Island Casualty

Book 2: An Andy Veracruz Mystery

by D.R. Ransdell

Genres: Hard-Boiled; International Crime & Mystery; Traditional Mysteries; humorous mystery

Synopsis

“Mind if I join you?” The man's tan was proof he hadn't spent the winter inside.

“Please do.” I nudged the metal chair towards him. Since only one of the harbor cafés had opened early enough to greet the morning ferry, its tables were full.

The man slid his overnight bag onto an adjoining chair and smoothed out his lightweight jacket. As he sat, he caught the waiter's attention, pointed to my espresso, and nodded.

I'd noticed my fellow companion on the Happy Island Ferry. Amidst Greek families coming home to visit their parents, young military men on leave, and clumps of foreigners, we'd both been out of place.

The man yawned wide. “After a night on the boat, I probably need two coffees.”

“I didn't sleep either. Those wooden benches cut into my back.”

The man arched his. “Mine too. Visiting?”

I nodded. “Here to see a friend.”

“Ah. A sex holiday.”

I hadn't expected to be so obvious.

Not every Greek island is a paradise!

When Andy Veracruz flies to Greece for a holiday, the California native expects to spend afternoons swimming and nights making love. But at an outdoor café, he meets a fellow traveler who accidentally leaves behind a package. Before Andy can return it, the man disappears. Andy tries to enjoy time with his girlfriend, but he feels unsettled. He longs to learn more about the man's history on the small island, but he can't find a concrete lead.

Rachel thinks Andy is wasting his time, but after she hurts her arm, he substitutes for her in the bouzouki band where she has a summer job. Andy soon realizes that he's not safe anywhere on the island, and neither are his friends. He vows not to take any more vacations, but how can he uncover the truth and protect his loved ones long enough to make his escape?

Join Andy for his Grecian adventure and enjoy an armchair trip to the Dodecanese. You won't even have to fall off a moped to sense what he's going through!


D.R. Ransdell writes from Tucson, Arizona, where she enjoys good swimming weather most of the year. During the school season she teaches composition to international students at the University of Arizona. She also moonlights in a mariachi band, which gives her plenty of ideas for murder victims for her mystery series. When vacation starts, she hits the road, leaving behind several mischievous cats. One of her favorite travel destinations is Greece, where each island offers a new favorite beach, and she can spend long nights listening to bouzouki music.

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Release date: March 1, 2023

Publisher: Independently published

Print pages: 257

Content advisory: minor violence