A crackerjack mystery with good sailing, great characters, and insights into Mexico's Baja, July 29, 2014
This review is from: A DANGEROUS HARBOR (A Romantic Mystery Sailing Trilogy Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
It is unusual for an author to write serious novels, as well as humorous ones, but R.P. Dahlke manages to do both with aplomb. In this more serious offering, the reader is whisked away into the romantic life of a lovely sailor wiling away her time sailing in and out of Mexico ports. In reality though, she is a San Francisco police officer on an enforced leave of absence waiting out the two weeks until she can return to active duty. Off the coast of Esenada, her boat sails into the watery grave of a young woman floating among with seaweed. As an officer of the law - even though she is in Mexican waters - she feels compelled to report finding the body. Once she does, Katrina (Katy) Hunter's young life is no longer peaceful and idyllic. The Mexican authorities shackle her boat to the harbor dock forcing her to stay put. Here Katy encounters danger, odd characters who wish her no good, the reappearance of an old flame, a kitten, a featherless parrot, and a handsome Mexican detective who would be perfect if only he weren't married. And that is just the beginning.
Tensions mount with every turn of the page, but I never came up with the culprit out of the weird assortment of colorful characters passing through the plot line. However, once the killer was revealed, I said 'ahah!' which meant it was right. This writer know her craft both on and off the water. I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read more.
A DEAD RED CADILLAC 1st in the popular Dead Red Mystery Series)
154 five star reviews
Cross-dressers, drug running crop dusters and a crazy Chihuahua all conspire to ruin Lalla Bains' 40th birthday
Twice divorced NY model, Lalla Bains, now runs her dad’s Crop-Dusting business in Modesto, California where she’s hoping to dodge the inevitable fortieth birthday party. But when her trophy red ‘58 Cadillac is found tail-fins up in a nearby lake, the police ask why a widowed piano teacher, who couldn’t possibly see beyond the hood ornament is found strapped in the driver’s seat. Reeling from an interrogation with local homicide, Lalla is determined to extricate herself as a suspect in this strange murder case. Unfortunately, drug running pilots, a cross-dressing convict, a crazy Chihuahua, and the dead woman’s hunky nephew throw enough road blocks to keep Lalla neck deep in an investigation that links her family to a twenty-year old murder only she can solve.
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A 10 Star Read for sure!!! I loved this book and will red the rest in the series!, September 19, 2014
By Holly Newhouse Guidry "LovesBooks""
This book was an amazing fast paced read and had me hooked from chapter one! Lalla Bains, Ex Model and now Ag Pilot for her dad's company is realistic, likable, strong, wise-cracking sleuth! Running her business for her father in Modesto, California, you go on a fast-paced mystery driven journey that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end and still leaves you wanting more of Lalla's story! This author has a wonderful gift for plot, action, mystery and is very well written. You will fall in love with Lalla as the book pulls you right into the story for the ride of your life and you will experience a roller coaster of emotions right along with her especially when her '58 Cadillac is found upside down in a lake and with a passenger inside. Be prepared for an amazing trip through the story of this book. I had to read this all in one setting, I just could not put it down!
The character development and story line are fantastic! The dialogue is extremely realistic with unique situations. Overall, this read was fabulous! It kept me on the edge of my seat with mystery, fun, and lovable eccentric characters, all so incredibly believable that you will wonder where this amazing author came up with her story! I definitely give it 10 stars instead of the usual five, it deserves it and then some!
