When I read my first Lynn Cahoon book, I was less than impressed with the Jill Gardner series. But, the books have been getting better with each new edition, and I enjoyed this latest book. Jill's boyfriend Greg takes her to a pre-wedding weekend for one of his high school friends. A murder takes place, and of course Jill gets involved with helping Greg to find the murderer. In the meantime, other things are also happening, such as Jill's aunt's impending marriage and the integration of a new employee at the coffeeshop/bookstore. A good plot. But, an even more intriguing cliffhanger at the end. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Jill Gardner is getting used to living with her sheriff boyfriend Greg and now she's joining him and his high school friends at a local museum/historical site/hotel-ish type thing. Levi, it seems, is about to get married and he wants a bachelor party weekend. But Jill is not amused when it seems like the men's needs come first while the women are left to fend for themselves. And Greg's high school friends seem stuck in the past and that includes a lot of juvenile behavior. Don't even get her started on the groom-to-be. When he ends up dead in a pool, there are a number of suspects. The friend who invested with Levi and lost his life savings is one. Then there's Levi's fiancee who seems to be hiding something. There's a mysterious disappearance from the men's past that might be coming up again.
One of my frustrations with this book is that there are a lot of well-developed possibilities for the killer but the end comes out of left field. Mid-left field because I saw it coming but I really hoped that it wasn't so. And that ending? Ufda.

Three and a half stars
This book comes out July 18

Killer Party: A Tourist Trap Mystery
By Lynn Cahoon
Lyrical Underground Kensington
July 18, 2017

Review by Cynthia Chow

Since Jill Gardner was just getting used to both having and living with a boyfriend, a couples’ weekend getaway with Greg and his childhood friends did nothing to ease her anxiety over commitment. An all-expense paid stay at the luxury hotel The Castle for a bachelor party is not something Jill can say no to though, especially when it reunites Greg with his best friend from seventh grade. Tech-millionaire Levi Walker is marrying the undeniably attractive but equally standoffish Jessica Cole, and he has invited his oldest group of friends to celebrate. Jill is leery of the weekend full of couples who have been friends for decades, but what really has her questioning her future are divisions between the “girls” and “boys.” Being a lady-in-waiting for her man was not something Jill ever wanted to sign up for, yet that looks to be what’s in store for her at the Castle. Indeed, the ostentatious museum/hotel seems a world away from their tourist-destination town of South Cove, despite it being only ten miles away.

While the women seem to side against Jessica and are dubious about the future of the pair, no one expected Levi to be found dead floating in the Castle pool. With Greg sidelined as a police detective and reluctant to question his friends, Jill once again takes it upon herself to help and discover the killer. Saying no has never come naturally to Jill, which also explains how she finds herself completely enmeshed in her aunt’s own upcoming wedding ceremony. Aunt Jackie has always been demanding and something of a control freak, but something is making her even more irritable and snappish than usual. Discovering why will become as much a priority for Jill as investigating a murder, especially considering that both involve the people she loves the most.

Although each of the nine books of this series can be read on its own, they are best read as one long serial. Characters transform and develop throughout the novels, becoming familiar to readers as neighbors and friends. Coffee, Books, and More bookstore owner Jill is a strong and caring heroine, and it’s easy to sympathize with her hesitation over a relationship after the end of her first marriage. Yet Jill is never more delightful than when she escapes into her books, as more than one reader should relate to the “book hangover” that results from a night spent reading until the final page. Readers may wish to resist that temptation here, as the conclusion will leave them satisfied, but anxious to start the next in the series as soon as possible.

I've loved every book in this series, particularly the interplay between the characters. I only wish I could visit!

Killer Party (A Tourist Trap Mystery #9)
by Lynn Cahoon (Goodreads Author)
Kindle Edition
Expected publication: July 18th 2017 by Lyrical Underground



Goodreads synopsis:
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 . . .
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 . . .

***

5 stars

This is the ninth book in the Tourist Trap Mystery series.

Jill Gardner owns the coffee slash bookshop named Coffee, Books & More. I like to think of the “more” as all the mysterious hijinks that occur in this sleepy berg. This is one of my favorite series and I am always happy to see what is going on in South Cove. They have become almost like family.

Jill and her now roomie boyfriend, Greg King are taking a few days off at the historic Castle while Greg celebrates the upcoming nuptials of his high school friend, Levi Walters. But celebration turns to mourning when Levi is found dead in the pool.

Since Greg is the best friend of the groom, a detective from Bakerstown is investigating. Greg doesn’t like that he can’t delve into the mystery so he encourages Jill to do a little sleuthing. The suspect list is long and Greg just can’t fathom any of his friends as suspects. Who could have ulterior motives where Levi is concerned? It turns out to be nearly everyone.

This mystery was interesting, well plotted and it keeps your attention all the way through the process of the investigation. There is a bit of drama around new barista, Toby is still in the doldrums over his recent breakup and Aunt Jackie is as snarky as ever. There is just nothing better as far as I am concerned. Cozy Heaven. Definitely check this series out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

I'm not sure what it is with mysteries that I have read lately...but I never see the killer coming! With this book I'm trying to figure out who was involved and why, however I never figured this one out. The author does a great job of hiding clues (and there are some looking back) and throwing many red herrings in your path.

And of course I love seeing Jill and Greg's relationship grow now that they have moved in together. There are a few moments where Jill continues to question the relationship, but she is coming along and accepting it more and more.

And it looks like there will be some new residents to South Cove

Another great addition to the Tourist Trap series. This is one of my favorites. Jill and Greg are attending his reunion combined with a bachelor for his friend Levi. When the groom, Levi is murdered Greg becomes one of the suspects. Lots of updates from the Coffee, Books and more shop, Aunt Jackie, and the locals. This was an enjoyable read, if it's your first read in the series you should be fine. A great beginning for the next book will have you impatient.

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest visit to Lynn Cahoon's South Cove, CA. I consider it a visit with people I know and like immensely. Jill accompanied Greg for a reunion weekend with childhood friends and murder ensues. The expansion of the cast of characters led to many false attributions of guilt and I was totally wrong. I enjoy a surprise ending, and this one was for me. I also appreciate the set up for the next book in the series. It keeps me anxiously anticipating but comforted knowing that I will hear more.

Late last night I finished Killer Party by Lynn Cahoon. This long running series is a favorite of mine and this one did not disappoint. Great friction, mystery and compelling relationships in this cozy mystery. I loved the setting, a grand Castle and the idea of the hotel attached to it and in it. Easy to picture the setting and I liked the way Lynn wrote about her character's relationships and town happenings. This town gets more interesting by the book!

I can't believe that this is the ninth book in the Tourist Trap series. I have read and enjoyed all of the books. It is always fun to visit the residents of South Cove, CA especially to see what Jill Gardner is involved in. She has the best job as the owner of Coffee, Books and More. She always has some wonderful sounding sweet treats that her friend Sadie makes to sell in her shop and other places. Her boyfriend and police detective, Greg King, has moved in with Jill and Emma, her golden retriever. At first, she wasn't sure she was ready for that next step but is beginning to enjoy sharing chores and expenses. Weddings are in the air in South Cove as Aunt Jackie and Harrold are to be married the next summer. Aunt Jackie is already hard at work making plans. Jill's BFF, Amy and her boyfriend, Justin just got engaged. As the story begins, Greg and Jill are attending an engagement weekend party for Greg's friend Levi and his bride to be, Jessica. The gathering includes friends from Greg's childhood and their spouses or better halves all set for a fun weekend.
With all that going on, there is always a murder and Jill always puts on her sleuth hat to investigate. She can't help it. Greg usually tells her to stay out of it but this time, it strikes close to home and Greg is left out of the investigation and encourages Jill to find out what she can and she always finds out what is going.
This is another fun read by Lynn Cahoon. I hope that she continues turning out the Tourist Trap series especially as this one ended in a little cliff hanger.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and give an honest review.

This is the ninth book in Lynn's Tourist Trap Series. With a weekend of luxury at The Castle, rented out by the groom, what more could a girl want? Especially when her hot cop boyfriend is part of the package. 

On the first day Jill senses something is off with this group of Greg's old high school buddies and their wives. So when the groom turns up facedown in the pool, even Greg is on the sidelines. 

Jill's suspect list is pretty long with everyone from the party as well as the new Russian Doll Shop owner. Who seems to know the bride-to-be. 

Lynn's characters have come a long way from the first book. They are well-developed and very loveable. They have become like good book friends. I love Deek and while Aunt Jackie wasn't my favorite character, this time I really felt her presence and there was a secondary mystery going on with her. 

Can't wait for the next one, See you soon South Cove!

Although this book has a really cool name it is by far a rather mild murder mystery, the storyline is okay and the characters are good, I would say this story is a mystery within a mystery. Solving a murder wasn’t any easy feat when it involves close friends when a wedding is in the works and to find out it’s no longer on what a puzzled mess everything is. The romance level is also mild, so I would say although it’s not very exciting it’s an interesting story nonetheless, with a murder, kidnapping and broken engagement one month from the wedding day. This is a great puzzle to Jill who is curious as to why her aunt called it off after visiting the doctor, I sure would like to know the answer to that as well.

Lynn Cahoon notches up another Tourist Trap Mystery winner in Book 9. I always enjoy visiting the South Cove, California beach setting where Jill Gardner has made a rousing success of Coffee, Books and More. Her boyfriend, Greg is in the spotlight as he and a group of college buddies gather with their wives and/or significant others at a local historical hotel/museum--The Castle--for a bachelors party. Things quickly turn sour when the groom-to-be, Levi, is discovered floating facedown in the pool. Greg is sidelined in his detective duties as his fellow officers search for leads. Jill and their friends have his back and I quickly recognized familiar faces as they network behind the scenes to slot all the mystery pieces into place. I also found the secondary mystery concerning the new business owner in town interesting. Ms. Cahoon highlights various ongoing relationships between characters this time, and I admit I was pretty shocked by one couple at the end of this book and can hardly wait to find out what's going to happen in book 10.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book for NetGalley and the publisher, Kensington.

This is the first book I have read of this author and I have to say I was very impressed. It is a very well crafted story and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. Cozy mysteries are one of my favourite genres but It still kept me guessing until the very end to find out who the murderer was. I will definitely be reading the other books in this series!

A great mystery with a well written plot.

This is the nineth book of the series- A Tourist Trap Mystery- but is the first book in the series I've read. I was able to enjoy it as a stand alone but I felt like new kid. I would like to go back and read the others so I can be with the "in" crowd and understand more background stuff. The story flowed well and I was surprised that I found myself at the end of the book so quickly. I enjoyed the mention of Cat Latmer from her other series. Great mystery- there were a lot of suspects but the end was good. A lot of thigs here and there made the story cute.

This is the 9th book in the Tourist Trap Mystery. It is my first in the series, and I found it a bit confusing keeping up with the players at first. I feel like the introductions were thrown in assuming I was a longtime reader. However after that, it was smooth sailing. The characters were engaging, and the plot well-developed. As a bonus, I enjoyed the Stephen King references.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will be looking for the rest of the books in the series.

Jill Gardner and her boyfriend Greg King are spending the weekend with his friends from high school in preparation of the wedding Greg's best friend Levi. Levi has rented out the entire nearby castle resort but things are not going according to plan especially when Levi is found dead in the pool. Greg would normally be in charge of the investigation, but his closeness to the victim forces him to step back and implore Jill to gather evidence of who killed Levi.

Great next installment including growth of regular characters.

Number nine in the series does not disappoint! I think this series just keeps getting better!
I love the setting of South Cove and Coffee, Books and More.
The characters are realistic and well written, especially Jill.
The whodunit kept me guessing right until the conclusion.
I highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Awesome Series
Killer Party is the ninth book in Lynn Cahoon’s wonderful Tourist Trap Mystery series and is a well-written story, with well-developed and affable characters, that moves along at a steady pace. Ms. Cahoon’s writing style flows smoothly, the engaging characters and interesting plot drew me right into the story, and the twists and turns held my interest throughout the book. I highly recommend all the books in the Tourist Trap Mystery series to anyone who enjoys reading well-crafted cozy mysteries.

Jill Gardner is the owner of Coffee, Books, and More in the small coastal town of South Cove, California. Coffee, Books, and More is a coffee bar and bookstore. Jill has overcome some of her commitment issues and her boyfriend, South Cove Detective Greg King, recently moved in with her. Jackie, Jill’s aunt, is preparing for her marriage to Harrold Snider and has quickly turned into a bridezilla and Jill’s best friend, Amy Newman, is engaged to Justin and planning their wedding. One of Greg’s old school friends, Levi Walker and his fiancée, Jessica Cole, arranged a weekend bachelor and pre-wedding party at The Castle, an exclusive hotel/museum. Even though The Castle is less than ten miles from Jill’s house, she is looking forward to a weekend of luxury. Jill meets Greg’s old friends and their wives for the first time and while the men go out fishing the next day, she reluctantly gives the wives a tour of South Cove. After Levi’s body is discovered floating in the swimming pool, South Cove’s Mayor, Marvin Baylor, requests the Bakerstown PD handle the investigation and Bakerstown Police Chief Terrance Duskant is in charge because Greg is too close to the case to be involved. Since Greg can’t be involved, he uncharacteristically encourages Jill to investigate.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.