Death by Puffin: A Bachelorette Party Murder in Reykjavik

Travel Can Be Murder #9

by Jennifer S. Alderson

Iceland—land of fire, ice … and murder?

After a nasty fight with her boyfriend, tour guide Lana Hansen takes a week off work to get her head straight. Fate brings her to Iceland and the Hotel Puffin where she hopes the magnificent natural surroundings will help heal her heart and point the way forward.

Instead of the rest and relaxation she wishes to find, Lana ends up neighbors with a group of rowdy Americans in town for a bachelorette party and wedding. Their joyous frivolity is a painful reminder of her own relationship problems, and Lana does her best to steer clear of the group.

Yet when someone in the wedding party dies under mysterious circumstances, she gets pulled into the investigation. Can Lana help unmask the killer before they strike again—or will this trip be her last?

The Travel Can Be Murder Cozy Mysteries are heartwarming stories about making friends, traveling, and celebrating new experiences. Join tour guide Lana Hansen as she leads tourists and readers to fascinating cities around the globe on intriguing adventures that often turn deadly.

Books in the Travel Can Be Murder Cozy Mystery
Book 1 - Death on the A New Year’s Murder in Budapest
Book 2 – Death by A Valentine’s Day Murder in Paris
Book 3 – Death by A Mother’s Day Murder in Amsterdam
Book 4 – Death by A Summer Murder in Edinburgh
Book 5 – Death by A Christmas Murder in Rome
Book 6 – Death by A Saint Patrick’s Day Murder in Dublin
Book 7 – Death by An Easter Murder in Seville
Book 8 – Death by A Springtime Murder in Venice
Book 9 – Death by A Bachelorette Party Murder in Reykjavik

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Travel, Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery Thriller

180 pages, Paperback

Published November 9, 2022

About the author

Hi! I am an American expat currently living in Amsterdam. After traveling extensively around Asia, Oceania, and Central America, I moved to Darwin, Australia, before finally settling in the Netherlands. When not writing, you can find me in a museum, biking around Amsterdam, or enjoying a coffee along the canal while planning my next research trip.

My love of travel, art, and culture inspires my award-winning Zelda Richardson Art Mystery series, Travel Can Be Murder Cozy Mysteries, and Carmen De Luca Art Sleuth Mysteries.

Connect with me here on Goodreads, Facebook, Instagram, or my website.

Thanks for stopping by!

Reviews

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Tour guide Lana Hansen’s entire life is in flux and it was just too much to handle so she grabbed the first flight going anywhere out of Venice. That is how she ended up in Iceland at the Hotel Puffin all by herself. Hoping to sort through her feelings and find direction she tucks herself away in her room but instead of direction, she finds herself even more miserable as a bunch of Americans in the room next door are partying day and night in a week-long bachelorette party.

A special person comes to visit and actually gets Lana to leave her room but she still can’t get away from the bridesmaids as they show up for the same excursion.

Later when one of the bachelorettes dies just a day before the wedding without a clear cause Lana finds herself drawn into yet another murder investigation. Putting her own needs aside she is determined to find the killer. Then she will hopefully be able to sort out her own life. That is unless she is the killer’s next victim.

When I finished Death by Gondola my heart was breaking for Lana. Death by Puffin takes place immediately where that previous book left off. She was not in good shape. She had such a heavy weight on her shoulders. Was her relationship with Alex over? Was Dotty going to let her keep doing the job she loved? Was she a murder magnet? The author did such an excellent job with Lana’s situation. Her actions and reactions were true to real life, especially for Lana. She also had the perfect person come to her rescue. They both needed each other and the time away.

The bachelorettes were deliciously catty. Most felt entitled to everything and acted like spoiled brats. They are a pretty shallow group. One didn’t really fit in with the group and that was refreshing.

There was a slow build to the murder so we did get to know all the new characters well by the time it happened. The entire bridal party was suspect. Who had the motive and opportunity to set up such a crime? There were plenty of twists and turns. I always enjoy the way Lana puts clues together and she was able to do it again even with all she was going through.

