Book Review: Tuscan Holiday

Book: Tuscan Holiday by Holly Chamberlin

Edition: Paperback

Description:

In this warm, evocative novel set against a breathtaking Italian backdrop, bestselling author Holly Chamberlin explores the complexities of mother-daughter bonds, and the gift of second chances. . .

Marina Caldwell is thrilled to receive a two-week trip to Tuscany as a college graduation gift. That is, until she realizes her mother wants to go with her. The gulf between idealistic single parent Elizabeth and cautious, controlled Marina seems too wide to bridge, even with the aid of chilled Prosecco and mouthwatering panforte.

But amid the magical sights and scents of Florence, Marina's careful plans for her vacation--and her future--are thrown into chaos, and Elizabeth's long-held assumptions crumble. Soon a world of unexpected possibilities unfolds for both--buoyed by newfound courage, unshakeable love, and the stirring beauty of a Tuscan sky. . .

Victoria Justice at the Book Steps in Italy

I would love to travel more and see more bookish sites but right now that's not possible. So until then, here are some cool pictures of actress Victoria Justice at the book steps of the bookstore Libreria Acqua Alta in Venice, Italy.

Fashion side note: I love her casual cool outfit especially the combat boots.

Book Review for The Book Girl's Book Club for May: Eat, Pray, Love

Book: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Cover Design by Helen Yentus
Photography by John Saponara

Edition: Paperback

Description:

In her early thirties, Elizabeth Gilbert had everything a modern American woman was supposed to want—husband, country home, successful career—but instead of feeling happy and fulfilled, she felt consumed by panic and confusion. This wise and rapturous book is the story of how she left behind all these outward marks of success, and of what she found in their place. Following a divorce and a crushing depression, Gilbert set out to examine three different aspects of her nature, set against the backdrop of three different cultures: pleasure in Italy, devotion in India, and on the Indonesian island of Bali, a balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence.

Book Club Picks for May: Eat, Pray, Love and The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton

It's the start of May and that means new book club picks.

For The Book Girl's Book Club, we will be reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Since spring is about new beginnings, I thought this book, according to the description, would be perfect for the season.

As for the Comic Book Club, I picked The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton by Alex Simmons and Fernando Ruiz because I thought it would be a fun read as Chuck tries to teach students about comic books.


The Book Girl's Book Club Pick:

Book: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Description:

In her early thirties, Elizabeth Gilbert had everything a modern American woman was supposed to want—husband, country home, successful career—but instead of feeling happy and fulfilled, she felt consumed by panic and confusion. This wise and rapturous book is the story of how she left behind all these outward marks of success, and of what she found in their place. Following a divorce and a crushing depression, Gilbert set out to examine three different aspects of her nature, set against the backdrop of three different cultures: pleasure in Italy, devotion in India, and on the Indonesian island of Bali, a balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence.

Are You Going to Watch Megan Fox's Travel Series 'Legends of the Lost'?

Why am I just now finding out about Megan Fox's travel documentary series "Legends of the Lost with Megan Fox". I love these types of kooky archaeology shows such as "Expedition Unknown with Josh Gates" and this four episode docuseries follows Fox as she travels around the world trying to find answers to some of the world's oldest mysteries.

The show premiered this Tuesday on the Travel Channel at 8:00 PM but since I missed it, I will check to see if it's On Demand. The first episode focused on viking women and the upcoming second episode will be about Stonehenge.

This seems interesting, are you planning on watching it?

Book Review: Lily B. on the Brink of Paris

Book: Lily B. on the Brink of Paris (Lily B. book #3) by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

Edition: Paperback

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

This was a cute read as the story follows Lily Blennerhassett and seven of her Mulgrew Middle School 8th grade French classmates on a school trip to Paris, France. The chaperone was their French teacher Madame Chavotte which I found to be slightly unbelievable. Because it's hard to believe that there would be only one chaperone accompanying eight students on an international trip.

As an inspiring writer, Lily one day plans to write a great novel, she hopes to find her inspiration while in Paris. But her Parisian experience was not exactly like she had hoped. Instead of glitz and glamour, they were staying in a hotel that was more like a dorm and the food served there was equally unimpressive.

While the accommodations may be lacking, the sight seeing more than made up for it. Among the sights the class visited was the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral which was an awe inspiring experience for Lily. From this trip she wanted to experience the culture of Paris but not by being a Simple Tourist with ones nose in a guide book.

