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A Palmchat Islands Mystery #.5
The Bloodstained Bride
THE BLOODSTAINED BRIDE is a prequel novel in Rachel Woods’ popular Palmchat Island Mystery series but can be read as a standalone.
A thrilling mystery that will keep you up all night, turning pages until you reach the mind-blowing ending.
During a couple’s tropical sunset nuptials, a beautiful bride is shot dead—right before she says “I do.” Days later, the police make a shocking arrest.
The groom is accused of hiring a hitman to kill his fiancée.
Shocked and enraged by his arrest, the groom turns to his old friend, journalist Leo Bronson and Leo’s wife, Vivian, to help him prove his innocence. But, there’s a problem. Leo thinks the groom is guilty.
For the sake of friendship, Leo is willing to give the groom the benefit of the doubt—this is, until he learns that the groom stood to benefit financially from his fiancée’s death. As evidence piles up against the groom, Vivian learns that the bride was keeping dangerous secrets of her own.
Did the bride’s hidden agenda get her killed? Or, did the groom’s shady dealings lead to his fiancée’s demise?
As Vivian and Leo search for the truth, they discover that sins committed long ago may have put the bride in the crosshairs of a killer desperate to make sure the past stays buried. The married journalists are experts at uncovering secrets, but exposing them could prove deadly.
- GenresMystery
346 pages, Paperback
Published February 27, 2019
579 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 26, 2019
I always appreciate a “Who Did It” book that keeps me guessing. This story did just that with an intriguing plot and a major turn of events.
Leo and Vivian Bronson are now happily married journalists that get pulled into a murder mystery. Leo’s frenemy Derek is getting married to Besi, another old friend of Leo’s. Leo wants nothing to do with Derek but with the wedding being held on the Bronson estate, it’s hard for Leo not to cave to his dad’s insistence.
Instead of a glorious event, the very wealthy bride is murdered before the ceremony is over. Leo thinks his friend is guilty of arranging Besi to be killed. Vivian and Leo’s dad do not agree. As Investigator Journalists, Leo and Vivian start their investigation of the murder or rather murders. Their investigation turns more complicated as the cast of seedy characters grows and more secrets are revealed. The biggest reveal came as a complete shock to me.
I would have scored this book with 4.5 Stars, but inconsistency regarding Besi’s mother, Adrienne Beaumont, decreased my rating. In Chapter 51, it states “ Mama didn’t have any money. That’s why she married daddy.” Then in the Epilogue, it states, “ but Adrienne Beaumont came from money”. It’s a major pet peeve of mine when an author can’t keep her own story straight.
Leo and Vivian Bronson are now happily married journalists that get pulled into a murder mystery. Leo’s frenemy Derek is getting married to Besi, another old friend of Leo’s. Leo wants nothing to do with Derek but with the wedding being held on the Bronson estate, it’s hard for Leo not to cave to his dad’s insistence.
Instead of a glorious event, the very wealthy bride is murdered before the ceremony is over. Leo thinks his friend is guilty of arranging Besi to be killed. Vivian and Leo’s dad do not agree. As Investigator Journalists, Leo and Vivian start their investigation of the murder or rather murders. Their investigation turns more complicated as the cast of seedy characters grows and more secrets are revealed. The biggest reveal came as a complete shock to me.
I would have scored this book with 4.5 Stars, but inconsistency regarding Besi’s mother, Adrienne Beaumont, decreased my rating. In Chapter 51, it states “ Mama didn’t have any money. That’s why she married daddy.” Then in the Epilogue, it states, “ but Adrienne Beaumont came from money”. It’s a major pet peeve of mine when an author can’t keep her own story straight.
April 6, 2019
The Bloodstained Bride - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Rachel Woods' Palmchat Islands Mystery series keeps getting better and better, as proved with Book 4, the latest in the series, The Bloodstained Bride.
With an opening scene straight out of Kill Bill, the eponymous Bride is shot during her wedding by a seriously disturbed individual, who then disappears as if they never existed, leaving only a single clue to show where the fatal shot came from.
Before long, we learn of the antagonistic dynamics between participants in the wedding group and families of the 'happy couple'. These are soon confused with a number of potential murderers, all but one of whom will turn out to be red herrings that investigative duo - husband and wife team Vivian and Leo - will have to sieve and separate from the incredible truth.
Don't miss this amazing crime thriller - it's sure to be a 5-star winner that will sell out fast!
Rachel Woods' Palmchat Islands Mystery series keeps getting better and better, as proved with Book 4, the latest in the series, The Bloodstained Bride.
With an opening scene straight out of Kill Bill, the eponymous Bride is shot during her wedding by a seriously disturbed individual, who then disappears as if they never existed, leaving only a single clue to show where the fatal shot came from.
Before long, we learn of the antagonistic dynamics between participants in the wedding group and families of the 'happy couple'. These are soon confused with a number of potential murderers, all but one of whom will turn out to be red herrings that investigative duo - husband and wife team Vivian and Leo - will have to sieve and separate from the incredible truth.
Don't miss this amazing crime thriller - it's sure to be a 5-star winner that will sell out fast!
April 27, 2019
This is book four of the Palmchat Islands Mystery series and is a prequel tale of the series following Leo and his new wife Vivian, as they look after Leo’s dad’s, Burt, newspaper empire and the Palmchat Gazette following a heart attack just over a year ago. Leo is more used to working in the danger zones of Africa and Viv as an investigative reporter, but now Leo is chomping at the bit having to do a mainly admin role and run the newspaper empire. Burt has agreed to allow his godson, Derek, to have his wedding at his home on the island and Leo is not best pleased.
Derek and Leo have a long history of misadventure, since their school days and Leo blames Derek for most of the trouble he got into. He hasn’t had any contact with him for years, but has to give in to his dad’s request. Derek is due to marry Besi, a multi- millionaire heiress. Some think he is doing it for the money as he has a serious gambling issue and his father has disowned him. The rest of the wedding party are also put up at Burt’s home and include lots of old school mates who were all born into very rich families, bar one.
On the day of the wedding, just before the bride says ‘I do’, the bride is shot dead at the beach side ceremony. Within days, the groom, Derek, is arrested and accused of hiring someone to shoot his wife to be. Leo, due to his lack of faith in Derek from previous experiences, believes he is guilty, yet Viv doesn’t agree. This puts a strain on their relationship, but Burt has the final word, when he requests them to investigate and prove Derek’s innocence.
There are lots of others who could be guilty of the murder and have reasons to want Besi or Derek dead. The target may not be the one who died! There were other people outside of the small wedding party that are also somehow connected to what happened. It seems that the killing hasn’t ended either. Who was due to benefit the most from Besi’s death, as she was a single child and her mother is dead and her father nearly there too. Matters from the brides past come out in the book and throw a few curve balls into the mix. Leo and Viv get themselves into a spot of danger as they keep poking their noses into the couple’s relationship history and family past.
Someone it seems wants the past kept hidden, but who that is, you need to read the book to find out. Another great, easy read about the Islands, the newspaper goings-on of the Palmchat Gazette and the lives of Leo and Viv. You get to see quite a lot about investigations, combined with close links to the police, yet with matters kept close to the chest. All mixed with a group of people, with secrets and shared pasts, at what should have been a joyous event. A lot of surprise twists, but also a few that I figured out early on. The final twist, I definitely didn’t see, which is what makes a great mystery! I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely give my own opinion of the book above.
Derek and Leo have a long history of misadventure, since their school days and Leo blames Derek for most of the trouble he got into. He hasn’t had any contact with him for years, but has to give in to his dad’s request. Derek is due to marry Besi, a multi- millionaire heiress. Some think he is doing it for the money as he has a serious gambling issue and his father has disowned him. The rest of the wedding party are also put up at Burt’s home and include lots of old school mates who were all born into very rich families, bar one.
On the day of the wedding, just before the bride says ‘I do’, the bride is shot dead at the beach side ceremony. Within days, the groom, Derek, is arrested and accused of hiring someone to shoot his wife to be. Leo, due to his lack of faith in Derek from previous experiences, believes he is guilty, yet Viv doesn’t agree. This puts a strain on their relationship, but Burt has the final word, when he requests them to investigate and prove Derek’s innocence.
There are lots of others who could be guilty of the murder and have reasons to want Besi or Derek dead. The target may not be the one who died! There were other people outside of the small wedding party that are also somehow connected to what happened. It seems that the killing hasn’t ended either. Who was due to benefit the most from Besi’s death, as she was a single child and her mother is dead and her father nearly there too. Matters from the brides past come out in the book and throw a few curve balls into the mix. Leo and Viv get themselves into a spot of danger as they keep poking their noses into the couple’s relationship history and family past.
Someone it seems wants the past kept hidden, but who that is, you need to read the book to find out. Another great, easy read about the Islands, the newspaper goings-on of the Palmchat Gazette and the lives of Leo and Viv. You get to see quite a lot about investigations, combined with close links to the police, yet with matters kept close to the chest. All mixed with a group of people, with secrets and shared pasts, at what should have been a joyous event. A lot of surprise twists, but also a few that I figured out early on. The final twist, I definitely didn’t see, which is what makes a great mystery! I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely give my own opinion of the book above.
April 30, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of " THE BLOODSTAINED BRIDE" OMG!!!!!! What a mindblowing intense who done it thrilling crime thriller that kept you on the edge of you seat with so many twists you could stop turning tbe pages.
WOW!!!! This story had it all its full of suspense, murder, secrets, lies, kidnapping, so many suspects who did the deed it's a must have read you don't want to miss a bride murdered on her wedding day and one shocking ending.
I definitely recommend to get this book it's addicting thrilling, interesting, entertaing characters that bring this amazing story to life Rachel Woods did an awesome job writing this story it won't disappoint.
WOW!!!! This story had it all its full of suspense, murder, secrets, lies, kidnapping, so many suspects who did the deed it's a must have read you don't want to miss a bride murdered on her wedding day and one shocking ending.
I definitely recommend to get this book it's addicting thrilling, interesting, entertaing characters that bring this amazing story to life Rachel Woods did an awesome job writing this story it won't disappoint.
May 5, 2019
A novel for the Palmchat Island Series. Apparently the 4th one. I’ll have to go and read the other 3.
Investigative reporter Husband and wife duo, Leo and Vivian, must try to solve the shooting of Leo’s childhood friend, at her wedding. There are some pretty shady characters and suspects amongst the wedding party as well as other parties on the island. Some possible blackmail and secrets and lies that just keep piling up. Has some devious plot twists and turns, you don’t always see coming. An Edgy and action packed who dunnit! A huge cast of characters. A great and easy read. I highly recommend this duos teamwork and look forward to reading more about them
Investigative reporter Husband and wife duo, Leo and Vivian, must try to solve the shooting of Leo’s childhood friend, at her wedding. There are some pretty shady characters and suspects amongst the wedding party as well as other parties on the island. Some possible blackmail and secrets and lies that just keep piling up. Has some devious plot twists and turns, you don’t always see coming. An Edgy and action packed who dunnit! A huge cast of characters. A great and easy read. I highly recommend this duos teamwork and look forward to reading more about them
April 26, 2019
This fourth book in the Palmchat Islands Mystery series by Rachel Woods was a very entertaining thrill ride as detectives as well as Leo and Vivian work to solve what turns out to be multiple murders. The author definitely keeps the reader guessing as each page is turned, until the completely unexpected revealing ending, which of course, wiped out what this reader had predicted as the culprit. For mystery solving readers, this book should be at the top of your reading list. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems Books.
April 28, 2019
When a bride to be is shot and killed before she can recite her wedding vows, the police think it was the groom who had her killed. He, in turn, hires his friend Leo Bronson and his wife Vivian to find out who killed his bride. As the journalists dig deeper into the bride's past, there could be someone else out there that wanted her dead. Can they prove whom that person was without being killed themselves? You will have to read the book to find out. I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
March 23, 2019
This latest Palmchat Islands Mystery is a great read, full of intrigue and (unsurprisingly!) mystery. While some elements were guessable, there were lots of twists that were surprises - including the last big one! So if you like a good mystery story, I'd definitely recommend reading this book today.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
June 1, 2022
Kept me Turning the Page
The story was interesting and had a good conclusion. The was some language that turned me off but overall I did enjoy the story. I think the main characters, Leo and Vivian were likable. Some off the supporting characters were blah but not enough to make me stop reading.
Not sure I will read others in the series but I did enjoy this one time read.
The story was interesting and had a good conclusion. The was some language that turned me off but overall I did enjoy the story. I think the main characters, Leo and Vivian were likable. Some off the supporting characters were blah but not enough to make me stop reading.
Not sure I will read others in the series but I did enjoy this one time read.
March 26, 2019
Derek and Besi get married. Besi is murdered. There is a lot of investigating the people closest to Besi. It looks like they found the murderer, but it turns out it is a frame up. This will keep you guessing and keep reading. Another page turner.
March 27, 2019
Wow excellent book
Vivian and Leo working together with their solve murder skills again. Leo's father Burt continues to put pressure on his son. This story has lots of turns a d twists. This author is so talented
Vivian and Leo working together with their solve murder skills again. Leo's father Burt continues to put pressure on his son. This story has lots of turns a d twists. This author is so talented
January 24, 2020
Intriguing but never round out who they murder was a d already into a new story about someone else who has disappeared. Good but don't like story's that you don't get an e nding
I would like everyone to read this book a d then post who they thought they killer is or was!so
I would like everyone to read this book a d then post who they thought they killer is or was!so
May 28, 2022
Really a 2.5. Some Annoying Characters and a really convoluted plot that challenged one’s continuing sense of disbelief. I would recommend giving this one a pass…unless you are trapped and it is all that is available.
June 2, 2022
Good fast paced read!
Lots of twists and turns in this read and a lot of characters to keep up with so pay attention.. Coup!e of surprises you won't expect just to make it more interesting!
Lots of twists and turns in this read and a lot of characters to keep up with so pay attention.. Coup!e of surprises you won't expect just to make it more interesting!
October 25, 2022
Intriguing
I can't wait to read more of the Palmchat Islands books!
Terrific writing keeps you guessing until the very end.
The two main characters, Vivian and Leo have delightful dialogue.
I can't wait to read more of the Palmchat Islands books!
Terrific writing keeps you guessing until the very end.
The two main characters, Vivian and Leo have delightful dialogue.
April 9, 2023
A very good mystery.
As I read the book it had me guessing who done it. I must say the story was well plotted. I love the ending so unexpected I would have never guess it. Great job to the Author well written.
As I read the book it had me guessing who done it. I must say the story was well plotted. I love the ending so unexpected I would have never guess it. Great job to the Author well written.
April 7, 2019
The storyline was good, pretty good mystery, however, the writing was simple and at the beginning somewhat childlike.
June 2, 2022
compiling mystery
Holds your attention right to the last chapter. Well written and easy to follow surprising ending that keeps you interested to the very end.
Holds your attention right to the last chapter. Well written and easy to follow surprising ending that keeps you interested to the very end.
June 4, 2022
Too Much!
Too many characters. Too many minute details. Too hard to keep up with the flow of the story. Does not make for leisurely reading.
Too many characters. Too many minute details. Too hard to keep up with the flow of the story. Does not make for leisurely reading.
July 15, 2022
Good
The story was good, but very confusing at times. Too many people had too many motives. The characters and scenes are
well described.
The story was good, but very confusing at times. Too many people had too many motives. The characters and scenes are
well described.
July 23, 2022
Oh,wow
This was going to be four stars, but I never saw this ending coming! Quite a page turner ! This book didn't disappoint.
This was going to be four stars, but I never saw this ending coming! Quite a page turner ! This book didn't disappoint.
July 30, 2022
A little confusing at first and then I got into the story and was very invested in it. Great story line.
August 11, 2022
Was good
Found it very riveting. The storyline and the characters kept me guessing and totally hooked.I couldn't wait to get to the end
Found it very riveting. The storyline and the characters kept me guessing and totally hooked.I couldn't wait to get to the end
February 27, 2023
Boring
It was ok, but had to really focus to complete the book. Glad it was short. Will probably not continue to read other books in the series.
It was ok, but had to really focus to complete the book. Glad it was short. Will probably not continue to read other books in the series.
June 14, 2024
Great mystery
This story was sometimes a little hard to follow. It got confusing who was who. The lies the wealthy tell to maintain their wealth. It still was a good read!
This story was sometimes a little hard to follow. It got confusing who was who. The lies the wealthy tell to maintain their wealth. It still was a good read!
August 15, 2021
Loved this book with its surprise twist.
May 4, 2019
A bride, Besi, is murdered just as I do's are about to be spoken. The groom, being suspect number one. To clear his name and find the killer of his now deceased bride to be, the groom contacts an old friend & journalist, Leo and his wife Vivian. The story had good characters & story development although it was a bit wordy. This was a good mystery, but not necessarily suspenseful or romantic. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review, which I give voluntarily.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review, which I give voluntarily.
November 12, 2025
Good Read
In the opening, the bride was killed at the altar while reciting her vows. Quite a grabber. In the close, the bride returns. Well, I guess she was not dead, after all. Still, the book had only two exciting moments and what came between was lacking in good mechanics of writing.
I hate to write a negative review, and this book had its moments. The author's spelling, word choices and spelling were quite good.
Thank you, Ms. Woods, for the read.
In the opening, the bride was killed at the altar while reciting her vows. Quite a grabber. In the close, the bride returns. Well, I guess she was not dead, after all. Still, the book had only two exciting moments and what came between was lacking in good mechanics of writing.
I hate to write a negative review, and this book had its moments. The author's spelling, word choices and spelling were quite good.
Thank you, Ms. Woods, for the read.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews