Murder at the Luau: A Pet Portraits Cozy Mystery

Pet Portraits Mystery #10

by Sandi Scott

From USA Today & Wall Street Journal Best-selling Author Sandi Scott.

Sexagenarian twins Georgie and Aleta Kaye are off on the trip of a lifetime to Hawaii, ready to explore the natural beauty of the state, soak up some sun, and enjoy the local foods.

When one of their traveling companions ends up at the bottom of a cliff, it’s only natural Georgie and Aleta jump in to find out who helped him take his final trip. 

Was it just an accident or did a push come to a shove?  Georgie discovers the truth and almost takes a one-way trip of her own down a steep mountainside. 

Enjoy laugh out loud fun as Georgie and Aleta sample fabulous desserts, enjoy shopping and scenery, and keep a sharp eye out for a murderer on the side.



This is a humorous cozy mystery featuring a strong female protagonist with a lifetime of experiences, and a mystery that needs solving! It has no graphic violence, bad language or sex. It is part of the Pet Portraits Cozy Series but can be read as a standalone.

139 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2019

About the author

Sandi Scott loves to read and write cozy mysteries that feature pets and french desserts.

Reviews

[Tam]

Wonderful characters. Interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. Delightful touches of humor and wit. As always, Scott delivers a GREAT, unputdownable read!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Catherine Stratman]

Suicide, accident or murder?

Our favorite 60 something twins are living the good life in Hawaii! The twin's kids have sent them on a group tour to Hawaii. But a luau goes horrible wrong and the twins are caught up in yet another death. But was it suicide, an accident, or murder? And if it wasn't suicide, which of the group is the guilty party? Lots of different things going on with the other members of the group to keep you guessing. Lots of pineapple and of course desserts! Another great addition to the series!

I received an ARC. This is my honest review.

[Kathleen]

Georgie and Aleta Kaye are given a trip to Hawaii by their children. On the way there they encounter a very unpleasant couple, Herb & Dottie.

Later Herb is found at the bottom of a cliff. Did he fall or was he pushed? The Kayes are on it. I find this series amusing and get plenty of laughs. I was happy to see that Stan was not along. We meet many interesting characters.

I like how all the twists and turns dovetail into the story.

I was given an ARC e-copy of this book. I am not required to give a positive review.

[Kathleen]

“Murder at the Luau” earns 5/5 Fragrant Leis…Clever, Entertaining, Engaging!

For Sandi Scott’s ninth book in the Pet Portraits Mystery series, “Murder at the Luau,” the sisters are off to my favorite tropical paradise, Hawaii. Alooooha! Excited about this once in a lifetime trip has its dark side when one of the members of their tour group takes a header off a cliff. Although it may have just been a tragic accident, he was annoying enough for the twins to suspect a more “on purpose” motive.

I truly love this series! Sandi Scott has penned a new and delightful mystery with clever twist and turns, suspects and motives, some perilous predicaments, and a fun “Wow!” ending. But, for me, it's the characters of sexagenarians Georgie and Aleta Kaye that keeps me as an eager fan! There couldn't be more unalike twins ever with Georgie’s flashy flare and Aleta’s muted tones. However, they are sisters and with that comes an “always got your back” attitude, no matter the trespassing, breaking and entering, and life-threatening danger. Although not my personal preference, the book is well-written with a third-person narrative putting readers as observers and making it easier to focus to both main characters. Sandi always provides the clever and often humorous banter between the sisters that I enjoy, but also ensures other conversations illustrate personality, emotion, and tone...I would have pushed him off the cliff myself! But the final reveal of the killer and motive was totally satisfying. Hawaii was well represented with pleasant sensory-enriched memories, and I recognized good and bad personal experience with tour groups. All in all I highly recommend this series, this book, and this author…all my favorites!

"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."

[kathy]

I have to say I just adore this Pet Portraits Cozy mystery series with the young at heart twins Georgie and Aleta Kaye. They are night and day in terms of their personalities, how they like to dress and their personal interests! I get a big kick out of their dialogue in these books.

