Whitney Dagner is at home on Catalina Island, back from the corporate world of Los Angeles. She's running her island gift shop and helping her brother run the family glass bottomed boat tour company. When her brother is accused of murdering the island's rich bully, Whit has to add amateur sleuth to her job duties!

Whitney is a smart businessperson, is kind, loves her family but has no experience in solving crimes. Her adventures to save her brother and solve the mystery, along with her best friend Maribel and ex-boyfriend Felix are realistic and fun. No rushing into danger and the romance didn't overshadow the storyline. The mystery was fast-paced with red herrings and twists and turns that kept me reading. The supporting characters were interesting and Whiskers, her smart feline, is adorable and dangerous!

I'm looking forward to another trip to Catalina Island!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This time, when I say Gabby Allan “launches” a new series, it’s an appropriate word. Much Ado About Nauticaling is the first Whit and Whiskers mystery, and it’s set on Catalina Island off the coast of southern California. There’s something refreshing about this cozy mystery. Whitney Dagner did not blow up a job or escape a cheating boyfriend. Instead, she decided to leave a corporate job and return home to the town of Avalon on Catalina. Her family has been involved in the tourist business there for over one hundred years.

In fact, Whitney has invested in the town. She hasn’t had the grand opening of her gift shop, The Dame of the Sea yet, but she’s operating the glass bottom boat tours on Sea Bounder. The family hosts business parties as well as family groups and tourists. Goldy and Pops, Whitney’s grandparents, still help out occasionally, but they’re officially retired. The business is in the capable hands of Whit and her brother, Nick.

But, the night the Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year floats under the boat, dead, Whitney isn’t so sure her younger brother is capable. Whitney never liked Jules Tisdale, but she was operating the boat all evening. She thought Nick had an alibi, having flown off island. But, Nick flees from the police before he has an accident on his golf cart. Then, after talking with the police once, he disappears. It doesn’t take long for Whitney to discover why her brother is the primary suspect. It will take longer for her and a couple friends to come up with some other suspects who disliked the victim enough to kill him.

Although Whitney is a reluctant sleuth, she has a solid supporting cast in this first in a series. Her roommate is a dispatcher for the police department, and her ex-boyfriend, Felix Ramirez, is a diver for the department. Goldy and Pops are delightful characters. Whitney’s cat, Whiskers, is nothing more than a cat, although she does have a moment or two to shine.

Much Ado About Nauticaling has both an original setting and an original job for the sleuth. Readers will want to return to Santa Catalina and sail away with Whitney for another mystery.

New author and series for me. I loved reading this book and couldn't put it down. If you haven't read it yet I highly recommend it.

Fun characters, an intriguing mystery mix together to make this fun cozy. The author paints a quirky and fun mystery that is easy to get lost in. A must read!

I felt good vibrations while reading this cozy debut! It takes place on a beautiful island location in California. Protagonist Whitney Dagner and her brother, Nick, operate Nautically Yours—a glass bottom boat tour business. How fun! The mystery accelerates quickly in the first two chapters, then the hunt is on for a killer.

Author Gabby Allan (aka Misty Simon) writes a fun and intriguing story for cozy mystery readers. My interest was caught and held by the way Whit’s brother, Nick, is so elusive and uncooperative in the investigation. These two siblings are young and act pretty naive, so I hope to see more responsible growth in the two of them in the next story. I liked that a possible romance is slowly introduced on Whitney’s horizon. Whiskers, Whit’s kitty, is her comforter, confidante, and protector. There are plenty of suspects to keep the conflict captivating, and I learned new nautical references throughout the story. The victim’s wife, Tracy, did little to gain my sympathy, and Nick’s actions certainly didn’t endear me to him. I had a sneaking suspicion who the murderer was and thought the author did a great job showing and telling the story. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own. Thank you.

Much Ado About Nauticaling is the first in Gabby Allan's new series that takes place on Santa Catalina Island, California. I enjoyed this first in the series where the main character, Whitney helps her family run a boat tour business on the island. The island's small size lends itself to creating a small community where everyone knows one another and many have complicated relationships. I struggled to get a feel for Whitney at times as the main character as she flitted from one place to the next. I felt the addition of Whiskers was an afterthought, but look forward to seeing more of the cat in future stories! The mystery was good with lots of red herrings, but a little rough in places. I will definitely check out the next entry in this coastal California series!

This was an interesting premise but it did not hold my attention. It did have the standard elements of a cozy mystery.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

I didn't like this book very much. It's a lot of "oh Nick, where are you" and "Nick, turn yourself in" There isn't a lot of investigating or much else going on. The killer was a surprise mostly due to not being in most of the book. #MuchAdoaboutNauticaling #NetGalley

I loved this book. The scenery and characters are great and an ending that satisfies. I love the imagery of Catalina Island – and who knew there were bison on that island? And how they got there. It’s obvious the author did her research—or has even been there—because she makes the island real without overdoing it on details. I love that everyone gets around in golf carts instead of cars (except for the police and emergency services). The author made me want to go to the island, find Whit’s gift shop, and go on a treasure hunt! So much fun. Excellently done.

The characters are what makes the story. The main character, Whitney, has moved back to the island from the mainland where she’s been living for the past few years. She joins her brother in taking on their grandparents’ glass-bottom boat tours as well as opening her own gift shop—which seems to be rarely open as she does other things, like look for a murderer. Whitney’s grandmother—Goldy—is a hoot. Whatever you do, don’t call her anything related to “grandmother”. Not Grams, Granny, Nana, or anything else. She’s Goldy. She loves sunbathing and won’t take gruff from anyone. I also loved the grandfather, though he doesn’t show up a lot in the story, but his calm demeanor is a perfect counterpoint to Goldy’s out-there attitude and does a lot to soothe Whit’s nerves. I also loved the idea of the treasure boxes! And Whitney’s ex-boyfriend follows her there. Whit thought their relationship was over because of her moving away. He wasn’t ready to end it, though. Having Felix there creates some interesting issues for Whitney.

In this one, the island man-of-the-year, Jules, has been murdered and Whitney’s brother is the prime suspect. There are a lot of suspects as Jules is not a nice person. But the chief wants to close the case quickly so it is up to Whitney and her friends—and a lovely ex-boyfriend who may not be so ex—to give the police other suspects. One of my favorite scenes is Whitney in the closet in the spa listening to two conversations (one on either side) from two of her suspects. Hilarious!

If there was anything at all I didn't like, it was a very minor thing toward the end. Whit has fallen (or been pushed) down a ravine and has a bloodied leg and supposedly looks like she's fallen down a ravine, and nobody notices or says anything. Like I said, very minor and probably doesn't occur to anyone but me. That being said, it's still a really fun book to read.

Recommendation: I highly recommend this book. It’s fun. It’s quirky. It’s a small-town cozy that takes place on an island—a real place with real landmarks that we can actually take the book to and look for (with the exception of Whitney’s shop – but I’m sure there are others around). I am looking forward to more books by this author.

Disclaimer: 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.”

This is a new series. As I was reading it though, I was struck by the similarity in writing style to other authors that I have read. You can tell this is not a new author so I am curious as to who is using this pseudonym. Overall I found the book to be enjoyable to read. The style is easy and takes you along. I did find several instances in which the author created contradictions in the action or personalities that just really set my teeth on edge. It is just careless. I would look for the second book but I hope that more care would be taken in the future.

Plot: This was a really good mystery! I don't want to add too much about the plot here, for fear of spoiling something. But I will write that I did NOT guess who the culprit was (I had a suspicion, but I thought it wasn't going to be that person.), so that was nice that the author was able to surprise me!

Characters: All the characters were really entertaining! From the main character, Whitney, to her family, friends, and the other residents of the island, they were all a well written cast of people!

The Cover: It's cute and bright!

Overall: I really enjoyed this cozy mystery! I liked the characters, the plot was good, and I loved the descriptions of the location. I look forward to reading the next book in this series! Overall, this is a cozy I would definitely recommend reading!

I received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher.

family-dynamics, friendship, relationship-issues, small-business, small-town, island-life, amateur-sleuth, law-enforcement, cozy-mystery*****

Great fun and really diverse characters!
Whitney escaped the corporate life and returned to her zany family/boat tour business/gift shop/creation of puzzles and treasure maps only to discover the body of shady businessman while out on an afternoon tour. Oh, and a not-as-ex-as-she-thought boyfriend. Add that to the mystery of who killed the victim and why. Rather fast paced and with lots of misdirection, plot twists, red herrings, and humor that kept me turning pages! Loved it!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

This installment is a great start for a fun new series, loving the nautical and ocean theme. Well written with easy to follow characters and an island setting. Looking forward to seeing where this series will go.

I received this ARC via Netgalley and Kensington Books, in return for an honest review. This is the first book in a fun new series and I look forward to the next one! Whitney Dagner left her high-powered corporate life and returned to Santa Catalina Island to open a fun & funky gift shop that specializes in locally made high-quality handicrafts. She also returned to help her younger brother, Nick, assume the family’s glass bottomed boat tour business from their grandparents. When Whitney hosts several tours one day, ending with an evening cruise to celebrate the Chamber of Commerce’s Man of the Year, she didn’t anticipate finishing the night with his body appearing under the glass bottom of her boat! Even worse, Nick is suddenly the prime suspect for the murder. As his older sister, Whitney is bound and determined to solve the crime before he’s arrested for being an idiot and a murderer. She’s aided by her roommate who is a police dispatcher and her former boyfriend who relocated to the island for work, without her knowledge.
This is a lovely start to a new series. and I think it will be great fun to see how Whit’s time on the island evolves, along with her relationships. The author provides just enough clearly drawn characters to be possible suspects, while not so many that you need a cheat sheet to figure them all out. Looking forward to the next one!

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of MUCH ADO ABOUT NAUTICALING (Book 1 of the Whit and Whiskers Mysteries), by Gabby Allan, in exchange for an honest review. Whitney Dagner left her corporate life in Los Angeles to return home to Santa Catalina Island. Whit opened a gift shop to sell locally produced art and souvenirs. Whit also helps her brother Nick run the family business by captaining glass bottomed boat tours. When the body of a local muckety muck is one of the sights seen through the glass bottom of their boat, Nick becomes the prime suspect in the murder. Nick has no alibi, recently had a violent confrontation with the man, absolutely refuses to provide details of his whereabouts, and goes on the lamb. Whit is still determined to help out her brother even if he is being a twerp. Whit grudgingly accepts the help of her ex-boyfriend; and together, they investigate the deceased, his business dealings, and his personal relationships. As the fatalities begin to accrue, police seem even more determined to pin the homicides on Nick. Can Whit prevail even as her investigation places her in peril?

I liked this book and thought it was a good start to a new series. I recommend the book to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, muckety mucks, inheritance, island life, tourism, boats, gift shops, art, and hotels.

#MuchAdoaboutNauticaling #NetGalley

Much Ado about Nauticaling is the first in a new series by Gabby Allan.
The story takes place on Santa Catalina Island, off the California shore.
Our main character is Whitney Dagner, who enjoys her own unique souvenir shop, as well as helping with the family’s glass bottom boat tours.
This small island sounds idyllic with warm, sunny beaches, plenty of good food, and perhaps a touch of romance, when Whitney’s ex boyfriend shows up. Unfortunately, Whitney doesn’t haven’t a chance to find out, when she discovers a dead body following a boat tour.
When Whitney’s brother Nick becomes the main suspect in a murder investigation, all she can do is ask questions and try to determine the truths from the lies.
For a first book in a new series, I was really pleased with it. The characters were very easy to connect with, the mystery kept me engaged throughout, and the author vividly described the small island, that I could see it in my mind.
I’m very much looking forward to reading more in this series.
#MuchAdoaboutNauticaling #NetGalley

Much Ado about Nauticaling by Gabby Allan is a great cozy mystery in a new series titled: Whit and Whiskers Mystery.

I love a great cozy mystery series, and if this first installment is any indication of how this series will be, then it should be an excellent series to follow.

I loved the ocean and nautical theme. It is cute, catchy, and relaxed. I loved the location as well, Santa Catalina Island (off the California coast). The author did a great job creating a picturesque and beachy location. But despite the fact that this should be an escape, of course a dark murder/mystery appears. I loved the pull/play on the concept of this sinister and dark occurrence that takes place in a beautiful and light location.

I enjoyed the main character: Whitney Dagner. Trying to create a second chance and go of it in regards to her life, she returns to a family run business, but gets caught up in the murder/mystery plot. Throw in a full cast of characters that are fun, unique, and some also becoming suspects, the narrative makes for a great and engaging read. I liked the addition of her brother Nick, and her ex significant other as a blast from the past, Felix, to create another layer of complexity for future books. I think they still have chemistry despite Whitney’s personal thoughts, and I look forward to seeing how this relationship plays out.

A great start to a new series.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Kensington for this arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.