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Ferrara Family Mystery #2
Murder in Tranquility Park
Alberta Scaglione and her twentysomething granddaughter, Jinx, love to spend time—and solve crime—together . . .
Ever since Alberta Scaglione inherited her spinster aunt’s Cape Cod cottage, she’s been enjoying the good life in Tranquility, New Jersey, with her black cat, Lola. But since things are mostly quiet in this town, she finds other things to do—like joining Jinx for morning jogs in Tranquility Park. She has to do something to stay healthy, as long as it doesn’t involve Jinx’s healthful tofu sausages and gluten-free pasta. But when they stumble across a treehouse hidden in the trees, and a dead body underneath it, they take a detour into solving a murder. Now the Ferrara ladies will have to exercise extreme caution to avoid a permanent decline in their health . . .
Includes Italian recipes from Alberta’s kitchen!
Ever since Alberta Scaglione inherited her spinster aunt’s Cape Cod cottage, she’s been enjoying the good life in Tranquility, New Jersey, with her black cat, Lola. But since things are mostly quiet in this town, she finds other things to do—like joining Jinx for morning jogs in Tranquility Park. She has to do something to stay healthy, as long as it doesn’t involve Jinx’s healthful tofu sausages and gluten-free pasta. But when they stumble across a treehouse hidden in the trees, and a dead body underneath it, they take a detour into solving a murder. Now the Ferrara ladies will have to exercise extreme caution to avoid a permanent decline in their health . . .
Includes Italian recipes from Alberta’s kitchen!
326 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 26, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 6, 2019
Murder in Tranquility Park by J.D. Griffo is the second book of the cozy Ferrara Family Mystery series. The twist to this cozy series is that you not only have one sleuth trying to solve the crime but several from a crazy Italian family full of laughs. Each book of the series has it's own mystery to be solved so they can be understood as a standalone if choosing to do so.
In the first book of the series, Murder on Memory Lake, readers were introduced to Alberta Scaglione, a sixty something widow who couldn’t believe the news she received that her aunt had left everything in her will to Alberta including her house on Memory Lake in Tranquility, New Jersey. Alberta was joined by her granddaughter, Jinx who is a reporter, and her sister Helen and sister in law Joyce who all get involved in the crime solving.
Now in Murder in Tranquility Park Jinx and Alberta have decided to get healthy together and have taken up jogging in Tranquility Park only to yet again stumble upon a dead body. Despite the body being positioned under a treehouse looking to local law enforcement to be a simple accident Alberta immediately notices signs that point to murder so again the ladies find themselves tracking down a killer.
The Ferrara Family Mystery series is definitely one for those that enjoy an over the top quirky and hilarious vibe to their mysteries. This group of ladies are extremely likable and haven't failed yet to put a smile on my face while reading. I love that the author took the idea of a cozy ordinary person investigating and turned it into a family affair. Definitely will be on the look out for more from this series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
In the first book of the series, Murder on Memory Lake, readers were introduced to Alberta Scaglione, a sixty something widow who couldn’t believe the news she received that her aunt had left everything in her will to Alberta including her house on Memory Lake in Tranquility, New Jersey. Alberta was joined by her granddaughter, Jinx who is a reporter, and her sister Helen and sister in law Joyce who all get involved in the crime solving.
Now in Murder in Tranquility Park Jinx and Alberta have decided to get healthy together and have taken up jogging in Tranquility Park only to yet again stumble upon a dead body. Despite the body being positioned under a treehouse looking to local law enforcement to be a simple accident Alberta immediately notices signs that point to murder so again the ladies find themselves tracking down a killer.
The Ferrara Family Mystery series is definitely one for those that enjoy an over the top quirky and hilarious vibe to their mysteries. This group of ladies are extremely likable and haven't failed yet to put a smile on my face while reading. I love that the author took the idea of a cozy ordinary person investigating and turned it into a family affair. Definitely will be on the look out for more from this series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
February 15, 2019
It’s the second outing for the Ferrara Family Detective Agency, featuring Alberta, the grandmother and Jinx, the grand daughter. They are aided by Helen and Joyce, Alberta’s sister and sister-in-law as they venture out to solve another murder in their quiet little area. The series also includes Vinnie, chief of police, who Alberta used to babysit when he was a child.
In MURDER IN TRANQUILITY PARK, the second in the Ferrara Family Mystery series by J. D. Griffo, Alberta has taken up jogging at Jinx’s urging and the two of them are out for their early morning jog through a local park. They see a treehouse neither one has spotted before and when they go over to investigate they find a dead body. The first thing they do is look around for clues, all while waiting for Vinnie to show up on the scene.
Along with the dead body, Jinx is trying to find out why her roommate Nola, who is now dating a member of Vinnie’s police force, is acting strangely. Alberta and Jinx’s investigation take them to the school where Nola teaches early one morning where they discover things that complicate the picture of what is going on in Nola’s life.
As the plot progresses, things become more complicated and less clear for everyone involved. Father Sal, who appeared in the first book in the series, makes an appearance again because of his past knowledge of the principal of Nola’s school. Questions arise about the now dead man and why Nola took out a restraining order against him only to vacate it days later, Nola’s principal’s odd behavior and previous acquaintance with the dead man, the equally odd behavior of Kichiro, the policeman Nola is dating, and how all these tie together, if they do.
The character’s are all well crafted, with each one being individual and having their own particular skills as well as flaws. The importance of family is a constant theme throughout the book, as well as a small, but constant, theme of the importance of faith. These come to the front whenever the action in the book takes a significant turn.
There are good clues and some excellent red herrings, although they were all easy for me to solve. It was enjoyable to read and see where my solutions were being supported and, in the end, to be proven correct. Overall, it was a light, breezy read, a good representative of the cozy genre. Although it is the second in the series, it is an independent story and there is no need to have read the first in the series in order to enjoy this one.
This is a good beach, train, plane, etc. read. It’s easy to pick up and put down without losing the threads of the story. The only disappointment I had was toward the end of the book when some character’s put themselves in harm’s way in an effort to increase the tension of the book. Also the unlikely behavior of the chief of police toward an individual under arrest (to say more would be a spoiler), create my two minor objections to the book.
If you are looking for an easy to read, gentle murder mystery, this one offers interesting characters along with some humorous activity.
In MURDER IN TRANQUILITY PARK, the second in the Ferrara Family Mystery series by J. D. Griffo, Alberta has taken up jogging at Jinx’s urging and the two of them are out for their early morning jog through a local park. They see a treehouse neither one has spotted before and when they go over to investigate they find a dead body. The first thing they do is look around for clues, all while waiting for Vinnie to show up on the scene.
Along with the dead body, Jinx is trying to find out why her roommate Nola, who is now dating a member of Vinnie’s police force, is acting strangely. Alberta and Jinx’s investigation take them to the school where Nola teaches early one morning where they discover things that complicate the picture of what is going on in Nola’s life.
As the plot progresses, things become more complicated and less clear for everyone involved. Father Sal, who appeared in the first book in the series, makes an appearance again because of his past knowledge of the principal of Nola’s school. Questions arise about the now dead man and why Nola took out a restraining order against him only to vacate it days later, Nola’s principal’s odd behavior and previous acquaintance with the dead man, the equally odd behavior of Kichiro, the policeman Nola is dating, and how all these tie together, if they do.
The character’s are all well crafted, with each one being individual and having their own particular skills as well as flaws. The importance of family is a constant theme throughout the book, as well as a small, but constant, theme of the importance of faith. These come to the front whenever the action in the book takes a significant turn.
There are good clues and some excellent red herrings, although they were all easy for me to solve. It was enjoyable to read and see where my solutions were being supported and, in the end, to be proven correct. Overall, it was a light, breezy read, a good representative of the cozy genre. Although it is the second in the series, it is an independent story and there is no need to have read the first in the series in order to enjoy this one.
This is a good beach, train, plane, etc. read. It’s easy to pick up and put down without losing the threads of the story. The only disappointment I had was toward the end of the book when some character’s put themselves in harm’s way in an effort to increase the tension of the book. Also the unlikely behavior of the chief of police toward an individual under arrest (to say more would be a spoiler), create my two minor objections to the book.
If you are looking for an easy to read, gentle murder mystery, this one offers interesting characters along with some humorous activity.
April 12, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The Ferrara Family Detective Agency has stumbled quite literally onto another case. Jinx has convinced her grandmother, Alberta Scaglione to exercise, in the form of jogging a few mornings a week. Their path leads them through scenic Tranquility Park. On the way into the park, Alberta notices a treehouse in one of the trees. On the way out of the park, she notices a body under the treehouse. They quickly determine the man is dead, but assume he has fallen to his death from the treehouse. Just in case they check out the scene thoroughly and call in the rest of their family before calling the police to inform them that, yes, there has been indeed another murder.
Chief Vinny D’Angelo is an old friend and will admit the ladies helped solve the last murder case but he orders them to stay out of this one. Seriously, he knows that is never going to happen because his friend “Alfie” is never going to back away from anything she has set her mind on doing. He just hopes and prays none of them gets hurt.
Mr. Griffo has created such wonderful characters. The Ferrara Family Detective Agency is made up of Alberta Marie Teresa Ferrara Scaglione, 64, a secret millionaire who inherited her home and her wealth from her Aunt Carmela. She is joined by her granddaughter Jinx, who has returned to the area to take a job at the local newspaper, her sister, the former nun, and her sister-in-law who has retired after working years on Wall Street. Together they love their Italian food unless cooked by Jinx, who tries to make their favorites no-carb and gluten-free, several flavors of vodka, and solving murders. These characters are likable, engaging, funny, and at times absolutely crazy. They all go to great lengths to get answers. The dialogue between these characters is priceless. Alberta’s Sicilian Catholic roots play heavily throughout the book. Each chapter starts with an Italian phrase and Italian runs through the dialogue but is always translated in a way that never slows the flow of the story.
The mystery turned out much more complex than I ever imagined. Jinx’s roommate is the police’s prime suspect but the evidence is just too tidy. There were many twists and turns that brought other suspects to light. It was when the second body is discovered that a few little tingles for my suspect cemented themselves in my mind. I just had to keep reading to see if I was right. The ending is very dramatic and scary but one part of it felt a little off to me. I think what happened was much more dangerous than even was portrayed.
Murder in Tranquility Park is a great addition to this series. The characters are fun and entertaining. I really enjoyed this story.
The Ferrara Family Detective Agency has stumbled quite literally onto another case. Jinx has convinced her grandmother, Alberta Scaglione to exercise, in the form of jogging a few mornings a week. Their path leads them through scenic Tranquility Park. On the way into the park, Alberta notices a treehouse in one of the trees. On the way out of the park, she notices a body under the treehouse. They quickly determine the man is dead, but assume he has fallen to his death from the treehouse. Just in case they check out the scene thoroughly and call in the rest of their family before calling the police to inform them that, yes, there has been indeed another murder.
Chief Vinny D’Angelo is an old friend and will admit the ladies helped solve the last murder case but he orders them to stay out of this one. Seriously, he knows that is never going to happen because his friend “Alfie” is never going to back away from anything she has set her mind on doing. He just hopes and prays none of them gets hurt.
Mr. Griffo has created such wonderful characters. The Ferrara Family Detective Agency is made up of Alberta Marie Teresa Ferrara Scaglione, 64, a secret millionaire who inherited her home and her wealth from her Aunt Carmela. She is joined by her granddaughter Jinx, who has returned to the area to take a job at the local newspaper, her sister, the former nun, and her sister-in-law who has retired after working years on Wall Street. Together they love their Italian food unless cooked by Jinx, who tries to make their favorites no-carb and gluten-free, several flavors of vodka, and solving murders. These characters are likable, engaging, funny, and at times absolutely crazy. They all go to great lengths to get answers. The dialogue between these characters is priceless. Alberta’s Sicilian Catholic roots play heavily throughout the book. Each chapter starts with an Italian phrase and Italian runs through the dialogue but is always translated in a way that never slows the flow of the story.
The mystery turned out much more complex than I ever imagined. Jinx’s roommate is the police’s prime suspect but the evidence is just too tidy. There were many twists and turns that brought other suspects to light. It was when the second body is discovered that a few little tingles for my suspect cemented themselves in my mind. I just had to keep reading to see if I was right. The ending is very dramatic and scary but one part of it felt a little off to me. I think what happened was much more dangerous than even was portrayed.
Murder in Tranquility Park is a great addition to this series. The characters are fun and entertaining. I really enjoyed this story.
February 19, 2019
Murder in Tranquility Park by J. D. Griffo was an entertaining cozy with some very likable characters.
The plot is smoothly paced with red herrings, several suspects, enough twists to keep me guessing and a dramatic reveal that had me gripping my chair. This author is new to me but her descriptive writing pulled me write into the story. I liked Alberta, Helen, Joyce and Jinx as each one has a distinct personality that added so much flavor to the story as I got to know them. The small town setting, likable characters and an intricate mystery made this book a pleasant experience.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
The plot is smoothly paced with red herrings, several suspects, enough twists to keep me guessing and a dramatic reveal that had me gripping my chair. This author is new to me but her descriptive writing pulled me write into the story. I liked Alberta, Helen, Joyce and Jinx as each one has a distinct personality that added so much flavor to the story as I got to know them. The small town setting, likable characters and an intricate mystery made this book a pleasant experience.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
February 23, 2021
I love Griffo's quirky characters. What a great granddaughter/grandmother sleuth duo. Can't wait to read more of the series.
April 17, 2019
I haven't read the first book in this series yet, but I had no trouble at all getting to know the characters and the brief rundown on their lives, who they were, etc. I have to say I'm anxious now to read the first book just to read Alberta and crew's first case. They were such an awesome family, and I love how Alberta's granddaughter Jinx isn't just a granddaughter, the two are really good friends, even running buddies. Which was conveniently a good way to nearly trip over a dead body.
I love how Alberta, her sister Helen, sister-in-law Joyce and Jinx all work together when there's a murder. They even got Jinx's boyfriend Freddy and Alberta's boyfriend Sloan involved. The police chief was a friend of Berta's from school, so he was good about putting up with the amateur sleuths. Berta's line to him at the end was pretty cute, you'll have to read it. I was surprised in the twist at the end, because I was really sure one person had done this. Hadn't seen that coming at all, and the showdown was an exciting one. I hope this series continues, and in the meantime, I definitely want to read the first book.
I love how Alberta, her sister Helen, sister-in-law Joyce and Jinx all work together when there's a murder. They even got Jinx's boyfriend Freddy and Alberta's boyfriend Sloan involved. The police chief was a friend of Berta's from school, so he was good about putting up with the amateur sleuths. Berta's line to him at the end was pretty cute, you'll have to read it. I was surprised in the twist at the end, because I was really sure one person had done this. Hadn't seen that coming at all, and the showdown was an exciting one. I hope this series continues, and in the meantime, I definitely want to read the first book.
April 26, 2019
Murder in Tranquility Park is just as much fun as Murder on Memory Lake, the first book in this series. The Ferrara Family are a hoot. A huge Italian family who stick together through thick and thin. After solving a murder, they have decided that they are a detecting agency and are all set to solve other crimes. I love Alberta and her granddaughter Jinx. They are great friends as well as relatives. Jinx has convinced Alberta to start taking care of herself, so out running one morning they stumble upon their next case. In Tranquility Park, under a tree house, they find a body. It looks like he died from an accidental fall, but Alberta's great observation skills open up the very real possibility that it was a murder.
I love how Alberta, her sister Helen, sister-in-law Joyce and Jinx all work together when there's a murder. This family is quite interesting as well as smart. You have a reporter, ex-nun, and a lawyer. They are a quirky group, and are they tenacious. In this book, Jinx's boyfriend Freddy and Alberta's boyfriend Sloan also get involved in the investigation. We meet some new characters as well as some familiar ones. Police Chief, Vinnie, once again allows the Ferrara family some leeway in investigating. When he was young, Alberta babysat him, so they had a relationship from the past. The plot was well-developed and the pace was quite quick. I was pretty sure I had figured out who the murderer was, but with one final twist, I was blown out of the water. The ending was quite tense and surprising. Having said all that, I really enjoyed this story. This was a very quick read that I enjoyed right from the beginning. If you enjoy a cozy with quirky characters, a quick story with a great mystery and ending, then pick up this book or the first in the series. I am sure you will enjoy it. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
I love how Alberta, her sister Helen, sister-in-law Joyce and Jinx all work together when there's a murder. This family is quite interesting as well as smart. You have a reporter, ex-nun, and a lawyer. They are a quirky group, and are they tenacious. In this book, Jinx's boyfriend Freddy and Alberta's boyfriend Sloan also get involved in the investigation. We meet some new characters as well as some familiar ones. Police Chief, Vinnie, once again allows the Ferrara family some leeway in investigating. When he was young, Alberta babysat him, so they had a relationship from the past. The plot was well-developed and the pace was quite quick. I was pretty sure I had figured out who the murderer was, but with one final twist, I was blown out of the water. The ending was quite tense and surprising. Having said all that, I really enjoyed this story. This was a very quick read that I enjoyed right from the beginning. If you enjoy a cozy with quirky characters, a quick story with a great mystery and ending, then pick up this book or the first in the series. I am sure you will enjoy it. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
May 20, 2019
Alberta and her granddaughter Jinx are jogging in the park when they find a tree house hidden in the trees with a dead body on the ground below. At first, they believe this was an accident but then some things are uncovered that just don't add up. So when the suspects are too close to home Alberta and Jinx with the help of family and friends set out to solve this murder. Can they solve it before they too end up hurt or dead?
This is the 2nd book in the series but my first book. I had no problem enjoying this book or following the storyline. The characters are interesting and have great chemistry. The storyline is well written and the mystery has several twists and turns along the way. This is a humorous fun cozy mystery. As a bonus for Italian food lovers, the book includes some recipes from Alberta’s kitchen.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
This is the 2nd book in the series but my first book. I had no problem enjoying this book or following the storyline. The characters are interesting and have great chemistry. The storyline is well written and the mystery has several twists and turns along the way. This is a humorous fun cozy mystery. As a bonus for Italian food lovers, the book includes some recipes from Alberta’s kitchen.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
March 22, 2019
Murder in Tranquility Park by J. D. Griffo is the 2nd book in Ferrara Family Mystery series, and a great addition. Alberta inherited a lake house in Tranquility, New Jersey from her aunt, where she now lives. When a body is found in Tranquility Park, her granddaughter Jinx, sister Helen, and sister-in-law Joyce set out to solve the mystery. Jinx is a reporter, who is looking for a break on a big case. This book had so many twists and turns, I couldn't put it down. While I enjoyed the first book in the series, this one was better. I found this book very interesting, and full of colorful characters. Not only is there a good mystery, the plot and characters are well developed. I strongly recommend this book, and am looking forward to reading their next adventure.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
April 4, 2019
Phew! what a whirlwind of a book! I came to this series with this book and I am going to jump right back and read the first one as this was so good!
Alberta and her grand-daughter Jinx are out jogging when the come across a dead body, the police assume that it is a case of misadventure (namely the man being drunk and falling out of the tree house he is under) but Alberta isn't so sure, when the tests come back she is proven to be correct as it appears that Jonas died from ingesting pesticide. That would be bad enough but when Nola (Jinx's flatmate) is arrested for the murder the Ferrara Family Detectives spring into action, then there is another murder and Nola is now in the frame for that as well and she will be going to trial very quickly - so the four Ferrara's need to step up their game and quickly to save Nola from ending up teaching from prison!
Alberta and her grand-daughter Jinx are out jogging when the come across a dead body, the police assume that it is a case of misadventure (namely the man being drunk and falling out of the tree house he is under) but Alberta isn't so sure, when the tests come back she is proven to be correct as it appears that Jonas died from ingesting pesticide. That would be bad enough but when Nola (Jinx's flatmate) is arrested for the murder the Ferrara Family Detectives spring into action, then there is another murder and Nola is now in the frame for that as well and she will be going to trial very quickly - so the four Ferrara's need to step up their game and quickly to save Nola from ending up teaching from prison!
March 7, 2019
This is the second book in the Ferrara Family Detective Agency series and it's just as enjoyable as the first one. Alberta, aged 64, lives in the house left to her (for reasons unknown) by her aunt, along with a very large chunk of change. She is settling in well in this small New Jersey town, one she knew well growing up. Now she, along with her sister, Helen (a former nun - why she left is her secret), Joyce, her sister-in-law (a larger than life flamboyant lady) and last, but not least, Alberta's 20 something granddaughter Jinx. All of these wonderful women are starting a new chapter in their lives and have found that they have a knack for investigation and solving murders. Vinnie is the chief of police and is a childhood friend of Alberta. He resorts to, shall we say, raising his voice often when dealing with this gang but he does have respect for their insight. He just worries a lot that they will come to harm while snooping all over town.
Jinx has talked Alberta into getting into shape by jogging three days a week. The only thing Alberta finds as a plus in this endeavor is how much she really likes her new sports bra - no more underwires for her. On the morning of their 1 1/2 mile jog to the park and back homicide joins them. As they pass by a huge old tree, Alberta, for the first time, notices there is a tree house 10 feet up in the tree and no ladder. One the way back, they stumble upon the body of Jonas, a local drunk and it would appear that he fell out of the tree house. Alberta and Jinx see it otherwise, call in the rest of the ladies and then she calls Vinnie. Jinx goes into reporter mode, hoping that her boss at the local newspaper will let her cover the story without her having to beg for it. Alberta starts gathering clues that point to murder. The killer didn't figure on the victim being found by Alberta and with her keen eye and sharp mind.
This series has found its place on my list of must read mysteries. It has a well crafted mystery, multi faceted characters and just enough real life and humor to balance it out. Now I have to wait - eagerly - for the next mystery, Murder at Icicle Lodge, coming out November 26, 2019.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley, for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Jinx has talked Alberta into getting into shape by jogging three days a week. The only thing Alberta finds as a plus in this endeavor is how much she really likes her new sports bra - no more underwires for her. On the morning of their 1 1/2 mile jog to the park and back homicide joins them. As they pass by a huge old tree, Alberta, for the first time, notices there is a tree house 10 feet up in the tree and no ladder. One the way back, they stumble upon the body of Jonas, a local drunk and it would appear that he fell out of the tree house. Alberta and Jinx see it otherwise, call in the rest of the ladies and then she calls Vinnie. Jinx goes into reporter mode, hoping that her boss at the local newspaper will let her cover the story without her having to beg for it. Alberta starts gathering clues that point to murder. The killer didn't figure on the victim being found by Alberta and with her keen eye and sharp mind.
This series has found its place on my list of must read mysteries. It has a well crafted mystery, multi faceted characters and just enough real life and humor to balance it out. Now I have to wait - eagerly - for the next mystery, Murder at Icicle Lodge, coming out November 26, 2019.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley, for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 8, 2019
Cozy mystery with a family combining skills from the 65 year old grandmother, Alberta, to 25 year old granddaughter Jinx. In between are a sister (ex-nun Helen) and sister-in-law (Joyce). Vinny, now police chief for whom Alberta babysat and Nola, Zinx's roomy are also featured a second time.
Jinx has convinced Alberta that she needs some exercise to keep those old bones running smoothly and she and Gram begin by jogging very early in the morning only to discover a huge tree house neither had previously noticed in the small town park. On their way back they run to the tree house to further check it out and discover the body of well-known life-long occupant, Jonas.
The characters are very well developed ( this could function as a standalone) and each exhibit a whole host of personalities, from sweet and naive to biting but all work to create a well-paced narrative. Alberta is hardcore Sicilian Catholic and each new chapter heading is infused in beautiful Italian. Dialogue often borders on humorous with some innuendo enough to be fun and keep things light.
Lots of twists, turns, red herrings, but really you have your suspicions early on and it's a matter of just enjoying how the author lays out the investigation and the role each of the sisters play.
It's a fun, fast character-driven cozy mystery where the mystery is not forgotten and the theme of family value recurs often. I had a small problem with the conclusion and a couple of last twists into the climax you didn't see coming, so you can't guess it all (that and pushing disbelief with the gas pipe in a furnace room--uh, no...just, no).
I was given this ebook download by the publisher and NetGalley and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Easy to push right through this one and look for another. Recommended for cozy mystery fans looking for a slightly different, but very pleasant character. 3.5/5 stars
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2019/...
Jinx has convinced Alberta that she needs some exercise to keep those old bones running smoothly and she and Gram begin by jogging very early in the morning only to discover a huge tree house neither had previously noticed in the small town park. On their way back they run to the tree house to further check it out and discover the body of well-known life-long occupant, Jonas.
The characters are very well developed ( this could function as a standalone) and each exhibit a whole host of personalities, from sweet and naive to biting but all work to create a well-paced narrative. Alberta is hardcore Sicilian Catholic and each new chapter heading is infused in beautiful Italian. Dialogue often borders on humorous with some innuendo enough to be fun and keep things light.
Lots of twists, turns, red herrings, but really you have your suspicions early on and it's a matter of just enjoying how the author lays out the investigation and the role each of the sisters play.
It's a fun, fast character-driven cozy mystery where the mystery is not forgotten and the theme of family value recurs often. I had a small problem with the conclusion and a couple of last twists into the climax you didn't see coming, so you can't guess it all (that and pushing disbelief with the gas pipe in a furnace room--uh, no...just, no).
I was given this ebook download by the publisher and NetGalley and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Easy to push right through this one and look for another. Recommended for cozy mystery fans looking for a slightly different, but very pleasant character. 3.5/5 stars
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2019/...
July 29, 2019
Okay, I said I wouldn't read any more in this series and I probably should have followed my own advice. I couldn't even get through this book. First, why are they calling themselves the Ferrara Family Detective Agency when they aren't one? Secondly, it was creepy why Jinx was asking her grandmother about her sex life. Ick. Also, why was Jinx telling Vinnie (the police detective) what bra size Alberta wears? (Telling Alberta she should be proud of her bust size implies that having large breasts should be flaunted. And FYI, I'm larger than Alberta, so it's not because I'm a small-breasted woman - it's because a woman isn't defined by the size of her breasts, as Jinx seems to think). (Also - I just looked it up and the author is a man - draw your own conclusions).
Also, Alberta tells us that Italian men all scream instead of just speaking in a natural voice to get their point across. Huh. I wouldn't recommend people move next door to an Italian couple, if that's the case.
Then Alberta states as how it's their crime scene, and not the police's, as they got their first. Their, as in Alberta and Jinx. Who are not police officers. Who are not police detectives. Who are not private investigators. Who are private citizens.
At this point the book lost me. These women truly believe they have the right to investigate on the fact alone that they found the body. They don't even try to hide it. They actually tell the police that. Well, I guess it beats trying to figure out a plot line that would give them a real reason to investigate, right?
Unfortunately, these women are abrasive, abusive, and can't be taken seriously. There are so many more better books out there.
Also, Alberta tells us that Italian men all scream instead of just speaking in a natural voice to get their point across. Huh. I wouldn't recommend people move next door to an Italian couple, if that's the case.
Then Alberta states as how it's their crime scene, and not the police's, as they got their first. Their, as in Alberta and Jinx. Who are not police officers. Who are not police detectives. Who are not private investigators. Who are private citizens.
At this point the book lost me. These women truly believe they have the right to investigate on the fact alone that they found the body. They don't even try to hide it. They actually tell the police that. Well, I guess it beats trying to figure out a plot line that would give them a real reason to investigate, right?
Unfortunately, these women are abrasive, abusive, and can't be taken seriously. There are so many more better books out there.
March 24, 2019
Murder in Tranquility Park by J.D. Griffo is the second book in the "Ferrara Family Mystery series."
In the first book of the series, Murder on Memory Lake, we met our protagonist Alberta Scaglione, a sixties age widow who inherited a fortune including her house on Memory Lake in Tranquility, New Jersey from a Aunt. Alberta was joined by her granddaughter, Jinx who is a reporter, and her sister Helen and sister in law Joyce who all get involved in the crime solving. This is a funny wonderful Italian Catholic family that is fun and entertaining with great repartee throughout each book. I really appreciate how the author has crafted such a likable smart savvy protagonist as Alberta in her 60's. Its quite refreshing to have a realistic protagonist.
Jinx and Alberta have taken up jogging in Tranquility Park only to once again find a dead body. This is not their first and as they already solved one murder case they begin to work on this investigation among themselves to piece together clues to find the murderer. The ladies work well together to find suspects and soon clues abound that steer them all in the right direction.
The Ferrara family are funny and good at solving crimes. They are very likable and I enjoyed returning to their small town of Tranquility . It fun to have them work together as a family to solve the mystery. The sleuth was well crafted and I enjoyed the clues to conclusion. Great laughs throughout are a delight. I look forward to further books in this series and returning to the fun and witty repartee. A 5 star cozy read. Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my review.
Don't for
In the first book of the series, Murder on Memory Lake, we met our protagonist Alberta Scaglione, a sixties age widow who inherited a fortune including her house on Memory Lake in Tranquility, New Jersey from a Aunt. Alberta was joined by her granddaughter, Jinx who is a reporter, and her sister Helen and sister in law Joyce who all get involved in the crime solving. This is a funny wonderful Italian Catholic family that is fun and entertaining with great repartee throughout each book. I really appreciate how the author has crafted such a likable smart savvy protagonist as Alberta in her 60's. Its quite refreshing to have a realistic protagonist.
Jinx and Alberta have taken up jogging in Tranquility Park only to once again find a dead body. This is not their first and as they already solved one murder case they begin to work on this investigation among themselves to piece together clues to find the murderer. The ladies work well together to find suspects and soon clues abound that steer them all in the right direction.
The Ferrara family are funny and good at solving crimes. They are very likable and I enjoyed returning to their small town of Tranquility . It fun to have them work together as a family to solve the mystery. The sleuth was well crafted and I enjoyed the clues to conclusion. Great laughs throughout are a delight. I look forward to further books in this series and returning to the fun and witty repartee. A 5 star cozy read. Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my review.
Don't for
March 10, 2019
Alberta, grandmother, and Jinx, granddaughter, discover the dead body of Jonas Harper on an early morning run in Tranquility Park. However, before calling Vinny, the police chief, they call Joyce and Helen, the other two members of the Ferrara Family Detective Agency to announce they have a new case and to come to the crime scene right away.
Off to a quick start, the second Ferrara Family Mystery is filled with red herrings and twists as the four women delve into Jonas’ past trying to figure out who wanted him dead. A second murder, police detective Kichiro Miyahara, confounds everyone until it is revealed that he was having an affair with school principal Sharon Basco who had been stalked by Jonas Harper years earlier.
The four Ferrara women work well together, bringing their own unique perspective to each case. Alberta, 64, just inherited her house on Memory Lake, where she spent summers, along with millions from her Aunt Carmela so she moved to be closer to friends and family. Jinx, 25, is a budding reporter for the local newspaper. Joyce, her sister-in-law, is retired from Wall Street. And Helen, her sister, recently left the convent and lives on her own. The fifth member of the agency is Gina Lollobrigida (aka Lola) Alberta’s black cat, always close to her owner.
The story is complicated but author J. D. Griffo keeps the pace moving and interaction among the characters interesting. The prose is nicely flavored with references to being Italian and includes a section from the Ferrara Family Kitchen that offers recipes.
Off to a quick start, the second Ferrara Family Mystery is filled with red herrings and twists as the four women delve into Jonas’ past trying to figure out who wanted him dead. A second murder, police detective Kichiro Miyahara, confounds everyone until it is revealed that he was having an affair with school principal Sharon Basco who had been stalked by Jonas Harper years earlier.
The four Ferrara women work well together, bringing their own unique perspective to each case. Alberta, 64, just inherited her house on Memory Lake, where she spent summers, along with millions from her Aunt Carmela so she moved to be closer to friends and family. Jinx, 25, is a budding reporter for the local newspaper. Joyce, her sister-in-law, is retired from Wall Street. And Helen, her sister, recently left the convent and lives on her own. The fifth member of the agency is Gina Lollobrigida (aka Lola) Alberta’s black cat, always close to her owner.
The story is complicated but author J. D. Griffo keeps the pace moving and interaction among the characters interesting. The prose is nicely flavored with references to being Italian and includes a section from the Ferrara Family Kitchen that offers recipes.
March 28, 2019
Princess Fuzzypants here: Feisty senior Alberta is back with her granddaughter Jinx, her sister and sister in law and assorted other characters. I liked her from the start. She is a lady who has come into her own later in life after passively accepting her life. She is smart, she is savvy and she is full of spunk.
She and her family are also very good at solving murders, much to the chagrin of her childhood friend Vinny who also happens to be the Chief of Police. Vinny who isn’t crazy about the amateur sleuthing is also not dumb. He sees the ladies as capable adjuncts to his own police force, albeit highly unorthodox. It is fascinating as the author weaves so many facets of Italian Catholic life into her stories. It helps humanize her characters and it is her characters that really move the stories.
That is not to say the mysteries are not good. From the death by treehouse of a local recluse and drunk and then the discovery of the body of a young police officer at the same place, the ladies are convinced that what seems an obvious slam dunk is wrong. They do not believe Jinx’s friend and roommate is the killer. All the signs point to her so if not her, who else.
I can honestly say the big reveal caught me by surprise. I did not see it coming. I certainly did not twig to the tangled web that led to it. However, once revealed, it all made a warped sort of sense. But it is Alberta and her senior accomplices who really make this series work for me. Bring on more.
Five purrs and two paws up.
She and her family are also very good at solving murders, much to the chagrin of her childhood friend Vinny who also happens to be the Chief of Police. Vinny who isn’t crazy about the amateur sleuthing is also not dumb. He sees the ladies as capable adjuncts to his own police force, albeit highly unorthodox. It is fascinating as the author weaves so many facets of Italian Catholic life into her stories. It helps humanize her characters and it is her characters that really move the stories.
That is not to say the mysteries are not good. From the death by treehouse of a local recluse and drunk and then the discovery of the body of a young police officer at the same place, the ladies are convinced that what seems an obvious slam dunk is wrong. They do not believe Jinx’s friend and roommate is the killer. All the signs point to her so if not her, who else.
I can honestly say the big reveal caught me by surprise. I did not see it coming. I certainly did not twig to the tangled web that led to it. However, once revealed, it all made a warped sort of sense. But it is Alberta and her senior accomplices who really make this series work for me. Bring on more.
Five purrs and two paws up.
February 6, 2019
Alberta and her granddaughter, Jinx, have taken up jogging to keep Alberta healthy. Out for an early morning job they find a local man dead at the bottom of a treehouse. It looks like he fell in a drunken stupor, but Alberta doesn’t believe it, she smells murder! The local sheriff believes it was just an accident, but has learned from past experience that Alberta and the ladies are often right, so he orders some tests to find the man was poisoned.
Jinx’s roommate, Nola is arrested for the murder but Jinx vows to prove her innocence and the ladies begin detecting in earnest. Once out on bail, Nola makes things worse for herself and is arrested again when a local police officer is found murdered in the same spot, right after Nola called and asked to see him.
Eventually some detective and some old fashioned smarts from Alberta’s years of being able to read people and notice things brings it all together and things click. But will the ladies live long enough to share their findings with the sheriff?
I can just hear my Aunt Josie and her sister Anne speaking when I read this book. It takes me back to my childhood in New Jersey. For me the characters feel like family and I also too enjoy the dynamics between the ladies. An enjoyable read with a good mix of red herrings to keep you guess whodunit until close to the end.
Jinx’s roommate, Nola is arrested for the murder but Jinx vows to prove her innocence and the ladies begin detecting in earnest. Once out on bail, Nola makes things worse for herself and is arrested again when a local police officer is found murdered in the same spot, right after Nola called and asked to see him.
Eventually some detective and some old fashioned smarts from Alberta’s years of being able to read people and notice things brings it all together and things click. But will the ladies live long enough to share their findings with the sheriff?
I can just hear my Aunt Josie and her sister Anne speaking when I read this book. It takes me back to my childhood in New Jersey. For me the characters feel like family and I also too enjoy the dynamics between the ladies. An enjoyable read with a good mix of red herrings to keep you guess whodunit until close to the end.
October 3, 2019
This one has characters that you could never "just fo-getta bout it" to be sure. Alberta/Berta or Gram as Jynx likes to call her is part of the Ferraro Family detective agency or at least that is what they would put on the sign if they had a formal agency. Alberta, her granddaughter "Jynx (gonna have to read it to see why she has that name), sister Helen (former nun) and sister in law Joyce (former Wall Street she-wolf) are hot on the trail of a killer. It's one big and VERY Italian family who would do anything to help each other and family isn't just those who you share blood with but also those whom you choice to be a part of that family. Chances are they will be giving Police Chief Vinnie (old family friend) a heart attack if they keep up their sleuthing but they are really quite good at it so why should they stop? These are all very colorful characters and there are even some recipes at the end including a vegan recipe because Jynx just wants her family to be healthy. On a side note I had no idea that Jalapeño vodka was even a flavor until I read this book. Not my usual style but definitely a page turner.
March 10, 2019
The Ferrara lady sleuths are very Sicilian Catholic older widow Alberta and her granddaughter Jinx, Alberta's ex-nun sister Helen, and formerly sister in law a former Wall Street executive Joyce. Alberta and the health conscious Jinx go out for a morning jog in Tranquility park and find a decidedly dead body at the base of an old tree with a tree house but no ladder. While Jinx calls police, Alberta calls the other Ferrara sleuths. Enter Alberta's childhood friend and Chief of Police, Vinny, and his preferred detective Kichiro who appears to be the boyfriend of Jinx's roommate. From here on things only get messier and twisty complete with red herrings and improbable suspects! A great read!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
March 26, 2019
To me this story was about family, and shows that you don’t have to be blood related to be family. I love the relationship between Grandmother Alberta and Granddaughter Jinx. I think that is what all grandmas wish for. This story has some sadness, some scary, some funny, some love, and some surprises. Oh, and secrets, can’t forget those. I liked the main characters and hope to visit with them again. When you have some “mature” sisters as stars of the show, you know it’s going to get interesting and I wasn’t disappointed. There are some yummy recipes included at the end of the book too. You might pick up a little Italian too while your enjoying the book. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
May 3, 2019
This is book 2 in the Ferrara Family Mystery series and I enjoyed re-visiting Alberta, Jinx and the rest of the Scaglione family. This cross-generational set of sleuths have set up a family detective agency much to the displeasure of their cousin, the chief of police. Set in Tranquility, New Jersey Jinx is trying to get her grandmother Alberta into better shape. They are jogging through the park when they come across a dead body. It's not long before there is another body discovered and the Scaglione's are all hands on deck to find the murderer. Great characters for all age groups. Can be read as a stand alone story. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 3, 2019
This is the second book in the 'Ferrara Family Detective Agency' series and it was really enjoyable!
The characters were all well crafted by the author J D Griffo, with each one being very individual and having their own distinctive personalities and flaws. There were several good clues as to the identity of the perpetrator, but also some great red herrings to throw the reader off the scent. The plot was well written and I loved the author's style. With an excellent and fulfilling conclusion as well, I would definitely recommend MURDER IN TRANQUILITY PARK to other cozy readers. This was a five-star read for me!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
The characters were all well crafted by the author J D Griffo, with each one being very individual and having their own distinctive personalities and flaws. There were several good clues as to the identity of the perpetrator, but also some great red herrings to throw the reader off the scent. The plot was well written and I loved the author's style. With an excellent and fulfilling conclusion as well, I would definitely recommend MURDER IN TRANQUILITY PARK to other cozy readers. This was a five-star read for me!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
February 19, 2019
This is the 2nd installment in the Ferrara family mystery series. Alberta takes up jogging at the request of her granddaughter Jinx. They are taking a jog in tranquility park when they see a treehouse and find underneath it a dead body. The assumption by the police is that this is an accident but Alberta suspects something else. Alberta and her sister Helen and sister in law Joyce along with Jinx begin investigating and even links in Jinx’s roommate Nola. This is a good solid and entertaining mystery with the theme of family and I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next in the series.
March 13, 2019
Tranquility Park is not so tranquil! Alberta and her granddaughter Jinx are out for a jog when they find the body of Jonas, who, as it turns out, has been poisoned! Love the relationship between these two. Jinx's roommate Nola is a suspect so of Course they must investigate- along with Helen and Joyce. Nola's relationships with Jonas and with Kichiro, a detective, raise many questions. This family of women are fun. They are also sometimes a bit over the top but it's a neat read. There are twists, turns, another murder, and a plot line that will keep you reading. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. You'll be fine with this as a standalone. I'm looking forward to the next one!
June 5, 2019
I have enjoyed reading this second book in a series about the Ferrara Family Detective Agency, with Alberta, in her mid 60's and females in her family. Who wouldn't appreciate a mystery with this title about murder in Tranquility Park? I like that Alberta solves these murders as a way to be closer to her granddaughter and other females in her family. I like that she is savvy enough to solve the mysteries; I like that she lets the police chief get the credit! I like her reply when asked how she became so smart: she has made a lot of mistakes.
I received this book from a giveaway, and the thoughts expressed are my own.
I received this book from a giveaway, and the thoughts expressed are my own.
January 13, 2020
This is number two in the Ferrara Family Mystery series and there is no problem picking up the book without having read number one. The characters were well developed in this book and it was easy to understand the plot line.
I find it hard to understand how these women can honestly believe that they have the right to investigate a murder just because they found the body first...really???? What a dangerous undertaking.
I found there was too much philosophizing in this book, and I was tempted several times to just put the book down and not finish it.
Definately not one of my favourite mystery books.
I find it hard to understand how these women can honestly believe that they have the right to investigate a murder just because they found the body first...really???? What a dangerous undertaking.
I found there was too much philosophizing in this book, and I was tempted several times to just put the book down and not finish it.
Definately not one of my favourite mystery books.
February 28, 2019
The mystery was very good. The main characters were interesting. I loved the idea of a family working together to solve the mystery. The only problem I had was that to me they always seemed to drink (a different flavored vodka) every time they got together to discuss the murders. The other issue I had was the hinting of some problem between Alberta and her daughter. This is the second book in the series, so it might have been addressed in the first book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 23, 2019
I loved the first book in this series and I liked this one even if I found it less fun to read.
It was great to meet again the likable and quirky cast of characters and see their evolution. They were interesting and funny.
The mystery was solid, full of twists and turns, and it kept me guessing till the end.
I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It was great to meet again the likable and quirky cast of characters and see their evolution. They were interesting and funny.
The mystery was solid, full of twists and turns, and it kept me guessing till the end.
I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
April 19, 2019
Good book with family working together. I love each of the characters in the family although Jinx grated on my nerves in this one with her impulsive mouth putting them in harm's way or spilling the beans. Good mystery with lots of twists. I felt like we didn't see enough of Helen and Joyce in this and I didn't like that Alberta wanted to solve everything before getting the police involved, even to the point of putting herself, and Jinx, in danger. But overall, the book moved quickly along.
May 3, 2019
This series is so fun. I love how close the women in the family are. I also like that each member plays an important role. Coming from a Sicilian family, I can relate to the characters and find humor in their sayings and actions.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book, which I voluntarily chose to review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book, which I voluntarily chose to review.
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