Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advanced copy of Drowned Under in exchange for an honest review. I recently read Lost Luggage, the first book in the Cyd Redondo series, and it did not appeal to me. I did not like its frenzied slapstick humour, its over-the-top, frantic action scenes, and found Cyd to be ditsy, unfocused, and an incompetent travel agent. I am happy to say that this second novel was more enjoyable and a positive improvement over the first, which was set in Africa and involved the cruelty of animal trafficking.

This book started out in the same over-the-top manner, but I was glad I stuck to it. Cyd seemed smarter and more resourceful. She managed to get herself into bad situations, but this time was rarely the cause of them. I became engaged in the plot to save the last Tasmanian tiger. Having watched a tragic documentary about their extinction, I wished this storyline was true. Along with Cyd’s determination to prove her friend and her future roommate on the Australian cruise ship had been murdered, and her part in exposing a conspiracy to defraud senior travellers, the plot held my interest.

I was annoyed with all the unnecessary focus on designer clothing, brand name shoes and accessories. I was wanting to focus on a travel adventure, not feel I was reading a fashion magazine. After several dozen mentions of her expensive, Balenciaga bag, we get it. It was a useful accessory to Cyd in situations in both books, but it was tiresome relying on the brand name repeatedly. I found all the high-end clothing and shoe references interrupted the storyline, and made her sound conceited despite her mention of travel agent discounts and sales.

I have always enjoyed stories of travel adventures and misadventures, but Cyd made me grateful that my travels in Africa and Australia very rarely involved any use of a travel agent. I would read another book in the series, but hopefully the tendency for slapstick humour continues to be more restrained and also the focus on brand name fashion will be reduced. The plot was well imagined and held my attention.

What a great discovery, this was the first book I read in this series and very glad I requested it.
It's an entertaining and fun read, full of quirky and likable characters and and enjoyable plot.
The mystery is fast paced and it keeps you guessing till the end.
I look forward to reading other installment in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for this ARC

Thank you to net galley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book it was a great experience




Eggnog notwithstanding, travel agent Cyd Redondo is not looking forward to the holidays. The borough of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn—along with most of her family—holds her responsible for landing her Uncle Ray in a minimum security prison.