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Beaver Island #1
Vitamin Sea
What happens when a retired intelligence agent has to join forces with a nerdy GenX couch potato?
Freshly minted retiree Irma Abercrombie wasn’t looking for drama when she invited Violet Blackheart—an engineer with a serious vitamin D deficiency—for a visit at her island home. But after an armed robbery in town goes terribly wrong, they get pulled into an island intrigue: Was it a simple snatch and grab, or are there other forces at work? And if Irma’s so retired, why is there a dead guy in her driveway?
Irma’s hands might be deadly weapons, but she’s all thumbs when it comes to computer problems. Next, she has to figure out how to convince Violet to investigate a technology puzzle that might have been masterminded by someone with a taste for murder.
Violet embraces a budding cupcake addiction and day-drinking, while Irma grapples with a bomb threat and wonders how she ended up with a pug as a sidekick...and whether Violet’s hiding a few secrets of her own. Irma’s headed for a showdown on a luxurious island estate, and she has every intention of dragging Violet along for the ride.
Irma Abercrombie wants to save the world.
Violet Blackheart just wants to survive her vacation.
Freshly minted retiree Irma Abercrombie wasn’t looking for drama when she invited Violet Blackheart—an engineer with a serious vitamin D deficiency—for a visit at her island home. But after an armed robbery in town goes terribly wrong, they get pulled into an island intrigue: Was it a simple snatch and grab, or are there other forces at work? And if Irma’s so retired, why is there a dead guy in her driveway?
Irma’s hands might be deadly weapons, but she’s all thumbs when it comes to computer problems. Next, she has to figure out how to convince Violet to investigate a technology puzzle that might have been masterminded by someone with a taste for murder.
Violet embraces a budding cupcake addiction and day-drinking, while Irma grapples with a bomb threat and wonders how she ended up with a pug as a sidekick...and whether Violet’s hiding a few secrets of her own. Irma’s headed for a showdown on a luxurious island estate, and she has every intention of dragging Violet along for the ride.
Irma Abercrombie wants to save the world.
Violet Blackheart just wants to survive her vacation.
- GenresMysteryCozyCozy Mystery
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2020
1118 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Maia Ross
17 books80 followersMaia Ross is the author of the Beaver Island mystery series, featuring retired spy Irma Abercrombie and couch-locked nerd Violet Blackheart, along with the spin-off series, Irma Saves Christmas, and the Beaver Island prequel novelette, Irmageddon.
Maia spent almost twenty years in the tech sector and is an avid sailor. She makes her home in Toronto with her better half, John.
To be notified about new releases and giveaways, and receive a free copy of Irmageddon, please sign up for Maia's monthly newsletter at https://www.maiarossbooks.com.
Maia spent almost twenty years in the tech sector and is an avid sailor. She makes her home in Toronto with her better half, John.
To be notified about new releases and giveaways, and receive a free copy of Irmageddon, please sign up for Maia's monthly newsletter at https://www.maiarossbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 14, 2022
Irma Abercrombie, retired British Intelligence Agent, is classy, smart, kind-hearted and dangerous. Violet Blackheart is an IT genius and prefers tennis shoes to high heels. In order to catch a devious killer, the ladies are going to have to rely on each other and their quirky & lovable friends who live on Beavers Island.
I loved this book! The mystery kept me guessing (and reading!) and is full of twists and turns and red herrings. The friendship between the world traveler Irma and the introverted Violet is both hilarious and touching. Irma is a deadly weapon wrapped in a five foot tall frame. The supporting characters are well-written and the description of Beavers Island and its beautiful features adds to the story.
If you're in the mood for a great mystery with humor and characters you'll root for - Vitamin Sea is the book for you!
I'm impatiently waiting for the next book - Dead Calm!
I loved this book! The mystery kept me guessing (and reading!) and is full of twists and turns and red herrings. The friendship between the world traveler Irma and the introverted Violet is both hilarious and touching. Irma is a deadly weapon wrapped in a five foot tall frame. The supporting characters are well-written and the description of Beavers Island and its beautiful features adds to the story.
