family, she tackled real estate. These days her time is devoted to her deepest passions: writing and helping people find happiness.
Maria loves travel, opera, good books, hiking, and intelligent movies (if she can find one, that is). When asked about her idea of a perfect evening, she favors stimulating conversation, spicy Italian food and perfectly chilled Prosecco—but then, who doesn’t?
Maria has written short stories for anthologies, articles for high profile magazines and numerous blogs tackling love and life. She engaged her editorial and non-fiction skills for Mating Dance Rituals for Singles Who Weren't born yesterday. Her romantic suspense novels Love Thy Sister,Bosom Bodies and Italian Summer are available at Amazon.com.
Her new series, published by Gemma Halliday is also available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, the first book is title Gemini Moon
Website: http://www.mariagraziaswan.com
Contact Maria: mariagswan@gmail.com
-or- touch base with her on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 4, 2017
This is book #7 in the Mina's Adventure series. Although it was my first read for this series, I was able to follow the story line just fine and had no trouble keeping up.
What's neat about this series is that the protagonist, Mina Calvi, is an Italian-American woman who runs a no-kill shelter as well as a B&B for pets with her friend, Millie. You normally don't see that in books, so it was really nice to see an author finally shed light on something many of us care about, which is the protection of animals and offering a no-kill shelter.
The plot is about a dog that was at a shelter that turned out to have once belonged to Mina and her shelter (this was due to the dog having a microchip). During the course of Mina trying to locate the woman who owned the dog, Mrs. Cordero, she discovered from the woman's neighbor that Mrs. Cordero had died.
Mina enlists the help of her friend, Detective Dan De Fiore in helping her track down the whereabouts of Mrs. Cordero, which uncovers the possibility that the woman was murdered.
Overall, this was a great book that offers mystery, suspense, romance, humor and lots of fun.
Thanks to Netgalley.
What's neat about this series is that the protagonist, Mina Calvi, is an Italian-American woman who runs a no-kill shelter as well as a B&B for pets with her friend, Millie. You normally don't see that in books, so it was really nice to see an author finally shed light on something many of us care about, which is the protection of animals and offering a no-kill shelter.
The plot is about a dog that was at a shelter that turned out to have once belonged to Mina and her shelter (this was due to the dog having a microchip). During the course of Mina trying to locate the woman who owned the dog, Mrs. Cordero, she discovered from the woman's neighbor that Mrs. Cordero had died.
Mina enlists the help of her friend, Detective Dan De Fiore in helping her track down the whereabouts of Mrs. Cordero, which uncovers the possibility that the woman was murdered.
Overall, this was a great book that offers mystery, suspense, romance, humor and lots of fun.
Thanks to Netgalley.
August 9, 2018
Mina runs a animal rescue and when one of her rescues is found that had been adopted, she tries to find out what happened.
The owner is dead -- a strange accident where she was run over by her own car. (Which I would have once thought absurd for the cops to believe - but after Anton Yeltin's terrible, death.. not now).
The dead woman left two sons behind, and as Mina and her coworkers and friends help the boys to go on with their lives, AND keep their beloved pet, they find that it really wasn't an accident.
I did really enjoy the story. As a mystery though, there really were not suspects or clues per se. More of a - she knew who it was and how would she prove it?
That said, one of the things I loved about the book was how the amateur sleuth actually questioned her involvement and WHY she felt compelled to be so involved. I thought that was a nice change from just having a sleuth follow an absurd reason to get involved which happens in too many cozies IMHO.
Anyway, really enjoyed.
The owner is dead -- a strange accident where she was run over by her own car. (Which I would have once thought absurd for the cops to believe - but after Anton Yeltin's terrible, death.. not now).
The dead woman left two sons behind, and as Mina and her coworkers and friends help the boys to go on with their lives, AND keep their beloved pet, they find that it really wasn't an accident.
I did really enjoy the story. As a mystery though, there really were not suspects or clues per se. More of a - she knew who it was and how would she prove it?
That said, one of the things I loved about the book was how the amateur sleuth actually questioned her involvement and WHY she felt compelled to be so involved. I thought that was a nice change from just having a sleuth follow an absurd reason to get involved which happens in too many cozies IMHO.
Anyway, really enjoyed.
July 30, 2017
Mini Calvi is an Italian transplant living in
Southern California. Mina runs the Furry
Friend's Foundation which is a no-kill
shelter for rescued cats and dogs. Mina
with the help of her friend, Millie run the
Ritsy Cats B&B. Mina has been feeling so
alone without hearing from the mysterious
love of her life, Diego Moran.
