DANCING WITH DANGER by Kimberly Griggs
Fiction, Cozy Mystery
5*****
Blurb: What’s a Southern Belle to do when she dreams of being a hula dancer? Move to Hawaii, of course! Native Georgian Ruby Bell has her work cut out for her finding her niche among hip-swaying dancers of Kauai. But when she creates Hula Fit, a unique fusion of fitness and Hawaiian culture, she lands herself a job at the premier Aloha Lagoon Resort and Spa. Her class sparks attention from locals and vacationers alike, making Ruby feel she’s finally found her bliss. Unfortunately, things go from delightful to downright deadly when Ruby discovers her new friend, Phoebe, strangled by a coconut bra in the back of Ruby’s studio! With the local police investigating on “island time,” Ruby fears it’s up to her to find a killer, save her studio’s reputation, and bring justice to her friend’s memory. Navigating through a maze of deceit and betrayal, Ruby uncovers a cast of suspects more colorful than an island sunset, including a bodybuilder ex-boyfriend with a volatile temper, a troupe of senior citizens caught at a clothing-optional pool party, a jealous rival, an awkward admirer, and even the hunky owner of the local Smoothie Hut who seems to have his eye on Ruby. Between blackmail, deception, and a mysterious box of incriminating photos, Ruby finds herself tangled in a deadly dance. Can she hula her way through the shadows and unmask the killer… before the music stops for good?
Thoughts: This cozy mystery is set in a Kauai resort that is sort of like the usual small-town setting, but much more exotic. From the hulas to the luau to the flowers and ocean… The descriptions alone are worth the read. And the smattering of Hawaiian words helps with the setting. But the characters… Ruby Bell is perfectly quirky. Even though she’s a fitness instructor and very much into aerobics and weightlifting, she loves her smoothies (no green stuff please), diet cokes, and junk food. Give her a cheeseburger and fries and she’s in Heaven. And the “Golden Girls” were a hoot! Especially Mae.
The mystery is a good one, even though I kind of knew who the perp was from early on. But there are plenty of suspects for who killed Ruby’s friend Phoebe. I found it interesting that Ruby’s other friend Autumn was the one who kind of pushed her into sleuthing, but then left Ruby alone most of the time to do the hunting for clues on her own. But she did come to the rescue when needed.
Overall, a fun read in an exotic location.
Recommended.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
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