Pineapple Lies

Pineapple Port Mysteries 1

By: Amy Vansant

Narrated by: Rosemary Benson

Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Growing up in one of Florida's age-55-plus communities, Charlotte never expected life to be wild. Golf cart racing with her surrogate mothers Mariska and Darla was about as nutty as life got... until she found the hot pawnbroker's mom buried in her backyard.

Talk about making a lousy first impression.

Armed with nothing but her wits, Pineapple Port's questionable cast of characters and a growing crush, Charlotte is determined to solve the mystery of Declan's mother's murder.

Hey, at least this guy's skeletons aren't in his closet.

©2015 Amy Vansant (P)2015 Amy Vansant

Hilarious! Brilliant story, brilliant narration!

Would you listen to Pineapple Lies again? Why?

I do listen to it again - especially the scene in the clubhouse. Unbelievably funny. The narrator - Rosemary Benson - has pitch perfect comic timing.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved them all - they were so beautifully well written and superbly acted - distinct characterizations. Wacky, funny, foibles - loved them all.

Which character – as performed by Rosemary Benson – was your favorite?

Couldn't choose one - maybe Penny.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Totally.

Any additional comments?

Rosemary Benson is uniquely talented as an audiobook narrator - she has an impeccable ear for characterization and her accents are flawless. Amy Vansant is a talented author - her dialogue rivals Aaron Sorkin - this is an eminently entertaining audiobook.

OH HOW I LOVE A COZY MYSTERY!!!!!!!

What made the experience of listening to Pineapple Lies the most enjoyable?

It was funny, and narrated well...super fun listen!!!

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes and No....but it was such a fun time...I loved it..and yes it was a surprise at how this murder really happened!

Which character – as performed by Rosemary Benson – was your favorite?

Charlotte...and Mariska ans Darla..they were sooo funny!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I really liked how Charlotte persisted and was gently with Declan....and the extasy mishap was hilarious!!!!!!

Any additional comments?

**I was given a free copy of this book via audiobookblast in exchange for an honest review**

This was a great little listen, and super funny...I am so glad I discovered cozy mysteries...because they are almost always a guaranteed good time!!!

Charlotte lives in her grandmas home in a retirement community called Pineapple Port...she is only 26...but inherited it when her grandma passed away...this has been her home since she was young and the whole community has taken her under there wing and cared for her...She has 2 older lady besties Mariska and Darla and they are hilarious!

Charlotte discovers some bones in her backyard and it turns out to be a missing ladies skeletal remains...Declan runs a pawn shop and frequents pineapple cove when people have passed to buy items for his store...well he meets Charlotte and quite by mistake sees a necklace that was on the body and recognizes it as belonging to his missing mom...Charlotte and her friends are determined to help Declan and discover what happened....and it is a hilarious and fun time with a little romance solving this mystery!!!

I adored this and recommend it!!!!

Funny Mystery

I enjoyed this book. I'm in my 20's and thought Pineapple Port residents were a hoot! The narrator did a great job, and I was surprised by the ending. There is very minimal language. There are sexual innuendo jokes throughout, and one scene. It's passionate kissing with some touching, but no sex scene. I would rate it PG-13. There's too many jokes for me to feel comfortable listening to this with kids, but I recommend it for adults who want some fun and mystery.

Laugh out loud!

What made the experience of listening to Pineapple Lies the most enjoyable?

Ms. Benson's narration ... it draws you right into the story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Pineapple Lies?

When Charlotte takes what she thinks is aspirin. Not going to spoil it but it is funny!

What does Rosemary Benson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ms. Benson really gets the characters. She gives each one their own voice. Charlotte has a lot of 'in her head' dialogue and Ms. Benson is able to make it so you know what Charlotte is saying out loud and what she is not.

Any additional comments?

Pineapple Lies is the story of Charlotte, a woman in her mid 20's, who lives in a 55+ retirement community. With her 2 surrogate mothers along for the ride, Charlotte is determined to figure out who murdered the woman that was buried in her backyard. Throw in a hunky pawnbroker who happens to be the son of the dead woman and you have yourself a comedy waiting to happen.

Ms. Vansant has written a solid mystery full of humor, laughs and surprises. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the cozy mystery genre of books.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Pineapple Lies earns 5/5 Bones in the Garden!

What did you love best about Pineapple Lies?

Amy Vansant’s Pineapple Lies is the perfect juicy adventure: Skeleton in the garden? Cold case mystery? Budding romance? Geriatric antics? I thoroughly enjoyed this story for its cleverness (Neighborhood Watch turned Corpse Committee), humor (puns to punchlines), and an “Oh, my!” ending (perilous, of course) I almost didn’t see coming. Amy’s characters already are well developed for a first book, although their vulnerabilities will be exciting to see how they affect them in future.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the quirky humor and the dynamics between all the fifty-five plus-ers and Charlotte. But, I think I loved following Charlotte: her patience for all her local ‘grandmas,’ her caution with the ‘green-eyed’ hunk, her clever note-taking on her chalkboard wall. Also I enjoyed the nuances of a retirement community, multi-generational perspectives, and the dynamic between Charlotte and the former Chicago cop.

Have you listened to any of Rosemary Benson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't heard other Rosemary Benson performances, but compared to others I've listened to she is in the top five! She is brilliant! She has an extraordinary voice talent providing a marvelous experience. Her range was astounding: from a southern drawl to a Chicago twang, from a gruff old man to a young guy, from calm and determined to ‘just lost all control,’ Rosemary enriched Amy Vansant’s story. I’d love to have her read the rest of the series to me…

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I definitely laughed...a lot. But the winces, gasps, and 'oh, no!' moments happened frequently, too.

Any additional comments?

I love the series, and it fit perfectly as an audiobook. This was vastly superior to just having someone read the book to me or me for myself; it has enriched the experience with sound that so illustrates manner, emotion, and personality with much more impact than I could master. I loved it!

Super Fun Listen

I love a cozy mystery while working in my quilting studio, and this was great fun. I finished it all in one day and look forward to the next one. Wished they were just a tad longer.

a witty, cozy mystery...

I received this audio book of "Pineapple Lies" as a gift in exchange for a honest and unbiased review. First of all - Kudos to the author for writing a witty, hilarious cozy mystery! I laughed my butt off many times! I really enjoyed listening to this book. The older generation can be so funny and that is very true in this story. Everyone is in everyone else's business too! that makes it even more funny, along with the rumors. I love the mystery and danger in this book too!

The author, Amy Vansant did a fantastic job writing this story! The plot is great. The jokes are even better. The old ladies, just crack me up! The narrator, Rosemary Benson did a fantastic job delivering this story to us! I loved the accents and all the multiple voices too! Great job, both of you!

hilarious

this was the funniest book I've ever heard. when you get to know the cast of characters, it's even funnier. A cozy mystery ;yes, but so much more. I haven't laughed out loud this much in a while.

Cute light read

This is a cozy mystery. Quiet read with some humor and who done it. The only thing I didn't like was it was drawn out(why I gave it three stars). That being said I really enjoyed the characters and would listen to the second book in this series.

A truly enjoyable listen!

If you enjoy cozy mysteries that keep you guessing and give you a good laugh, then you'll love this one! A truly enjoyable listen of a well-written story from start to finish.