I've liked this series since the beginning, but now that we're on book 12, I'd really like some more character development. Emily's husband is a side note even though he's on the trip with her. He's a former police detective, why isn't he being used in the mystery portion of the story instead of being relegated to hotel room booker? The seniors are still one dimensional, yet serve their purpose.

The mystery did have a twist which I appreciated and I found the story engrossing enough to finish, but it's more a lukewarm like. It's hard not to moderately enjoy an entry in a series with characters you know and like despite it's limitations.

Emily's interactions with Jack/Jackie weren't a source of amusement for me, but irritation. I think the author felt she had to throw Jack/Jackie in somehow. Luckily, it was a very small part of the story.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Maddy Hunter’s Catch Me if Yukon is a fun cozy mystery with wonderful characters, a well-written plot, and great Alaskan adventures. However, I wish the heroine had done more sleuthing and that some characters were better utilized. This novel is the twelfth entry in the entertaining Passport to Peril series but it works as a standalone.

Our heroine is tour guide Emily Andrew Miceli who leads her globetrotting Iowan seniors on an Alaskan adventure. Also joining the group are Emily’s parents and a Norwegian book club who have lots of drama. Delpha, a tour member, soon turns up dead on a hiking trail. Emily blames herself but there’s something more sinister afoot. Emily’s dad accidentally takes a picture of what appears to be Bigfoot and the news instantly goes viral. Is the mysterious creature responsible for Delpha’s death? Or is the killer much more human?

The novel is well-written with a great balance between humour and action. The mystery is nicely paced and interesting. There’s a lot happening but the various plots intertwine seamlessly. There are some surprise twists and I love that I couldn’t figure out the killer’s identity until the big reveal.

The characters are unique and memorable. Emily is a witty, relatable, and resourceful protagonist. However, I wish that she had done more sleuthing because her investigations always go hilariously awry. The Iowan gang are ridiculously funny and I love their technology obsession. I like the Norwegian book club because the members have distinct personalities and bring lots of drama.

However, there are too many characters. Some could have been trimmed entirely or had their roles expanded to be more meaningful. Emily’s seniors could have helped with her investigation like they have in previous books. I wish there was more of Emily’s Nana whose technological prowess and Tae Kwon Do skills often help save the day. However, I love that the book has a nice dose of the fabulous Jackie who is Emily’s former ex-husband but now female best friend.

Catch Me if Yukon is a hilarious and entertaining cozy with great characters and an intriguing mystery. Although there are too many characters which results in some being underutilized, I love this book and I would definitely reread it. I cannot wait for more of Emily’s adventures in other exotic locales!

Thank you to NetGalley and Midnight Ink for this book in exchange for an honest review.

The catchy title in this book drew me right in. Then I found out that all her books are titled in the same manner. This story was a murderous riot! I want to recommend it to you all. A hilarious group of old people doing what they do. But then who is murdering whom? You will never guess! Lots of fun..... and mystery. I am now going to buy one of her other books. (An inexpensive one, some are pricey for me since I am retired.)

Thank you to NetGalley and Midnight Ink for the advance copy of this cozy mystery. It was enjoyable and humorous, and a relaxing break from some dark crime stories I have been reading. The identity of the murderers came as a surprise. The characters, both good, bad or simply annoying, reminded me of traveling companions on senior tours I have taken. I was pleased that NetGalley introduced me to a writer and series that I had not previously known, and have already purchased the Kindle version of one of her previous books. My only complaint was the number characters. This tour was larger than my senior tours. It took me awhile to get all their names straight. When I did it sometimes referred to a character by only the last name while I was making an effort to match first names with their personalities.
Recommended to fans of cozy mysteries who enjoy a touch of humor, an intriguing puzzle and quirky characters.
Review also on Goodreads.