K.C. Ames

Dana Kirkpatrick moved from San Francisco to Mariposa Beach, Costa Rica, after the inheritance of her uncle's prized beach property. Now Dana is days away from making her new dream a reality by opening her own business of a used bookstore with the instant inventory of her uncle's large collection of books. Wally, her cat, will be Mariposa Books resident feline by day and continue his leisure time with Dana at home in Casa Verde. What could go wrong?

I like the charm of the titles in the series that contribute a hint for the murder investigation. As in the introduction to the series, I enjoyed reading the mouth-watering culinary delights of meal menus that added authenticity to the setting. The beach town and characters of Mariposa Beach were fun to visit again but I didn't enjoy it as much as Book 1. I will visit again at a later date.… (plus d'informations)

Dana Kirkpatrick has decided to leave the big city life of San Francisco behind and permanently move to Costa Rica and enjoy her inheritance of an uncle's beach cottage that includes an on-site gardener. After all, Dana's divorce is final, sale of the former marital home is complete with 50% of the money in escrow coming her way, and she's happy to leave a job she hates. Dana's closest friend, Courtney Lowe, isn't sure this is a good idea but is happy to tag along and help her friend get settled in her new beach home in her new adopted country. But no one could have anticipated the rocky beginning Dana experiences.

I learned that K.C. Ames was born and raised in Costa Rica and now lives with her family in San Francisco, CA. Her father was an American (from Minnesota) and her mother is from Costa Rica. The cozy mystery series is set in the beautiful Guanacaste Province. Returning to Costa Rica for family visits also inspires each new mystery the author writes. I definitely felt that special touch of authenticity as I was reading the novel and I'm so delighted it's the opening of a series. Reading a novel with a beach setting is a joy at any time of year but especially soothes the soul in the midst of winter in the northeast even though it's been fairly mild so far this year. To think of walking to town via the beach and wearing flip flops every day certainly set the stage in my mind as I turned each page.

For all who delight in learning of the delicious fare in different settings will surely be attentive to the breakfast, lunch, treats, and dinners Dana and Courtney savor as they explore the beach town of Mariposa Beach and the surrounding area and during meetings with Benny Campos, Dana's Costa Rican lawyer. For those interested in the recipes, be sure to visit the author's website for a free download of, "A Cookbook to Die For" at https://kcames.com/recipes/ The author advises,

"A collection of typical Costa Rican dishes that are to die for! Several of the recipes were provided by my 86-year-old Mother who still lives in Costa Rica and loves to cook."

I can't wait to read more of Dana's adventures in her new home town!… (plus d'informations)