Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder by Mary Cunningham

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, Manuel 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.  (Summary via Goodreads)


This is a great start to a new series. We get to know some very interesting characters that I fell in love with immediately. Who would think a step-mom, three of her friends, and a travel agent named Andi Anna Jones would get into so much trouble. LOL.

Andi Anna is trying to get her job as a travel agent in check and satisfy a promise she made to her father. In comes Ruby, her step-mom who is the promise to her father to make sure she stays safe. Let’s just say they don’t have the best relationship due to resentment Andi holds against Ruby. Even through all of this Andi plans a 60th birthday cruise for Ruby. As you will read Ruby is a “bit” of a handful. 


The cruise doesn’t quite go as planned and ends up with a lounge singer dead and you guessed it, Ruby right in the middle. Uuuugggghhhhh!


At least Andi Anna gets to meet a handsome man Manuel Rodriquez. Crazy as it may seem they end up in Las Vegas of all places following a lead but ends up realizing Ruby isn’t the only one in trouble. 

This book was jam packed with excitement and adventure to keep you guessing till the very end. It is a quick read full of twists and turns you won’t be able to put down. Heck, you may even grab a Margarita or two while reading.

Review by Penny M.