The covers are very well done in this Pet Portraits Cozy series! I get the author’s newsletter and it’s fun to read about the pet that is featured on each cover. I had a pet chinchilla myself and love the adorable chinchilla on the cover.

I have gone on tour groups with my stepmother in the past. This book depicts a group tour to a “T”! There’s always somebody you don’t like on the tour and personalities can get rubbed the wrong way. Dottie, one of the tour group members is not a friendly sort. Her and her husband at the beginning of the tour are bickering and it’s very annoying!

Georgie and Aleta want to find out what happened when Dottie’s husband ends up at the bottom of a cliff. They take turns talking to different members of the tour group and figuring things out.

These cozy mysteries by Sandi Scott are appealing to me because they are not graphic or violent and there’s no major sex scenes in them.

It was nice to escape in the ambience of the setting in Hawaii. I also enjoy Aleta and Georgie’s dynamics as they pursue finding who the culprit is! Georgie has an almost close call at the end of the book!

It’s comforting in this series to be able to get to know the main characters as well as the extended family. I always look forward to the next book!

I received an advanced readers copy of this book. I’m happy to provide my own opinion in this review.

[John Presler]

Georgie and Aleta Kaye are headed for Hawaii, complements of their children. They are part of the Midhostel Tour Group. Unfortunately, one couple, Dottie and Herb, are continually bickering. Their constant bickering is getting on everybody's nerves. On their first full day in Hawaii, Herb swims out too far and starts to panic. Luke, a member of the tour group swims out to save him and Herb seems to be fighting him all the way to shore. On the trip back to the hotel, rather than being grateful, Herb is talking about filing a law suit.

That evening, they were scheduled to attend Germain's Luau. One of the features of the Luau is being photographed with the beautiful Hawaiian sunset in the background. Just as Georgie and Aleta are ready to get their picture taken, they hear a loud scream. Investigating the incident, Georgie notices that Herb is dead at the bottom of a cliff.

How did Herb die? Was it an accident or murder? If murder, who might have killed him? Can Georgie and Aleta figure out what really happened? Will Herb's death disrupt the rest of the vacation?

Sandi Scott did a wonderful job of describing the activities in Hawaii and mixed in a great mystery along the way. There is plenty of humor, sibling rivalry, along with the twists and turns that lead to a surprise ending.

[Kim]

The Kaye sisters are taking a vacation in Hawaii, which is a gift from their children. They can’t wait to see the island and take part in the events planned for their tour group especially the events with food, desserts in particular. When one of their traveling companions dies in what seems like an accident, Georgie and Aleta can’t help but think things may not be as they seem. Can they find out the truth before something happens to one of them?

This series always makes me laugh. The Kaye sisters are very entertaining characters. Their wit, sibling rivalry, and joy of spending time with one another always make for a fun quick read. I love the setting of Hawaii. In this setting, Aleta seems more at ease than Georgie does especially at the end of the book. I love how the different setting brings out more personality in either one twin or the other, which is the way it is in real life for most siblings. The mystery is well written with several twists and turns. I was surprised at the ending. I recommend this book to cozy mystery fans.

I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced

[Janice]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Georgie and Aleta Kaye are at it again. This time they are on vacation in Hawaii, courtesy of their children. They are part of the MIdhostel Travel and Tours Group. Their fellow travelers are: Dottie and Herb, Norman-ex FBI man and his son Luke, Forrester and June, Hector and Pam and their tour guide Daniel.From the beginning, Herb is always complaining and fighting with Dottie and none of the other travelers like him. Then at the luau he is found dead at the bottom of a cliff. Was it an accident or was he pushed? Of course Georgie wants to get to the bottom of it. Which one of their fellow travelers could have done it? Daniel, who has become withdrawn and moody, Dottie his long-suffering wife, Pam,the hard drinking girlfriend of Hector, Hector who may have had business dealings with Herb, Forrester who believes that Herb may have made advances to June or Norman who seems unnaturally calm when he talks about Herb's death. As they take in the sights and beauty of Hawaii, Georgie discreetly tries to figure it out. On the hike to a waterfall, Georgie almost loses her life and finally figures out who the murderer is. I love this series. Great characters. Quick read. 5 stars.

