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Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Mystery at Flamingo Bay by Deborah Erdmann is the first book in the Tin Can series. Dominic embarks on an unforgettable family vacation. When GB (Grandpa Bob) and his wife Windsong decided to visit her mother, they also chose to take their grandchildren. What better way to spend a family vacation than to take an RV? The last thing they expected was to be camping away from the beach and more in the jungle. Their destination was the retirement community where Windsong’s mom lives. They also never expected to discover a mystery when they arrived, putting them on the trail of a thief and a surprising scam. The residents had been led to believe that they could contact deceased loved ones through a spirit phone. This grabbed the interest of Dominic and his family. As they investigated, they redefined what it means to take a family trip.
The bond of family is at the core of the mystery with Deborah Erdmann weaving the natural interactions between them throughout the story. They behave as a typical family with bickering siblings and genuine moments that reflect reality. It also serves as the basis for their investigation as it allows perfect bonding opportunities for the three teenagers. The setting provides plenty of tension. Despite this not being what they wanted, the teens were in for an immediate surprise when they stumbled upon a mystery. Dominic has a genuine enthusiasm for solving riddles and this is incorporated into the tone of the story, helping it to remain upbeat. Dominic is akin to classic sleuths with his natural sense of investigation and driven by his curiosity. His personality gives the mystery a style and attitude that is reflective of classic mysteries with young sleuths such as the Hardy Boys. The notion of the spirit phone is charming, with humor derived from familial dynamics. The grandparents have a sweet back-and-forth, and well-established personalities that lie at the heart of the story. Despite the lightheartedness of the mystery, Erdmann includes a subtle seriousness such as a poignant moment discussing the desire to speak with lost loved ones. Mystery at Flamingo Bay will appeal to a variety of ages with its humor, charm, mystery, and themes that focus on family
