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Ruby Steele Cozy Mystery #1

Whiskey con ghiaccio (Un giallo di Ruby Steele – Libro 1)

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Ruby Steele, 30 anni, bella e atletica, sembra proprio una qualsiasi straniera espatriata alle Bahamas per fare la barista. Ma i clienti insubordinati trovano pane per i loro denti, perché Ruby è una professionista delle arti marziali, e non è il caso di farla arrabbiare.

Infatti Ruby sarebbe una campionessa se non fosse stata costretta ad allontanarsi e andare a nascondersi alle Bahamas.

Perché lei sa troppo. Conosce gli scheletri negli armadi. E sa quando è ora di andarsene dalla città.

Ma quello che non sa è il motivo per cui, nel cassonetto dietro al suo squallido bar, c’è il cadavere di un turista.

O perché, fra tutti, è toccato a lei di trovarlo.

O perché questo tizio era fuori alle 3 di mattina, quando aveva una bella fidanzata che lo aspettava in una camera d’albergo a un chilometro e mezzo da lì.

O perché la polizia locale le stia alle calcagna.

O perché si trovi costretta a prendere una decisione: trovare l’assassino o finire nei guai lei stessa.

Le giuste decisioni non sono mai state il forte di Ruby.

E questa certo non sarà migliore di altre…

Benvenuti nel mondo bahamense di Ruby Steele, corredato dal suo bar sul mare, con la sua scaltra scimmia domestica, la sua dipendenza dall’alcool, i suoi tanti scontri, la sua incapacità di tenersi alla larga dai guai e i suoi pugni d’acciaio. La vita di Ruby è davvero alla deriva. Ma c’è una cosa in cui è brava: catturarvi il cuore.

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 18, 2020

1986 people are currently reading
2866 people want to read

About the author

Mia Gold

26 books58 followers
Debut author Mia Gold is author of the HOLLY HANDS COZY MYSTERY series, comprising three books (and counting), and of the RUBY STEELE COZY MYSTERY series, comprising three books (and counting).

Mia would love to hear from you, so please visit www.miagoldauthor.com to receive free ebooks, hear the latest news, and stay in touch.

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5 stars
1,997 (40%)
4 stars
1,701 (34%)
3 stars
893 (18%)
2 stars
204 (4%)
1 star
77 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
Profile Image for Sabine.
602 reviews89 followers
July 10, 2021
What a page turner! I couldn't put the book down until the last page. Alcoholic antihero Ruby Steele is on the run from her past is not everyone's cup of tea. But I really liked her and look forward to read more about her.
Profile Image for Cathy .
291 reviews11 followers
March 23, 2021
On The Rocks by Mia Gold
Excellent first book in the Ruby Steele series! Ruby's got attitude, talent and a drinking problem.....see what trouble she stumbles onto in the Bahamas. Interesting read, fun getting to know Ruby and what makes her tick along with a few of her friends. So glad I have book 2 already to go! I received an advance copy of this book and leave my opinion freely!
Profile Image for Donna Craig.
1,102 reviews47 followers
January 22, 2024
Silly and predictable. I’m not sure how I managed to stick it out. I did doze off over the audio a few times.
89 reviews
May 21, 2021
Truly the beginning of an exciting series.

The main character Ruby will lead an interesting and exciting life in the future stories. The author shows a great talent in writing stories with intrigue,suspense and exciting endings. Looking forward to going with Ruby on her next adventure.
Profile Image for Calzean.
2,769 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2021
This one sucked me in. It wasn't great with some flaws but Ruby the alcoholic, bartender, mixed martial arts expert, hiding in the Bahamas from her past grew on me. The actual crime was in the background to the tropical shenanigans that occur after hours such as bare fisted fights, gambling, whoring, unsavoury characters. Good enough for me to want to read the series.
Profile Image for Georgiana 1792.
2,338 reviews158 followers
January 23, 2022
Un giallo leggero ambientato a Nassau, capitale delle Bahamas, dove Ruby Steele si è rifugiata da un anno per sfuggire all'FBI. Ruby (che originariamente si chiamava Wayne), infatti, che è una ex atleta di arti marziali non meglio specificate (è cintura nera di diverse discipline), era la guardia del corpo della senatrice del New Jersey, che però aveva dei rapporti ambigui con la mafia messicana ed è stata uccisa davanti ai suoi occhi. Temendo di essere accusata dell'omicidio, Ruby è fuggita a Nassau, dove fa la barista, mantenendo un profilo basso (niente telefono rintracciabile, niente contratto d'affitto, niente conto in banca). Quando però Ruby trova nel cassonetto della spazzatura un uomo con la gola tagliata, è costretta a chiamare la polizia che, a causa della sua testimonianza ambigua, comincia a sospettare proprio di lei. Su richiesta della vedova del morto (erano sposini in luna di miele!), Ruby comincia a indagare in zone anche poco raccomandabili della città, scoprendo che lo sposino non era certo uno stinco di santo.
A parte che ci sono troppi combattimenti e che la soluzione era piuttosto telefonata, l'ho trovato un giallo piuttosto gradevole e penso di leggere gli altri romanzi della serie, anche per cercare di scoprire come va a finire con l'omicidio della senatrice Wishbourne.
Profile Image for Celia Buell (semi hiatus).
632 reviews32 followers
July 21, 2023
From the very beginning, I was shocked by how much potential On the Rocks and the character Ruby Steele had. Unlike most cozy mysteries, there was a real story there, and a very unique character in Ruby Steele.

I liked the premise of Ruby's self-imposed exodus and how the context is slowly revealed to the reader through relevant flashbacks. So many cozy mysteries hint at reasons but don't actually approach things, or they focus on failed romance. In contrast, On the Rocks incorporates a level of political intrigue that adds a lot to the story while remaining believable. I also loved the fact that Ruby wasn't weak in any sense, and she had a lot of confidence.

I really enjoyed the setting of On the Rocks. Unlike many of the cozy mysteries that take place in obscure small towns or rural areas, On the Rocks uses the big-city Caribbean setting of Nassau to create a more believable murder story. Mia Gold covers all the bases of Caribbean life, from the exorbitant tourist side to the seedy underground where people do what they need to to get by, and a lot of things in between. I've learned a little bit about this Caribbean juxtaposition, and from the little I know, Mia Gold represents it well here. I appreciate this cozy mystery that uses all aspects of a setting as a true plot device, rather than just a place.

The other thing I appreciated was the way On the Rocks sets up for a sequel. Rather than wrapping everything up nicely or introducing a new mystery at the end, On the Rocks wraps the reader in multiple mysteries throughout the story. While the second book focuses on a new central mystery, there's still a lot that carries over from the first story. I love that most of the tension in this one isn't just romantic. Sure, I can see a few different paths for love triangles, but a lot of it will have to do with Ruby's self-improvement and the larger political mystery throughout the rest of the series.

I will say the mystery itself in On the Rocks was a little obvious. So many things led to dead ends and so many aspects didn't add up that there was really only one solution, at least for me as a seasoned cozy mystery reader. Still, I liked the way Ruby found everything out, and like the rest of the book, it was very realistic in terms of the character.

I liked enough about On the Rocks that I plan to immediately buy the sequel. I think this is a cozy mystery series worth pursuing.
391 reviews6 followers
September 24, 2024
Great debut mystery - loved the character. Getting ready to start #2.
231 reviews11 followers
March 3, 2021
On the Rocks takes you into another world, a world of island breezes and walks on the beach. But with a gritty realism it also transports you to a seamier side of the Caribbean, bare knuckle brawling. There the poverty hits hard, and anything goes, but for one thing that is not acceptable, murder of a tourist.

Ruby Steele is hiding among other lost souls, forgetting in a bottle how far she has managed to fall. But when she finds a dead tourist, she realizes there is far more to lose, her freedom, her friends, even her integrity. But Ruby is not a quitter. And she fights to win.

This is a fast-paced mystery, with characters with larger than life characters, scenes that surround you with sensation, surprising twists, and even a monkey. I loved it.
Profile Image for Debra B.
813 reviews41 followers
abandoned
February 10, 2022
The story looked interesting, but I am finding it hard to read because the lead character, Ruby Steele, is a bartender in the Bahamas and is abusing alcohol to run away from her past. It's sad to see a character portrayed drinking half a bottle of rum in one evening, hiding a flask in the bar's bathroom to take nips to get her through the night ... she is barely functional. I don't find that entertaining.
Profile Image for Shannon.
597 reviews7 followers
March 5, 2022
I know the series title declares itself a cozy mystery, but the main character is an alcoholic in hiding from the U.S. government who visits a brothel, beats up street thugs, and participates in an underground MMA fight using brass knuckles. Hard boil it any more and I'd find it inedible.
Profile Image for Ana.
262 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2022
No ha estado mal. Es un libro detectivesco. Protagonista independiente y valiente, un poco inconsciente. Lo he escuchado mediante audiolibro. Un poco largo para mi gusto, pero me entretenía.
Profile Image for Frasqua74.
325 reviews12 followers
April 26, 2024
Il primo episodio dei gialli di Ruby Steele ci porta alle Bahamas, dove lavora come barista e, per sua sfortuna, scopre un cadavere in un cassonetto. Sospettata dalla polizia, accetta di investigare per conto della vedova ed inizia le sue ricerche fra i bassifondi di Nassau. Il suo passato da lottatrice la aiuterà a cavarsela, ma le presenterà anche il conto, facendo riaffiorare vecchie conoscenze.
Un giallo leggero ma godibile, dove vediamo una protagonista in fuga, nascosta e troppo dedita all’alcool, che, grazie alle sue sole forze, si addentra in luoghi poco raccomandabili, che anche la gente del posto evita.
Proseguirò la serie più che altro per svelare il mistero del suo passato.
Profile Image for Lise.
1,035 reviews
May 23, 2021
It's just another night of bartending for Ruby Steele until she finds a dead body in the dumpster behind the bar. Now life's going to get complicated.

There are so many facets to Ruby's personality. She truly is a unique character. Beyond Ruby, the rest of the story and the other characters are well-written and compliment the main character. I could not put this book down. It went everywhere with me.

A caution: Ruby's world is dark and gritty. There is much violence contained within the pages along with sorrow and depravity. On the Rocks is NOT a tame read.
Profile Image for Samantha Holland.
78 reviews3 followers
August 16, 2023
Emphasis on the cozy in the "Cozy Mystery" description for this read.
It was engaging and kept my attention, but did not blow my mind.

I feel like a lot of Ruby's headaches could have been avoided by... honesty. Shocker.
I'll probably read the rest of Ruby's stories but probably won't binge them.
Profile Image for Vfields Don't touch my happy! .
3,439 reviews
October 16, 2024
2.75 stars
I don’t care where you start a protagonist/detective must get smarter/wiser each book. She’s still a complete dumb bunny with muscles. Mia Gold writes an excellent fight scene.
I like the scenario.
I like the secondary characters.
But she is a looney tune. I’m out.
1,796 reviews15 followers
February 22, 2025
Ruby Steele is a former MMA fighter and a form bodyguard for a Senator and is now a Bahamas bartender. Due to her past, if she get a hard hit to her head, she will die. She gets involved in a local murder.
Profile Image for Diann B..
13 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2021
Very good story and writing. I felt badly about the main character’s life choices, but I’m interested in continuing the story!
Profile Image for Karen Bennett.
34 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2021
Gritty

A really strong female character with a big heart and great moves meets intriguing puzzles and threats. Nice extra characters and a feel good ending
2 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2021
4 is great

I chose 4 because it was almost perfect...I will definitely read more by this author..... 5 might be her next rating. Great author, a little heavy.
Profile Image for Betsy Hale.
95 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2021
On the Rocks by Mia Gold was an easy-read cozy mystery. The story takes place in Nassau. It has several characters mentioned that are regular customers of the Pirate’s Cove bar in which Ruby Steele is one of the bartenders. Ruby is in Nassau on the run from the United States and as the story unfolds, we are informed as to why she is on the run and eventually what her real name is. Ruby is an MMA fighter and this is perfect for the bar, because she is the bouncer. Her life becomes complicated when she takes the trash out and finds a body in their dumpster in the early hours of the morning. She closes the lid and proceeds down to the next one in the alley. By the time she arrives at work for her next shift, later that same night, no one has found the body. When she has to clean up after a customer and throw the bag away, she “finds” the body in the dumpster.

The police become involved and don’t totally believe the story that Ruby tells. Then, the widow finds Ruby and wants to hire her to find her husbands killer. The police suspect Ruby and she needs to prove her innocence and protect those at the Pirate’s Cove before her past catches up with her.

The author does have a way of creating interesting customers for the bar with lots of back stories that make them very believable. My favorite was the capuchin monkey, Zoomer, that was a resident of the bar.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. #OnTheRun #MiaGold
217 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2021
The other side on Nassau

The best part of the book was the ending which finally fills in the blanks of a plot that twists and turns so many times. Contrast the Bahama tourist side with the underworld of the island and you have an interesting unique setting for a fast moving plot that moves in and out between the two. Part of a series.
268 reviews5 followers
March 12, 2021
Rough and tumble cozy mystery

I gave this book a try in spite of the fact that cozy mysteries aren’t my favorite genre, and I’m glad I did. On the Rocks was a “cut above” cozy, well written with well developed characters and an interesting story line. I actually look forward to the next books in the series...Ruby grabbed me in spite of her rough and tumble persona.
Profile Image for Zachary.
255 reviews
September 25, 2024
BLUF: Good story, terrible narration, not cozy.

First, let's get this out of the way....this is not a cozy anything. The MC is a former street fighter running from her past with an alcohol problem. While she doesn't directly kill anyone, there's death, lots of fighting, injuries...not what i'd consider 'cozy'.

