Book Review: Vitamin Sea: A Humorous Mystery by Catherine Ross
There’s something irresistibly delightful about a cozy mystery that combines humor with a dash of suspense, and that’s exactly why Catherine Ross’s Vitamin Sea: A Humorous Mystery caught my eye. The concept of a retired intelligence agent tangled in a web of intrigue while attempting to enjoy her well-deserved vacation struck me as both charming and amusing. Add a tech-savvy houseguest into the mix, and I was sold!
In this first installment of The Beaver Island Mysteries, we meet Irma Abercrombie, a retired British intelligence agent whose desire to save the world hasn’t quite faded. Her sun-deprived friend, Violet Blackheart, arrives seeking a getaway, but what unfolds is far from the peaceful retreat either had in mind. After a bungled armed robbery leads to unexpected chaos—including a dead guy in Irma’s driveway—these two unlikely allies are thrust into a captivating mystery that blends humor with compelling narrative twists.
What I particularly loved were the dynamic interactions between Irma and Violet. Their contrasting personalities—Irma’s sharp intelligence clashing with Violet’s nerdy pragmatism—make for a humor-filled partnership that is both hilarious and heartwarming. It feels like a refreshing depiction of female friendship seasoned with a bit of age diversity, which is often overlooked in mystery genres. Irma’s blend of wit and wisdom, along with Violet’s comedic quirks (cupcake addiction, anyone?), makes them characters you can’t help but root for.
Catherine Ross’s writing style is breezy yet vivid. The pacing of the narrative was engaging, effortlessly pulling me into the beautiful setting of Beaver Island. Descriptions of the landscape not only painted a picture but added an atmospheric layer that made the unfolding mystery more immersive. I found myself laughing out loud at several moments—especially when the pug sidekick entered the scene, adding an unexpected layer of kookiness to the adventure. One customer aptly noted that the “hilarity kept (them) guessing and reading,” and I couldn’t agree more.
A memorable quote that stood out for me was when Irma reflects, “Sometimes, saving the day requires more than brawn; it requires a cupcake and a good sense of humor.” This encapsulates not only the tone of the book but also the heart of its message about friendship and teamwork.
Vitamin Sea is perfect for readers who enjoy a blend of humor, mystery, and resilient characters. Fans of cozy mysteries like Deanna Raybourn’s Killers of a Certain Age or Jana Deleon’s Miss Fortune series will find a familiar warmth and charm in Ross’s writing.
Ultimately, reading this book was like taking a sunny vacation—full of surprises, laughter, and a refreshing sense of camaraderie. I can’t help but feel excited as I anticipate more escapades in the upcoming installments. If you’re searching for a cozy mystery that balances wit with intrigue, look no further—grab your copy of Vitamin Sea and dive in!
You can find Vitamin Sea: A Humorous Mystery (The Beaver Island Mysteries Book 1) here >>