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Dive Shack Mysteries #1
Danger at the Dive Shack
A scruffy dog, a fluffy cat, and characters who feel like friends.
Shelby and Jesse are back on the island they love, living at a dive resort while Jesse delves into research for his dissertation. Shelby’s life gets interesting after the quirky and colorful resort baker takes her under her wing, a scruffy beach dog moves onto her porch, and she adopts an adorable kitten.
When a disagreeable tourist dies, suspicion is cast on Shelby’s new friends and acquaintances. Wanting to clear their names, she dives into tracking down the real killer. But it may be perilous for Shelby!
Danger at the Dive Shack, the first book in the Dive Shack Mysteries series, is a clean, cozy mystery with a tropical twist. It can be read as a standalone, but you will enjoy reading the continuing series.
Recipes included!
Don't wait to see what happens next! Click and purchase your copy of Danger at the Dive Shack. Enjoy!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Why Readers Love Danger at the Dive Shack ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“If you like mystery, who did it, and a fast read, then this is your book! I read it in two days, and you will fall in love with this author's style of writing, and you will enjoy these crazy whacky personalities that live and work at this Dive Shack Resort!!” -- Trick
“This book cannot be put down! It's an on-the-edge-of-your-seat whodunnit! A fast-paced murder mystery with lots of suspects. Beautiful descriptions of Palawan are included as well as some yummy recipes. Great story and a must read!” -- Jan
“This is a fantastic mystery with wonderful detail to the food served in the story. I very much enjoyed reading the suspense on each page and trying to figure out who did it out of so many possible suspects!” -- Jennifer
“Extremely entertaining tale! Beautiful scenery, puppies and kittens, and a fast-moving story line all conspire to make you forget everything else you need to do…” -- Roxx
Shelby and Jesse are back on the island they love, living at a dive resort while Jesse delves into research for his dissertation. Shelby’s life gets interesting after the quirky and colorful resort baker takes her under her wing, a scruffy beach dog moves onto her porch, and she adopts an adorable kitten.
When a disagreeable tourist dies, suspicion is cast on Shelby’s new friends and acquaintances. Wanting to clear their names, she dives into tracking down the real killer. But it may be perilous for Shelby!
Danger at the Dive Shack, the first book in the Dive Shack Mysteries series, is a clean, cozy mystery with a tropical twist. It can be read as a standalone, but you will enjoy reading the continuing series.
Recipes included!
Don't wait to see what happens next! Click and purchase your copy of Danger at the Dive Shack. Enjoy!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Why Readers Love Danger at the Dive Shack ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“If you like mystery, who did it, and a fast read, then this is your book! I read it in two days, and you will fall in love with this author's style of writing, and you will enjoy these crazy whacky personalities that live and work at this Dive Shack Resort!!” -- Trick
“This book cannot be put down! It's an on-the-edge-of-your-seat whodunnit! A fast-paced murder mystery with lots of suspects. Beautiful descriptions of Palawan are included as well as some yummy recipes. Great story and a must read!” -- Jan
“This is a fantastic mystery with wonderful detail to the food served in the story. I very much enjoyed reading the suspense on each page and trying to figure out who did it out of so many possible suspects!” -- Jennifer
“Extremely entertaining tale! Beautiful scenery, puppies and kittens, and a fast-moving story line all conspire to make you forget everything else you need to do…” -- Roxx
142 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2019
88 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 12, 2020
Is the third time really a charm?
Shelby and her husband, Jesse, met and fell in love on the Palawan Island in the Philippines. They returned to the island to honeymoon. Then they returned to the island for the third time for a two-year stay while Jesse is researching his dissertation on WWII. Shelby’s days are generally laid-back while she enjoys spending time with her new group of friends. A murder upsets her idyllic life when suspicion is cast on a few of her new friends. Shelby falls into the role of amateur detective in order to try and clear her friends’ names. She proves herself to be a great friend and talented investigator in this entertaining cozy mystery story.
Shelby and her husband, Jesse, met and fell in love on the Palawan Island in the Philippines. They returned to the island to honeymoon. Then they returned to the island for the third time for a two-year stay while Jesse is researching his dissertation on WWII. Shelby’s days are generally laid-back while she enjoys spending time with her new group of friends. A murder upsets her idyllic life when suspicion is cast on a few of her new friends. Shelby falls into the role of amateur detective in order to try and clear her friends’ names. She proves herself to be a great friend and talented investigator in this entertaining cozy mystery story.
August 7, 2020
I enjoyed this story, but there were some things that annoyed me. First of all, the story is more about who accuses who than about finding clues, motives or alibi's. And, secondly, Shelby gets herself a kitten, without asking what kind of food it is used to and without buying a cat litter box.
