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
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