[Karen Siddall]

This was the 10th outing for the twin Kaye sisters and it was just as fun as the previous nine.

The Kaye sisters, Georgie and Aleta, have been given a trip to Hawaii as a Christmas present by their respective children. Trouble begins from the very start – on the plane to their destination – in the form of a constantly arguing couple, Herb and Dottie Bickerson. Nothing, it seems, is right for the annoying couple but the young tour company rep, Daniel, keeps trying his best.

When the husband mysteriously falls to his death during a luau, Georgie is convinced he was helped off the cliff, and with literally everyone in the tour group having a reason to want the man gone, she has a lot ground to cover before discovering who did it.

Even though one of the charms of this series has been, for me, the Chicago setting, the switch to the 50th state was very entertaining. There are some new and interesting characters to focus on up close and personal because the tour group members are together pretty much 24/7. And this time, because Georgie’s ex, Stan, is not on the trip, he is not there to pull Georgie out of trouble. That duty falls to one of the aforementioned interesting new characters.

Another nice cozy mystery featuring the sisters. I recommend this book (and entire series) to readers that like their mysteries on the cozy side and enjoy having a sleuth of a more mature age.

[Disney14604]

Great funny enjoyable cozy mystery to read on a nice to rainy to snow back to clear skies afternoon. LIterally!!!
No alcohol, rats, lol. But I read this lovely addition in one afternoon and giggled, laughed and almost got caught by a rabbit trail. Aha but did not get me this time. I want to be like Georgie now.

If you have not read any in this series just pick one up and start. I started the series at book seven and follow each book all by itself. You will not be lost or missing any major points from previous books. Really, i love reading these books. They are a nice break from other books I read. They are always funny , make me laugh, and for me a quick easy read; like an escape and fresh air for me.

Waiting for the next one.

This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.

[Merry Chapman]

Aleta and Georgie's children gave them the gift of a trip to Hawaii with a tour group. This episode of adventures for the sisters has a crazy cast of characters going along on the tour. Even the tour guide is acting strange. When one of the tour group is found dead at the bottom of the mountain, a person not so well liked by the group, Georgie and Aleta try to put some clues together while they investigate what happened. Could he have just slipped or was he pushed? The sisters just have to figure it out....you don't think they could keep their noses out of it....do you? What fun this series is and now I can't wait to see what will happen next. The ending made me laugh so loud you just can't help it! I received and ARC from the author but the opinion expressed here are strictly my own.

[Tina Helzer]

Georgie and Aleta are at it again. This time in Hawaii. While on a trip that their children sent them on there is a murder and of course Georgie is going to try to help find out who did it. Aleta is always right there by her side helping her every step of the way. These two loveable ladies can almost do it all it seems. Georgie seems to always find herself in the right place at the right or even the wrong time. She always seems to catch the killer in the end though and this time is no different although she almost got herself killed while finding the murderer.

I have enjoyed all of the books in this series and this one is no different. It can be read as a stand alone but if you are anything like me once you read it you will want to read all of the rest of the books in this series.

[Kathy Brenzi]

Twin sisters Georgie and Aleta Kaye have been sent on a holiday to Hawaii by their respective children. The plane trip was marred by a bickering married couple, who carried on for the whole trip. Unfortunately the same couple was part of their travelling group, having also booked their holiday through the same tourist company. The bickering continued until one of them was killed by falling over a cliff during a luau. The question had to be - was it an accident or murder? It seemed that everyone except the twins had motives to kill this person. Of course, Georgie started asking questions. If it was murder, was this going to put her and Aleta in danger?

