Carolyn Arnold

Book Review: The Legend of Gasparilla and his Treasure by Carolyn Arnold

sleepygirl2

Book Title: THE LEGEND OF GASPARILLA AND HIS TREASURE

Author: Carolyn Arnold

Series: Matthew Connor Adventure series, Book 3

For centuries, the existence of Spanish pirate José Gaspar has been relegated to legend, but archaeologist and adventurer Matthew Connor and his two best friends may have just found reason to believe the buccaneer truly existed. They’re in Washington, DC, to mark the opening of an exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History when a mysterious stranger turns up claiming he may hold the key to the mythical pirate’s treasure and invites them to join in his quest to find it.

Rumored to have sailed and plundered the Gulf of Mexico and the Spanish Main during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, Gaspar would have amassed a vast fortune. But with only the stranger’s word and a token of proof, Matthew is intrigued but not sold—until it becomes personal. There’s an interested third party, and they’re willing to kill for the pirate’s bounty.

What ensues is a globe-trotting adventure that will take Matthew and his friends across the world and back again. Danger lurks around every corner as does betrayal, suspicion, and murder. Can anyone be trusted, and will they survive long enough to find out? 

Buy Links

 Apple | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google Play | Smashwords | Amazon Universal

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. This is the third book in the Matthew Connor Adventure series. Since I read the first two books, City of Gold and The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh, I was looking forward to reading this book.

Matthew Connor is a world-renowned explorer whose recent adventures included finding the City of Gold. He now has a book deal and a new exhibit opening at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington DC. While there, he is contacted by a history professor who wants his help finding the treasure of Gasparilla. Matthew and his friends are hesitant because no one really knows if Gaspar was an actual person or just a legend. When the professor gives them a little proof, they still aren’t fully on board until two goons with guns hunt them down and chase the four of them through the streets.

The Legend of Gasparilla and his Treasure is full of adventure and with that adventure is, of course, danger. It also has murder, mystery, and suspense. The characters are unique and interesting. Cal, one of Matthew’s best friends, used to annoy me, but he’s grown on me. He’s always negative even when he shouldn’t be! Mel, the professor who wants their help, is hard to read. I felt like he wasn’t telling them everything. I felt the same way about Angelica at first.

I enjoy Carolyn Arnold’s writing and look forward to the next Matthew Connor book. The Legend of Gasparilla and his Treasure does stand on its own. If you like adventure and suspense, you’ll like all of these books. This one is my favorite Matthew Connor book so far, though.

About the Author

CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has four continuing fiction series—Detective Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher FBI, McKinley Mysteries, and Matthew Connor Adventures—and has written nearly thirty books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures.

Both her female detective and FBI profiler series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining, leading her to adopt the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.

She currently lives in London Ontario with her husband and beagle and is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and Sisters in Crime.

Connect with CAROLYN ARNOLD Online:

Website – http://carolynarnold.net/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/Carolyn_Arnold

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolynArnold

And don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter for up-to-date information on release and special offers at http://carolynarnold.net/newsletters.

x

x

x

Book Review & Giveaway: Halloween is Murder by Carolyn Arnold

sleepygirl23 Comments

 x

x

 
 

Beware of all that goes bump in the night…Sean and Sara McKinley are excited about the haunted house they’ve set up as a Halloween charity fund-raiser, but things take a ghoulish turn when the reporter covering their story is found dead. With the media keeping mum about how she died, Sara’s curiosity is piqued, and she convinces Sean to take on the investigation through their PI firm. But this case is not without its challenges. The police are actively investigating it, as well, and it’s not even clear that the woman was murdered. It will take a little cloak-and-dagger, dress-up, and finesse for the McKinleys to get to the bottom of it, but they aren’t the kind to give up.

As they troll for leads and work through the skeletons in the reporter’s closet, they unearth a few suspects, but they’ll need to carve out the whole truth if they’re going to find her killer. If they do so fast enough, there might even be time for a little trick-or-treating.

 You can buy Halloween is Murder wherever books are sold, including the following popular retailers:
 
To find out more about Halloween is Murder and the other installments in the McKinley Mysteries series, including box sets, visit CarolynArnold.net/Mckinley-Mysteries.
 x
 x

About the McKinley Mysteries:

Romance. Humor. Murder. Are you looking for a murder mystery without all the graphic violence and foul language? Something that you can enjoy in an afternoon and walk away feeling good about afterward? How about a dash of humor and romance? If so, meet former detectives Sean and Sara McKinley. When a billionaire leaves them all his money, they no longer have to work, but they find themselves sticking to what they’re good at—solving murders. Undercover, off the books, and around the world, they’ll get to the bottom of things…and romance it up along the way. This is the perfect book series for fans of Hart to Hart, Castle, Colombo, Monk, Rockford Files, Psych, and Magnum PI.

x

x

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. 

I have read several of Carolyn Arnold’s books including the first three books in this series. Even though I’ve missed several of the books in the series (I’m planning on catching up at some point), I knew that all of these books are stand alone so I didn’t have a problem reading number 11. I like the author’s writing style so I was looking forward to reading Halloween is Murder.

Sean and Sara McKinley are private investigators. They used to be detectives in New York but they were able to quit their jobs after Sean received a windfall and immediately proposed to Sara. After solving a couple of murders, they decided that opening a PI business would be a good idea. And all of the money they make goes to charity.

Another project for charity is a haunted house for Halloween. When the reporter who did a piece on the haunted house suddenly dies, Sara is sure that it’s murder but Sean isn’t so sure. After the reporter’s sister asks them to look into the death, Sean caves and agrees to investigate. What they find isn’t quite what I expected.

The McKinley Mysteries are cozy mysteries. Halloween is Murder is a quick and fun read. It includes mystery, a little romance, a little suspense, and even a couple of twists. I’m looking forward to reading more of Sean and Sara’s adventures.

 

 x
x

 About the Author

Carolyn Arnold is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has four continuing fiction series and has written nearly thirty books. Both her female detective and FBI profiler series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining, leading her to adopt the trademark, POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.
 
Connect with CAROLYN ARNOLD Online:
Website | Twitter | Facebook
 
 
 And don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter for up-to-date information on release and special offers at
http://carolynarnold.net/newsletters.
 x
x

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

x

x

Reading Addiction Blog Tours
x
x

 

Book Review: Vacation is Murder by Carolyn Arnold

sleepygirl2

Cancun is calling your name in VACATION IS MURDER…

This wasn’t in the travel brochure…

There’s only so much relaxation two former detectives can handle—even if they’re on their honeymoon. With their recent fall into money, Sean and Sara McKinley should be living it up, enjoying the sun and beaches of Cancun. But heading into their third week they’ve had just about enough lying around. 

When the husband of a couple they’ve befriended is kidnapped and held for ransom, it has the McKinleys putting their experience to use. As they set out in the unfamiliar landscape of paradise, the investigation will have them risking their lives to stop a killer. 

Available in e-book and paperback:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple iBooks | Kobo | Google

For more retailer links visit: http://carolynarnold.net/vacation-is-murder.

 

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. I have read several of Carolyn Arnold’s books including the first book in this series, The Day Job is Murder. I like her writing style so I was looking forward to reading Vacation is Murder.

Sean and Sara McKinley are on their honeymoon. They used to be detectives in New York but they were able to quit their jobs after Sean received a windfall and immediately proposed to Sara. After a few days of sun in Cancun, Sean and Sara find that they’re bored and decide to find something to do. Unfortunately, they weren’t planning on investigating a kidnapping and murder when they were looking for a new pastime. 

The McKinley Mysteries are cozy mysteries, perfect to bring along on vacation. Vacation is Murder is a quick and fun read. It includes mystery, a little romance, a little suspense, and even a couple of twists. I’m looking forward to reading more of Sean and Sara’s adventures.

 

 

A Note from the Author

The white beaches, the smell of the sea mixed with suntan lotion, a cold drink in my hand. Yeah, now, we’re talking. I don’t even need to close my eyes to imagine the salty, warm breeze whispering over my face, the sun kissing my skin… Sign me up again, Señor!

Now, you may have guessed it, but I’m talking about Cancun, Mexico. I’ve been lucky enough to return and the weather and the kind people are two things you can count on! The first time we went we visited the Chichén Itzá ruins in the Yucatan. WOW! What an experience.

The Mayans were extremely intelligent, and I noted this specifically given the design and positioning of their structures. If you stand at the base of the pyramid’s stairs and clap your hands, it will echo back to you as the sound of the quetzal, a bird that was sacred to ancient Mayans. On the spring and fall equinox, the stairs cast shadows and create the appearance of a snake, where it joins a huge serpent’s head that’s set at the base of the stairway. We missed seeing this by one day!

But as spectacular as it was there, I would be remiss to not comment on how hot it was! And I’m not saying “oh, yeah, fan, me, please,” or “bring me a cold beer.” I’m talking passing-out hot, and it’s a miracle that I didn’t just collapse. I remember being lightheaded and woozy… Thankfully I was able to stay upright, but I must say that it’s a good thing I’m stubborn! In defense of the excursion, both hubby and I are pleased that we had the experience, but we would suggest that if you go, bring lots of water and wear a hat. It is in the middle of a jungle, after all.

It was this trip, though, that inspired me to set my cozy mystery novella, Vacation is Murder, in Mexico. You’ll even get to experience the above-noted—and more!—through my characters’ eyes when trouble leads them to the jungle.

Oh, and one more thing: remember the sunscreen.
Carolyn Arnold

 

“There’s action and romance… The story line is quick and light—perfect for beach reading! It was my first introduction to her work, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Sean and Sara continue in the next phase of their life… It’s definitely a book for those who love the cozy mystery set. I’ll be reading more!”
–Stephanie Pitcher, Bestselling author 

 

About the McKinley Mysteries

Romance. Humor. Murder. Are you looking for a murder mystery without all the graphic violence and foul language? Something that you can enjoy in an afternoon and walk away feeling good about afterward? How about a dash of humor and romance? If so, meet former detectives Sean and Sara McKinley. When a billionaire leaves them all his money, they no longer have to work, but they find themselves sticking to what they’re good at—solving murders. Undercover, off the books, and around the world, they’ll get to the bottom of things…and romance it up along the way.

This is the perfect book series for fans of Hart to Hart, Castle, Colombo, Monk, Rockford Files, Psych, and Magnum PI.

 

About the Author

Carolyn Arnold is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has four continuing fiction series and has written nearly thirty books. Both her female detective and FBI profiler series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining, leading her to adopt the trademark, POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Connect with CAROLYN ARNOLD Online:
Website | Twitter | Facebook

 

And don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter for up-to-date information on release and special offers at http://carolynarnold.net/newsletters.

 

 

 

Book Review: Remnants by Carolyn Arnold

sleepygirl21 Comment

Release Date: 4/11/2017

All that remains are whispers of the past…

 When multiple body parts are recovered from the Little Ogeechee River in Savannah, Georgia, local law enforcement calls in FBI agent and profiler Brandon Fisher and his team to investigate. But with the remains pointing to three separate victims, this isn’t proving to be an open-and-shut case.

 With no quick means of identifying the deceased, building a profile of this serial killer is more challenging than usual. How are these targets being selected? Why are their limbs being severed and their bodies mutilated? And what is it about them that is triggering this person to murder?

 The questions compound as the body count continues to rise, and when a torso painted blue and missing its heart is found, the case takes an even darker turn. But this is only the beginning, and these new leads draw the FBI into a creepy psychological nightmare. One thing is clear, though: The killing isn’t going to stop until they figure it all out. And they are running out of time…

Available on Amazon.

x

x

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

This is the first book I’ve read by Carolyn Arnold but it won’t be the last. Remnants is the sixth book in the Brandon Fisher FBI Series and it stands on its own but I’m looking foward to reading the first five.

When body parts start showing up in the Little Ogeechee River in Savannah, Georgia, Brandon Fisher’s FBI team is sent to search for a possible serial killer. They find a mystery to solve that includes several twists. It was difficult to put Remnants down because I never knew what they were going to find next.

I like this FBI team. They analyze the clues as they go and theorize as they get more clues. They’re very smart but they’re also human and I enjoyed getting to know them.

If you like murder mysteries and/or if you like the TV show Criminal Minds, you should like Remnants.

x

x

 

About the Author

CAROLYN ARNOLD is an internationally bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has four continuing fiction series—Detective Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher FBI, McKinley Mysteries, and Matthew Connor Adventures—and has written nearly thirty books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures.

Both her female detective and FBI profiler series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining, leading her to adopt the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.

She currently lives just west of Toronto with her husband and beagle and is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and Sisters in Crime.