annieb123's Review of All That Glitters Isn't Old (A Whit and Whiskers Mystery, #3)

by Gabby Allan

The bubbly fun of a rom-com meets the irresistible quirkiness of a cozy mystery in this buoyant new rom-cozy set off the coast of Southern California. It’s the perfect vacation spot for those who want to get away from it all. Unfortunately for Santa Catalina boat tour guide Whitney Dagner and her chonky cat Whiskers, it’s also the perfect vacation spot for people who want to get away with murder…

"A purrrfect mystery to curl up with!" - Modern Cat

When she’s not piloting a glass bottom boat, showing the sights to tourists, Whit sells seashells by the seashore—among many other sea and sand souvenirs—to help keep her family shop, Nautically Yours, afloat. It’s a far cry from her corporate climbing ladder life in Los Angeles, but Whit and her frisky feline, Whiskers, love calling Catalina home and being close to family. Especially Whit’s grandmother Goldy, a fun and feisty senior who always marched to the beat of a different drum.

In her youth, Goldy was an item with a Catalina catch named Darren. But it was actually a ruse to fool Darren’s parents who wouldn’t have accepted his preference for men. Eventually, he left the island and chose the life—and life-partner—he wanted for himself. Back in town for his mother’s funeral, Darren takes the opportunity to heal his open wounds, and settle some scores.

In a surprise to the residents, Darren produced a documentary about the history of Catalina, and has arranged a premiere screening in the local theater. But his film career is cut short when his partner’s dead body is discovered the night before the opening. Rumors swirl about Darren’s past, along with his partner’s—and the things they’ve done—giving a lot of folks a lot of motives. Now, it’s up to Whit and her boyfriend policeman to catch a killer, and uncover just how much Grandma Goldy knows about the back door deals tied to Darren’s past . . .

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

All That Glitters Isn't Old is the 3rd Whit and Whiskers cozy mystery by Gabby Allan. Released 25th July 2023 by Kensington Books, it's 256 pages and is available in paerback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a fun light series which combines rom-com and cozy mystery. It's not -overly- heavy on the former, and readers who usually avoid romance altogether in their cozy reads won't be overwhelmed here, but there is significant rom-com content (fun and lighthearted). The mystery is well constructed and the dialogue is solid.

It's got an island paradise setting, with summer vibes and nice mystery; a perfect escapist read for a cold dark winter afternoon. It would make a good selection for public library acquisition, or for fans of island rom-com mysteries. With three books in the ongoing series, it would also be a good choice for a weekend binge/buddy read.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Reading updates

19 December, 2023: Started reading

19 December, 2023: Finished reading

19 December, 2023: Reviewed