Escape to the dazzling lights of Las Vegas with Della Fox in Dianne Harman's A Violent Vacation, the latest installment in the Ozarks Cozy Mystery series. Della's relaxing getaway takes an unexpected turn when she and her sister, Sophia, become embroiled in the disappearance of a professional poker player. Their Vegas vacation transforms into a high-stakes investigation, leading them through casinos, spas, and the shadowy underbelly of the city. With clues scattered among poker rivalries and mysterious encounters, Della must use her sharp wit to uncover the truth before it's too late. This thrilling cozy mystery blends the glamour of Las Vegas with the suspense of a captivating whodunit, offering a perfect blend of intrigue and sisterly bonding.
Review A Violent Vacation
Oh my gosh, you guys, I just finished "A Violent Vacation" and I'm buzzing! This is Dianne Harman at her best, and honestly, if you're a fan of cozy mysteries with a little extra oomph, you absolutely need to pick this one up. It's another fantastic installment in the Ozarks Cozy Mystery series, and I'm already counting down the days until the next one. Harman really knows how to craft a story that keeps you guessing.
I loved the change of scenery! Swapping the charming, quiet town of Clover for the dazzling lights and shadowy corners of Las Vegas was a brilliant move. It gave the familiar Della Fox character a whole new playground to investigate, and it felt fresh and exciting. The contrast between Della's usual cozy surroundings and the high-stakes world of poker players and Vegas intrigue was perfectly done. It really heightened the suspense and made the mystery even more captivating.
Della and her sister Sophia are, as always, fantastic. Their dynamic is one of my favorite aspects of this entire series. Their sisterly bond is so believable and heartwarming, even amid the chaos and danger they find themselves in. The way they support and rely on each other is truly inspiring. And the supporting characters! Harper, with her desperate plea for help, and the mysterious blogger—they all contributed to this richly layered mystery, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
Now, I will admit, there were points where I thought I had the mystery solved, only to be delightfully surprised by a clever twist. Harman really knows how to drop those subtle hints without giving too much away, which kept me actively engaged, turning pages feverishly to see how it would all play out. It wasn't a simple whodunit; it had layers of deception and unexpected betrayals that kept me guessing until the very last page.
While I've thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series, this one might be slightly different in tone. I felt a bit more suspense and grit compared to some of the previous entries, which was a welcome change. However, it still maintained that signature cozy mystery feel that I’ve grown to love. It didn't feel out of place at all; instead, the added suspense perfectly complemented the familiar charm of Della's personality.
Some folks have mentioned the ending felt a little... rushed, and I can see how they might feel that way. It's definitely a quicker resolution than some of the other books in the series. But for me, it didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment. The pacing felt appropriate given the high-stakes nature of the Vegas setting. It kept things exciting, and it set the stage beautifully for the next book.
To wrap things up, "A Violent Vacation" is a fantastic addition to a truly wonderful series. Harman's storytelling continues to impress me, and I eagerly anticipate whatever adventures await Della next. If you haven’t started this series yet, what are you waiting for? Dive in – you won't regret it! Five stars from me.
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.48 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 209
- Publication date: 2025
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