What do you think?
Rate this book
The Belinda & Bennett Mysteries #1
Cliffhanger
Making her grand re-entry into Portside, Rhode Island, Belinda Kittridge expected fun, sun, and sugar cookies.
Instead, she gets one jilted lover braced for round two, an old rival on the hunt, and the murder of a former classmate and friend. Even worse, Belinda must return to the events surrounding a tragic sailing accident to set things right.
But new possibilities emerge in the form of security expert Bennett Tate. Between her connections and his know-how, they're bound to catch the killer - and kick the skeletons out of the closet for good.
Instead, she gets one jilted lover braced for round two, an old rival on the hunt, and the murder of a former classmate and friend. Even worse, Belinda must return to the events surrounding a tragic sailing accident to set things right.
But new possibilities emerge in the form of security expert Bennett Tate. Between her connections and his know-how, they're bound to catch the killer - and kick the skeletons out of the closet for good.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2012
985 people are currently reading
1525 people want to read
About the author
Amy Saunders
27 books128 followersHello! And thanks for checking out my books! I've written two mystery novels so far. My first, Dead Locked, is about Imogen Bell who works for a team of underwater archaeologists and ends up embroiled in a deadly treasure hunt. My second mystery, The Jester's Apprentice, is about Philippa, a woman caught between her new husband Edric and his smoky past - and hers.
I've always loved mysteries, even in elementary school. My mother raised me on TV show reruns like Murder, She Wrote, Matlock, and Magnum, P.I, and later I picked up her Agatha Christie addiction.
However, sometimes I just want a hot (but intelligent) guy and a strong woman bantering for pages. Or a gripping action sequence. Or some fun sci-fi/fantasy elements. And sometimes I want it all in the same book. So with mystery as the backbone of my stories, I blend in romance, action, adventure, and soon sci-fi to keep it fresh and exciting.
Why should you take a chance on my books? Well, I write what I'm passionate about, and I'm passionate about people and mysteries. I make my characters passionate too: about each other, about what they're hunting, fixing, or piecing together. Above all, I want my readers to have fun, and leave happy!
Enjoy!
Amy
I've always loved mysteries, even in elementary school. My mother raised me on TV show reruns like Murder, She Wrote, Matlock, and Magnum, P.I, and later I picked up her Agatha Christie addiction.
However, sometimes I just want a hot (but intelligent) guy and a strong woman bantering for pages. Or a gripping action sequence. Or some fun sci-fi/fantasy elements. And sometimes I want it all in the same book. So with mystery as the backbone of my stories, I blend in romance, action, adventure, and soon sci-fi to keep it fresh and exciting.
Why should you take a chance on my books? Well, I write what I'm passionate about, and I'm passionate about people and mysteries. I make my characters passionate too: about each other, about what they're hunting, fixing, or piecing together. Above all, I want my readers to have fun, and leave happy!
Enjoy!
Amy
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
December 5, 2016
https://celebrityreaders.wordpress.co...
Favorite Quotes:
“We could buy them an ice pick.” “And you’re complaining that nobody uses a bread maker?” “Hey, there is more than one use for an ice pick.” Victoria grinned. “Could come in handy past the honeymoon period.” “Yes, let’s buy the happy couple their future murder weapon.”
Bennett Tate was unfolding like origami. Deceptively simple on the surface.
3 stars
Eh, this one was only okay for me. I kept feeling like I was missing something while reading it. Like things were getting skipped over and I had to keep going back saying, “Wait, how did we get here?”
The MC was a too breezy, I couldn’t really take her seriously. Her manner was almost melodramatic. And the near misses and the stalking were a bit over the top. Also, I kept getting confused between Belinda and Bennett’s names. They were too similar and it threw me out of the story. So I was already half out of it by the time I got to the climax.
It just seemed that something that happened ten years ago wouldn’t take so much head space for so many people. I guess I couldn’t suspend my belief on this one.
And the love interest was underwhelming for me. It lacked spark for me, there was smoke, but no fire. So I was left wanting in that department and that makes for a cranky Carla. Grrrr.
All in all, it was ok. I don’t think I will be reading anymore of this series but I might try another my this author.
Favorite Quotes:
“We could buy them an ice pick.” “And you’re complaining that nobody uses a bread maker?” “Hey, there is more than one use for an ice pick.” Victoria grinned. “Could come in handy past the honeymoon period.” “Yes, let’s buy the happy couple their future murder weapon.”
Bennett Tate was unfolding like origami. Deceptively simple on the surface.
3 stars
Eh, this one was only okay for me. I kept feeling like I was missing something while reading it. Like things were getting skipped over and I had to keep going back saying, “Wait, how did we get here?”
The MC was a too breezy, I couldn’t really take her seriously. Her manner was almost melodramatic. And the near misses and the stalking were a bit over the top. Also, I kept getting confused between Belinda and Bennett’s names. They were too similar and it threw me out of the story. So I was already half out of it by the time I got to the climax.
It just seemed that something that happened ten years ago wouldn’t take so much head space for so many people. I guess I couldn’t suspend my belief on this one.
And the love interest was underwhelming for me. It lacked spark for me, there was smoke, but no fire. So I was left wanting in that department and that makes for a cranky Carla. Grrrr.
All in all, it was ok. I don’t think I will be reading anymore of this series but I might try another my this author.
December 14, 2016
Belinda was such a snob half the time, and it was obvious who the killer was very early on. Like, at the party. Reasons were not so obvious until some of the holes were filled in later. There's nothing remotely interesting about Bennet and I found myself not caring if Belinda lived or not. Or any of them, actually.
March 31, 2017
An enjoyable read with many LOL moments. I liked the two MC's, Belinda and Bennett, and all their friends and family. The mystery was interesting although I figured out who did it fairly easily. I think my only issue, which made it 4 rather than 5 stars was that I can't understand why Belinda could stand up to some people, but not others... But, I would still love to read more in this series. :)
April 23, 2013
Cliffhanger is the first book in a new series of cozy mysteries by Amy Saunders.
Our reluctant sleuth is Belinda Kittridge and on the side of law enforcement is Bennett Tate, an ex-cop who is now a PI he's also going to be the love interest for Belinda.
You can't help but love Belinda who comes from a well to do family but isn't your typical rich girl. She's much to nice, as is her friend Veronica, but not everyone is sweet in this story.
The opening scenes where her neighbor's 18 year old son asks her out is hilarious. Got to give him credit for trying. I wonder if he'll do it again when he reaches 21! We can only hope the series is still going then! (Maybe give Bennett a run for his money)
The mystery involves the death of one of Belinda and her twin brother Kyle's friends, Jeff, who is party to the sailing accident that took the life of another member of their set, 10 years prior. If they find out who killed Jeff, they might get more closure on Mark's death as well.
There are a lot of surprises here and more than one person that could be the killer, until you realize someone is after Belinda, that's when the suspect list narrows down quite a bit.
All through this you see Belinda's relationship with Bennett growing. They are a kinda sorta couple. Nothing is formal yet, but we know it will be.
This was a great cozy with romantic elements and hopefully a start of a long fun series!
Our reluctant sleuth is Belinda Kittridge and on the side of law enforcement is Bennett Tate, an ex-cop who is now a PI he's also going to be the love interest for Belinda.
You can't help but love Belinda who comes from a well to do family but isn't your typical rich girl. She's much to nice, as is her friend Veronica, but not everyone is sweet in this story.
The opening scenes where her neighbor's 18 year old son asks her out is hilarious. Got to give him credit for trying. I wonder if he'll do it again when he reaches 21! We can only hope the series is still going then! (Maybe give Bennett a run for his money)
The mystery involves the death of one of Belinda and her twin brother Kyle's friends, Jeff, who is party to the sailing accident that took the life of another member of their set, 10 years prior. If they find out who killed Jeff, they might get more closure on Mark's death as well.
There are a lot of surprises here and more than one person that could be the killer, until you realize someone is after Belinda, that's when the suspect list narrows down quite a bit.
All through this you see Belinda's relationship with Bennett growing. They are a kinda sorta couple. Nothing is formal yet, but we know it will be.
This was a great cozy with romantic elements and hopefully a start of a long fun series!
December 3, 2021
Socialite Belinda Kittridge is back in Portside, overseeing renovations to her parents' home while they are on a European cruise. But, at a gathering of her old friends, a murder is committed and her past comes back to haunt her.
As I settled into this book, there were parts of it that were a delight:
1. Belinda is a trust-fund baby and has a fantasy lifestyle. Her twin brother is her counter and works for his living which neatly balances the story.
2. There are ties to the past which are always mysterious and evocative.
3. The main character finds a love interest.
4. The police detective was worthy of his title and actually was proactive.
But then, there were things that detracted from my enjoyment:
1. The main character is entitled and waved her privilege around when it suited her.
2. The murderer was easy to spot.
3. No character was particularly sympathetic.
4. There was a scene where a male physically assaulted a female, but it was deemed acceptable and cute.
5. It was all a bit much. The story needed to be wrapped up much sooner than it was.
I liked this first-in-series enough that I'll probably, eventually, read the second book - mostly to see how Belinda and Bennett work together as a team.
As I settled into this book, there were parts of it that were a delight:
1. Belinda is a trust-fund baby and has a fantasy lifestyle. Her twin brother is her counter and works for his living which neatly balances the story.
2. There are ties to the past which are always mysterious and evocative.
3. The main character finds a love interest.
4. The police detective was worthy of his title and actually was proactive.
But then, there were things that detracted from my enjoyment:
1. The main character is entitled and waved her privilege around when it suited her.
2. The murderer was easy to spot.
3. No character was particularly sympathetic.
4. There was a scene where a male physically assaulted a female, but it was deemed acceptable and cute.
5. It was all a bit much. The story needed to be wrapped up much sooner than it was.
I liked this first-in-series enough that I'll probably, eventually, read the second book - mostly to see how Belinda and Bennett work together as a team.
May 13, 2021
I love all the Belinda and Bennett’s books. I am now on book five and it saddens me if there isn’t going to be any more. Please keep me informed
February 6, 2017
I hate to "DNF" a book, but this little freebie just did not catch my attention. The book starts off dialogue heavy with no sense of who these people are, where they are or how they are all connected, as there isn't any writing. It's all characters talking. Trying to read this book was much akin to overhearing a conversation in a restaurant where the talkers are strangers, speaking of people and places you don't know, and you aren't sure how all the people at that table are connected. Brother/sister? Best friends? A couple on a date?
Right off the bat, there are too many names flying around and since I'm already lost by this point, I see no need to confuse myself any further by learning the mentioned names. Or matching them to possible characters later on.... no, thank you, Delete!
Right off the bat, there are too many names flying around and since I'm already lost by this point, I see no need to confuse myself any further by learning the mentioned names. Or matching them to possible characters later on.... no, thank you, Delete!
August 13, 2014
Really good cover.
Not a bad story but Belinda is quite snobbish & unlikeable in parts & Bennett remains a cliche.
2.5 stars
Not a bad story but Belinda is quite snobbish & unlikeable in parts & Bennett remains a cliche.
2.5 stars
December 29, 2023
cute
Nice, cute, cozy mystery that kept you guessing while cheering on the main couple. It was a fast read with a few twists and turns. Definitely a good book if you want a light mystery/romance combo.
Nice, cute, cozy mystery that kept you guessing while cheering on the main couple. It was a fast read with a few twists and turns. Definitely a good book if you want a light mystery/romance combo.
October 10, 2022
I read Cliffhanger ~ A Belinda and Bennett Mysteries ~ Book 1 when I borrowed my Mom's Kindle to read this story.
Belinda returns to Portside, Rhode Island after being gone for ten years since the boating accident that took a friend's life. Then another friend is found dead at the bottom of a cliff.
