Much Ado about Nauticaling

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.

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 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.”