Vexed by Vodka

Lucy Lakestone

Nov 2020 · Velvet Petal Press

About this ebook

Movies, murder and too much vodka …

Mixologist Pepper Revelle is thrilled the Bohemia Bartenders’ latest gig is in her backyard: a cocktail-themed film festival that draws all the usual suspects to Bohemia Beach. But good suspects are in short supply when a body wearing an antique gold coin necklace washes up on the Florida sand.

Pepper’s colleague and elusive crush Neil fears the worst for his grandfather, a treasure hunter who’s been missing for months. Meanwhile, Pepper’s big-bearded ex-boyfriend, an obnoxious celebrity mixologist with a TV crew in tow, is convinced someone’s trying to kill him, too. To Pepper’s dismay, he begs her for protection.

Stir in a couple of flickering Hollywood stars, a pushy TV producer, dashing distillers, a frantic festival chairman, a garnish-eating dog, vats of vodka and a double dose of danger, and Pepper’s patience is poised to pop like popcorn. Can the mixologists shake up a solution to multiple mysteries before they’re skewered like the olive in a martini?

Vexed by Vodka is the third book in the Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries, funny whodunits with a dash of romance set in a convivial collective of cocktail lovers, eccentrics and mixologists. These quasi-cozy culinary comedies contain a hint of heat, a splash of cursing and shots of laughter, served over hand-carved ice.

Ratings and reviews

As a long-time fan of author Lucy Lakestone, I was thrilled to receive a free advance copy of "Vexed by Vodka." The following review is my own honest opinion of this book. The Bohemia Bartenders series is a fun, exciting, delicious romp with Pepper Revelle and her quirky bartender buddies. Pepper is affectionately known as "Hot Pepper" by one of the juicier male characters; she is always finding herself in situations that require careful sleuthing and much adventure! "Vexed by Vodka" has her back at Bohemia Beach where she finds herself not only making yummy cocktails for a movie premiere but also entwined in the mystery of her bartender friend Neil's missing grandfather. Neil is her not- so - secret crush, so she is more than happy to help! What's more, Neil's grandfather is no ordinary grandfather; he is a treasure hunter who may be in a lot of trouble from those seeking his prize discovery from a long ago sunken ship in the Caribbean! How cool is that!? When a body with a gold necklace washed up on shore in the first chapter, I was completely hooked, I needed to know more! Throughout the entire book, I found myself eagerly reading to see what would happen next! I don't want to give any of the surprises away, but let's just say I was thoroughly surprised and satisfied by the ending, it was great! If you are looking for a fun book with superb writing, I would recommend giving this one a try. The Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries is really fun to read; the author does a great job tying each book to the next with just the right amount of details. I can't wait to see what the gang is up to in the next book when they all go to London!

This the third book in the series and I think it's enjoyed immeasurably more when you read the previous two books. The storyline is fun and entertaining, the drinks are mouthwatering, and the characters are quirky and relatable. This was a fun read from beginning to end! Can't wait for more! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

About the author

Lucy Lakestone is an award-winning author who lives on Florida’s east central coast, among the towns that serve as an inspiration for the hot romances of her Bohemia Beach Series and the jumping-off point for the Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries. She’s been a journalist, photographer, editor and video producer but prefers living in her imagination, where the moon is full and the cocktails are divine.