Mexico, Margaritas, and Murder

A confession. I was expecting a bit of a light-hearted romp from this book but, oh, it's so much more. What a delightful surprise. Although there is certainly humor, there are also "moments". Moments that show human nature, growth, fear of both failure and not being who you were meant to be, and the strength to find that person. Sally and Pearl, named in honor of the author's grandmother and great-grandmother, are both widowed, Sally just recently, and set out for Mexico to celebrate....well, I'll leave that for the reader to decide. Pearl is the more daring of the two but has trouble expressing true human emotions. Neither planned on their escape to Mexico for some sun and recreation including a dead body.

The book opens with them already there, fleeing men with guns in a warehouse. How did they get there? We don't know at that point. Heck, we don't really even know Sally and Pearl although the dialogue quickly makes you care about these two plucky, obviously older women as they mention creaky bones and fears running might lead to a heart attack. But, they don't back down and are running for their lives when....oops, time to flashback to how they got there with people shooting at them.

I'm not going to detail how that happened but, trust me, while there was humor and some blushing on Sally's part anytime she encounters the handsome fellow guest Mike, we learn a great deal about them, their hopes, fears, and strengths and weaknesses as the story progresses. If we cared about them at first simply because of their pluck fleeing the gunman, we come to care about them as humans and admire both. Pearl is the more daring, true, and it's her courage that helped bring Sally out of the pity party she'd fallen into after her husband's sudden death. Even though the marriage didn't give her much of what she'd hoped and her husband dashed many of her dreams and hopes, it was comfortable and, dare I say it, safe. It's a giant step for Sally to join Pearl in Mexico.

Knowing how the book begins, with them in danger, you can't help but look at the people they seemingly innocently encounter initially as potential trouble. That adds an element to the story that we don't always have, knowing danger is lurking when all seems safe and secure to the main characters. Is handsome Mike a good guy or one of those who winds up shooting at her? How are some of the other guests making the money they're making? How shocked is Sally to learn there is another meaning to "swinging" than she thought? Why is Pearl so insistent they stay on after the dead body is found? Is every hour Happy Hour for Pearl? What is Sally finding out about herself?

Bottom line, I enjoyed this book far more than I expected to and highly recommend you give it a read. I liked both characters and admired Sally's new-found determination to take the time to get to know the new Sally. But, but.... oh, not telling the ending. I'm just hoping there will be more books in this series. Think of the countries Sally and Pearl can visit to get in trouble, er, enjoy playing tourist. Thanks #NetGalley and #ClearSkyPublishing - #WendyDay for introducing me to these two wonderful characters. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for more adventures from them.

Golden Girls meets Thelma and Louise?! Doesn't get much better than that! This book was SO much fun but also had a lot of heart. I enjoyed this story more than I expected too. The cover makes it seem like a fun mystery story and it was but its was so much more than that. I adored this!!

This book isn’t one that I would normally read, but I think Pearl and Sally would be thrilled that I stepped outside of my comfort zone.

+ the characters are full of personality & their friendship was everything!
— not a fan of the pacing. It takes 21 chapters for the murder to even take place which made it feel far too long. there are only so many scenes we need of the two enjoying their time on vacation, you know? I think because certain parts were dragged out, I felt a bit bored by the end

ultimately though, I still enjoyed most of it. I would say that it’s a solid 3/5. fans of the Thursday Murder Club or cozy mysteries would definitely enjoy!

The story "Mexico, Margaritas, and Murder" was very interesting and fun to read. I love seeing older people living life fully rather than being depicted as sad and helpless. It was fun trying to sort out the mystery and determine just what was going on. There are plenty of clues for the alert reader. I know that I had good theories before the reveal of the criminal.

A lovely read! I love that all my emotions were brought out in this book! I also enjoyed the older age of the characters a lot more then I expected! I love Pearl so much, she’s now my ideal older woman I hope to be like! There is more story prior to the “main event” then I normally care for, but well worth finishing the read!
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Thos was a fun book. It had kinda a comedy too it. It also had a suspense you don't really know what is going to happen. If upu like a little comedy in your book you will love this one. This book was approved for me to read and review from netgalley and the publisher..

The moment the main character began to argue with the undertaker that she wanted her husband buried on his side because that’s how he liked to sleep, I knew I was going to like this book. Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve always thought that there is just something about fiesty senior citizens that ups the fun factor. Anyway, when Sally’s husband dies, her best friend Pearl decides she needs a vacation and insists they go to Mexico. It’s not long before another guests turns up dead and then Pearl and Sally get mixed up with the investigation. For the most part it’s a nice easy lighthearted read, and an excellent book if you want to take a break from reality and just laugh. What made this even funnier for me is that it wasn’t long ago that my mom and aunt (who I believe are actually a bit older than Pearl and Sally-just don’t them I told you) took a similar trip to Mexico and I couldn’t help but imagine how they’d have reacted. Let’s just say things would’ve gone very differently! I’d like to thank Clear Sky Publishing, Wendy Day, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of Mexico, Margaritas, & Murder.

Mexico, Margaritas, and Murder
by Wendy Day
4 stars
Fantastic new cozy by a new author to me! I loved Sally and her growth and evolution as a character. Everyone deserves a friend like Pearl. I truly hope this turns into a series that will continue for a very long time.
It was a very good, and I love books written about older women finding out who they are and what they are truly made of after years of being a wife/mom.
The "mystery" was easy enough to figure out, but the book was so much fun, I didn't care.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.

After the seriousness of some of the historical fiction I have been reading, this book was definitely a much needed fun break. Sally and Pearl. These two ladies made you laugh, sometimes so hard your eyes leaked. I just couldn’t put this book down once I started. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing, the banter, the characters. I will definitely be looking for more work by this author.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

Mexico, Margaritas, and Murder by Wendy Day was such a hilarious cozy mystery! Sally and Pearl have booked a vacation right next to a nudist resort and this is not even the most interesting part of their stay! Just when they think they're about to relax, a guest turns up dead! You will not want to miss what happens next.

I received a copy of this book and would like to thank both NetGalley and Open Sky Publishing for providing it in exchange for an honest review. This book was much more delightful than I was expecting! I enjoyed the friendship between Sally and Pearl and love that they know each other so well. It was refreshing to see how Sally opens herself up to new experiences after years of being repressed. This was a fun read and would encourage you to read it while drinking a nice,frosty drink.

this book really was laugh out loud funny, great start to a series that I can't wait to read more of

thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review

I almost read this in one sitting. I really enjoyed this book! I smiled a lot and laughed at Pearl and Sally’s shenanigans, I hope everyone finds their Pearl and Sally friendship. Heartwarming and fun - check this book out!

The cover and storyline is so, so cute. I loved every second! This is a perfect summer, weekend read!

Easy, breezy read with uncomplicated characters and a plot I figured out. Doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. Will read another in the series gladly.

This was a thrill ride from the first page to the last, with tender moments of emotions and the changes growing old takes you through. Two old friends finding themselves in a crazy and at times hilarious bind and working themselves back out of it. Pearl and Sally were truly a hoot! This was a nice escape and a quick and funny read.

Mexico, Margaritas and Murder
By Wendy Day

What's it about 🌺
A delightful murder mystery adventure featuring BFFs Sally and Pearl. It's Golden Girls meets Thelma and Louise.

After Sally's husband die, Sally throws out his thread-worn plaid recliner, cashes the life insurance check, and lets her spunky best friend, Pearl, drag her to Mexico for an all-inclusive vacation using their Senior Citizen’s discount.

Between going kayak, sing karaoke, and spy on the next-door nudist resort, Sally's having the best time of her life that is until a fellow guest turns up dead.

My thoughts
It's a bit slow going, but I really enjoyed Sally and Pearl, they were fun and I enjoyed reading about there adventure, I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Golden Girls meets Thelma and Louise'

That is what caught my attention and made me want to read this book. And I am so glad I did as it provided me with a lot of fun and entertainment. Pearl and Sally are a hoot and really made this book. And the title said it all. A great setting, a resort and holiday and two older women who love crime and mysteries.

It is a faced paced read which keeps you on your toes and keeps you reading. it had all the fun, mystery and characters you want from a good cosy read. I really enjoyed it and it was a change from some of the books I have been reading lately so that is good for me too.

Lots of fun, holiday frivolity along with a murder of course. Anyone for a Margarita in Mexico!?

Every girl needs a friend like Pearl. Every girl needs a friend like Sally.

Bonding over a love of bingo and true crime, Sally and Pearl become the best of friends.

Despite Sally's son's concerns, Sally jumps at the opportunity to travel to Mexico with her best friend. Sally had just lost her husband, so a few relaxing days in the sunshine is probably the best thing for her.

But their holiday turns out to be anything but quiet, adventures abound for Sally and Pearl. Mexico, murders and Margaritas. What more could 2 best friends need?

Would love love LOVE to see this story adapted to screen!

4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Special thanks to Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.