Wildlife crime-fighting romantic adventure in steamy Costa Rica (Poppy McVie Mysteries Book 1)

Extremely well written, fast paced, with some great characters, particularly the feisty, head-strong Poppy. Even if she did go a little troppo in the idyllic isle of Costa Rica.

A thoroughly compelling story, both the plot itself and the way it discusses the alarming trafficking of endangered species. Loved the totally unexpected ending.

Dalton, the ex-SEAL definitely of interest!

Will definitely be reading more of Poppy McVie's adventures. Rather have to now, after reading the last few sentences of this book!

I received a no-obligation free e-copy of this book and chose to post a review. Had to, this was a great book! And she's a vegetarian…

1st series of characters poppy fish&wildlife cop turned special ops working with another special ops Dalton who use to be navy seals they are caught up in a case in Costa Rica to find the kingpin of selling off exotic animals out of the country and the abused and deplorable condition they suffer in the myst of all this agent poppy finds friends who helps her behind agent Dalton back .Very well written , entertaining, and some humour through some of her friends. Very different crime solving dealing with wildlife, not boring,couldn't put the book down .

I am probably not your typical Kimberli Bindschatel reader as I am a over 50 male, but I liked the look of the book cover and the description called out to me and decided to give it a try. Well needless to say, I am now hooked and am heading for book 2. I really love the main character of Poppy McVie, she's feisty, headstrong and has a heart as big as a whale. The background and setting for the story are spot on, I really felt like I was there. I liked the twist for the main villian and was gladf I saw it coming, but really was not ready for how Kimberli pulled it off, so points to Kimberli for the surprise. I think if you buy this book and read it, you will be hooked as I am.

Whether your an animal lover or not, everyone will come away with something after reading this book. This is the first book in the Poppy McVie series and the first book I've read from this author and I am hooked. Operation Tropical Affair is an inside look into the hearts and minds of both sides of the horrendous blackmarketing of exotic animals. It brought out a whole range of emotions from me: anger, frustration, fear, loathing, relief, joy, grief, are just a few. Ms. Bindschatel is a wonderful advocate for these animals and I can't express enough to anyone who reads this review, to read these books. I can't wait to start the next book in the series to see what adventures partner / hubby Agent Dalton and Poppy get into. The storyline is great, the characters are well developed, and remember....it's for the animals!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed the fast action of the book. The characters were believable & quite enjoyable in their escapades. The author wrote them with great appeal and made them so real, you just couldn't put the book down waiting impatiently to see what Poppy was going to do next. Even though she was young & untrained in undercover work, she handled herself with intuitive planning which to her surprise went better tan he thought it would despite Dalton's macho ideas of what Poppy could or couldn't do.
I can't wait to read this next installment. If Ms. Bindschatel continues to write as good as she did in this book, she is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. Keep on writing.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Operation Tropical Affair was Poppy’s voice… whether insightful perceptions about possible suspects, or snarky witticisms she doesn’t voice aloud. The voice is consistent, though, so you know where you stand with the character throughout the book.
The story was fast moving and very exciting at times. Quite a few characters to keep track of, but all had their part to play. I was confused a few times when Poppy left her senior partner out of the loop, but it all worked out logically in the end.
Often it seemed there was more telling than showing and I would have liked a bit more character development and to linger on some of the details of the Costa Rican settings. Overall, though, an enjoyable and informative story about an important issue.

It's a good read. Pretty predictable, but fun. The character is well developed although a little too accomplished for my taste; she does screw up a little. She always manages to pull off her main game plan despite the hitches. I enjoyed the way the author described the Upper Peninsula and its people. Having been there a lot, I can relate. Ms. Bindschatel helped me revisit Costa Rica with the aptly described places and people - especially how the ticos drive. I liked the setting of the book as much as I enjoyed the character. All in all, the book is enjoyable. Lovely mind candy on a day when you don't want to think too much and just want pure entertainment. I look forward to the next Poppy McVie escapade.

What a thrilling story to illustrate the world of animal poaching & trafficking. This book features a kick ass female agent and super hot men of all varieties. The plot is a grabber, and the animals are both endearing and heartbreaking. I love the fact that all proceeds go to animal protection agencies.
I read this book free as part of my Kindle Unlimited, but I'm going back to the store to buy it to support this very worthy cause.

Interesting read.. fast paced page turner.. some of the situations are pure punk luck .. could have without some of the vivid animal torture.. didn’t seem to be plot enriching or character development.. series seems worthy of followings though.. good storyline (unrealistic timelines) good strong characters out of the gate and strong ties to saving the animals cause..

