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A Fashionable Fate: A Psychic Paranormal Cozy Mystery
A psychic, a fashion gala and the death of a runway model.This is not what Boutique owner, Rosa de los Reyes hoped for when she organized the Colten Island Fashion Show.
To save the gala and stop the killer from striking again, Rosa must use her psychic abilities, sift through the gossip at La Misteriosa Café and navigate increasing danger all while racing against the clock.
Will Rosa, her familiar Raul, and Las Cubanitas find the truth before the murderer kills again?Recipes
To save the gala and stop the killer from striking again, Rosa must use her psychic abilities, sift through the gossip at La Misteriosa Café and navigate increasing danger all while racing against the clock.
Will Rosa, her familiar Raul, and Las Cubanitas find the truth before the murderer kills again?Recipes
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2020
15 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 13, 2020
Wonderful first in a new series set on an island near Miami. Lots of fun quirky characters and even spirit guides. Just when you think you know who the killer is, more twists are thrown in so you’ll keep guessing until the end. And it sure helps that Rosa and her grandmother can read minds. What a fun curve that is. Even with their psychic abilities, there’s so much deception going on, it will keep you on your toes. Looking forward to reading more of Rosa and her family and friends future adventures.
December 31, 2020
Charming and warm: those are the best words to describe this new series. I found the mystery fun and the characters interesting (to say the least) and the addition of a ghost or two made it even more interesting. But what I loved about this book was the way the author made you feel like you were warmly invited into the home and culture of the principal characters. I loved the Cuban culture, food, and traditions that feature so prominently throughout the story. As I finished the book, I felt like I was leaving new family friends. Thanks to the author for this glimpse into the warmth of the Cuban family. I highly recommend this book and look forward to continuing the series.
January 28, 2021
This is the first in a cozy paranormal series which has a great Cuban base to it. Also, a debut novel for this new author. A mixture of snippets of the Spanish language mixed with US English was easy enough for a UK English reader to understand and enjoy.
Rosa is part of a group of women, some being family and others, friends, who have some great skillsets between them. Fashion, coffee houses and sleuthing are all on the cards. Not to mention tarot cards, mind-reading, ghosts, and great cooking.
Let’s chuck in a dead body or two, a twisty story and watch the mystery unfold. Nana is a great character, as is Raul, a grounded ghost and spirit guide who stays to assist Rosa. He has attitude and you will listen to him!
Nana doesn’t like what her deck of cards repeatedly tells her, and death and betrayal are imminent. When tragedy strikes a second time, nobody can see the connection. All will be revealed in due course and that isn’t all that’s going on behind the scenes on Colten Island.
This Cuban psychic hits the spot and I’m looking forward to reading more in this captivating and original series.
Rosa is part of a group of women, some being family and others, friends, who have some great skillsets between them. Fashion, coffee houses and sleuthing are all on the cards. Not to mention tarot cards, mind-reading, ghosts, and great cooking.
Let’s chuck in a dead body or two, a twisty story and watch the mystery unfold. Nana is a great character, as is Raul, a grounded ghost and spirit guide who stays to assist Rosa. He has attitude and you will listen to him!
Nana doesn’t like what her deck of cards repeatedly tells her, and death and betrayal are imminent. When tragedy strikes a second time, nobody can see the connection. All will be revealed in due course and that isn’t all that’s going on behind the scenes on Colten Island.
This Cuban psychic hits the spot and I’m looking forward to reading more in this captivating and original series.
December 23, 2020
A FASHIONABLE FATE by Ileana Munoz Renfroe
The First Rosa the Cuban Psychic Mystery
Rosa de los Reyes is preparing for THE event on Colten Island, her fashion show featuring her latest designs. Everyone will be there, from island residents to guests ferrying over from Miami. Rosa is even prepared to deal with the diva model, Cynthia. When Rosa goes to pick her up from rehearsal she sees Cynthia's ghost in front of her cottage. With her spirit guide, Raul, dealing with the newly departed, Rosa knows she will have to help the Sheriff solve the murder. Her abuela has been getting troubling messages from her Tarot cards, so Rosa knows she can't be too careful. Will she be able to solve the murder or will it be curtains for her?