What also was a bit confusing: in the first chapter Shelby is introduced, but there is no mention of the reason why she and her husband are staying for a longer period of time at the resort. So you are wondering about that. The answer only comes in the second chapter. A bit late, in my opinion.
I did like the different characters and the setting. Since this is only the first book in the series, I think I'll try one of the others and give the author a second chance.
What also was a bit confusing: in the first chapter Shelby is introduced, but there is no mention of the reason why she and her husband are staying for a longer period of time at the resort. So you are wondering about that. The answer only comes in the second chapter. A bit late, in my opinion.
I did like the different characters and the setting. Since this is only the first book in the series, I think I'll try one of the others and give the author a second chance.
August 8, 2019
If you like sandy beaches, turquoise oceans and blue skys. Scuba
diving, and mysterys, then this book is for you. Delightful characters that
are sure to bring smiles to your face. Along with lots of twists and turns
till the end. A great read, one that is hard to put down. Especially with a great dog and cute loveable and fiesty kitten side kicks.
Debra H.
diving, and mysterys, then this book is for you. Delightful characters that
are sure to bring smiles to your face. Along with lots of twists and turns
till the end. A great read, one that is hard to put down. Especially with a great dog and cute loveable and fiesty kitten side kicks.
Debra H.
April 17, 2019
This is a definite don’t put me down kind of story. Engaging, mystery to keep you reading. Received an ARC and reviewed because I loved it.
December 17, 2020
Excerpt:
Murder was the furthest thing from Shelby’s mind as she and Jesse sat side-by-side drinking coffee on their veranda that balmy tropical morning. “I’ll go get us some refills,” Shelby said. She stood and gathered their cups and saucers off the little rough-hewn table and stepped down from their cabin’s porch. A scruffy dog jumped up from the porch behind her and weaved past her on the steps to lead the way to the dive resort’s dining room and kitchen. Shelby almost tripped over him but caught herself just in time. One of the cups wasn’t as fortunate. It jostled off its saucer and fell down to the sand. Luckily it didn’t break. Shelby breathed a sigh of relief as she picked it up.
The dog trotted quickly down the sandy path that ran in front of the guest huts, around the corner of the last one, and disappeared. Shelby walked more slowly, cups and saucers rattling. Before she turned into the dining area, she stopped for a second to take a deep breath of her favorite scent, the salty tang of the sea.
She continued into the open-air dining room. One of the things she loved about this dive resort she and Jesse called home was eating meals with a view of the Sulu Sea. She stepped around two women sitting at a table close to the sand. The women were talking and drinking coffee, with piles of packages spread around them — on the table, on some chairs, on the floor. One of them looked up and said, “G’day.” Shelby recognized her as a fellow guest she’d noticed the day before. She was impossible to miss. She was dressed like a Nordstrom ad for Resort Wear, with a bright strapless Hawaiian print dress, straw-colored hair, loads of makeup, and a huge rock of a ring on her left hand.
“Hi! What are all these?” Shelby asked as she passed, motioning with one of her cups and saucers to the packages.
“I’ve ordered a few lovely native artifacts to take back home with us. I’m Corine, by the way,” Resort Wear woman said. “They are from her shop.” She gestured toward the other woman, a sporty young Filipino wearing no-nonsense nylon shorts and a cotton t-shirt emblazoned with a basketball team logo.
“Hi, I’m Lilla,” the shop owner said, nodding at Shelby.
“Nice to meet you both,” Shelby said, smiling. “I’d love to see your shop sometime.”
Corine spoke up, “Of course, you know the shop carries only the highest quality, most authentic artifacts on this island. I’m very careful in my shopping. Our friends back home wait breathlessly to see what we bring back from our many trips. We were just having a little discussion here about my standards in shopping.”
Shelby raised her eyebrows. “Oh, really? That’s good.” She glanced over at the shop owner in time to see a slight rolling of her eyes. “Okay, well, I’ve got to get these cups to the kitchen. See you later,” Shelby said, turning and walking away. That woman is a bit full of herself, she thought, shaking her head.
As she approached the kitchen in back, she heard voices. One, in particular, caught her attention. A woman’s voice, speaking English. Loudly. Shelby stopped at the broad doorway to the kitchen. Her eyes widened in amazement at the sight before her.
There, standing at a counter with her back to Shelby, stood a woman she hadn’t seen before. The woman was talking, waving a spatula in the air with her left hand while jabbing the pointer finger of her other hand at a cutting board. Her slight frame was engulfed in a long red and white striped apron, beneath which peeked a pair of steep espadrille sandals. To top off the look, short black hair spiked alarmingly over a red and white headband.
