Christa Reads and Writes: Blog Tour and Book Review: MARGARITAS, MAYHEM & MURDER (An Andi Anna Jones Mystery) by Mary Cunningham

Synopsis

Andi Anna Jones, so-so travel agent and amateur sleuth, puts aside her resentment of her father's widow and books a sixtieth birthday cruise to Cancun for Ruby and three friends. Never does Andi imagine the cruise will include the murder of a has-been lounge singer—or that Ruby might be the main suspect.

Flirting with more than danger after arriving in Mexico, Andi connects with charming local sheriff, Manual Gonzales. An embarrassing night involving the sheriff, too many margaritas, and a Mariachi band, can't quell her determination to clear the name of her ex-stepmother.

While gathering clues and interviewing witnesses, however, she suspects dear old step-mom isn't the only one in jeopardy.

Review

Andi is not a fan of her step-mother, Ruby, or her sleezy lawyer, but she promised her dad she'd help Ruby. Now she sees Ruby as more than a bit dramatic and impulsive. When Ruby is arrested and held in a jail in Cancun, Andi flies down to straighten things out. The best thing she finds when she arrives is the local sheriff, Manuel Rodriquez. Ruby is another story, more concerned with the ugly orange jumpsuit than the murder charges.

Manuel takes her out for a bite to eat and Andi gets tipsy, but flirts past her embarrassment. Manuel shares the evidence against Ruby and arranges for Andi to board the cruise while it's in dock at its next stop. That in itself is an adventure with a series of twists and turns that necessitate Manuel coming on board and Andi having a harrowing time getting back to Cancun.

With Ruby released to the hotel, but needing a babysitter, it's no surprise Andi decides her lawyer should be the one to remind Ruby she can't leave the hotel. Andi flies to Las Vegas to chase down a lead with a few more twists and turns. Murphy's Law seems to apply to everything Andi does.

This was a fun, light read and exactly what I needed after a stressful day. Mary Cunningham has created some quirky and interesting characters and uses humorous scenes to keep the story going. This is the first in this series, and I'm sure both Ruby and Manuel will return as Andi returns home. This is my first read by this author, but will not be my last. If you enjoy lighthearted cozy mysteries, you'll enjoy this one.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

About the Author

Author, Mary Cunningham, grew up on the northern side of the Ohio River in Corydon, Indiana. Her first memories are of her dad's original bedtime stories that no doubt inspired her imagination and love of a well-spun "yarn."

Through the author's horrifying stint as a travel agent, Andi Anna Jones sprang to life. The adult/mystery series gives extra meaning to the phrase, "Write what you know." Cunningham has several books published, including Cynthia's Attic, a five-book middle-grade fantasy, women’s lifestyle/humor book, WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty, Ebooks, Christmas With Daisy and Ghost Light. A biography of an army brat, turned UConn and WNBA basketball player, will be published in the spring of 2022.

She is a member of Sisters In Crime, Sisters In Crime-Atlanta Chapter, International Thriller Writers, Inc., and the Carrollton Writers Guild.

When she gives her fingers a break from the keyboard, Mary enjoys golf, swimming, and exploring the mountains of West Georgia where she makes her home with her husband and adopted, four-legged, furry daughter, Lucy.

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