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Sizzling Summer (A Summer O'Dare Mystery): 2 Paperback – 15 March 2021
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When a Heat Wave hits town, a Crime Wave always follows.
Someone is stealing pets in Northland, New Zealand. And Doubtless Bay's resident kooky, private investigator is put on the case. It's not what she normally investigates, but in order to pay the bills - and buy more donuts! - Summer O'Dare is willing to take on any job that pays.
Just as well, because the police are too busy investigating something else; something Summer's 'Honey Bunny' - Detective Danvers to those who don't know him, and Detective Douche to those who do - isn't telling.
With this many secrets flying around town, you'd think it would be easy for Summer to keep her own counsel.
But add in a ferret-loving goth guy who can see the dead, a real estate agent who scares the beekeepers out of Summer and her friends, and an arch-enemy who has her sights set on Summer's beachside property, not to mention Summer's hot date, and secrets start unravelling all over the place.
Just as well she’s got a few tricks up her sleeve. And a penchant for donuts. But can Summer keep them? Her secrets, as well as the donuts. Or will the world finally know Summer O'Dare for the freak of nature she truly is?
A fast-paced cozy mystery set in Northland, New Zealand from Amazon Bestselling Author Nicola Claire.
- Print length228 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication date15 March 2021
- Dimensions15.24 x 1.32 x 22.86 cm
- ISBN-13979-8716429963
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Product details
- ASIN : B08YQCQ6YP
- Publisher : Independently published (15 March 2021)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 228 pages
- ISBN-13 : 979-8716429963
- Dimensions : 15.24 x 1.32 x 22.86 cm
- Best Sellers Rank: 12,952 in Cosy Animal Mysteries
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

A bit of a romance junkie, Nicola can be known to devour as many as half a dozen books a week if she drinks too much coffee. But her real passion is writing thrilling romantic suspense stories with strong female leads and alpha male protagonists who know how to love them.
So far, she’s written well over 70 books. She might have caught the writing bug; here’s hoping there’s no cure!
Customer reviews
Top reviews from Australia
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- Reviewed in Australia on 16 March 2021Great fast paced mystery with the unique Summer and her Detective Douche. Totally enjoyable- in fact I couldn’t put it down. More of Summer please 🙏
Top reviews from other countries
- TeresaReviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 March 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars They kiss at last
Verified PurchaseSummer & Alex are back for more mysteries about missing pets, illegal gambling. And a mystery theft. Summer keeps turning up to save Alex aka Detective Douche and after a heart to heart from Alex he tells Summer a big secret. Which leads to them getting closer. I really enjoyed getting to know these two characters and would love to see a third book to see how the lovebirds are doing.
- Jamie W.Reviewed in the United States on 16 March 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars A heat wave means a crime wave. No worries, though. Summer is on the case!
Verified PurchaseI have never been so happy to be back in a book world!! Summer O’Dare is one of my favorite heroines, and I loved being back on the case in Doubtless Bay.
Summary:
Summer O’Dare might have a teensy bit of an addiction to coffee and donuts, and prefer to keep a roof over her head. To feed her habit and the necessities, she’s accepting pretty much any and all paying jobs. A decision she’s regretting as she stares at the empty chicken coop. But all too soon, Summer is hot on the trail of a petnapper because Sandy the chicken isn’t the only Doubtless Bay pet to go missing. With Detective Douche keeping mum about another investigation underway, it’s up to Summer to save the pets. But secrets seem to be flying around town, making her investigation come to a bit of a standstill. With everything unraveling around her, it’s a struggle for Summer to keep hold of her own secrets (as well as her donuts) without becoming known as the town freak. The chase is on, in more ways than one, and this Summer is set to be sizzling. Summer will have to use all her tricks to navigate both the crime and heat waves successfully, and even come out of it all with a hot date.
Sizzling Summer was just as entertaining as book one, and Summer was as spunky as ever. Her loyalty, determination, and skill are obvious, but I also loved that her quirky personality was a focus here. She reminds me of a Kiwi Veronica Mars with a dash of Stephanie Plum, and I adored that. She was loving, kind, independent, and funny with a love and appreciation of her hometown that’s admirable. She’s just the coolest and my new best friend (😉). I’m also no longer on the fence about Danvers. Summer made him work, but he was there for it. I loved that he made no bones about chasing Summer. He was sweet and cognizant of her wariness which served him well in his pursuits. We learned so much more about him and his family history in this book, making him a more approachable and open character. This is firmly categorized as a cozy mystery, but the romance sizzled on the back burner nicely. I loved the relationship development between Summer and Danvers. Not in your face, but more a subtle realization that the connection was deep and strong. In the end, I devoured every word of Sizzling Summer, and found myself a little sad that it had to end. I was immediately drawn into the storyline by the chicken, and held captive by an unconventional case. It’s a pretty fast-paced story, but with plenty of intrigue and action. Summer’s particular method of investigation also added an element of mystery and interpretation to the story. I enjoyed seeing her work so closely with Danvers and travel about her beach home in search of clues. Supporting cast (except for maybe Suzy the Floozy) was supportive, fun, and just as quirky as Summer in their own ways. One of my absolute favorite aspects of this story, though, was the verbal sparring throughout. Oftentimes, it had me laughing out loud and trying to think of my own witty comebacks. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Nicola Claire has a gift for pulling us into the story and making us feel like we are right next to her characters. Her descriptions of New Zealand continue to tease me and fill me with longing for a visit. I definitely recommend Sizzling Summer if you’re in the mood for a light, fun mystery with a dash of romance. But don’t forget your coffee and donuts! I cannot wait to get back to Doubtless Bay in future!♡
- KarenVWReviewed in the United States on 26 December 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun under the sun
Verified PurchaseThis series is a lot of fun, Summer is a great character! Her adventures are non stop and it always works out in the end despite how she gets there. It has it all, excitement, a fast pace, humor, cute animals, a crazy aunt and romance.
- JGundyReviewed in the United States on 19 March 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!
Verified PurchaseSummer is definitely one of a kind and I love it! Her quirkiness and intelligence are a great combo that makes for a fantastic series. Her little go round with Alex makes it even better, along with her aunt and friends.