Bennett Tate, a security expert is asked to make friends with Belinda to help his detective friend with the case. I loved the tension, the romance and dialogue and humor.
Belinda returns to Portside, Rhode Island after being gone for ten years since the boating accident that took a friend's life. Then another friend is found dead at the bottom of a cliff.
Bennett Tate, a security expert is asked to make friends with Belinda to help his detective friend with the case. I loved the tension, the romance and dialogue and humor.
February 7, 2017
Bad grammar. No continuity of thought. Even mixes up her own characters.
If this is an example of how English grammar is (not) taught in public schools then it is time to cry for our country. This was more of a doodle than a book. Paragraphs did not contain contiguous thoughts. Huge chunks of the story were left out. Difficult to tell who was talking. No transitions from scene to scene. Wrong characters were occasionally used when the author apparently got confused about her own characters. Very immature and undeveloped story and characters. It makes me sad to see how far we have fallen.
If this is an example of how English grammar is (not) taught in public schools then it is time to cry for our country. This was more of a doodle than a book. Paragraphs did not contain contiguous thoughts. Huge chunks of the story were left out. Difficult to tell who was talking. No transitions from scene to scene. Wrong characters were occasionally used when the author apparently got confused about her own characters. Very immature and undeveloped story and characters. It makes me sad to see how far we have fallen.
November 25, 2016
Not worth the time to read it.
Silly. childishly written. ok if youre a young teen . I wouldn't waste my time reading want others by this author.
Silly. childishly written. ok if youre a young teen . I wouldn't waste my time reading want others by this author.
June 7, 2017
Socialite Belinda Kittredge, returning to her hometown, Portside, RI, expected fun, sun, and sugar cookies. There to oversee her twin brother, Kyle’s, renovation of their parents’ home, she is also reconnecting with old high school friends. Immediately, though, a decade-old tragedy, the death in a boating accident of a friend and almost-boyfriend, intrudes. At a party, she’s approached by Jeff, witness to the old death, who wants to ‘talk to her about it.’ She also finds herself pursued by a teenaged neighbor who had an old crush on her and seems to want to revive it.
When Jeff is found dead at the base of a cliff, Belinda knows something is amiss. She finds it hard to concentrate on it, however, because of the heat emitted by Bennett Tate, an ex-cop turned event security expert, who is asked by a friend on the local police force to keep an eye on her—a task he finds most pleasant.
Things go from bad to worse, and Belinda finds herself the target of some weird attempts on her life, her brother accused of murdering Jeff, and an old classmate still carrying a grudge over something that is ten years in the past.
You might assume Cliffhanger by Amy Saunders is one of those books that ends on a cliffhanger, with many—or at least the main—issues unresolved. Wrong. The author wraps everything up nicely. Turns out, the title refers to the situations the main character constantly finds herself in.
One complaint about the book. The author uses characters names frequently, and I do mean frequently. Belinda’s name opens the first two paragraphs, and I stopped counting how many times her name was used in that chapter at ten—it was more. It’s nice to know which character is which, but there has to be a better way than using their name; three or four times in one paragraph is way too many. At that frequency it’s not informative, it’s intrusive.
So, here’s a book with a fascinating couple of main characters, the requisite volume of sparks flying between them, and a fairly interesting plot—marred by names, names, names. I give it three stars, and cross my fingers that this author—who shows great promise—will notice this and institute corrective measures in future books.
When Jeff is found dead at the base of a cliff, Belinda knows something is amiss. She finds it hard to concentrate on it, however, because of the heat emitted by Bennett Tate, an ex-cop turned event security expert, who is asked by a friend on the local police force to keep an eye on her—a task he finds most pleasant.
Things go from bad to worse, and Belinda finds herself the target of some weird attempts on her life, her brother accused of murdering Jeff, and an old classmate still carrying a grudge over something that is ten years in the past.
You might assume Cliffhanger by Amy Saunders is one of those books that ends on a cliffhanger, with many—or at least the main—issues unresolved. Wrong. The author wraps everything up nicely. Turns out, the title refers to the situations the main character constantly finds herself in.
One complaint about the book. The author uses characters names frequently, and I do mean frequently. Belinda’s name opens the first two paragraphs, and I stopped counting how many times her name was used in that chapter at ten—it was more. It’s nice to know which character is which, but there has to be a better way than using their name; three or four times in one paragraph is way too many. At that frequency it’s not informative, it’s intrusive.
So, here’s a book with a fascinating couple of main characters, the requisite volume of sparks flying between them, and a fairly interesting plot—marred by names, names, names. I give it three stars, and cross my fingers that this author—who shows great promise—will notice this and institute corrective measures in future books.
March 24, 2021
It's rare I say much about the story structure but there was a lot left to be desired. There were far too many point of view breaks and the scene changes were bad, literally nothing to signal we had changed scenes. I also had to go online to see if this was book 2 or 3 or something because SO many names were thrown at us and I felt like I should have known who they were but no, this is book one.
Topping that was the fact I didn't really care about any of the characters, Belinda and her BFF Victoria (I think it's hard to say as there were so many characters so poorly drawn) are doing things like breaking into houses to solve the death of someone they grew up with (for really no reason because there wasn't any reason for her to not trust the cops or she's the suspect, your usual amateur sleuth motivation) Belinda is some sort of one percenter I think but you can't tell be cause this is mostly talking heads, all dialogue and no exposition.
I hated that Bennet kept putting his hands on Belinda possessively before he even knows her to help her from unwanted attention that I'm not sure how he knew was unwanted and robbed her of her agency. Of course she was thrilled he was a white knight. Worse, Bennet keeps getting thrown at Belinda by the investigating detective who is his friend to 'set him up with a cute girl.' These are grown men acting like 14 year old girls. I can't see me reading more of this series.
Topping that was the fact I didn't really care about any of the characters, Belinda and her BFF Victoria (I think it's hard to say as there were so many characters so poorly drawn) are doing things like breaking into houses to solve the death of someone they grew up with (for really no reason because there wasn't any reason for her to not trust the cops or she's the suspect, your usual amateur sleuth motivation) Belinda is some sort of one percenter I think but you can't tell be cause this is mostly talking heads, all dialogue and no exposition.
I hated that Bennet kept putting his hands on Belinda possessively before he even knows her to help her from unwanted attention that I'm not sure how he knew was unwanted and robbed her of her agency. Of course she was thrilled he was a white knight. Worse, Bennet keeps getting thrown at Belinda by the investigating detective who is his friend to 'set him up with a cute girl.' These are grown men acting like 14 year old girls. I can't see me reading more of this series.
July 7, 2018
I was enthralled in Belinda and Bennett's story instantly! The scenery sounds beautiful, the characters are super realistic, and the mystery is enthralling!
Cliffhanger is one of those books that is so engrossing and loaded with detail that you feel like its a movie playing in your head. You can perfectly picture the locations and even the expressions on the characters faces. It was truly that great! It definitely felt like a Hallmark movie to me! 😊
Growing up, one of my favorite series to read was Nancy Drew, since that time it has been I don't know how long since I've actually sat down and read a good mystery book. Cliffhanger brought all those good memories back to me! I absolutely love how Saunders weaves in the perfect amount of humor and romance with such a great mystery! I also really enjoyed how as a reader, I didn't know every little thing the characters were thinking, Instead, they were able to surprise me!
I can't wait to get my hands on the second book in this series and see more of Belinda, Bennett, Jonas, Kyle, and Victoria! I really enjoyed getting to know all of them in this book!
Cliffhanger is one of those books that is so engrossing and loaded with detail that you feel like its a movie playing in your head. You can perfectly picture the locations and even the expressions on the characters faces. It was truly that great! It definitely felt like a Hallmark movie to me! 😊
Growing up, one of my favorite series to read was Nancy Drew, since that time it has been I don't know how long since I've actually sat down and read a good mystery book. Cliffhanger brought all those good memories back to me! I absolutely love how Saunders weaves in the perfect amount of humor and romance with such a great mystery! I also really enjoyed how as a reader, I didn't know every little thing the characters were thinking, Instead, they were able to surprise me!
I can't wait to get my hands on the second book in this series and see more of Belinda, Bennett, Jonas, Kyle, and Victoria! I really enjoyed getting to know all of them in this book!
February 6, 2025
The Belinda & Bennett Mystery Series, Bk 1, EBK-M, Kindle, @ 2012, Read 2/6/25, Fiction, Mystery.
A sister and brother, twins, who grew up in a well-to-do town on the Atlantic coast are together, once again at their parents home. She to pack up the house to ready it for a long overdue upgrade, and a high school reunion with friends, he to ignore the partying, the reunion, and the friends. Back after high school graduation, the group of friends had suffered a tragic accident that left his best friend, and accomplished boater, and her burgeoning love interest dead from a mysterious boating accident. Belinda misses Mark, and what could have been, twin Kyle, himself and accomplished boater, wants nothing to do with the boating life.
Things start happening, strange accidents to Belinda, occurrences of odd surveillance, a close friend of the old group is killed after he says he needs to talk to her. Belinda is in danger, Bennett, and ex-policeman and now security guy, decides she needs protection. Kyle disappears, throwing suspicion onto him, and things get muddier at every turn.
4☆'s = Very Good. Lots of pieces to the puzzle!
A sister and brother, twins, who grew up in a well-to-do town on the Atlantic coast are together, once again at their parents home. She to pack up the house to ready it for a long overdue upgrade, and a high school reunion with friends, he to ignore the partying, the reunion, and the friends. Back after high school graduation, the group of friends had suffered a tragic accident that left his best friend, and accomplished boater, and her burgeoning love interest dead from a mysterious boating accident. Belinda misses Mark, and what could have been, twin Kyle, himself and accomplished boater, wants nothing to do with the boating life.
Things start happening, strange accidents to Belinda, occurrences of odd surveillance, a close friend of the old group is killed after he says he needs to talk to her. Belinda is in danger, Bennett, and ex-policeman and now security guy, decides she needs protection. Kyle disappears, throwing suspicion onto him, and things get muddier at every turn.
4☆'s = Very Good. Lots of pieces to the puzzle!
June 24, 2021
This is a better book than my 2 star rating--but the editing is appalling!
It reads more like a transcription of a TV show--without any of the mise en scene-- than a book. Things just happen out of the blue, settings change, characters are suddenly name and all without any mention of it in the actual writing. It's annoying, and distracting, to have to wait for a character to voice their thoughts about what just happened so that we can have a clue about what is going on. And, if an author is going to rely so heavily on dialogue to set scenes for us, it would be helpful if they were clearer about which character is actually speaking at any given time; there were definitely times when I had to read a paragraph over several times to work out who was speaking and what they were speaking about.
All that being said, it does have a certain something. If it was fleshed out and written with a bit less of a "hurry to the end the next show's starting in 10 minutes" kind of feel to it I would enjoy it more and read the next book in the series. As it is...meh, maybe.
It reads more like a transcription of a TV show--without any of the mise en scene-- than a book. Things just happen out of the blue, settings change, characters are suddenly name and all without any mention of it in the actual writing. It's annoying, and distracting, to have to wait for a character to voice their thoughts about what just happened so that we can have a clue about what is going on. And, if an author is going to rely so heavily on dialogue to set scenes for us, it would be helpful if they were clearer about which character is actually speaking at any given time; there were definitely times when I had to read a paragraph over several times to work out who was speaking and what they were speaking about.
All that being said, it does have a certain something. If it was fleshed out and written with a bit less of a "hurry to the end the next show's starting in 10 minutes" kind of feel to it I would enjoy it more and read the next book in the series. As it is...meh, maybe.
August 14, 2020
This was a good mystery that brought together two very unlikely people: One had to get over his bias against women of money, and the other had to get over the guy she liked who died ten years ago. Or was it really an accident? Belinda and Bennett paired up to investigate and ended up solving a cold case as well. I liked their dynamics together in finding the real perp.
The showdown was very nail biting. I really didn't know how Belinda was going to pull this off and live to tell about it, but with the help of her friends and her twin brother, they got justice for the long dead friend as well as a couple of others. I liked Jonas the detective who was fair and determined to see the right person put away for the murders. It was cute how he kind of egged Bennett on to be with Belinda. A very cool Rhode Island setting was the basis of the story.
The showdown was very nail biting. I really didn't know how Belinda was going to pull this off and live to tell about it, but with the help of her friends and her twin brother, they got justice for the long dead friend as well as a couple of others. I liked Jonas the detective who was fair and determined to see the right person put away for the murders. It was cute how he kind of egged Bennett on to be with Belinda. A very cool Rhode Island setting was the basis of the story.
November 17, 2023
Belinda and Bennett Mystery Series Off to a Great Start
Author Amy Saunders got this series off to a great start with likable characters Belinda and Bennett. Will be interesting to see how their relationship pans out ... as a couple or just a couple of sleuths. They have fantastic chemistry, so I am hoping for the best.
This mystery began ten years ago during the summer after 'Bels' and her twin brother, Kyle, graduated from high school. The death of a friend forever changed the lives of these two and several of their friends. While it was originally ruled an accident, events ten years later raise some suspicions, and the siblings are right in the thick of it.
You'll want to read this novel, which is packed with danger and suspense, and you won't want to put it down.
Author Amy Saunders got this series off to a great start with likable characters Belinda and Bennett. Will be interesting to see how their relationship pans out ... as a couple or just a couple of sleuths. They have fantastic chemistry, so I am hoping for the best.
This mystery began ten years ago during the summer after 'Bels' and her twin brother, Kyle, graduated from high school. The death of a friend forever changed the lives of these two and several of their friends. While it was originally ruled an accident, events ten years later raise some suspicions, and the siblings are right in the thick of it.
You'll want to read this novel, which is packed with danger and suspense, and you won't want to put it down.
September 24, 2019
Cliffhanger
Belinda goes to an after reunion party and is caught on camera eavesdropping on two old classmates talking about an old accident. Bennett is in charge of security and goes to see what she up to. His friend Jonas the detective ask him to get close to her to gain information after a murder takes place on the cliff by the house the party was at. Sorry some how right before I hit submit the rating changed on my Amazon review, it should have been a five star. I really the characters and storylines in the book. Both Bennett and Belinda had bad luck in the romance department so they where a little fun shy.
Belinda goes to an after reunion party and is caught on camera eavesdropping on two old classmates talking about an old accident. Bennett is in charge of security and goes to see what she up to. His friend Jonas the detective ask him to get close to her to gain information after a murder takes place on the cliff by the house the party was at. Sorry some how right before I hit submit the rating changed on my Amazon review, it should have been a five star. I really the characters and storylines in the book. Both Bennett and Belinda had bad luck in the romance department so they where a little fun shy.
May 7, 2022
#1 in the Portside, Rhode Island mystery series with socalite Belinda Kitterage and security firm owner Bennet Tate mystery series.
Belinda Kittridge, late 20's, returns to Portside after several years of just visits. She is looking forward to getting back with friends, enjoying the beach and opening her own cupcake bakery. However, events from 10 years ago resurface resulting in a former friend trying to reconnect, an 18 year old who is pursuing her, an old rival making life difficult and then the murder of a former classmate and friend. All this is somehow connected to a tragic sailing accident to set things right.
Belinda Kittridge, late 20's, returns to Portside after several years of just visits. She is looking forward to getting back with friends, enjoying the beach and opening her own cupcake bakery. However, events from 10 years ago resurface resulting in a former friend trying to reconnect, an 18 year old who is pursuing her, an old rival making life difficult and then the murder of a former classmate and friend. All this is somehow connected to a tragic sailing accident to set things right.
September 27, 2024
A very well named book. Once I got into it, I just had to finish it in one go! Belinda has come back to her home to help her twin brother Kyle get the home cleared out ready for builders to remodel in inside. Her parents are away on a cruise. She goes to an party held after a school reunion which she didn’t attend. Gets very unhappy about something & leaves in a hurry. Next day she learns that the person who had made plans to visit her the next day had been murdered. From there she decides to investigate & lots of things happen!
December 19, 2017
Amateurishly written
The author’s writing style is poor. She constantly jumps to assumptions without explaining to the reader how she got there. Lots of jumping around in the plot. And one character was arrested and then suddenly appeared free without so much as an arraignment. I choose this book to read aloud with my wife, so I could put up with the sappy romance if it wasn’t written like a high school creative writing project.
The author’s writing style is poor. She constantly jumps to assumptions without explaining to the reader how she got there. Lots of jumping around in the plot. And one character was arrested and then suddenly appeared free without so much as an arraignment. I choose this book to read aloud with my wife, so I could put up with the sappy romance if it wasn’t written like a high school creative writing project.
January 30, 2021
I’m not sure if it was me not totally paying attention or if the book was confusing me with the characters. I found myself not connecting people together. The story was extremely predictable so if you are looking for a twist ending move on. That being said it is a cute mystery chic book. I liked it well enough to try the second in the series. I do like the main characters so here’s to number 2!
August 25, 2022
Belinda Kittridge and ex-cop turned private investigator Bennett Tate are on the case of Jeff's killer in Portside, Rhode Island. Jeff is Kyle's friend and Kyle is Belinda's twin brother. While at a party Jeff is killed. Ten years earlier another friend Mark died in a sailing accident. Belinda and Bennett's romance is blossoming while investigating Jeff's murder and Belinda's life is in danger. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery novel.
September 30, 2022
Classic case of "If the characters had a wee bit less pride and just communicated, the book could've had half as many pages."
Regardless, this is a fun, easy read. I was surprised to find multiple sections, particularly the ones centred around stalking, creepier than I was prepared for. I also don't really understand what the characters in the main romance arc see in each other, but anywayy . . .
Regardless, this is a fun, easy read. I was surprised to find multiple sections, particularly the ones centred around stalking, creepier than I was prepared for. I also don't really understand what the characters in the main romance arc see in each other, but anywayy . . .
May 4, 2023
Belinda Kittridge has gone home to port side to help her parents while they are on vacation. Their home is getting renovated and she has to move all the furniture etc. out of the house with her twin brothers help of course. While back home she attends a party at an old friends house and discovers that there are secret’s everywhere. I really liked the cozy mystery aspect of this book, the person who I thought was the killer turned out to be someone else entirely. I didn’t like the fact that it felt like pieces of the story was missing but maybe that’s so I read the rest of the series!
January 5, 2025
This book had moments of humor that were a welcomed addition. I would have liked to have had better character development, the characters were sort of briefly described and generalized. I found the plot to be one that was easy to figure out from the start, so it could have used another twist or two to keep it interesting. The book is a quick read and is good if you are looking for something light.
February 11, 2017
Absolutely the most enjoyable book I have read in some time ! Don't know what to say , don't want to give anything away but you are missing a GREAT read if you don't read it .
Please, do yourself a favor and get it to read..it's a book I am glad I read. I got it free from amazon and so glad to share how I feel about the book .
Please, do yourself a favor and get it to read..it's a book I am glad I read. I got it free from amazon and so glad to share how I feel about the book .
January 11, 2018
Good Fun
A fast moving,very enjoyable read.Lots of thrills,mystery and suspense.But let's not forget the romance.I kept wondering what was going to happen next.I'll be looking for more from this author.
A fast moving,very enjoyable read.Lots of thrills,mystery and suspense.But let's not forget the romance.I kept wondering what was going to happen next.I'll be looking for more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews