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Cara Mia thought she found a sculpture of a mermaid in the sand…and then it moved! Rescuing a half-drown immigrant was not what she wanted on her morning walk.

Stuart, Florida. Was it the right thing to do? Will the woman survive? And if she does, will she be okay? Or was she better off dead? And where are all the other immigrants who made the perilous ocean voyage with her?

Someone is behind all these beached landings of immigrants. Cara might have uncovered a human trafficking scheme. To trace these soggy deaths back to the source will take every bit of Cara’s courage, plus a lot of help from her cranky grandfather. And then her son gets involved.

Suddenly it’s Cara’s family that’s at risk as a run-in with deadly coyotes threatens to destroy everything and everyone Cara loves. How could one good deed go so badly wrong?



Tear Down and Die is the charming third novel in the Cara Mia Delgatto cozy mystery series.

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2019

522 people are currently reading
329 people want to read

About the author

Joanna Campbell Slan

177 books851 followers
National bestselling and award-winning author Joanna Campbell Slan was born in Jacksonville, Florida, but she grew up in a small town in Indiana. After graduating from Ball State University with a degree in journalism, she worked as a newspaper reporter, a newspaper ad salesperson, a television talk show host, a college teacher, a public relations professional, and a motivational speaker. In that capacity, she was named by Sharing Ideas Magazine as “one of the top 25 speakers in the world.”

Slan's work has appeared in five of the New York Times Bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and one of those became a television show. She is the author of nearly 80 books, nonfiction and fiction, including Death of a Schoolgirl, which won the 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence.

Joanna's personal essays have appeared in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and one was made into a television program on the Pax Network. The college textbook Joanna wrote—Using Stories and Humor: Grab Your Audience—has been praised as an invaluable resource by Benjamin Netanyahu’s speechwriter and endorsed by Toastmasters, International.

RT Book Reviews has called Joanna “one of mystery’s rising stars.” Her first novel—Paper, Scissors, Death—was an Agatha Award finalist. It features Kiki Lowenstein, a spunky single mom who lives in St. Louis. The sixth book in that series will be released Summer 2013.

Kirkus Reviews has said, “Slan’s mysteries are most valuable for the well-developed characters and the issues they raise.” RT Book Reviews has said, “Kiki is so darn entertaining that she’ll keep readers hooked.” A series of short stories featuring Kiki are available on Kindle.

Joanna’s newest series—The Jane Eyre Chronicles—began with Death of a Schoolgirl (Berkley) and continues with the release of Death of a Dowager. The series features Charlotte Brontë’s classic heroine Jane Eyre as an amateur sleuth.

As “Lila Dare,” Joanna has penned the fourth book in the Southern Beauty Shop series—Wave Good-bye.

Joanna is married to David Slan. The Slans live on Jupiter Island, Florida.

Website: www.JoannaSlan.com

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/JoannaCampbel...

Twitter: @JoannaSlan

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219 (25%)
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82 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for Liz Etnyre.
739 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2020
Another nice cozy marred by a lack of a decent editor - or even a decent proofreader. Too many wrong or extra word usage and minor continuity issues. Not glaring, but annoying - especially when one considers that this is the 'revised' edition.

There seems to be a mysterious book #2.5 in this series - there has to be a backstory to that cockatoo, and Sid's accident - but I can't find it listed anywhere.

Cara spent a good chunk of this story regressing emotionally to the level of a rather self-centered, angsty teen - or possibly bordering on a mental breakdown. She was often thoughtless and judgmental, and on more than one occasion her behavior could only be described as juvenile. I get she's having a stressful time, but that's not an excuse. Despite my complaints regarding editing, I do enjoy this series and the characters - but Cara was fast becoming rather hard to care about this time around. I hope that changes with the next book.
323 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2023
Confused.

I've read the series up to this point, but I've gotta say I am not feeling the love that everyone in the book is feeling for Cara. She often seems self centered and judgmental, makes really dumb decisions (like marrying Dom, in the first place), she works with a woman she calls her best friend and yet doesn't have a clue that she's pregnant even though she's puking up a lung 20 times a day, and she believes that old people (including 2 she sees and works with every day) are probably suffering from dementia just because they're elderly. Her elderly friend tells her that she absolutely knows her friend of 40 years is in trouble, but Cara scoffs because the old ladies are probably senile so why pay attention? I don't understand why "everyone" loves her. She's temperamental, impatient, judgmental and vain. Someone tries to steal every cent she has in the bank and it never occurs to her that it might be her evil sister who swore to make her suffer (duh). And if she gets punched, pushed, beat up, cut up and/or broken up one more time, she's going to be uninsurable. It's all just a wee bit over the top. I'll probably continue on to the next book, but it would be nice if Cara was more believable. At least enough to describe her as being smart and loved by everyone...because I'm not seeing it.
710 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2022
Fantastic!

Thanks to Joanna for another great book! So much packed into it, so much going on it made my head spin. Cara had to keep up with all the pieces including keeping her store running. Because she moved to Jupiter Island and she had to watch where she went as her Poppy told her how there had been more sightings of illegal aliens landing there. Plus all the other changes going on. Can't wait for the next book!
42 reviews
October 3, 2021
All Washed Up

I so totally love this Delgado mystery series. It has mystery. Love. Relationships that are growing and learning to carry one another’s burdens. No repulsive Murder details. No cussing. Just an honestly kind but intriguing Murder mystery with so many sub plots. I give it a 10 out of a possible 10.
780 reviews
April 24, 2023
Cara finds a way to solve not one, but multiple mysteries, are they all related or not? Which of the four men visiting for her attention end up being a source of heartburn in life. What happens with the Treasure Cove? And it continues to book #4, looking for that one now. Joanna you've hooked me on Cara and her adventures.
220 reviews
July 18, 2022
WOW WOW WHAT a story

So much excitement and mysteries throughout the entire book that I stayed up all night just to finish reading it. A great book with lots of love and tears and joy. A must read.
Profile Image for Judy Tolley.
281 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2023
People smuggling etc.

This book had many twists and turns. One was about sex and slave trafficking. Cara and Poppy get tied up in catching the culprits but not without a lot of physical pain. Then there's issues with Skye and MJ. For certain, this volume was super busy.
Profile Image for Rebecca .
201 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2024
All Banged Up!

Cara Mia does it again! Seems like she really has a nose for dead people!
In this book she is pushed from one crisis to another and each one leaves her worse off than the last!
Can’t wait to read #4.
110 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2024
I loved this book. This series keeps getting better and better. I love the characters and how they are becoming entwined with each other as the series goes on. Please try this series if you haven't.
28 reviews
November 19, 2024
Thud! it was over.

With no warning, in the middle of an event,this book stops.
I hope I’ve somehow made an error, because I really like this series and Ms. Slan’s writing.
Checking now. If I’m wrong, my apologies.
Profile Image for Amary Chapman.
1,634 reviews26 followers
January 19, 2024
Great addition to series

Ms. Slan has a creative mind and crafts an intriguing mystery. It draws you in and holds you in. Highly recommend series
Profile Image for Sue.
1,635 reviews25 followers
March 15, 2024
I am really enjoying this series. In addition to the murders, there are ongoing happenings among the characters which is quite entertaining.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
431 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2024
I an really enjoying this series but recommend taking them in order.
Profile Image for Amber.
407 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2021
This is another great story with the deepening of the relationships between Cara, Skye, and MJ, as well as Poppy, Sid, Tommy, Honoria, Lou, Nathan, and Cooper, with many unexpected twists and turns along the way. Slan again tackles some challenging topics like sex and labor trafficking of illegal immigrants, while building a suspenseful mystery. I definitely look forward to the next in this series.
231 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2021
As always, Slan has delivered a winner

From the 1st page, to the last, I could not put this book down. Fell asleep a few pages from the ending. That should give you an idea how much I liked this book. Cara's involvement in finding a 'mermaids, leads to a mystery wrapped up in today's headlines of illegal immigration, and the so often horrendous consequences to innocent and vulnerable people. Cara's friends also prove themselves ever more interesting, and vulnerable. And Poppy is probably the biggest surprise of all. This book truly is for everyone. Awesome read.
2,401 reviews40 followers
March 28, 2016
With All Washed Up, Joanna Campbell Slan continues to create and explore the world of the people of The Treasure Chest just as Cara and her team create and explore the world of repurposing. Cara Mia Delgado is a magnet for trouble and dead bodies. The trouble might be life endangering or it might be the problems of the every day world but whatever she faces, she has a great support system in her employees at the store and in her grandfather.

While the series is definitely a cozy mystery, it consistently touches on tough contemporary topics through Cara's amateur sleuthing which I think takes it a step above many cozy mysteries. This time Cara comes face to face with the issues of human trafficking and ageism. While neither topic is handled in depth, the book provides an awareness in a way that should have an impact on the reader.
Cara finds more than one body this time but one of them is that the barely living body of a woman who is believed to be an illegal alien escaping the clutches of a coyote who might have sold her into domestic slavery or sex slavery.

I like that Cara does not walk blindly into danger but I was upset with her at the way she dealt with the Binky situation. I was glad that her friends were disappointed in her too. She is not perfect and they frequently call her on it. I like that, too! I really enjoyed seeing more of Poppy; we had had hints of his background but now we really get to see him in action! Despite the personal problems that each member of the team at Treasure Chest face, their camaraderie provides plenty of opportunities for humor to balance the concerns of the everyday world and danger of a murder mystery.

Despite the personal problems that each member of the team at Treasure Chest face, their camaraderie provides plenty of opportunities for humor to balance the concerns of the everyday world and danger of a murder mystery.
Profile Image for Tricia Conner.
5 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2016
This is the third book in the Cara Mia Delgatto series. I began reading this series because I liked the Kiki Lowenstein series. I quickly fell in love with Slan's new main character - Cara Mia Delgatto, a divorced mom of a college freshman. Cara owns and operates a store that specializes in upcycling and recycling all types of items. This theme really hooked me. I love to save things and figure out what else I can do with them!

This series has one recurring element I didn't expect - and completely love. Slan manages to insert a hot, timely topic in each of these books. In All Washed Up the current topic is illegal immigrants washing up on the shores of the Treasure Coast. There is also a history lesson in each of these books. I'm going to leave that as a surprise for you!

Each of these books gets better and better! We learn more about the characters as the stories develop. The characters are multi-leveled. I can connect with them as if I were part of their story.. The plot engaging.

This is no slow moving read. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. And, I didn't want it to end! It's one of those books that I got totally caught up in. You know the kind - you look up from your Kindle and can't believe you aren't on Jupiter Island being buffeted by warm, salty breezes.
Profile Image for Jo-Anne.
1,745 reviews35 followers
April 21, 2016
Cara Mia Delgatto was walking her small dog along the beach one morning when she found a woman who was bearly alive. Several bodies had washed up on the shore recently and were believed to be illegal aliens from a ship transporting them for the billion dollar business in human trafficking.

Cara's divorced with an older son. She moved to the small town to be near her grandfather, Poppy, and move into the house he owned. She opened a store where she sold recycled and repurposed goods. The entire area was very involved in saving the environment even going so far as leaving the coast dark to help nesting turtles. Unfortunately, the dark coast line brought human traffickers to the area.

I liked the way everyone worked toward saving the environment but I did find that all the talk of recycling and repurposing distracted me from the story at times.

I liked Cara a lot and loved Poppy. What a surprise to see him in action! I'd like to find out more about him and his past. All Cara's friends/employees always supported her and added some humour to the story.

Please note I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Colleen.
140 reviews3 followers
March 28, 2016
Cara is a divorced mom that is trying to move on with her life. Her parents are deceased, however her grandfather is alive and she has an 18 year old son in his freshman year of college. Cara and her son, pack up everything and move to Florida. Cara decides to buy a store close to her Grandfather. Cara has 5 different employees all from different walks of life that have come together not just as employees, but also friends and help each other out.
Cara has a tendency to find dead bodies. In this book, she is no different, actually finding a couple of dead bodies. She also learns some new things about her grandfather.

I love that some of the information that has shown up on the author's Facebook page about things that have been happening where she lives is making its way into the story lines.
Profile Image for Allyson  McGill.
318 reviews20 followers
March 25, 2016
I have been a huge fan of Joanna Campbell Slan's books for many years. Her first series (still going strong) is the Kiki Lowenstein mysteries; Cara Del Gatto is a friend of Kiki who now has her own series, and this is the third book. As in all of Slan's books, there are true cultural references that teach us, the readers, about something important. In this case, the mystery centers on the trafficking trade, a billion dollar industry. Cara and the usual cast of characters continue to grow; they are good company, and this is a good read. I am already wondering what is on tap for several of the characters, whose lives are never easily tied up but always interesting. Bring on book four!
Profile Image for Maggie.
Author 41 books404 followers
April 20, 2016
Something’s rotten on Jupiter Island, and Cara Mia is determined to get to the bottom of it. First she finds a mermaid on the beach. The woman is nearly dead and goes to the hospital for treatment, thanks to Cara’s eagle eye. Then another woman turns up dead on a nearby beach. While Cara is stumbling over crimes and bodies, her love life and her sister give her fits. Bottom line, nobody puts Cara in a corner!

A lovely, light cozy read that resonates on many levels. I loved how Cara made a commitment to her friends. Best character? Poppy! He’s my hero.

Maggie Toussaint and Rigel Carson for Muddy Rose Reviews
Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,788 reviews53 followers
February 19, 2019
If you have been following along with this series then you know who Cara is. Second Chance at Hope is an amazing read. You still get Cara stumbling into a string of murders. But you also get more emotionally deeper read with this one. Cara, MJ and Skye are all going through different things. It is so wonderful to watch this group of ladies band together and support each other through everything especially when they need it the most. You just want to give them all a big old hug. Even Cara's love life takes a few steps back in this one. This is still an amazing mystery rolled into a more emotional read. I can't wait to see where Joanna Campbell Slan takes us next with this series.
27 reviews
April 17, 2020
Not sure how I feel, after loving the first two

I loved the first two books in the series and the beauty of watching new friendships and families develop amidst uncertainty... but I am not sure how I feel about this one. This installment felt much darker and less hopeful. And the main character was never herself - she seems to be falling apart. And Im also really confused because I read book 2 then this book 3, but something is missing. Suddenly Cara has moved, Skye is deep into a relationship, and they had adopted a bird. When did this happen? I searched for a novella between books but cant find it. This is a major issue for the series.
154 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2016
Joanna Campbell Slan has written the 3rd novel in the Cara Mia Delagatto Mystery Series. Wow! It’s even better than the first two and that is saying a lot! Slan usually tackles some major issues in her books and this time it is human trafficking and ageism all wrapped up in a Lilly Pulitzer dress. She continues to develop her main characters. You can hear their distinct voices. We get to “see” more of Stuart, FL and where she lives now. It makes you feel like you have a new best friend in Cara Mia!

Slan has another winner on her hands! I absolutely love it!
70 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2016
There are many reasons I enjoy reading. One special enjoyment comes from reading a fast-paced mystery set in a "real" area -- one I know well. Ms Slan accurately captures the flavor of Florida's Treasure Coast and its idiosyncratic Jupiter Island. And she populates with characters that grow as each new book in this series is published. This volume combines a bit of nostalgia for the pasty with current events that are all too current.I don't know if there is a shop similar to Cara Mia's, but if not, it would fit right in.
Profile Image for Cassidy.
Author 13 books188 followers
April 16, 2020
Cara has this bad habit of finding dead bodies. It’s not her fault. It just happens and it draws her into the role of amateur sleuth as a result. Young and making it on her own in her new home on an island in the Florida keys, she is aided in her detecting efforts by good friends and her grandfather, Poppy. Poppy is a quirky character – and a good guy with a secret past that becomes apparent as the story unfolds. The plot is an interesting one that touches on tough social issues while remaining a “cozy” read. All in all, an enjoyable, fast-paced read.
Profile Image for Karen Wright.
599 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2021
Some surprises

I love this series so knew I would love this book. While reading this, I realized that there are always surprises that pop up. Of course there was a crime to be solved but there is also a lot of other things going on. The story was interesting and the characters all have lots going on yet they support each other and have really become a family. I love that Poppy's secrets are coming to light and add so much to the story. I am really invested in this group and their lives, I hope there are many more books to come.
14 reviews
July 30, 2021
Third cozy mystery I have read.

Well written, with characters that are believable. The characters are learning how to be stronger and are strengthening their friendship, while solving mysteries. Great read, on to book4.
429 reviews8 followers
Read
August 8, 2016
I love this series! Slan's descriptive writing helps you to feel the sand in your toes and smell the salty air. This installment had intrigue and surprises galore and left me eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. I love the store and the neat crafts that they make and when you are finished with the book you can get a bonus file with recipes and craft directions. I highly recommend this series.
Profile Image for karen j kice.
57 reviews5 followers
April 16, 2019
I loved book #3! New crimes, drama and lovable main characters.

I love the way Joanna Campbell Slan can draw you into the story. The characters have very defined personalities, the storyline is fresh and there is always something around the corner to surprise you! She writes a great mystery without needing to include foul language or explicit sexual encounters in the story. Kudos to the author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews

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