If you're in the mood for a great mystery with humor and characters you'll root for - Vitamin Sea is the book for you!
I'm impatiently waiting for the next book - Dead Calm!
August 11, 2022
This was such a fun book! Full of humor, sarcasm, and entertainment - It gave me Thursday Murder Club vibes. The writing doesn't compare to that series, but the mystery and twists were enjoyable. Not sure why I waited so long to give cozy mysteries a try! Sometimes an easy, somewhat mindless read is needed and this fit the bill. Irma and Violet made such an unlikely team...and Mr. Pugglesworth! Great comic relief. I will have to see what the rest of the series is like!
April 13, 2022
Good cosy if you want something extremely light to read, which I do when reading before bed.
I’ve seen a trend of older and younger characters who team up to solve crimes. Personally, I like the mixing of elders and youth!
My favorite so far though is Jasmine Webb’s Charlie Gibson, but this is a close second.
I’ve seen a trend of older and younger characters who team up to solve crimes. Personally, I like the mixing of elders and youth!
My favorite so far though is Jasmine Webb’s Charlie Gibson, but this is a close second.
December 1, 2025
I received a free copy from Tantor Audio and voluntarily reviewed it.
Vitamin Sea caught my eye with it's fun title and interesting blurb. I've been in a big cozy reading mood and was excited to start this one. Vitamin Sea is told from two points of view, Irma is a retired spy who has trouble adjusting to civilian life and Violet is the nerdy co-owner of a tech company and needs a break as she's nearing burnout. Violet decides to take Irma up on her offer to stay with her on beaver Island. The two team up to solve a mystery. I did feel this book reads like there is a story before it and I did find out there is a prequel novella set before it. It can be easily read without it, but I did feel like I missed a bit of background at the start.
I liked the dynamic duo vibe, but I wished they had been closer and worked more together. Now it's mostly Irma doing her thing and her asking Violet to help with the tech stuff, while Violet mostly focuses on that and gives Irma the highlights. I liked the dynamic duo vibes and wished that had been utilized more as Violet's pov didn't feel as necessary now. I did like the difference in age and personalities of these two, but I just wanted to know more about them. The characters felt more like a collection of easy remember traits and their personalities didn't fully come to life with me.
As I had expected the typical cozy mystery vibes I had expected more cozy island vibes in this one and more daily life scenes and I felt like those were missing. I wanted more cozy scenes with either of them or the both of them and seeing more of their daily life. I did realize the cover actually classifies this as humorous mystery and I think that term fits better than cozy mystery. Sadly I didn't really find it very funny. I also thought the vibe was a bit more suspenseful and dangerous than most cozies with multiple victims who are shot, security, danger and armed people. It just isn't my preferred type of mystery.
The book is very mystery focused and it feels very plot focused, which would've been good if the mystery had actually hooked me, but I struggled with it. This mystery starts with a robbery and when the cousin of one of Irma's friends get hurt her friend asks her to help. Then there is a mysterious dead body that shows up at Irma's house and an kidnapping and accidental overdose of a side character. Violet jumps in to figure out whether the IV stands have been tampered with. Then later dead threats are added and more danger.
It just felt like this mystery was all over the place, nothing seemed to make sense or be connected. The characters did a lot, but it didn't feel like they were getting anywhere until the end. I have to say I did really like the reveal and wrap up, it all fell on it's place and the jumble of a mystery finally made sense. It just felt like all the reveals were all packed into the last few chapters and the rest of the book it didn't feel like the characters got anywhere and I like a bit more progression throughout a mystery book.
I listened to this one on audio and both narrators were awesome. I already knew Petrea Burchard from the Nightmare Arizona series and enjoyed listening to another book narrator by her, although I did get a bit confused at first when I got reminded of all the characters in that other series with the way she did the voices. Deborah Balm was a new to me narrator and I enjoyed listening to the chapters she did. I thought the dual narration was a nice touch and both narrators did a great job with the different voices and the whole audiobook was pleasant to listen to, so I can definitely recommend picking it up in audio.