The Foundation gets a call from another
animal shelter that they have found one of
Mina's rescue dogs. The dog was identified
by a microchip. Mina drives down to the
center. She immediately recognizes the dog.
It had been adopted by a woman with two
boys. The woman's name was Mrs. Cordero.
In trying to locate the family, Mina meets a
weird next store neighbor woman with a
sickly looking child who informs her that Mrs.
Cordero died.
Mina asks her friend, Detective Dan De Fiore
to see if he can discover how Mrs. Cordero
died.
Mina senses someone watching her. Taking
the dog outside, he runs off chasing someone.
Detective De Fiore arrives with the dog and a
young boy who were inside a vacant home.
The boy is one of the Cordero boys. He claims
his mother's death was not an accident.
Mina decided to sniff around to find the truth.
The story is filled with mystery, intrigue, danger,
a fire, murder, humor and romance.
The characters are very entertaining, colorful,
realistic and artfully drawn. It was enjoyable
to see the dynamics between the various
characters.
This is book # 7 in the Mina's Adventures series.
It can be read as a stand alone as the author
mixes the past and present effortlessly.
I volunteered to read Sniffing Out Murder.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity. My
opinion is my own.
Southern California. Mina runs the Furry
Friend's Foundation which is a no-kill
shelter for rescued cats and dogs. Mina
with the help of her friend, Millie run the
Ritsy Cats B&B. Mina has been feeling so
alone without hearing from the mysterious
love of her life, Diego Moran.
The Foundation gets a call from another
animal shelter that they have found one of
Mina's rescue dogs. The dog was identified
by a microchip. Mina drives down to the
center. She immediately recognizes the dog.
It had been adopted by a woman with two
boys. The woman's name was Mrs. Cordero.
In trying to locate the family, Mina meets a
weird next store neighbor woman with a
sickly looking child who informs her that Mrs.
Cordero died.
Mina asks her friend, Detective Dan De Fiore
to see if he can discover how Mrs. Cordero
died.
Mina senses someone watching her. Taking
the dog outside, he runs off chasing someone.
Detective De Fiore arrives with the dog and a
young boy who were inside a vacant home.
The boy is one of the Cordero boys. He claims
his mother's death was not an accident.
Mina decided to sniff around to find the truth.
The story is filled with mystery, intrigue, danger,
a fire, murder, humor and romance.
The characters are very entertaining, colorful,
realistic and artfully drawn. It was enjoyable
to see the dynamics between the various
characters.
This is book # 7 in the Mina's Adventures series.
It can be read as a stand alone as the author
mixes the past and present effortlessly.
I volunteered to read Sniffing Out Murder.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity. My
opinion is my own.
September 22, 2017
Mina series is full of fun quirky characters that readers will simple fall in love with.
Book 7 is about Mina who runs a no kill shelter. When Mina tries to locate a dogs owner she stumbles onto a murder. Readers who have started the series with book 1 will enjoy how much Mina has grown thought the series. She has developed her own identity which readers will fall in love with.
The author is able to take a dark story line and make it fun light hearted and enjoyable where readers can walk away happy.
Thank you to Maria Grazia Swan for an copy of her Sniffinf out Murder Mina' Adventure Book 7. I can't wait to read more.
Book 7 is about Mina who runs a no kill shelter. When Mina tries to locate a dogs owner she stumbles onto a murder. Readers who have started the series with book 1 will enjoy how much Mina has grown thought the series. She has developed her own identity which readers will fall in love with.
The author is able to take a dark story line and make it fun light hearted and enjoyable where readers can walk away happy.
Thank you to Maria Grazia Swan for an copy of her Sniffinf out Murder Mina' Adventure Book 7. I can't wait to read more.
August 20, 2017
Title: Sniffing Out Murder - Mina's Adventures Book 7
Author: Maria Grazia Swan
Publisher: Echo Canyon Press
Published: 7-28-2017
Pages: 202
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Animals, Amateur Sleuth, Dogs, Animal Care, Pets, Cozy Mystery, Cats
ISBN: 978197379941
ASIN: B0741Q35CH
Reviewed For NetGalley and
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: Stars
Mina Calvi, Italian, Founder of the Furry Friends Foundation, a no kill animal Shelter and co-manager, owner of Ritsy Cat B & B, receives a call from another local animal shelter about a former guest of the Furry Friends she goes to collect him and try and find his adoptive family. What she finds is the single mother who adopted Aspen/Buddy Mrs. Isobel Cordero has died, her son believes she was murdered. Mina sets her sights on proving what really happened and has a killer turning his sights on her.
