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Jinx Schwartz
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Just Add Water (Hetta Coffey Series, Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Jinx Schwartz (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 3,691 ratings
From USA Today Bestselling and Award-Winning Author, Jinx Schwartz!

Winner of the National EPPIE Award for BEST MYSTERY!

Hetta Coffey is a globe-trotting civil engineer with a swath of failed multi-national affairs in her jet stream.

Plying the San Francisco waterfront, trolling for triceps, her attention is snagged by a parade of passing yachts—especially their predominantly male skippers—and experiences a champagne-induced epiphany…

If she had a boat, she could get a man

In spite of a spectacular ignorance of all things nautical, Hetta buys her dream boat, but a shadowy stalker, an inconvenient body, and Hetta’s own self-destructive foibles imperil her goal.

Hetta Coffey brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “sink or swim!”

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  1. Book 1 of 16
    Hetta Coffey Series
  2. Print length
    359 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    25 Sept. 2011
  6. File size
    717 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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 See full series
There are 16 books in this series.

In this series (16 books)

Kindle Edition

Product description

From the Inside Flap

Can t get a man? Just add water.Hetta Coffey is a globe-trotting civil engineer with attitude who is working on coming of age, a little late. Pushing forty and still single, Hetta is the epitome of the b word: bold, bossy, brassy, breezy and brash. After leaving a lifelong swath of failed multi-national affairs in her jet stream, it is no wonder Hetta prefers living with her dog R.J.But old habits die hard, and trolling for triceps is Hetta s hobby. Plying the waterfront in search of Saturday brunch, Hetta s attention is snagged by a parade of passing yachts especially their predominantly male skippers and experiences a champagne-induced epiphany: if she had a boat, she could get a man. In hopes a floating Valhalla will overcome an all-time low-water mark in her life, Hetta buys her dream boat in spite of a spectacular ignorance of all things nautical. But a shadowy stalker, an inconvenient body, and Hetta s own self-destructive foibles imperil not only her new life, but a newly- found romance.

About the Author

inx Schwartz lives in Arizona and Mexico with her husband, Robert. She can be reached via e-mail at jinxschwartz@yahoo.com. Her website is www jinxschwartz.com

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B005S65704
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Jinx Schwartz
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 25 Sept. 2011
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 717 KB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 359 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 16 ‏ : ‎ Hetta Coffey Series
  • Customer reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 3,691 ratings

About the author

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Jinx Schwartz

Jinx Schwartz

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USA TODAY BEST-SELLING AUTHOR, Jinx Schwartz, has written TWENTY books, including book 15 (JUST LIKE THAT) in the HETTA COFFEY SERIES.

Hetta Coffey is a sassy Texan with a snazzy yacht and she's not afraid to use it!

A ninth-generation Texan, Jinx has lived and worked all over the globe, and much like the protagonist in her Hetta Coffey mystery series, she navigated her boat in the Sea of Cortez thirty years. Now Jinx has a land yacht (RV) and she's not afraid to use it.

Want to know when I have a new or free book? Go to MY WEBSITE http://jinxschwartz.com and sign up for my newsletter.

Follow Jinx on Twitter here:@jinxschwartz

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jinx-Schwartz-Author-Page/232750223433855?fref=ts

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
3,691 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a good light-hearted read that's well-written and easy to read. They appreciate the humor, with one customer highlighting the smart-arsed dialogue, and the character development that endears readers to the characters. The plot receives mixed reactions, with some saying it held their attention throughout while others find it somewhat obvious.

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28 customers mention ‘Enjoyment’28 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, describing it as a good light-hearted read that makes for a pleasant few hours of reading.

"...This novel is witty, articulate and great fun to read...." Read more

"A great read. A loudmouth, brilliant, hard drinking heroine who seems to have the knack of picking dead beats as partners...." Read more

"...The characters are interesting, witty and fun and the story held my attention throughout...." Read more

"This is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It could have been named "The misfortunes of Hetta" as things happen around Hetta...." Read more

14 customers mention ‘Humor’14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous and witty, with one customer noting its smart-arsed dialogue and racy style of prose.

"...This novel is witty, articulate and great fun to read...." Read more

"...Humour, action and adventure mixed into a plot that would give Stephanie Plum a run for her money as well as a list of more likeable..." Read more

"...The characters are interesting, witty and fun and the story held my attention throughout...." Read more

"...It made me laugh and I immediately bought and read the next 2 books. In my opinion each successive book is more enjoyable than the last...." Read more

10 customers mention ‘Writing style’10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, describing it as well-written, articulate, and easy to read.

"...This novel is witty, articulate and great fun to read...." Read more

"...But there were some great comments and writing." Read more

"...Jinx Schwartz has a special way of writing that makes her books so good. Fun yet with good plots. Plenty of action too...." Read more

"...A charming writing style that endears us to the characters as though we were onboard for the ride...." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Character development’7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding the characters endearing, with one customer highlighting the heroine's hard-drinking personality and another noting her wonderful crazy side.

"A great read. A loudmouth, brilliant, hard drinking heroine who seems to have the knack of picking dead beats as partners...." Read more

"...The characters are interesting, witty and fun and the story held my attention throughout...." Read more

"...Hetta is a formidably independent woman with a wonderful crazy side to her character...." Read more

"...This is one irrepressible dame!..." Read more

13 customers mention ‘Plot’9 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the plot of the book, with some saying it held their attention throughout, while others find it somewhat obvious.

"...But I'm a great fan of `Just Add Water', a rollicking tale by Jinx Schwartz of dog-loving, sailboat owner Hetta Coffey and her long-time best friend..." Read more

"...Humour, action and adventure mixed into a plot that would give Stephanie Plum a run for her money as well as a list of more likeable..." Read more

"...The plot was a touch weak and Hetta didn't actually solve the mystery, it was solved for her but really the Japanese connection was merely a loose..." Read more

"...The characters are interesting, witty and fun and the story held my attention throughout...." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Witty and articulate. Great fun to read.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 October 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I'm a middle-aged man (certainly no `chick'), I don't like dogs and I'm not particularly keen on sailing. But I'm a great fan of `Just Add Water', a rollicking tale by Jinx Schwartz of dog-loving, sailboat owner Hetta Coffey and her long-time best friend Jan. Hetta only buys the boat because it might attract men, and it certainly does that! First in the form of boat squatter Garrison, then the alluring `Jenks' Jenkins, and finally the urbane Englishman Alan. But what, if anything, do these new characters in Hetta's life have to do with that scoundrel, Hudson, who betrayed her in Japan five years ago and whose mysterious key Hetta still wears around her neck? When Jan goes off to Florida with a new boyfriend, leaving Hetta alone in her new floating home, the action intensifies and the mystery starts to unravel, ending in a very satisfying conclusion. This novel is witty, articulate and great fun to read. If, like me, you haven't tried Jinx Schwartz or Hetta Coffey before, I recommend you give it a go. You won't be disappointed.
    12 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars RJ the only dog to be in court on terrorism charges
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 November 2019
    Verified Purchase
    A great read. A loudmouth, brilliant, hard drinking heroine who seems to have the knack of picking dead beats as partners. A plot of two women trying to find soulmates, a key, murder and a dog that is taken to court for terrorism and driving without a licence. Humour, action and adventure mixed into a plot that would give Stephanie Plum a run for her money as well as a list of more likeable characters.
    Since her return from Japan she and her BFF have been on the search for soulmates after her ex-fiance made off not only with his companies money but also hers. Add in two brothers, strange things happening at her house, a dog with cancer, a key (the only thing she kept from her ex), a dead body and a boat. Is there a link between them all and what is it?
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  • O.L.D.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Not my usual fare but I really liked it...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 November 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I've had this one sitting in my TBR pile for a some time now. I picked it up thinking that it sounded like it might be interesting but I wasn't in any rush to give it a go. Then yesterday I was bored, cruising through my Kindle library, spotted this one and went "Oh, yeah. This one. Well, I'll give it a shot."
    This is one of the ones that I'm quite happy to have tried. It came across to me as a mix of chick-lit and a cozy mystery - except for better than that. The characters are interesting, witty and fun and the story held my attention throughout. Plus I didn't end up thinking that the plot was needlessly convoluted.
    I immediately signed up for the author's newsletter and I'll be giving the other books in this series a try.
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  • Lintie
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is great fun and a good tale
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 December 2012
    Verified Purchase
    This is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It could have been named "The misfortunes of Hetta" as things happen around Hetta. Hetta is a formidably independent woman with a wonderful crazy side to her character. I liked the fact that this murder mystery unravelled gently around the happenings in Hetta`s life. It made me laugh and I immediately bought and read the next 2 books. In my opinion each successive book is more enjoyable than the last. I have almost finished "Just add Trouble",(which has made me burst out with surprised laughter throughout the book,)and intend to move on to the next one. These are light-hearted stories of 2 friends plus their men plus their boating adventures and the odd murder, a great combination. Read it, just the stuff to enjoy after a hard day.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Mr. Keith Donald Ross
    3.0 out of 5 stars so disappointed. But there were some great comments and writing
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 December 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I thought I had bought a crime/thriller but unfortunately it was more a romantic novel, it wasn't until the last 20% of the book did it actually turn into a thriller, so disappointed. But there were some great comments and writing.
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  • Mike O'D
    4.0 out of 5 stars Neat.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 January 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Whatever the watery equivalent of a romp is, this is it. A fun read which was just long enough not to allow the reader to become a shade tired of Hetta's badinage. The plot was a touch weak and Hetta didn't actually solve the mystery, it was solved for her but really the Japanese connection was merely a loose structure for Hetta to flounce around in. (Her blood would be up if anyone accused her of flouncing, I suspect). The early structure promised much more than the ending delivered in story terms but it was entertaining merely accompanying Hetta round the Bay area. I've picked up all three HC mysteries on free promos so I am certainly not complaining and I don't think it will be an effort starting number two after an adequate pause accompanied by the much more literary, Sebastian Faulks.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Diogenes
    5.0 out of 5 stars One Irrepressible Dame
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 October 2013
    Verified Purchase
    In Hetta Coffee, Jinx Schwarz has created a national treasure - although which country would want to lay claim to her is debatable. Opinionated, sassy, stubborn and feckless about men, Ms Coffee could well be your worst nightmare. But what a fun nightmare to have.

    Juggling property troubles, a sick dog, an enamoured best friend, a pain-in-the-bottom ex boyfriend and a potential pain-in-the-bottom new boyfriend, Hetta sets her course through a labyrinth of relationship nightmares while acquiring a boat and learning to handle it. This is one irrepressible dame! There are some mystery elements to 'Just Add Water', but think of it more as a fun romp and a very pleasurable way to pass a few hours. You will fall in love with Hetta. I know I did. I will be back for more.
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  • Ann Stanmore
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent start to an enjoyable series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 December 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Having already read other books in this series and enjoyed them very much, I was pleased to see this one on offer as a freebie. I jumped at the chance to read it and was so pleased I did. It was good to see how Hetta came to own her boat

    Jinx Schwartz has a special way of writing that makes her books so good. Fun yet with good plots. Plenty of action too. Excellent start to an enjoyable series

    If anyone hasn't read any of the Hetta Coffey books then this is the perfect way to meet this lady. You won't be disappointed.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Rebeca Kobelkowsky
    3.0 out of 5 stars Me molesta una mujer con tan poco criterio
    Reviewed in Mexico on 29 December 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Es un libro que te hace enojar, pero también te atrapa. No estoy segura de que me guste leer enojada, pero esta bien escrito y bien estructurado
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars I absolutely LOVE Hetta and Jan
    Reviewed in India on 25 June 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I absolutely LOVE Hetta and Jan. I am so glad I discovered Jinx Schwartz because of Bookbub. I always check out reviews before downloading and all reviews said great read. After reading one book I was hooked, I have read all Just series books. They are load of fun, I love the writing style. These are the books one can read again and again and enjoy.
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  • Ruth
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!
    Reviewed in the United States on 18 April 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I really loved this book. The characters were so interesting, I laughed and cried. Can not wait to read more stories by Jinx. I would highly recommend this book to everyone who loves cozy mysteries.Keep
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  • Hannes
    5.0 out of 5 stars It really shouldn't work, but it does
    Reviewed in Australia on 30 July 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I downloaded this book for free when it was on special. I do that alot, and often don't even finish the books because many aren't that great. Given that this one isn't really a mystery novel and the character is totally unlike the intellectual sleuths I favor, I really shouldn't like this book. But I do.

    The book is highly entertaining and well paced. It focuses more on the troubles encountered (and generally created) by the main protagonist than on crime or mystery, but that doesn't hurt at all. I'm currently on book 6 of the series and going strong; the series don't reduce in quality at all so far. It's definitely on my re-read list, even if it often requires a healthy suspension of disbelief.
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  • Bre Nicholson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book
    Reviewed in Canada on 11 March 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This book did not disappoint. Found my self laughing at some parts, crying and on the edge of my seat for other parts. My kind of book.
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