To summarize: This one had a fun premise with a dynamic sleuthing duo involving a retired spy and a nerdy tech company co-owner who team up. I really wanted to like this one and there were parts I did like, but this book just didn't fully work for me. I wanted more depth to the characters personalities and more cozy scenes and daily life parts. The mystery felt more suspenseful and dangerous than I usually prefer. And I didn't really find the book funny despite it being marketed as a humorous mystery. The mystery felt all over the place and the two sleuths each seemed to do their own thing and then telling the other about it instead of working together. The reveal for the mystery was great and I liked how it all made sense and fell on it's place, but I would've liked more progression throughout the book. The audiobook narrators were both great to listen to and I liked the dual narration. Both narrators did the various voices well and I can recommend the audio version if you want to pick this one up.
Vitamin Sea caught my eye with it's fun title and interesting blurb. I've been in a big cozy reading mood and was excited to start this one. Vitamin Sea is told from two points of view, Irma is a retired spy who has trouble adjusting to civilian life and Violet is the nerdy co-owner of a tech company and needs a break as she's nearing burnout. Violet decides to take Irma up on her offer to stay with her on beaver Island. The two team up to solve a mystery. I did feel this book reads like there is a story before it and I did find out there is a prequel novella set before it. It can be easily read without it, but I did feel like I missed a bit of background at the start.
I liked the dynamic duo vibe, but I wished they had been closer and worked more together. Now it's mostly Irma doing her thing and her asking Violet to help with the tech stuff, while Violet mostly focuses on that and gives Irma the highlights. I liked the dynamic duo vibes and wished that had been utilized more as Violet's pov didn't feel as necessary now. I did like the difference in age and personalities of these two, but I just wanted to know more about them. The characters felt more like a collection of easy remember traits and their personalities didn't fully come to life with me.
As I had expected the typical cozy mystery vibes I had expected more cozy island vibes in this one and more daily life scenes and I felt like those were missing. I wanted more cozy scenes with either of them or the both of them and seeing more of their daily life. I did realize the cover actually classifies this as humorous mystery and I think that term fits better than cozy mystery. Sadly I didn't really find it very funny. I also thought the vibe was a bit more suspenseful and dangerous than most cozies with multiple victims who are shot, security, danger and armed people. It just isn't my preferred type of mystery.
The book is very mystery focused and it feels very plot focused, which would've been good if the mystery had actually hooked me, but I struggled with it. This mystery starts with a robbery and when the cousin of one of Irma's friends get hurt her friend asks her to help. Then there is a mysterious dead body that shows up at Irma's house and an kidnapping and accidental overdose of a side character. Violet jumps in to figure out whether the IV stands have been tampered with. Then later dead threats are added and more danger.
It just felt like this mystery was all over the place, nothing seemed to make sense or be connected. The characters did a lot, but it didn't feel like they were getting anywhere until the end. I have to say I did really like the reveal and wrap up, it all fell on it's place and the jumble of a mystery finally made sense. It just felt like all the reveals were all packed into the last few chapters and the rest of the book it didn't feel like the characters got anywhere and I like a bit more progression throughout a mystery book.
I listened to this one on audio and both narrators were awesome. I already knew Petrea Burchard from the Nightmare Arizona series and enjoyed listening to another book narrator by her, although I did get a bit confused at first when I got reminded of all the characters in that other series with the way she did the voices. Deborah Balm was a new to me narrator and I enjoyed listening to the chapters she did. I thought the dual narration was a nice touch and both narrators did a great job with the different voices and the whole audiobook was pleasant to listen to, so I can definitely recommend picking it up in audio.
