Death With An Ocean View

Senior Sleuth #1

by Nora Charles

Senior citizen sleuth Kate Kennedy is spending her retirement tackling the gray clouds that sometimes descend over Florida--like murder.

When the Ocean Vista condo board president is murdered after trying to save the building from being demolished by greedy developers, senior sleuth extraordinaire Kate Kennedy enters into a "not so sunny" world of corruption and unscrupulous characters to solve the mystery

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Mystery Thriller

198 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 2004

About the author

A pseudonym used by Noreen Wald.

Series:
* Senior Sleuth

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a re-published version of an earlier edition of this book ; with Noreen Wald and Nora Charles being pen names for the same author. As I had never read this mystery in either incarnation, I enjoyed it greatly – but just check to make sure that you do not already have this under the earlier edition/author name if you are thinking of buying it.

“Death with an Ocean View,” is the first in a series featuring Kate Kennedy. Kate has recently relocated to Palmetto Beach, South Florida, mainly because her husband Charlie had been keen to retire there. Sadly, shortly after their arrival, he died and left her widowed, with just her Westie Ballou and ex sister in law, Marlene Friedman for company. Both Kate and Marlene are residents of Ocean View and, when we first meet them, we learn that developers want to tear down the condominium and build a parking garage. Indeed, there seems to be quite of lot of redevelopment going on in this small community, with a local restaurant also being scheduled to be demolished to make way for a beachfront hotel and ice skating rink.

Stella Sajak is the President of the Ocean Vista Condominium Board of Directors and she is keen to fight against the developers. Both Kate and Marlene are urged to go with Stella to the meeting, where the CEO of the company trying to redevelop the site, David Fry, argues his case. That evening, though, Stella is found dead on the beach and, suddenly, Kate finds herself dragged into the investigation. Kate’s husband, Charlie, was a retired member of the police department and often discussed his cases with her and, despite her misgivings, Kate finds herself interested and finding a will to live again.

This is very much a cosy mystery, with little real violence. I enjoyed the setting and the inhabitants of Ocean View. Marlene was a good foil for Kate, as well as Detective Carbone, who is actually in charge of the murder case. Stella was also an interesting victim, with a host of secrets and a trail of lies for Kate to unravel. I look forward to reading the second mystery in this series. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book. The story kept me guessing and I liked the characters.

[Heather W · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written and thought out story that I really enjoyed, death with an ocean view is the first book in a series about a senior sleuth. This is a perfect beach read, and is easy to solve but is so enjoyable that the reader doesnt really mind. YOu can get lost in the story and the characters, with a few twists that are surprising but still maintain the relaxed atmosphere that the book has managed to cultivate. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in the series.

[Terri · Rating 1 out of 5]

Choppy---My 'favorite' part was where Kate sat down BETWEEN Joe and Mary Frances...then Mary F puts her hand on Joe's arm and, "although Kate couldn't be sure, seemed to give it a squeeze." Then Joe turned AWAY from Kate to talk to MF. After that MF tilted her head forward so that her lips were inches from Joe's, and later, Joe spun around to see Kate.

Although these people live in a senior retirement home, they sure are flexible....physically anyway.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay cozy for me. There were good premises and bad premises. Sometimes it was a little hard for me to follow. As I know this series was written years ago and since then, I've read the author's newer stuff, I just count this as her learning period.

Thanks Henery Press for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kate Kennedy moved to Palmetto, Florida, because her husband wanted to live there. But he died within twenty-four hours of the move, and since they sold their old home, she's pretty much stuck. He's been gone a mere six months, and she misses him. However, she's decided to try and make the best of it.

When it's discovered that a developer wants to buy out their condo community and put up a resort, the board president isn't going to give up without a fight. But unfortunately, she doesn't last the night after a scheduled meeting, and now Kate wonders who hated Stella Sajak enough to kill her...

This is an older book, but I really wished it would have been better. I was a bit thrown after finding out that Kate hadn't shaved her legs since her husband died. Six months? Through an entire Florida summer? While she must have worn slacks all summer (or people would have definitely noticed), I can't imagine that it wouldn't have been extremely uncomfortable, not to mention quite a sight to behold. One I'd rather not see. (Personal opinion, but hey...)

Then, Kate sees a couple of residents walking along the beach, hears one of them yell, "Stella!" (Shades of Stanley Kowalski), and calls 911. Fair enough. But how did she know she should call 911? How did she know that Stella was dead if she couldn't see the body from her window? Does she always call 911 if she hears a resident yelling a name?

Then, the police seem as if they don't believe what she's telling them in her statement and want her to come to the police station the next day to give it again. Why? She was standing on her balcony, couldn't see anything, and only heard the man say, 'Stella'. She didn't actually see a body or have anything to do with it, so why would the police need her to come to the station? She had no other information to give, wasn't a suspect, and basically only heard the man say a name. How is this relevant in any way that she needs to go to a police station?

Also, in the beginning of the story Kate mentions as how Stella has a great body and is wearing a swimsuit with a halter top and skirt bottom while walking around, but when she sees a friend wearing a midriff-showing outfit to a costume party she thinks it's scandalous. Say what? Isn't this Florida? Don't seniors ever go swimming? Showing your stomach is scandalous? What. A. Prude.

But the kicker was an ex-nun pours a can of Coke over another resident because said resident asks the woman if she murdered Stella. Asks. A. Question. Probably even tongue-in-cheek. Was this supposed to be funny? It wasn't. It was over the top, and if someone did that to me because I merely asked them a question, there would be consequences. Trust me.

I couldn't even read the book after this. I'd had enough of Kate's judging people and self-righteousness, her boring personality and resentfulness of anything and anyone she didn't like. Kate is truly unlikable, and I'm sorry I have the rest in this series. They'll be donated to the library. Maybe someone else will find the humor in these books. I sure didn't.

[Lali & Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this at my local used book shop and the cover and premise were appealing. Kate moved to a South Florida condo six months ago because it was her husband's dream after he retired from the police force. Unfortunately, immediately after signing the papers, Charlie died. Now, Kate is grieving her husband and feels stuck in a place she never wanted to live; her only consolation is her dog Ballou and her best friend/former sister-in-law Marlene. One day the condo president drags Kate to a meeting with the city council to discuss a construction project that would tear down the condos to build a giant development. Shortly after the meeting, the condo president is found dead on the beach.

The book is told primarily from Kate's point of view, although there are a few chapter's from Marlene, and all the characters are described in unflattering terms. The word "fat" is used numerous times and a lot of attention is paid to appearance, especially considering that the book is less than 200 pages. That doesn't leave much time for plot development so it is not surprising that developments come pretty quickly without much time for sleuthing and reflection. There were some gaps and inconsistencies as well. My biggest issue with the plot, however, is the number of murders--four total. Does this qualify them as a serial killer? Just seemed like a lot and there are several attempted murders as well. Also did not enjoy the disclosure made at the very end of the book. Made the whole thing very depressing, definitely not what I am looking for in a cozy mystery.

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Death with an Ocean View by Nora Charles is the first book of the Senior Sleuths cozy mystery series set in contemporary Palmetto Beach, a small coastal town between Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale. Six months ago, protagonist Kate Kennedy and her husband Charlie had sold their home in New York state and purchased a beachfront condo in South Florida. After the final signature on the purchase docs, Charlie died - quite unexpectedly. Kate wishes she had not moved to South Florida. She walks the beach with her Westie Ballou, wondering what she will do with the rest of her life. The condo's existence is threatened by a developer who is replacing the original pier with an upscale resort, and needs the condo spot for high-rise parking. Kate doesn't really care, because her life is adrift, but she agrees to attend the condo council meeting to protest the development. When the condo board president is murdered, Kate's long-term best friend Marlene urges Kate to investigate the developer for suspicious actions. Through her investigations, she makes friends and becomes part of her community. By the time she resolves the murder case and saves the condo, she's ready to stay.

[Dallass · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up primarily because it was a Berkley Prime Crime mystery - I’m a real sucker for these - however, I had no idea that it dealt with a senior protagonist until I cracked this puppy open.

Thankfully this was much more engaging and enjoyable than I’d thought, and I had fun with this seemingly simple mystery that ended up being quite the complicated affair for our sleuth-du jour, Kate Kennedy, and her eccentric sidekicks, Marlene and Mary Jane. And while the murder mystery follows the usual course, there are odd little POV segments from Marlene that provide a glimpse into her odd little mind and I’m telling you this because there is a sting in the tail that you discover in the epilogue that immediately makes you want to read the next book to see if this information has come to light, because boy howdy, it’s a doozy of a secret.

3 stars ⭐️

[Antoinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once a snowbird and now full-time resident and part-time sleuth, recent widow Kate Kennedy seeks justice in sunny South Florida. Nestled between Ft. Lauderdale and nouveau riche Boca Raton, the once sleepy beach town of Palmetto is plagued by developers. Developers plan to raze Kate's condo building and put up a glitzy resort. When fellow resident Stella says she'll fight this to the death, someone kills her. Kate begins to investigate the murder and discovers this little corner of the sunshine state is full of corruption, sleazy characters and dirty secrets.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Miss Marple" aka Kate Kennedy is mourning the loss of her husband. Investigating a murder reminds her of her husband and helps her come to terms with his death. Along the way, she learns a lot about this "sleepy little town" that her husband made her move to 6 months before he died. A good cozy mystery.

[Sara Eames · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

An easy read cosy mystery that has well-written characters and a plot that moves at a steady pace. It's not the best cosy I have read, nor is it the worst... I kind of settles in the middle. However, I would probably read more in this series as I feel there is potential to develop into a very readable series.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed the South Florida setting in the book and the variety of senior citizens. The book had numerous typos that somehow made it past editing. Overall it’s a light mystery novel, not many twists and turns, and not difficult to figure out and read. The characters were quirky and each one was interesting.

[Kristi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was only two hundred pages and I thought it would be a fast read but the writing was so choppy and so much useless information included that it took me forever to read. I also was not surprised by the ending.

[JA J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say, occasionally or even rarely, it’s nice to read a book about people who are in the same stage of life as this reader. Comforting even. Cozy indeed, cooly humorous, a fun reading experience.

[Pat Apel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mystery involving a senior community.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

[Kristine (The Writer's Inkwell) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Posted originally on my blog:
The Writer's Inkwell

Have you ever found yourself having a love/hate relationship with a book? Well, that wasn’t the case with this particular book. I didn’t particularly love or hate the book at any point in time. If anything, my feelings towards it very seldom wavered from feeling neutral in regards to the story. I’m not saying others won’t absolutely love this book, just as what seems to verge on being seen as a cozy mystery, it just didn’t have the same light, airy quality that comes with those kinds of books.

So here are the things I did appreciate about this book:

The characters are all older than forty. I, myself, am only thirty, but there are only so many times you can read about twenty-something or thirty-something year olds always being the only ones who can be the main character in these kinds of stories. It was refreshing to have a different point of view and though I wasn’t able to personally connect with Kate Kennedy, she wasn’t a terrible lead character. Some of the side characters were really amusing and helped to make the plot move along quickly. This is actually a great thing as most cozy mysteries rely on the

There are very few clues about who is responsible for Stella’s death. In fact, the author does a great job keeping it wrapped up until it’s about that time for the reveal. It just wasn’t obvious and the reasoning for it was even less obvious initially.

Things that didn’t work out so well:

The side characters might have been interesting, but the plot needs some major work. While I appreciate not having to read every single thing that the characters did, the story jumps sporadically from place to place. There’s little to no transition at times and the jumps are actually distracting. It was as if parts of the story had been omitted or not yet added. This caused the pacing to suddenly slow or stop as you’re forced to try to fill in the blanks as to what happened.

My hope is that the series will become stronger over time. Perhaps with the addition of more humor and less sudden scene changes, the plot issues will work themselves out in the next book. There’s a lot of great potential here and I would be curious to read the next book to see if maybe that can persuade my feelings to be more than just neutral.

Reviewer's note: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of Death with an Ocean View by Noreen Wald in Nov./Dec. 2015 from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. The character name and setting (and dog) are the same so I think the book is either a rerelease or a revised version with a new author name.

The story is set in a retirement condo building in Florida. Kate ends up moving in alone after her husband dies at the condo signing. It starts off with her not dealing well with the death of her husband right after a move from her long time home. Luckily, a long time childhood friend lives there. Unfortunately, the condo building may be torn down to build a new garage and skating rink (in Florida?). Murders start to happen and Kate gets involved because she used to help her detective husband when he was on the job.

I enjoyed the book and the characters. I thought the author used a lot of detail in her sentences. Every sentence enriched the story and wasn't fluff. These characters are seniors for the 21st century. If you're looking for fluffy, knitting, cozy type oldsters, this isn't the book for you. Everyone is active and totally in the "now". Some of the physical/mental issues of seniors are brought up so it's not unrealistic.

I did find it strange that the author occasionally writes out the primary and secondary characters' full names AFTER they've been introduced. Not an actual example, but something like "Kate Kennedy and Mary Francis Costello walked into the building.". Yes, we know who they are, we don't need their last names repeated. It wasn't often enough to really irritate me, but I obviously noticed it.

There were two things in the book that really threw me. The first was a comment a character made which also threw Kate. It seemed to come from nowhere. It makes sense considering the character's former occupation, but why? Then again, crazy crap like that gets said in real life.

Then, there was the WTF! moment in the epilogue. I didn't think an epilogue was needed and why on earth did the author need to end the book on a negative moment? We did not need it to explain the motivation for the character's latest action.

[Si Braybrooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a resident of a retirement development in the small town of Palmetto Beach, Florida is found murdered on the beach, recently widowed Kate Kennedy decides that she needs something to get her teeth into - and solving the murder seems to be just the thing!

Kate moved to the complex with her husband who passed away the day they received the keys - and even now she finds herself regularly talking to him, though he cannot reply.

The victim, Stella was president of the resident association and her body is discovered on the beach by condo self styled ladies man Stanley who was meant to be having a secret meeting on the beach with her - but ends up literally tripping over her body.

Stanley is the main suspect, especially as he's the Vice President of the residents association and Stella's demise makes room for him - however Kate thinks there's more to it when she discovers that David Fry, CEO of Sea Breeze Inc. wants to pull down Ocean Vista and build a new resort on the land - something Stella was a vocal opponent of. When you add in the missing homeless guy who used to sell the local paper, a journalist and the town mayor it all becomes far from an open and shut case.

Taking inspiration from years of being the wife of a New York cop, she uses her knowledge of Charlie's detective experience and leafing through his old cases to set about trying to get to the truth. However, her passionate pursuit of the case with Scottish Terrier Ballou in tow leads to putting her own life at risk.

This was an interesting and quick read, with the main character being retired it made it difficult to get used to in the first few chapters as apart from Miss Marple there isn't many books where the sleuth is a retiree. However, the story quickly draws you in and gives a solid mystery with some interesting characters that perhaps needed a little more depth to them, but I think this may happen in the following books featuring Kate. It was also a quick read, but not unenjoyable - I'll be looking for the second in the series.

[S.D. Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The oppressive, ‘hard to catch your breath’ heat reminded Kate that only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun.”

-Noreen Wald

Kate Kennedy is a recent transplant to Florida, residing in a new condominium complete with an ocean view. However, her fellow residents have dramatic sensibilities all their own. Kate tends to cower away from the constant gossip and rumor mill, but she’s reluctantly drawn in when a resident is found dead. Developers are signing construction deals left and right, leaving the town and condo live-ins in an uproar. The victim and Ocean Vista board president, Stella, was the lead and most defiant against the contractors in the area. The small Florida town is left to wonder who would go so far to murder Stella just to keep her quiet. Who has the most time to kill? Kate and her fellow residents vow to find Stella’s killer and bring them to justice, which leads them down a path they’ll never believe once they discover the murderer.

Noreen Wald created a clever detective in the character Kate Kennedy. The first book in the Kate Kennedy Mystery series, Death With An Ocean View is fast-paced and easy to read with a hilarious cast of characters. I would most definitely term this book “beach-worthy”, because what better place to indulge in a juicy mystery book than in the sun and sand? A Kate Kennedy Mystery series includes four other books: Death of the Swami Schwartz (Book 2), Death is a Bargain (Book 3), Death Storms the Shore (Book 4), and Death Rides the Surf (Book 5).

**** 4 Stars

Death With An Ocean View (A Kate Kennedy Mystery Book 1)

by Noreen Wald

226 Pages

Published March 8, 2016 by Henery Press

Genre: Crime, Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Series, Suspense, Women’s Fiction

ASIN: B01BLUIX9M

*Disclaimer: This eBook was received from NetGalley and Henery Press in exchange for an honest review.

Gilt & Buckram Reviews . . . the framework that holds adventure.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 3 out of 5]

[ I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generousity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising]

“Charlie, what the hell am I doing in paradise?”

That's a good question Kate Kennedy. You're living in a condo you didn't want to move into, but you felt you had to after your husband dropped dead right after the closing. Any realtor worth their salt would have voided the sale, but here you are, months later, stuck with a condo you don't want, a Westhighland Terrier who loved your husband more than you....heck, Ballou loves your sister-in-law Marlene more than he loves you. And, it might just be a moot point anyway because your condo is part of a demolition as a "rejuvination of the water front" until a series of unfortunate incidences puts that in jeopardy too...

Yes, people do die in Florida elderly apartments, but usually not by bullets. Kate, still in mourning, stumbles upon a weirdly connected series of murders that have her driving the local cops crazy. And being the spouse of a retired NY detective who taught you by osmosis how to figure stuff out will either help, hinder or get her killed...

This is the first in a new series of cosy mysteries by Noreen Wald. Being its the first, I will give it some leeway. She's developing new characters here and even established authors stumbled a bit as they introduced new series. Once she gets her characters established, this could be as good as any number of older women sleuths. However, till then it rates 3 stars and a suggestion that Ms. Wald may have too many people detracting from the story.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

DEATH WITH AN OCEAN VIEW by Nora Charles is 198 pages long in paperback form. It is the first book in the Kate Kennedy Senior Sleuth Series.

Nestled between fast track Ft. Lauderdale and nouveau riche Boca Raton, the once sleepy beach town of Palmetto is plagued by progress. The latest news has Ocean Vista condo board president Stella Sajak and other residents in an uproar. Developers plan to raze the property and put up a glitzy resort. But when Stella says she'll go to City Hall and fight this to the death, no one thinks to take her statement literally.

And when Kate begins to investigate the murder, she discovers that this little corner of the sunshine state is cursed with corruption, unsavory characters, and a very dark cloud overhead...

I thought this was a very well written book for her first book. You can easily read this in an afternoon, as I did. It is not clear at first who the killer is and that makes it a lot more interesting. If you live in Florida, you would recognize some of the things people do in Florida during the warmer season so you feel right at home.

Kate is a widow and does talk to her dead husband and it is up to you whether you believe he answers or not. It is humorous and witty. I gave this 4 out of 4 stars.

BUY NOW: Conniesbookshelf $2.99

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC honest review for Henery Press via NetGalley.

The first in the Kate Kennedy mysteries.

This isn't my first visit with Noreen Wald's Kate Kennedy Mysteries...I first read this book about 10 years ago when she published it under the pen name of Nora Charles. She does love using names from famous people, whether real of fictional. :D

What can I say about my second reading of this book. Only that I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time. With a great set of characters, a well written plot. A great story teller.

I'm pleased that she has found a new home for her Kate Kennedy & Jake O'Hara books with Henery Press, and they are both very good mystery series for anyone who likes cozy mysteries.

Other books in this series, all out in March 2016.

Death of the Swami Schwartz.

Death is a Bargain.

Death Storms the Shore.

Death Ride the Surf.

Please visit my blog @ https://finalchapterreadersgroup.word... ... like and follow.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC for a honest review from netgalley

Death With An Ocean View by Nora Charles is the first book in the Kate Kennedy Senior Sleuth Series. And I really enjoyed it. I love books with sleuthing senior citizen, life doesn't end when you retire.

Charlie and Kate Kennedy moved to Florida, and right after the real estate papers were signed, Charlie dies of a heart attack. Moving to Florida was Charlie's idea, so Kate has a hard time adjusting. Kate's best friend/ ex sister in law also lives in the complex, but she has her own secrets to keep. After another residents body is found, Kate starts sleuthing and starts remembering
how Charlie, a retired police detective, conducted his investigations.

This book was fun, it was fast pace, lots of twists and turns, and a quick read. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Sharon J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher Henery Press for an ebook copy of Death With An Ocean View by Noreen Ward to read and review.

An enjoyable cosy mystery with a mature lady, Kate Kennedy, playing amateur detective. While still coming to terms with the death of her husband 6 months previously, a murder at her retirement location in Palmetto Beach, South Florida brings her out of her sadness and ennui. Kate is a lovely lady who starts to re-enjoy life as a widow and use the skills she learnt from her husband, who had been a New York detective.
There are many different characters that add flavour to the story, especially her friends, Marlene, Kate’s ex-sister-in-law and Mary Francois an ex-nun.
An easy and light read with a storyline that has intrigue and mystery mixed in with local politics.

[Lbaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light, enjoyed the older heroine, will happily read another in this series.

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is another one of those that I saw at the used book store and thought it might be fun. It was...okay. There were several continuity errors as well as several typographical errors that annoyed me. I didn't enjoy that though Kate was evidently the heroine, we got a lot of chapters from just Marlene's point of view...it just didn't work well for me. Kate kept obsessing over something that happened at the counsel meeting that she couldn't remember, but they never went back to it at all and I flipped back to read that scene several times and I do see what she might have been referring to, though there's NO WAY Kate could have read that much into it to have figured out what it meant. So yeah. No more of these books for me either.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Senior Sleuth mystery series, and frankly, it wasn't that great. The other one that I read in the series (Death Takes The Surf, I think it was called) was a lot better. In this book we are getting to know the characters, and of course and old lady dies, so Kate and her friend try to solve the mystery. And as in most mysteries, the main character always gets in that sticky situation where the killer almost kills them. You always know that's going to happen.


So skip this one and read the other one. Its not really one of those series where you get confused if you haven't read the other ones first. That's a plus.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this reissue of a book from about 11 years ago. I didn't read it then, I don't know how I could have missed it!

Set in a fairly upscale retirement community in Florida, right on the beach, it's a terrific cozy with a great cast of characters, good character foils and I afore the main characters dog, Ballou.

It's well written, with great descriptions, which make me feel like I'm there helping solve the mystery. I'm hoping that the author picks up the series and word the next book.

*I'd like to thank the author/publisher/Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review*