Hospitality and Homicide + Killer Party

Hospitality and Homicide (A Tourist Trap Mystery) by Lynn Cahoon

Description:  A visit to the serene coastal town of South Cove, California, could make anybody feel refreshed and inspired. But as Jill Gardner—owner of Coffee, Books, and More—discovers, some folks won’t live to tell about it . . .

Mystery author Nathan Pike checked into South Cove Bed & Breakfast to compose a compelling novel, not commit murder. But things get real when a rival B&B owner ends up exactly like the victim in his draft—undeniably dead. As Nathan prepares to complete his magnum opus behind bars, Jill’s the only one who can prove his innocence and deconstruct the plot of a twisted killer!

My Thoughts:  I always enjoy visiting Jill, Greg and the rest of the group in South Cove.  It was fun to see how things were progressing for Amy, Toby, Josh and all the other characters I really feel like I've come to know during the previous books.  While the mystery itself was interesting and the wrap up made since the investigation itself was pretty passive.  Jill wasn't really involved until the last third and prior to that most of her involvement was getting updates from Toby or Greg as to what was going on.  I was much more interested in what was happening with Esmeralda and the missing boy.  What really had me the most interested is the character development that made up such a large part of the book.  Big changes are coming to Jill and Greg's relationship as well as at Coffee, Books, and More and I can't wait to see what happens next.  While this was a great read for fans of the series it's probably not a great one to start with.  Rating:  Good

Killer Party (A Tourist Trap Mystery) by Lynn Cahoon

Blurb:  For a gang of old college buddies, the quaint resort town of South Cove, California, is the perfect spot for a no-holds-barred bachelor party. But for Jill Gardner—owner of Coffee, Books and More—this stag party is going to be murder . . 

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After a few months of living with her boyfriend Greg, Jill is still getting used to sharing such close quarters, but she’s got no hesitation about joining him for a weekend at South Cove’s most luxurious resort. While Greg and his college pals celebrate their buddy’s upcoming wedding, Jill intends to pamper herself in style. But when the groom is found floating facedown in the pool, Jill must find the killer fast, or she might not have a boyfriend to come home to any more

My Thoughts:  Jill has always been the main character in this series so I really enjoyed getting to know Greg a little better through his college friends.  Jill is definitely an active participant in the investigation and with Greg sidelined it's fun to see her take a more active role in the investigation.  The mystery is fun and I enjoyed seeing a new group of people in addition to the South Cove regulars.  I enjoyed seeing more of Derek who arrived last book and am hoping he becomes a series regular.  This is a delightful cozy series with entertaining mysteries and a real community feel.  Each new book feels like visiting friends.  Now I just have to wait for the next book to find out just what is going on with Aunr Jackie.  Rating: Very Good