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The Llama of Death: A Gunn Zoo Mystery Audiobook
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(3.13) - 80 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Theodora "Teddy" Bentley, zookeeper at the Gunn Zoo, takes the zoos llama, Alejandro, to a Renaissance fair in the Monterey Bay area. That is where Teddy discovers the still-warm body of the Reverend Victor Emerson, owner of the local wedding chapel, dressed in his costume as Henry the Eighth. At first it appears that Alejandro stomped the man to death, but a closer look shows a crossbow dart in the man's back.
Teddy's investigation reveals that Reverend Victor wasn't really a reverend at all but an escaped convict, which means that every marriage he performed in the past twenty years is null and void.
Teddy's mother, Caro, a spoiled ex–beauty queen, becomes the chief murder suspect and is immediately jailed when she causes a riot in the courtroom. The "reverend" had twice married Caro to wealthy men, and when both marriages failed, Caro received large financial settlements that she may now have to give back—certainly a motive for murder.
But Caro wasn't the only person gunning for Victor. The child of the man that Victor the convict once murdered may have wanted to kill him too. Then even Teddy herself is handcuffed and jailed. Even worse, Teddy's embezzling father flies in from exile in Costa Rica to help spring Caro from jail, putting his own freedom in jeopardy.
As Teddy continues her investigation, she finds herself up to her ears in Renaissance fair actors and stuntmen, assorted animals, squabbling boat live-aboarders, and gang members.
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"I like the Betty Webb Gunn Zoo mysteries. They are pretty darn accurate about some of the animal 'life'. The characters are enjoyable."
— Drury (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Zookeeper Theodora ‘Teddy’ Bentley’s human relationships prove more taxing than her animal ones in Webb’s amusing third Gunn Zoo mystery…Animal lore and human foibles spiced with a hint of evil test Teddy’s patience and crime solving in this appealing cozy.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Quirky characters and the zookeeper frame story add zest to this engaging cozy mystery that will appeal to fans of Donna Andrews’ Meg Langslow mysteries.”
— Booklist -
“A renaissance faire provides both the setting and the weapon for a murder…Webb’s zoo-based series is informative about the habits of the zoo denizens and often amusing.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“Webb’s third zoo series entry winningly melds a strong animal story with an engaging cozy amateur sleuth tale. Set at a relaxed pace with abundant zoo filler, the title never strays into too-cute territory, instead presenting the real deal.”
— Library Journal -
“Readers who love animals, are interested in zoos, and who can keep up with the more than twenty characters will like this breezy mystery story…Hillary Huber reads the book in her usual, excellent, fully voiced manner. She has a great ironic tone in her voice throughout, which is most suitable for this story of murder and mayhem.”
— SoundCommentary.com
Awards
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Selected for the August 2010 Indie Next List
The Llama of Death Listener Reviews
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" Definitely brain candy, but it is a fun read and I like the animals. "
— Annm, 1/14/2014 -
" What a cute story. I love animal stories and Llama are good subjects. "
— Shirl, 11/19/2013 -
" Love this series! Entertaining and educational. The locale-a California zoo-is unique! "
— Andrea, 11/14/2013 -
" Love this series. Perfect for animal lovers and cozy mystery fans. I particularly enjoy seeing the zoo world from the inside out. "
— Wendy, 11/4/2013 -
" Took a lot to get into, but, eventually I did. What kept me reading was the awesome stuff with the zoo animals. "
— Danie, 10/27/2013 -
" Clever and charming. Lots of great animal characters. "
— Neil, 6/10/2013 -
" EEEP! Cute and I want one!!! "
— Malia, 6/6/2013 -
" Amusing mystery in the GunnZoo series. Quick entertaining read. "
— Carol, 3/26/2013 -
" I really like the animal/zoo stuff and the crazy mother and father. Somewhat predictable, but fun. "
— Leslie, 1/26/2013 -
" Zookeeper Teddy Bentley discovers a dead body inside the llama pen but surely sweet Alejandro didn't stomp the man to death. When the acting sheriff jails Teddy's socialite mother for the murder, she investigates. Animal lovers will enjoy the behind-the-scenes action at the zoo. Third in a series. "
— Chi, 1/13/2013
About Betty Webb
Betty Webb worked as a journalist and often bases her mystery novels on stories she covered as a reporter. Currently a creative writing teacher at Phoenix College, she is a member of the National Federation of Press Women, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and the Society of Southwestern Authors.
About Hillary Huber
Hillary Huber, a Los Angeles–based voice talent with hundreds of commercials and promos under her belt, was bitten by the audiobook bug in 2005. She now records books on a regular basis and has been nominated for several Audie Awards and won numerous Earphones Awards.