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Secrets of the Galapagos
Shattered by a broken engagement and a business venture derailed by Jerome Haddad, her unscrupulous partner, Giovanna Rogers goes on a luxury Galapagos cruise with her grandmother to decompress.
At least that's what her grandmother thinks. Giovanna is determined to make Jerome pay for what he's done, and she has a tip he's headed for the Galapagos.
While snorkeling in Gardner Bay off the coast of Española Island, Giovanna and another cruise passenger, tortoise researcher Laurel Pardo, both become separated from the group and Laurel is left behind. No one on the ship will acknowledge Laurel is missing, and Giovanna suspects a cover-up.
When the police come on board to investigate a death, Giovanna is sure the victim is Laurel. She's anxious to give her testimony to the attractive local detective assigned to the case. Instead, she learns someone else is dead, and she's a person of interest.
Resolved to keep searching for Laurel and make sense of her disappearance, Giovanna finds that several people on board the cruise ship have reasons to want Laurel gone. One is a scam involving Tio Armando, the famous Galapagos giant tortoise and a major tourist attraction in the archipelago. And Jerome Haddad has a hand in it. Thinking she's the cat in this game, Giovanna gets too involved and becomes the mouse, putting her life in jeopardy. But if she doesn't stop him, Jerome will go on to ruin others.
At least that's what her grandmother thinks. Giovanna is determined to make Jerome pay for what he's done, and she has a tip he's headed for the Galapagos.
While snorkeling in Gardner Bay off the coast of Española Island, Giovanna and another cruise passenger, tortoise researcher Laurel Pardo, both become separated from the group and Laurel is left behind. No one on the ship will acknowledge Laurel is missing, and Giovanna suspects a cover-up.
When the police come on board to investigate a death, Giovanna is sure the victim is Laurel. She's anxious to give her testimony to the attractive local detective assigned to the case. Instead, she learns someone else is dead, and she's a person of interest.
Resolved to keep searching for Laurel and make sense of her disappearance, Giovanna finds that several people on board the cruise ship have reasons to want Laurel gone. One is a scam involving Tio Armando, the famous Galapagos giant tortoise and a major tourist attraction in the archipelago. And Jerome Haddad has a hand in it. Thinking she's the cat in this game, Giovanna gets too involved and becomes the mouse, putting her life in jeopardy. But if she doesn't stop him, Jerome will go on to ruin others.
292 pages, ebook
Published November 5, 2019
About the author
Sharon Marchisello
15 books121 followersSharon Marchisello is the author of two mysteries published by Sunbury Press: Going Home (2014) and Secrets of the Galapagos (2019). Her short stories have appeared in the anthologies Mystery, Atlanta Style (Ladybug Press), Shhhh...Murder (Darkhouse Books), and Finally Home (Bienvenue Press). She published a personal finance book entitled Live Well, Grow Wealth and writes a blog about personal finance, Countdown to Financial Fitness. Sharon grew up in Tyler, Texas, and earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Houston in French and English. She studied for a year in Tours, France, on a Rotary scholarship and then moved to Los Angeles where she earned a Masters in Professional Writing at the University of Southern California. Now she lives in Peachtree City, Georgia, and is a member of Sisters in Crime. Retired from a 27-year career with Delta Air Lines, she does volunteer work for the Fayette Humane Society and the Fayette County Master Gardeners UGA Extension when she is not traveling the world.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 23 reviews
September 18, 2021
Secrets of the Galapagos is a mystery novel written by Sharon Marchisello. I became aware of the book through her blog and social media presence and had added one of her tales to my TBR. Last week, it was next in line in the queue, so I bought it online and dived in... it was a great addition to the week, and now it's time to share a bit about the book.
To start, the setting was fresh and unique to me. I knew a little about these islands but not enough to claim anything intelligent. I really enjoyed how Marchisello weaved in facts and imagery so that not only were we readers on a vacation with her, we also felt and experienced the magic of the setting. Between boat rides, scuba diving, animals, and nature, it was a great way to see the world without having to leave my apartment. Though I'd love to get there some day, it's probably not in the cards for a while. Next best thing -- follow a mystery that offers up some killer intentions and an education!
