Honestly I found the writing really clunky. The book took a long time to get anywhere and that made it hard for me to stay engaged. I haven't read the earlier books in the series so maybe that's the problem, but I just wasn't enjoying

In exchange for an honest review, I received a free copy of DEATH PLANS A PERFECT TRIP (Book 6 of the Charlotte Adams Professional Organizer Mysteries) by Mary Jane Maffini. I enjoyed this book as well as the previous five. Charlotte's mother is missing. Charlotte is being hunted by both police and some very bad guys. Now what? I recommend this book to fans of cozy murder mysteries featuring old secrets, flight from prosecution, missing relatives, and international travel.

#DeathPlansaPerfectTrip #NetGalley

Quite a change-up in Mary Jane Maffini's latest Charlotte Adams Professional Organizer Mystery series book, Death Plans a Perfect Trip. Professional Organizer Charlotte Adams has secrets to learn about her family and her background. I was fascinated by this storyline. Charlotte learns so much about her past and her family. There's suspense and surprises throughout. I really enjoyed this book.

DEATH PLANS A PERFECT TRIP is the sixth book in the Charlotte Adams Professional Organizer Mysteries by Mary Jane Maffini. While it may be the first I’ve read in the series, it certainly won’t be my last. I found this easily read as a standalone, but the captivating story makes me want to go back and read from the beginning. Ms. Maffini pens an enthralling mystery while catering to those with wanderlust with wonderful details and delectable descriptions. I enjoyed how she starts each chapter with a practical organizational tip relating to travel. And while I don’t have any trips planned, these tips alone are worth keeping. The protagonist, Charlotte Adams, is thoroughly likeable and had me cheering for her throughout the story. All the characters are fully developed and the descriptions are so vivid, I felt like I was right there alongside Charlotte, meeting and talking with them. I especially enjoyed “meeting” Charlotte’s two rescue dachshunds, Truffle and Sweet Marie. While they didn’t inhabit many pages, they still managed to shine.

I’m always impressed when an author can juggle a current day mystery while weaving in a mystery from long ago. Ms. Maffini expertly writes such a story in this newest release. She carefully doles out clues from Charlotte’s mysterious childhood, which adds to the layers of intrigue surrounding the current day disappearance of her famous author mother. The fast-moving plot kept me turning pages to find out what happened to Charlotte as a child and what happens to her next as she transverses Europe hunting for her mother. As the pages flew by, the suspense mounted and I couldn’t put the book down. I’ll admit, I was quite stunned with the reveal, having no inkling of who the culprit was. And then there was a twisty-turvey curveball thrown that had me gasping. While I catch up with the previous books in the series, I’ll be waiting with bated breath for the next in this highly entertaining series!

As Charlotte and her boyfriend, Jack, scour European cities in search of her mother, Jack makes sure they take the time to sample the local cuisine. Not only is the book an armchair traveler’s and armchair detective read, it’s also caters to foodies with mouthwatering descriptions. The author includes a recipe for biscotti at the back of the book, which sounds quite delightful.

I was glad that the original five mysteries in this series were re-released but I was very glad to have a brand new mystery for Charlotte to unravel. This time the answers will be found in her past. Her mother taught her well when it came to moving on a moments notice and to have a go bag ready at all times. Now her mother has missed several of their usual Tuesday phone calls and Charlotte finds herself in danger. Her go bag is going to be put to good use as she and her boyfriend head for Europe to track down her mother. It turns out there are some very nasty people hunting for her mother and nobody is going to stand in their way.
It was not only a great mystery and a fun trip through Paris, Lisbon and Milan but we found out more about Charlotte's background. I enjoyed it every step of the way. Now I'm eager to find out what comes next.
My thanks to the publisher Beyond the Page and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoy this series and and glad to meet up with the characters again. I still love the organizational tips. It was fun traveling to numerous countries. It was obviously an 'interesting' childhood the MC had. At least she had good friends.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Charlotte Adams, professional organizer extraordinaire and occasional murder suspect/solver is feeling pretty good about life. Her two little dogs are as loving and precocious as always, her business is successful and finally her love life hits every high note. The only cloud on the horizon is the lack of contact from her mother who has missed their last few Tuesday phone calls.

Esme Adams is a successful novelist who loves to travel but, as her only child, Charlotte knows the lack of contact isn't normal and it's down to her to find out what’s going on. When her own life in Woodbridge is put in jeopardy she knows time is of the essence and she needs to act now.

With no obvious clues available Charlotte has to search the memories of her past for ideas which isn't too difficult as she's become plagued by nightmares about a time she much rather forget. Grabbing her ever ready travel bag she heads to Europe with her only plan being find Esme!

Although the previous five Charlotte Adams Professional Organizer Mystery Series books were recently re--released this is the first all new outing for Charlotte and her friends. Thankfully all the main protagonists are still present and correct but it's fair to say the investigation has gone up a few levels!

While I loved this and still gave it four stars because it was so engaging I was surprised by Charlotte's backstory and wonder why a few more hints weren't added to the previous books. Charlotte is now a much more likeable, well rounded, character and, as the author's notes mention more new adventures coming soon, I can't wait to see what happens next.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This has a different feel to the previous books but is still a great cozy read and very enjoyable.

A huge thanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read the ARC of Death Plans a Perfect Trip.

I am a huge, long time fan of Mary Jane Maffini's work, and this one is delightful! Not being able to travel for so long, i loved traveling vicariously with Charlotte and Jack. They made excellent traveling companions - let's do it again soon.

Very enjoyable and highly recommended

3.5 stars

This enjoyable cozy mystery is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone novel. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and it was fun to travel across Europe with them (including Paris, Lisbon, and Italy -- all places I'd love to visit one day). Jack adds a nice bit of humor to the story. The fast pace and various twists keep the reader engaged throughout. The truth about Esme was unexpected! I look forward to more books by this author and in this series.

This one is 'Charlotte Adams goes on Tour'. Charlotte's mother Esme misses her weekly phone call with her daughter, twice, and Charlotte goes onto high alert at this unusual behaviour. Then Charlotte's home is ransacked and set on fire, so she and Jack depart for Europe to track down the elusive Esme. The trail takes them to France, Italy and Spain, and gradually through her mother's ex-lovers/husbands Charlotte begins to learn more about her early life and discover things she had never even imagined about her past.

The result is a fun read, but I missed the 'organiser' aspect of the other books in the series. It does tell us more about her relationship with the ever patient (ever hungry) Jack. Overall, enjoyable. Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was absolutely delighted to see a new book in a series that quickly has become one of my favourites.



The return of Charlotte and the rest of the stellar cast of characters is a treasure indeed.



This book has it all, mystery, intrigue, suspense and long hidden secrets that have consequences.



I could not put this book down and I hope there are future books to look forward to.



I highly recommend this book, and the previous ones in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

amateur-sleuth, false-identities, family-dynamics, famous-author, friendship, law-enforcement, dachshunds, cozy-mystery, home-invasion, arson, relationship-issues, situational-humor, verbal-humor, organize, organized-crime, small-business, travel, murder, international-crime-and-mystery, dogs, dognappers, recipes*****

The publisher's blurb is an excellent place to start as it really caught my interest. The first few chapters set up the story (I did wonder about the dogs' POV) but once the home invasion occurred, the hook was set, and I was riveted to the (surprising) end. Lots of twists, red herrings, and travel supported by useful organizational tips (including valuable ideas for a Bug Out). Loved every bit of it! I'm sure that is perfect for a stand-alone.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thanks!

What if you loved an exceptional mystery series that had played out years ago and was revived, and then added to in a spectacular fashion? I can't express how much I enjoyed 'Death Plans a Perfect Trip,' the latest in Mary Jan Maffini's A Charlotte Adams Mystery series. From the very first words I was enmeshed with possibilities, and going places with Charlotte that I never imagined. It was spectacular. The growth of the characters and the absolutely fascinating storyline was amazing, as were the locales in the world travel. I can't enthuse enough about much I can recommend this entire series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This is the sixth book in the series, and I was so excited to read it. Mary Jane Maffini writes characters so well developed that it feels like catching up with old friends. This time, Charlotte's mother disappears, and Charlotte's home is ransacked and set on fire. Charlotte suspects that the two events are related. In order to find some answers, Charlotte decides to track down her mother. She is being pursued every step of the way. Will she find her mother in time? Who is trying to find her mother and why do they want to harm her? This book reveals some surprising things about the past and has you racing to the end to find out how it all ends. It did not end the way I thought it would. I really hope there will be more books in this series because I would like to see how the story will continue to play out in future books

This is the 6th Charlotte Adams personal organizer mystery series. I have read many in the series and enjoyed this exciting new addition. Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley. This is a wonderfully exciting mystery.

Charlotte is worried when she does not hear from her Mother who has taken off for Europe. She decides to go to Europe to find her Mother after weeks of no news. Before she leaves her home suffers a fire and her home is destroyed by persons unknown. Charlotte suspects its criminals from her past and her Mother's past. She leaves for Europe with her boyfriend to find her missing Mother Esme and the mystery takes off.

This was a exciting story that gives the readers a look into her past. I loved the suspenseful twist the author built into each aspect of the story.. This is a pleasing mystery to conclusion.

Death Plans a Perfect Trip is the best in this series so far. Or, should I say best of the best as I have enjoyed all the previous books?

I did not expect the shadowy past or the explosive truth about Esme's true identity. This felt more like a spy thriller than a cozy mystery.

The mystery and suspense are at an all-time high, especially in the second half of the book (when Charlotte and Jack reach Europe.) Jack is at his usual adorable self - always hungry and looking to grab a bite or two while sleuthing - while Charlotte's anxiety levels are at a maximum. Cannot blame her though, the poor thing learns a lot about her mother's secretive past and feels like she's being hit by a freight train.

Mary Jane Maffini is a master storyteller. I was hooked on to the story until the end. Twists after twists kept me guessing for more. The ending is, my goodness, surprising and totally shocking. In a way, there was a bit of closure for a few people but I wonder how this particular 'closure' might affect Charlotte. Maybe I will know more about it in the next book.

Esme Adam's is a famous author who calls her daughter every Tuesday. When Charlotte doesnt hear from her mom she contacts Esme's agent amd her assistant. The agent has no clue and the assistant does not respond. When Charlotte's home is set on fire and an aquaintance of her mom is murdered shortly after Charlotte and her boyfriend Jack paid her a visit, They both become suspects and are told not to leave town. It seems Esme has a dark past and Charlotte remembers sudden moves to escape danger in her childhood. Charlotte and Jack head to Europe to try and find Esme, but always seem a step behind. This is a very fast paced mystery. Some humor, lots of twists and turns, and a real page turner. I really enjoyed it. Thank you Netgalley!

Death Plans a Perfect Trip is the most recent book in the Charlotte Adam’s series. I have not read any of the previous books in this series, but now that I have read this most recent Mary Jane Maffini novel, I will plan on reading the rest of the books in this series. Although part of a series, Death Plans a Perfect Trip can function as a stand alone novel.

I will not be divulging any spoilers. The depictions of the cities visited in Death Plans a Perfect Trip were very well done. A local might be able to find an inconsistency, but casual tourists would not. I have visited these cities and was impressed at how well the author captures the mood and beauty of all the locations. I could imagine myself there, which is a strength in a novel. Reading for escape is about imagining oneself within a novel’s pages.

In addition to some nice action, there is also humor, mostly provided by Charlotte’s boyfriend Jack. The descriptions of food could make any reader fall off her diet!

I am recommending this novel. I want to thank the author and publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I will definitely be reading the other books in this series. I also thank NetGalley for introducing me to another new author, whose books are fun to read.

I've read the previous books in this series so I was excited to catch up with Charlotte Adams once again.
Charlotte is a professional organizer who loves to help her customers achieve organization into their own lives.
Charlotte hasn't heard from her mother in a few days and she becomes concerned.
Charlotte's concern deepens when she begins to have odd dreams and she can't help feeling like something bad is about to happen.
Join Charlotte on her whirlwind adventure and investigation, you're destined to have a wild time.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#DeathPlansaPerfectTrip #NetGalley.

Loved it. I haven't read all of the previous ones. This would be fine as a standalone. A clever cozy mystery. Terrific ending. Interesting trip to Europe. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.