“You really need to slice the ginger like this.” She held her finger and thumb close together. “Very thin. Thin as a dime. You know dime? That’s a very thin coin we have back in the U.S.”
Shelby bit her lip to suppress a shocked laugh. Who was this rude person and what was she doing here?
The rude person was talking to a woman who leaned nonchalantly against the counter, no expression on her face, eyes hooded. Shelby recognized her as the resort cook, Dulce, a soft-figured middle-aged Filipina woman. She wondered what the older woman was thinking, being addressed like that. And she wasn’t sure what to do with her coffee cups now. She really didn’t want to get on the radar of this fast-talking, red-and-white apparition.
Just as Shelby started to back away from the doorway, Dulce noticed her. “Shelby! Hello.” Dulce’s eyes lit up. She straightened and came toward her to collect the cups.
Before Shelby could return her greeting, the red-and-white woman had turned and was waving her spatula at her. “Oh, you are Shelby! Yes, I’ve heard about you. You are staying here for a long time. Yes, I know all about you,” the woman said.
“Hi,” Shelby said, blinking.
“I’m Marlena. I bake here on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.” She lowered her spatula to her side.
When the woman’s potential weapon came down, Shelby relaxed a little bit. She noticed that Dulce took the opportunity to head to the opposite end of the room and clatter around at the kitchen sink, her back to Marlena.
Then Shelby found that Marlena had stepped closer to her and was staring into her face.
Shelby stood still, eyes wide. It was a little too close for comfort. What kind of a crazy person was this?
Marlena’s spatula came up again, and she waved it at Shelby. “Wait a minute. Wait a minute. I’m very intuitive. I can look at someone once and know everything about them. Wait a minute. I need to absorb your vibe.”
Marlena was nodding her head, eyeing Shelby. “Yes. Yes. Your story is coming to me. Let me tell you what I see in you. I’m good at this.”
Shelby felt like she had a part in a movie but hadn’t read the script. Her eyes darted around the kitchen then back to Marlena. Was she safe here? She was gobsmacked by this woman. “Okay …” Shelby said hesitantly.
“I can see that you are a beautiful young woman,” Marlena dived in. “Well, not as beautiful as my Kassie, but you can’t help that. She’s mestiza, the best of Asia and American combined. All pure Americans, like you, look washed out,” Marlena huffed. “But never mind. As I said, that’s not your fault. You can’t help that’s who you are. But I can sense that you are sad. You are running away from home. You are lonely and unhappy.” Marlena tipped her head and stared into Shelby’s eyes.
Reviews coming in about Danger at the Dive Shack --
"This book cannot be put down! It's an on-the-edge-of-your-seat whodunnit! A fast paced murder mystery with lots of suspects. Beautiful descriptions of Palawan are included as well as some yummy recipes. Great story and a must read!"
"Charming, light murder mystery that takes your stresses away. . ."
"I can't wait to make the food from the recipes discussed and shared in the book!! (She had me at garlic....)"
https://books2read.com/DangerAtTheDiv...
https://amzn.to/2ELt49I
https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Dive-Sh...
Murder was the furthest thing from Shelby’s mind as she and Jesse sat side-by-side drinking coffee on their veranda that balmy tropical morning. “I’ll go get us some refills,” Shelby said. She stood and gathered their cups and saucers off the little rough-hewn table and stepped down from their cabin’s porch. A scruffy dog jumped up from the porch behind her and weaved past her on the steps to lead the way to the dive resort’s dining room and kitchen. Shelby almost tripped over him but caught herself just in time. One of the cups wasn’t as fortunate. It jostled off its saucer and fell down to the sand. Luckily it didn’t break. Shelby breathed a sigh of relief as she picked it up.
The dog trotted quickly down the sandy path that ran in front of the guest huts, around the corner of the last one, and disappeared. Shelby walked more slowly, cups and saucers rattling. Before she turned into the dining area, she stopped for a second to take a deep breath of her favorite scent, the salty tang of the sea.
She continued into the open-air dining room. One of the things she loved about this dive resort she and Jesse called home was eating meals with a view of the Sulu Sea. She stepped around two women sitting at a table close to the sand. The women were talking and drinking coffee, with piles of packages spread around them — on the table, on some chairs, on the floor. One of them looked up and said, “G’day.” Shelby recognized her as a fellow guest she’d noticed the day before. She was impossible to miss. She was dressed like a Nordstrom ad for Resort Wear, with a bright strapless Hawaiian print dress, straw-colored hair, loads of makeup, and a huge rock of a ring on her left hand.
“Hi! What are all these?” Shelby asked as she passed, motioning with one of her cups and saucers to the packages.
“I’ve ordered a few lovely native artifacts to take back home with us. I’m Corine, by the way,” Resort Wear woman said. “They are from her shop.” She gestured toward the other woman, a sporty young Filipino wearing no-nonsense nylon shorts and a cotton t-shirt emblazoned with a basketball team logo.
“Hi, I’m Lilla,” the shop owner said, nodding at Shelby.
“Nice to meet you both,” Shelby said, smiling. “I’d love to see your shop sometime.”
Corine spoke up, “Of course, you know the shop carries only the highest quality, most authentic artifacts on this island. I’m very careful in my shopping. Our friends back home wait breathlessly to see what we bring back from our many trips. We were just having a little discussion here about my standards in shopping.”
Shelby raised her eyebrows. “Oh, really? That’s good.” She glanced over at the shop owner in time to see a slight rolling of her eyes. “Okay, well, I’ve got to get these cups to the kitchen. See you later,” Shelby said, turning and walking away. That woman is a bit full of herself, she thought, shaking her head.
As she approached the kitchen in back, she heard voices. One, in particular, caught her attention. A woman’s voice, speaking English. Loudly. Shelby stopped at the broad doorway to the kitchen. Her eyes widened in amazement at the sight before her.
There, standing at a counter with her back to Shelby, stood a woman she hadn’t seen before. The woman was talking, waving a spatula in the air with her left hand while jabbing the pointer finger of her other hand at a cutting board. Her slight frame was engulfed in a long red and white striped apron, beneath which peeked a pair of steep espadrille sandals. To top off the look, short black hair spiked alarmingly over a red and white headband.
“You really need to slice the ginger like this.” She held her finger and thumb close together. “Very thin. Thin as a dime. You know dime? That’s a very thin coin we have back in the U.S.”
Shelby bit her lip to suppress a shocked laugh. Who was this rude person and what was she doing here?
The rude person was talking to a woman who leaned nonchalantly against the counter, no expression on her face, eyes hooded. Shelby recognized her as the resort cook, Dulce, a soft-figured middle-aged Filipina woman. She wondered what the older woman was thinking, being addressed like that. And she wasn’t sure what to do with her coffee cups now. She really didn’t want to get on the radar of this fast-talking, red-and-white apparition.
Just as Shelby started to back away from the doorway, Dulce noticed her. “Shelby! Hello.” Dulce’s eyes lit up. She straightened and came toward her to collect the cups.
Before Shelby could return her greeting, the red-and-white woman had turned and was waving her spatula at her. “Oh, you are Shelby! Yes, I’ve heard about you. You are staying here for a long time. Yes, I know all about you,” the woman said.
“Hi,” Shelby said, blinking.
“I’m Marlena. I bake here on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.” She lowered her spatula to her side.
When the woman’s potential weapon came down, Shelby relaxed a little bit. She noticed that Dulce took the opportunity to head to the opposite end of the room and clatter around at the kitchen sink, her back to Marlena.
Then Shelby found that Marlena had stepped closer to her and was staring into her face.
Shelby stood still, eyes wide. It was a little too close for comfort. What kind of a crazy person was this?
Marlena’s spatula came up again, and she waved it at Shelby. “Wait a minute. Wait a minute. I’m very intuitive. I can look at someone once and know everything about them. Wait a minute. I need to absorb your vibe.”
Marlena was nodding her head, eyeing Shelby. “Yes. Yes. Your story is coming to me. Let me tell you what I see in you. I’m good at this.”
Shelby felt like she had a part in a movie but hadn’t read the script. Her eyes darted around the kitchen then back to Marlena. Was she safe here? She was gobsmacked by this woman. “Okay …” Shelby said hesitantly.
“I can see that you are a beautiful young woman,” Marlena dived in. “Well, not as beautiful as my Kassie, but you can’t help that. She’s mestiza, the best of Asia and American combined. All pure Americans, like you, look washed out,” Marlena huffed. “But never mind. As I said, that’s not your fault. You can’t help that’s who you are. But I can sense that you are sad. You are running away from home. You are lonely and unhappy.” Marlena tipped her head and stared into Shelby’s eyes.
Reviews coming in about Danger at the Dive Shack --
"This book cannot be put down! It's an on-the-edge-of-your-seat whodunnit! A fast paced murder mystery with lots of suspects. Beautiful descriptions of Palawan are included as well as some yummy recipes. Great story and a must read!"
"Charming, light murder mystery that takes your stresses away. . ."