But the use of a guide book (which was still in her suitcase) would have come in handy when she got separated from her group and got on the wrong subway train. She had not been paying attention when her classmates, Janet, Bonnie and Charlotte were in the subway. She was too busy trying to figure out a potential character for her book to notice that she had gotten on the wrong train.

It was bad enough that she was lost and going the wrong way but she needed to get to the Louvre at a certain time to meet up with her teacher and the rest of her classmates. Because if her teacher found out she had gotten separated from the group (which was a warning that was stated quite often) she could ruin the international school trip for the entire school. It was interesting to see Lily who is rather inept with tech try to figure out how to use her cellphone. Which came in handy when her classmate Lewis helped her by texting her the location of the group once she finally arrived at the museum. But getting to the museum was an adventure, she was so nervous she had a difficult time trying to communicate in French as she tried to get directions. I'll leave the mystery of how she finally arrived at the museum unspoiled for anyone who wants to read the book.

However, this wasn't the only mishap Lily had while in the city of lights and that's because she tends to be a little bit scatterbrained and not paying particular attention to details. She tends to rely on her friend Charlotte's organizational skills instead of taking responsibility in solving her own problems (which her friend pointed out). But she's working on it.

This was my first time reading anything from this series and Lily B. on the Brink of Paris was a well-written fast-paced story that was humorous with a little bit of drama as it gives the reader an arm chair view of Paris. Although the story focused on Lily, the reader does get to know her eclectic classmates. I think Lily learned a lot about herself from this trip, she was definitely less disorganized by the time the trip was over. I enjoyed reading this and I'm interested in reading the first two books in the series.

Currently Reading: Goldie Vance vol #1 and Lily B. on the Brink of Paris

I was going through my bookcases looking for something different to read and found Goldie Vance. Since, I can never get enough of reading mysteries, I can't wait to give this a read. Initially, there were only 12 issues in this series (which are available in three volumes) before it was cancelled. However, the series is continuing on in the trade edition with volume #4 out in May.

As for the second book, Lily B. on the Brink of Paris, I bought this from a library book sale. This is an Advanced Reader Copy that someone must have donated to the library which must have placed in the book sale. It seems interesting and I can't wait to read this as well.

Book: Goldie Vance volume #1 (issues #1-4) by Hope Larson with illustration by Brittney Williams, colors by Sarah Stern and letters by Jim Campbell

Edition: Single Print Issues

Description:

Sixteen-year-old Marigold “Goldie” Vance lives at a Florida resort with her dad, who manages the place. Her mom, who divorced her dad years ago, works as a live mermaid at a club downtown. Goldie has an insatiable curiosity, which explains her dream to one day become the hotel’s in-house detective. When Charles, the current detective, encounters a case he can’t crack, he agrees to mentor Goldie in exchange for her help solving the mystery. Eisner Award-winning writer Hope Larson (A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel) and artist Brittney Williams (Patsy Walker, A.K.A Hellcat!) present the newest gal sleuth on the block with Goldie Vance, an exciting, whodunit adventure.

Book: Lily B. on the Brink of Paris (Lily B. book #3) by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

Edition: Paperback

Description:

Lily Blennerhassett is on a school trip to Paris. But when she gets separated from the group, she embarks on an adventure involving tourist traps, accidental consumption of cow tongue and a whole different take on Paris.

Books of Interest: The Wangs vs. The World

I love road trip stories, especially if the author is good at describing all the things and places the characters see on their trip. The Wangs vs. The World seems like it will be a funny book as the family is dealing with a change in their lifestyle while hitting the road as a way to run away from it.

Book: The Wangs vs. The World by Jade Chang

Description:

Charles Wang, a brash, lovable businessman who built a cosmetics empire and made a fortune, has just lost everything in the financial crisis. So he rounds up two of his children from schools that he can no longer afford and packs them into the only car that wasn’t repossessed. Together with their wealth-addicted stepmother, Barbra, they head on a cross-country journey from their foreclosed Bel-Air home to the Upstate New York retreat of the eldest Wang daughter, Saina. The trip brings them together in a way money never could.

Book Review: The Little Paris Bookshop

Book: The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George with translations by Simon Pare

Edition: Paperback

Rating: 3 stars

Review:

The Little Paris Bookshop was an interesting read as it follows Jean Perdu who owns a very unique bookstore that's on a ship. Although he enjoys prescribing just the right books for his customers he can't seem to help himself. Because for 20 years, Perdu has put his life on hold, he's nothing more than a ghost haunting his own life. He doesn't seem to be able to move on after his girlfriend Manon had suddenly left him. He didn't even read the letter she had left him.

