Get read for sun, surf, and murder in Evil Alice and the Borzoi. With a gorgeous setting like Hawaii, who would even think about killing someone? A tropical setting, deep descriptive narration, a heroine you can’t help but adore, and a mystery to solve…it’s a dream vacation for mystery readers.

Let’s kick things off with the descriptive narration. This author knows the ins and outs of living in Hawaii. Every aspect is poignantly described. It adds such depth to the plot. It also pulls the reader in so they feel like they’ve gone to Hawaii. Really impressive.

The characters are diverse and very expressive. The cast of characters is large, and the suspect list is even larger. It took me quite a bit of concentration to keep everyone straight. Cleo, however, is a delight. I connected with her on so many levels. Watching her detect while trying to stay ahead of the killer made for an enjoyable read.

The plot moves at a good pace. The writing is immersive. DK Coutant’s strength comes from her ability to entice the reader through narration and world-building.

If you love a good mystery set in a tropical locale, you’ve got to read this book. I recommend this to mystery readers and those readers looking for an escape.

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it. My thoughts are all my own.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Nancy

It's a new to me cozy mystery sereis and I enjoyed it: likeable characters, solid mystery, and a plot that flows.
Want to read other books in this series
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Hawai'i, cozy-mystery, law-enforcement, university, murder, murder-investigation, amateur-sleuth, relationships, first-in-series, new-series, diving, cultural-differences, Bouvier-des-Flandres, Borzoi-puppy, psychologist****

Excellent first in a new series!
Hawai'i is so beautiful and parts of it are described in detail. Diving can be treacherous and that is exactly how the murders begin. Who thinks of sequential murders in such an idyllic place?! Lots of fascinating characters (including the expected sexpests), two amazingly beautiful dogs, and the sadness that comes with a relationship failure. the suspense escalated until the amazing conclusion.
I just know that the next will be even better!
I requested and received an EARC from The Wild Rose Press, Inc via NetGalley. Thank you!

I so needed a vacation in Hawaii but since I'm broke this cozy with it's vivid descriptions was the excellent way to travel there. During a class outing on a research vessel the body of a young woman is discovered. Cleo Cooper doesn't like that her favorite student is the likely suspect. Can she find the real killer in time? The story flows smoothly. Love the vivid descriptions. Thanks#netgalley and #Thewildrosepressinc for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

Evil Alice and the Borzoi by DK Coutant is the first book in the Cleo Copper Mystery series. This is a well-written book. I liked the characters. The descriptions of Hawaii and explanation of local customs made this book interesting.