Kristina A. reviewed on 5/7/2016 + 1528 more book reviews

Bossa Novas, Bikinis, and Bad Ends by Mary McHugh is the fourth book in A Happy Hoofers Mystery series. This book is told in the first person from Pat Keeler's point-of-view (each book is narrated by a different Hoofer). Pat is a family therapist, who lives with her partner, Denise as well as Denise's son, David. The Happy Hoofers (Tina, Janice, Gini, Mary Louise, and Pat) are heading for a gig in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at the Copacabana Palace Hotel. They arrive and meet their translator and guide, Maria Oliveira. She will show them around Rio when they are not rehearsing or performing (or lounging by the pool). Things are going well until Maria is found dead in her room. Maria was poisoned. Of course, the Hoofers have to investigate. But this is just the beginning of the deaths. The Happy Hoofers enjoy the sights, music, and food of Rio in between their dancing and investigating. They are getting close to figuring it out when incidents start happening to Pat. The killer does not wish to be caught. Will the Happy Hoofers be able to find the killer and make it back to New Jersey?

Bossa Novas, Bikinis, and Bad Ends was just too silly for words. There is more on the sights and foods of Rio than the mystery. Then Pat ends up being kidnapped multiple times in one day (it was just ridiculous). It also seemed like everyone on the hotel staff was having an affair or fling (it was like a bad soap opera). This book can be a stand-alone because it does rehash what happened in the prior novels (the first book in the series was the best one). I give Bossa Novas, Bikinis, and Bad Ends 2.5 out of 5 stars. It was over-the-top in silliness. This was just not my type of cozy mystery. I prefer more focus on the mystery. One thing that I found annoying was it seems that Janice Rogers (she is the actress) is some type of man magnet. No matter where they go, she attracts all the men and dazzles them. If she is that good, why is she not in Hollywood (or married to a very rich man)? We get to catch up a little with the other Hoofers, but the main focus of the book in on Pat Keeler (who despite being in a wonderful relationship is attracted to someone else while in Rio). The next book has the Happy Hoofers joining the Rockettes for their Christmas show and it will be narrated by Mary Louse. Will I read it? I'm not sure. I would like to see what happens with Mary Louise. Will she stay in her marriage or leave her husband (who seems to stay on a couch)?

I received a complimentary copy of Bossa Novas, Bikinis, and Bad Ends from NetGalley (and Kensington Books) in exchange for an honest review of the novel.

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