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Mexican Mysteries #.5
Up Up and a Slay
Emily Monk has lived a sheltered life.
That’s all about to change, when she decides to follow her heart and meet the family she’s never known. Her Uncle Cornelius apparently looks like a walrus and has the personality to match – but Emily needs to leave her comfort zone.
Little does she know that she’s walking in to a family feud, a lost hot air balloon, and a murder.
Can Emily find the courage to save the day?
That’s all about to change, when she decides to follow her heart and meet the family she’s never known. Her Uncle Cornelius apparently looks like a walrus and has the personality to match – but Emily needs to leave her comfort zone.
Little does she know that she’s walking in to a family feud, a lost hot air balloon, and a murder.
Can Emily find the courage to save the day?
- GenresCozy Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 30, 2019
Up Up and a Slay is a fantastic short story. The main character is Emily and when her mom passed away she called her Uncle Cornelius (great name)! Cornelius is a funny, quirky and eccentric character that I loved. Emily decides to go see Cornelius and someone is murdered up in a hot air balloon. Emily is trying to solve the murder.
This may be a novella, but it packs a punch. I really enjoyed the story, the mystery and the incredible characters. Sometimes novellas end with a cliffhanger or a lead in to the next story and this one did not do that, and I really liked having that closure and not an abrupt ending.
Having said that, I am SUPER excited to read the next book in the series and see what Emily and Cornelius get into next.
This may be a novella, but it packs a punch. I really enjoyed the story, the mystery and the incredible characters. Sometimes novellas end with a cliffhanger or a lead in to the next story and this one did not do that, and I really liked having that closure and not an abrupt ending.
Having said that, I am SUPER excited to read the next book in the series and see what Emily and Cornelius get into next.
July 9, 2019
What a grand adventure awaits the reader! A fast read and an intriguing story! Loved every minute of it!
July 8, 2019
Emily’s first steps in the real world
Emily has had a good, but sheltered, upbringing. She hasn’t really got roots, as they moved around a lot because of her dad’s work. Which means she had a lifetime of anonymously arriving and leaving towns where she feels she wouldn’t be noticed and she wouldn’t be missed. And there was this big feud between her mum and her uncle. Now she meets him for the first time.
Upon reading the first sentence I immediately thought: yes! This is going to be good! It’s a cozy mystery short, so it’s a fast read, but with a good mystery. An interesting case. And with well-developed characters, which is quite the feat in a short story. Emily: timid and not worldly-wise at all, Uncle Cornelius with his larger-than-life personality. An odd pair, but it works! I’m eager to learn more about them!
Emily has had a good, but sheltered, upbringing. She hasn’t really got roots, as they moved around a lot because of her dad’s work. Which means she had a lifetime of anonymously arriving and leaving towns where she feels she wouldn’t be noticed and she wouldn’t be missed. And there was this big feud between her mum and her uncle. Now she meets him for the first time.
Upon reading the first sentence I immediately thought: yes! This is going to be good! It’s a cozy mystery short, so it’s a fast read, but with a good mystery. An interesting case. And with well-developed characters, which is quite the feat in a short story. Emily: timid and not worldly-wise at all, Uncle Cornelius with his larger-than-life personality. An odd pair, but it works! I’m eager to learn more about them!
July 9, 2019
Emily has always known about Uncle Cornelius . What she doesn’t know is the reason for the estrangement between her mother and her uncle. After her mothers passing, Emily takes a chance and contacts Uncle Cornelius. He invites her for a visit and she accepts. They form a bond al lost immediately. Emily learns that Uncle Cornelius is involved in many businesses the most recent being hot air balloons. Cornelius receives a message that a much older woman just engaged to a much younger man returned from their trip dead. Cornelius and Emily decide to investigate. Emily feels a growing sense of excitement at being involved in such a task. This is a quick, good read. I have a feeling this is the beginning of another beautiful series by Mona
December 27, 2019
A cute, short story. Can't wait to hear more about these two.
July 10, 2019
Reading short stories can be difficult sometimes, not enough info, no time to set the scene etc. While I felt a few of those feelings, knowing the story would flesh out In later books if I loved it, made it easy.
