The second, concluding book in The Grand mafia series.

I dove into it gleefully, thinking that I’m finally going to get the answers to the cliffhangers that ended the previous book, Bone Park. Alas, this book starts with a new cliffhanger, with a young girl dead on the ground outside Bernie’s trailer. From then on it’s a very wild ride, as the book veers into Soprano territory with crossings, double-crossings and triple-crossings, some of which I frankly couldn’t quite follow or suspend my disbelief at.

I love the fact that all the main characters, good and bad, are older women. There are so many hilarious details, like the fact that the smuggling is done by the women under cover of deliveries of adult diapers, or that Bernie uses a fake handicap sticker as a free parking ticket. We’re still in Carl Hiassen territory, with Ruby setting up a “secret” strip joint in the woods, with the help of a biker gang playing builders and a staff of elderly strippers.

All in all a fun ride, concluding in a terrific showdown between our main anti-heroine and main villain (a surprise I won’t spoil) in James Bond style aboard a luxury yacht.

Highly recommended entertainment!

I enjoyed the second book as much as the first. The main characters reminds me of The Golden Girls and I really enjoyed how the story came full circle as one of the chapters is titled. I was sad by the multiple loses throughout the book but was thankful with the freedoms and friendships that were brought together.

Sandy W Robson does a fantastic job in writing a finale to the Grand-Mafia series. It uses everything that I was looking for in a mystery novel. The characters felt like they were supposed to and I enjoyed the idea of this series. Sandy W Robson writes a great story and has that suspenseful feel that I was hoping for.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest, personal review. I have to say that normally I enjoy cozy mysteries but this one was a tough one for me to get into and stay with. The characters did not draw me in, nor did the storyline. However, if you like mysteries, I would still say to give it a go, it may be the book for you!

This book was really difficult for me to get into and it felt disconnected. I'm not sure why it was all over the place, but it was. I definitely didn't love it and wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

Thank you #NetGalley for the advance copy

Real Rating: 3.5* of five

Still decently entertaining, with the expected pleasures of a cozy mystery that subverts our cultural expectations of old women existing solely as powerless, sweet Little Old Ladies. I will, I confess, miss the Grand-Mafia now that their adventures have come to an end.
The right combination of fun and silly with a light salting of pointed social commentary in the background. Great for the first sunny afternoon on the front porch.

A Kindle edition is $5.99 and it is available via Kindle Unlimited as well.

This was a good continuation of the first book and the characters are so brought to life. It was a one session read for me as I just wanted to know what happened.

"Sandy W Robson's 'Snow Birds' delivers an exhilarating and unexpected conclusion to the Grand-Mafia Series, leaving readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. In this gripping finale, we reunite with Bernie, Ruby, Freda, and Opal, four fearless women whose lives have taken a thrilling turn in the quirky world of Cicada Hollow.

From accidental criminals to burgeoning crime lords, these indomitable spirits have forged an unconventional path that rivals the adventures of Thelma and Louise. What began as a series of misadventures has evolved into a full-blown criminal empire, defying expectations and defying the odds at every turn.

As the stakes escalate, so does the tension, drawing readers deeper into a world of danger, intrigue, and unexpected twists. Robson masterfully navigates the complexities of friendship and loyalty against the backdrop of unconventional challenges, crafting a narrative that is as heartwarming as it is adrenaline-fueled.

But 'Snow Birds' is more than just a thrilling tale of crime and camaraderie; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of friendship to overcome even the most daunting obstacles. Through Bernie, Ruby, Freda, and Opal, Robson reminds us that it's never too late to embrace adventure and pursue our dreams, no matter how unconventional they may seem.

With its fast-paced plot, well-developed characters, and unexpected twists, 'Snow Birds' is sure to captivate readers from start to finish. Whether you're a fan of crime fiction or simply enjoy a good story about friendship and resilience, this book is a must-read. Robson has once again proven herself as a master storyteller, leaving readers eagerly awaiting her next adventure."

You MUST read Bone Park first!!!
A unique writing style that you only appreciate at the very end. The book evokes almost every emotion that created characters can possibly evoke. The storyline appears to be many different story lines with common characters, as all life stories go. It is not a book that I would normally pick out to read, but I am glad I did. I will

As the sequel to Bone Park, the first thing I would recommend is, read Bone Park first or you will be completely lost.

We jump right into the antics and adventures of Bernie, Ruby and the rest of the gang at Cicada Hollow, the 55+ mobile home park where our gals live. Bone Park ended on a cliff hanger of two men dead in the park's community swimming pool. This book doesn't start with that. It doesn't even reference it in the first part of the book. We start with the death of a young girl who lived in the park with Ruby. Then we jump back in time to many months ago, without explaining the dead girl or the two drowned men until almost the end of the novel.

This felt like it was written by two different people. The action scenes were great; fast-paced and engaging. The plot was twisted and convoluted and deliciously entertaining. The thoughtful, reflective moments verged on repetitive and boring. And this is definitely not a cozy mystery about adorable old folks. There is murder, domestic violence, drug use and much, much more. There is humor too, this is very much a fun read, but be aware that just because it revolves around a retirement community, doesn't mean its tame.

Now that being said, I did find it jarring for the ladies to constantly be referenced as 'old' and 'elderly', only to discover they range in age from 55 to 65! Maybe it's just me, but I don't think of that age range as 'doddering' or 'feeble'.

I would recommend this book as it's a fun, if very dark, read. But again, read Bone Park first, so you'll not be left at sea in this one.

This one was a little difficult for me to get into. It felt like something was off, the plot, the characters, something. I did stick with it and finished it but it seemed like this included everything including “the kitchen sink” as far as action, mishaps, characters, etc. Again not a favorite. Thank you to #netgalley, and the author and publisher, Sandy Robson, for this copy of #snowbirds to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Princess Fuzzypants here: I absolutely adored the first book. The characters were quirky, flawed and past their prime…or maybe not. The Grandmafia, led by Bernie, were a force with which to be reckoned and you took them on at your peril. A mismatched quartet of seniors in a retirement park find something more than just sisterhood.

This is the follow up to the first story and should be read in order to get the flow and the proper reactions to the twists and turns that come at the reader fast and furious. It is not until the end of book two that all the pieces fit together and gives a highly satisfying pay off. These are not your grandmotherly types. But even saying that does not do justice to these women who have been manipulated by men throughout their lives and only now take control back in a blistering way. There is sadness and loss. There is humour. There is action. There is a good story, well told. Five purrs and two paws up.

What a lovely and fun read and one that I was entertained by and smiled throughout. This is the second of the series and didn't disappoint. We continue on with the ladies from the over 55 community in Florida and follow their next adventure and the continuation of their criminal empire.

This is yet another journey with plenty of ups and downs, friendship and craziness as well as a bit of ruthlessness and courage. It is fun, there is some suspense and the characters you just have to love. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Thank you NetGalley and Book Whisperer for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Snow Birds was a fun read, even if it is a bit disturbing. The second in the Grand Mafia series, Snow Birds continues with the adventures of several ladies from a 55 and older community in Florida. In the first book, we watched these ladies start to build their empire by illegal means. In this book, they continue to grow their empire, but discover that they are much stronger than they ever realized, and will no longer be taken advantage of!

I loved the uniqueness of the book, but it made me realize how easily manipulated most of us can be. We like to see the best in people and do good things, but sometimes this can enable us to unwittingly get in the middle of dangerous or unpleasant circumstances. I like this series, but must admit that I look at those 55 and Older communities in a different way now!