To summarize: This one had a fun premise with a dynamic sleuthing duo involving a retired spy and a nerdy tech company co-owner who team up. I really wanted to like this one and there were parts I did like, but this book just didn't fully work for me. I wanted more depth to the characters personalities and more cozy scenes and daily life parts. The mystery felt more suspenseful and dangerous than I usually prefer. And I didn't really find the book funny despite it being marketed as a humorous mystery. The mystery felt all over the place and the two sleuths each seemed to do their own thing and then telling the other about it instead of working together. The reveal for the mystery was great and I liked how it all made sense and fell on it's place, but I would've liked more progression throughout the book. The audiobook narrators were both great to listen to and I liked the dual narration. Both narrators did the various voices well and I can recommend the audio version if you want to pick this one up.
December 5, 2025
Taking a much needed vacation, Violet is staying with long-time acquaintance Irma at her beautiful home on the wealthy summer vacation spot of Beaver Island, located in Lake Ontario, a couple hours outside of Toronto. When the nephew of her good friend is shot during a jewelry store robbery, retired-spy Irma feels compelled to solve the crime in order to keep her friends safe. Able to solve puzzles and take apart tech, Violet is drawn into the mystery in order to help Irma and her friends.
Vitamin Sea is an enjoyable mystery. There is a great balance between Irma’s vigilant crime fighting, Violet’s real-world problems, and the deepening relationship between the pair. Having both main character’s view points provides the balance and gives readers a well-rounded perspective of the situation.
Irma is a mystery solving ex-spy who loves life and is trying to enjoy retirement. I love that she cannot turn off her years of working as a British spy. Violet is a bit more down-to-earth, an introvert that is dealing with relatable issues. She’s about living her life and trying to keep up with Irma. Violet helps Irma because she likes solving problems, but she’s not solving the crimes per se. I enjoyed following the pair as they piece together the puzzle, and there are clues if you are sharp enough to catch them all.
Irma and Violet, a generation apart in age, developed an acquaintance when Violet was a teen and danced for the Beaver Island Dance Company. We aren’t privy to how close the pair remained after that summer, but I don’t get the feeling they are close friends. Each is gaining something from spending time together now. Violet is opening up to new experiences and Irma is developing trust in others. Their developing friendship with one another and other residents on the island gives the story a heart.
Narration: Balm: Using a slight British accent, Balm narrates Irma’s first person POV with a deepish and slightly raspy voice fitting for the ex-spy. Giving a partially-voiced reading, she adjusts the dialogue for most characters, albeit just enough to know different characters are speaking. She tends to be a little higher pitched for females, and softer and lower for males. She adjusts appropriately for mood and emotion. That said I do not like her voice for Violet, which comes of whiny. Balm also seems to struggle with the other younger characters and those with straight Canadian/American accents. Burchard: Burchard uses an upbeat, energetic voice for the first person POV of Violet. The “non-accented” voice is fitting for 40-something, workaholic Violet. Burchard also does a lovely British accent for Irma. Burchard successfully alters dialogue for gender, age, and ethnicity, making each character unique enough to distinguish from one another.
Overall, I throughly enjoyed Vitamin Sea and meeting Irma and Violet. The story is a solid start to the series. I found the set up and execution of the mystery exciting and interesting. I like that the book also deals with friendships, trust, and a human connection component.
My Ratings:
Story: B
Narration:
Balm: C+
Burchard: B
NOTE: There is a short novelette prequel to the series available as a free download for signing up for the author’s newsletter: https://www.maiarossbooks.com
Review copy provided by the publisher
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Vitamin Sea is an enjoyable mystery. There is a great balance between Irma’s vigilant crime fighting, Violet’s real-world problems, and the deepening relationship between the pair. Having both main character’s view points provides the balance and gives readers a well-rounded perspective of the situation.
Irma is a mystery solving ex-spy who loves life and is trying to enjoy retirement. I love that she cannot turn off her years of working as a British spy. Violet is a bit more down-to-earth, an introvert that is dealing with relatable issues. She’s about living her life and trying to keep up with Irma. Violet helps Irma because she likes solving problems, but she’s not solving the crimes per se. I enjoyed following the pair as they piece together the puzzle, and there are clues if you are sharp enough to catch them all.
Irma and Violet, a generation apart in age, developed an acquaintance when Violet was a teen and danced for the Beaver Island Dance Company. We aren’t privy to how close the pair remained after that summer, but I don’t get the feeling they are close friends. Each is gaining something from spending time together now. Violet is opening up to new experiences and Irma is developing trust in others. Their developing friendship with one another and other residents on the island gives the story a heart.
Narration: Balm: Using a slight British accent, Balm narrates Irma’s first person POV with a deepish and slightly raspy voice fitting for the ex-spy. Giving a partially-voiced reading, she adjusts the dialogue for most characters, albeit just enough to know different characters are speaking. She tends to be a little higher pitched for females, and softer and lower for males. She adjusts appropriately for mood and emotion. That said I do not like her voice for Violet, which comes of whiny. Balm also seems to struggle with the other younger characters and those with straight Canadian/American accents. Burchard: Burchard uses an upbeat, energetic voice for the first person POV of Violet. The “non-accented” voice is fitting for 40-something, workaholic Violet. Burchard also does a lovely British accent for Irma. Burchard successfully alters dialogue for gender, age, and ethnicity, making each character unique enough to distinguish from one another.
Overall, I throughly enjoyed Vitamin Sea and meeting Irma and Violet. The story is a solid start to the series. I found the set up and execution of the mystery exciting and interesting. I like that the book also deals with friendships, trust, and a human connection component.
My Ratings:
Story: B
Narration:
Balm: C+
Burchard: B
NOTE: There is a short novelette prequel to the series available as a free download for signing up for the author’s newsletter: https://www.maiarossbooks.com
Review copy provided by the publisher
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
December 19, 2025
This was my first book by this author and it was a fun cozy mystery. A bit long but decently paced and filled with humorous banter. Overall a good read
October 7, 2022
Enjoyed this series. I can't remember where the suggestion for this book came from but it was a good one. I read all four books, in the series so far, this week. Irma is a retired spy. Violet is a computer nerd. The story comes from their becoming friends and from each of their strengths. I found the books to be good stories well told with fun characters.
September 20, 2022
Great fun! The former British spy who can't seem to grasp the whole "retirement" thing, the silly pug dog, and the socially inept world class computer tech nerd who can't get the "vacation" thing are thrown together in a bunch of serious oddities on an island in Lake Ontario. Laughed my sox off!
December 17, 2023
My first read of a book by this author.
Great pace and story telling format. Love the characters and plot. Perfect amount of head spinning twists on who-dun-it.
Bravo! On to book two!
Great pace and story telling format. Love the characters and plot. Perfect amount of head spinning twists on who-dun-it.
Bravo! On to book two!
January 16, 2024
A delight
This book is truly a delightful read. The characters are well-developed and the plot moves along nicely. It's a quick read and the reader doesn't get bogged down in nonsensical descriptions.
This book is truly a delightful read. The characters are well-developed and the plot moves along nicely. It's a quick read and the reader doesn't get bogged down in nonsensical descriptions.
December 23, 2020
I just purchased a copy of Vitamin Sea and had to read it all at once, right to the end. I laughed off and on throughout and thought, what a joy to read something that makes me smile in these times.
It is a story with something for everyone: A fictional island in Lake Ontario where all kinds of shenanigans take place. A retired British Intelligent Agent with a murderous past, whose hands are her weapons. A woman from the hi-tech world in desperate need of a vacation. A walk into the world of ballet and into its boardrooms. And small town crimes. Not least, a tangle of relationships.
While the dialogue is pitch perfect, as are the details that have you right there at a scene, I particularly enjoyed some of the more minor characters such as Mrs. Sepp – so well drawn and believable I felt I had known them or met them at some point in my life.
I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series
It is a story with something for everyone: A fictional island in Lake Ontario where all kinds of shenanigans take place. A retired British Intelligent Agent with a murderous past, whose hands are her weapons. A woman from the hi-tech world in desperate need of a vacation. A walk into the world of ballet and into its boardrooms. And small town crimes. Not least, a tangle of relationships.
While the dialogue is pitch perfect, as are the details that have you right there at a scene, I particularly enjoyed some of the more minor characters such as Mrs. Sepp – so well drawn and believable I felt I had known them or met them at some point in my life.
I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series
February 27, 2022
Violet hasn't had a vacation in years, and considering her weighty secret, now is a good time for a break. Irma has just retired from government work; she has almost nothing but secrets, and she needs a break too.
These two friends will be dragged into a jumble of various crimes including murder, and Beaver Island hasn't seen so much excitement for decades.
Lives are still in danger. Can a computer & tech expert and an ex-British spy find the killer(s) before the Van Oot family is wiped out?
This book was delightful! I enjoyed Irma's fake dottie old lady ploys, and Violet's efforts to do new things despite fearing for her life (reference Irma's need for speed). I plan to start the next book in the series immediately.
*A clean cozy mystery! No swearing, crude references, gore, etc.
5/5 Stars
Quote: "The proper footwear could be a life or death decision, Mother always said."
These two friends will be dragged into a jumble of various crimes including murder, and Beaver Island hasn't seen so much excitement for decades.
Lives are still in danger. Can a computer & tech expert and an ex-British spy find the killer(s) before the Van Oot family is wiped out?
This book was delightful! I enjoyed Irma's fake dottie old lady ploys, and Violet's efforts to do new things despite fearing for her life (reference Irma's need for speed). I plan to start the next book in the series immediately.
*A clean cozy mystery! No swearing, crude references, gore, etc.
5/5 Stars
Quote: "The proper footwear could be a life or death decision, Mother always said."
January 4, 2026
An excellent opener to a series. A slightly tongue in cheek mystery starring Irma Abercrombie, a 70 something, retired MI6 agent who has returned to her family home on Beaver Island, Ontario. She has invited computer nerd Violet Blackheart to come and visit for the summer. When the nephew of her friend Charlotte is kidnapped during the armed robbery of a jewelry store, the first such robbery Irma can remember, she feels compelled to investigate. Of course that means Violet will be investigating as well. The book is consistently gently humorous and frequently laugh out loud. As a mildly paranoid ex spy in a small community, Irma is constantly wondering if her neighbors are planning to attack her. To say she is having some difficulty adjusting to civilian life is an understatement. I thoroughly enjoyed the tale.
February 1, 2026
This book had a beginning and finally an ending (thank goodness). Even though the book had more words than it needed, and if they left a lot of those words out, it might have been a better book.
In my opinion the author didn't have to keep telling us that Irma (MC) was a retired spy. She said it over and over and over. Did she think that her audience would forget this fact and needed to repeat it on every page, sometimes multiple times on the same page?
In fact, I now realize that I didn't like the Irma character. She was bossy, felt that she was always right and was just plain over the top. She had a lot of negative things to say about her friends.
In conclusion, if the author got rid of all of the repetitious info and all of the fashion information and all of the other superfluous information, the book would gotten 5 stars from me.
In my opinion the author didn't have to keep telling us that Irma (MC) was a retired spy. She said it over and over and over. Did she think that her audience would forget this fact and needed to repeat it on every page, sometimes multiple times on the same page?
In fact, I now realize that I didn't like the Irma character. She was bossy, felt that she was always right and was just plain over the top. She had a lot of negative things to say about her friends.
In conclusion, if the author got rid of all of the repetitious info and all of the fashion information and all of the other superfluous information, the book would gotten 5 stars from me.
May 23, 2021
I truly enjoyed every page of this novel. The humor caught my attention and the excellent dialog kept me going. The plot was amazing and I was so surprised by the conclusion.
A former intelligence agent, recently retired, finds transition to 'civilian' life a bit taxing. Of course if there wasn't crime running amuck on the island the agent chose to live, it would help.
Being a fixer the agent has offered rooms to a computer nerd. The nerd has real life issues and just needs to get 'away.' However, guns were never in the vacation plans.
Oh, did I forget to mention the agent is a seventy one year old lady? And, the computer expert is also a middle aged lady? Their interactions are humorous and end up saving the day!
This novel is a treat and I'm going to recommend it highly.
'
A former intelligence agent, recently retired, finds transition to 'civilian' life a bit taxing. Of course if there wasn't crime running amuck on the island the agent chose to live, it would help.
Being a fixer the agent has offered rooms to a computer nerd. The nerd has real life issues and just needs to get 'away.' However, guns were never in the vacation plans.
Oh, did I forget to mention the agent is a seventy one year old lady? And, the computer expert is also a middle aged lady? Their interactions are humorous and end up saving the day!
This novel is a treat and I'm going to recommend it highly.
'
August 4, 2021
I really enjoyed this murder mystery story. Our protagonists, Irma and Violet are unlike any that I've encountered before. Irma especially is a wonderfully unique character. Imagine Miss Jane Marple was a retired spook with MI6 with James Bond's athleticism. ;-)
I'd recommend Vitamin Sea to those of you who love reading cosy mysteries. Especially if you like a more mature sleuth, with the skills of a retired assassin! Lol! I'm looking forward to seeing what adventures Maia writes for Irma and Violet next.
Full disclosure: Maia Ross is now one of my regular clients. I read this story from first draft to published eBook. However, my review is my honest unbiased opinion as a reader.
I'd recommend Vitamin Sea to those of you who love reading cosy mysteries. Especially if you like a more mature sleuth, with the skills of a retired assassin! Lol! I'm looking forward to seeing what adventures Maia writes for Irma and Violet next.
Full disclosure: Maia Ross is now one of my regular clients. I read this story from first draft to published eBook. However, my review is my honest unbiased opinion as a reader.
December 20, 2021
A cozy mystery set on Beaver Island, Michigan
Maria Ross writes her novel in 2 voices. There is Irma an older, retired government worker aka spy and Violet, a clever young tech on vacation. Irma is health conscious, a sailor who is struggling with her newish acquired retirement. And Violet is a junk food, late into the night coder who is pale from lack of sunlight.
Together with their specialty skill sets the try to unravel the reasoning of several crimes that happen on a typically safe island.
Tech talk normally causes me to skip paragraphs. This time, it is written for all to grasp the ideas a bit.
Beaver Island is one of 6 islands on Lake Michigan.
Maria Ross writes her novel in 2 voices. There is Irma an older, retired government worker aka spy and Violet, a clever young tech on vacation. Irma is health conscious, a sailor who is struggling with her newish acquired retirement. And Violet is a junk food, late into the night coder who is pale from lack of sunlight.
Together with their specialty skill sets the try to unravel the reasoning of several crimes that happen on a typically safe island.
Tech talk normally causes me to skip paragraphs. This time, it is written for all to grasp the ideas a bit.
Beaver Island is one of 6 islands on Lake Michigan.
January 18, 2022
Light and Thoroughly Entertaining
Imagine Judi Dench in full-on sweet-old-lady mode, hiding her inner snark and steelinesses. That describes Irma, a retired British secret agent who is trying to adjust to “civilian life” in the small island town of Beaver Island, Ontario. With help from friends and former colleagues, Irma’s on the hunt for the person trying to harm her dear friend Charlotte and her wealthy family. Clues and humor ensue. This is a throughly delightful read for those looking for a light-hearted story to pass the time.
Imagine Judi Dench in full-on sweet-old-lady mode, hiding her inner snark and steelinesses. That describes Irma, a retired British secret agent who is trying to adjust to “civilian life” in the small island town of Beaver Island, Ontario. With help from friends and former colleagues, Irma’s on the hunt for the person trying to harm her dear friend Charlotte and her wealthy family. Clues and humor ensue. This is a throughly delightful read for those looking for a light-hearted story to pass the time.
December 14, 2025
Needs an editor
This story was cute and I will probably the next next book. Things I didn't like in the book included introducing new characters like the reader is supposed to know who they are without giving a little clue about their background. Also, even if the author doesn't get a better editor, maybe just rereading the book so Jake Taft doesn't turn into Jake Tapper numerous times in the book would help.
This story was cute and I will probably the next next book. Things I didn't like in the book included introducing new characters like the reader is supposed to know who they are without giving a little clue about their background. Also, even if the author doesn't get a better editor, maybe just rereading the book so Jake Taft doesn't turn into Jake Tapper numerous times in the book would help.
February 22, 2022
What a smartly written book! It was such a joy to read this book and laugh out loud, especially during these times. I feel like I’ve gone on a trip to an island in Lake Ontario and gotten to know a bunch of quirky characters. The author put such thought and creativity into each one of the characters, including even the most minor ones. That, and a good storyline adds up to one great book!
August 13, 2024
A cozy mystery series I'm not sure I like yet
It has potential but ...
I don't like a cozy where the characters are caricatures.
I don't like alternating designated character chapters, I prefer a story to simply flow without that style of stage direction.
As this is the first book of this series I will read more to see how the author develops in future books.
It has potential but ...
I don't like a cozy where the characters are caricatures.
I don't like alternating designated character chapters, I prefer a story to simply flow without that style of stage direction.
As this is the first book of this series I will read more to see how the author develops in future books.
December 19, 2024
i think i've found my Perfect cozy series... it's All The Things: Great pace, Very likeable characters, Hilarious Main Character, a Lot of action without being overwhelming, no potty mouth. i Love Irma, she's a Hoot! xD Ya never know what might come out of her mouth and i will definitely be reading the next book to see what more she gets up to. Love it!
January 25, 2021
Witty with a bit of snark
I wasn’t sure about this book after I read just a few pages. I stuck with it and began to get into the groove with the format and writing. The more I read the more I enjoyed the story. Retired spy, Irma, just became one of my favorite characters.
I wasn’t sure about this book after I read just a few pages. I stuck with it and began to get into the groove with the format and writing. The more I read the more I enjoyed the story. Retired spy, Irma, just became one of my favorite characters.
April 1, 2021
Great fun!
This book was so much fun! Irma is feisty and dangerous. The characters were a hoot to read about and the story had some nice twists and turns. I highly recommend it! Can’t wait for the next one!
This book was so much fun! Irma is feisty and dangerous. The characters were a hoot to read about and the story had some nice twists and turns. I highly recommend it! Can’t wait for the next one!
June 13, 2024
A cozy summer read by the pool
I enjoyed the free flowing text, simple vocabulary, and internal dialogue of the protagonist; Irma. This is simply a fun read. I did’t come away from the book with new insights into the world. I did have an highly enjoyable, effortless, and fun read.
I enjoyed the free flowing text, simple vocabulary, and internal dialogue of the protagonist; Irma. This is simply a fun read. I did’t come away from the book with new insights into the world. I did have an highly enjoyable, effortless, and fun read.
November 21, 2024
This one didn't grab me, I'm afraid. It was very slow to get going; too much about fashion and status. While I did like Violet, I did not like Irma as a narrator at all. Much too controlling and determined that her way is the only way.
August 30, 2025
clever women
I enjoyed this collection of smart, experienced, older women and the men around them. And they did what they had to, even at their advanced age. A good summer mystery.
I enjoyed this collection of smart, experienced, older women and the men around them. And they did what they had to, even at their advanced age. A good summer mystery.
February 3, 2021
What fun! And a good mystery.
September 6, 2021
There lots of action to keep the plot moving forward along with continuing developments in relationships, both old and new. Great fun to read.
June 3, 2022
A jewelry robbery, messed up medical equipment, what else could go wrong??? I enjoyed this story and recommend the Vitamin Sea and the book.
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