A. R. Kennedy

Sleuth on Safari by A.R. Kennedy is the debut of A Traveler Cozy Mystery series. Naomi Hanley and her younger sister, Charlotte are on a vacation in Africa. Naomi saw a deal two weeks prior for an African safari and could not resist the opportunity for her dream vacation. What Naomi did not count on was the finding fellow vacationer, Dr. Higgins dead in his cabin. The death is ruled a terrible accident from a hyena attack, but Naomi has her doubts. She believes Dr. Higgins was murdered and sets out to find the killer. Sleuth on Safari is a unique cozy mystery with its traveling theme. A.R. Kennedy takes us to Africa with her detailed descriptions which allow the reader to visualize the scenes. I especially enjoyed the depictions of the scenery and the animals. I can tell the author has been to Africa from the scenes with the animals. They were very realistic. Naomi and Charlotte are your typical bickering sisters. Charlotte is a medical student who is prepared and always does right in their mother’s eyes while Nami works in customer service (I see nothing wrong with that), was ill prepared for the trip (did not pack the right items, read the materials or listen to the orientation), and tends to find herself in awkward situations. The mystery had multiple suspects along with good clues. I did not understand Naomi’s insistence on looking into the death. She seemed obsessed with searching for clues and asking questions (instead of relaxing and enjoying her vacation). I wondered if there was something in her past or if she is just plain curious. Naomi seemed determined to find the killer before they left the lodge. The reveal was a Mrs. Fletcher moment. I hope the author takes time to flesh out Naomi in the next book. I want to know more about her background and her life choices. Sleuth on Safari is a lighthearted cozy mystery with raging rhinos, splendiferous views, high pitched hyenas, elegant elephants, a frustrating sister and a surprise demise.… (más)

I love the cover and traveling, so going on a safari with Naomi seemed like fun. Until….

Naomi found the prickly Dr Higgins with his throat ripped out by hyenas. It seemed like she was the only one that thought something was rotten in Denmark, so she decided to investigate.

I do enjoy a cozy. We have plenty of suspects, and some danger and mystery. It was fun being along for the ride, seeing the sights, spending a night alone with Naomi in the treehouse, and meeting all the quirky characters. A R Kennedy’s writing made it easy to visualize as we enjoyed seeing the animals and the wonderful scenery that is Africa.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Sleuth on Safari by A R Kennedy.

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Right from the start, I was HOOKED. It starts out right on the "action" and the timeline changes (where we bounce from present to memories) work in its favor to build not only her case, but our faith in the character. Second, but really first, PETS ARE NOT PROPERTY...they are family...but that is exactly what comes into play when push comes to shove and an unintentional line is crossed. Third, the audacity of the lawyer types and what not to use her case to build their reps and careers. The fact that it was even being called anything less than self defense and/or defense of Ferris had be totally wanting to crawl through the pages to throttle someone.

One thing I didn't get was actually a character and his choice of actions...to put a point on it, or rather give them a name...Pug. Now that I've finished the book, I see the reasons behind it, and while I'm still not on the up and up with his character, I can at least respect him a little bit.

All in all, it was SO GOOD! I admit it, I was teetering on the edge the whole time. I couldn't clearly see whether they would find her guilty or see reason, but that's a GOOD thing because a suspense novel that spills its literary guts before the big reveal can be less than pleasant. Also, the last scenes had me in tears, so yeah...bring the tissues.

**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
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