I loved that the story was set in Iceland. It feels like the appropriate place to try to get your life together while climbing a glacier or two and freezing your butt off. I was thrilled that right after finishing this book I was watching the latest episode of The Amazing Race and it took place in Iceland and one of the events was climbing a glacier. Ms. Alderson’s detailed descriptions always make the places Lana visits easy to imagine but this time it was great to see actual pictures of the wonderful scenery and it also showed me how accurate her descriptions are. She really knows how to set a scene.

Death by Puffin kept me engaged and entertained. Every virtual vacay I have taken with Lana has been a Perfect Escape, but the last two books are my favorites. I loved the journey Ms. Alderson took Lana through. Things may be changing a bit for this fun protagonist but I know her new adventures are some that I will be very excited to read.

I happily recommend this entire series. Read them from the start and enjoy every tour.

P.S. Puffins are too cute to eat!

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 😘🤗🤔

This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 9 of 9

Lanna is in Iceland with her friend Willow. They are on tours with a wedding group. The future bride is murdered and one of the bridesmaids is arrested. Lanna and Willow believe she is innocent and set out to prove it. It all ends happily.

I would recommend this series and author to readers of romantic travel family and friends relationships mystery novels. 2024

Another series completed!

[Jerry Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lana is on vacation in Iceland. She takes her own tour and I tell you bachelorette parties can be murder. I love this location as I am visiting Iceland next July. I’m drinking a Wanderlust Brewing stout while reading Wanderlust Tour guide story. Not sure what I will eat as a vegan in Iceland because all the descriptions are fishy.

[Annette Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Lana adventure and another winner! I hope this series continues. Highly recommended.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Death by Puffin by Jennifer S. Alderson is a book for decisions, whether it's Lana's life decisions or regarding marriage. It is all important.
Will Lana find another dead body on her vacation? Or will she wallow in self-grief for eternity?
Lana Hansen
Our sleuth isn't into investigating anymore. It seems that Lana's life has taken a turn for the worse. Lana and Randy are having an issue, and she may not be a tour guide at Wanderlust and more. Now, she is in Iceland, licking her wounds. Is Lana a guardian angel or the angel of death? But with the help of Willow, Lana may pull thru if she doesn't take out one of the annoying bridesmaids that are around every corner.

This book helps solidify Lana as a person with real problems and character flaws that make us believe in her.
The Mystery
Lana and Willow are caught on multiple tours with a week-long bachelorette party filled with wealthy stuck-up twenty-somethings. These ladies have no remorse or manners. They run around taking pictures and being catty with each other. Audrey is the bride-to-be, and she has run away from her Aunt to marry into another wealthy family. However, Audrey's friends aren't her friends, which leads to Audrey's death and more poor decisions made by the bridesmaids.

I found Audrey to be a spoiled brat. I know that the way she died was terrible, but no one should die that way. She may have been a nice girl at times, but for the most part, she came across as arrogant and naive. Not someone that runs in my social circle. Thank goodness.
Five Stars
Lana does some personal growth in this installment. Willow also sees some changes coming in her future. Ms. Alderson tells a beautiful tale. I love reading her books. They flow nicely, and occasionally I figure the culprit out before the sleuth. My rating for Death by Puffin by Jennifer S. Alderson is five stars. I highly recommend this book and the series.


Travel Can Be Murder Cozy Mystery Series

This series is available in KindleUnlimted.

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Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Death by Puffin by Jennifer S. Alderson. Check out the other stops and giveaway if you have time.

Until the next time,



 

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series so much. Lana Hansen is a genuinely likable character who feels like someone I would be friends with in real life if, you know, she wasn’t fictional. Additionally, I get to travel vicariously in each book to new destinations that I will likely never see in person. Alderson does a fabulous job of giving readers both a ‘tourists-eye view’ and a behind-the-scenes experience of Lana’s tours while also giving us a taste of these delightful places without bogging down the story in too many details. A stay in Iceland is on the agenda in Death by Puffin, and I really enjoyed exploring it along with Lana and her BFF Willow.

There are a few books I haven’t read yet (though they’re on my TBR list) but it doesn’t matter. I’ve popped in and out of the series the last couple of years, as reading time allowed, with no problems. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend jumping in with this most recent one as your first read , though- not without at least some previous exposure to the series and to Lana. But if you just can’t wait and must read this book right away, the author does a good job of giving you the necessary background. You’ll just appreciate Lana’s character more if you’ve read other books in the series first.