Funny, laugh out loud moments, convoluted romance, where exactly does Diego go when he disappears? Eclectic characters, both two and four-legged to capture your heart. This is the first in the series I have read, and you can see I came late to the party. I little problems following the story line as the author usually answered what happened to cause this moments, but I still feel the need to go back and read the others to find out what happened to Kalinda what is going on between her and Detective Dan De Fiore. I can't wait to catch up and enjoy more of Mina's Adventures past and future.
A fun read that will brighten your day. There is a warning though. Once you start reading you won't want to stop.
My rating of "Sniffing Out Murder - Mina's Adventures Book 7" is 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0741Q35CH/...
B&N Link: Not Available
Books-A-Million Link: Not Available
Google Play Link: Not Available
Indigo Link: Not Available
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Kobo Link: Not Available
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: Maria Grazia Swan
Publisher: Echo Canyon Press
Published: 7-28-2017
Pages: 202
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Animals, Amateur Sleuth, Dogs, Animal Care, Pets, Cozy Mystery, Cats
ISBN: 978197379941
ASIN: B0741Q35CH
Reviewed For NetGalley and
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: Stars
Mina Calvi, Italian, Founder of the Furry Friends Foundation, a no kill animal Shelter and co-manager, owner of Ritsy Cat B & B, receives a call from another local animal shelter about a former guest of the Furry Friends she goes to collect him and try and find his adoptive family. What she finds is the single mother who adopted Aspen/Buddy Mrs. Isobel Cordero has died, her son believes she was murdered. Mina sets her sights on proving what really happened and has a killer turning his sights on her.
Funny, laugh out loud moments, convoluted romance, where exactly does Diego go when he disappears? Eclectic characters, both two and four-legged to capture your heart. This is the first in the series I have read, and you can see I came late to the party. I little problems following the story line as the author usually answered what happened to cause this moments, but I still feel the need to go back and read the others to find out what happened to Kalinda what is going on between her and Detective Dan De Fiore. I can't wait to catch up and enjoy more of Mina's Adventures past and future.
A fun read that will brighten your day. There is a warning though. Once you start reading you won't want to stop.
My rating of "Sniffing Out Murder - Mina's Adventures Book 7" is 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0741Q35CH/...
B&N Link: Not Available
Books-A-Million Link: Not Available
Google Play Link: Not Available
Indigo Link: Not Available
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Kobo Link: Not Available
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
November 11, 2017
There is a lot going on in this book besides the murder mystery and we are plunged into it without sufficient background to understand who a great many of the characters are although connections are alluded to. It is not always easy to recap a complex coterie of characters and their previous interactions (almost said peregrinations but I didn't want to get entirely carried away with alliteration) and I suspect this would have been more difficult because so much of the present action seems to depend on the past. I felt somewhat at sea for a large portion of the book trying to figure out the cast. And I definitely wanted to shake our heroine a number of times and suggest she woman up, but that is not a criticism but a praise of how well written and real Mina became to me. I mean, ANSWER THE PHONE, woman! So notwithstanding my complaints above, I very much enjoyed the story and the loose-jointed style grew on me. BUT I would recommend reading at least one or two of the earlier books first; this doesn't quite stand alone.
And all that sniffing? No one has a cold. Mina runs a cat B&B plus an animal rescue shelter. The dog does most of the sniffing.
And all that sniffing? No one has a cold. Mina runs a cat B&B plus an animal rescue shelter. The dog does most of the sniffing.
April 30, 2018
kindle unlimited but got it on freebie day and wanted something to listen to so since books automatically go to my tablet by default I turned on the talkback and 'read' it...no idea how she or anyone got to point c from a, half the things didn't make any sense, and the whining/obsessing over guy or guys or whatever else that is going on, and still no real idea what the 'mystery' was supposed to be, other than it's a mystery I managed to get to the end without stopping the 'book'.
One dog with two names, twice lost, yet always found. Two newly orphaned boys who love their dog and love each other so much they vow to stick together against all odds. Enter super sleuth Mina Calvi, the quasi-grown up Italian import who likes cats more than dogs. When she tries to locate the owners of a lost dog, Mina is drawn into tracking down a murderer in spite of her loneliness, absentee boyfriend, and the fact that even with an espresso machine worth more than a diamond ring, she still can’t manage to make a good cup of coffee.
I usually list other books and/or series here, but not even going to bother.
One dog with two names, twice lost, yet always found. Two newly orphaned boys who love their dog and love each other so much they vow to stick together against all odds. Enter super sleuth Mina Calvi, the quasi-grown up Italian import who likes cats more than dogs. When she tries to locate the owners of a lost dog, Mina is drawn into tracking down a murderer in spite of her loneliness, absentee boyfriend, and the fact that even with an espresso machine worth more than a diamond ring, she still can’t manage to make a good cup of coffee.
I usually list other books and/or series here, but not even going to bother.
August 31, 2017
There comes a time when you begin to question your life, and if the direction yours is going in is the right one. With Mina what starts as a simple missing dog found becomes a quest to a possible murder. Mina begins to wonder if her relationship with Diego is meant to be or of she needs to start over. Mina's story takes the reader through many mysterious detours all trying to lead her to the right ending. Thank you NetGalley and Maria Grazia Swan for allowing me to read and give a honest review of this book.
March 29, 2019
Mina recognizes the dog who was brought to the shelter--she is bound and determined to find the owners. What occurs will make you grab for the tissues on occasion--but have no fear--soon you will be crying because you are happy!
Meanwhile Mina's ever missing boyfriend keeps popping up-then disappearing again--this somehow gets entwined with the dog story-twist and turns!
Can Mina find the dog's owner--can she figure out who murdered the brother's Mom--and lastly--what is in the little boxes that Mina never opened--I fear we will have to wait for the next in this series to find that out!
Meanwhile Mina's ever missing boyfriend keeps popping up-then disappearing again--this somehow gets entwined with the dog story-twist and turns!
Can Mina find the dog's owner--can she figure out who murdered the brother's Mom--and lastly--what is in the little boxes that Mina never opened--I fear we will have to wait for the next in this series to find that out!
May 2, 2019
Sniffing out murder
This is the first book I’ve read from this series, so it was a little hard to pick up the storyline. It’s a very good story but it’s not exactly written like a standalone book. I felt like I’d walked into the middle of a story but as I read further I was able to understand enough of it to get into the story. I would have given it a five if not for that. So you might want to read more of the earlier books to learn the history of the storyline first, but I think it would be well worth it.
This is the first book I’ve read from this series, so it was a little hard to pick up the storyline. It’s a very good story but it’s not exactly written like a standalone book. I felt like I’d walked into the middle of a story but as I read further I was able to understand enough of it to get into the story. I would have given it a five if not for that. So you might want to read more of the earlier books to learn the history of the storyline first, but I think it would be well worth it.
August 19, 2019
This book was a fun mystery!
This is the first book I have read in this series and I was impressed with the quality of the writing. It is not completely standalone because some of the characters are obviously part of the back-story. Diego’s role was mysterious but he obviously plays an important part in Mina’s life. The story grabbed my attention and I liked the theme of the dog and his boys. The book has a good plot and the action keeps the story interesting. I finished it in one day.
This is the first book I have read in this series and I was impressed with the quality of the writing. It is not completely standalone because some of the characters are obviously part of the back-story. Diego’s role was mysterious but he obviously plays an important part in Mina’s life. The story grabbed my attention and I liked the theme of the dog and his boys. The book has a good plot and the action keeps the story interesting. I finished it in one day.
August 24, 2017
A fun mystery featuring an animal shelter (based on the one where I volunteer in Phoenix!), the woman who runs it, and her cats. In this book a dog named Buddy is a central character, as well. I noticed that this is book 7, so I will go back and read book 1 next and try to go in order. Happy to find another cozy mystery series about a subject close to my heart--cats!
April 23, 2018
Mina runs a no kill animal shelter,, her names for her pets are interesting, an express machine worth more than a diamond , an no boyfriend close
That sum her life, to return a dog that was once there, and a murder.
Different and interesting
That sum her life, to return a dog that was once there, and a murder.
Different and interesting
May 18, 2018
An OKAY book
I love animals, especially dogs. I was OK with this book, but, the main character was so stressed for most of the story I myself got stressed and was glad when I read the last page. Kathy
I love animals, especially dogs. I was OK with this book, but, the main character was so stressed for most of the story I myself got stressed and was glad when I read the last page. Kathy
July 20, 2018
Mina the Sleuth
Another Great mystery where Mina is the hero. So happy for this direction. But wish there was at least one more book where Mina actually has a satisfying love life. She deserves some real happiness. Not just implied happiness.
