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Julia Lives in a Van #1
The Case of the Fugitive Flamingo: A Julia Lives in a Van Mystery Book 1
A peaceful van life retreat at a Florida beachside campground. A shocking murder. Can Julia solve the case before the wrong man is convicted?
Julia Ross thought trading suburbia for the camping van life would be the adventure of a lifetime.
A year after her divorce, she sells everything, turns her minivan into a camper, and heads to an idyllic Florida beachfront park for a month of sunbathing, biking, and self-care.
But when a fellow camper is found dead in his RV, Julia's relaxing getaway takes a dark turn.
At first, Julia wants nothing to do with the investigation—she came for peace, not police work. But her new camping friends, Dottie and Penelope, are convinced that the Sheriff arrested the wrong man. Their birding club buddy is innocent, and they need Julia’s help to prove it.
With an abandoned pup named Toby by her side and a murderer still on the loose, Julia is about to learn that solving crimes is a lot harder than picking the perfect campsite… but a whole lot more exciting.
The Case of the Fugitive Flamingo is the first book in the Julia Lives in a Van cozy mystery series. If you love whimsical whodunits and quirky characters, you’ll love L. C. Richards’ delightful new mystery.
No swearing, no gore—just a fun, page-turning mystery set against a backdrop of beautiful coastal scenery and birdwatching.
Click "Buy Now" or "Read for Free in Kindle Unlimited" to start solving the mystery today!
Julia Ross thought trading suburbia for the camping van life would be the adventure of a lifetime.
A year after her divorce, she sells everything, turns her minivan into a camper, and heads to an idyllic Florida beachfront park for a month of sunbathing, biking, and self-care.
But when a fellow camper is found dead in his RV, Julia's relaxing getaway takes a dark turn.
At first, Julia wants nothing to do with the investigation—she came for peace, not police work. But her new camping friends, Dottie and Penelope, are convinced that the Sheriff arrested the wrong man. Their birding club buddy is innocent, and they need Julia’s help to prove it.
With an abandoned pup named Toby by her side and a murderer still on the loose, Julia is about to learn that solving crimes is a lot harder than picking the perfect campsite… but a whole lot more exciting.
The Case of the Fugitive Flamingo is the first book in the Julia Lives in a Van cozy mystery series. If you love whimsical whodunits and quirky characters, you’ll love L. C. Richards’ delightful new mystery.
No swearing, no gore—just a fun, page-turning mystery set against a backdrop of beautiful coastal scenery and birdwatching.
Click "Buy Now" or "Read for Free in Kindle Unlimited" to start solving the mystery today!
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
226 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2021
180 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 25, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book about Julia and her dog Toby who together with her new friends Dottie and Penelope resolves the murder in a birders group in beachfront state park in Florida. It is very well written and I intend to read following books in the serie very soon.
July 4, 2024
This was cute cozy mystery.
April 24, 2023
Fun story
I loved having a heroine who decided once she was divorced that she could try the RV lifestyle ,adopt a dog and just be free
I loved having a heroine who decided once she was divorced that she could try the RV lifestyle ,adopt a dog and just be free
September 27, 2021
This was a nice start for an interesting-sounding series I found on Kindle Unlimited. I love the little beagle, Toby. And Dottie, Julia's new friend and camping neighbor was probably my favorite character. I wasn't really sure whodunit, so I just followed along as the three new friends (Dot, Pen and Julia) found leads and did their sleuthing.
The side story of Julia having a crush on Ranger Rick Dobson was pretty cute and eventually resulted in a date which was told in a little more detail in the very cute short story I found by following the link to sign up for the author's newsletter. It's called Toby Solves a Murder and is kinda like a "cutting room floor scene" if you want to think of it that way. I'll probably borrow the next on KU eventually. I'm interested to see what Julia gets into next and if Dottie and Pen are going to join her.
The side story of Julia having a crush on Ranger Rick Dobson was pretty cute and eventually resulted in a date which was told in a little more detail in the very cute short story I found by following the link to sign up for the author's newsletter. It's called Toby Solves a Murder and is kinda like a "cutting room floor scene" if you want to think of it that way. I'll probably borrow the next on KU eventually. I'm interested to see what Julia gets into next and if Dottie and Pen are going to join her.
January 1, 2025
meh... I read 28% and quit. It was boring with stupid details like her matronly underwear.
Amazon synopsis:
A year after her divorce, Julia sells everything (including the house), turns her minivan into a camper, and heads to an idyllic beachfront state park in Florida. What is supposed to be a month of sunbathing, hiking, biking, and self-care, however, turns into a murder investigation when a camper is found dead in his RV.
At first, Julia doesn't want to get involved. After all, she’s at the beach to relax. But her new camping friends, Dottie and Penelope, insist she helps them find the murderer. They believe the Sheriff has arrested the wrong man, one of their birding club friends. And they believe Julia is precisely the right person to prove their friend innocent and find the real killer.
