Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: MARGARITAS, MAYHEM, AND MURDER by Mary Cunningham

Today’s book tour is brought to you by Goddess Fish Promotions and Mary Cunningham! The author, Mary Cunningham, has generously put together randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Please look before about the book, the author and the rafflecopter.

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Mary will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

My publisher has a special promo going on Smashwords. Through July MM&M is half price. Here’s the link. Would you please include it? https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/756600

Andi’s step-mother is a real piece of work! But is Ruby a murderer?

Andi Anna Jones, so-so travel agent/amateur sleuth, puts aside her resentment of her father’s widow and books a 60th birthday cruise to Cancun for Ruby and three friends. Never does Andi imagine the cruise will lead to the murder of a has-been lounge singer—or that Ruby will be the main suspect.

Flirting with more than danger after arriving in Mexico, Andi connects with the charming local sheriff, Manual Rodriquez. After an embarrassing night involving the sheriff, too many margaritas, and a Mariachi band, a chance to check out an eyewitness to the murder leads her to Las Vegas.

In Vegas, a mysterious meeting in the Bodies Exhibition, a body preserving in the prep-room, and an evasive owner of a dance studio, give Andi clues to help Ruby. But when Andi is mercilessly drugged and locked in a storage room, she realizes dear old step-mom isn’t the only one in jeopardy.

Read an excerpt:

“Señorita Jones?”

I know that voice. I was stupidly listening to the still-ringing phone when a tall man in a uniform slid a pair of aviator sunglasses to the top of his head and stepped toward me. I locked onto smoky hazel eyes. “Ye-yesss. I’m Miss Jones. But, how did you know?”

“Oh, we have our ways.” The corners of his mouth turned up as he pointed to his badge. “I’m Sheriff Gonzales. We spoke on the phone.”

I got nothing. Total loss for words. Even my wildest dreams couldn’t have pictured this square-jawed, golden-skinned, Aztec god, straight out of GQ Magazine. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Ruby.

“I was already in the area on official business, and finished in time to meet your flight. I’m parked at the curb. May I take your bag?”

I blinked a couple of times. “What? No, thank you, Sheriff, I can handle it myself. I appreciate the ride, but I could’ve taken a taxi, you know,” I lied and disconnected the phone call to Ellie.

“Considering the stressful nature of the situation, I thought it best someone pick you up. Finding transportation into the city can be confusing. I wanted to blurt out, you might be the most handsome man I’ve seen in my life, but I said, “That might be true for the average tourist, but I’m a travel agent, perfectly capable of finding my way through the city.” I adjusted the strap of my carryon bag, tossed my head, and walked into the side of a trashcan.

This is my first book from Mary and the thought of margaritas, mayhem and murder interest me because I was a huge fan of the Clue board game. This is why i accepted to be apart of this blog tour for Goddess Fish Promotions and Mrs. Cunningham! I love giving honest reviews and as I read the book I felt the enjoyment of reading the lovely story she set out for us.

This had me thinking of family, long history there and one day I may mention it especially if I can get a updated pictures! But, this book is one for the taking. The way Andi keeps her wits to her which shows me she will not be told what to do while her former step-mom, oh gosh step-mothers am i right? apparently gotten herself into a bit of a pickle and needs Andi’s help. Ruby, the step-mom, has been excused of the ~~murder~~ which is absolute craziness on a silver platter I think.

Then Andi’s sister, the hints of a spoiled brat, which is of no use and felt she was not one I would enjoy being around although I do not have any sisters so who knows! Then here comes Andi with sarcasm and hilarious actions to save the day! Although it is only 188 pages SO much has happened. There were some down sides besides Georgia, Andi’s sister, which was everything was so quick. She was overwhelmed with “love at first sight” bull-crap and mystery one after another. Poor girl couldn’t enjoy her trip! Although in those 188 pages there were twist, turns and shock as Andi discovers the truth! Then the ending with the motive.. OH MY GOD! I loved it. Like Yess Mary did great in writing this!

Final Thoughts:

Overall I felt the romance was forced then rushed through which seemed out of place with the story. I think with the length of the book there was not enough time to develop that romance into it with everything else was going on and honestly could of just left it as a spark then on a following book bring in more romance and we get to see the romance blossom over time. That would be so epic! The writing style was superb and a couple times I was going back pages to make sure I didn’t miss something. Just like how I would want a mystery to be! Like wait.. Did this just happen?? HOLD up didn’t it foreshadow someone else?? WOAAAAAH. Andi Jones mystery is a lovely series and I would happily pick up the next one. Great job Mary and I give your book MARGARITAS, MAYHEM, AND MURDER 3.5 out of 5 stars! (will be putting 4 stars online cause I feel closer to 4 but not exactly)

4 stars

About the Author:

Author, Mary Cunningham, grew on the northern side of the Ohio River in Corydon, Indiana. Her first memories are of her dad’s original bedtime stories that no doubt inspired her imagination and love of a well-spun “yarn”.

Childhood experiences, and a recurring dream about a mysterious attic, inspired characters, Cynthia and Augusta Lee, for her award-winning middle-grade series, Cynthia’s Attic. The setting is in her childhood home in Southern Indiana. Family stories and ancestors comprise the storylines. There are currently five books in the series: The Missing Locket, The Magic Medallion, Curse of the Bayou, The Magician’s Castle, and Legend of Lupin Woods.

Through a horrifying stint as a travel agent, the character, Andi Anna Jones, travel agent/amateur sleuth, inspired her latest adult mystery series. Book # 1, Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder was released Nov. 30, 2017. The author is currently writing Book # 2 of the series, along with another middle-grade series, The Adventures of Max and Maddie, a historical time-travel, and the biography of a former Army brat/University of Connecticut women’s basketball player who started a non-profit foundation to create scholarships for children of deployed veterans.

Cunningham is a member of The Georgia Reading Association, and the Carrollton Writers Guild.

When she gives her fingers a break from the keyboard, she enjoys golf, swimming and exploring the mountains of West Georgia where she makes her home with her husband and adopted, four-legged, furry daughter, Lucy.

Review Blurbs for Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder!

“If Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum were a travel agent, she’d fit right in working this case alongside Andi, a wanna-be detective readers are sure to love.” —Regan Black, USA Today bestselling author of the Escape Club Heroes and Knight Traveler novels.

Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder…WOW. Snappy dialog, quirky characters, opens with a curious bang and yanked me through the pages. A fun, fantastic read. —Jean Rabe, USA Today Bestselling author, Piper Blackwell Mysteries.

“Grab a margarita and hold on tight; you’re in for a wild ride.” —Karen MacInerney, Agatha Award nominee and author of the Dewberry Farms Mysteries

“Charming, lively, and unpredictable, Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder excels in a vivid story mystery fans will relish.”—Diane Donovan, Senior Editor Midwest Book Review

Purchase Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder:

Amazon |Barnes and Noble |Smashwords |Google Play

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July 16:

1: Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews

2: Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews

3: Mixed Book Bag

4: A Writer’s Life

5: FUONLYKNEW

6: Fabulous and Brunette

7: Two Ends of the Pen

8: Mythical Books