Another Great mystery where Mina is the hero. So happy for this direction. But wish there was at least one more book where Mina actually has a satisfying love life. She deserves some real happiness. Not just implied happiness.
April 3, 2019
Fun read
Cute story with Mina and her friends solving a murder that had been closed as an accident. The victim’s children didn’t believe it, so fate and their adopted dog lead them to Mina. Lots of mysteries to solve. Enjoy.
Cute story with Mina and her friends solving a murder that had been closed as an accident. The victim’s children didn’t believe it, so fate and their adopted dog lead them to Mina. Lots of mysteries to solve. Enjoy.
July 30, 2020
Wow what a great story.
The storyline was so good,and entertaining from the beginning to end.I didn't want to put it down I wanted to see what would happen next.Thanks for sharing it with me keep them coming.
The storyline was so good,and entertaining from the beginning to end.I didn't want to put it down I wanted to see what would happen next.Thanks for sharing it with me keep them coming.
April 29, 2018
very good
May 11, 2018
A good read.
July 30, 2019
GOOD
This was a wonderful book! It was a good read. Not only was it a good mystery, but was a little bit on the romantic side.
This was a wonderful book! It was a good read. Not only was it a good mystery, but was a little bit on the romantic side.
September 16, 2025
excellent
Great story with wonderful characters and plotting. I do get annoyed with how easily Mina gets depressed though. Buck up girl!
Great story with wonderful characters and plotting. I do get annoyed with how easily Mina gets depressed though. Buck up girl!
September 16, 2018
Heartwarming. Nice for beach or fireplace. Puppies, romance and murder - gotta be good. 👍🏼 Recommended for cozy mystery lovers and all others. On my re-readable list.
July 30, 2017
(I received this book from the author. I chose to voluntarily review it)
[DeFiore asked] “How do you do it?” “Do what?” [Mina answered]
“Turn something as uncomplicated as transferring a rescued dog from one shelter to another into a possible murder investigation and a big hot mess that touches many lives here and abroad?"
Mina Calvi, an Italian ex-pat, continues to run her No Kill Shelter: Furry Friends, along with her Ritzy Cats B+B in Southern California. With her friends, her volunteers and her co-workers, life seems pretty full...of pet fur. Her personal life? Not so much. Diego is presently incognito along with his buddy Gino, now sharing life with Mina’s former roommate Margo. Kalinda is off at rehab, and Millie, who helps run Ritzy is off on vacation.
And then, a former resident of Furry Friends is found wandering, and seems to be looking for something...or someone. Finding Aspen/Buddy’s “forever family” sends Mina into yet another situation full of peaks and valleys as twisted and curvy as some areas of her city are. However, in the end, being reunited, no matter what, is always an adventure in itself.
Maria Grazia Swan has written another marvelous story in the saga of Mina and her furry and fun life while dealing with serious issues. Sometimes, I think her furfriends have it more together than our heroine, but that’s part of the fun. Highly recommended. 5 stars.
[DeFiore asked] “How do you do it?” “Do what?” [Mina answered]
“Turn something as uncomplicated as transferring a rescued dog from one shelter to another into a possible murder investigation and a big hot mess that touches many lives here and abroad?"
Mina Calvi, an Italian ex-pat, continues to run her No Kill Shelter: Furry Friends, along with her Ritzy Cats B+B in Southern California. With her friends, her volunteers and her co-workers, life seems pretty full...of pet fur. Her personal life? Not so much. Diego is presently incognito along with his buddy Gino, now sharing life with Mina’s former roommate Margo. Kalinda is off at rehab, and Millie, who helps run Ritzy is off on vacation.
And then, a former resident of Furry Friends is found wandering, and seems to be looking for something...or someone. Finding Aspen/Buddy’s “forever family” sends Mina into yet another situation full of peaks and valleys as twisted and curvy as some areas of her city are. However, in the end, being reunited, no matter what, is always an adventure in itself.
Maria Grazia Swan has written another marvelous story in the saga of Mina and her furry and fun life while dealing with serious issues. Sometimes, I think her furfriends have it more together than our heroine, but that’s part of the fun. Highly recommended. 5 stars.
August 17, 2018
2 star
Haven't read the earlier books and spent most of the time feeling lost and unable to catch up. Might be okay if you've read others, but nit advisable without.
Haven't read the earlier books and spent most of the time feeling lost and unable to catch up. Might be okay if you've read others, but nit advisable without.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews