Azalea and I – On the Road to Mutiny
Barbara Wells and her best friend Azalea Dunbar are sent on their
third adventure by Bab’s uncle Charles, who owns a rapidly expanding successful
travel agency, Maddens Magic Carpet Tours.
This takes them to the Dominican Republic reporting back to Uncle
Charles about the super yacht that he is thinking of buying, to add to the Spanish
resort that he purchased not long ago and the coach travel company he has been
nurturing for years.
The girls soon come up against a possible mutiny aboard the
yacht due to the present owner having financial problems and no interest in the ship.
A beleaguered captain is grateful for their input but before matters can be sorted out
murder, illegal gambling, theft and deceit are on the menu. A serious storm nearly
capsizes the yacht.
With the help of old colleagues from the previous Spanish
adventure and Bab’s uncle who joins them on the yacht, matters are sorted out but
not before twists and turns involve nearly everyone with surprising results. People
who seem quiet turn out to be tigers and people who may be bad turn into hero’s.
Interaction with passengers is both amusing and serious and
adds to the interest and mystery. Eg the Australian couple – throw a shrimp on the
barbie, the Russian oligarch who isn’t, the gay Scottish kilt flinging couple and more.
The characters of Babs and Lea develop as they face new issues.
Insecurities, strengths and weaknesses are laid bare. With Lea’s zany personality
much humour abounds where even serious situations can take a turn of light
heartedness.
A read for the beach, armchair travellers, enthuiasts of amateur
sleuths. Glamorous backgrounds, gung-ho adventure and happy endings abound. It
is a ‘cozy’ with depth.

A modern Mary Stuart in the mould of ‘The Moon Spinners’.