The best part about this book is the premise. Gold does a great job establishing who Ruby is...an anti-hero (ish) with a drinking problem who is running from her past. I'm not sure everything in Ruby's life is totally believable, but Gold sells her well.

Gold does an admirable job of showing off Ruby's found family at the bar, but I think more time could have been spent on those relationships.

A big issue this book suffered from was a lack of culprits. I'm not one to pick out the 'whodunnit' immediately, but when you're ~80% through the book and

The biggest drag on this book was the narrator. I have never heard someone so wrong for a book in my life (and I primarily listen to Audiobooks, somewhere around 100 in any given year). The narrator had a lack of emotion, terrible voice alteration for different characters, no/bad accents (the book takes place in the Bahamas), and poor inflection. This book should have been voiced by someone with a two pack a day habit and a drinking problem, not Strawberry Shortcake. Looking at the narrator's other credits, she does voice overs for things (e.g. medical supplies) and cozy witch mysteries...totally can see that. Not good for this book, and I will not be listening to the rest of this series.
Profile Image for Jared Castiglione.
110 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2021
These “first in the series is free” books can really be hit or miss. I’ve read several of them now and can usually tell early on if it’ll be good or not.

I stand corrected on this one. The first three chapters were deceiving and I thought this would be just another mediocre attempt at a murder mystery. I’m happy to say, I was wrong.

While the mystery itself is layered on top of several plots all swirling around the main character at once, there’s a heavy dose of realism in her and the world she’s found herself.

The setting in the Bahamas is also a major benefit for the story. Set elsewhere, Ruby most likely wouldn’t have been quite the same strong character she needed to be here.

She’s both believable and likable. Her abilities line up with her personality and her life. Her vulnerability adds to her likability; her sharp mind and physical strength give credence to what she undertakes throughout.

It’s a quick read and while the murder really isn’t the main point of the story, it serves as a great appetizer to what’s next.

I look forward to reading more in this series…
Profile Image for Stephen Clynes.
637 reviews39 followers
April 27, 2025
Ruby Steele is a bartender at a grubby bar in the Bahamas. One night it is her task to take out the trash, when she finds a body in a dumpster.

I enjoyed reading this mystery and it was the first book I have read from this author. I was impressed by how Mia Gold has ticked all the boxes to make On the Rocks an easy going and pleasant read. There is plenty of action around a good plot, told at a steady pace. This is an intelligent adult read that features the underworld hidden from the usual tourist hotspots. Ruby has her faults and does enjoy a drink but her heart is in the right place. Character development is good with Ruby’s back story introduced subtly on a need to know basis.

I found On the Rocks to be easy reading, with plenty of detail but no boring bits. All the usual things like burner phones and fake identities etc are included to make this an entertaining 4 star GOOD read. Only one little thing I could pick up on though…

The bus stopped and the doors opened with a whoosh of hydraulics.

…Only bus doors are opened by an electric motor or a pneumatic cylinder.
24 reviews
August 13, 2025
BOOK #1--PURCHASED JAN 21, 2025

Ruby Steele, 30, ex-MMA fighter, hides from the world as a bartender in the Bahamas, knowing too many deadly secrets, running from her past and from those who want her dead. But when a murder crosses her path, Ruby will have to tap her fighting skills and re-enter a seedy underworld to solve the crime and catch a deadly killer—before she becomes his next target…

The MIA GOLD series offers a wild action-packed ride in a page-turning mystery/thriller series, featuring an unusual female sleuth who is as brilliant and resourceful as she is deadly. Welcome to the dark yet endearing Bahamian world of Ruby Steele, replete with her local dive bar, her wily pet monkey, her major drinking problem, her (way) too many fights, her inability to get herself out of trouble, and her fists made of stone. Ruby’s life is a complete wreck. But she will endear herself to you long after you've put the book down.
Future books in the series are also available!
Profile Image for Lisa Schoenly.
58 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2021
Ruby, an American living in Nassau, makes a living tending bar and kicking out overzealous patrons. Her martial arts background makes her a force to be reckoned with— as long as she doesn’t take a blow to the head. One night, Ruby discovers a man’s body in the dumpster behind her bar. It turns out he was a wealthy tourist on his honeymoon. The police immediately suspect her, and the man’s widow hires her to find out who murdered her new husband. Along the way, Ruby is forced to face her past as a MMA fighter and bodyguard for a Senator.

The book is well-written and intriguing. I found myself very engaged in the last third, unwilling to put the book down until the real murderer and the secrets from Ruby’s past are revealed. The end of the book leaves the reader anxious for the next in the series.

I received an advanced copy for free and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews

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