Poppy is an excellent role model for young ladies! Yes she is sexy and likes men but she is independent and can look after herself in tight situations. She does not wait to be saved by a man!
The story of exotic animal smuggling was interesting and was a criminal angle I had never thought of too. Poppy is part of an American law force that protects animals and in particular endangered species, she is feisty and a principled animal lover who cannot eat meat which causes some tricky situations in Costa Rica.
I enjoyed this novel and read it in one evening.
A good book for ethical young girls looking for an unusual role model.

Although this book is entertaining, it does describe some pretty terrible treatment of animals. Nothing gory or gratuitous, in my opinion, but serious enough to let readers feel the importance of working towards animal rights! Poppy is a young agent in this book. She is just figuring out who she is, and that is captured beautifully by the author.

I totally enjoyed the story, the characters and the incite into the abuse of animals in the wild. Being made aware of this through a well written story is a definite plus for me! I will read the entire series with great pleasure and anticipation to learn more about the danger some of our most beautiful creatures are in.

I started this book aiming to read the first chapter to see if it was interesting - IT WAS - I kept reading and enjoying it. The descriptions of the scenery make you feel like you're in the middle of it. The characters seem real and you either love them or hate them. I can't wait to read her other books. Along with an excellent story she gets in a lot of teaching about animal trafficking and the cruelty of it. This is a must read for animal lovers.

This book was a fast moving adventure mostly. It was hard to put down, including the teaser for the sequel. The author's passion for animal rights comes across loud and clear, a little preaching at times but wrapped up in the main character artfully.

Good, well-researched in the mystery and suspense. Like the lead characters. Only reason this got 3 stars is the boring way that Poppy is so ready to jump into bed with any guy she has the hots for. (Unprofessional and lacking self-control). She then complains that senior agents won't take her seriously.

Despite the cheesy subtitle, this book was good. Its unique premise refreshing. I really enjoyed the endangered species and animal protection theme. Poppy is a dedicated and spunky character with a lot of potential. A quick, entertaining read.

Fast paced. Fun read. Great to read about different exciting
locations as the heroine fights to save animals. This is my second book in the series. I am reading the Orca book now. Really enjoying the story. Appreciate all the detail about special ops and sailing in this current read

I don't know how recommending will save the animals but I do recommend it. You don't need to be animal obsessed to enjoy a book about someone who is and takes action with no regard for safety. There is plenty to learn and ponder written smoothly with imagination. This stands alone but has a huge hook. Don't bother eluding it with Poppy on your trail!

Escaping into Poppy McVie's Costa Rican adventures was almost as rewarding as visiting the country itself, and, as I guessed with her first novel, The Path to the Sun: An Epic Adventure, Kimberli Bindschatel is a natural storyteller. Poppy unfolds with perfect rhythm, along with excellent action scenes and a fun, feisty heroine. There's a wonderful lightness in the way Poppy's story is told, perfect for her voice, yet still able to convey the importance of Poppy's work without jeopardizing the adventure and mystery of the plot.

Poppy is everything a woman thinks she should be, a bundle of energy, tenacious, enticing and so very stubborn. Love her take no prisoners attitude, or is it take lots of prisoners. Great story, all the elements of a good mystery were present. Can not wait to read the next book in the series. I am sure it will be just as entertaining and fun.

I liked the story. the narrator was very good. The action scenes were well done. I felt Poppy was a bit reckless. I was surprised there was not more surveillance. Also some of the descriptions of the animals were disturbing. I don't like to even think about how some animals are treated, and reading graphic descriptions of cruelty was hard.

If you like Stephanie Plum, you must meet Poppy McVie. She' s got the conscience and mission to give her the dimension many mystery/thriller protagonists lack. This is a rare read that's fun but also edifying; the reader learns so much about illegal wildlife deals. Some aspects felt a little too tried and true, such as the gay best friend. But I'll definitely be reading Poppy's next adventure.

I really enjoyed this book! It was well-written, and had a nice blend of action, mystery, romance and suspense. A perfect escape - and I especially love finding a series with a heroine who can take care of herself. I've already bought the next book in the series.

Great book. I like how the author dives right into the story and adds character details as the story unfolds. The author did her research to make the story informative and not boring.

Poppy is a young and passionate agent who wants to do right by the animals. She is almost too passionate and gets herself into some deep trouble. I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't put the book down.Going to start reading the next book.

Great read. The main character is strong, relatable, and tough. The writing is awesome and completely draws you in effortlessly. You feel like you are in the story. Great action, suspense, and a bit of romance that is completely in line with everything. Excellent writing. You'll love this!!

