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Trouble Island
A gripping new novel inspired by a real place and events from the author’s family, Trouble Island is the standalone suspense debut from historical mystery writer Sharon Short.
Many miles from anywhere in the middle of Lake Erie, Trouble Island serves as a stop-off for gangsters as they run between America and Canada. The remote isle is also the permanent home to two women: Aurelia Escalante, who serves as a maid to Rosita, lady of the mansion and wife to the notorious prohibition gangster, Eddie McGee. In the freezing winter of 1932, the women anticipate the arrival of Eddie and his strange coterie: his right-hand man, a doctor, a cousin, a famous actor, and a rival gangster who Rosita believes murdered their only son.
Aurelia wants nothing more than to escape Trouble Island, but she is hiding a secret of her own. She is in fact not a maid, but a gangster’s wife in hiding, as she runs from the murder she committed five years ago. Her friend Rosita took her in under this guise, but it has become clear that Rosita wants to keep Aurelia right where she is.
Shortly after the group of criminals, celebrities, and scoundrels arrive, Rosita suddenly disappears. Aurelia plans her getaway, going to the shore to retrieve her box of hidden treasures, but instead finds Rosita’s body in the water. Someone has made sure Aurelia was the one to find her. An ice storm makes unexpected landfall, cutting Trouble Island off from both mainlands, and with more than one murderer among them.
Both a gripping locked room mystery, and a transporting, evocative portrait of a woman in crisis, Trouble Island marks the enthralling standalone suspense debut from Sharon Short, promising to be her breakout novel, inspired by a real island in Lake Erie, and true events from her own rich family history.
Many miles from anywhere in the middle of Lake Erie, Trouble Island serves as a stop-off for gangsters as they run between America and Canada. The remote isle is also the permanent home to two women: Aurelia Escalante, who serves as a maid to Rosita, lady of the mansion and wife to the notorious prohibition gangster, Eddie McGee. In the freezing winter of 1932, the women anticipate the arrival of Eddie and his strange coterie: his right-hand man, a doctor, a cousin, a famous actor, and a rival gangster who Rosita believes murdered their only son.
Aurelia wants nothing more than to escape Trouble Island, but she is hiding a secret of her own. She is in fact not a maid, but a gangster’s wife in hiding, as she runs from the murder she committed five years ago. Her friend Rosita took her in under this guise, but it has become clear that Rosita wants to keep Aurelia right where she is.
Shortly after the group of criminals, celebrities, and scoundrels arrive, Rosita suddenly disappears. Aurelia plans her getaway, going to the shore to retrieve her box of hidden treasures, but instead finds Rosita’s body in the water. Someone has made sure Aurelia was the one to find her. An ice storm makes unexpected landfall, cutting Trouble Island off from both mainlands, and with more than one murderer among them.
Both a gripping locked room mystery, and a transporting, evocative portrait of a woman in crisis, Trouble Island marks the enthralling standalone suspense debut from Sharon Short, promising to be her breakout novel, inspired by a real island in Lake Erie, and true events from her own rich family history.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published December 3, 2024
About the author
Sharon Short
17 books201 followersSharon Short is the author of sixteen published books.
Her newest, Trouble Island, is historical suspense and will be published by Minotaur Books on December 3, 2024.
As Jess Montgomery, she writes the historical Kinship Mysteries set in the 1920s and inspired by Ohio’s true first female sheriff.
Sharon is a contributing editor to Writer’s Digest, for which she writes the column, “Level Up Your Writing (Life)” and teaches for Writer’s Digest University.
She is also a three-time recipient of the Individual Excellence Award in Literary Arts from Ohio Arts Council and has been a John E. Nance Writer in Residence at Thurber House (Columbus, Ohio).
When not writing, Sharon enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, swimming, and occasionally hiking.
Her newest, Trouble Island, is historical suspense and will be published by Minotaur Books on December 3, 2024.
As Jess Montgomery, she writes the historical Kinship Mysteries set in the 1920s and inspired by Ohio’s true first female sheriff.
Sharon is a contributing editor to Writer’s Digest, for which she writes the column, “Level Up Your Writing (Life)” and teaches for Writer’s Digest University.
She is also a three-time recipient of the Individual Excellence Award in Literary Arts from Ohio Arts Council and has been a John E. Nance Writer in Residence at Thurber House (Columbus, Ohio).
When not writing, Sharon enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, swimming, and occasionally hiking.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
November 30, 2024
This is an entertaining, well-written, historical fiction, mystery novel which is based on an actual event and place. It has an engaging and sympathetic female protagonist, vividly described settings, secrets, suspense, intrigue, romance, twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion. The author's note is interesting and informative, and is truly appreciated. Many thanks to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books, NetGalley, and Ms. Short, from whom I received an advanced reader copy of this fantastic novel. This is my honest opinion.
October 21, 2024
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Dec. 3, 2024
“Trouble Island” by Sharon Short, who also writes books under the pseudonym Jess Montgomery, is a historical suspense novel that takes place during the winer of 1932, on an isolated island off the coast of Lake Erie, that is based on actual events experienced by the author’s family.
Aurelia Escalante is the maid hired to serve Rosita McGee on Trouble Island. Rosita owns the only home on the island, along with her troubled ex-husband, Eddie, who Rosita wants nothing more than to divorce. Although Aurelia is grateful to Rosita for taking her on, Aurelia hides her own secrets and knows that even if she is able to escape Trouble Island, her past will follow her. When Eddie and his entourage arrive on the island with the intent of convincing Rosita to sell, Aurelia is convinced that Trouble Island will more than earn its name and all she can hope for is to come out on the other side- alive.
Trouble Island is the perfect setting for a locked-in mystery such as this- an isolated manor house, secluded in every way and, once the winter ice sets in, there is no way off the island until the spring thaw. Set during the 1930s when Prohibition is still rampant in many of the United States, years before the Great Depression hits, is the high time for gangster Eddie and his team of cronies to “influence” “Eddie’s dame” Rosita, to give up her home.
Narrated by Aurelia, right away it is obvious that she is hiding some big secret. She drops hints left and right but it isn’t until the final few sections when we finally found out why Aurelia was sent to the island, and her past relationship with Rosita. The other characters are just as interesting, and their backstories helped add extra drama to the already intriguing plot.
Most locked-in mysteries have a few outcomes from which they can choose and, although I won’t give anything away, the biggest “Trouble Island” twist was a familiar trope. Short managed to ensure all of the characters got a satisfying ending, and there were definitely some unexpected points, but the ending was not completely original (although still very entertaining!).
Short is known for her series of novels, and “Trouble Island” is her debut standalone. As much as I appreciate a good mystery series, I will give credit where it is due and applaud Short for taking the chance on this individual mystery. I will investigate Short’s past works at my leisure and I have no doubt I will not be disappointed.
Expected publication date: Dec. 3, 2024
“Trouble Island” by Sharon Short, who also writes books under the pseudonym Jess Montgomery, is a historical suspense novel that takes place during the winer of 1932, on an isolated island off the coast of Lake Erie, that is based on actual events experienced by the author’s family.
Aurelia Escalante is the maid hired to serve Rosita McGee on Trouble Island. Rosita owns the only home on the island, along with her troubled ex-husband, Eddie, who Rosita wants nothing more than to divorce. Although Aurelia is grateful to Rosita for taking her on, Aurelia hides her own secrets and knows that even if she is able to escape Trouble Island, her past will follow her. When Eddie and his entourage arrive on the island with the intent of convincing Rosita to sell, Aurelia is convinced that Trouble Island will more than earn its name and all she can hope for is to come out on the other side- alive.
Trouble Island is the perfect setting for a locked-in mystery such as this- an isolated manor house, secluded in every way and, once the winter ice sets in, there is no way off the island until the spring thaw. Set during the 1930s when Prohibition is still rampant in many of the United States, years before the Great Depression hits, is the high time for gangster Eddie and his team of cronies to “influence” “Eddie’s dame” Rosita, to give up her home.
Narrated by Aurelia, right away it is obvious that she is hiding some big secret. She drops hints left and right but it isn’t until the final few sections when we finally found out why Aurelia was sent to the island, and her past relationship with Rosita. The other characters are just as interesting, and their backstories helped add extra drama to the already intriguing plot.
Most locked-in mysteries have a few outcomes from which they can choose and, although I won’t give anything away, the biggest “Trouble Island” twist was a familiar trope. Short managed to ensure all of the characters got a satisfying ending, and there were definitely some unexpected points, but the ending was not completely original (although still very entertaining!).
Short is known for her series of novels, and “Trouble Island” is her debut standalone. As much as I appreciate a good mystery series, I will give credit where it is due and applaud Short for taking the chance on this individual mystery. I will investigate Short’s past works at my leisure and I have no doubt I will not be disappointed.
July 24, 2024
I was honored to have the chance to read and blurb this book early (with gratitude to the author and publisher for thinking of me) -- historical fiction readers, put this one on your wishlist for December:
Everything a historical mystery should be: atmospheric, spine-tingling & full of intrigue, with not a single character above (or below) suspicion. TROUBLE ISLAND is irresistible.
Everything a historical mystery should be: atmospheric, spine-tingling & full of intrigue, with not a single character above (or below) suspicion. TROUBLE ISLAND is irresistible.
December 7, 2024
In Trouble Island, Sharon Short combines elements of historical fiction and suspense to craft a rich, atmospheric narrative set in the icy grip of 1932. Inspired by a real island in Lake Erie and interwoven with threads of her own family history, this novel invites readers into a world of gangsters, secrets, and murder. At the heart of the story are two women bound by loyalty and desperation, navigating treacherous waters—both literal and figurative.
As Short's first standalone suspense novel, Trouble Island earns its four-star rating with its evocative prose, intricate plot, and layered characters. However, it also leaves room for critique, particularly in its pacing and the resolution of certain subplots. This review delves into the book’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Setting the Scene: A Masterful Atmosphere
One of Trouble Island’s greatest triumphs is its setting. The remote, snow-laden island in the middle of Lake Erie becomes a character in itself—menacing, isolating, and inescapable. Short’s prose captures the stark beauty of the landscape, from the forbidding limestone cliffs to the frigid waters teeming with danger.
The mansion, a crumbling symbol of gangster wealth and excess, mirrors the story’s themes of decay and entrapment. Short's description of the labyrinthine interiors—its libraries, ballrooms, and hidden nooks—draws readers into a world as lush as it is suffocating. Her attention to detail, down to the frost etching patterns on the windows, enhances the immersive experience.
Strengths:
- Vivid imagery that evokes both beauty and dread.
- A strong sense of place that reflects the story’s themes.
- The integration of historical elements, like Prohibition and its consequences, grounds the story in a specific era.
Critique: While the atmosphere is compelling, it occasionally overshadows the pacing. The extended descriptions of the island and mansion, while rich, slow the momentum during key suspenseful moments.
Plot: A Gripping Locked-Room Mystery with Layers of Deceit
At its core, Trouble Island is a locked-room mystery wrapped in layers of historical intrigue. The arrival of a motley crew of gangsters, a fading Hollywood star, and a rival criminal sets the stage for Rosita McGee’s sudden disappearance and subsequent murder. As the storm traps everyone on the island, tensions rise, and secrets bubble to the surface.
Aurelia Escalante, masquerading as a maid but hiding a dark past, emerges as the reluctant detective. Her struggle to untangle the web of lies while grappling with her own guilt creates a compelling dual narrative of internal and external conflict.
Strengths:
- The intricate web of relationships keeps readers guessing.
- The novel balances personal stakes with broader societal themes, like gender roles and the long shadow of crime.
- Twists and reveals are well-timed, particularly the shocking revelations about Rosita’s motives and Eddie McGee’s power plays.
Critique:
- Certain plot threads, like the rivalry between Eddie and Marco Guiffre, feel underdeveloped. Marco’s role, pivotal as it is, could benefit from more exploration.
- The pacing occasionally falters in the middle sections, where tension gives way to prolonged introspection.
Character Analysis: Complex Women at the Heart of Chaos
Aurelia Escalante and Rosita McGee anchor the story with their complexity. Both women are shaped by trauma and bound by secrets, yet their diverging goals drive the narrative tension.
Aurelia Escalante
Aurelia’s transformation from a fugitive burdened by guilt to a resourceful survivor is the novel’s emotional backbone. Short deftly explores Aurelia’s internal conflict—her desire for redemption clashes with her instinct for self-preservation. Her secret past as a gangster’s wife lends a noir-esque edge to her character.
Praise:
- Aurelia’s voice is distinct, reflective, and relatable.
- Her interactions with other characters, particularly Rosita and Seamus, are charged with subtext and emotion.
Critique: At times, Aurelia’s introspection feels repetitive, slowing the narrative. A tighter focus on her detective role could heighten the suspense.
Rosita McGee
Rosita is both victim and enigma. Her grief for her son and her fraught marriage to Eddie McGee make her a tragic figure, while her manipulative tendencies add layers to her character. Her dynamic with Aurelia—part friendship, part power struggle—injects the story with emotional complexity.
Critique: Rosita’s motivations remain murky in places. Greater insight into her psychological state would enhance her impact as a pivotal character.
Themes: Redemption, Loyalty, and the Weight of Secrets
Short weaves themes of redemption, loyalty, and identity throughout the novel. Aurelia’s journey reflects the human desire to break free from the past, while Rosita’s arc underscores the destructive nature of unresolved grief. The narrative also critiques the patriarchal structures that trap both women, forcing them to navigate a world defined by male violence and control.
The island itself serves as a metaphor for entrapment, with its isolation mirroring the characters’ emotional and moral imprisonment.
Writing Style: Lyrical Yet Grounded
Sharon Short’s prose is lyrical without losing the grit essential to a suspense novel. Her ability to shift between poetic descriptions and sharp, dialogue-driven scenes demonstrates her versatility.
Highlights:
- The opening sequence, which juxtaposes the natural beauty of the island with the lurking menace, sets the tone beautifully.
- Short’s use of historical details, like the Prohibition-era smuggling operations, enriches the narrative.
Critique: In some instances, the lyrical style detracts from the immediacy of the action. A more streamlined approach during climactic scenes would amplify their impact.
Final Verdict: A Richly Layered Mystery Worth Exploring
Trouble Island is an evocative, suspenseful tale that lingers in the reader’s mind. Sharon Short’s vivid prose, complex characters, and historical depth make this a standout entry in the mystery genre. While it stumbles in pacing and the resolution of certain subplots, its strengths far outweigh its flaws.
For readers seeking a locked-room mystery with a historical twist, Trouble Island delivers a gripping experience that combines atmospheric storytelling with keen psychological insight. Sharon Short’s standalone debut marks a promising expansion of her repertoire, leaving fans eager for what she will tackle next.
As Short's first standalone suspense novel, Trouble Island earns its four-star rating with its evocative prose, intricate plot, and layered characters. However, it also leaves room for critique, particularly in its pacing and the resolution of certain subplots. This review delves into the book’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Setting the Scene: A Masterful Atmosphere
One of Trouble Island’s greatest triumphs is its setting. The remote, snow-laden island in the middle of Lake Erie becomes a character in itself—menacing, isolating, and inescapable. Short’s prose captures the stark beauty of the landscape, from the forbidding limestone cliffs to the frigid waters teeming with danger.
The mansion, a crumbling symbol of gangster wealth and excess, mirrors the story’s themes of decay and entrapment. Short's description of the labyrinthine interiors—its libraries, ballrooms, and hidden nooks—draws readers into a world as lush as it is suffocating. Her attention to detail, down to the frost etching patterns on the windows, enhances the immersive experience.
Strengths:
- Vivid imagery that evokes both beauty and dread.
- A strong sense of place that reflects the story’s themes.
- The integration of historical elements, like Prohibition and its consequences, grounds the story in a specific era.
Critique: While the atmosphere is compelling, it occasionally overshadows the pacing. The extended descriptions of the island and mansion, while rich, slow the momentum during key suspenseful moments.
Plot: A Gripping Locked-Room Mystery with Layers of Deceit
At its core, Trouble Island is a locked-room mystery wrapped in layers of historical intrigue. The arrival of a motley crew of gangsters, a fading Hollywood star, and a rival criminal sets the stage for Rosita McGee’s sudden disappearance and subsequent murder. As the storm traps everyone on the island, tensions rise, and secrets bubble to the surface.
Aurelia Escalante, masquerading as a maid but hiding a dark past, emerges as the reluctant detective. Her struggle to untangle the web of lies while grappling with her own guilt creates a compelling dual narrative of internal and external conflict.
Strengths:
- The intricate web of relationships keeps readers guessing.
- The novel balances personal stakes with broader societal themes, like gender roles and the long shadow of crime.
- Twists and reveals are well-timed, particularly the shocking revelations about Rosita’s motives and Eddie McGee’s power plays.
Critique:
- Certain plot threads, like the rivalry between Eddie and Marco Guiffre, feel underdeveloped. Marco’s role, pivotal as it is, could benefit from more exploration.
- The pacing occasionally falters in the middle sections, where tension gives way to prolonged introspection.
Character Analysis: Complex Women at the Heart of Chaos
Aurelia Escalante and Rosita McGee anchor the story with their complexity. Both women are shaped by trauma and bound by secrets, yet their diverging goals drive the narrative tension.
Aurelia Escalante
Aurelia’s transformation from a fugitive burdened by guilt to a resourceful survivor is the novel’s emotional backbone. Short deftly explores Aurelia’s internal conflict—her desire for redemption clashes with her instinct for self-preservation. Her secret past as a gangster’s wife lends a noir-esque edge to her character.
Praise:
- Aurelia’s voice is distinct, reflective, and relatable.
- Her interactions with other characters, particularly Rosita and Seamus, are charged with subtext and emotion.
Critique: At times, Aurelia’s introspection feels repetitive, slowing the narrative. A tighter focus on her detective role could heighten the suspense.
Rosita McGee
Rosita is both victim and enigma. Her grief for her son and her fraught marriage to Eddie McGee make her a tragic figure, while her manipulative tendencies add layers to her character. Her dynamic with Aurelia—part friendship, part power struggle—injects the story with emotional complexity.
Critique: Rosita’s motivations remain murky in places. Greater insight into her psychological state would enhance her impact as a pivotal character.
Themes: Redemption, Loyalty, and the Weight of Secrets
Short weaves themes of redemption, loyalty, and identity throughout the novel. Aurelia’s journey reflects the human desire to break free from the past, while Rosita’s arc underscores the destructive nature of unresolved grief. The narrative also critiques the patriarchal structures that trap both women, forcing them to navigate a world defined by male violence and control.
The island itself serves as a metaphor for entrapment, with its isolation mirroring the characters’ emotional and moral imprisonment.
Writing Style: Lyrical Yet Grounded
Sharon Short’s prose is lyrical without losing the grit essential to a suspense novel. Her ability to shift between poetic descriptions and sharp, dialogue-driven scenes demonstrates her versatility.
Highlights:
- The opening sequence, which juxtaposes the natural beauty of the island with the lurking menace, sets the tone beautifully.
- Short’s use of historical details, like the Prohibition-era smuggling operations, enriches the narrative.
Critique: In some instances, the lyrical style detracts from the immediacy of the action. A more streamlined approach during climactic scenes would amplify their impact.
Final Verdict: A Richly Layered Mystery Worth Exploring
Trouble Island is an evocative, suspenseful tale that lingers in the reader’s mind. Sharon Short’s vivid prose, complex characters, and historical depth make this a standout entry in the mystery genre. While it stumbles in pacing and the resolution of certain subplots, its strengths far outweigh its flaws.
For readers seeking a locked-room mystery with a historical twist, Trouble Island delivers a gripping experience that combines atmospheric storytelling with keen psychological insight. Sharon Short’s standalone debut marks a promising expansion of her repertoire, leaving fans eager for what she will tackle next.
November 28, 2024
Trouble Island is a suspense novel inspired by real events in the author's family. Set on a remote island in Lake Erie in 1932, the story follows Aurelia, a woman hiding from her past as a gangster's wife. When her friend Rosita disappears and Aurelia finds her body, she must navigate a web of secrets and lies as she tries to escape the island during an ice storm. The novel is a gripping locked room mystery and a powerful portrait of a woman in crisis.
It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel. The book is incredibly well-written, clever and captivating. I wasn't sure what to expect, as historical fiction can sometimes be hit or miss.
The main character is complex, with secrets and flaws, yet you can't help but root for her. The other characters are slowly introduced, but it's easy to keep track of them.
The environment described in the book is chilling and dark, drawing us closer to the events on the island. This book truly lives up to the term "unputdownable."
I was fortunate enough to receive both a digital and audiobook copy of the book. The narrator did an excellent job of keeping me engaged and truly bringing the story to life. The experience was unexpected, and I believe the choice of narrator was top-notch.
The story feels realistic and not far-fetched, offering a refreshing change for the upcoming season. If you enjoy books that delve into real events, gangsters, secrets, and secluded places, then this book is must-read. Don't miss out on this truly unique story!
Excuse me now, as I need to warm up after feeling like I was on the island with Aurelia and swimming in the cold lake with her...
Thank you, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel. The book is incredibly well-written, clever and captivating. I wasn't sure what to expect, as historical fiction can sometimes be hit or miss.
The main character is complex, with secrets and flaws, yet you can't help but root for her. The other characters are slowly introduced, but it's easy to keep track of them.
The environment described in the book is chilling and dark, drawing us closer to the events on the island. This book truly lives up to the term "unputdownable."
I was fortunate enough to receive both a digital and audiobook copy of the book. The narrator did an excellent job of keeping me engaged and truly bringing the story to life. The experience was unexpected, and I believe the choice of narrator was top-notch.
The story feels realistic and not far-fetched, offering a refreshing change for the upcoming season. If you enjoy books that delve into real events, gangsters, secrets, and secluded places, then this book is must-read. Don't miss out on this truly unique story!
Excuse me now, as I need to warm up after feeling like I was on the island with Aurelia and swimming in the cold lake with her...
Thank you, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 30, 2024
Trouble Island by Sharon Short was both suspenseful and very engaging. It was the first book that I have read by Sharon Short and her first standalone novel. Sharon Short based Trouble Island on a place that actually existed and on events that occurred in her own family. Trouble Island was a well written historical fiction mystery. The setting was an old and secluded family owned mansion located in Lake Erie. The mansion was both well hidden and hard to detect unless its existence was already known to those in its vicinity. It took place in the early 1930’s when prohibition was strictly enforced which made bootlegging lucrative and popular. I listened to the audiobook that was well narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya and I alternately read some parts on my kindle.
Aurelia Escalante had met Rosita and Eddie McGee through her gangster husband who worked for Eddie McGee in his organization. Rosita and Aurelia forged a relationship almost immediately after meeting. It was no wonder that Aurelia sought out Rosita’s help when she found herself in a very serious situation. Rosita convinced her husband, Eddie, to help her help Aurelia disappear and escape scrutiny from the law. Aurelia was transported to Trouble Island and became Rosita’s maid and confident. Their relationship changed drastically after the tragic death of her young son. After Rosita’s young and innocent son was killed in the crossfire that was meant for Eddie, Rosita was never the same person she once was. Her son’s death crippled her. Rosita hardly ever left her room after his death and she started to keep her face concealed by a veil.
Aurelia had been on Trouble Island for close to a year at this point. She started to contemplate her escape. After all, Trouble Island was not far from Ohio. How hard could it be to reach the shore of Ohio from Trouble Island? Aurelia had saved some money but the discovery of a treasure box early one morning while she returned from her usual early morning swim definitely bolstered her confidence that she could indeed escape. She found a place to hide her treasure until she was ready to retrieve it and leave the island for good. Before Aurelia was able to put her plan into action, a few unexpected things occurred. First of all, Eddie unexpectedly arrived at Trouble Island with an entourage of dangerous men. Eddie had come back to Trouble Island to convince Rosita to sell the island and their mansion to the man that had been responsible for her son’s death. Eddie had acquired insurmountable debts and this was his solution to fixing his problems. Of course, Rosita was adamant about not selling the house that had been in her family for generations and especially to the murderer of her son. Then Rosita disappeared. Despite Rosita’s disappearance, Aurelia was still determined to escape from Trouble Island. As she was putting her plan into motion, she discovered Rosita’s dead body in Lake Erie. Someone had strategically placed Rosita’s body where Aurelia would surely find her and make Aurelia look as if she had caused her death. As Aurelia tried to prove her innocence, more dead bodies were found. Can Aurelia figure out who was responsible for all the deaths? Would she be forced to reveal her secrets? Will Aurelia be able to escape from Trouble Island?
Trouble Island by Sharon Short was an intense locked-in mystery with just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. The ending was satisfying and I was a bit surprised by it. I enjoyed reading the author’s note at the conclusion and learning that the story was based on things that occurred in her own family. Trouble Island included many secrets, some romance, a cast of colorful characters, a setting that fit with the events of the story and several twists and turns. I enjoyed both listening and reading Trouble Island by Sharon Short and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Minotaur Books for allowing me to listen and read Trouble Island by Sharon Short through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Aurelia Escalante had met Rosita and Eddie McGee through her gangster husband who worked for Eddie McGee in his organization. Rosita and Aurelia forged a relationship almost immediately after meeting. It was no wonder that Aurelia sought out Rosita’s help when she found herself in a very serious situation. Rosita convinced her husband, Eddie, to help her help Aurelia disappear and escape scrutiny from the law. Aurelia was transported to Trouble Island and became Rosita’s maid and confident. Their relationship changed drastically after the tragic death of her young son. After Rosita’s young and innocent son was killed in the crossfire that was meant for Eddie, Rosita was never the same person she once was. Her son’s death crippled her. Rosita hardly ever left her room after his death and she started to keep her face concealed by a veil.
Aurelia had been on Trouble Island for close to a year at this point. She started to contemplate her escape. After all, Trouble Island was not far from Ohio. How hard could it be to reach the shore of Ohio from Trouble Island? Aurelia had saved some money but the discovery of a treasure box early one morning while she returned from her usual early morning swim definitely bolstered her confidence that she could indeed escape. She found a place to hide her treasure until she was ready to retrieve it and leave the island for good. Before Aurelia was able to put her plan into action, a few unexpected things occurred. First of all, Eddie unexpectedly arrived at Trouble Island with an entourage of dangerous men. Eddie had come back to Trouble Island to convince Rosita to sell the island and their mansion to the man that had been responsible for her son’s death. Eddie had acquired insurmountable debts and this was his solution to fixing his problems. Of course, Rosita was adamant about not selling the house that had been in her family for generations and especially to the murderer of her son. Then Rosita disappeared. Despite Rosita’s disappearance, Aurelia was still determined to escape from Trouble Island. As she was putting her plan into motion, she discovered Rosita’s dead body in Lake Erie. Someone had strategically placed Rosita’s body where Aurelia would surely find her and make Aurelia look as if she had caused her death. As Aurelia tried to prove her innocence, more dead bodies were found. Can Aurelia figure out who was responsible for all the deaths? Would she be forced to reveal her secrets? Will Aurelia be able to escape from Trouble Island?
Trouble Island by Sharon Short was an intense locked-in mystery with just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. The ending was satisfying and I was a bit surprised by it. I enjoyed reading the author’s note at the conclusion and learning that the story was based on things that occurred in her own family. Trouble Island included many secrets, some romance, a cast of colorful characters, a setting that fit with the events of the story and several twists and turns. I enjoyed both listening and reading Trouble Island by Sharon Short and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Minotaur Books for allowing me to listen and read Trouble Island by Sharon Short through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2024
Trouble Island
By: Sharon Short
Pub Date: December 3, 2024
Publisher: Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio
The setting is Trouble Island in the middle of Lake Erie. This island is known to be a hideout and go between Canada and America.
Living on this island is Aurelia Escalante, who is a personal maid to the lady of the mansion. Rosita is the lady of this mansion and her husband is a prohibition gangster.
This island is host to not only criminals but celebrities and when Rosita disappears all bets are off! When her body is found and when a storm erupts everyone is stuck on the island with a murder!
Fast paced and suspenseful.
Thank you Macmillan Audio for this gifted audio book.
#MacAudio2024, #madmillanaudio, #audiobook, #stamperlady50
By: Sharon Short
Pub Date: December 3, 2024
Publisher: Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio
The setting is Trouble Island in the middle of Lake Erie. This island is known to be a hideout and go between Canada and America.
Living on this island is Aurelia Escalante, who is a personal maid to the lady of the mansion. Rosita is the lady of this mansion and her husband is a prohibition gangster.
This island is host to not only criminals but celebrities and when Rosita disappears all bets are off! When her body is found and when a storm erupts everyone is stuck on the island with a murder!
Fast paced and suspenseful.
Thank you Macmillan Audio for this gifted audio book.
#MacAudio2024, #madmillanaudio, #audiobook, #stamperlady50
June 27, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Trouble Island was an engaging read that kept my interest. I enjoyed the simplicity of a single timeline told from a single perspective. It's soon apparent that Trouble Island, as both a title for the book and the name of the fictional island on Lake Erie, is more apt for the description of the group of characters who make up the cast. All are deeply troubled, all fighting their own personal fight, and some do so against each other. If you enjoy a locked room mystery you'll probably rate this a 5. I'm not a massive fan of that premise, as I have mentioned in reviews for other titles, but Trouble Island avoids some of the typical clichés those stories get sucked into.
4 out of 5.
Trouble Island was an engaging read that kept my interest. I enjoyed the simplicity of a single timeline told from a single perspective. It's soon apparent that Trouble Island, as both a title for the book and the name of the fictional island on Lake Erie, is more apt for the description of the group of characters who make up the cast. All are deeply troubled, all fighting their own personal fight, and some do so against each other. If you enjoy a locked room mystery you'll probably rate this a 5. I'm not a massive fan of that premise, as I have mentioned in reviews for other titles, but Trouble Island avoids some of the typical clichés those stories get sucked into.
4 out of 5.
July 1, 2024
I’d read the teaser of Trouble Island in the Minotaur Sampler 12, and was delighted to read the entire book shortly thereafter because I just had to know who committed the murder and why! Trouble Island by Sharon Short is a suspenseful whodunit murder mystery with plenty of plot twists to keep the reader guessing until the very end. If you loved playing the board game Clue as a kid, then you’ll love this story set on an isolated Canadian Island on Lake Erie during a bitter Winter storm with an oddly matched group of guests including gangsters during Prohibition, all with motives of course.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
December 9, 2024
In Lake Erie, a watery border between Canada and the United States, lies Trouble Island. The forty-six acre island was a stopping place for escaped slaves and military runaways fleeing the states enroute to Canada during the Civil War. Like all islands, it has seen its fair share of storms.
We join the residents of Trouble Island in 1931, during the Prohibition era. A time of gangsters, molls, mobs, and goons. We meet Rosita McGee, the wife of a gangster, and the owner of the island. Rosita is in mourning for her her four year old son Oliver, who was killed in the crossfire of a gang altercation. She blames her husband Eddie for his death and they have been estranged since it happened.
Also, we meet the protagonist and sole narrator of this novel, Aurelia Escalante (aka Susan Walker). Aurelia is an enigmatic character. Once friends with Rosita and the wife of a gangster's goon, she murdered him when she could no longer withstand his constant abuse. Now, she is hiding out on the island posing as a maid to Rosita. Their friendship has withered and now Auriela is uncertain as to her status in this strange household. In her free time, Auriela watches and takes notes on the birds who reside and/or visit the island.
Also, Auriela cares for the bird of the now deceased little boy, Oliver. The bird, a blue and yellow macaw, is called Largo. I felt that Largo symbolized innocence and freedom in a place that had little of each commodity.
We meet the black couple who help to run the old mansion on Trouble Island. Henry is the cook and handyman, while his wife Maxine works as the housekeeper.
We meet Seamus Grover, one of the bodyguards, who Aurelia is attracted to.
Everyone on Trouble Island is harbouring secrets of their own, including Auriela.
When Rosita's estranged husband, gangster Eddie McGee and his right-hand man, Cormac Herlihy make a surprise visit to Trouble Island with a doctor, a starlet (who is Rosita's cousin), and a movie star in tow, events on the island take a drastic turn for the worse. Allegiances are tested and found to be constantly shifting, the mansion is sabotaged, there are murders...
Who is to be trusted? Tension and unsettling undercurrents permeate the island.
With themes of avarice, corruption, shame, guilt, betrayal, vengeance, and what it means to be free, this novel was a compelling fictional snapshot into a time period that I personally have read little about. The author notes that this novel was based upon true events from her own family history.
We join the residents of Trouble Island in 1931, during the Prohibition era. A time of gangsters, molls, mobs, and goons. We meet Rosita McGee, the wife of a gangster, and the owner of the island. Rosita is in mourning for her her four year old son Oliver, who was killed in the crossfire of a gang altercation. She blames her husband Eddie for his death and they have been estranged since it happened.
Also, we meet the protagonist and sole narrator of this novel, Aurelia Escalante (aka Susan Walker). Aurelia is an enigmatic character. Once friends with Rosita and the wife of a gangster's goon, she murdered him when she could no longer withstand his constant abuse. Now, she is hiding out on the island posing as a maid to Rosita. Their friendship has withered and now Auriela is uncertain as to her status in this strange household. In her free time, Auriela watches and takes notes on the birds who reside and/or visit the island.
Also, Auriela cares for the bird of the now deceased little boy, Oliver. The bird, a blue and yellow macaw, is called Largo. I felt that Largo symbolized innocence and freedom in a place that had little of each commodity.
We meet the black couple who help to run the old mansion on Trouble Island. Henry is the cook and handyman, while his wife Maxine works as the housekeeper.
We meet Seamus Grover, one of the bodyguards, who Aurelia is attracted to.
Everyone on Trouble Island is harbouring secrets of their own, including Auriela.
When Rosita's estranged husband, gangster Eddie McGee and his right-hand man, Cormac Herlihy make a surprise visit to Trouble Island with a doctor, a starlet (who is Rosita's cousin), and a movie star in tow, events on the island take a drastic turn for the worse. Allegiances are tested and found to be constantly shifting, the mansion is sabotaged, there are murders...
Who is to be trusted? Tension and unsettling undercurrents permeate the island.
With themes of avarice, corruption, shame, guilt, betrayal, vengeance, and what it means to be free, this novel was a compelling fictional snapshot into a time period that I personally have read little about. The author notes that this novel was based upon true events from her own family history.
July 1, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an eARC copy of Trouble Island by Sharon Short.
I was hooked from the very beginning of this Clue like historical thriller/mystery based off the story of Sharon Short's own family members. Following Aurelia, a maid hired to work on Trouble Island by the owner, Rosita where all is not what it seems to be. When a storm rolls in, trapping Aurelia and a rather interesting group of mobsters, lackeys, and others where secrets are exposed, everybody wants something, and a killer on the loose. I loved that there was so much research done for the Prohibition Era and the weather of Lake Erie (which is notoriously known as the most dangerous Great Lake), not to mention Lake Erie itself feels more like a character than just a place. The twists are not expected and you are constantly guessing of who the killer may be. It's been a while since I've read a really good mystery and you will certainly find it with Trouble Island.
I was hooked from the very beginning of this Clue like historical thriller/mystery based off the story of Sharon Short's own family members. Following Aurelia, a maid hired to work on Trouble Island by the owner, Rosita where all is not what it seems to be. When a storm rolls in, trapping Aurelia and a rather interesting group of mobsters, lackeys, and others where secrets are exposed, everybody wants something, and a killer on the loose. I loved that there was so much research done for the Prohibition Era and the weather of Lake Erie (which is notoriously known as the most dangerous Great Lake), not to mention Lake Erie itself feels more like a character than just a place. The twists are not expected and you are constantly guessing of who the killer may be. It's been a while since I've read a really good mystery and you will certainly find it with Trouble Island.
June 22, 2024
I appreciate having an ARC to review and loved this book. After the author’s Kinship series, I wondered if a new story could be as good - and it was! Full of twists and surprises, the intrigue of a cold Lake Erie island with murders and surprises kept me engaged and binge reading until the last page. Aurelia (Susan) and Rosita now rate with Lily as memorable characters Short has brought to life.
January 1, 2025
TROUBLE ISLAND by Sharon Short
Read by: Jennifer Jill Arya
I enjoyed listening to this and thought her storytelling was well done.
An engaging read with a unique setting of a mansion on Trouble Island, in the frigid waters of Lake Erie. The island is a stop-off for gangsters as they run between Canada and America. It’s 1932 near the end of prohibition and an ice storm is brewing on the island. A motley crew of gangsters along with Rosita, the lady of the mansion, and wife to the notorious gangster, Eddie McGee, and Rosita’s maid, Aurelia, are stranded on the island. As situations develop and tensions rise is when this locked-room mystery takes off.
Themes of identity, trauma, survival, secrets, redemption, and loyalty.
I enjoyed listening to this and thought the author did a fine job of writing her book.
Read by: Jennifer Jill Arya
I enjoyed listening to this and thought her storytelling was well done.
An engaging read with a unique setting of a mansion on Trouble Island, in the frigid waters of Lake Erie. The island is a stop-off for gangsters as they run between Canada and America. It’s 1932 near the end of prohibition and an ice storm is brewing on the island. A motley crew of gangsters along with Rosita, the lady of the mansion, and wife to the notorious gangster, Eddie McGee, and Rosita’s maid, Aurelia, are stranded on the island. As situations develop and tensions rise is when this locked-room mystery takes off.
Themes of identity, trauma, survival, secrets, redemption, and loyalty.
I enjoyed listening to this and thought the author did a fine job of writing her book.
Read
December 8, 2024An island off the coast in Lake Erie now isolated from winter storms is the suspenseful, atmospheric setting for a 1930’s era historical thriller with enough twists and turns to keep me tensely gripping my reader and needing the next chapter. Sharon Short has penned several books now under various author aliases, but this was my first experience with her books- and won’t be my last.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer TBA.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer TBA.
October 14, 2024
I enjoyed this one way more than I thought I was going to when I first dove in. It had my attention right from the start wih plenty of unlikeable characters. It's a locked island mystery with dead bodies piling up, suspects at every turn, and plenty of secrets to uncover.
June 24, 2024
I love a locked room mystery set in a remote location where events keep happening to keep the players isolated and on edge while the killer claims his/her victims one by one. (AND THEN THERE WERE NONE has always been my favorite Agatha Christie novel!) TROUBLE ISLAND certainly fits this bill. It has an interesting setting—a small island in the middle of Lake Erie that is so inhospitable that it's surrounded by sunken ships and is attractive to criminals working between Canada and the U.S. The 1930s era is intriguing in and of itself. These two elements combine in TROUBLE ISLAND to make an appealing all-around setting. It's even more fascinating that the setting is based on a real place and its real history.
Considering this is a murder mystery about gangsters and their colleagues, it's probably no surprise that it's full of unlikable characters. The gangsters are, well, gangsters. They're selfish, violent, greedy, and unsavory in every way. Eddie, Marco, and their goons are basically just stereotypes without any depth or complexity to flesh them out. Aurelia isn't the warmest of heroines, but she's definitely sympathetic. She's also caring and loyal to those she loves. Besides her and the Carmichaels, I didn't care a whole lot about any of the other characters. Only one death of the many that occur in the book made me sad.
Incidentally, I realized only belatedly that Sharon Short is the same author who writes the Kinship historical mystery series under the name Jess Montgomery. I really like that series, so if you're a Short fan, try those books as well.
Considering this is a murder mystery about gangsters and their colleagues, it's probably no surprise that it's full of unlikable characters. The gangsters are, well, gangsters. They're selfish, violent, greedy, and unsavory in every way. Eddie, Marco, and their goons are basically just stereotypes without any depth or complexity to flesh them out. Aurelia isn't the warmest of heroines, but she's definitely sympathetic. She's also caring and loyal to those she loves. Besides her and the Carmichaels, I didn't care a whole lot about any of the other characters. Only one death of the many that occur in the book made me sad.
Incidentally, I realized only belatedly that Sharon Short is the same author who writes the Kinship historical mystery series under the name Jess Montgomery. I really like that series, so if you're a Short fan, try those books as well.
August 7, 2024
“Trouble Island” by Sharon Short is a historical “closed circle” mystery that takes place during the Prohibition era on a remote island in Lake Erie. The novel is based on Ms. Short’s own family history which makes the premise even more compelling. The story follows a young woman who murders her husband and escapes to this tiny isolated Island to become the maid/confident of the wife of the head of a major crime family. At the same time, the wife is grieving the accidental loss of her young son during an intense gun battle between rival gangs and is looking for retribution.
This is a tale of bootleggers, murderers, victims, federal agents and constant double crosses. The book is complex and it takes a lot of concentration to keep up and figure out what’s happening. For those folks who love a Dickson Carr style mystery this book is for you!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 17, 2024
Trouble Island by Sharon Short is a debut Historical view Suspense set in 1932. Prohibition is in full swing and gangsters are rife in Ohio. Bootlegging is a lucrative business on both sides of the border.
Aurelia is Rosita's maid in the mansion on the island. At least that's her cover story. The two women share a connection as deep as the lake and when secrets are no longer safe, murder happens. Years before, Aurelia had committed a crime which left her bereft and feeling undeserving of good things. Rosita is beside herself with grief for her tiny son. The past unexpectedly comes knocking in the form of a gangster and his motley crew. The two women have different reasons to feel uneasy. The entire household is on edge.
The premise is fantastic. Though there is mystery, I didn't feel suspense or tension. Nevertheless, I enjoyed my time on Trouble Island.
My favourite aspects of this novel are the beguiling atmosphere and bird watching, a beloved pastime of mine. The story is based on true events and place of the author's ancestors. Hopefully in future books she reveals further snippets of her fascinating history. Personal details add a lovely touch. Talk about potential issues with Largo as well!
My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this novel.
Aurelia is Rosita's maid in the mansion on the island. At least that's her cover story. The two women share a connection as deep as the lake and when secrets are no longer safe, murder happens. Years before, Aurelia had committed a crime which left her bereft and feeling undeserving of good things. Rosita is beside herself with grief for her tiny son. The past unexpectedly comes knocking in the form of a gangster and his motley crew. The two women have different reasons to feel uneasy. The entire household is on edge.
The premise is fantastic. Though there is mystery, I didn't feel suspense or tension. Nevertheless, I enjoyed my time on Trouble Island.
My favourite aspects of this novel are the beguiling atmosphere and bird watching, a beloved pastime of mine. The story is based on true events and place of the author's ancestors. Hopefully in future books she reveals further snippets of her fascinating history. Personal details add a lovely touch. Talk about potential issues with Largo as well!
My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this novel.
November 21, 2024
I found Trouble Island to be a wonderful read to start off the winter season. Set on a remote island in Lake Eerie, the story provides an amazing sense of place and foreboding.
The main character, Aurelia, is a young woman from Ohio with something in her past she is running away from. Deeper into the story, readers will discover that Aurelia is not the only one on the island hiding secrets.
When a yacht full of Ohio gangsters docks at the Island things begin to get sinister. A winter storm moves in and the power fails causing the residents and guests to move to the house and gather around a fireplace.
Amidst all this a few people turn up missing. Then a couple more die. They aren’t able to get off the island and no one can trust anyone. This held my interest from almost the very beginning and the ending was such a great payoff!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to give my honest review and recommend this to other readers.
The main character, Aurelia, is a young woman from Ohio with something in her past she is running away from. Deeper into the story, readers will discover that Aurelia is not the only one on the island hiding secrets.
When a yacht full of Ohio gangsters docks at the Island things begin to get sinister. A winter storm moves in and the power fails causing the residents and guests to move to the house and gather around a fireplace.
Amidst all this a few people turn up missing. Then a couple more die. They aren’t able to get off the island and no one can trust anyone. This held my interest from almost the very beginning and the ending was such a great payoff!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to give my honest review and recommend this to other readers.
November 24, 2024
TROUBLE ISLAND takes place on a private island in 1932, during Prohibition. Setting and atmosphere provide an isolated, moody vibe
Normally, this is the kind of story I’d get lost in. But some things kept me from being fully invested.
The language, both in exposition and dialogue, doesn’t have a strong historical connection. I’d often have to remind myself that the story is historical because it was easy to place it in modern times. I know some readers like this for an easier read, but I prefer a more authentic feel.
The plot is complex, bordering on convoluted, requiring full attention. Sometimes I felt like I should take notes. We have a large cast of characters, all with tangled relationships to one another. Add in the secrets each character is keeping from one another and us, and the omnipresent deceit, and it’s a lot to keep track of.
I listened to the audiobook. Jennifer Jill Araya does an excellent job with the narration. She was easy to listen to, making each character’s voice distinct without it sounding cartoonish or overdone.
*Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook download.*
Normally, this is the kind of story I’d get lost in. But some things kept me from being fully invested.
The language, both in exposition and dialogue, doesn’t have a strong historical connection. I’d often have to remind myself that the story is historical because it was easy to place it in modern times. I know some readers like this for an easier read, but I prefer a more authentic feel.
The plot is complex, bordering on convoluted, requiring full attention. Sometimes I felt like I should take notes. We have a large cast of characters, all with tangled relationships to one another. Add in the secrets each character is keeping from one another and us, and the omnipresent deceit, and it’s a lot to keep track of.
I listened to the audiobook. Jennifer Jill Araya does an excellent job with the narration. She was easy to listen to, making each character’s voice distinct without it sounding cartoonish or overdone.
*Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook download.*
November 25, 2024
Thank you @macmillan.audio #partner for the gifted copy of this audiobook!
I grabbed this one for a couple of reasons. One reason is because it was set in Lake Erie and being a Michigander through and through anything to do with the Great Lakes and the history of it makes me want to learn more. The second reason is this is based on a real place and events which intrigued me even more. For those reasons alone I enjoyed the book! If I had to describe this book it felt a bit like a game of clue with mobsters and gangsters as the characters. There is a very large cast in this one and could make sense to jot names down until you have everyone straight. I didn’t do that and wish I had. 🙃 I enjoyed the locked room mystery and the cozy vibe this one gave off and of course am obsessed with the cover. 🥰 The only downfall to this one for me is at times it felt like the writing came across a little juvenile. The good news is it didn’t take away from my overall satisfaction. If you’re in the mood for a cozy mystery with many twists all the way until the end grab this one as it’s out next week!
I grabbed this one for a couple of reasons. One reason is because it was set in Lake Erie and being a Michigander through and through anything to do with the Great Lakes and the history of it makes me want to learn more. The second reason is this is based on a real place and events which intrigued me even more. For those reasons alone I enjoyed the book! If I had to describe this book it felt a bit like a game of clue with mobsters and gangsters as the characters. There is a very large cast in this one and could make sense to jot names down until you have everyone straight. I didn’t do that and wish I had. 🙃 I enjoyed the locked room mystery and the cozy vibe this one gave off and of course am obsessed with the cover. 🥰 The only downfall to this one for me is at times it felt like the writing came across a little juvenile. The good news is it didn’t take away from my overall satisfaction. If you’re in the mood for a cozy mystery with many twists all the way until the end grab this one as it’s out next week!
December 9, 2024
3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
Trouble Island is an atmospheric historical mystery set in the winter of 1932 on a remote island in the middle of Lake Erie. Prohibition-era gangsters, long buried secrets, and a chilling locked room mystery collide in this suspenseful story inspired by the author’s family history.
✨ Prohibition-Era
✨ First-Person POV
✨ Twists & Turns
✨ Locked Room (Island)
✨ Slow Burn
The story begins with Aurelia, who works as a maid to Rosita, the wife of a gangster. Trouble starts when a group of guests arrive on the island, and Rosita suddenly disappears. An ice storm traps everyone together, secrets unravel, and the murder mystery begins.
The premise immediately drew me in, especially with the Lake Erie setting, but I struggled to stay focused about a third of the way through. The book started strong with a moody, isolated atmosphere, but the middle dragged, and by the time the action picked up again near the end, I found myself less invested.
While I appreciated Aurelia, I found most of the other characters unlikable, which made it harder to connect with them. The historical elements also didn’t feel as developed as I’d hoped. At times, the modern sounding language made it easy to forget the story was set in the 1930s.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya, who did a great job bringing the story to life. She was able to create distinct voices for each character which made the listening experience more engaging.
Overall, Trouble Island offers a unique setting and an intriguing locked room mystery, but the slow pacing and lack of connection to the era and characters left me wanting more. While it wasn’t a perfect fit for me, it’s a well written book that fans of historical mysteries and slow burn suspense might enjoy.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the ALC of Trouble Island in exchange for an honest review.
Trouble Island is an atmospheric historical mystery set in the winter of 1932 on a remote island in the middle of Lake Erie. Prohibition-era gangsters, long buried secrets, and a chilling locked room mystery collide in this suspenseful story inspired by the author’s family history.
✨ Prohibition-Era
✨ First-Person POV
✨ Twists & Turns
✨ Locked Room (Island)
✨ Slow Burn
The story begins with Aurelia, who works as a maid to Rosita, the wife of a gangster. Trouble starts when a group of guests arrive on the island, and Rosita suddenly disappears. An ice storm traps everyone together, secrets unravel, and the murder mystery begins.
The premise immediately drew me in, especially with the Lake Erie setting, but I struggled to stay focused about a third of the way through. The book started strong with a moody, isolated atmosphere, but the middle dragged, and by the time the action picked up again near the end, I found myself less invested.
While I appreciated Aurelia, I found most of the other characters unlikable, which made it harder to connect with them. The historical elements also didn’t feel as developed as I’d hoped. At times, the modern sounding language made it easy to forget the story was set in the 1930s.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya, who did a great job bringing the story to life. She was able to create distinct voices for each character which made the listening experience more engaging.
Overall, Trouble Island offers a unique setting and an intriguing locked room mystery, but the slow pacing and lack of connection to the era and characters left me wanting more. While it wasn’t a perfect fit for me, it’s a well written book that fans of historical mysteries and slow burn suspense might enjoy.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the ALC of Trouble Island in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2024
Trouble Island is an intriguing mystery that takes place on an island in Lake Erie. It's set during the prohibition era, with a main character working on the island in service to a gangster and his wife. She's in hiding after they helped her dispose of her abusive husband's body. After the island resort should be closed for the winter, her gangster boss shows up with a group of people, including his rival. Now that all of them are staying on the island, people start dying. Who is the murderer?
This was a fantastic listen! I enjoyed this super twisty locked room mystery. It held my attention from beginning to end and kept me guessing all the way through. Jennifer Jill Araya did a wonderful job as the narrator. I definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a good mystery!
Thank you, Macmillan Audio, for this complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This was a fantastic listen! I enjoyed this super twisty locked room mystery. It held my attention from beginning to end and kept me guessing all the way through. Jennifer Jill Araya did a wonderful job as the narrator. I definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a good mystery!
Thank you, Macmillan Audio, for this complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
November 20, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an early audiobook edition of “Trouble Island” by Sharon Short, narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya for an honest review. This is the first book I listened to with Jennifer Jill Araya as a narrator. She did a good job with the narration.
In the early 1900s, gangsters used a remote island in Lake Erie between Canada and the U.S. called Trouble Island to move contraband. This island had a working lighthouse taken care of by Rosita’s grandfather. Rosita is the lady of the mansion on Trouble Island, with her on the island are husband and wife caretakers, two bodyguards, and Rosita’s maid Aurelia Escalante. All have their reasons for being on the island, all wish they could get away, but none can.
Everyone is on high alert when Rosita’s estranged husband arrives with an entourage. Eddie (Rosita’s husband) wants to sell Rosita’s Island to a rival gang boss. Rosita will not let her beloved island go. When Rosita ends up dead, all evidence points to Aurelia, but did she do it? Everyone had a motive. The story gives you the back story of the residents on the island and each had a motive to kill Rosita.
The storyline is good, and the characters are well-developed, but Aurelia’s character goes on and on about her secrets, constantly berating herself about what she did. There was too much of it and it took a long time to reveal what she did in her childhood, although there were hints along the way. It just felt like it prolonged the book. The twist was good and the ending moved quickly and was well written.
In the early 1900s, gangsters used a remote island in Lake Erie between Canada and the U.S. called Trouble Island to move contraband. This island had a working lighthouse taken care of by Rosita’s grandfather. Rosita is the lady of the mansion on Trouble Island, with her on the island are husband and wife caretakers, two bodyguards, and Rosita’s maid Aurelia Escalante. All have their reasons for being on the island, all wish they could get away, but none can.
Everyone is on high alert when Rosita’s estranged husband arrives with an entourage. Eddie (Rosita’s husband) wants to sell Rosita’s Island to a rival gang boss. Rosita will not let her beloved island go. When Rosita ends up dead, all evidence points to Aurelia, but did she do it? Everyone had a motive. The story gives you the back story of the residents on the island and each had a motive to kill Rosita.
The storyline is good, and the characters are well-developed, but Aurelia’s character goes on and on about her secrets, constantly berating herself about what she did. There was too much of it and it took a long time to reveal what she did in her childhood, although there were hints along the way. It just felt like it prolonged the book. The twist was good and the ending moved quickly and was well written.
November 17, 2024
I'm normally a fan of closed door mysteries, but this one didn't quite hit the mark for me. I think it was because I was a lot more interested in the characters and their history, much of which was left blank, than the mystery itself. The mysterious histories at times made it hard to connect with the characters, not understanding the motivations of their decisions. It made it so I didn't really care about the characters' fates, and didn't really believe the twist.
This novel did have a moody atmospheric setting, where the place becomes a character itself, which is another thing I love in stories. But again, this element felt half-finished at times. The best part was the bird.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This novel did have a moody atmospheric setting, where the place becomes a character itself, which is another thing I love in stories. But again, this element felt half-finished at times. The best part was the bird.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
September 15, 2024
Trouble Island has some of my favorite mystery tropes all rolled into one novel starting with a remote island in Lake Erie during winter. Those snow flakes start falling and all transport to and from the island shuts down—-I’m totally in! Add in prohibition time period and a strong female POV character and I’m hooked. I wasn’t able to put the book down and read it in a weekend. This carefully plotted mystery is a must read!
December 7, 2024
A nice twisty mystery based in the prohibition era. Our FMC is in service to a gangster and his wife after they help her dispose of her abusive husbands body. Now with a group of misfits trapped on an island and people dying…..who is to blame.
This was a good listen. It held my attention well and I definitely had to pay attention to keep up with the clues as to who was behind it all. The narrator did an excellent job.
Definitely worth a read if you like historical locked room mysteries.
I received an ALC of this title. All opinions are my own.
This is a review of the audiobook.
This was a good listen. It held my attention well and I definitely had to pay attention to keep up with the clues as to who was behind it all. The narrator did an excellent job.
Definitely worth a read if you like historical locked room mysteries.
I received an ALC of this title. All opinions are my own.
This is a review of the audiobook.
December 4, 2024
Page turner.
Fascinating characters as each had their own secrets within the plot of the story. Gripping plot with each chapter introducing a new revelation that kept the readers on a wave of uncertainty about where the story was going. The author’s style of writing was tight, descriptive, and engaging. I highly recommend it.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
Fascinating characters as each had their own secrets within the plot of the story. Gripping plot with each chapter introducing a new revelation that kept the readers on a wave of uncertainty about where the story was going. The author’s style of writing was tight, descriptive, and engaging. I highly recommend it.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
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