I really loved Jamie Quinn, a family attorney who was burned out and she decided to head an art foundation position which as always been her dream job. Jamie is always at the wrong place at the wrong time and she is arrested for art theft! She thought that when her man came back from Australia acting funny that he would propose to her but Kip took her to a python raiding party! I shuttered at hunting those HUGE snakes in the dead of night and I would kicked Kip to the curb if I had been her. Book six is my first encounter with Jamie and I couldn't help but laugh with her throughout the book! ( )

I love Jamie Quinn and not simply because she hates mornings! She frequently becomes embroiled in complicated scenarios as she's always well-intentioned and trying to do the right thing because she simply can't say "No!" to anyone that needs her help. This time Jamie is almost free of her remaining cases as a family law attorney and ready to embrace her new role working for 85-year-old Herb Lowenthal as trustee for "The Andrea Lowenthal Art Fund" created in memory of his daughter.

One of the best delights of Barbara Venkataraman's writing is the humor that flows through this series.

In this novel favorites were:
• Condo commandos on guard from the breakfast nooks in the community where her father lives
• Herb explaining the needs of Jamie's new wardrobe

Jamie's boyfriend Kip is back home in Miami and he's obviously a great guy who cares for the environment. However, let me just say that I'm glad Kip is Jamie's significant love interest not mine particularly in this novel. Marmaduke Broussard III (Duke to his friends) always helps Jamie out on her cases making interesting connections and discoveries but this time someone has made a fascinating discovery and connection to Duke that adds extra smiles to all readers who love Duke. [As a hint to all Sue Grafton fans, let me suggest that Duke reminds me of Ranger. Enough said.]

I must mention Mr. Paws again (especially for all who love felines) as Jamie Quinn was not a fan of cats at the start of their relationship. Following her Mother's death, Jamie inherited Mr. Paws and they barely tolerated each other. Now Jamie's heart seems to be melting a little. Although Jamie will only commit to having a de-escalation of their mutual hostilities and still occasionally refers to him as "Mr. Pain-in-the-Axx" she did arrange for a neighbor to feed him when she was going to unexpectedly be away overnight. On the part of Mr. Paws he has still been known to knock a few things over if he needs to make a point (e.g. dinner's late) but will curl up on the recliner with Jamie for a TV night and purr "like a little motor boat."

After reading "Malice in Miami" I looked up the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens as I've never been to Miami and know hardly anything about the city. The Vizcaya website https://vizcaya.org/ further highlights all the attributes described in the novel and it's definitely been added to my travel dreams with my first touring wish to begin in the gardens.

This novel can be read as a stand-alone but as with many series part of the enchantment is enjoying not only the author's style as with the humor infused in the character of Jamie Quinn but also the excitement as friendships evolve and relationships progress as in real life. I hope this series continues for a long time as I'm definitely looking forward to catching up with Jamie for another one of her adventures. ( )