It wasn't until a new neighbor, Catherine, who was dealing with her own romantic difficulties as a soon to be divorcee, moved into his apartment building did he finally read the letter. For 20 years, he had avoided reading the letter in fear of what it may contain and what new heartbreak it would unleash. However, what the letter contained set Perdu off on an impromptu adventure where he set sail with his ship of books in hopes of dealing with so many warring emotions and thoughts. He was surprisingly accompanied by a writer, Max Jordan who was trying to escape the pressures of writing his next book.

Along the way they meet many fun, strange, weird and interesting people but at the heart of this book is dealing with grief and the realization that life is equally hard and worth living to its fullest. There is a lot of soul searching not only for Perdu but for many of the characters. There were so many unspoken feelings, desires and hopes as the characters seemed to have managed to go through life not really living it. It took some time but after a break-through Perdu had finally started to rekindle the joy of living and finding a new love.

This was good and it had some very beautifully description writing but there were times when the story dragged quite a bit and was very slow and boring. At one point, I had almost decided to stop reading it because it was moving so slow but I'm glad I finished it. There is a good story here but it does take a while for it to really build up and take form.

Currently Reading: The Little Paris Bookshop

Last year, I had originally received a temporary digital Advanced Reader Copy (from NetGalley) for this but I didn't get a chance to read it before the time ran out. So, I bought my own copy last year sometime back in August.

Anyway, the description completely drew me in which I'm hoping the story does as well. I'm interested in finding out why Monsieur Perdu waited to read the letter his ex-girlfriend left him and what's in it. I also want to see how traveling around helping people will eventually help him.

Book: The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George with translations by Simon Pare

Edition: Paperback

Description:

Monsieur Perdu is a literary apothecary. From his floating bookstore in a barge on the Seine, he prescribes novels for the hardships of life. Using his intuitive feel for the exact book a reader needs, Perdu mends broken hearts and souls. The only person he can't seem to heal is himself; he's still haunted by heartbreak after his great love disappeared. She left him with only a letter that he has never opened.

After Perdu is finally tempted to read the letter, he hauls anchor and departs on a mission to the South of France, hoping to make peace with his loss and discover the end of the story. He dispenses his books and his wisdom along the way, showing that the literary world can take the human soul on a journey to heal itself.

An international bestseller filled with warmth and adventure, The Little Paris Bookshop is a love letter to books, meant for anyone who believes in the power of stories to shape people's lives.

Book of Interest: Origin

I always enjoyed the mystery and intrigue of the Robert Langdon book series well that is except for the 4th book Inferno, that was truly awful. Despite my disappointment in the last book, I'm still interested in continuing on with the series and want to give this new book a read.

Book: Origin (Robert Langdon book #5) by Dan Brown

Publication: October 3, 2017

Description:

Bilbao, Spain

Robert Langdon, Harvard professor of symbology and religious iconology, arrives at the ultramodern Guggenheim Museum Bilbao to attend a major announcement—the unveiling of a discovery that “will change the face of science forever.” The evening’s host is Edmond Kirsch, a forty-year-old billionaire and futurist whose dazzling high-tech inventions and audacious predictions have made him a renowned global figure. Kirsch, who was one of Langdon’s first students at Harvard two decades earlier, is about to reveal an astonishing breakthrough . . . one that will answer two of the fundamental questions of human existence.

As the event begins, Langdon and several hundred guests find themselves captivated by an utterly original presentation, which Langdon realizes will be far more controversial than he ever imagined. But the meticulously orchestrated evening suddenly erupts into chaos, and Kirsch’s precious discovery teeters on the brink of being lost forever. Reeling and facing an imminent threat, Langdon is forced into a desperate bid to escape Bilbao. With him is Ambra Vidal, the elegant museum director who worked with Kirsch to stage the provocative event. Together they flee to Barcelona on a perilous quest to locate a cryptic password that will unlock Kirsch’s secret.

Navigating the dark corridors of hidden history and extreme religion, Langdon and Vidal must evade a tormented enemy whose all-knowing power seems to emanate from Spain’s Royal Palace itself . . . and who will stop at nothing to silence Edmond Kirsch. On a trail marked by modern art and enigmatic symbols, Langdon and Vidal uncover clues that ultimately bring them face-to-face with Kirsch’s shocking discovery . . . and the breathtaking truth that has long eluded us.

Book of Interest: The Emperor's Riddle

A middle grade mystery adventure might be that something new I was looking for. The premise for The Emperor's Riddle seems really interesting with a siblings looking for not only their missing aunt but also mysterious treasure. How cool is that! I will have to add this to my ongoing wishlist.

Book: The Emperor's Riddle by Kat Zhang

Description:

From acclaimed author Kat Zhang comes her debut middle grade novel about a girl who embarks on a hunt for a long-lost treasure while on a summer trip to China.

Mia Chen is on what her mother calls a Grand Adventure. She’s not sure what to make of this family trip to China, and didn’t want to leave her friends for the summer, but she’s excited about the prospect of exploring with her Aunt Lin, the only adult who truly understands her.

Then Aunt Lin disappears, right after her old nemesis, a man named Ying, comes to visit. Mia knows that years ago, when Aunt Lin and Ying were sent to the Fuzhou countryside to work as laborers, the two searched for an ancient treasure together—one that still hasn’t been found. She’s suspicious that their shared history might be linked to Aunt Lin’s disappearance.

When Mia discovers an old map filled with riddles in Aunt Lin’s room, she quickly pieces together her mission: find the treasure, find her aunt. Now, Mia, along with her big brother, Jake, must solve the clues to rescue the person she knows best in the world—and maybe unearth a treasure greater than her wildest dreams.

Book of Interest: The Witch's Market

I have been looking for something different and as soon as I read the description for The Witch's Market, I immediately added it to my wishlist. I wonder if this is one of those books where the character finds out that magic is real or she simply becomes fascinated by all the research on witchcraft and the joy of everyday magic. However, the story goes, it definitely seems interesting.

Book: The Witch's Market by Mingmei Yip

Description:

Chinese-American assistant professor Eileen Chen specializes in folk religion at her San Francisco college. Though her grandmother made her living as a shamaness, Eileen publicly dismisses witchcraft as mere superstition. Yet privately, the subject intrigues her.

When a research project takes her to the Canary Islands—long rumored to be home to real witches—Eileen is struck by the lush beauty of Tenerife and its blend of Spanish and Moroccan culture. A stranger invites her to a local market where women sell amulets, charms, and love spells. Gradually Eileen immerses herself in her exotic surroundings, finding romance with a handsome young furniture maker. But as she learns more about the lives of these self-proclaimed witches, Eileen must choose how much trust to place in this new and seductive world, where love, greed, and vengeance can be as powerful, or as destructive, as any magic.

Book Review: Dead Air

Book: Dead Air (The Kat Sinclair Files book #1) by Michelle Schusterman

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Kat didn’t believe in ghosts—until she became a teenage ghostbuster. . .

When Kat Sinclair’s dad tells her his new job hosting the ghost-hunting TV show Passport to Paranormal means they’ll be living on the road and visiting the world’s most haunted places, Kat packs her bags without a second thought. But her new life as a ghostbuster isn’t as cool as Kat expected. The cast and crew don’t always get along, the producer’s annoying nephew has unexpectedly shown up, and Kat thinks the show—and her dad—might be cursed. Kat decides to start writing a blog with “a behind the scenes look at the creepiest show on TV.” But she soon discovers that going behind the scenes may just reveal more than she really wants to know.

Book of Interest: Hidden Universe Travel Guide: The Complete Marvel Cosmos

A travel book that has insight from the Guardians of the Galaxy, now that's something different. I can imagine all the things they would say about the universe and some of the planets they've visited. I love books that don't take themselves so seriously especially since this covers the many worlds of the Marvel universe.

Book: Hidden Universe Travel Guide: The Complete Marvel Cosmos by Marc Sumerak

Description:

The ultimate guidebook to Earth, the Nine Realms, and other dimensions from Marvel Comics, as told by Peter Quill, Rocket, Groot, and the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Ever since Super Heroes like Thor and the Guardians of the Galaxy started stomping around planet Earth, we’ve had to open our horizons a little and embrace the wider reaches of space. If you’re thinking of journeying to one of the many new realms for a little R’n’R, then don’t leave home without Hidden Universe’s guide to the cosmos. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the divine splendor of Asgard or soak up the multicultural atmosphere of intergalactic waypoint Knowhere, this is the book for you. It even provides some tips on surviving excursions to Planet Moord and Chitauri Prime, if you like your vacations to be on the extreme side.

