Murder on Sex Island: A Luella Van Horn Mystery

Comedian and actor Firestone debuts with a hilarious cozy set during the production of a reality dating show. When David G., one of the most popular contestants on Sex Island, goes missing, the show’s producers hire Staten Island PI Luella Van Horn to go undercover as a contestant to find him. As Luella blends in with the cast, she eyes everyone as a potential suspect, especially Sex Island’s lecherous director, ruthless producers, and shady crew. She soon learns that all the male cast members were jealous of David G., and all the women wanted him just as badly as it looked on TV. Then things start to go awry for Luella: she discovers a body in her bathtub, accompanied by a threatening note; she’s drugged; and she starts to fall for a fellow contestant. As her castmates battle for a cash prize, Luella knows she’s in danger, but she’s determined to solve the case and maintain her professional reputation. Firestone scores major points with her outrageous premise, laugh-out-loud one-liners, and fast-paced plot. It’s a tropical blast of sun, sex, and sleuthing. Agent: Abby Saul, Lark Group. (June)

Correction: A previous version of this review misstated the name the main character uses for her undercover work.