Review - Second Chance at Murder

I didn't read the first novel in this series, but I am jumping in on the second book.  I was able to understand the story without having read the prior book, so no worries on that score.  Let's drop in on a reality show similar to The Amazing Race set in Spain where murder makes an unscheduled appearance.

Author: Diana Orgain

Copyright: Jan 2016 (Berkley) 298 pgs

Series: 2nd in Love or Money Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy

Main Characters: Georgia Thornton, former police-officer now reality show contestant

Setting: Modern day, Spain

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

The first book in the series was like a Bachelorette show, Georgia met and fell in love with Scott.  Sadly, the prize money is all gone.  So Georgia and Scott agree to appear in a new reality show, pitting them against other teams in an athletic journey across the countryside of Spain for a chance to win $250,000. Before the fierce competition can even begin Georgia is knocked for a loop when Scott, along with his passport, disappears during an overnight camping trip in the Pyrenees Mountains, leaving only his bloody wristwatch behind—and a woman’s dead body.

With the Spanish authorities ready to convict Scott, Georgia must find him and prove his innocence in an amazing race against crime

Georgia is emotionally challenged because of Scott's disappearance and the implications that he left her.  Scott doesn't get much page time in this edition, so his fans may be a tad disappointed.  Georgia's father Gordon becomes the replacement on the show to keep filming.  He is a great character and adds to the story nicely.  Sergio is one of the Spanish policeman investigating the murder and Scott's suspicious disappearance, who becomes smitten with Georgia.  Becca, show producer and her best friend has short scenes as well as Cheryl, the Executive producer who is dating Gordon.  Cheryl is very driven and single minded (TV Ratings).  Cooper, one of the contestants and a suspect is a breakout character.

The exotic location of Spain with old historic churches and landmarks is a great backdrop for the race.  I like this aspect of the story.  

The plot presents a scary scenario of being in a foreign country and your romantic partner disappears and is the main suspect in a murder.  That is a great premise that immediately gets your interest.  The full picture slowly develops of what happened and kept me turning the pages.  The killer reveal is tense and suspenseful, the wrap up is uplifting.

This series has a fun and engaging heroine with great locations and tantalizing mysteries.  

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it, it had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list