•    SEE THE COSMOS – Features information on the hot spots, history, and culture of more than forty locations in the Marvel Universe, including Planet X, Halfworld, Weirdworld, and the Planet of the Symbiotes.

•    REDISCOVER EARTH – Get the lowdown on some of the Earth's most exotic and mysterious locations, such as Wakanda, Latveria, the Savage Land, and New Attilan.

•    GET INVALUABLE ADVICE – Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot, aka the Guardians of the Galaxy, have filled this book with their own unique travel tips, from where to get a drink in Alfheim to dealing with Ego the Living Planet.

Book of Interest: Ayesha Dean: The Istanbul Intrigue

I found Ayesha Dean: The Istanbul Intrigue on the #booksfighthate hashtag, it's a young adult mystery. Many who have read this are comparing it to the Nancy Drew series. I'm a big mystery fan and I will be adding this to my wishlist, I'm always looking out for new books.

Book: Ayesha Dean: The Istanbul Intrigue by Melati Lum

Description:

Ayesha and her friends Sara and Jess jump at the chance of accompanying Ayesha's uncle on a trip from Australia to Istanbul. But when Ayesha discovers a mysterious note as a result of visiting an old bookshop, their relaxing holiday starts to get a whole lot more complicated. Ayesha finds herself trying to uncover a hundred-year-old Ibn Arabi mystery, while trying to avoid creepy villains, and still making sure that she gets to eat the best doner kebab Istanbul has to offer. It's all in a day's sleuthing when you're Ayesha Dean. Lucky she can count on her best friends to always have her back!

Book Review: Nancy Drew: The Fox Hunt Mystery

Book: The Fox Hunt Mystery (Nancy Drew book #132) by Carolyn Keene

Edition: Paperback

Description:

In pursuit of a horse thief, Nancy rides down a twisted trail of trouble!

Nancy's friend Laura Passano has invited her down to Maryland to enjoy a horseback riding holiday. The weather is wonderful, the pastures peaceful, the trip a real treat. There's only one catch: Someone's out to sabotage the Passano family stables. First, the feed is poisoned... then Laura's favorite horse, Morning Glory, is stolen!

Did Alexa Shaw, Laura's spoiled rival, find the perfect way to hurt her? Or has the upcoming fox hunt so enraged animal activists that they've turned to sabotage? Spurred to action, Nancy's in the hunt for a lawbreaker... and she's headed straight into a hornet's nest of greed, jealousy, deception, and dangerous secrets!



Rating: 4 stars

Review:

This story follows Nancy Drew and her friend George Fayne who were in Maryland visiting their friend Laura Passano. While the girls were having fun riding horses and enjoying themselves on the farm, trouble wasn't far behind. First, someone poisoned one of the Passano's horses, thankfully it didn't end tragically but the nerve-wracking incident had Nancy ready to investigate. Second, someone was sabotaging the fox hunt for the Mil River Hunt, a club that Laura's mother is a member of. And lastly, Laura's beloved and prized horse Morning Glory was stolen. Were all three incidents connected or a surprising coincidence?

Nancy had a lot to look into and investigating led her to several suspects. Was an animal activist group in their attempt to end the fox hunt responsible for everything? What about the newly created rival fox hunt group, Cold Spring Hounds were they trying to weaken the competition? Could one of the Passano's own employees be behind it? Could Laura's frenemy Alex Shaw be holding onto a grunge from her lost opportunity of buying Morning Glory during an auction? Or are there clues leading her in a different direction?

Although I found the mystery and the story to be both exciting and interesting, it was Nancy's investigating that was disappointing. Case in point, it felt like most of the time she lucked up on clues or overheard information instead of really having to investigate. It's usually a lot harder for her and she really has to dig for clues, even the reveal was a bit of a letdown. It's as if whoever wrote this took the lazy way out in regards to Nancy solving these mysteries.

Aside from that it was a good read. It was fast-paced with Nancy running out of time to solve the mysteries and find the missing horse.

Currently Reading: Hawkeye vol #3 (Marvel Now)

It has been over a year since I've read the second volume of Hawkeye, I can't believe I waited this long to pull the third volume off the shelf. I really have to agree with fans that Matt Fraction did a wonderful job creating a series that's fun instead of going with the typical comic book format of being dark and grime.  

I really can't wait to start reading this, it looks like Kate Bishop is in for one wild adventure.