Although A FASHIONABLE FATE is the first book in the series, I often felt that I was coming into the story late as Rosa mentioned other cases she and her friends had solved. It was easy enough to become acquainted with the characters, however. I really liked Nana, Rosa's grandmother. She's intelligent, caring, fun, and is a great Tarot reader and psychic. I also really enjoyed Rosa's flighty mother who tends to either cook or faint when stressed. Unfortunately, I found most of the other characters underdeveloped and two dimensional. Rosa is a fashion designer who also happens to be a psychic who feels the Sheriff, though nice, is incapable of doing his job without her help. Although I know a lot about her, including the decision about her future plans, her emotions were never really explored, and everything seemed superficial.
I like the fact that the book features a Cuban American protagonist. I enjoyed the ethnic touches, learning some customs and hearing about the delicious food. I was happy to discover recipes in the book as well.
While the first Rosa the Cuban Psychic Mystery has a great premise, the writing is stilted with awkward dialogue, changes in tense, and at one point there was even a change in point of view from third person to first person. This debut novel had great possibilities but suffered from poor editing. A strong copy editor could have caught these issues and may have corralled the meandering storylines to help create a cohesive mystery.
A FASHIONABLE FATE brings together fashion and the paranormal in a uniquely flavored mystery. This debut mystery shows promise with a unique set of characters in an island setting.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me an e-copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
The First Rosa the Cuban Psychic Mystery
Rosa de los Reyes is preparing for THE event on Colten Island, her fashion show featuring her latest designs. Everyone will be there, from island residents to guests ferrying over from Miami. Rosa is even prepared to deal with the diva model, Cynthia. When Rosa goes to pick her up from rehearsal she sees Cynthia's ghost in front of her cottage. With her spirit guide, Raul, dealing with the newly departed, Rosa knows she will have to help the Sheriff solve the murder. Her abuela has been getting troubling messages from her Tarot cards, so Rosa knows she can't be too careful. Will she be able to solve the murder or will it be curtains for her?
Although A FASHIONABLE FATE is the first book in the series, I often felt that I was coming into the story late as Rosa mentioned other cases she and her friends had solved. It was easy enough to become acquainted with the characters, however. I really liked Nana, Rosa's grandmother. She's intelligent, caring, fun, and is a great Tarot reader and psychic. I also really enjoyed Rosa's flighty mother who tends to either cook or faint when stressed. Unfortunately, I found most of the other characters underdeveloped and two dimensional. Rosa is a fashion designer who also happens to be a psychic who feels the Sheriff, though nice, is incapable of doing his job without her help. Although I know a lot about her, including the decision about her future plans, her emotions were never really explored, and everything seemed superficial.
I like the fact that the book features a Cuban American protagonist. I enjoyed the ethnic touches, learning some customs and hearing about the delicious food. I was happy to discover recipes in the book as well.
While the first Rosa the Cuban Psychic Mystery has a great premise, the writing is stilted with awkward dialogue, changes in tense, and at one point there was even a change in point of view from third person to first person. This debut novel had great possibilities but suffered from poor editing. A strong copy editor could have caught these issues and may have corralled the meandering storylines to help create a cohesive mystery.
A FASHIONABLE FATE brings together fashion and the paranormal in a uniquely flavored mystery. This debut mystery shows promise with a unique set of characters in an island setting.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me an e-copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
November 23, 2021
This is my first dip into the cozy mystery world and it most certainly will not be my last.
A Fashionable Fate has a little something for everyone. It's filled with mystery, food, and lots of good twists. I loved the small-town setting and enjoyed getting to know the characters.
While this book is pretty far from what I normally read, I am so happy I decided to check it out. I had a lot of fun getting lost in this series and I look forward to checking out more from this author in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
A Fashionable Fate has a little something for everyone. It's filled with mystery, food, and lots of good twists. I loved the small-town setting and enjoyed getting to know the characters.
While this book is pretty far from what I normally read, I am so happy I decided to check it out. I had a lot of fun getting lost in this series and I look forward to checking out more from this author in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
January 19, 2021
Five Stars for FUN! Great escape to a terrific island setting, plus lovable characters and a twisty plot. Oh, and a detective who reads minds. If you're a paranormal cozy person, this is totally your jam.
January 8, 2021
I loved the Cuban aspect of the book, especially in a world where representation is minimal. The mind reading and spirit guides were awesome too!
December 29, 2020
This book is right up my alley. I love the cover of course. It makes me want to keep it out on my coffee table. It, (and the inside of the book of course!) has all the right feels. Cozy stuff, mysterious stuff, twists, freaking PSYCHICS, dogs, CUBAN food, recipes, murder... so glad this author decided to write this series, can't wait to read book 2.
December 26, 2020
A Fashionable Fate is one of those mysteries that unfold like an onion - just as soon as you think you have it all figured out, another layer peels off revealing a new twist. This well-crafted story includes plenty of twists and turns, and the magical elements are perfectly woven in, making them imminently believable. I loved Nana and enjoyed learning more about the Cuban culture.
December 21, 2020
What a wonderful cozy mystery debut. Rosa de los Reyes is a Cuban American woman living on Colten Island, Florida. She owns a high end clothing boutique and also happens to be a psychic. She also has a spirit guide named Raul. She ends up participated in the Colten Island Fashion Show, when one of the models, Cynthia is poisoned to death. It's got all you need in a cozy mystery, quirky\interesting characters, small town setting, animals, and lots of charm and humor, mixed with a plot straight out of an Agatha Christie novel.
May 20, 2021
Take a vacation to lovely Colten Island. It's just north of Key West, a cozy, scenic, residential home of a couple of hundred intriguing characters. Enjoy your stay while shopping and walking the beach, but be on the alert because intrigue lingers on the balmy breezes. Rosa lives on the island. She's a thirty-five year old Cuban-American psychic and couture fashion designer, and one of her models for her runway show has just been murdered. The killer is somewhere loose on the island, and may kill again
Rosa is on the case. She has amazing skills at amateur sleuthing and she has special insights from her psychic capabilities. She's teamed up with her spirit guide, a truly free spirit and ghost Raul. She also has some help from her eclectic group of friends she refers to as the cubanitas. Rosa is going to need all the help she can get in solving this mystery. Her Nana has seen something ominous while reading the tarot cards. Rosa will need to be careful. Everything is not what it seems.
The author Ileana Muñoz-Renfroe creates a fun plot puzzler for readers to try to solve. There's a few interesting surprises throughout the story, leading all the way up to the heartwarming ending. The characters are so fun, and this author will even have you believing in ghosts. The delightful Cuban style, culture, and setting certainly enhances the story.
For years Ileana Muñoz-Renfroe wanted to be an author. After raising two children and owning numerous businesses, she decided to take the plunge. Since two of her passions are the paranormal and high-end fashion, she found a way to combine them and created Rosa The Cuban Psychic Mysteries. This series brings together her Cuban and American cultures to make for a fun cozy mystery story. You can learn more about her works at her website imrenfroe.com and find her Facebook group – Cozy Mysstery Village. If you'd like to hear from the author herself she's interviewed on YouTube's A Novel Talk with Ileana Muñoz-Renfroe
Rosa is on the case. She has amazing skills at amateur sleuthing and she has special insights from her psychic capabilities. She's teamed up with her spirit guide, a truly free spirit and ghost Raul. She also has some help from her eclectic group of friends she refers to as the cubanitas. Rosa is going to need all the help she can get in solving this mystery. Her Nana has seen something ominous while reading the tarot cards. Rosa will need to be careful. Everything is not what it seems.
The author Ileana Muñoz-Renfroe creates a fun plot puzzler for readers to try to solve. There's a few interesting surprises throughout the story, leading all the way up to the heartwarming ending. The characters are so fun, and this author will even have you believing in ghosts. The delightful Cuban style, culture, and setting certainly enhances the story.
For years Ileana Muñoz-Renfroe wanted to be an author. After raising two children and owning numerous businesses, she decided to take the plunge. Since two of her passions are the paranormal and high-end fashion, she found a way to combine them and created Rosa The Cuban Psychic Mysteries. This series brings together her Cuban and American cultures to make for a fun cozy mystery story. You can learn more about her works at her website imrenfroe.com and find her Facebook group – Cozy Mysstery Village. If you'd like to hear from the author herself she's interviewed on YouTube's A Novel Talk with Ileana Muñoz-Renfroe
September 9, 2021
A Fashionable Fate is HANDS DOWN my favorite cozy mystery I’ve ever read! I absolutely loved the quick pace of this book. I marveled at all the different threads the author held in her capable hands and how she expertly she weaves all these threads into a super charming story. I feel in love with the cast of characters and she described them and the setting in such amazing detail, that I felt they were real people! Speaking of the setting, I couldn’t wait to leave all my troubles behind each night (I’m a caregiver to my father, who has cancer and dementia) and escape to her Colton Island locale. I was charmed by the tight-knight island community and I REALLY was enticed by the food descriptions. OH MY, these were so yummy, it was a pleasure to read about these tasty dishes and an even bigger pleasure noticing recipes are included in the back!
Rosa, our heroine, is a spunky, warm-hearted, super brainy woman presented with a magnificent opportunity to advance her career significantly, but before she can take advantage of that, she’s needed to catch a killer, (or killers!) to bring order and safety back to the Colton Island community!
She’s got a really fun sidekick who made this reader smile every time he appeared...or disappeared, as the case may be! Haha! Of course, I also loved her family, especially her dear Nana.
One of the biggest things that struck me was how easy it was to read. The pages just flew by and I grew sad as I approached the end of the book, because I could read another ten stories by this charming author and still not get enough!
If you’re looking for the best cozy mystery you’ll read all year, look no farther than A Fashionable Fate! Rosa and her family will instantly pull you into their world and you’ll want to read your favorite scenes again and again.
FIVE ECSTATIC STARS!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rosa, our heroine, is a spunky, warm-hearted, super brainy woman presented with a magnificent opportunity to advance her career significantly, but before she can take advantage of that, she’s needed to catch a killer, (or killers!) to bring order and safety back to the Colton Island community!
She’s got a really fun sidekick who made this reader smile every time he appeared...or disappeared, as the case may be! Haha! Of course, I also loved her family, especially her dear Nana.
One of the biggest things that struck me was how easy it was to read. The pages just flew by and I grew sad as I approached the end of the book, because I could read another ten stories by this charming author and still not get enough!
If you’re looking for the best cozy mystery you’ll read all year, look no farther than A Fashionable Fate! Rosa and her family will instantly pull you into their world and you’ll want to read your favorite scenes again and again.
FIVE ECSTATIC STARS!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 30, 2021
Rosa de los Reyes is a fashion designer who also has the ability to read minds. Fortunately, she has the ability to turn her gift on and off to keep from being inundated by the people around her. A big advantage to her gift is the ability to communicate with Raul, a ghost and her spirit guide. While preparing for the annual Fashion Show on Colten Island, Rosa had completely forgotten that Cynthia Montgomery would be one of the models in the show. Unfortunately, Cynthia has a reputation of being very disagreeable and causing a ruckus everywhere she goes.
When Rosa and Raul go to pick Cynthia up for a rehearsal, they find Cynthia's ghost, rather than Cynthia herself. It seems that Cynthia is dead, but she does not remember how she died. Rosa suspects foul play and is determined to uncover the truth.
How did Cynthia die? Was she murdered? If so, by whom? Can Raul help Cynthia remember what happened? Will Rosa and her friends be able to solve the mystery?
This is a great start to a wonderful series. It combines several story lines into a single book with great characters and realistic situations. There are plenty of twists, turns and red herrings to keep the reader engaged and guessing clear to the end.
When Rosa and Raul go to pick Cynthia up for a rehearsal, they find Cynthia's ghost, rather than Cynthia herself. It seems that Cynthia is dead, but she does not remember how she died. Rosa suspects foul play and is determined to uncover the truth.
How did Cynthia die? Was she murdered? If so, by whom? Can Raul help Cynthia remember what happened? Will Rosa and her friends be able to solve the mystery?
