Trouble Island was a fun to read prohibition era mystery/thriller about Aurelia Escalante and her former friend, Rosita McGee, wife of Eddie McGee, a gangster heavy into exporting liquor from Canada to the United States. Rosita's grandfather owned Trouble Island, located in Canadian waters of Lake Erie, not far from Ohio. She spent her summers there, along with a cousin she is still close to. When Aurelia married a gangster, she became Rosita's friend, but now she is decidedly demoted to living on Trouble Island with Rosita and serving as her personal maid. Rosita's son died in a tragic way and she wants nothing to do with anyone. Short creates a marvelous setting for the novel, a hard to reach and very isolated island, often iced in for the winter and... we are just at the beginning of winter. There is trouble in the McGee marriage and Eddie is sort of accepting that Rosita will be isolating for a while. There is a couple living there who apparently have a long-standing relationship of some sort to the McGees. They are African-American and there is, as with Aurelia, some sort of back story that leaves them pretty much stuck on Trouble Island. The island has a light house, long decommissioned and disintegrating. The house is high end but when Rosita's grandfather was there, it was more modest.

And then, Eddie arrives unannounced and unexpected things start to happen. It is definitely a locked island mystery, with Aurelia serving as the narrator. None of the characters are particularly sympathetic but they are all interesting and none made me want to put down the book. Well, turn it off as I was listening to the audio version, narrated really, really well by Jennifer Jill Arraya. There are a number of good nail biting scenes and lots of evildoing with many red herrings. I was not surprised by the ending but... I did not guess it either. Definitely worth a read!

Mafia wars on a privately owned island. This was an interesting murder mystery. There are a lot of characters to keep track of and the twist was pretty unbelievable. However, I read somewhere that this book was based on the author’s family history. It was entertaining and I enjoyed the ending. I read with my eyes with a library copy and listened to the audio since I have an ALC from @macmillan.audio with great narration to bring life to the story.

I will start this saying that this book wasn't for me, and it isn't one I would read again. I thought it was well written, especially the action scenes, and they characters were interesting. Even when I didn't like a character, I did want to know more about them.

If this is your genre, then I think you will really like this book.

Thank you for the ARC!

"Aurelia wants nothing more than to escape Trouble Island, but she is hiding a secret of her own. She is in fact not a maid, but a gangster’s wife in hiding, as she runs from the murder she committed five years ago. Her friend Rosita took her in under this guise, but it has become clear that Rosita wants to keep Aurelia right where she is."

This is an interesting historical novel, based on events in the author's family that blends gangsters, a locked room mystery, and a bit of romance to keep readers engaged in the plot.

The 1930s isn't really a period that I've studied or find myself particularly drawn to, so this was a bit of a leap of faith for me. There's lots to keep readers guessing, and I'm glad I gave it a try!

I received a free audiobook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

Sharon Short's Trouble Island, as experienced through Jennifer Jill Araya's narration, is a captivating blend of sun-drenched island charm and simmering suspense. It's a novel that lures you in with the promise of paradise, only to reveal the darkness lurking beneath the surface. Araya's performance elevates the story, bringing the vibrant island setting and its complex inhabitants to life.

The premise is classic beach read with a twist: a woman seeking solace on a remote island finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and lies. Short skillfully uses the idyllic backdrop of Trouble Island – with its turquoise waters and swaying palms – to heighten the sense of unease. The beauty of the setting contrasts sharply with the undercurrent of danger, creating a palpable tension that permeates the narrative.

Araya's narration is a perfect complement to Short's writing. She captures the protagonist's vulnerability and growing sense of paranoia with nuance and skill. Her voice is warm and inviting, drawing the listener into the story, even as the plot thickens and the stakes rise. She also imbues the other characters with distinct personalities, making it easy to distinguish between the various voices and adding depth to the overall listening experience. The subtle shifts in tone and pacing enhance the suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat.

What sets Trouble Island apart is its exploration of themes beyond simple thriller tropes. Short delves into the complexities of human relationships, exploring the dynamics of family secrets, past traumas, and the challenges of building trust in a community shrouded in mystery. The island itself becomes a character, its history and folklore adding another layer to the intrigue.

While the plot unfolds at a steady pace, the narrative occasionally suffers from predictability. Some of the twists and turns can be foreseen, diminishing the overall impact of the suspense. Additionally, the protagonist's naiveté can, at times, feel a little contrived.

Despite these minor flaws, the audiobook version of Trouble Island is a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. Araya's narration breathes life into the story, making it a perfect companion for a long drive, a relaxing afternoon by the pool, or, perhaps fittingly, a quiet evening on a secluded beach. It's a compelling tale of secrets, lies, and the dark side of paradise, best enjoyed with the sun on your face and a shiver down your spine.