Book: Hawkeye volume #3: L.A. Woman (issues Annual #1 and #14, 16, 18 and 20) by Matt Fraction

Illustrations (Annual #1) by Javier Pulido, color by Matt Hollingsworth and letters by VC's Clayton Cowles

Illustrations (#14, 16, 18 and 20) by Annie Wu, color by Matt Hollingsworth and letters by Chris Eliopoulos

Cover Art by David Aja


Edition: Trade Paperback

Description:

Kate Bishop heads to Los Angeles to get away from New York, life and Clint Barton -- but she can't escape trouble! Because Madame Masque is hanging out poolside with the rich and famous, as well! As Kate helps a reclusive and sixties-damaged pop-music genius find his lost masterpiece, Madame Masque finds Kate. By which we mean starts trying to kill her again.

This one has it all! Characters! Plot! Story! Dialogue! Theme! Meaning! Message! Action! A little exposition! Fire! Arrows! Criminals! Neighbors! Large bodies of water! Clients! Cops who don't care! A system that victimizes the victims! The dog! In broken towns where cynicism and apathy has its claws around the throat of the good and decent, Lady Hawkguy is the only hero you can trust!

Currently Reading: Rocket Robinson and the Secret of the Saint

It's been some time since I've read the first book Rocket Robinson and the Pharaoh's Fortune, it was a good read. These are historical fiction comics that follows Rocket Robinson, his new friend Nuri and his pet monkey Screech as the trio wind up in an amazing adventure.

I really liked the first book and I'm looking forward to reading this one.

Book: Rocket Robinson and the Secret of the Saint (Rocket Robinson book #2) written and illustrated by Sean O'Neill

Source: Received from Author for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Rocket, Nuri, and Screech are in 1930’s Paris where they are hot on the trail of a stolen painting. But naturally there’s more to this story than just a missing artwork. The painting holds the key to discovering the greatest treasure in history, and a rogue’s gallery of bumbling art thieves and German spies is desperate to find it and will stop at nothing to discover its secret location.

This adventure combines lively, vibrant color artwork with thrilling adventure and fascinating historical details, all set on the backdrop of one of the world’s most intriguing and mysterious cities. Designed for beginning to intermediate readers, the story is free of inappropriate language, gender or ethnic stereotypes, and violent images, so the book is truly for comic fans of all ages. But don’t worry—it’s still packed with action, danger, and plenty of fun!

Book Review: Nancy Drew: Mystery on Maui

Book: Mystery on Maui (Nancy Drew book #143) by Carolyn Keene

Edition: paperback

Description:

NANCY RIDES A WAVE OF DANGER IN PURSUIT OF A SURFING SABOTEUR!

Nancy, Bess and George are on Maui to check out a major international surfing competition. With its white sand, coconut palms, and beautiful blue sea, the setting is pure heaven. But there's trouble in paradise. Big money is at stake in the contest, and someone's playing a dirty game.

One of Nancy's surfer friends has received a death threat and could end up taking a permanent dive. And when Nancy plunges into the investigation, she lands in some very hot water. Now she's the number-one target, confronting new perils at every turn: treacherous riptides, poisonous snakes and killer sharks!



Rating: 5 stars

Review:

I bought this book a couple of years ago from a library book sale and read it over the weekend. This book was published in 1998 making it 18 years old. It has a little discoloration at the top right corner and a few creases but otherwise it's in good condition for an old book.

Nancy and her two best friends, cousins George Fayne and Bess Marvin took a trip to Maui to visit Nancy's friend Danny Takemura. The girls were planning on enjoying their vacation and cheering on Danny's friend Josh Brightman in the Golf Coast Surf-Off, an international surfing competition.

But when someone tried to steal Josh's surfboard while the group was at the beach, Nancy although unable to catch the guy was able to save the board. Where Josh thought that maybe it was a prank, Nancy believed someone was trying to stop Josh from entering the competition. Only Nancy Drew could find herself in the middle of a mystery while on vacation. The stakes were high in this competition with the winner receiving a large cash prize could that be a motive for someone trying to keep Josh away from the competition.

As more incidents continued to happen, Nancy along with her friends were doing everything they could to solve the mystery.

This was an exciting fast-paced book filled with action and adventure and not to mention danger. Nancy's curiosity and attention to detail kept her on the trail for clues and potential suspects. This was a good story, the author was able to craft an interesting mystery set in Hawaii centered around surfing. However, there was one thing I did not like was how easily George was sidelined in this. I guess the reason for her not being shown much was understandable but it should not have taken her out of most of the story.