"I can't wait to make the food from the recipes discussed and shared in the book!! (She had me at garlic....)"
https://books2read.com/DangerAtTheDiv...
https://amzn.to/2ELt49I
https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Dive-Sh...
February 23, 2020
Jesse & Shelby have returned to Palawan for two years so that he can work on his PhD dissertation, but that leaves Shelby at loose ends. As the adventure unfolds, maybe that's a good thing?
When one of their fellow guests at the resort dies unexpectedly, suspicions light first on the baker when the victim's husband accuses her cashew pie of being the culprit. But as others of her friends start coming under suspicion as well, Shelby does some investigating of her own.
This extremely entertaining tale, set on the beautiful island of Palawan in the Philippines has it all. Engaging characters that lend a touch of humour while they draw you into the unraveling tale. Beautiful scenery, puppies and kittens, and a fast moving story line all conspire to make you forget everything else you need to do until the story has reached its not quite unexpected conclusion.
My first Donna Amis Davis book, it definitely won't be my last. I'm looking forward to more about Jesse, Shelby, and all the Palawan crew too. Make sure to check it out!
[I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and am leaving an honest review of the book. The opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]
When one of their fellow guests at the resort dies unexpectedly, suspicions light first on the baker when the victim's husband accuses her cashew pie of being the culprit. But as others of her friends start coming under suspicion as well, Shelby does some investigating of her own.
This extremely entertaining tale, set on the beautiful island of Palawan in the Philippines has it all. Engaging characters that lend a touch of humour while they draw you into the unraveling tale. Beautiful scenery, puppies and kittens, and a fast moving story line all conspire to make you forget everything else you need to do until the story has reached its not quite unexpected conclusion.
My first Donna Amis Davis book, it definitely won't be my last. I'm looking forward to more about Jesse, Shelby, and all the Palawan crew too. Make sure to check it out!
[I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and am leaving an honest review of the book. The opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]
June 5, 2019
Shelby and her husband Jesse are back to the islands and living for the next two years at a dive resort. Jesse is delving into research for his dissertation and Shelby is trying to figure out what to do to pass the time. One morning Shelby meets a few interesting characters; a tourist that seems to flaunt her wealth and offend everyone she meets, an eccentric and colorful baker that plans on finding Shelby some friends, a dive captain that is a man of few words, a shop owner of native wares, and a beach dog that moves right in. When the tourist ends up dead and fingers point to the baker’s cashew pie as the weapon, Shelby decides to stick her nose into the case.
This is a perfect little cozy with a nice mix of humor, quirky characters, madcap adventure, and a mystery filled with plenty of twists and turns.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a perfect little cozy with a nice mix of humor, quirky characters, madcap adventure, and a mystery filled with plenty of twists and turns.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2019
How lovely to have a mystery set in a location that's seldom (if ever) used! This story was not perfect, but it was entertaining. While I look forward to meeting the heroine again, some of the others didn't have the same charm. As an introduction to a series, it was nicely balanced between story and setting up the main characters for the rest of the run.
July 18, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. It has interesting characters and a good foundation to build future stories on. I loved the main characters and can’t wait to read more about them in the future.
April 13, 2020
A wonderful read! Intriguing plot line and lovable characters.
November 22, 2019
Great story.....
I've enjoyed reading this story, Danger at the Dive Shack, the book was fun ion read. The characters had an adventure trying to find out who committed the crimes.
I've enjoyed reading this story, Danger at the Dive Shack, the book was fun ion read. The characters had an adventure trying to find out who committed the crimes.
June 20, 2019
This is an awesome cozy mystery with great characters and a great plot that is interesting throughout the book. I read this book very quickly as I could not put it down. I highly recommend this story.
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.
April 30, 2019
This is a very nice cozy mystery. The characters are engaging and some are downright quirky. The setting is nice and well described. The accusations are flying and almost everyone is a suspect. But our heroine, hero and fuzzy hero saves the day. Very cute and I will likely read more in the series.
April 7, 2019
Clean, light cozy read. I'm giving this book a 3.5 rating.
The bulk of the novel centers on Shelby, the main character and amateur sleuth, getting familiar with her new environment and the locals who live there, building friendships, settling into this new home she's creating with her husband, Jesse, and beginning to decide what she wants to do with her time on the island.
The characters are engaging and quirky and fun. The descriptions of the various locations around town and along the beach are beautifully, lyrically written.
Is there a death? Yes, two in fact. Are there suspects? Yes, sort of. Rumors are rampant around town naming several suspects but only one had a plausible motive. The mystery itself is pretty straightforward and there is very little misdirection, with the exception of a lot of rumors.
Here is where I found it difficult to rate this book... The author's writing style is engaging, her characters are entertaining and compliment each other well- even the animals have personality- and the location is lovely and beautifully detailed. Those elements taken alone I would rate at a 4, maybe 4.5, but as
a mystery, it is a 2 due to a lack of complexity and misdirection within the mystery plot. Though I knew who the murderer would be very early in the story, I found myself fully engaged, never bored, through the entirety of the book.
All in all, an engaging and enjoyable read. If you like clean, quick mysteries with entertaining characters, intriguing interactions and have minimal violence, you will enjoy this novel.
The bulk of the novel centers on Shelby, the main character and amateur sleuth, getting familiar with her new environment and the locals who live there, building friendships, settling into this new home she's creating with her husband, Jesse, and beginning to decide what she wants to do with her time on the island.
The characters are engaging and quirky and fun. The descriptions of the various locations around town and along the beach are beautifully, lyrically written.
Is there a death? Yes, two in fact. Are there suspects? Yes, sort of. Rumors are rampant around town naming several suspects but only one had a plausible motive. The mystery itself is pretty straightforward and there is very little misdirection, with the exception of a lot of rumors.
Here is where I found it difficult to rate this book... The author's writing style is engaging, her characters are entertaining and compliment each other well- even the animals have personality- and the location is lovely and beautifully detailed. Those elements taken alone I would rate at a 4, maybe 4.5, but as
a mystery, it is a 2 due to a lack of complexity and misdirection within the mystery plot. Though I knew who the murderer would be very early in the story, I found myself fully engaged, never bored, through the entirety of the book.
All in all, an engaging and enjoyable read. If you like clean, quick mysteries with entertaining characters, intriguing interactions and have minimal violence, you will enjoy this novel.
June 13, 2021
Shelby's to quick to blame, not investigate
I felt like in Shelby's haste to solve the murder she was finding too many suspects that weren't involved. And somebody rescue that poor kitten and get him some kitty pate. I have four eight week old kittens and they don't eat rice unless it has Salmon in it. FYI, most cats can't tolerate cows milk. I know, the whole kitten thing really messed up the whole story for me. My place is a safe haven for cats. Shelby has a computer and didn't use it to research anything. Not what to feed her kitten or Mark or Wyatt's business. She needs help to learn how to investigate her suspects. I didn't love this book, maybe the next one.
I felt like in Shelby's haste to solve the murder she was finding too many suspects that weren't involved. And somebody rescue that poor kitten and get him some kitty pate. I have four eight week old kittens and they don't eat rice unless it has Salmon in it. FYI, most cats can't tolerate cows milk. I know, the whole kitten thing really messed up the whole story for me. My place is a safe haven for cats. Shelby has a computer and didn't use it to research anything. Not what to feed her kitten or Mark or Wyatt's business. She needs help to learn how to investigate her suspects. I didn't love this book, maybe the next one.
February 27, 2020
This was a really nice read. I loved it.
April 9, 2019
This book cannot be put down! It's an on-the-edge-of-your-seat whodunnit! A fast paced murder mystery with lots of suspects. Beautiful descriptions of Palawan are included as well as some yummy recipes. Great story and a must read!
April 14, 2020
Danger At The Dive Shack by Donna Amis Davis
Shelby & Jesse are living the life of their dreams in a resort called The Sydney Dive Resort on Palawan near Santa Lucia in the Philippines surrounded by the beautiful views and enjoying the sun.They had met here on Palawan 7 years before when Shelby was doing research for the Tropical Seas Project and Jesse was taking a break after earning his Master's Degree in history. Two years later they were married and returned to Palawan for their honeymoon where they stayed at The Sydney. They enjoyed it so much that they were determined to come back. Now, Jesse is doing research for his dissertation for his Ph.D, which concerns Palawan's role in World War II, and Shelby is looking for a way to keep busy while he will be away most of the day working. They plan to be on the island for about 2 years, which is just fine with them.
They are meeting so many new friends and some that are not so nice. But it is only when one of those not so nice people ends up dead that Shelby finds a way to use her free time to help the police and protect her new friends by looking for the murderer among them.
The characters in this book are what make it so special. Marlena, the baker, and her daughter Kassie, Dulce, the cook, Jego the boatman who takes guests on dives; they are all unique and wonderful.. I enjoyed this mystery very much and I am looking forward to reading the further adventures of Shelby and Jesse as the series continues. I received this book free as part of a promotion but the review is honestly mine. I hope you enjoy your time on Palawan as much as I did. Enjoy!
