Chameleons and a Corpse (Madigan Amos Zoo Mysteries Book 8)

This is an ARC. I am voluntarily providing an honest review. I liked the plot in this book. More murder, more action, and some romance. I highly recommend this book. The series is really fun. It is a fun book to tead.

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. I contacted the author to review her books and I’m so glad I did. She has never disappointed me and she grows as a writer instead of putting out the same dribble as some other “writers” do. For maximum enjoyment, start with the first book, but just start one of her books. I recommend the January Chevalier series as well as Madigan’s series. 5*

Chameleon and A Corpse #8 – Another well written, intriguing novel filled with suspense and humor. The author is still coming up with a well developed plan for the new and original zoos, spanning several books now. As the original zoo develops into its own character, our favorite characters are still realistic and likable, developing into more facets as books are added to the series. The animal characters always add something to the stories and of course, they’re still around in the books. I missed this book through a snafu. I’ve already read the last two books after this one, but that didn’t stop Chameleon from being interesting and intriguing. Although I knew Tiff was engaged, I didn’t know the path traveled to her engagement. This book is well written, suspenseful and intriguing. I’ve never been disappointed by any book in this series. I’ve see this lovely lady grow into a good writer and I’ve read some of her first books, before and after she reworked and improved them. 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*

Monday’s Murderer #10 – I took 2 days to savor this book since it’s the last of the series. Monday’s has several storylines, past and present, that keeps this book difficult to put down. The suspense with the happenings and multiple characters and their parts, and the intrigue about how all the parts will play out involve the reader immensely. There are surprises, misdirections and a touch of sexual tension, along with a crime that sadly I never thought about since it’s not publicized. I will miss Madi and her crew, but the ride was fun. I will admit I think the last chapter was a bit rushed, but all the bases were covered. I’m looking forward to what comes Ms. Loren next and in the future. She has grown so much with her writing skills and it’s been a pleasure to watch her growth just in the past 18 months. 5*

Lizards and Lovers, Oh My!
This is the best of the series! But, I say that about each new episode. This one is quite fun as well as a good mystery. The plot is very well done. While I had my thoughts, the ending surprised me. As always, a well planned story, believable characters and lots of humor. I bought this book and voluntarily chose to post my honest review.