Prohibition-era gangsters are stuck on an island in a snowstorm when someone turns up dead. Then everything goes to hell and back. I couldn’t stop listening.

Trouble Island indeed!! This was a wild ride with all kinds of stuff happening and I was totally here for it. This was my 1st book by Sharon Short and will not be my last, I am adding her books to my TBR.

Based on a real incident and location, this historical fiction mystery book is enjoyable and well-written. It features a compelling and likable female lead, locales that are wonderfully portrayed, secrets, tension, romance, intrigue, twists and turns, and an enjoyable ending.

I enjoyed the setting of this one, and the overall premise. I found it a bit slow going, and had trouble fully getting into the story. I did appreciate it was based on a true story.

I just got an advisory request from someone who loves books set during Prohibition. Perfect timing that I had just finished this book!

This was an atmospheric historical suspense debut set on a remote island in the 1930s. Featuring two women from the opposite ends of society, gangsters, a locked room style mystery with secret identities, murderers and more. This was good on audio narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya and marks an author I'd read again. A great choice if you're in for a twisty, chilling winter thriller! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

Aurelia Escalante is practically imprisoned in a mansion on an island in the middle of Lake Erie- it’s the swinging 1930s and she has been sent there to hide out for a mysterious reason… she serves as a maid to her former friend and gangster’s wife Rosalita.

All is well until Rosalie does estranged husband shows up in the middle of the winter with an entourage of questionable characters… and people start dying!

Who is going to make it off this island and who is murdering the occupants?

This was an interesting take on your regular remote location, murder among us thriller. The time period of the 1930s kind of threw me for a loop with the addition of the gangsters and what not. I had a bit of a hard time connecting to the characters and it took a little while to get their reveals to really know them and be connected to them.

The narration provided by Jennifer Jill Araya was well done. She provided a good variation in voice work for the different characters and provided a lively reading of the story.

Trouble Island by Sharon Short is set on a remote Canadian island in Lake Erie in the Prohibition era in the United States. The island is owned by the wife of a gangster, Eddie McGee. She's refused to leave the island since the death of their small son, who was shot in a gang battle.

Rosita McGee lives there with a few servants, one being 'Aurielia'. Aurelia was married to one of Eddie's henchmen who is dead. And there is a secret about his death that she isn't willing to share. Escaping to 'the big city' from her poor life on a farm, Aurelia ended up with a different, though equally unpalatable type of life. It's becoming clear to her that Rosita is not going to let her leave the island and she's afraid to take matters into her own hands with the gangs involved, not to mention it's nearly impossible to escape.

Eddie, Rosita's husband shows up on the island with a group of like-minded villains and tells Rosita he is going to sell her island. His wife disagrees and ends up being found dead, by Aurelia. There are a limited number of people on the island and so limited suspects. Aurelia, Eddie McGee, a doctor, more members of the gang, Eddie's rival who wants to buy the island, Rosita's cousin and former singing partner, and the caretakers. One of them HAD to have killed Rosita. Motives abound. Accusations fly.

Aurelia knows SHE didn't do it, But she doesn't know who did and doesn't want to take the fall, or end up as a victim herself.

Based on the author's own family history, this book illustrates one of the little discussed aspects of Prohibition in the US--the increase in organized crime. Jennifer Jill Arya's realistic voicing of Aurelia sounds almost as though it's a radio show.

Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction, especially those who enjoy little known time periods.

TROUBLE ISLAND by Sharon Short is an exciting thriller story set in the early 1930s. There is danger everywhere on a secluded island and premonitions and hints of dark events - past and future – move the story along. The audiobook is narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya who reinforces the psychologically foreboding atmosphere.

Trouble Island by Sharon Short was both suspenseful and very engaging. It was the first book that I have read by Sharon Short and her first standalone novel. Sharon Short based Trouble Island on a place that actually existed and on events that occurred in her own family. Trouble Island was a well written historical fiction mystery. The setting was an old and secluded family owned mansion located in Lake Erie. The mansion was both well hidden and hard to detect unless its existence was already known to those in its vicinity. It took place in the early 1930’s when prohibition was strictly enforced which made bootlegging lucrative and popular. I listened to the audiobook that was well narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya and I alternately read some parts on my kindle.

Aurelia Escalante had met Rosita and Eddie McGee through her gangster husband who worked for Eddie McGee in his organization. Rosita and Aurelia forged a relationship almost immediately after meeting. It was no wonder that Aurelia sought out Rosita’s help when she found herself in a very serious situation. Rosita convinced her husband, Eddie, to help her help Aurelia disappear and escape scrutiny from the law. Aurelia was transported to Trouble Island and became Rosita’s maid and confident. Their relationship changed drastically after the tragic death of her young son. After Rosita’s young and innocent son was killed in the crossfire that was meant for Eddie, Rosita was never the same person she once was. Her son’s death crippled her. Rosita hardly ever left her room after his death and she started to keep her face concealed by a veil.

Aurelia had been on Trouble Island for close to a year at this point. She started to contemplate her escape. After all, Trouble Island was not far from Ohio. How hard could it be to reach the shore of Ohio from Trouble Island? Aurelia had saved some money but the discovery of a treasure box early one morning while she returned from her usual early morning swim definitely bolstered her confidence that she could indeed escape. She found a place to hide her treasure until she was ready to retrieve it and leave the island for good. Before Aurelia was able to put her plan into action, a few unexpected things occurred. First of all, Eddie unexpectedly arrived at Trouble Island with an entourage of dangerous men. Eddie had come back to Trouble Island to convince Rosita to sell the island and their mansion to the man that had been responsible for her son’s death. Eddie had acquired insurmountable debts and this was his solution to fixing his problems. Of course, Rosita was adamant about not selling the house that had been in her family for generations and especially to the murderer of her son. Then Rosita disappeared. Despite Rosita’s disappearance, Aurelia was still determined to escape from Trouble Island. As she was putting her plan into motion, she discovered Rosita’s dead body in Lake Erie. Someone had strategically placed Rosita’s body where Aurelia would surely find her and make Aurelia look as if she had caused her death. As Aurelia tried to prove her innocence, more dead bodies were found. Can Aurelia figure out who was responsible for all the deaths? Would she be forced to reveal her secrets? Will Aurelia be able to escape from Trouble Island?

Trouble Island by Sharon Short was an intense locked-in mystery with just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. The ending was satisfying and I was a bit surprised by it. I enjoyed reading the author’s note at the conclusion and learning that the story was based on things that occurred in her own family. Trouble Island included many secrets, some romance, a cast of colorful characters, a setting that fit with the events of the story and several twists and turns. I enjoyed both listening and reading Trouble Island by Sharon Short and highly recommend it.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Minotaur Books for allowing me to listen and read Trouble Island by Sharon Short through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Trouble Island is an intriguing mystery that takes place on an island in Lake Erie. It's set during the prohibition era, with a main character working on the island in service to a gangster and his wife. She's in hiding after they helped her dispose of her abusive husband's body. After the island resort should be closed for the winter, her gangster boss shows up with a group of people, including his rival. Now that all of them are staying on the island, people start dying. Who is the murderer?

This was a fantastic listen! I enjoyed this super twisty locked room mystery. It held my attention from beginning to end and kept me guessing all the way through. Jennifer Jill Araya did a wonderful job as the narrator. I definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a good mystery!

Thank you, Macmillan Audio, for this complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A potentially interesting premise couldn’t save this piece of Historical Fiction, which needed a lot more editing before it would have been ready for publication.

I didn’t mind the idea behind this, though I’m often skeptical of books based on an author’s personal family story. It seems writers are just as susceptible as the rest of us in thinking that things that hold a lot of meaning for them and for their family would be equally worthy in the eyes of an objective audience.

Unfortunately, like many books that make an attempt to marry personal lore with fiction, the end product here doesn’t result in something especially compelling.

The writing is also tough to deal with. Suffice it to say that you can tell that this book was written by someone who typically writes low-end cozy mysteries. The dialogue is especially clunky and hard to take.

In all, another micro piece of family history that probably should have stayed in the family.

I loved some parts of this story; unfortunately, there were parts that seemed to drag on, felt redundant, or were just not interesting. I would have enjoyed this book more if it were shortened and edited down. I did enjoy the twist, but to be honest by the time it was revealed, I just did not care about the characters or where the story was going at that point.

The narration was fantastic and was the only reason that I did not stop reading this book.

Trouble Island is a suspense novel set on a remote island in Lake Erie in 1932, the story follows Aurelia, a woman hiding from her past as a gangster's wife. When her friend Rosita disappears and Aurelia finds her body, she must navigate a web of secrets and lies as she tries to escape the island during an ice storm. The novel is a gripping locked room mystery and a powerful portrait of a woman in crisis.
The book is well-written, and captivating. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was really please with the result. The main character is complex, with secrets and flaws, yet you can't help but root for her. The other characters are slowly introduced, but it's easy to keep track of them and really had some great twists and turns. I really enjoyed the story line.
The narrator did an excellent job of keeping me engaged and truly bringing the story to life. The experience was unexpected, and I believe the choice of narrator was top-notch.

I would recommend this story to others who enjoy historical fiction, mysteries, and gangster stories.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for the digital ARC copy to preview.

Trouble Island is a locked room mystery set in the 1930s following characters intwined in a gangster's life. I enjoyed the setting, but overall I felt disconnected from almost all of the characters and was left feeling underwhelmed.

I received an ALC and ARC from Macmillan Audio and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.