[Audrey]

Georgie and Aleta kids send them on vacation to Hawaii! They travel as part of a group. On the plane to Hawaii everyone is annoyed with Herb who has done nothing but complain and fight with his wife. Several others in the group have met and travelled together before. Georgie of course becomes quick friends with an ex FBI agent and his son! At the luau excursion Herb is discovered at the bottom of a cliff. Was he pushed or did he fall. No worries Georgie is on the case! To Georgie this makes the vacation even better. This book has plenty of action, twists and turns. Georgie and Aleta’s banter is as fun as ever especially when you add in the ex FBI agent! This was the funniest book so far! I love the characters more with every book ! I highly recommend this book and this series! Once you start reading these books you won’t be able to put it down!

[Sue]

The twins are on and an all-expense paid trip to Hawaii courtesy of their children. They can’t wait to spend a few days soaking up the sun, enjoying the beaches, shopping, and indulging in the local desserts. While on their flight from Chicago to Hawaii, they run into a bickering couple whom they soon learn are part of the same travel group. When the husband winds up dead, Georgie and Aleta find themselves once again trying to solve a murder.

If you enjoy madcap adventure, humor, loveable and quirky main characters, plus a mystery that will keep you guessing, then this book is one you will want to pick up.

[Pete]

Georgie and Aleta are on holiday in Hawaii, and it isn't as safe and peaceful as they'd hoped, in fact it isn't long before they are once again mixed up in a murder mystery.
As we have got to expect from this series, there is some hilarious interplay between the twins, they love to tease each other. There is also a plethora of great supporting characters and a great story. I didn't manage to spot the culprit until the reveal at the end as there were some great red herrings thrown in to mislead the reader. All in all a very enjoyable and individual cosy mystery,
I did receive an advance copy of the book, but this honest review has been voluntarily written.

[Paulette]

Twins, Georgie and Aleta have been given a trip to Hawaii by their children. They join up with a tour group to get the most out of their vacation. Looking forward to relaxing, eating, seeing the sights and did I mention eating? Especially desserts?
But they got a little more than they bargained for when one of their companions is found dead at the bottom of a cliff.
Was it an accident or did someone in the group want him dead?
Misadventure, several suspects and feisty twins with a penchant for getting involved, Murder at the Luau is another winner for Sandi Scott and you too, if you read this book. I received and ARC for my honest opinion.

[C.]

I have yet to read a book in this series that doesn't make me laugh out loud. The interaction between Georgie and Aleta is such a delight it makes me wish I was their friend. I'd love to sit around and have a cup of coffee and always a great dessert. Although this book takes them to Hawaii for a vacation, they still manage to become involved with murder and mayhem. I did miss Stan so I know I can look forward to the next adventure and my husband can look forward to being awakened by the bed shaking when I start laughing.

[Molly]

My favorite 60 something twins are off on vacation - this time to Hawaii.

Midhostel Tours taking several couples on a budget tour of the Big Island.

A bickering couple who know no ending, a few deaths, and a definitely
deranged ex round out a colorful and deadly tour - less a question of
who wanted to kill him - more a question of , who didn't want to kill
him.

With fashion flair and great elan, the ladies manage to solve another
mystery- and test the limits of fasjhon and survival along the way!

A great KU cozy read!

[Suzan]

Author Sandi Scott continues to amaze me with her Pet Portraits Mystery Series. This is book number 10 and I have read all of them and loved them. This twin sister team Georgie and Aleta are funny and sweet (don't get me started on their sweet addiction, their motto is dessert first.) Each of the books can be read as a stand alone but when read in order you get little subtle jokes. I would love to meet these sisters they would be such a hoot. I was lucky to be gifted this book as an advance copy. I was unable to stop reading and read the whole book in one sitting.

[Helen Drake]

I love the main characters in this Series. I identify with them as they are around my age.

I found the story to be compelling and the murderer was not the person I was expecting.