This is a great start to a wonderful series. It combines several story lines into a single book with great characters and realistic situations. There are plenty of twists, turns and red herrings to keep the reader engaged and guessing clear to the end.
February 24, 2021
A paracozy with Cuban flair
Rosa can read minds and see ghosts, and also sometimes has visions of the future, that she cannot change. Her spirit guide is Raul and I must say, I liked them both! The Cuban charm of Rosa and the diva-ness of Raul. I liked the mind reading, that was a clever investigative tool! I liked the way Rosa first learned of the victim’s death. And very important: I liked the case! There is a lot to like about this book!
It did take me a little while to really get into the story (but maybe I was in the wrong frame of mind, that does happen to me sometimes), but soon Rosa and Raul had won me over and I started to really enjoy this book! The investigation was well done, and very suspenseful! It was quite easy to figure out whodunit, but there were some twists and turns that kept this book interesting. And I didn’t know the why! That was very well explained at the end.
Yes, a likeable book.
Rosa can read minds and see ghosts, and also sometimes has visions of the future, that she cannot change. Her spirit guide is Raul and I must say, I liked them both! The Cuban charm of Rosa and the diva-ness of Raul. I liked the mind reading, that was a clever investigative tool! I liked the way Rosa first learned of the victim’s death. And very important: I liked the case! There is a lot to like about this book!
It did take me a little while to really get into the story (but maybe I was in the wrong frame of mind, that does happen to me sometimes), but soon Rosa and Raul had won me over and I started to really enjoy this book! The investigation was well done, and very suspenseful! It was quite easy to figure out whodunit, but there were some twists and turns that kept this book interesting. And I didn’t know the why! That was very well explained at the end.
Yes, a likeable book.
July 11, 2021
The only way to describe A Fashionable Fate is fun, fun, fun. Author Ileana Munoz-Renfroe sends you on a rollicking ride through tropical South Florida and introduces you to the rich Cuban culture with quirky characters to lead you through the story. Ghosts, mind readers, and a hysterically funny spirit guide make the trip one you wish would never end. Set on an island near Miami, the fast-paced story centers around apparel designer Rosa who must solve the murder of Cynthia, an unpopular runway model killed hours before she was scheduled to be in Rosa’s charity fashion show gala. With more twists and turns than a hot salsa, readers are kept guessing whodunit. If you love a good laugh, enjoy the magic of ghosts and mind readers, and can’t get to a tropical island any time soon, this book with its snappy dialog and tasty Cuban treats is for you.
October 11, 2021
“A Fashionable Fate” has something for every cozy mystery lover. A small, charming town, likable characters, yummy food descriptions, fun events, and a twisting mystery.
Our main character Rosa is a woman of many talents. Among being a respected fashion designer, she can speak to the dead and read minds. She uses her gifts to solve crimes around the island, but when a young model is murdered, she must put her skills to the test to unmask the killer. Rosa believes she knows who killed the model after overhearing someone’s murderous thoughts and rallies her group of friends to assist her. Without spoiling too much, Rosa discovers appearances can be deceiving.
The element I enjoyed most about this book was the Cuban-American culture. A Cuban-American lead is not something you come across frequently in the cozy mystery genre, so getting to know Rosa was a delight!
Our main character Rosa is a woman of many talents. Among being a respected fashion designer, she can speak to the dead and read minds. She uses her gifts to solve crimes around the island, but when a young model is murdered, she must put her skills to the test to unmask the killer. Rosa believes she knows who killed the model after overhearing someone’s murderous thoughts and rallies her group of friends to assist her. Without spoiling too much, Rosa discovers appearances can be deceiving.
The element I enjoyed most about this book was the Cuban-American culture. A Cuban-American lead is not something you come across frequently in the cozy mystery genre, so getting to know Rosa was a delight!
July 3, 2025
Recipes Included!
Ay, Caramba! What a wild ride! This first book in the Cuban psychic series is full of twists and turns and FOOD! Absolutely loved the MC Rosa , her Nana and her Spirit Guide Raul. Each and every character is fully developed (including the ghosts) with distinct personalities. If ever a cottage opens up on Colten Island, I'm packed and ready to go. Phenomenal world building makes a trusted and caring environment we all want to believe in. One of my favorite things about Ileana's story telling is the bilingual element. She successfully uses interspersed Spanish, with predominantly English words to bring the Cuban flavor alive. AND Speaking of Food... please stay tuned after the epilogue for "recipes included". Delicious!
I Highly Recommend this story and will be jumping into numero dos as quickly as possible.
Ay, Caramba! What a wild ride! This first book in the Cuban psychic series is full of twists and turns and FOOD! Absolutely loved the MC Rosa , her Nana and her Spirit Guide Raul. Each and every character is fully developed (including the ghosts) with distinct personalities. If ever a cottage opens up on Colten Island, I'm packed and ready to go. Phenomenal world building makes a trusted and caring environment we all want to believe in. One of my favorite things about Ileana's story telling is the bilingual element. She successfully uses interspersed Spanish, with predominantly English words to bring the Cuban flavor alive. AND Speaking of Food... please stay tuned after the epilogue for "recipes included". Delicious!
I Highly Recommend this story and will be jumping into numero dos as quickly as possible.
May 26, 2021
I found A Fashionable Fate by Ileana Munoz Renfroe to be a total delight. Yes, as with any murder mystery, there is always the murdered victim, but the plot was well conceived, Renfroe's wit was enjoyable, and despite having the help of being a mind reader, and having a spirit for a friend, the heroine still had her investigative talents put to the test as she and her friends (including the spirit) worked to find the murderer. This was a fun read, and Renfroe makes it easy to keep her characters straight as they all have their own personalities. If you like cozies, this is what you are looking for.
Celia Martin
Celia Martin
December 8, 2021
Fashionable Fate is the debut novel of a Cuban American family living on Colten Island. The plot revolves around the murder of a high-fashion model, Cynthia, before the grand gala. Of course, the killer knows, and the reader is privy to the character’s thoughts. The killer is blissfully unaware that his mind is being read.
Along the way, the story weaves in a second killer, a smuggling ring, Interpol, and a poisonous plant.
Fashionable Fate is a thoroughly delightful cozy, where spirits converse with the living. This series is a must read for the paranormal cozy fan.
Along the way, the story weaves in a second killer, a smuggling ring, Interpol, and a poisonous plant.
Fashionable Fate is a thoroughly delightful cozy, where spirits converse with the living. This series is a must read for the paranormal cozy fan.
February 15, 2024
Rosa is a clothing designer, but she is also a psychic. When one of the models, who was supposed to walk in her gala fashion show, if found dead, she must us her abilities to find the killer. With her familiar ghost, Raul, her psychic grandmother Nana and her friends she calls the Cubanitas, they track down the clues and follow them through to find the killer before everyone leaves Colton Island after the gala.
I really enjoyed the book and the second mystery included in the book was very interesting too.
I really enjoyed the book and the second mystery included in the book was very interesting too.
July 27, 2025
This paranormal cozy was a fun read. It takes place in the close knit community of Colten Island just north of Key West, where no one bothers to lock their doors. It features three generations of Cuban women. Rosa de los Reyes is a psychic, mind reader, and amateur sleuth. Rosa inherited her gift from her Nana. Together they follow clues to solve a murder. The eclectic group of characters in the book are really likable. The book ends with the possibility of a romance between Rosa and Sheriff Storm.
April 26, 2021
A Joy To Read
This was the most fun, quirky, Miami story ever. The characters came to life and we’re all believable and unbelievable at the same time. A great escape with people you’d love to live next door to. I’m sorry it ended. I will miss Nana.
This was the most fun, quirky, Miami story ever. The characters came to life and we’re all believable and unbelievable at the same time. A great escape with people you’d love to live next door to. I’m sorry it ended. I will miss Nana.
August 30, 2021
This the first book in the A Fashionable Fate series and it’s wonderful!!! It’s a cozy mystery with surprises, humor, heartfelt moments,and twist and turns that will have you guessing till the end who done it! I loved it from the beginning to end!!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews