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Murder in Costa Rica
A suspense-filled murder mystery adventure set on a tropical beach in Costa Rica. Divorced, overworked, and full of doubts, Laura Humphreys escapes to paradise to volunteer for a sea turtle conservation project. A friend's murder shatters her vacation. The police are understaffed, a government official may be stalling the investigation, and Laura refuses to relent. Antonio De La Torres, the lead government investigator, is determined to scrutinize all evidence. His attraction to Laura makes him even more committed to his goal, but he may be running out of time. Laura joins forces with the global conservation community and learns that paradise isn’t always what it seems. Buy the book today and let the adventure unfold.
220 pages, Paperback
Published October 30, 2018
About the author
L.D. Markham
1 book2 followersIn 2013 L.D. and her husband and took a trip to Costa Rica. She had searched for a murder mystery novel that took place in Costa Rica and could not find one, so she decided to write one.
L.D. started writing Murder in Costa Rica the minute she returned home. As she was writing and following news from Costa Rica, she learned about the real murder of biologist and conservationist Jairo Mora Sandoval. She was convinced this was sign from the Universe to continue her story.
L.D. is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Northern California Publishers and Authors (NCPA), Sister's in Crime, and its local chapter Capitol Crimes. Her short story "Saving Coy" is published in the NCPA Anthology Birds of a Feather. Her short story "It Happened at the Agri turismo" is non-fiction and is published in the NCPA Anthology Destination the World. Murder in Costa Rica is a 2018 NCPA Book Awards winner.
A graduate of the University of Arizona, B.S. Business Administration, L.D. is employed with the State of California, Department of Justice, Attorney General's office. She facilitates desktop, professional development, business writing, and proofreading courses. She writes professional development and leadership curriculum. L.D. enjoys traveling through the United States and Europe, being near the Ocean and learning more about Ocean Conservation and its incredible creatures.
L.D. started writing Murder in Costa Rica the minute she returned home. As she was writing and following news from Costa Rica, she learned about the real murder of biologist and conservationist Jairo Mora Sandoval. She was convinced this was sign from the Universe to continue her story.
L.D. is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Northern California Publishers and Authors (NCPA), Sister's in Crime, and its local chapter Capitol Crimes. Her short story "Saving Coy" is published in the NCPA Anthology Birds of a Feather. Her short story "It Happened at the Agri turismo" is non-fiction and is published in the NCPA Anthology Destination the World. Murder in Costa Rica is a 2018 NCPA Book Awards winner.
A graduate of the University of Arizona, B.S. Business Administration, L.D. is employed with the State of California, Department of Justice, Attorney General's office. She facilitates desktop, professional development, business writing, and proofreading courses. She writes professional development and leadership curriculum. L.D. enjoys traveling through the United States and Europe, being near the Ocean and learning more about Ocean Conservation and its incredible creatures.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 13, 2019
I received this book via Netgalley in return for an honest review. I really enjoyed this fictional re-telling of a real life historical event in Costa Rica. The story is based on the brutal killing of a local Costa Rican environmentalist, and the kidnapping, torture, and rape of four eco-volunteers helping the green sea turtles. I thought the author did a great job bringing the characters to life, and exploring the drug trade and bribery in the government agencies of Costa Rica.
February 10, 2019
A few years ago my family joined my son's education group to Costa Rica. Much of this book brought back wonderful memories including that of going to the beach at night to see if we could witness a turtle laying eggs. We were not lucky enough to see one but did get to see where eggs had been laid. Disappointing but the most important thing was that we did not disturb the turtles and did not see any poachers. The people of Costa Rica are so wonderful and this book reminded me of how I felt when I saw how they lived so happily without all of the stuff" we in the United States just have to have. So, back to the book, action that pulled me in from the start and kept me reading! I enjoyed every second of this story and I loved the characters and hope for more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 7, 2019
I really wanted to love this book, the idea of it was great however there were just some things that made it hard to connect like, Alma who we met in the first chapter, then never hear of her again and after what happen to all the volunteers there is no word about either the new volunteers/Laura knowing what happened or having a bit of apprehension of going/being there now themselves if they did know. It is also a bit information overload to begin with, but it does settles in for a pretty good read and for a first book it is commendable. I hope we see more books by L. D. Markham as there is great potential there for some great murder mystery books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2022
Well-written fiction book based on a true story.
February 7, 2019
This is the 2nd book I've read written by L.D. Markham; she has done an great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2019
January 20, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
Who is Alma? She’s featured in the first sentence of chapter one and never again in the book. Thinking Alma was the main protagonist, it took some time to realize she was not.
Suspense from the initial chapter comes to a full stop with the extensive background on the plight of the sea turtles and I would have grasped the info better had it been worked into the story as the volunteers assumed their practical duties. Action did not pick up again until chapter 7.
Throughout the book, full descriptions of surroundings, places, homes, the various towns, were at times missing altogether; exp., chapter 11, Laura recognized the motor bike but not even its color was noted for the reader’s benefit.