I love the idea of putting a mystery in Hawaii. The only problem is there was some confusion as to which Island the action was taking place: the Big Island or Oahu. Several of the sites mentioned such as Aloha Stadium and the Luau where the murder took place are on Oahu while everyone is supposed to be on the Big Island.

[Edith]

Another Fun Mystery!

I love this series with the Kaye sisters, Georgie and Aleta! The stories are always humorous and suspenseful. I have never been able to predict the outcome or figure out “whodunit”. The only criticism I have is that more proofreading was needed to eliminate some of grammatical errors, such as no end or beginning quote marks in a few places. Looking forward to reading to reading the next book, which appears very interesting from the short excerpt at the end of this book.

[Pam]

I love this series. It's great fun to see what Georgie and Aleta are going to get into with each new book.

In this one, the kids send them to Hawaii as a gift. They go with a travel group that consists 4 other couples. One set bickers constantly and drives everyone else crazy. When the man almost drowns, he is saved by two other people in the group. He is angry and says he's going to sue everyone involved. They go out the next day to a luau and he ends up dead. Even tho Georgie is not really investigating the murder, she is pulled into it anyway and almost ends up dead herself.

[Iris]

Was it an accident or not?
Georgie and Aleta's kids give them a trip to Hawaii with a tour group and they are really enjoying themselves. The only hitch so far is a rather obnoxious member of the group who is never happy! At the Luau he goes missing and is later found at the bottom of a cliff. Dead. The twins normally get involved in solving this kind of mystery. As usual the are a lot of unexpected twists and turns before the case is solved! You can't go wrong with this nice, clean, sometimes crazy cozy!

[Lisa Denn]

I laughed from the first page to the last! I love Sandi Scott's Pet Portrait Cozy Series and honestly Murder At The Luau is one of my favorite books from the series.
Generally I find the plots keep my attention best when Stan, Georgie's ex-husband has a strung presence in the story. I confess with the introduction of minor character Norman (a retired FBI agent) in the book Stan's absence was not as noticeable nor missed as much. I usually dislike male leads stepping into Georgie's life but Norman wasn't too bad (he is married after all lol). I would definitely reccommend Murder At The Luau!

[Bernadette Cinkoske]

Murder at the Luau finds Georgie and Aleta on vacation in Hawaii. You can take the sisters out of Chicago but murder still follows them to the islands! I love these twin sisters who are always funny and always in the thick of some murder investigation. It is great that they are in their sixties. The plot has sever red herrings, twists and turns before the murder is revealed. I know once I pick up on of Ms. Scott's books, I won't put it down until I have reached the end!

[Kathy]

This was another fun visit with Georgie & Aleta. This time we got to go on vacation with them. They took a tour to Hawaii and got to meet lots of interesting travel companions. Naturally, one of them turns up dead and the Kaye sisters have to solve the mystery. Love this series and traveling with them outside of Chicago was great!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Amy]

Georgie and Aleta are given a trip to Hawaii by their children. They are traveling with other couples in a tour group. What could possibly go wrong on a wonderful vacation? A distracted tour guide, a bickering couple and a murder at a luau of all places.
Fast paced read, making me laugh with the humor and the personalities of the sisters.
Always love the interaction between characters, especially the two sisters.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions are my own.

[Janet Graham]

The Twins on Vacation: Hawaii will Never Be the Same
In this episode, the kids send the Kaye sisters on vacation to Hawaii. Things start on in an interesting manner and get very exciting from there! There is quite a variety of people in their tour group and some are not quite what they seem. There are suspects and motives and red herrings and lots of tropical adventure. I received this ARC book for free and this is my honest review.

[Thomas]

Georgie and Kaye are on vacation to Hawaii curtesy of their children. They are traveling with a tour group, two of which are at each other constantly. They are both rude and obnoxious. While at a luau, the husband is discovered at the bottom of a drop off. It’s discovered almost everyone in the group has a reason to want Herb dead.

Georgie and Kaye’s natural curiosity and having to investigate bring Georgie into danger once again.