Maria Grazia Swan

This is an excellent entry in the "Mina's Adventures" series by Maria Grazia Swan. This is a wonderful series and Ms. Swan's way of telling a story is quirky and fun. These types of mysteries fall into a category that is hard to describe but is just the type of mystery I love. Mina is a likable and engaging character and Diego, her romantic interest, is perfect for her. But alas, the star-crossed lovers have quite a mystery on their hands this time around, involving cats, cats and more cats. What's not to love?

**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**… (more)

I love Mina and her many adventures. Each book in the series draws you further into the madcap world of Mina's life and loves - cats and Diego. Or I guess I should say Diego and cats??? Who's to know? Barely do Mina and Diego get to spend some quality time together, than a terrifying accident occurs and Diego is whisked away. By some nefarious villain or though a setup of his own - again, who's to know? You must read this book to find out and continue along with Mina in her many adventures. Maria Grazia Swan has a wonderful way with words and with a story and you'll be charmed and delighted by this one.… (more)

I first fell in love with Maria Grazia Swan's writing with the Lella York books, and then later on with the Mina Calvi mysteries. When she came out with this new series, I was delighted, and quickly fell in love with Monica Baker. Monica is a 24 year old woman who has already lived a full life since coming to the U.S. from Italy. Starting out as an au pair, she currently works in real estate and moonlights for her ex-husband's aunt, with whom she's maintained a friendship, and her catering business Yes, there is an ex-husband, as well as a private investigator, a mysterious politician, a new love interest, a pool guy and a tarot-reading co-worker. Along with her other pastimes, there's dog-minding duties for her aunt's Great Dane, Dior. All of this mixes up into a wonderfully quirky cozy mystery that will bring you hours of entertainment and laughs. All you have to do is read the book's dedication to see the type of humor Ms. Swan has, to know you're in for a treat. I, for one, can't wait for more of Monica's life and adventures.
**I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**… (more)

Mina Calvi inherited a software company after her mother’s death, but with no head for business, attempts to off-load the company with the help of her attorney Adams. While waiting for the deal to go though, Mina helps out a friend, Ginger, by agreeing to take her place at a local nightclub, Bosom Bodies.
All dressed up with a wig and padded bra, Mina pulls off the transformation, as Ginger had yet to start the job, running off to Vegas to get married at the last moment. Only Barbara the manager was in on the trick. Mina had time on her hands as her boyfriend was traveling in Europe with his mother, so the distraction was timely and she welcomed the chance to help a friend.
When Barbara suddenly dies, and Mina’s Volkswagen is apparently involved in the hit-and-run, the joke she was helping perpetrate suddenly gets out of hand and Mina finds herself in the middle of a mob battle with crooked cops, diamond smuggling, and murder. Add to that a mysterious new neighbor who is a detective with one of the Federal agencies and Mina finds herself in over her head and overwhelmed with seduction. Clueless as ever, Mina stumbles and bumbles through this second-in-a-series chic-lit mystery, witlessly providing proof for the police to follow at every turn.
If you like a lighthearted fun frolic set through a fresh voice, then this new series by Swan will fulfill your needs and garner the author a new following
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