I really liked Poppy McVie. A sassy, exhuberant, spontaneous, and courageous character. And so dedicated to the welfare " of the animals". And in particular trafficked wildlife animals.
This book is so well researched and written. It draws you into the plight of trafficked animals and Poppy's fight to save them.
In addition she has not one but two "hot" blokes vying for her attention. A winner Kimberli. Sandra Wood

Poppy is smart, funny, strong and brave. And a little reckless at times. But, most important, she has a conscience and a heart. Which beats faster when near a handsome man...
What really gets her blood-pressure rising, is when she sees someone hurt animals. There is no messing with Poppy McVie! Loved it!

I'm really clarice writing under my hubby's name. this story was SO MUCH more than I thought! most all my causes rolled into one GREAT adventure-If you love adventure, a strong female character with a mind of her own and protecting animals of all sorts on this planet-you need to read this book. You won't be able to stop --you will go on and read the rest like I did. I could hardly put it down

A different take on mystery and sixpence. Like filming on location, you are in the tree house, the jungle, watching for wildlife. Cool. Also a clear message about human cruelty to animals woven into a compelling story.

I find it hard to read long descriptive narrative style books, so when i found this series I was thrilled with its fast paced action and funny dialog. Poppy is a hit! Love that girl. Wish I could read about more heroines like her.

Poppy keeps you guessing! She takes her job seriously and doesn't seem to follow orders well. She thinks on her feet. She is a strong independent character. The story is intriguing, and keeps you turning the page. I love that Kimberli keeps tries to keep it realistic. Going to purchase the rest!!!

Love love loved this book. Fast paced, exciting story with some well-done plot twists. Great heroine, great supporting characters. Simply a very well-written book and a fun read. Plus, I'm a wildlife nut and I never got to read about this topic in fiction before.

Fun story with engaging characters. Learning about wildlife preservation and protection was an added bonus! I would recommend this book for anyone that is looking for a light thriller with many twists along the way. Congrats to the author for a well written story!

This is the first in a series of books introducing us to Poppy McVie, a dynamic redhead who fights for the rights of animals. The storyline is forever twisting, but never suspends reality. The plot is believable and not farfetched. Each character is incredibly well developed and the group meshes together quite well. Poppy is very witty. This adds a much greater human element to the novel, which allows the cogent storyline to develop exceptionally well and keep the reader forever guessing. This is an excellent book that was truly hard to put down. The writing is sensational and it is quite clear that the author put a lot of thought into the storyline. I look forward to more Poppy McVie stories so we can learn more about her background and the development of the characters around her.

Poppy is someone you'd like to be. Courageous, smart, adventurous, caring and tough as nails. Animals are an important part of nature and she understands this. Loved this 3 book series. Looking forward to her next adventure.

Poppy McVie Operation Tropical Affair is more than an enjoyable romp. It is that, but it also makes strong moral points about the cruelty and greed of the illegal animal trade. Poppy is like Stephanie Plum, but with the substance that comes from being passionate about a righteous cause, and the novel’s playful tone doesn’t minimize the importance of that cause. Author Kimberli Bindschatel capably combines a few amusing, useful stereotypes with multi-dimensional, believable main characters. She has done abundant research and given her story rich details and exciting scenes, some very funny and some rather disturbing, although not gratuitously so, and not without hopeful outcomes. I look forward to the next story in the Poppy McVie series.

It was a fun, quick read, worth the time. Written well enough that I will go ahead and read the second installment. There was just enough romance to add interest but not be a major focus, which I like.

I love how scrappy the heroine is in this story! The author makes me feel like I am right there running from the bad guys and rescuing the animals. I love the humor the author injects into the story and the sexual tension is sultry, but not obscene. Well written story!

If you love animals, and enjoy lots of action you will find Poppy's adventures a great read. She is adrenaline junkie with a strong idea of right and wrong,
I found the book to be a quick read with lots of laughs, interesting characters and a great story line that will keep you reading.

This book really shined due to its main protagonist, Poppy. She's a vibrant spitfire whose shoes are a delight to walk in throughout the story. She is the vessel that carries us through the story, and she does so with gusto and spunk, which made the book difficult to put down. Also, Bindschatel's craft is excellent; her descriptions are detailed, vivid, and full of life. What else can I say? Go read this book!

The first book in the series about Poppy McVie, a U.S. Fish & Wildlife agent, is a page turner. I have never been to Costa Rica, but I felt like I was there. Poppy has a tough job. Finding and putting a stop to poachers and illegal wildlife trafficking is hard enough. She also has to prove to the other agents that she can handle the job as well as they can, and that can sometimes put her in danger.