Mystery Review: Dead in the Dinghy by Ellen Jacobson

 

Title: Dead in the Dinghy (Mollie McGhee Sailing Mystery #4)
Author: Ellen Jacobson
Publication Info: Dec. 13, 2019
Source: ARC from the author

Publisher's Blurb:

What would you do if your husband became obsessed with turning your cat into an internet sensation?

Mollie McGhie is excited about the Coconut Cove regatta. She’s looking forward to sailing to Destiny Key, enjoying the Fourth of July festivities, and dressing her cat, Mrs. Moto, up in adorable costumes for her hubby’s crazy new YouTube channel. Instead, they lose the race, get caught in a dangerous storm, and find a dead body in their dinghy.

The local chief of police claims that it was an accidental death, but Mollie is convinced that a murder took place. During her investigation, Mollie gets drawn into the local art community, worries that her cat is going to turn into a diva, learns more about the mysterious Destiny Key, and even does a waitressing gig in exchange for bacon.

Can Mollie prove that someone was murdered in her dinghy or will this heinous crime be covered up?
 

My Review:  

I have been a beta reader for the author on other books, but this one I read for the first time after publication. The author gifted me with an ARC but the decision to review is my own, as are the opinions offered.

I have found this to be a fun series, and this new book was no exception. Jacobson's humor comes through in a delightful way, so that we get plenty of laughs even as the body count piles up (well, piling up is a bit of an exaggeration. Mollie would understand). The story is fast-paced and the plot intricate enough to maintain interest. Knowing Mollie's propensity for jumping to conclusions I get a kick out of watching her blunder her way to the solution.

I've enjoyed seeing the characters in these books grow and develop and become ever more human, changing from over-the-top caricatures without losing their delightful absurdity. I'm happy to see that Mollie is become more resigned to her sailing life, and doubly happy to learn something of what it's like to live on board (I don't think there's enough room for me!).

My Recommendation:
This is a quick, fun read perfect for mental vacations. In fact, I strongly recommend it as a means of escape if the holiday excesses start to get you down. It's a double bonus if you live in a cold climate, as the book will whisk you off to the warmth of Florida, without the humidity or the bugs. Support authors: buy books this Christmas :)


FTC Disclosure: I was given an electronic ARC of Dead in the Dinghy. The decision to provide an honest review of the book is my own, and I received nothing further from the writer or publisher. The opinions expressed are my own and those of no one else. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."  

Cozy review: Robbery at the Roller Derby

 

Title: Robbery at the Roller Derby (Mollie McGhie #0)
Author: Ellen Jacobson
Publication Info: independently published
Source: Give-away

Publisher's Blurb:

When Mollie joined a roller derby team, she thought she only needed to worry about bumps and bruises. But when something valuable is stolen from the locker room, she decides to investigate and find the culprit.

In between identifying suspects, working at a mind-numbing temp job, and skating practice, she also meets a guy who just might change her view on blind dates.

As Mollie pursues her investigation, not everyone is thrilled when she starts asking one too many questions.

Can Mollie skate her way out of danger? Or will her nosiness be the death of her?

Robbery at the Roller Derby is a prequel novella to the Mollie McGhie Cozy Sailing Mysteries, a whimsical series with a nautical twist. 

 


My Review:  
This is another book from an author I probably shouldn't be reviewing, as I have beta-read several of her books before this (not this one). Nonetheless, this is my honest opinion about a fun little story: that it *is* a fun little story. There's nothing earth-shaking about Mollie's origin story, but there's also no question that it's as goofy and off-beat as she is. I mean, really: roller derby? For someone who has proven herself (in Books 1-4) to be a wee bit klutzy? What could possibly go wrong, besides... everything?

The story rockets along like Mollie on the skate track, and takes the reader along, laughing all the way as Mollie struggles to find her way in life, as well as to find the thief.


My Recommendation:
I think this would be a fun read even if you don't already know Mollie and the crew from the marina. If you do, you are probably going to love finding out how she met her husband, and why she knows about bolt cutters.


FTC Disclosure: I collected a copy of Robbery at the Roller Derby on a free day, and received nothing further from the writer or publisher for my honest review. The opinions expressed are my own and those of no one else. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."  

Release Promo and Review: Poisoned By the Pier

I missed release day by a couple of weeks, but I'm here at last with a review the latest in Ellen Jacobson's delightful Mollie McGhie mystery series. I just finished a binge-read of the whole book!

Title: Poisoned by the Pier (Mollie McGhie Sailing Mysteries #3)
Author: Ellen Jacobson
Publication Info: June 2019, 242 pages
Source: I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for my honest review

Publisher's Blurb:
When Mollie's husband signs the two of them up for an extreme diet, she's not amused. When someone ends up poisoned by a cake, things get even worse.

While she tries to identify the killer, Coconut Cove’s annual boating festival is in full swing. In between getting ready for her first sailing race and cheating on her diet, Mollie and her cat, Mrs. Moto, uncover clues, interview suspects, and do their best to avoid rutabagas.

Can Mollie nab the killer before someone else is poisoned?

If you like quirky characters, adorable cats, and plenty of chocolate, you'll love this cozy mystery. Pick up a copy of Poisoned by the Pier and laugh out loud from the first page to the last.


My Review:  
First, though this is my honest review of the book, I can't claim to be wholly unbiased. I didn't beta read this one, but have been a beta reader for the first two books in the series, Murder at the Marina and Bodies in the Boatyard (which I apparently didn't review). Still--it's the third in the series, and no one paid me to read it (in case you're wondering, I don't take money to read books), so you know I'm enjoying the adventures of the somewhat scatter-brained Mollie McGhie.

In fact, I think this is the strongest of the series so far. Ms. Jacobson has hit her stride, and her experience shows in the tight writing, and the more believable characters and situations. Mollie and her husband, in particular, have more depth to them and the book retains the signature humor and touch of absurdity without going over the top. I admit I had a pretty good idea who did it, and why, from about the mid-point, the author does a nice job of tracking Mollie's process of getting there. There's no question her route to the truth is more interesting than mine!

My Recommendation:
Summer's here and it's the perfect time to nab a copy for some vacation reading. Like the others in the series, it's a perfect beach read--nothing too substantial, and gripping enough to keep your attention. I do recommend reading the series in order, though there are no spoilers here--it's just more fun to watch the story unfold in order.



FTC Disclosure: I was given an ARC of Poisoned by the Pier, and received nothing further from the writer or publisher for my honest review. The opinions expressed are my own and those of no one else. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 


Here's the info on the author, and where to pick up the book on sale.

Poisoned by the Pier, the third book in the Mollie McGhie Cozy Sailing Mystery series, is now available in ebook, paperback, and large print.

Amazon | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | Google Play

New to the Series?

If you're new to the series, you might want to start with Murder at the Marina. Now is the perfect opportunity as the ebook is on sale for 99c/99p for a limited time.

Amazon | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | Google Play

About the Author

Ellen Jacobson lives on a sailboat with her husband and an imaginary cat named Simon. When she isn't working on boat projects or seeking out deserted islands, she writes cozy mysteries and sci-fi/fantasy stories.

Connect with Ellen on her

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | BookBub | Blog

You can also sign up for her newsletter for updates about new releases, current projects, sales and promotions, and other fun stuff.

Murder at the Marina--Release, Review, and a Visit from the Author

Title: Murder at the Marina (Mollie McGhie Cozy Sailing Mystery #1)

Author: Ellen Jacobson
Publication Info: June, 2018, 192 pages (ebook) (Paperback 246 pages)
Source: Electronic ARC from the author
Purchase Links:
Amazon (US)
Amazon (CA) 
Amazon (UK)
Kobo 
Barnes & Noble 
Apple iBooks 
Google Play 

Blurb: 
A dilapidated sailboat for your anniversary—not very romantic. A dead body on board—even worse.

Mollie McGhie is hoping for diamonds for her tenth wedding anniversary. Instead, her husband presents her with a dilapidated sailboat. Just one problem—she doesn’t know anything about boats, nor does she want to.

When Mollie discovers someone murdered on board, she hopes it will convince her husband that owning a boat is a bad idea. Unfortunately, he’s more determined than ever to fix the boat up and set out to sea.

