Banana Split A Culinary Mystery by Josi S. Kilpack

Sadie Hoffmiller has survived eighteen months of nonstop adventures filled with murder, deceit, and danger. She could really use some rest—and maybe even some time to heal—relaxing in the tropical paradise of Kaua'i. However, palm trees and sunshine are not as effective a medication as Sadie had hoped. And when she finds herself entangled—literally—with a dead body, she is forced to face the compounding fears and anxieties that are making her life so difficult to live.

Her determination to stay out of danger and to focus on overcoming her anxieties soon takes a backseat when she meets eleven-year-old Charlie, the son of the woman whose body she discovered near Anahola Beach. Charlies has some questions of his own about what happened to his mother, and he is convinced that only Sadie can help him. If only Sadie were as confident in her abilities as Charlie is.

With the help of her best friend and a local social worker, Sadie dives into another mystery with the hope that, at the end, she'll be able to find the peace and closure that has eluded her.

First line:
"You snorkel before?"

Another great Sadie Hoffmiller mystery! 
Sadie goes to Hawaii to get away from her life and relax. The last year and a half really have taken toll on our heroine and it's showing.
Unfortunately for Sadie, she lands in the middle of another murder mystery and she's not up to the task. But when a young boy is involved, she decides she needs to solve this one last mystery.
This story is different than the previous ones and I had a hard time getting into it at first. Then I realized what Josi has done. She's showing us the natural results of being in the middle of traumatic scenes: post-traumatic stress disorder. Sadie can't go on without being affected which makes us care for her even more than before. 
This book is not a quick read. It takes us into the mind and life of someone suffering from PTSD. It's interesting watching Sadie lose confidence in herself and her skills but still unable to keep away from being an amateur detective.
Another great book from Josi Kilpack! Go, Josi!


Rating: PG
L: No
S: No
V: Dead body, 


Liked:
Setting
Island slang 
Recipes


Disliked:
Not figuring out 'whodunit'


4 STARS

Want to buy Josi's book? Here's the Amazon link for Banana Split.

Find out more about Josi and drool over all her yummy looking books!