Tiaras & Terror

Aloha Lagoon #13

by Anne Marie Stoddard

From USA Today bestselling author Anne Marie Stoddard comes a frighteningly fashionable mystery that asks the question: What do zombies, vampires, and beauty pageants have in common? They’re all about to make Kaley Kalua’s life a waking nightmare…

Happy Hula Boutique manager, Kaley, is excited to celebrate Halloween with her friends at Aloha Lagoon’s upcoming Alohaween Festival—that is, until her Aunt Rikki drags her to a ghoul-themed beauty pageant to cheer on her longtime nemesis, Harmony Kane. The competition is stiff, and things turn deadly when the winner is found staked with her own scepter and stuffed inside a coffin on one of the floats for the annual Halloween parade.

Kaley is even more shocked when she receives a call from Harmony, begging her to prove that she didn’t kill the woman. She reluctantly accepts, and with the help of her pal, Jamie, and the oh-so-tempting resort lifeguard, Noa, Kaley delves into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the beauty queen’s ghastly murder. Did a scorned pageant contender take out the competition, or does one of the judges have something to hide? It seems nearly everyone has a skeleton in their closet, and someone wants theirs to stay buried. Kaley finds herself in the killer’s cross-hairs, and if she doesn’t uncover the truth soon, she may wind up in a coffin of her own.

The Aloha Lagoon Mysteries:
Ukulele Murder (book #1)
Murder on the Aloha Express (book #2)
Deadly Wipeout (book #3)
Deadly Bubbles in the Wine (book #4)
Mele Kalikimaka Murder (book #5)
Death of the Big Kahuna (book #6)
Ukulele Deadly (book #7)
Bikinis & Bloodshed (book #8)
Death of the Kona Man (book #9)
Lethal Tide (book #10)
Beachboy Murder (book #11)
Handbags & Homicide (book #12)
Tiaras & Terror (book #13)

About Aloha Lagoon:
There's trouble in paradise...
Welcome to Aloha Lagoon, one of Hawaii's hidden treasures. A little bit of tropical paradise nestled along the coast of Kauai, this resort town boasts luxurious accommodation, friendly island atmosphere...and only a slightly higher than normal murder rate. While mysterious circumstances may be the norm on our corner of the island, we're certain that our staff and Lagoon natives will make your stay in Aloha Lagoon one you will never forget!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Humor, Contemporary, Mystery Thriller, Chick Lit

173 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2018

About the author

Author. Music fan. Lover of coffee/wine/Joss Whedon. Hula hoop enthusiast.

Follow me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AmStoddardBooks), Twitter (@amstoddardbooks), or check out my website: http://www.amstoddardbooks.com

Reviews

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun mystery to read if you enjoy Halloween since the book revolved around the Alohaween Festival Week at the Aloha Lagoon Resort. Mean girl Harmony Kane is a contestant in the Miss Undead Hawaii contest and everyone in the gang has agreed to go watch her compete. Kaley, her boyfriend Noa, her best friend, Jamie and her boyfriend, Javi, Aunt Rikki and others from the crew of the Happy Hula Dress Boutique attend in support of Harmony. A lot of old rivals from the pageant circuit come together and not all are friends with each other, in particular, Jade, Tess and Harmony. Jade won the contest and Harmony was quite angry as was Tess, who was humiliated when Jade trips her on stage. Tess happens to be girlfriend of Jade's step brother, Kyle. The next morning when Jade doesn't show up for the parade to ride the pageant float, Harmony is called to fill in as the first runner up. Before the parade starts, Jade's body is found in a fake coffin on the float and Harmony gets blamed for the murder. Kaley is totally surprised when Harmony calls her from jail asking her to find the real killer. Kaley only agrees after Harmony agrees to be nice.
There are lots of people in this story that hate each other and have a reason to want to get rid of Jade because of her nasty personality, including her step brother who would inherit her money, recently inherited because of the death of her father. It was fun to watch Harmony be nice to Kaley for a change but there is a side mystery that involves Noa that has Kaley upset. Could there be another woman? It is a fun week of Halloween fun in Aloha Lagoon. This is a great, fast read. Ms. Stoddard does a great job keeping the story flowing.
Thanks to Gemma Halliday for the complimentary ARC to read and give an honest review. The opinions stated are mine only.

[Sandy Bartles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous Kaley Kalua Aloha Lagoon book! I had so much trouble putting this book down, that I actually fell asleep while reading it. Kaley works to prove a longtime enemy of hers is innocent of murder. This is a fabulous read and I highly recommend it!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a pretty fun cozy. i think i need to go back and read some more of this series.

[Missi Martin (Stockwell) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know every time I read and review a book in the Aloha Lagoon Mystery series I say the same thing.....that I LOVE escaping with the characters in these books and hanging around the Aloha Lagoon Resort.....and after reading Tiaras & Terror, the thirteenth book in the series, I still feel that way.

Even though these books are all written by the different authors, some of the authors have written more than one book in this series. Tiaras & Terror is written by Anne Marie Stoddard and she also wrote Bikinis & Bloodshed (book 8) and Handbags & Homicide (book 12). So readers are familiar with more that just the resort when reading these stories.

Tiaras & Terror has the employees of the resort as well as the Happy Hula Dress Boutique employees getting ready for the week long Halloween celebration in town. We, the readers, are hanging around with Kaley, her boyfriend Noa, and friends as they celebrate, work and get ready for this event. Unfortunately the first thing to kick off the celebration is a Miss Undead Hawaii beauty contest and Kaley's least favorite co-worker, Harmony, is in it and everyone goes to cheer her on. Not only does Harmony lose to Jade, an old rival in the pageant circuit but when Jade is found murdered the morning after winning the pageant Harmony she is looked at as a top suspect. As if things can't get any worse, Harmony calls Kaley from the police station to help her clear her name !!!

We all know that Kaley cannot help but be a nice person so it is no surprise that she puts her differences with Harmony aside to help look into the murder but when someone else gets hurts and it looks like Kaley could have been the intended target, will she continue her "witch hunt"?

Like I said I LOVE escaping to Aloha Lagoon Resort. No matter what book in this series you are reading you will feel like you are on the island and you didn't even have to pack or get a passport. You also don't have to worry about getting too much sun but you will lose track of time.......

[Sally Hannoush · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 13 in the series but can be read as a stand alone. So many suspects- who could it be? I didn't see it coming- will you? The characters are great and story fun. The romance rollercoaster was something to wonder over too. Must read!

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. This series is made up by different authors writing cozy mysteries all taking place in one location and featuring different shops and characters. I think this works really well and I have listened too and enjoyed a number o the books in the series. So I jumped at the chance to visit with old friends, especially as this book was written by Anne Marie Stoddard staring Kaley Kalua, who I have met before. So glad I did because the book didn't disappoint. The mystery was interesting but it was the characters that I really liked, especially the fact that Kaley needed to help her high school nemesis and how the friendship develops between them, it leads to some funny moments. I also liked the Halloween theme throughout the book. I can't wait for the next adventure.
It's hard enough for Kaley to work with her high school nemesis Hamony everyday at work as the manager of a clothes shop but when all the employees attend the ghoul-themed beauty pageant she has no choice but to grudging go. The competition is fierce as many of the competitors have meet before and once again Harmony loses to her biggest rival. But things take a scary turn when the winner is found dead and Harmony is the number one suspect. She begs to help her clear her name but can they both out there last behind the and get to the bottom of the murder? The death seems to be connected to the pageant and the way she treated people from her step brother, the judge's and even her fellow contestants so Kaley will have work on narrow the suspect list down if she wants to catch the killer and stop Harmony from going to jail, express it looks like some one is trying there best to frame her.
I did like the narrator but had to slow the listening speed down because she talked to fast and I struggled to concentrate on what she was saying. Once slowed, I found her to be bubbly and enthusiastic.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so much fun to read! Tiaras and Terror is the 13th book in the series and it surely does not disappoint. Kaley, is the manager at her Aunt Rikki's boutique and her frenemy Harmony is the assistant manager. Halloween is a big deal in Aloha Lagoon and it all begins with an undead themed beauty pageant, the winner be in the lead float. To support Harmony who has entered again this year and really wants a cheering squad in the audience asks Rikki and the crew in the boutique to come cheer her on. It appears her nemesis, Jade, who keeps entering the same beauty pageants as Harmony has entered this one again. Throwing her bullying self around, comes to the boutique and bullies Harmony in the same way Harmony bullies Kaley. Maybe a lesson learned? When once again, Jade wins by sabotaging Harmony on stage, Harmony has an argument with Jade backstage after everyone has left. She leaves and goes home. When Kaley and Noa go to the parade to meet with Jamie and Javi they see police all around there. Seems someone was murdered. Just so happens it is Jade. They leave and go home to carve their pumpkins a ritual they do every year with Aunt Rikki. While they are working on the pumpkins, Kaley gets and unusual call from Harmony. She wants Kaley to find out who killed Jade because suspicion is thrown on Harmony. Lots of secrets, lots of twists and turns, lots of accusations and a surprise ending. You just can't put the book down until you find out who killed Jade! I received and ARC but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Hallowe'en! Kaley Kalua loves this time of year and is ready to enjoy everything that the holiday brings but, before she can begin the celebrations, her aunt Rikki insists that she cheer on Harmony (her nemesis) in a beauty pageant. Though ghouls are the theme of the show, it becomes frighteningly real when the winner is found staked with her own sceptre. With Harmony in the frame, it's up to Kaley to find the true murderer while dodging her own pitfalls.

Oh for this to be me. Kaley's life is pretty golden. It's such a fantasy setting. I loved the juxtaposition of Hallowe'en and the warm sunshine of the Hawaiian islands. How different trick or treating is in a land that isn't rainy and cold. And, as well as the amazing weather, Kaley has some pretty stellar friends rounding out a fabulous lifestyle. Yes, she's had to hurdle some terrible obstacles to get here - but she is here and she is a survivor.

Diving into a series at book #13 (love that it was #13 and Hallowe'en) didn't cause any problems. I picked this to read on the basis of its theme and hoped I could catch up. Reader, I did. This book can be read as a stand-alone. Moreover, I don't think it spoiled any of the previous plots so I can happily go back and read the series from the beginning without a hiccup.

Absolute cosy. Recommended.

[Judy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful saga in the Aloha Lagoon mystery series. This is the third book in this series written by this author, but, one of the absolute best things about this series is that all of the books do wonderfully as stand-alones, SO, DON'T let that stop you from getting and reading the rest once you are done with this one!!! So many entertaining characters that come together in this story to keep you completely entertained and glued to this book till the very end. No spoilers here, you just need to read this book to find out for yourself what all the fun and mystery is about! The setting of this marvelous mystery is a pageant at the Alohaween Halloween Festival. There are tons of twists and turns, laugh out loud moments, times when you just groan because you just want to jump into the story and intervene. You will find tons of people who have even more reasons than not to want the murdered character dead, and Ann Marie does yet another wonderful job keeping you glued to this story from the first word to the last. So, what are you waiting for, join the gang at Aloha Lagoon for a terrific, entertaining fast reading cozy mystery. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher for the sole purpose of an unbiased review.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's finally fall in Aloha Lagoon, that means Halloween is coming as well as the Alohaween Festival. Kaley can't wait to celebrate the season with her friends. She is not so excited when her aunt Rikki forces her to go to the beauty pageant that her high school nemesis and co-worker Harmony is competing in. Harmony is crushed when she loses the competition to her former beauty contest foe. The winner turns up dead and Harmony turns to Kaley for help. Was Harmony so upset she committed murder or is something else going on? While trying to uncover the truth, she also discovers that her boyfriend Noa has been seen around town with a red head of the female variety. With a lot on her mind can she help Harmony and figure out what's going on with Noa? Pick up a copy today to find out what secrets everyone is hiding.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once life let me really dig into this story, I didn’t want to put it down.

Kaley leads quite the interesting life. She is a magnet for trouble, whether it’s hers or someone else’s, she’s going to be pulled into it.

I enjoyed this story for its banter, it’s quirks, and it’s suspense. This is a great read for October, especially if you love Halloween!

What wouldn’t be entertaining about your nemesis asking you to delve into the murder of her nemesis? Well, that’s what happed to Kaley during the Alohaween festivities in Aloha Lagoon.

Grab this cozy and get your Halloween mystery on!!

[Rose Mcclarin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Zombie Beauty Pageant, a parade and a Haunted House all sounds like great Halloween fun until there's a murder and then an attempted murder. It all starts with good fun and tough competition but then it dets deadly and while Kaley and the crew are working to find the murderer things just get crazier and crazier. Lots of twists and turns and lots of unexpected shocking surprises until, at the very end, the murderer is discovered. The excitement will keep you up all night reading until you reach the end because you just have to know who done it. Great book for mystery lovers.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

The action and drama in Aloha Lagoon continues in Tiaras and Terror. Harmony asks for Kaley's help to solve the murder. Kaley is distracted because her boyfriend Noa has been seen around town in the cozy company of a red haired woman. With possible boyfriend issues and way too many suspects who will not mourn the victim's demise, can Kaley find the murderer before she herself becomes a victim? Do not miss this newest murder in Aloha Lagoon.

[Carole Craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this entire series! I've been trying to finish the whole series and am actually sad I only have two more to read. Hopefully there will be more in the future! All authors who write the Aloha Lagoon series are awesome. I feel like I have friends in Kauai! In this book, Kaley is helping a girl prove her innocence even though she has been tormented and bullied by her most of her life. A wonderful feel good book, even if it does involve murder!

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I think Kaley and Now are two of my favorite characters in this series. There is an interesting twist in the relationship between Haley and Harmony. The murderer's identity was completely unexpected. I was sure it was someone else.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and quirky read with a feel-good factor to it.

Read full review in the 2018 holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Deborah R Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hawaii

Loved reading about some of the places on the island!mystery was a hard one to unscramble so many people to look at for the murder and stabbing!! Surprised as who it turned out to be!! Great story!! Will be reading g all Anne Marie's books!!

[JOYCE HUGGINS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining reading.

A good read from start to finish, loved all the characters, even the ones suspected of murder. You really don't know who to call the guilty party because there are several to suspect. Very surprised at who did it.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this just because

It was just fun. Plain and simple . Sometimes you just want an escapist read . This is an excellent cozy.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one!

As always, an enjoyable read about the Aloha Lagoon group. It kept me guessing until the end. I also enjoyed the evolving relationships amongst the characters.

[stephanie huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaley a long time e emu of hers is innocent of murder
A lot of old rivals from the pageant circuit friend and foe
Cute enjoyable cozy mystery
Given audio for my voluntary review

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun cosy mystery. Not a lot of depth.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun series.

[Regina Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best ever

Best Aloa Lagoon Mystery yet... I usually figure out the culprit before the big reveal, but this one blind sided me totally! Can't wait for the next in the series!!

[amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Halloween book set around festivals and activities set in Hawaii . Lots of costumes and mysteries .
This is the first boom I’ve read from this series . They probably should be read in order .

[Julesy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Halloween and Hawaii, a terror-ific combination!

Tiaras & Terror is the 13th book in the Aloha Lagoon mystery series, all written by different authors, and the third book written by Anne Marie Stoddard within this series. It features Kaley Kalua who manages the Happy Hula Dress Boutique at Aloha Lagoon Resort.

Kaley has been asked by her childhood nemesis Harmony Kane to determine who would want to murder her arch rival Jade Monroe in the Miss Undead Hawaii Beauty Pageant. Jade was known to cheat her way in the beauty pageant circuitry to beat her competitors, including intentionally sabotaging Harmony's talent act in one competition. The culprit did catch me by surprise but the author did a great job with the motive. Besides solving the mystery, Kaley also must resolve her insecure feelings. After going through a divorce with her cheating ex-husband, Kaley is still having trust issues even with her devoted boyfriend Noa.

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays to read in cozy mysteries. This is a winning combination of Hawaii and Halloween. With many Halloween festivities and costumes in this book, it was truly a fun read. I read the previous book by this author and I absolutely loved it. I did miss the first book so I am anxious to go back in time and relive Kaley's tumultuous relationship with her ex.

This author does an excellent job of writing these cozies. Her writing flows, you feel the emotions of these characters and the frightful moments during some Halloween events, and she is able to create a fun and intriguing mystery. I plan to seek out this author's other series.

I received an ARC from the publisher for purposes of an unbiased review.

[Missy VanHoose · Rating 5 out of 5]

HALLOWEEN at Aloha Lagoon!!! I absolutely love this series. This time around we visit Kaley and the gang at Halloween (my personal favorite holiday). When Harmony has been accused of murdering one of her fellow contestants in the “Miss Undead Hawaii” pageant she asks Kaley to help clear her name.

This book has a great mystery to following along with and the twists and turns make it even more exciting. The characters are awesome and have their own distinct personalities. I would definitely recommend this to any cozy reader looking for a fun Halloween mystery to try to solve. I can’t wait for the next one!!!


I voluntarily received an advance copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review.