I enjoyed this book and I’m keen to learn more about the strange family dynamic. I’d definitely recommend it if you need a quick read, and if you’re like me, you’ll probably want the next instalment (however this book does not end on a cliff hanger or madly drIve you to hunt down the next book - although no promises, cause I’m keen).
A great cozy mystery that was clean and suitable to anyone.
I enjoyed this book and I’m keen to learn more about the strange family dynamic. I’d definitely recommend it if you need a quick read, and if you’re like me, you’ll probably want the next instalment (however this book does not end on a cliff hanger or madly drIve you to hunt down the next book - although no promises, cause I’m keen).
A great cozy mystery that was clean and suitable to anyone.
July 18, 2019
Up Up and a Slay is a crazy, silly cozy novella that was so much fun to read! I really enjoyed the quirky characters and story line.
March 31, 2022
2.5
This is a short novella.
I was fortunate to be given access to this from the author.
While I found the story a cute, quick read, I really can't give it more than a 2.5 rating.
There were several grammar mistakes and a few typos. Really, these need to be caught before publishing.
The MC Emily is meek and has led a sheltered life. She is very likeable and you can tell her move to stay with her uncle Cornelius is a positive adventure for her.
I just found it very simplistic.
As a reader of a murder mystery, I feel it's important for us to have a good idea of the facts and background of the characters. The son of the deceased, Benjamin, worked for a pharmaceutical company. This information was dropped on us right at the end of the book. After all, his mother was murdered by poison. So when you are trying to solve the mystery as a reader, I felt a bit cheated.
This is a short novella.
I was fortunate to be given access to this from the author.
While I found the story a cute, quick read, I really can't give it more than a 2.5 rating.
There were several grammar mistakes and a few typos. Really, these need to be caught before publishing.
The MC Emily is meek and has led a sheltered life. She is very likeable and you can tell her move to stay with her uncle Cornelius is a positive adventure for her.
I just found it very simplistic.
As a reader of a murder mystery, I feel it's important for us to have a good idea of the facts and background of the characters. The son of the deceased, Benjamin, worked for a pharmaceutical company. This information was dropped on us right at the end of the book. After all, his mother was murdered by poison. So when you are trying to solve the mystery as a reader, I felt a bit cheated.
February 11, 2025
Up, Up & A Slay is an absolute delight from start to finish, This book gave me everything I crave humor, heart, and a heroine who doesn’t just solve problems… she slays them. From the very first page, I was hooked on the witty writing, the fresh take on adventure, and the undeniable charm woven into every chapter.
The protagonist? A total queen. The plot? A rollercoaster of fun. The writing? Sharp, clever, and impossible to put down. If you love books that make you laugh, cheer, and maybe even fist-pump in public (no judgment), this one’s a must-read.
To the author thank you for this gem! You’ve got a new fan, and I’ll be recommending this book to everyone who needs a little extra slay in their life.
The protagonist? A total queen. The plot? A rollercoaster of fun. The writing? Sharp, clever, and impossible to put down. If you love books that make you laugh, cheer, and maybe even fist-pump in public (no judgment), this one’s a must-read.
To the author thank you for this gem! You’ve got a new fan, and I’ll be recommending this book to everyone who needs a little extra slay in their life.
November 30, 2020
Emily Monk has lived a very sheltered life and decides that is it time to get out of her comfort zone and go visit her Uncle Cornelius, who she was told looked like a walrus. When she arrives she is in for a bit of a culture shock and she steps into a family fued, a lost hot air balloon and a murder. Can Emily figure all of this out before time runs out? This was a great short story and I enjoyed it very much.
August 22, 2020
A little too short, but it hit all the essentials. Emily knows that her mother and father have been avoiding her uncle...no explanation, just don't talk about him. When her mother dies, she gets in touch with Uncle Cornelius and he invites her to visit. Then the fun begins. Telling you more tells you all.
March 24, 2022
I absolutely loved this story. Getting all the characters developed, a great story line, and a fascinating murder mystery all in a short story and doing it this well is rare but Mona Marple did it all. I have the next book preordered and am looking forward to following the further adventures of these lovable and eccentric characters.
September 6, 2020
Entertaining and engaging short story. Interesting characters. Clever plot. Thanks to the author for providing a copy for my voluntary review. I hope to read more of these characters adventures.