Giovanna and her grandmother are on a cruise when one of their fellow passengers doesn't make it back from an off-boat scuba experience. They're certain she's missing but others claim they saw her on the second boat bringing people back to the main ship. Soon, a break-in happens on the ship and a person is found dead in the ship's pool. Is it all connected? As we meet ~20 passengers and crew, readers get to determine which one is lying and how the whole puzzle fits together. The story was great. I liked the characters. It's a clean writing style, and it kept my attention.
As a mystery, it also brought some suspense. It's not a frightening thriller, more a gentle boil that bursts when the culprit's nefarious plans come to light. Giovanna's own history is in question too, as she finds out the man who broke up her engagement lurks on a nearby ship, and he's pulled financial schemes on others too. Is he involved in the murder? If that's not enough, a giant tortoise (known in these islands by most as Tio Armando) has gone missing, and people are being awfully vague. As we learn the backgrounds of the guests, I found myself getting more interested in the plot too... someone was being duplicitous, and there were several options to consider.
If you enjoy a good mystery with some romance and a lovely setting, this will be a lovely afternoon read. The POV changes a few times, and it takes a bit to adjust on an e-book to understand the perspective has moved to someone new, but once I figured out that piece... it was nice to recognize how a few people viewed the mystery on the ship. I would definitely read more by the author too.
To start, the setting was fresh and unique to me. I knew a little about these islands but not enough to claim anything intelligent. I really enjoyed how Marchisello weaved in facts and imagery so that not only were we readers on a vacation with her, we also felt and experienced the magic of the setting. Between boat rides, scuba diving, animals, and nature, it was a great way to see the world without having to leave my apartment. Though I'd love to get there some day, it's probably not in the cards for a while. Next best thing -- follow a mystery that offers up some killer intentions and an education!
Giovanna and her grandmother are on a cruise when one of their fellow passengers doesn't make it back from an off-boat scuba experience. They're certain she's missing but others claim they saw her on the second boat bringing people back to the main ship. Soon, a break-in happens on the ship and a person is found dead in the ship's pool. Is it all connected? As we meet ~20 passengers and crew, readers get to determine which one is lying and how the whole puzzle fits together. The story was great. I liked the characters. It's a clean writing style, and it kept my attention.
As a mystery, it also brought some suspense. It's not a frightening thriller, more a gentle boil that bursts when the culprit's nefarious plans come to light. Giovanna's own history is in question too, as she finds out the man who broke up her engagement lurks on a nearby ship, and he's pulled financial schemes on others too. Is he involved in the murder? If that's not enough, a giant tortoise (known in these islands by most as Tio Armando) has gone missing, and people are being awfully vague. As we learn the backgrounds of the guests, I found myself getting more interested in the plot too... someone was being duplicitous, and there were several options to consider.
If you enjoy a good mystery with some romance and a lovely setting, this will be a lovely afternoon read. The POV changes a few times, and it takes a bit to adjust on an e-book to understand the perspective has moved to someone new, but once I figured out that piece... it was nice to recognize how a few people viewed the mystery on the ship. I would definitely read more by the author too.
March 21, 2020
This is an entertaining murder mystery with a large dollop of romance. The story is set on a cruise ship which is travelling around the idyllic islands of the Galapogos. The author weaves some lovely and interesting information about these island, the conservation programmes they have in place as well as the amazing wildlife that is found there, into the story which I really enjoyed.
Giovanna has recently had some bad experiences. She lost all the money raised from investors to build her dream non-profit veterinary clinic to a clever con artist and, as a result, her fiancee and business partner, Tim, has broken off their engagement. To make matters even worse, her best friend, Connie, is married to the conman, and helped entice her into his trap. Giovanna's youthful looking grandmother, Michelle, talks her into going on a cruise to help her recover from these losses and move on with her life. Giavanna decides on the Galapagos as a destination because she has learned, via Facebook, that this is where Connie and the conman have gone and she hopes to somehow get an opportunity to confront him and get the stolen money back.
Giovanna is in for some more hard knocks. While snorkeling with her new friend, Laurel, the pair get separated from the group and Giovanna is nearly left behind by the boat. Laurel disappears and no-one will acknowledge it except for Michelle and a few other guests who notice she is missing. Other unusual things are also happening on board the ship: Michelle gets hit over the head in the ship's library, a memory stick with photographs of animals on it belonging to Laurel goes missing and one of the guides turns up dead in the swimming pool. Giavanna is determined to get to the bottom of it all and also to confront the conman if the opportunity presents itself.
Into this whole mix enters a gorgeous local policeman, Victor, who is investigating the murder, the disappearance of Laurel and who is interested in Giavanna.
This is a fast paced book with lots of action and some romance. I found it a bit hard to follow in a few parts because there was just so much happening and so many different sub-plots but on the whole this is an entertaining and interesting read.
Giovanna has recently had some bad experiences. She lost all the money raised from investors to build her dream non-profit veterinary clinic to a clever con artist and, as a result, her fiancee and business partner, Tim, has broken off their engagement. To make matters even worse, her best friend, Connie, is married to the conman, and helped entice her into his trap. Giovanna's youthful looking grandmother, Michelle, talks her into going on a cruise to help her recover from these losses and move on with her life. Giavanna decides on the Galapagos as a destination because she has learned, via Facebook, that this is where Connie and the conman have gone and she hopes to somehow get an opportunity to confront him and get the stolen money back.
Giovanna is in for some more hard knocks. While snorkeling with her new friend, Laurel, the pair get separated from the group and Giovanna is nearly left behind by the boat. Laurel disappears and no-one will acknowledge it except for Michelle and a few other guests who notice she is missing. Other unusual things are also happening on board the ship: Michelle gets hit over the head in the ship's library, a memory stick with photographs of animals on it belonging to Laurel goes missing and one of the guides turns up dead in the swimming pool. Giavanna is determined to get to the bottom of it all and also to confront the conman if the opportunity presents itself.
Into this whole mix enters a gorgeous local policeman, Victor, who is investigating the murder, the disappearance of Laurel and who is interested in Giavanna.
This is a fast paced book with lots of action and some romance. I found it a bit hard to follow in a few parts because there was just so much happening and so many different sub-plots but on the whole this is an entertaining and interesting read.
November 10, 2020
What an amazing location to set this novel which rapidly turns a cruise of a lifetime into a murder scene, and a deepening mystery about the star of the Galapagos islands, a giant tortoise called Tio Armando.
These celebrated islands are heavily reliant on tourism for the funding of conservation projects involving the unique flora and fauna, some of which is near extinction. There are several interested parties in maintaining this lucrative business opportunity and some are therefore keen to cover up discrepancies and even murder.
Things are not adding up on board the luxury cruise liner and the mystery deepens as one of the passengers appears to have disappeared under suspicious circumstances. This is followed as the passengers disembark for guided tours of the various conservation projects to find that promised exhibits are missing.
Giovanna is not only there to take in the sights and is on a mission to expose and get justice after being fleeced by a habitual conman, discovering in the processs that she is not the only one aboard the ship who has been taken to the cleaners. The subject of her investigation however has his own agenda, with prospective victims already drawn into his schemes. Lives are at risk as well as fortunes and the action heats up in a race against time.
The author has written articles on her visit to the Galapagos Islands and clearly spent her time well on researching the various islands and conservation efforts. This gives the novel a very authentic feel.
The action is played out on the ship, in the waters rich with marine life surrounding the islands and ashore as the group of sightseers visit scientific projects and the capital of the Galapagos.
The players are diverse and some of them you wouldn’t necessarily want to be trapped on a cruise liner with, but all have a part to play as the mystery unravels. There are some lovely interludes as we tag along with the passengers exploring this incredible region, where we are introduced to the wonders of the nature to be found there. And there is also the burgeoning romance between Giovanna and the young detective, who may be the only person who can bring all the threads of this mystery together to provide us with a satisfactory conclusion.
This is an exciting adventure as well as a murder mystery with the bonus of being a wonderful introduction to the Galapagos Islands.
These celebrated islands are heavily reliant on tourism for the funding of conservation projects involving the unique flora and fauna, some of which is near extinction. There are several interested parties in maintaining this lucrative business opportunity and some are therefore keen to cover up discrepancies and even murder.
Things are not adding up on board the luxury cruise liner and the mystery deepens as one of the passengers appears to have disappeared under suspicious circumstances. This is followed as the passengers disembark for guided tours of the various conservation projects to find that promised exhibits are missing.
Giovanna is not only there to take in the sights and is on a mission to expose and get justice after being fleeced by a habitual conman, discovering in the processs that she is not the only one aboard the ship who has been taken to the cleaners. The subject of her investigation however has his own agenda, with prospective victims already drawn into his schemes. Lives are at risk as well as fortunes and the action heats up in a race against time.
The author has written articles on her visit to the Galapagos Islands and clearly spent her time well on researching the various islands and conservation efforts. This gives the novel a very authentic feel.
The action is played out on the ship, in the waters rich with marine life surrounding the islands and ashore as the group of sightseers visit scientific projects and the capital of the Galapagos.
The players are diverse and some of them you wouldn’t necessarily want to be trapped on a cruise liner with, but all have a part to play as the mystery unravels. There are some lovely interludes as we tag along with the passengers exploring this incredible region, where we are introduced to the wonders of the nature to be found there. And there is also the burgeoning romance between Giovanna and the young detective, who may be the only person who can bring all the threads of this mystery together to provide us with a satisfactory conclusion.
This is an exciting adventure as well as a murder mystery with the bonus of being a wonderful introduction to the Galapagos Islands.
January 30, 2020
Take a cruise around the Galapagos with Sharon Marchisello. This is no ordinary boat-ride. A dead body in the pool, a missing passenger, and some quirky characters will provide the mystery to keep you turning pages. Giovanna, who comes aboard the cruise with her Grandmother, Michelle, to escape a business deal gone sour and a fiancé gone astray, searches out the criminal who stole her funds and caused her business to crash. To her peril, she finds him in the gorgeous Galapagos and meets a handsome detective in the process. Take a tour through some of the most pristine and beautiful land and seascapes on the planet, with a lesson on saving turtles and other precious species. This is Darwin country and the author is well-versed in the ecology of the area.
February 3, 2020
In Secrets of the Galapagos, Sharon Marchisello has masterfully blended mystery, romance, and blood-stirring adventure. Her spunky heroine successfully fights off danger and fear to overcome obstacles that fall or are placed in her path –encounter with a shark while snorkeling, the arrival at the islands of someone who destroyed her business, a murder, and a kidnapping. Ms Marchisello’s characters, including the minor players, are fully three-dimensional. The seeming hardness of the heroine is tempered by flirtation with the police officer who investigates a disappearance and then, a murder. Secrets of the Galapagos is a perfect read for both a sunny beach and a cold, rainy winter day.
December 3, 2019
A mostly engaging mystery. It has well-written characters and a good build-up to the end. I enjoyed the setting. This author has talent and I'll try some of her other books. Recommended.
I really appreciate the review copy!!
I really appreciate the review copy!!
March 23, 2021
I read this book during lockdown, over the winter and it was honestly such a beautiful adventure. It served as a bit of an escape which I thoroughly appreciated. The book is full of action, intrigue and romance. Romance has never really been a selling point for me when it comes to novels, movies or really any storytelling medium, but Sharon does it well. I highly recommend this book, if you are going on vacation to anywhere but the Galapagos. I also highly recommend this book if its a dark and dreary winter, and you need to envision yourself somewhere else. The book is set somewhere wonderful and the mystery keeps you engaged for the long-haul.
June 2, 2020
I truly enjoyed this book. I'll admit I was drawn to it because it is set in the Galapagos. My husband and I were scheduled to take our dream trip there this summer but the pandemic derailed that chance. Reading this book helped me feel some of the excitement of the place. The story line was good too, with interesting characters and a good plot.
August 7, 2020
Great read for this time when our travel must be virtual via armchair and a good book. Engaging and suspenseful!
February 15, 2022
Secrets of the Galapagos is like being on a trip and seeing all the sights of the Galapagos in this enjoyable mystery without leaving home.
The author takes the reader on an adventure with mystery, suspense and danger at every turn for the main protagonist, Giovanna Rogers. She intertwines some romance, intrigue, and murder. She catalogs the list of endangered species there with some fascinating information about turtles which I enjoyed. Giovanna has not gotten over losing her business and her fiancé because of a con artist. This trip may give her a chance to get even with this con artist who is also on his way to the Galapagos.
Even though I have never visited the Galapagos I felt as if I were there. The characters were varied and interesting keeping this reader engaged until the satisfying conclusion. I would recommend this story for all who enjoy learning about fascinating places along with an enjoyable mystery.
The author gifted me a copy of this book which I chose to review with compensation.
The author takes the reader on an adventure with mystery, suspense and danger at every turn for the main protagonist, Giovanna Rogers. She intertwines some romance, intrigue, and murder. She catalogs the list of endangered species there with some fascinating information about turtles which I enjoyed. Giovanna has not gotten over losing her business and her fiancé because of a con artist. This trip may give her a chance to get even with this con artist who is also on his way to the Galapagos.
Even though I have never visited the Galapagos I felt as if I were there. The characters were varied and interesting keeping this reader engaged until the satisfying conclusion. I would recommend this story for all who enjoy learning about fascinating places along with an enjoyable mystery.
The author gifted me a copy of this book which I chose to review with compensation.
October 4, 2024
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sunbury Press for this enthralling mystery in return for an honest review.
I found the characters well-developed and believable. I also enjoyed the setting, which emphasized the bird and animal life unique to the Galapagos and the efforts to conserve it.
Giovanna is a twenty-five-year-old woman who has been defrauded and humiliated. Her dream was to run a veterinarian clinic. Her partner, Jerome, was a conman who pocketed all the donation funds and destroyed her project. Her boyfriend was to be the veterinarian at the clinic, which aimed to spay or neuter animals for owners who could not otherwise afford the procedures. Her fiancé jilted her before the wedding, blaming her for the loss of the clinic.
Her grandmother invited her on a Galapagos Cruise in hopes of restoring her damaged spirits by relaxing aboard the ship and in the pristine environment. Surely, this is the ideal vacation to restore Giovanna’s emotional distress. In such a remote and peaceful setting, what could go wrong?
While snorkelling with a guide, Laurel, her new friend, disappears. No one on the cruise ship will acknowledge Laurel’s absence. Giovanna is determined to convince ship officials and police to search for Laurel, but no one seems to take her pleas seriously. Giovanna is intent on solving this mystery, but she makes some choices that put herself in danger. Next, a male guide is found dead in the swimming pool. Did he fall, or was he pushed? Passengers are being interrogated by the police, and Giovanna is thought to be the last to see him. So much for a quiet holiday!
What her grandmother doesn’t know, but what Giovanna has learned on Facebook, is that Jerome is heading to the Galapagos with his wife aboard his yacht. She wants revenge on the man who swindled her and ruined her business and her reputation among donors.
Still, what happened to Laurel is unresolved, and now, a 500-pound giant tortoise that would make a great tourist attraction has vanished. Three people have been stabbed, one dead and two in critical condition. As she attempts to solve the mystery of the missing Laurel and the guide who drowned in the ship’s pool, she also wants to know how and why the giant tortoise has disappeared. Luckily, she has found a resourceful, sympathetic policeman who listens to her theories and concerns. They seem to be developing a romantic attachment. Three more people are stabbed, and one has died.
The last part of the book is intense. Giovanna’s life is in extreme danger.
This was a gripping, exciting and suspenseful read. Recommended!
I found the characters well-developed and believable. I also enjoyed the setting, which emphasized the bird and animal life unique to the Galapagos and the efforts to conserve it.
Giovanna is a twenty-five-year-old woman who has been defrauded and humiliated. Her dream was to run a veterinarian clinic. Her partner, Jerome, was a conman who pocketed all the donation funds and destroyed her project. Her boyfriend was to be the veterinarian at the clinic, which aimed to spay or neuter animals for owners who could not otherwise afford the procedures. Her fiancé jilted her before the wedding, blaming her for the loss of the clinic.
Her grandmother invited her on a Galapagos Cruise in hopes of restoring her damaged spirits by relaxing aboard the ship and in the pristine environment. Surely, this is the ideal vacation to restore Giovanna’s emotional distress. In such a remote and peaceful setting, what could go wrong?
While snorkelling with a guide, Laurel, her new friend, disappears. No one on the cruise ship will acknowledge Laurel’s absence. Giovanna is determined to convince ship officials and police to search for Laurel, but no one seems to take her pleas seriously. Giovanna is intent on solving this mystery, but she makes some choices that put herself in danger. Next, a male guide is found dead in the swimming pool. Did he fall, or was he pushed? Passengers are being interrogated by the police, and Giovanna is thought to be the last to see him. So much for a quiet holiday!
What her grandmother doesn’t know, but what Giovanna has learned on Facebook, is that Jerome is heading to the Galapagos with his wife aboard his yacht. She wants revenge on the man who swindled her and ruined her business and her reputation among donors.
Still, what happened to Laurel is unresolved, and now, a 500-pound giant tortoise that would make a great tourist attraction has vanished. Three people have been stabbed, one dead and two in critical condition. As she attempts to solve the mystery of the missing Laurel and the guide who drowned in the ship’s pool, she also wants to know how and why the giant tortoise has disappeared. Luckily, she has found a resourceful, sympathetic policeman who listens to her theories and concerns. They seem to be developing a romantic attachment. Three more people are stabbed, and one has died.
The last part of the book is intense. Giovanna’s life is in extreme danger.
This was a gripping, exciting and suspenseful read. Recommended!
November 10, 2024
An addictive read with a great backdrop setting on a small luxury cruiseship. After Giovanna is duped by a rich shady business man, Jerome Haddad, while trying to open a veterinary clinic with his investment, he stole all the donations and left her high and dry. Her boyfriend dumped her because of losing her business. And thankfully, that was past and we didn’t have to endure knowing much about an unsupportive ass. Giovanna’s grandmother, Michelle, invites her on a luxury cruise to soften all the blows Giovanna endured. So Giovanna joined Michelle, but she also had a hidden agenda – she signed up for the cruise because she is on a mission to find the man who sabotaged her career. But it turns out, Giovanna discovered more than she bargained for on that cruise.
The story begins with Giovanna and fellow passenger Laurel snorkelling off the boat , except Laurel never returns, yet is not acknowledged as missing and Giovanna smells a rat and decides to do some investigating on her own and discovers mysterious things beginning to happen. When suspicion arises, Giovanna and Michelle search Laurel’s room, which appears ransacked, but Giovanna manages to find the flash drive that could have some suspected evidence on it. And the action begins with the secret searching, leading to a few dead bodies, yet no sign of Laurel – even though someone on that cruise is hiding what they know and trying to throw Giovanna and Michelle off the trail. But are they being followed? Not long after, Michelle is found knocked on the head in the infirmary. So many red herrings will keep us glued, wondering who is behind all this mystery.
As we are introduced to some interesting and well written characters in this story, we’ll learn more about the ecology of some of these islands, and about a large tortoise named Tio Armando who also goes missing, suspected of being sold on the black market.
With many clues, lots of action and suspects – and a couple of murders, Giovanna finds herself in the midst of some of these investigations with the handsome detective, and ultimately, narrowly escapes death after finding the truth when her old nemesis, Haddad, shows up on the island. Beautiful settings and description add to the enjoyment of this entertaining and suspenseful tale.
The story begins with Giovanna and fellow passenger Laurel snorkelling off the boat , except Laurel never returns, yet is not acknowledged as missing and Giovanna smells a rat and decides to do some investigating on her own and discovers mysterious things beginning to happen. When suspicion arises, Giovanna and Michelle search Laurel’s room, which appears ransacked, but Giovanna manages to find the flash drive that could have some suspected evidence on it. And the action begins with the secret searching, leading to a few dead bodies, yet no sign of Laurel – even though someone on that cruise is hiding what they know and trying to throw Giovanna and Michelle off the trail. But are they being followed? Not long after, Michelle is found knocked on the head in the infirmary. So many red herrings will keep us glued, wondering who is behind all this mystery.
As we are introduced to some interesting and well written characters in this story, we’ll learn more about the ecology of some of these islands, and about a large tortoise named Tio Armando who also goes missing, suspected of being sold on the black market.
With many clues, lots of action and suspects – and a couple of murders, Giovanna finds herself in the midst of some of these investigations with the handsome detective, and ultimately, narrowly escapes death after finding the truth when her old nemesis, Haddad, shows up on the island. Beautiful settings and description add to the enjoyment of this entertaining and suspenseful tale.
October 3, 2024
Giovanna lost her business and fiancé because of a clever con artist. She goes on a cruise with her grandmother to the Galapagos Islands to regroup and perhaps run into the con artist. Giovanna’s relaxing snorkeling trip takes a dark turn when she realizes she has been left behind and the woman she was with is missing. Everyone ignores her inquiries about her new friend and then tragedy hits the cruise ship, and the police become involved. Giovanna is immersed in more than one mystery, with her past coming into the mix. Giovanna is a fun character who is determined to find answers. Her relationship with her grandmother, who has a strong mind adds a lot of depth to the story. But it’s the islands that captured my attention. The setting was beautifully brought to life through the descriptions. I could feel the ocean breeze, see the fish when they snorkeled, and imagine the island’s celebrity turtle, Tio Armando, the passengers were all eager to see. Giovanna’s investigations lead her into danger and an attraction to the local detective. “Secrets of the Galapagos” was an entertaining mystery with a few twists and turns, and an exotic setting that I’d love to visit someday.
November 24, 2023
“Secrets of the Galapagos” is a mystery by Sharon Marchisello set against the backdrop of a luxury cruise to the Galapagos Islands. The story begins with the near-drowning of Giovanna, the novel’s main character, while snorkeling. Giovanna is glad to be alive, but when her snorkeling partner, Laurel, never returns to the ship, the mystery begins. Has Laurel drowned? Returned to the ship undetected? Gone missing? Why is Giovanna the only one who seems to care? I’ve only been reading mysteries for a short time, but this novel checks all the boxes I’ve come to enjoy in the genre. An exotic setting, sudden turns, hidden agendas, interesting characters, a touch of romance, etc.. I enjoyed how the story wove in new details and twists organically—no information dumps here—and how the plot becomes increasingly more tangled and fast-paced in the last third of the novel. The writing is sharp and descriptive. I could read another novel with these same main characters.
July 27, 2021
Want a good mystery that’ll take you somewhere you probably haven’t been? Then travel along with Sharon Marchisello on an action-packed, justice-seeking mission of a young woman determined to catch up with the con artist who took advantage of her good intentions of helping to save animals. And saving from extinction is a major theme of this well-researched book in which the setting proves as engaging as the fictional story. I’ll probably never make it to the Galapagos, so I especially appreciate an author who can engage me with the sights, sounds, and scents of this sacrosanct place that’s as threatened as the animals that live there. The story has a bit of everything—romance, suspense, revenge, intrigue, and even a bit of humor. The ending is tight and satisfying. I’m glad to have read this book.
February 27, 2025
Anyone who has ever dreamed of visiting the Galapagos Islands (that would be me) will find much to enjoy in Sharon Marchisello's novel, Secrets of the Galapagos. When Giovanna Rogers takes a cruise to help heal her broken heart, she's plunged into a mystery when a fellow passenger, Lauren, disappears and no one else on board will acknowledge that she's missing. I enjoyed the setting and description of the famous Galapagos tortoises, and the adventure (watch out for sharks while snorkeling). Thanks to Netgallery for this complimentary e-book.
January 1, 2024
I couldn't put it down - captivated to the end to find out who done it! Tapping into my love of travel and murder mysteries—the author made me feel like I was in the Galapagos with Giovanna, struggling to find the truth despite a long list of suspects. Everyone wishes they had a grandmother like Michelle.
July 14, 2026
Secrets of the Galapagos is an exciting mystery filled with suspense, adventure, and unexpected twists. I enjoyed the unique setting and the way the story blends the beauty of the Galapagos with a thrilling investigation. Giovanna’s determination made her an engaging character to follow throughout the journey.
November 19, 2022
This was a new author for me and the book was enjoyable. Loved that it took place in a far off country. Pretty fast/easy read. Met this author at a festival and I'm glad I picked up a copy of this book.
April 18, 2022
A fun beach thriller! Solid and VERY fast-paced. Just some action-y, tension-filles fun.
April 13, 2024
Secrets of the Galapagos offers an entertaining read beyond the murder mystery that sits at its core. There's a budding romance, a woman recovering from heartbreak, ample info about the history and ecology of the area, adorable animals at the center of human-initiated problems, a mysterious disappearance, and illegal business dealings all in this single volume! For readers who enjoy a book that gradually shows you its intricate layers chapter after chapter, Secrets of the Galapagos is a must-read.
November 13, 2025
I have never been to the Galapagos islands or that part of the world. Marchisello did a great job of describing the location and the key characters. I came away with a sense of having been there. The plot and subplot are believable and kept me engaged. I read it over about 48 hours. Marchisello does a great job of weaving together multiple characters and their points of view to give a complete sense of the story that centers around her protagonist's past, a missing person, a couple bodies and the disappearance of a rare tortoise.
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