Highway to Homicide

Secret Seal Isle Mysteries #9

by Lucy Quinn

Cookie James has put her past behind her and is settled in for the long haul on her island with the love of her life… or has she? After a barge blows up just off the coast of Secret Seal Isle, Rain and the Pussycat Posse, who were protesting a new condo construction project, become the prime suspects. Now Rain is being held without bail and Cookie will do anything to prove her innocence, even if it means facing the DeMasi mob and blowing her cover.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 2, 2019

About the author

Lucy Quinn is the brainchild of New York Times bestselling author Deanna Chase and USA Today bestselling author Violet Vaughn. Having met over a decade ago in a lampwork bead forum, the pair were first what they like to call “show wives” as they traveled the country together, selling their handmade glass beads. So when they both started writing fiction, it seemed only natural for the two friends to pair up with their hilarious, laugh-out-loud, cozy mysteries. At least they think so. Now they travel the country, meeting up in various cities to plan each new Lucy Quinn book while giggling madly at themselves and the ridiculous situations they force on their characters. They very much hope you enjoy them as much as they do.

Deanna Chase, is a native Californian, transplanted to the slower paced lifestyle of southeastern Louisiana. When she isn’t writing, she is often goofing off with her husband in New Orleans, playing with her two shih tzu dogs, or making glass beads.

Violet Vaughn lives in coastal New Hampshire where she spends most mornings in the woods with her dogs, summer at the ocean, and winters skiing in the mountains of Maine.

Reviews

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific addition to the Secret Seal Isle mystery series, it definitely does not disappoint. The story is entertaining - I laughed at some of the antics and dialogue. These characters feel like friends, I certainly enjoy my visits with them. I’m a bit sad to see this series end. A great mystery and a great series.

[Peggy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book to end the series. Ships are exploding in the harbor. Mom is the main suspect. The mob is in town for some cleanup work. The locals are doing their best to protect a couple of the wacky Secret Seal Isle. Love is in the air. And, Cookie is at the center of it all. Spoiler alert: there is a happy ending. The book is fun and fast moving.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital copy of this book from the author for an honest review...I don't like to give away the story so I will try to do this review justice...

Oh my what a book!! I never laughed so hard in my life...you just have to love the Cookie's mother, Rain!!! If you love cozy mysteries you really have to read this series...full of laughter, a little bit of sexual innuendo, and a whole lot of mystery...
Cookie is really trying to put her past behind her and having lived on Secret Seal Isle for the past 2 years she thinks she has finally done that....but has she?
An explosion rocks the island and when Cookie and Dylan makes it to the wharf she finds her mother, Rain, and her Pussycat Posse protesting a new condo building going up. They literally strapped themselves to the end of the wharf so that the barge couldn't dock...well it didn't dock it actually exploded. The sheriff blames Rain for the explosion and arrests her. Now it is up to Cookie and Dylan to find out who is the real culprit and free Rain!
But her past is going to come back and haunt her! Can Cookie and Dylan survive this mystery?
You have to read this book to find out
Please read the first 8 books you won't be sorry!

[Irma Lero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced, fun, mysterious Read with action suspense and some romance and the last book in The Secret Seal Isle Mystery series and my favorite so far. As with the previous books, it quickly pulled me in with lovable characters and an interesting storyline which I hated to set down until the last page and one heck of a way to end a series.

Who would think that a protest could land Rain and Winter in Jail without bail but that’s exactly what happens and June Loon, well she’s pretty loony.
Cookie has to figure out how to leave everything she has fallen in Love with behind since it seems the Mafia has found her and the town is willing to help them in any way they can to leave town.

I’ve enjoyed this series, the humor, the seriousness and the interesting situations Rain gets herself into.

I recommend reading the previous books in the series so you can get a complete idea of the characters background but not necessary.

Looking forward to more books by this author
I recommend reading the previous books in the series so you can get a complete idea of the characters background but not necessary.

[Pam Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I wish I could give this 10 stars is amazing. I LOVED the whole series

Cookie james ex FBI turned B &B owner and Dylan Creed have to work together to help cookies mom (Rain) get out of jail. Her mom and her friends were at a peaceful protest gone wrong as a barge blows up before it could dock. The deputy sheriff who has had it in for Rain for a long time has just desideed to take Rain in and is on a witch on to prove she did. So cookie has to find out who did it and calls in hunter and anyone else to help but this case might be more then she can handle.
OMG amazing! Bad guys popping out of the woodwork, one crazy cop, great crazy Neighbors, I love this town! This story and series is fantastic I really sad it over but the ending is so sweet. It's like saying goodbye to dear friends. Wonderful mystery with awsome characters, twists, fun, spice and so much more . Don't miss this one . Voluntarily reviewed a copy and I honestly loved it.

[Myriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another amazing book in the series, and probably a conclusion, which makes me a bit sad. I love Cookie and Rain and Dylan and Scarlett and all of Rain's friends and inhabitants of the Secret Seal isle. I loved every single page of every single book, without exception.
The authors maintained consistently their amazingly funny, engaging and gripping style. Constantly developing characters further and adding to the wonderful world they built.
I have no idea what else to add that I haven't said in my previous reviews. I have to repeat for 9th time that this is an amazing series and one of the best cosy mysteries out there and I highly recommend it.
The books are best read in order to understand the character development and the romantic evolution of the story. The reading order is: New Corpse in Town (Secret Seal Isle Mysteries Book 1), Life in the Dead Lane (Secret Seal Isle Mysteries Book 2), A Walk on the Dead Side (Secret Seal Isle Mysteries Book 3), Any Way You Bury It (Secret Seal Isle Mysteries Book 4), and two more books are coming Death is in the Air (Secret Seal Isle Mysteries Book 5), Signed, Sealed, Fatal, I'm Yours (Secret Seal Isle Mysteries Book 6), Sweet Corpse of Mine (Secret Seal Isle Mysteries Book 7), Knocking on Death's Door (Secret Seal Isle Mysteries Book 8), and Highway to Homicide (Secret Seal Isle Mysteries Book 9).

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cookie figured the worse trouble Rain could get into would be the funny seasoning she used for her brownies. Never that she be in jail without bond. Of course, Winter was with her. They didn't do anything without the other one. This time it isn't funny and she had to get her out. Hiding from the mafia, the reason she came to the Island, was about to come to an end. Would she as well?

There is plenty of action, some new characters to help and fill in some missing romance for favorite characters. Heading back to Philadelphia puts her in danger. How does Dylan respond?

All the pieces seem to tie up even if it is a rough go for them all. Will Cookie decided to go back to her old world or the new world she's created for herself and Rain?

Sad to see this one end but it has been a great ride with characters you will laugh with, worry about, and wonder who they will end up with.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may have had a tear or two by the end of this book. It's hard to say goodbye to the Secret Seal Islanders!

Rain and the Pussycat Posse are back in action, causing mayhem and possibly a headache or two for Cookie ad Dylan! There are mysterious buildings being erected, bodies are found after an explosion and Rain becomes the number 1 suspect and lands in jail! Cookie and Dylan are again attempting to wrestle the investigation away from the inept June Loon. The crazy theories this woman spouts, all convincing her that Rain is the guilty party, are completely off the wall!

But there is more romance afoot as Scarlett and a handsome buddy of Dylan's get cosy. But will their romance last? Will Cookie and Rain have to leave the island forever?

I was completely caught up in the mayhem and thoroughly enjoyed this final chapter of island life.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME ending to the series! Things tie out very nice and Lucy Quinn rocked the ending!
Rain is up to her normal antics with the Pussycat Posse, this time she ends up in jail. If you have been reading this series you can imagine how well that goes over. June Loon is the source of many a laugh during the course of the book. Cookie needs to find the person responsible for the explosion to clear Rain and free her. Of course there are some twist in here and her past catches up with her. Hunter comes back to Secret Seal Isle. Good timing? NO SPOILERS... dang it, that is hard! This is now my favorite in the series and I would not recommend reading it until you have read the others. Why? It just brings to much to a close and there are things that I feel like would spoil earlier books if read out of order.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book; this is book 9 in the Secret Seal Isle Mystery series written by Lucy Quinn. This is a great series. The books do not have to be read in order but you will want to go back and read the other books because they are all so good. Cookie James is happy and settling in on the island with the love of her life. After a barge blows up just off the coast of Secret Seal Isle, Rain and the Pussycat Posse, who were protesting a new condo construction project, become the prime suspects. Now Rain is being held without bail and Cookie will do anything to prove her innocence, even if it means facing the DeMasi mob and blowing her cover. I am looking forward to reading the next books in this series.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What didn't I love about this final fun read in Cookies adventures? Absolutely nothing it was an absolutely brilliant ending, it left me feeling content and with a big happy smile on my dial.

I have loved this quirky, funny series from the very beginning, am I sad it's over? I am always sad when an awesome series end but I'm also excited for the authors next adventures as well.

Rain Forest is in trouble again and Cookie along with her sexy partner Dylan need to save the day and her mother again.
I really loved the ending and not just solving the crime but all the little HEAs Lucy managed to throw in there, that was all just wonderful.

[Sherill · Rating 5 out of 5]

ENTERTAINING - MYSTERY - ROMANCE

DISCLOSURE - On a volunteer basis I reviewed a free pre-released copy via the author.

An entertaining page-turner read with mystery, danger, drama, loads of humor, great characters, romance, fabulous scene descriptions and a splendid happy conclusion to a terrific standalone series.

Cookie finds herself desperate to solve another murder in her hometown. Her mom is in jail as the prime suspect. When Cookie's past collides with her future she learns that the townspeople are eager to help keep her safe.

LOVED this story as it was a most rewarding read.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

All good things must come to an end and it appears that this will be the last book in this series. I’ll definitely miss the zany Rain and her Pussycat Posse along with the other denizens of Secret Seal Isle.

There’s a developer on the island and plenty of people are not happy about condominiums going up. But when a barge with building supplies blows up and three people are killed, the deputy sheriff focuses in on Rain even though there is no evidence to suggest she was responsible. Cookie, with Dylan’s help, must clear Rain before June Loon does anything else to jeopardize finding the real culprit.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read that is well written and kept me on the edge of my seat, this is the ninth book in the Secret Seal Isle Mysteries series. A book that had me laughing Rain can get herself into so many different situations, like a barge blowing up and she gets blamed but she is tied to the wharf in a protest. Rain just can not stay out of trouble. Cookie and Dylan have a mystery to solve. I would say read these books in order. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Linda Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always sad to say goodbye to a fun series like this one. It has great storylines and fun characters.

This last adventure finds her in the middle of a mess trying to protect her mom and leads her back to her old life and some tough choices. It is a satisfying end to the series and feels true to the characters.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.

[Vi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to say goodbye! Have enjoyed this series. Cookie, Rain, Hunter Dylan and the rest have entertained and frustrated me from the beginning. Good ending to the series. Voluntarily read ARC for honest review.

[Eileen Gernet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Don't miss this one. Big doings and big changes in this book. Hope the series isn't over. I'll be sad if it is. Always a good time with the characters in this series.

[Miranda Beazley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cookie is back and this time the murder involves an entire barge getting blown up. Her investigation skills are put to the test.

This is another fantastic instalment into the Cookie James series. Her relationship is sigh worthy and the investigation had me turning page after page.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this final installment in the series! I’m so glad that Cookie got her HEA and everything seems to have been resolved! I only wish there would’ve been more of an ending... and more books to follow! Lol.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

such a fun and interesting series.. it is interesting and keeps you on the edge of your seat. good characters and writing and enjoyable.

[Carla Eacret · Rating 5 out of 5]

More

I hope this isn't the end for Cookie, Dylan, Rain and the rest of the madcap crew who have brought so much fun to these stories!!!! More wild escapades please 💜

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best one of the series so far. These are a lot of fun.

[E'Who'Reads'a'Thousand'Mysteries · Rating 5 out of 5]

This high quality cozy mystery series is loaded with mils and wild personalities. The storytelling has good pacing and lots of laughs. Good fun!

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly hope this is not the last we'll see of Cookie James and the gang of Secret Seal Isle. I would love to see a few more involving her wedding to Dylan Creed, we have yet to see Deputy Buffoon get her just desserts, and who knows what more trouble the Pussycat Posse can get into? Please don't let this be the end!