October 23, 2020
Fast fun read! Emily and her Uncle Cornelius are a sweet crime solving pair in this tale of growing up and tackling the unknown.
January 2, 2021
This was an entertaining and quick read.
January 19, 2021
Very good short story. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
March 28, 2022
I think this novella was written for a younber person. Just the same it was entertaining. A quick glimpse in to a different life style.
May 12, 2022
Great prequel for the series. It was a nice introduction to the characters. Looking forward to reading the next book.
June 2, 2025
This is such a fun read. Emily is going to learn a lot about herself once she is with her uncle (Cornelius). He solves murders and wants Emily to help. Emily does try her best. Can not wait to read more in this series
January 4, 2020
["Isn't that what the police do around here?" I asked.
Cornelius grinned at me. "Why should they get all the fun?"
It was a fair question, except for the fact that catching a killer didn't sound like fun to me.]
What do you do when your mom is gone and you have no one else? Find your estranged uncle and when he says "come to stay", you do.
And so starts Emily's adventure in finding a killer. This is a great quick read, with some very interesting characters that I'd love to read more about. If you come across it, read out, you'll love it!
Cornelius grinned at me. "Why should they get all the fun?"
It was a fair question, except for the fact that catching a killer didn't sound like fun to me.]
What do you do when your mom is gone and you have no one else? Find your estranged uncle and when he says "come to stay", you do.
And so starts Emily's adventure in finding a killer. This is a great quick read, with some very interesting characters that I'd love to read more about. If you come across it, read out, you'll love it!
October 24, 2019
After losing her mother, Emily reaches out to connect with her only living relative, Uncle Cornelius. He invites to come out right away and help him with his business. Uncle Cornelius lives in Tumbledown Manor and currently runs a balloon ride business. As soon as Emily arrives to the interesting, unique home of her uncle, there is a suspicious death on a ride. Cornelius assigns the task of finding out what happened, to Emily. A quirky, fun short mystery. I enjoy Mona Marple's unique stories and characters. Get a taste of her books with Up Up and a Slay.
I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.
I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.
July 29, 2019
This is a great short story. When Emily's mom died, she gave her Uncle Cornelius a call. Cornelius is a walrus of a man, quite likeable and a bit eccentric. Emily goes to visit him and she barely gets there before someone is murdered in a hot air balloon. Uncle Cornelius wants Emily to help solve the murder. This story was great fun for me. It has a good plot as well as interesting characters, some of whom are a bit outrageous. This could be the beginning of a fun cozy series. If so, I'll definitely be reading it!
August 18, 2019
After Emily’s mother passes away she calls her Uncle Cornelius. He request her to come work for him and she hops on the train.
Cornelius in eccentric and funny. He has many interests and business. One is a hot air balloons.
When one of this customers die they have to find out what happened. Emily is thrown into the case and she is a wiz at it.
Between finding out why her mother and uncle were estranged from each other and learning about the businesses this book is wonderful. It will keep you on your toes and will hate seeing it come to a close.
Cornelius in eccentric and funny. He has many interests and business. One is a hot air balloons.
When one of this customers die they have to find out what happened. Emily is thrown into the case and she is a wiz at it.
Between finding out why her mother and uncle were estranged from each other and learning about the businesses this book is wonderful. It will keep you on your toes and will hate seeing it come to a close.
December 11, 2019
Well Up Up and a Slay is the 1st Mona Marple book that I've read. Well not really a book more like a short story. I enjoyed it. The 1st little bit I read I wasn't to sure if I'd continue or not but I'm glad I did.
It will make for a very refreshing series.
Keep up the good work and will follow up with more when I get the chance.
Cheers
Lynn🇨🇦
It will make for a very refreshing series.
Keep up the good work and will follow up with more when I get the chance.
Cheers
Lynn🇨🇦
July 10, 2019
I enjoyed this quick story. It was almost too short, it left me wanting more info on the characters background. I am hoping there are more longer stories with these characters.
July 12, 2019
Great start to a new series. I look forward to reading more...
August 8, 2019
Enjoyed this short and quick cozy mystery. Looking forward to reading more of these books.
September 24, 2019
I loved it! I hope this turns into a series!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews