#Review: The Bali Mystery by Linda Weaver Clarke - 3.5 Wine Glasses

Title: THE BALI MYSTERY
Series: Amelia Moore, Book 1
Author: Linda Weaver Clarke
Narrator: Diane Lehman
Format: Audible, 4 hrs and 26 mins
Published: Red Mountain Shadows Publishing, 01 June 2015
ISBN: ASIN:B00YOCOPVU
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Audible
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Author
Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 Wine Glasses

Amelia Moore, the founder of the Moore Detective Agency, specializes in missing persons. Her cases have taken her to some very interesting places and put her in some dangerous situations, but she always solves the case. With the help of Rick Bonito, her sometime partner, her business is flourishing.

When Mrs. Brody hires Amelia and Rick to find her missing brother, they find themselves in Bali, Indonesia. They are mystified why her brother quit his job, put his home up for sale, and ran off to this mysterious and exotic island without telling a soul.

Linda's Thoughts
She knocked at the door, expecting a friendly greeting because of the atmosphere of this house, but, instead, the door opened just a crack and dark eyes stared at her for a moment. Then the door gradually opened and an elderly woman grabbed 
Amelia's hand and yanked her inside.
"Hurry! Get inside!"

THE BALI MYSTERY by Linda Weaver Clarke and narrated by Diane Lehman was a fun, clean cozy romantic mystery set mostly in Bali, Indonesia. Incorporated into the story are fascinating tips about Bali with visits to its temples, jungles, active volcanoes, shopping districts and more! There's even a primer on negotiating with Bali merchants! Readers will meet a few sweet elderly ladies and some guys in black suits who could be mistaken for the super-secret government agents in Men in Black. Fans of South Pacific will love this tale as there are many references to the famous musical included.

As the story began, Amelia Moore, owner of Moore Detective Agency, has been hired by a Mrs. Brody to find her missing brother. Mrs. Brody is worried about her brother as he had suddenly quit his job and left town without telling her. Amelia partners with Rick Bonito on the case. The two have worked well together in the past. Together, they find evidence that their elusive target has gone to Bali... and the chase ensues...

I liked both Amelia and Rick. These two investigators most definitely have some chemistry. Be aware that this is a clean romance; there's no hanky-panky other than kissing.

The narrator, Diane Lehman, delivered a professional performance. She has a clear pleasant voice which she utilized well to differentiate between the characters. Extra KUDOS to her as she sang quite convincingly more than once as both a male and a female. I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another book narrated by Diane Lehman.

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from this audio:

"Someone else is looking for him?"
"That's right, two men." Mrs. Brody softly laughed and said "They look just like those men in that alien movie. Dressed in black suits and sunglasses. They don't have much of a sense of humor though. When they came to my door, I asked them if they were seeking aliens and I assured them I wasn't one. They didn't laugh at my joke."
---

"I just want to understand why you haven't fallen in love."
Amelia was pensive for a moment and then said "When I fall in love, I want to feel as if I'm floating on clouds. As if there is not a care in the world. I want to be deliriously happy and tell everyone about it just like in South Pacific."
"South Pacific?" he asked with an uplifted brow.
She nodded as she softly sang,
'If you'll excuse an expression I use,
I'm in love, I'm in love,
I'm in love, I'm in love,
I'm in love with a wonderful guy!'
---

"Bali High is not a real island, you know. It's imaginary."
When Amelia saw him smiling at her, she quickly defended herself. "Don't make fun of me. To me, it's real. Besides, that movie has a message that really makes sense.
Such as? he encouraged.
"Well, it teaches us how wrong it is to be prejudiced and that we should accept each other no matter the differences. It also talks about the importance of having a dream. Dreams are important to everyone. "When she saw his brow crease in confusion, she sang,

"'You gotta have a dream, if you don't have a dream,
How you gonna have a dream come true?'"

This is the first book I've ever read by this author but I don't plan to have it be my last. I would recommend THE BALI MYSTERY to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries. If you also enjoy traveling to exotic locales, it's a must-read! I understand that this private-eye team travels to Ireland next! I want to go with them!


Suggested Reading Order: Amelia Moore Series
THE BALI MYSTERY (Book #1)
THE SHAMROCK CASE (Book #2)
THE MISSING HEIR (Book #3)
THE MYSTERIOUS DOLL (Book #4)
HER LOST LOVE (Book #5)
MYSTERY ON THE BAYOU (Book #6)