katiya's review
4.0
Downsized out of her executive career as a magazine editor, Plum Lockhart's scrambles to secure another job net her a position as a villa broker on a small Caribbean island. When one of her first clients winds up dead, Plum pushes the police to realize they have a clear case of murder on their hands.
It took far too many pages in the book to get to the point where I could honestly say I only disliked the main character. I didn't connect with any of the players until late in the game. As I finished the last few pages, I found that Plum wasn't completely galling and that I'd enjoyed the story despite her presence. The mystery was a pure enigma and puzzling it out was a lot of fun. And, like most people, a tropical island life is my idea of a perfect existence. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and, believe me, this is a happy surprise.
It took far too many pages in the book to get to the point where I could honestly say I only disliked the main character. I didn't connect with any of the players until late in the game. As I finished the last few pages, I found that Plum wasn't completely galling and that I'd enjoyed the story despite her presence. The mystery was a pure enigma and puzzling it out was a lot of fun. And, like most people, a tropical island life is my idea of a perfect existence. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and, believe me, this is a happy surprise.
ann_cathrin's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was so much more fun than I thought it would be. Really enjoyed the character development but I struggled more than once with taking the name Juan Kevin seriously... I mean, I just kinda went with just Kevin in my mind after a few times.
Will definitely continue the series.
Will definitely continue the series.
beanieboptm's review
MC is very unlikable and annoying. I might go back and finish this later, but IDK yet.
aspygirlsmom_1995's review
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
frodoreads's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
keepingyouonread's review
4.0
It Takes Two to Mango is so stinking cute (also that title/cover is 100). Plum Lockhart isn’t particularly likable - she’s that manager who read a guide to moving up in corporate America and lives her life by it. She’s abrupt, no-nonsense and a go-getter. When the magazine she works for is shutdown, she gets a job on a Caribbean island as a villa broker. With an office rival, a dead client and potential murderer on the loose; Plum and local security guard Juan Kevin decide to try to solve the murder.
What I liked: Plum is a character that if you’ve spent any time in a big company - you’ve met her and probably hate her. But honestly, I also connected with her. She knew what she wanted and went for it, she’s funny, she’s a bit lost and a lot Type A.
The relationships are so good in this book. I love the budding maybe-romance relationship between Plum and Juan Kevin. And Lucia taking her under her wing.
The cultural differences between Plum being from NYC to the more laidback island approach were funny to read.
The mystery is engaging and I did not figure out the murderer.
What didn’t work for me: there are a lot of characters but it wasn’t too bad keeping up with them and my guess is some will show up in book two.
Who should read it: fans of mysteries that want a beachy take on an island murder mystery. This book had me dreaming of a Caribbean resort and mixed drinks (minus the murder).
Thanks to @poisonedpenpress for my copy, I can’t wait for book two!
What I liked: Plum is a character that if you’ve spent any time in a big company - you’ve met her and probably hate her. But honestly, I also connected with her. She knew what she wanted and went for it, she’s funny, she’s a bit lost and a lot Type A.
The relationships are so good in this book. I love the budding maybe-romance relationship between Plum and Juan Kevin. And Lucia taking her under her wing.
The cultural differences between Plum being from NYC to the more laidback island approach were funny to read.
The mystery is engaging and I did not figure out the murderer.
What didn’t work for me: there are a lot of characters but it wasn’t too bad keeping up with them and my guess is some will show up in book two.
Who should read it: fans of mysteries that want a beachy take on an island murder mystery. This book had me dreaming of a Caribbean resort and mixed drinks (minus the murder).
Thanks to @poisonedpenpress for my copy, I can’t wait for book two!