Monday, July 30, 2018

Book Review: Trouble in Paradise by Rebecca Barrett


Key West is paradise--unless you’re the dead woman in the Toucan Suite. The Hemingway cats, Megs and Bartholomew, who wander the grounds of the B&B, think Liberty Anderson was a spy. But spying on whom? And why? Trouble, the black cat detective, must decipher their cryptic communications and piece together a motive for murder. Ginger Browne runs the B&B on a shoestring. The Paradise is her home, her history, and her refuge. An unsolved murder could be the kiss of death for this native Conch’s struggle for financial and emotional security. Trout Richardson is one of the many recluses who came to Key West to escape his past and work as a charter boat captain. Was Liberty merely a charter to him? Or is there more to their relationship? Both Trout and Ginger resist their mutual attraction, but Trouble knows they’re on an irreversible course toward love and redemption. Trouble must help them resolve the mystery of Liberty’s murder and steer them down the path toward each other. All while a killer roams the island paradise of the Conch Republic and a lost treasure is up for grabs.


I've been collecting cat mysteries for about 15 years now, and when I started one of the very first series I was introduced to was the Familiar, Black Cat Detective series of romantic mysteries written by Carolyn Haines. Seventeen books were released by Harlequin Intrigue starting in 1990, and I have every one in it's original paperback format. I was so excited to learn that a number of the original titles have been re-released in ebook, and we're also right in the midst of a brand new line of romantic mysteries starring Familiar's son Trouble, who is following in his dad's paw prints as a black cat detective!

Trouble in Paradise is the 6th book in the series and it takes place in Key West, home of the famous Hemingway cats. Trouble gets help from a pair of the six-toed felines when a murder is committed at the B&B he's staying at while his owner is away on vacation. I felt like I was vacationing myself in the beautiful Keys while reading this action-packed adventure which kept be glued to the pages in suspense. Four paws up!



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10 comments:

Mickey's Musings said...

This sounds like a delightful series :)
Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ

Ruby's Rescued Life said...

One of my summer goals is to read more. I love that this mystery takes place in Key West and involves the Hemingway kitties. I will add it to my list.

P.S.: This is Ruby and Rosie from The Daily Pip. We have changed our blog address and wanted to make sure you had it. New site www.myrescuedlife.com

Patricia T said...

Sounds interesting. Thanks Melissa and Mudpie.

Eastside Cats said...

Ooh, cats AND Key West, one of my favoritest places anywhere? How did I not know about this series? On my list now, and thanks!

Valentine said...

Ooh-I bet Key West mousies would be tasty! Mom and I are new to cozy cat mysteries. We've only read a couple of books in that genre. We're now reading one of the books from the 'Cat Who' series, by author Lilian Jackson Braun who started the series in the 60s. Mom picked the paperback book up at the thrift store. Cuddles. -Valentine (& Mom) of Noir Kitty Mews

World of Animals, Inc said...

Thanks for the share. Looks like a really interesting series. We would love to take a look at it. We are happy that they were re-released and we are looking to pick up our copies soon. We hope to enjoy them as much as you did. Have a wonderful day.
World of Animals

Hairballsandhissyfits.com said...

I will have to read this! I love Key West and LOVED the Hemingway cats --an amazing experience that I highly recommend to all cat lovers!

pilch92 said...

I haven't heard of this series, it sounds good.

The Menagerie Mom said...

Here's to another book added to my to-read list!

Three Chatty Cats said...

Great review and it sounds like a fun read!