The Turtle Mound Murder

In the 1st book in the DAFFODILS Mystery series, we are introduced to long-time friends and sorority sisters Penny Sue, Ruthie, and Leigh. All are divorced, and members of the exclusive Daffodils club (divorced and finally free of deceitful, insensitive, licentious scum). Leigh is recovering from her recent divorce, and goes to New Smyrna Beach with her two friends to escape her troubles and clear her mind. The ladies stay in Penny Sue's father's condo on the beach, and settle in for a nice vacation full of sun, sand, relaxation, and (hopefully) good karma. Things quickly go awry when they find themselves in the midst of an argument between a group member trying to save hatchling turtles, and a man who seems intent on disturbing the protected turtle nests. Waving her gun and firing shots into the sand, Penny Sue quickly puts an end to the argument. However, it is just the beginning of the run-ins that she, Ruthie, and Leigh have with the police during their stay. Their troubles only escalate the morning that Leigh stumbles over the dead body of the turtle-hater on the beach. The ladies quickly turn into suspects, and they begin to investigate the murder to clear their own names. While planning a party to introduce themselves to their neighbors, purifying bad spirits, and dodging stalkers, these gritty ladies find that their enduring friendship can conquer all. I just adore the DAFFODILS! What a lively, zany group of women! I found myself laughing aloud many times while reading this book, and I was amazed at the goofy situations that they found themselves in. Their unswerving loyalty to one-another shines through some tough situations, and it was heart warming to see how they were able to work together in spite of the vast differences in their personalities. This story speaks to the power of friendship between women, and presented an outstanding mystery that kept me wondering as to the outcome right up until the end. If you like cozies, or humorous books about the power of friendship through the years, give this series a try. The next book in the series is called "Bike Week Blues". Enjoy!

I grew up in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and was amazed at the authenticity of the area in this book. The story is well written and an exciting mystery, but the descriptions of the area and events in the area are fantastic. Reading this book has made me homesick. I look forward to reading many more books from Mary Clay.

This book just made me laugh out loud! Wonderful lazy day and/or beach - poolside reading. Have just started the sequel Bike Week. Hope there is another to follow.

Wonderful reading! Enjoyed it very much. I found it well written and laugh-out-loud funny. Keep up the good work Mary Clay---as I am hooked on the Daffodils!

Mary Clay is a pen name for Linda Tuck-Jenkins. Her first novel, Starpeople: The Sirian Redemption was voted First Runner-Up for Best Visionary Fiction of 2001.Move over, Steel Magnolias; move over, First Wives Club. "The Daffodils" have arrived. Named for "Divorced and Finally Free of Deceitful, Insensitive, Licentious Scum," the Daffodils are comprised of Penny Sue Park, Ruthie Nichols, and most recently, Rebecca Leigh Stratton, who is newly divorced from her assets stealing; two-timing lawyer husband Zack. The Daffodils decide to take a trip to their college retreat, off New Smyrna Beach, but Leigh discovers a body on the beach within twenty-four hours of their arrival:"Then, my finger touched something cold and hard. I leaned forward and grabbed... a cold, stiff foot! It was like a bad dream-the one where someone is chasing you, and you try to scream but can't. You open your mouth, straining, yet no sound comes out."Women are women and men are men in this twist of gender stereotypes. The men are never around when you need them; keep turning up as corpses; and the women have to pick up the pieces, all the while muttering about their connections with the DAFFODILS.THE TURTLE MOUND MURDER is an entertaining book with strongly defined characters who romp around New Smyrna Beach reliving their college days; tripping over dead bodies; and in general creating havoc and fun. Penned in the best Southern Belle with tongue firmly in cheek, Clay's characters are seen through straight woman Leigh's eyes. Her two pals are flirty and flaky, but she loves them and sees the trio through a string of mishaps that would bowl over a lesser person who was not going through a devastating divorce.Witty and hilarious, The Turtle Mound Murder engages the reader from the very first page. Mary Clay writes with a sure hand, and Penny Sue, Ruthie and Leigh are all personalities most women have grown up with and can relate to. The jokes are insiders that all women relate to, making this a Shelley choice for a great read.Shelley GlodowskiSenior ReviewerMidwest Book Review