A zoo abandoned for years.An entire family vanished into thin air.Everyone at Avery Zoo knows the story of the Abraham family’s disappearance. They were planning to open a rival zoo just five miles away from Avery. And then one day… they were gone.Seven years later, a new team of investors has decided to complete the project the Abrahams begun. When they contact Madi and offer her a consulting … the Abrahams begun. When they contact Madi and offer her a consulting job, she jumps at the chance to help shape the future of the new zoo.
But when Auryn reacts to her new job with anger, she can’t help but wonder… how far would one family go to keep away the competition?
Madi is determined to find out what really happened to the Abraham family, but the old mystery proves to be more dangerous than she’d ever anticipated.
Someone doesn’t like the questions she’s asking… and they’re willing to do anything to keep the mystery unsolved.
Pick up this page-turner today and you’ll be up all night figuring out ‘whodunnit’!
This book can be read as a standalone but is better enjoyed as part of the series.more
I love the setting. Always loved the zoo. It was a good story and very interesting. Madi is a good character.
Parrots and Payback (a prequel) – A cute, little prequel about another day at the zoo with some of our favorite characters. A quick read where readers familiar with Mad’s zoo will know what’s going on. I personally would read this after The Peacock’s Poison, but that’s how I did it. LOL. 5*
Penguins and Mortal Peril #1 – A good thriller. A well written, intriguing suspense with a well thought out, twisting plot and believable characters. There’s interesting information about the zoo and its animals. Madi is an intelligent, caring person, especially with the animals, and takes loving care of the zoo. There’s also humor; beware of furry pyschos. The animals are a good part of the story and some even have their own personalities. I finished the book in one sitting, immersed in the mystery. If you liked Blooming, you’ll like this book, too. 5*
The Silence of the Snakes #2 – Spellbinding! Ruby just gets better with each book she writes. A well written, intriguing suspense with believable characters and a plot that doesn’t let the reader put down the book until the last page. This is a substantial story, not a weak cozy, that would make Christie proud to write. Don’t let this series pass you by, they’re must reads. 5*
Murder is a Monkey’s Game #3 – Another well written, intriguing suspense this time set in France. There’s an interesting plot that holds the reader’s attention, although a bit slower when compared to the previous two books. The characters are still interesting and the relationships between the characters are realistic and entertaining. While not necessary since each book is a standalone, I would recommend reading the books in order. Madi’s story is continuously evolving and her growth as a character, too. I contacted the author to review her work many books ago. 5*
Lions and the Living Dead #4 – Her best book yet! This is a substantial and intriguing suspense with a well written, fast paced plot and believable characters. The main characters continue to evolve and the new characters are developed enough to have weight. The descriptions and storylines are vivid and full. The dialog realistic. The story flows from page to page making it difficult to put the book down. I stayed up late to finish it. 5*
The Peacock’s Poison #5 – Another well written, well thought out story with our Madi and her crew. A longer book than usual, but just as substantial, that keeps the reader immersed in the pages until the end. Someone did their homework and makes it look bad for Madi. Poor dummy, bad move. Each book in the series gets better and the books always have you thinking. I watched this author mature as an author and her work doesn’t disappoint. I have to recommend this series as must reads. Start with Penguins #1 to meet Madi and finish with Lions. If these are the only two books of the series you read, you picked well. But don’t miss out on Silence and Monkey’s Game. Sequentially is how they should be read, but it’s not necessary, they’re all standalones. 5*
A Memory for Murder #6 – Oh my gosh! This book has it all: intrigue; romance; subterfuge; romance; stings; murders; and the list goes on. Every book in this series gets better and better, and this is the “betterest”. The amazing plot swings the reader in every direction; yah, some things are figured out, but there are some characters that are questionable. The characters, old and new, are interesting, have grown or have enough background where needed. Their dialog is realistic and there’s no stupidity in second guessing or questioning everything – just straight thoughts and actions. I couldn’t put this book down until I had finished it. The is the most substantial book by Ms. Loren and I’m looking forward to #7. I’m happy I volunteered to review her work. She has immense growth as an author since the first book I read by her, Snowed In With Death. 5*
Whales and a Watery Grave #7 – What what a way to die! Sorry, but the murder of this victim is extremely different from the usual murders found in other mystery books, which complicates the investigation. Ms. Loren does another fabulous job with this book, its characters and the murder itself. Well written, intriguing and suspenseful, the story line holds the reader glued to the pages, which zip by quickly. There’s continued growth with our favorite characters and the new characters are developed enough to either like or dislike them. The animal characters always add something to the stories. A simple, relaxing holiday in Mallorca isn’t in the cards for Madi and Auryn with the complex, intriguing murder, there’s suspects everywhere. 5*
Foxes and Fatal Attraction #9 – I just love the expressions of the fox and the hound, such a funny cover; it makes you wonder what has the clever fox happy and the hound worried. Well the story does give you that info. Another intriguing, substantial murder mystery with all of our favorite characters and the return of an old favorite or two, of which one brings even more secrets and subterfuge to Madi’s present and future. The animals still play a large part in the story and add to the humor, which blends in well with the drama and intrigue. Another wonderful addition to a great series. 5*
This one may be the beset of the Madigan Amos Zoo mysteries. The new zoo is just miles from Avery Zoo. Madi cannot ignore helping the animals but what will Auryn think? Plot and characters are stellar as always. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good mystery.
Again, a cozy mystery with ongoing characters, new plot and mysteries, drama and danger, love and romance and an UH OH moment at the end. Just fun and satisfying. Madigan and Zoo’s, what stories
Great story. Madi is wonderful. Fearless and naive. Always looking out for the animals.
Katya is a delightful addition. I hope that she becomes a recurring part of the series.
I was provided this book as an ARC by the author; however, the review is my honest opinion.
A whole family disappears while in the process of building a small zoo not far from our own cherished Avery Zoo.
This one is allegedly designed to house larger animals, and to be environmentally conscious in terms of design for the animals and it’s use of building materials.
But does the gal now heading construction really understand working with animals?
Or are several darker plots afoot?
I was pleased to read an advance copy of this book. I also bought it, as I’m a great fan.
SPOILERALERT!
You’ll find out much more of what’s going on behind the scenes with Madi’s publications of her e comics, what’s up with the suspicious Ex of hers, more about her relationship with Auryn, and meet a few new friends, and a lot of unfriendlies.
If you aren’t familiar with the series yet, no worries. So many back stories are clarified, you’ll have no trouble following.
If you know and love the Avery Zoo stories, yeah. Great stuff.
Another fun adventure with spy stuff, murder, romance and mayhem that may have an eww factor, but is somehow not graphically gory or gross.
A great Cozy read with lots of juicy elements.
Wild Elephants, Crazy Raccoons and Machete Wielding Activists!
I love this series! This is the best episode yet – but I always say that! This episode ties up some loose ends and creates a few more. The plot is tight and the ending is excellent. I can’t wait for the next book!