When the Sandpiper Calls

Christy Castleman #1

by Peggy Darty

Christy Castleman, a pretty, young novelist, has made a name for herself writing books about mystery and intrigue. The Sassy Snowbirds, a group of lively ladies, spread fun, friendship, and good deeds around the seaside town of Summer Breeze. Everyone is content in their cozy worldâ until a message is found in a small Victorian glass bottle half buried in the sand.

â Call the police. Someone is trying to kill me.â

Believing the note to have been written by a missing realtor, the Sassy Snowbirds jump into the mystery with Christy. Using her research and know-how as a novelist, the young woman and her unflappable friends succeed where a team of forensic experts stall. But solving real life crimes is much more dangerous than writing them, and Christy must fight for her life when she uncovers a shocking truth and a real murderer.

A contemporary Southern cozy mystery with a touch of romance, When the Sandpiper Calls is a fast-paced and inspirational look at life choices, consequences, second chances, and deepening faith.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

416 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Peggy Darty is the award-winning author of 27 novels, as well as numerous novellas and articles. Her credits include Random House/Waterbrook, Zondervan, Multnomah, Guideposts, Barbour, Bantam and Sunn Classic Films. She has worked in film, researched for CBS, and taught in writing workshops around the country.

Reviews

[Sheree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read! The overarching plot was easy to predict, but the details were a surprise to the end. I liked the style of writing quite a bit. I liked the mystery/drama genre, but it’s not my absolute favourite which is probably what held it back from getting five stars.

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christy Castleman, is a published author and unauthorized sleuth. Her father is the pastor at a local church. Bonnie Taylor, a good friend and member of the Red Hat Chapter Sassy Snowbirds. I never really knew what 'Red Hats' purpose was before. So this book enlightened me about their charitable work. Christy and the snowbirds worked together to solve the mystery and I wasn't disappointed.

[Laurie Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I liked the setting (Panama City, FL area), I liked the main character and the world the author set up. I especially liked the surprise ending which I was anticipating (a twist), but never saw coming. It dragged just a little bit throughout the middle but it was worth it in the end.

I read the Kindle version and I was surprised that it was riddled with typos, mostly missing apostrophes, commas and quotation marks.

[Suzette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

Interesting characters of various ages. Lots of twists and turns. Small town with lots of rumors, but most residents have each other's best interests at heart. The main character is actually a mystery writer. She is a bit of nuisance to local police, but does have good insight as well. There some romance to sweeten the plot as well.

[Tambra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. What a great unique way to write a story. I could not put this down. I found this copy at a used bookstore and its signed by Peggy, who is no longer with it. She signed the book in 2005. So im delighted to have found it. i just got the next story in the series. Great writer

[Laura Garvey · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was TORTURE to read. I had to call it quits, SO boring!!! By the way the author wrote this I thought everyone was in their 50s! I should have called it quits after she called a PT Cruiser a "mob car"... oh, only in Florida.

[Dawn M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out rather slow. I started and stopped reading several times, reading different books in-between. I finally got determined to finish it. Glad I did. The plot seemed to drag a bit but by mid book started to flow smoothly.

[Stacey Borne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book, love the characters, the mystery kept me going till the end. Loved how the main character was able to find a new beginning to her life. Can't wait to read more of this author

[Bev Famulak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the whole setting and vibe of this book! The character development was fantastic and at some points I felt like I was actually part of the book!!

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gawd this was awful. Amateurish writing. Unreadable. DNF.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christy Castleman, local author, lives on Shipwreck Island. A place rich in history of pirates, treasures and shipwrecks. Bonnie Taylor, a good friend and member of the Red Hat Chapter Sassy Snowbirds of Summer Breeze is always encouraging of Christy's work.
When a corked bottle is found buried in the sand on Shipwreck Island with no evidence of footprints surrounding it, a note inside tells the reader to contact the police. Christy and the Sassy Snowbirds have a mystery on their hands. When a local resident turns up missing Christy and the Snowbirds work against the clock to try and solve this mystery at the risk of their lives while someone watches in the distance.

Promising twists, turns and a surprise ending I really enjoyed this cozy mystery! Suspense and romance along with well developed and interesting characters, I was entertained and felt the book was a good choice for the time spent and found it was hard to put down. Dialogue and scenery worked well together creating no dull parts. I was challenged in my faith and will recommend this well written book to others.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

easy read, enjoyed just sitting down and reading it

[Gwen]

Loved this book. Young adult woman who is a Christian nd a mystery writer finds herself in the midst of real mysteries!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like a Lifetime Movie. Just what I needed.

[Stacy Fidler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A enjoyable cozy read a perfect fall day book.

[Are · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is titled as a cozy mystery and it is just that. A fun and quick read.