Amazon synopsis:
A year after her divorce, Julia sells everything (including the house), turns her minivan into a camper, and heads to an idyllic beachfront state park in Florida. What is supposed to be a month of sunbathing, hiking, biking, and self-care, however, turns into a murder investigation when a camper is found dead in his RV.
At first, Julia doesn't want to get involved. After all, she’s at the beach to relax. But her new camping friends, Dottie and Penelope, insist she helps them find the murderer. They believe the Sheriff has arrested the wrong man, one of their birding club friends. And they believe Julia is precisely the right person to prove their friend innocent and find the real killer.
June 6, 2024
This was a fun book to read. I don’t normally try to figure out “whodunnit,” because I just want to read and enjoy the story, but I did for this one. There were many light parts and overall, the book was not “heavy,” which is exactly what I was looking for. I’m enjoying this genre - cozy mysteries - and this author has done a great job with this story. I’m looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
July 7, 2025
This is a cute book about a divorced woman who sells everything she has to become a nomad in a retrofitted van. The book is well written and interesting. Sometimes I had trouble relating to the main character because I don't like camping and couldn't imagine sleeping in a tent all my life. But it was a clean, easy read.
January 17, 2024
This is a real cozy mystery. The way it is written: right from the start I just sat back and enjoyed my reading, no irritating characters, grammar or spelling mistakes. Enjoyment all around. And the killer remained a mystery until the very end.
January 22, 2024
Fugitive flamingo
I enjoyed the book, great fun, easy read, and kept my attention. It is nice to read about older independent women enjoying life with friendships travel, and mystery. I wish there was more about the flamingo aspect in the he book.
I enjoyed the book, great fun, easy read, and kept my attention. It is nice to read about older independent women enjoying life with friendships travel, and mystery. I wish there was more about the flamingo aspect in the he book.
June 27, 2024
Let's go to the beach!
A light hearted story that was fun to read. After a divorce and being discontent for so long Julie was ready for a change. She decided to hit the road in her minivan. This book was about her first adventure.
A light hearted story that was fun to read. After a divorce and being discontent for so long Julie was ready for a change. She decided to hit the road in her minivan. This book was about her first adventure.
September 8, 2024
So fun!
I know the Florida panhandle well and this was a fun cozy mystery set just outside of Panama City. Julia is sweet and looking for a new life. Then there's Toby, her little rescue dog. So adorable! Just a fun cozy!
I know the Florida panhandle well and this was a fun cozy mystery set just outside of Panama City. Julia is sweet and looking for a new life. Then there's Toby, her little rescue dog. So adorable! Just a fun cozy!
November 13, 2024
This was a cute mystery. The characters are engaging and interesting. I liked the 3 female campers gathering together to sleuth. I got the wrong suspect but enjoyed the journey. Julia showed a lot of growth as a newly divorced woman and really put herself out there for a second life.
May 27, 2025
Second go round in life!
I really loved the way Julia took off in her camper van, the free life. The mystery was good & I really like her sidekick friends. I hope to see more of them & of course Toby!
I really loved the way Julia took off in her camper van, the free life. The mystery was good & I really like her sidekick friends. I hope to see more of them & of course Toby!
January 20, 2024
Really liked the plot
Very nice quirky characters. Loved the story line. The first time I have seen this type of plot. Permanent camping sounds like a great time.
Very nice quirky characters. Loved the story line. The first time I have seen this type of plot. Permanent camping sounds like a great time.
January 25, 2024
great characters and plot!
This book is well worth your time and energy reading. The characters are great and the plot did not disappoint.
This book is well worth your time and energy reading. The characters are great and the plot did not disappoint.
June 15, 2024
Who killed Wiggins and why??? A paper??? From so long ago??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
June 17, 2024
super cute book
I was entertained from start to finish on this one, and am definitely going to be reading more of this series!
I was entertained from start to finish on this one, and am definitely going to be reading more of this series!
June 30, 2024
Fun!
The perfect fun and light summer cozy mystery read! Can't wait to start the next one in the series. Truly a delight to read.
The perfect fun and light summer cozy mystery read! Can't wait to start the next one in the series. Truly a delight to read.
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July 12, 2024great read
Enjoy and relatable. Middle aged woman finding a new life after a divorce. I enjoyed reading this. And she rescued a dog!
Enjoy and relatable. Middle aged woman finding a new life after a divorce. I enjoyed reading this. And she rescued a dog!
February 16, 2025
Second time around
I had read this a few months back as part of a group of Julia's stories. Just as good the second time
I had read this a few months back as part of a group of Julia's stories. Just as good the second time
August 9, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loved all the characters, and the mystery plot. Mostly I loved Toby! I’ve just finished reading the second book in the series, and just downloaded the third book and can’t wait to jump into that one!
December 9, 2022
Fun book
Julia not only survived her first camping trip alone in her new life, she also solved a murder. I would recommend.
Julia not only survived her first camping trip alone in her new life, she also solved a murder. I would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews