Monkeys and bats and snakes, oh my! Of course a new Cyd Redondo mystery would include all kinds of animals to terrorize the travel agent. But, Cyd’s off to Bali on a rescue mission in Wendall Thomas’ Cheap Trills. Whether she’s trying to rescue her mother or endangered birds, it will always be an adventure.

In 2007, Elizabeth Gilbert has a lot to answer for. Her book, Eat, Pray, Love is so popular that all of Redondo Travel’s senior clients want to head to Bali. Cyd’s always been careful to send her clients to countries with all the appropriate vaccines and reservations. Suddenly, her clients are bailing, saying they found tours that didn’t require shots. But, when she has to learn at a baby shower that her archenemy, travel agent Peggy Newsome, sent Cyd’s own mother on the “Eat, Stay, Fall in Love” tour, it’s the last straw. Cyd’s off to Bali to rescue her.

To Cyd’s shock, her mother doesn’t want to be rescued. And, Cyd only learns bits and pieces of her mother’s experiences. Helping the police by answering questions? In Bali? A cobra remover in her mother’s room? Cyd reluctantly moves on to another resort, only to find that she’s being followed. In a typical Cyd madcap adventure, she dodges bad guys, tries to save an endangered species of birds, and works with other women to create an outrageous scene at a songbird competition. All in a week’s work for Cyd Redondo of Redondo Travel.

Thomas’ Cyd Redondo mysteries have been nominated several times for awards for Best Humorous mystery. Cyd’s escapades in Cheap Trills once again pit the travel agent against poachers and those who take advantage of endangered species. Cheap Trills is a fun way to experience the beauty of Bali, while laughing through Cyd’s attempts to save birds.

Wendall Thomas’ website is https://www.wendallthomas.com/

Cheap Trills by Wendall Thomas. Beyond the Page Publishing, 2023. ISBN 9781960511201 (paperback), 224p.

FTC Full Disclosure – The author sent a copy of the book, with only the promise of an honest review.