Speaking of Lana …she’s what I like to call a reluctant sleuth. She doesn’t want to get involved but she just can’t help herself. All these murders on her tours, though, are causing stress between Lana and her boss, and she’s not even sure Dotty will let her keep leading tours. Along with some relationship issues that need to be addressed with her boyfriend Alex, Lana is wrestling with whether she is a murder magnet or – as Willow believes – more of a guardian angel role? I’m glad that the author chose to address this as a plot point in Death by Puffin. It adds to the believability of the series premise and says out loud what we often think as we enjoy our beloved cozies. After all, how many of us have thought, “I’m glad I don’t live in Cabot Cove!” lol. It also gave us a chance to see Lana on vacation, rather than leading a tour. And I loved that Willow got to sleuth with her, too – they made a great team!

Bottom Line: Iceland isn’t typically top of my list for a destination wedding, but it made the perfect backdrop for the upcoming nuptials in Death by Puffin. And Alderson makes the setting come alive as readers tag along with Lana, Willow, and the bachelorette party from you-know-where on their tour of this gorgeous country. It’s a fairly quick read but packed full of icy cold glaciers, characters you’ll love, characters you’ll love to hate, and a red hot mix of greed, arrogance, and good old-fashioned jealousy. Death by Puffin is entertaining from start to finish, and the murder will keep you engaged in the investigation. Honestly, I could read this series indefinitely – as long as she keeps writing them, I’ll keep reading them!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

With her career at Wanderlust Tours and her relationship with her beau Alex in question, Lana embarks on a trip to Reykjavik to do some soul searching--this time as a tourist rather than a guide. Lana has been rattled by the deaths that occurred on each of the previous trips she's led, and by the distrust that has crept into her romance. She hopes that time away will help her formulate a plan for her future. Unfortunately, however, Lana can't seem to escape being a magnet for murder . . .

Fate has Lana crossing paths in Iceland with a boisterous group of bachelorettes who are not only guests at the same hotel, but participants on several tours she has booked. When one of the bachelorettes meets her death under suspicious circumstances just two days before the wedding, the police zero in on a suspect whom Lana is convinced is innocent. Disturbed by the injustice, Lana is reluctantly drawn into the investigation . . .

As the plot thickens, Lana faces three questions: Who killed the bachelorette? Can her relationship with Alex return to solid ground? Will Lana be forced to give up her love of travel as an occupation?

There's a slow build up to the actual murder in Jennifer Alderson's latest Travel Can Be Murder story, which allows the author to create plenty of delicious drama between the obnoxious, bachelorette frenemies, the bride- and groom-to-be, and their families. With many viable suspects to explore, finding the true culprit is an absorbing task that holds one's attention.

Set against the backdrop of Iceland's natural rugged beauty and wildlife, Alderson's dynamic, accurate descriptions of local tourist attractions once again has readers feeling as though they are physically on location. During a time when many have curtailed travel, reading this series is an enjoyable and satisfying escape around the world. The series need not be read in order--one can jump in at any time by choosing a desired location. I am an avid fan of the series, and truly look forward to every adventure and destination to come.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceedingly likable amateur sleuths and equally heinous suspects who you’ll love to hate!

Death by Puffin is the ninth book in author Jennifer S. Alderman’s Travel Can Be Murder cozy mystery series. It is fast-paced and lively, with an intriguing cast of characters and a tragic murder with numerous possible suspects.

Poor Lana Hansen! She’s had a string of excursions back to back, and during each one has gotten involved in a murder investigation, most featuring the death of someone on her tour! From the start of the book, she wonders if she is somehow attracting these people because what are the odds, right? I was quite amused by her concerns and was reminded of the standing joke murder mystery readers hear about Cabot Cove of Murder, She Wrote fame being the most dangerous place in the U.S.

The bachelorette party members are the absolute worst, and the bride-to-be is not much better. The backstabbing, cattiness, and privilege, along with the constant fawning over the bride-to-be and her fiancé, Gunnar, was delightfully atrocious. The conversations and commentary had me both cringing and laughing at times.

The tour of some of Iceland’s wonders is a fantastic element of the book. There is enough description to give readers a feel for the setting, and the stormy weather creates a wonderfully moody atmosphere for the murder.The method of murder is simple yet effective, and Lana’s actions at the time are portrayed with care and quick thinking. I enjoyed Lana and Willow puzzling their way through the suspects to figure out the truth about what happened and why.

With exceedingly likable amateur sleuths and equally heinous suspects who you’ll love to hate, I recommend DEATH BY PUFFIN to cozy mystery readers who enjoy stories where the characters travel to exciting and exotic locations.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.

https://novelsalive.com/2022/12/05/4-...




Death by Puffin: A Bachelorette Party Murder in Reykjavik by Jennifer S. Alderson is the ninth book in the Travel Can Be Murder series and the first one I’ve read in the series. It’s easily a standalone since enough background information is given regarding Lana’s life, along with her best friend, Willow.

We are taken on an Iceland tour and see many tourist attractions right from the cozy chair in my family room. The descriptions are vivid and detailed, making me feel like I was there feeling the cold and rain.

Lana runs away to Iceland, needing a break from her boyfriend and job. She’s doing nothing but wallowing in her hotel room until Willow flies over to help her through her hard times.

Little did they know that a murder would happen on their tour. Lana feels like history is repeating itself, and she’s the bad luck charm. There are twists and turns in the story as we get to know those in the bridal party having a last hurrah before Audrey is to be married to the love of her life.

But things and people are not as they seem!

Lana and Willow play amateur sleuths and seem to be the only ones who care that the right person is charged. There are clues, conversations, and different events pointing to whodunnit. There is closure with solving the crime and Lana sorting out her life, but the story ends abruptly.

Mysteries located in places I have visited or hope to visit someday are always fun to read, especially if I can picture the locale. Amateur sleuths often add a layer of fun even when solving a crime.

[Wendy]

What I like about Jennifer S Alderson is she appears to be well researched. Wherever her characters are, the descriptions of the country appear to be accurate and interesting.

Death by Puffin: A Bachelorette Party Murder in Reykjavik is actually #9 of the Travel Can Be Murder series. Our wonderful tour guide is in Iceland hiding from her woes. Her relationship with her boyfriend is shaky and her tour guide job is precarious. It is no wonder, there have been more than enough deaths during her guided tours.

Her best friend Willow has arrived and forces Lana out of her depressive funk and into multiple tours of Iceland's capitol. There are wonderful descriptions of the country's glaciers, waterfalls, architecture, and cuisine.

Although the sleuthing is typical cozy and unrealistic, it was an enjoying armchair trip to a country that is often misunderstood.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to discover this new to me author and this fun series. I enjoyed the murder mystery as well as hearing about all the interesting places the tour is visiting. I like the tour guide Lana Anderson a lot. She’s genuine. Her friends and tour clients are fun and quirky. I highly recommend this book and the series. It is always a challenge for me to solve a mystery and this was also one I couldn’t figure out.

[Carey Mundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest in this cozy travel mystery series finds Lana in Iceland recovering from a break-up with her boyfriend and the potential of losing her job. When she joins a tour with her friend, another death occurs and she must pull out all the stops to find the guilty party. Entertaining and fun read!

[Steve Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great descriptions of Iceland

The descriptions of Iceland are so vivid that I want to visit there. The murder mystery is intriguing. The author is good at developing a group of thoroughly annoying characters. The bachelorettes fill that function in this story, and do it admirably.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

truly sorry —

Too slow, plodding and repetitive in first gal. Nothing really happens until the 3/4 mark then the wrap up is too quick BBC and easy. I do like the main characters, but the earlier books were more enticing.

[Jenni Waters · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute simple and short mystery. The mystery aspect wasn’t my favorite of the book, but what I did love was the travel descriptions of Iceland! I recently went to Iceland and went to a lot of the same places mentioned in the book, so that was absolutely my favorite parts to read.

[Shelley Gingrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved every book in this series. I'm so sad it has come to an end.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

have enjoyed reading this book and the entire series. I fear this may be the last of the series. I will miss Lana and her solving mysteries. Recommend reading.

[Hope Vollm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute and fun. All of these books make me want to visit the place.

[Beth Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The action and adventure kept me turning pages as fast as I could. A great addition to this series.