Deep Blue Murder

Fiona Quinn Mysteries, Book 11

By: C.S. McDonald

Narrated by: Maren Swenson Waxenberg

Fiona is delighted when her new mother-in-law, Rita Landry invites her and Nathan to a private island in the Bahamas owned by a US ambassador. Sun, sandy beaches, and romantic tangerine sunsets await the newlyweds, but for Rita and her executive assistant, Hal Underwood the trip to Deep Blue Isle is a working vacation.

Ambassador Taslow has summoned them to the island to discuss a scandal he has fallen victim to. However, when the Landry’s and Hal arrive, they find less than welcoming circumstances: no internet or Wi-Fi, mischievous monkeys, a dangerous tenant, and then there’s that pesky dead body.

A storm is brewing on Deep Blue Isle, and it has nothing to do with wind and rain.

©2023 Cindy McDonald (P)2023 Cindy McDonald

Murder, Scandal, & a Tropical Island Vacation?

Deep Blue Murder
A Fiona Quinn Mystery #11
By C.S. McDonald

Fiona Quinn and her now husband, Nathan Landry, have been offered a free weekend getaway in the Bahamas. What newlyweds would turn down such a chance? Not Nate and Fiona, but maybe they should have? Especially since it was going to be a "working" trip for Nate's mom, Rita. But what could go wrong in paradise? A whole lot! Especially when you are stuck on an island with no connections to the outside world, as in no phones, computers, or anything. Yikes!

But the island does offer monkeys, beaches, and an interesting mix of people staying there with them. And did I say a possible scandal in the making? Yep, a real relaxing weekend getaway, NOT!

I really enjoyed this book. The pacing was excellent, and the various potential victims and suspects make for an exciting who-did-what-to-whom to the very end. Can they find the answers they seek before the whole weekend goes horribly wrong? Probably not before a crime or two happens. But just who is the guilty party?

And then there are Fiona's home parents there for the wedding. With an armload of Yorkies to harass her nosy neighbor and her mom, Nancy taking on her own investigation into the murder, well, it won't get boring.

I listened to the audio version of this, and the narration was excellent. The book was narrated by Maren Swenson Waxenberg and was well presented. At just over 7-1/2 hours, this is the perfect busy work listen. This is most definitely a cozy mystery, and I would have no qualms recommending it to any reader over twelve years of age. This is one to add to your Summer TBR list, perfect for wherever you are when you need to getaway without going anywhere.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this audiobook with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

My favorite Fiona Quinn mystery so far

I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Fiona Quinn and her husband, Nathan, are delighted to go to Deep Blue Isle with her mother-in-law, who is going for work. What starts out as a vacation becomes anything but. There’s even a murder while they’re there! Unfortunately, that’s not the only criminal activity on this island that’s supposed to be a get-away island for the ambassador.

I like how the author always includes a bit of humor in her stories. In this case, it’s a rogue monkey! He causes quite a stir among the guests.

The narrator’s voice takes a little getting used to. It’s not as soothing as some of the audiobook voices I’ve heard, but now that I have listened to a few of these, I’m used to it, and it’s like listening to an old friend. I can tell who the different characters are, and her timing and inflection were very good.

I recommend the Fiona Quinn mysteries, all of which stand alone but, of course, they’d be better listened to in order.