Antonio’s character is believable although his investigative progress was cloudy in this complicated, international story until page 163 when he summarized his goals for the case. Later, on page 247, it was confusing when Antonio said his largest case was closed. I questioned how it could possibly be since the big arrest scenes were the day before? I reviewed to see if a jump ahead on the timeline occurred, but apparently not.
Credit to Laura who managed to make love with several broken ribs then laid on her side to talk while leaning her head on her hand, something most with broken ribs can’t begin to accomplish.
With the advent of the “Real Story” at the end of the book, it’s clear this fiction mystery was inspired by serious events and I applaud the author’s research. I realize the plight of the sea turtles and believe the story is worth telling; its progression and setting of scenes disappointed. A revision would be something I’d like to read in future.
This book was a free download from BookreviewBuzz.com in return for an objective opinion.
Format: Kindle Edition
Who is Alma? She’s featured in the first sentence of chapter one and never again in the book. Thinking Alma was the main protagonist, it took some time to realize she was not.
Suspense from the initial chapter comes to a full stop with the extensive background on the plight of the sea turtles and I would have grasped the info better had it been worked into the story as the volunteers assumed their practical duties. Action did not pick up again until chapter 7.
Throughout the book, full descriptions of surroundings, places, homes, the various towns, were at times missing altogether; exp., chapter 11, Laura recognized the motor bike but not even its color was noted for the reader’s benefit.
Antonio’s character is believable although his investigative progress was cloudy in this complicated, international story until page 163 when he summarized his goals for the case. Later, on page 247, it was confusing when Antonio said his largest case was closed. I questioned how it could possibly be since the big arrest scenes were the day before? I reviewed to see if a jump ahead on the timeline occurred, but apparently not.
Credit to Laura who managed to make love with several broken ribs then laid on her side to talk while leaning her head on her hand, something most with broken ribs can’t begin to accomplish.
With the advent of the “Real Story” at the end of the book, it’s clear this fiction mystery was inspired by serious events and I applaud the author’s research. I realize the plight of the sea turtles and believe the story is worth telling; its progression and setting of scenes disappointed. A revision would be something I’d like to read in future.
This book was a free download from BookreviewBuzz.com in return for an objective opinion.
will-not-finish
February 19, 2019Why I chose this book:
Reviews were being sought for this in one of my Goodreads groups. The synopsis sounded like the type of mystery novel I enjoy. And I've been wishing I could go to Costa Rica lately. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately, this was not the great fit I expected.
Synopsis:
"Divorced, overworked, and full of doubts, Laura Humphreys escapes to paradise to volunteer for a sea turtle conservation project. Her vacation is shattered when a friend is murdered. The police are understaffed, a government official may be stalling the investigation, and Laura refuses to relent.
Antonio De La Torres, the lead government investigator, is determined to have an honest investigation. His attraction to Laura makes him even more committed to his goal but he may be running out of time.
Laura joins forces with the global conservation community and learns that paradise isn’t always what it seems." From https://www.ldmarkhambooks.com/
Why I did not finish this book:
I had been in the mood for a mystery novel when I came across this, and the sea turtle conservation aspect is what caught my attention. Laura's experience was educational to me; her time on beach patrol gave me a better idea of what is involved in conservation efforts. Murder in Costa Rica was quite informative in this way. The conversations between Laura and the other conservation workers were what was so informative, though they did read like an informational brochure rather than like a natural conversation.
On page one, Alma is raped. This put me off at the start, as I was not expecting such a brutal and personal attack to be the start of the book. (Alma is not a character I saw again.) Somehow a murder mystery does not seem as disturbing to me as reading a rape scene, even though that scene was not particularly graphic. Of course, this is my personal opinion and every reader is different. I kept reading, and after a while I did get into the story, but a few more chapters in a sea turtle was graphically beheaded, which was jarring to me. Then a couple of chapters later, on page 54 (so I didn't get super far), another character was raped. At that point, I decided that it was time for me to stop reading. Based on the synopsis, I expected to be reading about a murder investigation with a bit of a relationship developing along the sidelines, all set against a backdrop of sea turtle conservation. Animal cruelty and more than one rape scene were not what I expected and what ultimately prompted me to set aside Murder in Costa Rica.
Reviews were being sought for this in one of my Goodreads groups. The synopsis sounded like the type of mystery novel I enjoy. And I've been wishing I could go to Costa Rica lately. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately, this was not the great fit I expected.
Synopsis:
"Divorced, overworked, and full of doubts, Laura Humphreys escapes to paradise to volunteer for a sea turtle conservation project. Her vacation is shattered when a friend is murdered. The police are understaffed, a government official may be stalling the investigation, and Laura refuses to relent.
Antonio De La Torres, the lead government investigator, is determined to have an honest investigation. His attraction to Laura makes him even more committed to his goal but he may be running out of time.