Shelby & Jesse are living the life of their dreams in a resort called The Sydney Dive Resort on Palawan near Santa Lucia in the Philippines surrounded by the beautiful views and enjoying the sun.They had met here on Palawan 7 years before when Shelby was doing research for the Tropical Seas Project and Jesse was taking a break after earning his Master's Degree in history. Two years later they were married and returned to Palawan for their honeymoon where they stayed at The Sydney. They enjoyed it so much that they were determined to come back. Now, Jesse is doing research for his dissertation for his Ph.D, which concerns Palawan's role in World War II, and Shelby is looking for a way to keep busy while he will be away most of the day working. They plan to be on the island for about 2 years, which is just fine with them.
They are meeting so many new friends and some that are not so nice. But it is only when one of those not so nice people ends up dead that Shelby finds a way to use her free time to help the police and protect her new friends by looking for the murderer among them.
The characters in this book are what make it so special. Marlena, the baker, and her daughter Kassie, Dulce, the cook, Jego the boatman who takes guests on dives; they are all unique and wonderful.. I enjoyed this mystery very much and I am looking forward to reading the further adventures of Shelby and Jesse as the series continues. I received this book free as part of a promotion but the review is honestly mine. I hope you enjoy your time on Palawan as much as I did. Enjoy!
February 27, 2020
Shelby and her husband, Jesse, have returned to Palawan in the Philippines and are staying at the Sydney Dive Shack Resort. Unfortunately, thanks to one very rude lady, their stay is not as quiet and restful as one would hope. Corine Evan is a very loud and obnoxious lady. She has a habit of rubbing everybody the wrong way and making enemies.
Corine dies while on a diving expedition with her husband, Wyatt and his business partner, Mark Jordan. Wyatt maintains that his wife choked to death on cashew pie, made by the Dive Shack's baker, Marlena. There are plenty of suspects, with almost everybody that Corine insulted accused by somebody, in an effort to deflect attention. In an attempt to prove Marlena's innocence, Shelby starts asking questions all around the area.
Was Corine's death an accident or murder? If murder, who killed her? Can Shelby figure out the mystery?
Donna Davis has a well-written story with interesting characters. The situations are realistic and story reminds you of a Columbo mystery, where How to prove the guilt is more challenging than figuring out who did it.
Corine dies while on a diving expedition with her husband, Wyatt and his business partner, Mark Jordan. Wyatt maintains that his wife choked to death on cashew pie, made by the Dive Shack's baker, Marlena. There are plenty of suspects, with almost everybody that Corine insulted accused by somebody, in an effort to deflect attention. In an attempt to prove Marlena's innocence, Shelby starts asking questions all around the area.
Was Corine's death an accident or murder? If murder, who killed her? Can Shelby figure out the mystery?
Donna Davis has a well-written story with interesting characters. The situations are realistic and story reminds you of a Columbo mystery, where How to prove the guilt is more challenging than figuring out who did it.
July 2, 2019
On the Island of Palawan in the Philippines, Jesse and Shelby were staying at a dive resort right on the coast while Jesse was doing research on WWII. With the beach and the sun things were peaceful, just as they had been the last time they were there. They were starting to make friends and things were going well until a woman staying at the resort dies during a dive. Accusations of murder arise and one of the suspects is a new friend. Shelby begins to investigate.
This is a cozy mystery set in a unique setting. The narrative does a good job of describing the scenery and the customs of the island they are staying on. The dialogue is interesting because of the language barrier and the phases they use. The characters were interesting and colourful. I enjoyed the mystery and the unique way the clues were obtained. It is a good cozy mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a cozy mystery set in a unique setting. The narrative does a good job of describing the scenery and the customs of the island they are staying on. The dialogue is interesting because of the language barrier and the phases they use. The characters were interesting and colourful. I enjoyed the mystery and the unique way the clues were obtained. It is a good cozy mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2021
I loved that this story was set in the Philippines, and that Shelby, the lead character, is a certified diver. I just wished she'd actually had an opportunity to dive and/or teach (maybe she'll do that in future books).
I admit, I have a love/hate relationship with cozies. I've read a few cozies that make Nancy Drew look hardboiled. Fortunately, this isn't one of them. I liked that Shelby more than wondered who the killer was - she actually questioned suspects. My only complaint is that she became a bit airheaded and a damsel-in-distress towards the end. I liked it enough to be interested in reading more of this series. I hope Shelby will become more comfortable solving murders, and gets to use her diving expertise.
I admit, I have a love/hate relationship with cozies. I've read a few cozies that make Nancy Drew look hardboiled. Fortunately, this isn't one of them. I liked that Shelby more than wondered who the killer was - she actually questioned suspects. My only complaint is that she became a bit airheaded and a damsel-in-distress towards the end. I liked it enough to be interested in reading more of this series. I hope Shelby will become more comfortable solving murders, and gets to use her diving expertise.
March 3, 2020
If you like a short cute mystery story then this one is for you! You have a young couple living on a island in a resort with weird guest and a whacky staff! This quiet couple finds themselves involved in a murder and All they did was go to a dinner! You will enjoy how they don't want to get involved and then they are right in the middle of who would do this? If you like mystery, who did it and a fast read,then this is your book! I read it in two days and you will fall in love with this author's style of writing and you will enjoy these crazy whacky personalities that live and work at this Dive Shack Resort!!
October 5, 2021
Danger at the Dive Shack (Dive Shack Mysteries, #1), my first read from author Donna Amis Davis and the first book in her Dive Shack Mysteries. A well-written cozy mystery with unexpected twists throughout. So enjoyable I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Just an enjoyable afternoon read. I look forward to my next read from this author. “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I got this book back in March of this year & lost track of it until now with all that's going on with Covid & all. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
March 17, 2021
Shelby and Jesse met and honeymooned on this small Philipine island and this series of books shows us an area no one else does. When a guest dies after a diving trip the resort baker is actually accused by the husband of poisoning her with her baking! Shelby has time on her hands so she investigates and you will enjoy the trip with her. Marlene comes off as grumpy but she's a great baker and you get her recipes at the end.
I admit I am an advance reader for this series but so enjoyed it I have no qualms recommending it. Meanwhile, I'm off to read the next one.
I admit I am an advance reader for this series but so enjoyed it I have no qualms recommending it. Meanwhile, I'm off to read the next one.
October 6, 2019
A quick read with a story that was different than most Cozy. (which I love to read). The story line was different even though it had no real suspense and not all that much mystery is was a very pleasant read. The characters were interesting and had interesting jobs in a great location. A very disliked woman died after going on a deep ocean dive. Experienced. On a trip with her husband and business employee.
December 8, 2019
An Island Paradise Murder Mystery
Plenty of suspects when a horrible woman tourist dies suddenly. Then the business partner of her husband is killed by stabbing on a little -used road. Shelby and Jesse are there for him to work on his thesis. Shelby wants to clear her new friends and asks too many questions, so the killer decides she has to go. She meets some interesting people on her quest, and makes this an interesting story.
Plenty of suspects when a horrible woman tourist dies suddenly. Then the business partner of her husband is killed by stabbing on a little -used road. Shelby and Jesse are there for him to work on his thesis. Shelby wants to clear her new friends and asks too many questions, so the killer decides she has to go. She meets some interesting people on her quest, and makes this an interesting story.
February 7, 2020
Shelby and Jesse honeymooned at this resort and when Jesse needed to do research for his PhD, they returned on a long term basis. Shelby encounters a very disagreeable woman who later turns up dead. Her husband is accusing several different people of murdering her. Shelby and her friends decide to dispel the accusations and determine who the murderer is. This is an easily read story and I think it's best suited to young readers.
April 1, 2020
This is book 1 in The Dive Shack Mysteries series. This book really sets the stage for our intrepid heroine. It’s a sweet cozy mystery that includes a nasty tourist, a loud but lovable baker, a sweetheart who is all caught up in his research and our lovely heroine, Shelby.
This is an easy read, with lovable characters, beautiful settings, and a murder to solve. It works as a stand-alone and the icing on the cake? There are recipes included.
This is an easy read, with lovable characters, beautiful settings, and a murder to solve. It works as a stand-alone and the icing on the cake? There are recipes included.
November 1, 2020
This book had all of the ingredients for success but they never quite came together. The author thanked her proof readers but I want to know how they missed a passage where the person with the knife was called by the name of his previous victim. I know this is a bit cryptic but I am trying not to spoil the story for anyone who happens to read it. Although it is obvious from the outset who the murderer is.
June 19, 2023
I received this book as a freebie in return for an honest review.
I enjoyed this laid back story. It wasn't a story heavy on clues, but it was an enjoyable read all the same. What's not to like where a story is set on a beach, and there's lots of food to hunger over. This story was set in the Phillipines, which was a nice change from the usual touristy places written about. All in all it was a nice quick read. Hope there's more to come.
I enjoyed this laid back story. It wasn't a story heavy on clues, but it was an enjoyable read all the same. What's not to like where a story is set on a beach, and there's lots of food to hunger over. This story was set in the Phillipines, which was a nice change from the usual touristy places written about. All in all it was a nice quick read. Hope there's more to come.
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