Kindle Edition Amazon sharonburchtoner.com Amazon Barnes & Noble Category:  Mystery/Suspense Publisher: Create Space ISBN-10:  1466235195 Type: Fiction Pages: 216 Copyright: October 16, 2011 ISBN-13: 9781466235199 Price: $3.99 (eBook) Maggie McGill and daughter, Allie, face a dangerous mystery on a sub-tropical island off the coast of Floria. Maggie's Island, the fouth of the Maggie McGill Mysteries When on a sunset beach meander, Maggie meets Timothy, whose eyes are an amazing shade of blue, she has no idea that this handsome stranger will lead her into a mystery so dangerous that it may change her entire life. First, Timothy is attacked on a nearby private island, and then the body of an unidentified stranger is found and the puzzle deepens. Maggie’s daughter, Allie, pleased that her mother finally may have found a “possible someone,” rushes to unravel what part Maggie is playing in the mystery. Although optimist Maggie, denies any danger to herself, Allie’s concern for her mother grows. The sun-drenched island is a wild, lush, tropical other world replete with monkeys, parrots and even a mysterious beachcomber. Who is the beachcomber? Why is he on the island? Who was the mysterious body? How did he die? Who attacked Timothy? What secrets are hidden on the island? Using lessons learned from their mentors, Hadi and Miguel, and every bit of strength, courage and wit they can muster, the two women struggle to answer these questions and to survive as the mystery and danger intensify. Excerpt MAGGIE'S ISLAND – book excerpt Maggie opened her eyes with a start. She must have dozed off. What had awakened her? The storm cacophony continued outside. Across the sofa, Allie’s eyes flew open. They stared into each other’s eyes. What happened? A dim light glowed from the one lamp they’d left on. Through the gloom she could see the three men sitting up and looking around. Something was different. What? Above the noise of the storm, a noise they had become more or less accustomed to, came another sound. What was it? Under the noise of the incessant wind, the sound of objects hitting the house, the lightning and thunder, the slashing sound of rain, here was a a low sound, a sort of a roar. The old house shuddered. Maggie and Allie moved closer together, hands clasped, eyes wide. There was no ambient light now. Dark. What time is it? Night. What was that noise? Maggie’s eyes widened. It must be the storm surge. If only they could see. Maybe better not to see. The old house’s creaking could be heard above the storm noises. Poor old thing. Hang together, old house. Don’t give up. Hold on. The lamp’s dim light went out.

Library of Clean Reads
Maggie McGill, psychologist, artist and amateur sleuth is back in her home town of Costa Mira, Florida in this fourth of a series of Maggie McGill mysteries. While on a beach walk Maggie meets tall, handsome blue-eyed Brit Timothy. There is a mutual attraction and they meet for an enjoyable lunch. Days go by with no word from Timothy. When he gets beaten up, stranded on nearby Manatee Island and begs for Maggie’s help, she realizes a mystery is swirling around him. Who is he really?

In this book we are reconnected with several familiar characters from the previous books, including Pascal, Maggie’s charming, French, art gallery owner. As well, the reader is treated to more of the warm, loving relationship between Maggie and her photographer daughter, Allie. Both Maggie and Allie are intelligent, strong, resourceful women, but it will take all of their strength, courage and wit to survive as the danger around them intensifies.

I loved the descriptions of the beaches, the warm sub-tropical climate, the beautiful sunsets, the animals and birds of Florida. “Sandpipers and sanderlings scuttled at the water’s edge, playing tag with each foamy wave, daring the waves to touch their tiny feet. The waves continued the contest but never won. The birds reminded Maggie of old-fashioned ladies going about their household chores.” Sharon Burch Toner delights the reader with her elegant writing!

I highly recommend this delightful, clean, light-hearted mystery.
Sandra Olshaski
Library of Clean Reads