Laura joins forces with the global conservation community and learns that paradise isn’t always what it seems." From https://www.ldmarkhambooks.com/
Why I did not finish this book:
I had been in the mood for a mystery novel when I came across this, and the sea turtle conservation aspect is what caught my attention. Laura's experience was educational to me; her time on beach patrol gave me a better idea of what is involved in conservation efforts. Murder in Costa Rica was quite informative in this way. The conversations between Laura and the other conservation workers were what was so informative, though they did read like an informational brochure rather than like a natural conversation.
On page one, Alma is raped. This put me off at the start, as I was not expecting such a brutal and personal attack to be the start of the book. (Alma is not a character I saw again.) Somehow a murder mystery does not seem as disturbing to me as reading a rape scene, even though that scene was not particularly graphic. Of course, this is my personal opinion and every reader is different. I kept reading, and after a while I did get into the story, but a few more chapters in a sea turtle was graphically beheaded, which was jarring to me. Then a couple of chapters later, on page 54 (so I didn't get super far), another character was raped. At that point, I decided that it was time for me to stop reading. Based on the synopsis, I expected to be reading about a murder investigation with a bit of a relationship developing along the sidelines, all set against a backdrop of sea turtle conservation. Animal cruelty and more than one rape scene were not what I expected and what ultimately prompted me to set aside Murder in Costa Rica.
December 28, 2018
Another 5 star review from a verified reader on Amazon.
“Been looking forward to this author's debut offering for a long time and she didn't disappoint with Murder in Costa Rica. The story kept the pages turning and the characters were very believable. Hope to see a continuation of this series.” Thank you.
“Been looking forward to this author's debut offering for a long time and she didn't disappoint with Murder in Costa Rica. The story kept the pages turning and the characters were very believable. Hope to see a continuation of this series.” Thank you.
July 8, 2022
Enjoyable mystery book. Good plot full of action twists. Good reality and background that adds to the story. Good characters. For me a great character is important. The character is a good one. All together an Enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2021
Difficult to understand reader... book of fiction yet based on true story... author did not explain what happened to the characters.... simple story... nothing special about the Costa Rica setting... don't read this author again!!
February 25, 2023
I thought the characters and conflict were well represented. … I loved the story and the writing 🧡
May 6, 2025
I wanted to like this book and tried to read it when I was in Costa Rico, but I couldn’t finish it. I didn’t find the dialogue believable but the main problem for me is the lack of proofreading. There are tons of comma splices and instances of nonparallel phrasing that are really distracting.
March 25, 2020
Netgalley Giveaway
Murder in Costa Rica was an interesting novel. I was very much interested in all the aspects regarding Sea Turtle rescues, conservation issues and even the perspectives of the poachers. It did not occur to this reader there was actual politics involved when it came to saving an endangered species. Once the murder occurred, I liked the way the investigation was depicted - as a lot of questions, gathering clues, waiting for forensics and listing possible suspects.
However, the "bad guys" were 1-dimensional. Their characters depicted as cold, violent, drug addled and, well, stupid. Very stupid. To the point of disbelief. The Leader of the "bad guys" was also boringly 1-dimensional. Other than being ruthless, he too was depicted as foolish. Again, he seemed unbelievable. Hence the 2 stars
I am well aware the depiction of drug smuggling is very much an issue all around the world. I am also well aware many poachers are poachers simply to survive.
At times the writing was awkward, stilted in a sort of amateurish style while at other times, it flowed and and was well written. It is obvious the author is passionate about Turtle Conservation as that was where the book was wonderful. This reader cannot point her finger on what went "wrong", but it was almost as if 2 people with 2 different writing styles wrote it. Or the author wrote parts of the book separately and then inserted them into the book.
For anyone who wants a book about Costa Rica and turtle conservation, this will be enjoyable.
Trigger Warning: there is sexual violence, and brutal depictions of animal abuse
Murder in Costa Rica was an interesting novel. I was very much interested in all the aspects regarding Sea Turtle rescues, conservation issues and even the perspectives of the poachers. It did not occur to this reader there was actual politics involved when it came to saving an endangered species. Once the murder occurred, I liked the way the investigation was depicted - as a lot of questions, gathering clues, waiting for forensics and listing possible suspects.
However, the "bad guys" were 1-dimensional. Their characters depicted as cold, violent, drug addled and, well, stupid. Very stupid. To the point of disbelief. The Leader of the "bad guys" was also boringly 1-dimensional. Other than being ruthless, he too was depicted as foolish. Again, he seemed unbelievable. Hence the 2 stars
I am well aware the depiction of drug smuggling is very much an issue all around the world. I am also well aware many poachers are poachers simply to survive.
At times the writing was awkward, stilted in a sort of amateurish style while at other times, it flowed and and was well written. It is obvious the author is passionate about Turtle Conservation as that was where the book was wonderful. This reader cannot point her finger on what went "wrong", but it was almost as if 2 people with 2 different writing styles wrote it. Or the author wrote parts of the book separately and then inserted them into the book.
For anyone who wants a book about Costa Rica and turtle conservation, this will be enjoyable.
Trigger Warning: there is sexual violence, and brutal depictions of animal abuse
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews