Here is Topper’s review:
Hold onto your sun hats, because "Death by Surfboard," the third installment of Susie Black's dazzling Holly Swimsuit Mysteries, certainly makes waves! This novel is a delightful blend of fashion and intrigue that kept me intrigued from start to finish. Our beloved 4’8” fashion powerhouse protagonist, Holly Schlivnik, is back, and she’s ready to take on the world of swimwear and sleuthing once again. As the president of a high-end swimwear line, Holly's day job involves hitting sales quotas and navigating showroom drama. However, when a murder is disguised as a drowning, Holly's penchant for poking her nose into mysteries comes into play, especially when her boss is wrongly accused. With the police narrowing their focus on him, Holly takes it upon herself to dive deep into the investigation to try to clear his name.
Holly Schlivnik’s character sparkles as vibrantly as the swimwear she peddles. Her personality is a whirlwind of sharp, sarcastic wit and a sassy attitude that keeps me extremely entertained. Holly's colorful inner monologue and her "fashionista out of water" moments are a testament to the series' signature comedy. Susie Black masterfully crafts Holly’s character, allowing readers to experience her internal dialogue and emotions, while she outwardly remains the picture of professionalism - at least as much as Holly can. I found myself chuckling at these humorous play-nice-in-the-sandbox occurrences.
The supporting cast in "Death by Surfboard" adds depth and humor to the story. Holly’s trusty standard poodle, Sigmund Freud (affectionately known as Siggie), is more than just a pet—he’s her confidant and comedic sidekick that plays an important role in this installment, encouraging me to root for him as much as Holly. The Yentas, Holly's group of close-knit friends and colleagues, are a delightful addition, with Queenie being my standout favorite. Queenie, Holly’s best friend, consistently offers a voice of reason (or a nudge towards trouble), and their interactions are nothing short of hilarious. Meanwhile, Holly’s relationship with the police, particularly her detective friend AJ Yakamura, is complex and adds an interesting dynamic to the narrative as her sleuthing often ruffles feathers.
Susie Black has crafted a suspenseful, fast-paced "whodunit" that seamlessly alternates between Holly’s high-stakes professional life and her clandestine detective work. The narrative’s brisk pace ensures that there are no dull moments, with each chapter pulling me deeper into the mystery. This story is a thrilling ride that ends with a memorable and satisfying killer of a conclusion, leaving just enough room for the next chapter in Holly's life.
With more twists than a fashion week runway and enough suspense to keep even the savviest sleuths on their toes, "Death by Surfboard" is a must-read. Just like a perfectly fitted bikini, this story leaves quite the impression as Holly Schlivnik once again tries to prove that she can unthread the most tangled of mysteries. So, slip into your reading gear and let Holly take you on a suspense-filled adventure that’s sure to be the highlight of your literary trip.
https://books2read.com/u/mZVL5D
What a wonderful review!