If you’re looking for a mystery that’s tough to crack, Susie Black’s seventh installment of the Holly Swimsuit Mysteries, Death by Coconut, is a total tropical treat!
Set against the high-stakes backdrop of a Miami swimwear trade show, the story dives deep into the cutthroat world of wholesale fashion when Simon Posnick—a man with more enemies than a shark-infested reef after making a career out of burning bridges and double-crossing colleagues—is found dead on a storage room floor—murdered by a coconut, no less. When the police pin the crime on Holly’s mentor, the sharp-tongued and irreverent President of Mermaid Swimwear, Holly Schlivnik, must, once again, trade her sales pitch for sleuthing. This entry marks a fascinating evolution for the series. While this installment maintains its signature wit and heart, Susie Black wades into slightly “hard-boiled” territory with a more intense, suspenseful pace. It’s a high-speed chase through a sea of human predators where the suspects are as plentiful as the SPF at a Florida beach.
While the stakes feel higher and the action more suspenseful than previous entries, the story remains grounded by Holly’s personal growth and her relatable family dynamics. I especially loved the addition of Holly’s mother, the poignant “wisdom tidbits” Holly remembers from her Nana, and the emotional depth we see when Holly discusses her dad’s retirement, all of which provide a soulful counterpoint to the adrenaline of the murder investigation. Between juggling a high-pressure swimwear line and navigating a complicated romantic triangle involving her beau back home, Buddy LaValle, and a familiar face from the Miami Beach PD, Holly’s personal growth shines as brightly as the tiger-print outfits Avril wears in this installment.
What truly sets this installment apart is the breakneck pace that mirrors the frenetic energy of a Miami trade show, ensuring there’s never a dull moment between the fashion and the fatalities. Susie Black paints a picturesque and vividly detailed backdrop, making the salt air and heatwaves feel so real that you can almost feel the humidity on the page. I felt like I was walking right alongside Holly as she navigated her investigation.
The plot is a masterclass in suspense, peppered with plenty of twists and expertly placed red herrings that kept me guessing—and second-guessing—every suspect’s motive until the very last page. Most importantly, the journey leads to a satisfying ending that ties up the chaotic threads of the swimwear underworld while leaving the heart full, making every high-stakes moment feel earned.
Death by Coconut is a fast-paced, hilarious, hard-boiled yet heartfelt “whodunit” that proves Holly is never out of her depth. You’d be absolutely nuts to miss this one!
https://www.amazon.com/Death-Coconut-Holly-Swimsuit-Mystery/dp/B0GX9FZDNP