Mollie finds herself drawn into the tight-knit community living at Palm Tree Marina in Coconut Cove, a small town on the Florida coast. She uncovers a crime ring dealing in stolen marine equipment, investigates an alien abduction, eats way too many chocolate bars, adopts a cat, and learns far more about sailing than she ever wanted to.

Can Mollie discover who the murderer is before her nosiness gets her killed?

My Review:
I had the pleasure of being a beta reader for this cozy mystery, and enjoyed reading it even in draft form. When the author sent me a finished copy, I meant to just skim it, and look at the parts she said she'd changed most. I soon found myself reading the whole thing, zipping along happily and trying to remember who was guilty (I had it backwards, and the clues and red herrings are so nicely scattered about that I couldn't sort it out in my head). 

The story is well put together, the characters interesting and varied, and the red herrings abound. Some aspects of the story weren't totally to my taste--Mollie is a bit crazy in some areas, in my opinion, but she's believable, and the humor is strong. The details about the sailing life are convincing (they should be; the author is a sailor!) and because Mollie is a novice, we get to learn it as we go so the reader isn't left wallowing in a sea of nautical terminology.

Mollie and her husband make an interesting pair, and I look forward to seeing how they get on, especially with the addition of a very intelligent cat to their menage. About that cat: I like how the author used the cat to reveal a few clues, without making it into some kind of super-feline intelligence. There are, however, hints that Mollie's new furry companion may be the perfect sidekick for future investigations.

My Recommendation:
A perfect summer read! Light, cozy, with just enough of a puzzle to keep you going, and full of images of warm summer evenings on the water! Beware of chocolate cravings--these characters eat a LOT of chocolate!
FTC Disclosure: I received an ARC of Murder at the Marina from the author, and received nothing further from the writer or publisher in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed are my own and those of no one else. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."  

Now for the really exciting part--a visit from the author! 
Ellen Jacobson was kind enough to stop by and tell us a bit about how she came to write this sailing mystery.

Thanks for hosting me on your site today to celebrate the release of my cozy mystery, Murder at the Marina. This is the first book in the lighthearted and humorous Mollie McGhie Sailing Mystery series, featuring a reluctant sailor turned amateur sleuth.

My own sailing adventures and misadventures inspired me to write this series. My husband and I bought our first sailboat in New Zealand in 2012. After a couple of years cruising in those beautiful waters, we returned to the States and bought a bigger boat which we moved onto in 2015. We've since cruised in Florida and the Bahamas, labored over endless boat projects, and worked to keep our cruising kitty (savings) topped up.

I wanted to reflect my experiences learning to sail, cruising and living aboard a boat, and being part of the boating community in my cozy mysteries. You could say that there's a little bit of me in my main character, Mollie.

I thought I'd share one of the boating tidbits which I wrote about in Murder at the Marina—namely, the layout of a sailboat. When Mollie first sees her new boat, she's not impressed with the close quarters. The cabins are small, the galley is even smaller, she has to duck her head to get to the rear of the boat, and she has to squeeze pass people when moving around.

Living on a small sailboat can be difficult to adapt to if you're used to a large land-based home. Our boat has around 400 square feet of living space down below. It's definitely “tiny house” living and you have to downsize your possessions accordingly. For my husband and me, it's absolutely fine, but it will be interesting to see how Mollie copes with living in such a small space.

Thanks for stopping by! We are downsizing, but I'm not sure I could go all the way down to 400 square feet! 

Author Bio

Ellen Jacobson writes mystery and scifi/fantasy stories. She is the author of the “Mollie McGhie Sailing Mystery” series. She lives on a sailboat with her husband, exploring the world from the water. When she isn't working on boat projects or seeking out deserted islands, she blogs about their adventures at The Cynical Sailor.

You can connect with Ellen on:
Author Website - https://ellenjacobsonauthor.com/
Author Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/EllenJacobsonAuthor/
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17395138.Ellen_Jacobson
The Cynical Sailor Blog - http://thecynicalsailor.blogspot.com/
The Cynical Sailor Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/TheCynicalSailor/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/Ellen__Jacobson
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