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Jack Beale Mystery #1
Harbor Ice
When a woman's body is found under a slab of ice in the New Hampshire coastal town of Rye Harbor, the discovery triggers a series of events that will eventually threaten the life of Max, the feisty redheaded bartender at Ben's Place, and others as well. It is up to her best friend, Jack Beale, to unravel the mystery that takes them from coastal New England to Taos, New Mexico and Switzerland.
296 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2009
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291 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 24, 2025
2.5/5 stars.
I read this because we sold it at Common Roots and I thought it would be fun to read a book about Rye from a Rye author. The premise wasn’t bad but the writing style wasn’t for me. Glad to support a fellow Granite Stater.
I read this because we sold it at Common Roots and I thought it would be fun to read a book about Rye from a Rye author. The premise wasn’t bad but the writing style wasn’t for me. Glad to support a fellow Granite Stater.
January 24, 2026
I truly enjoyed this book. Great story line that drew me right in. The ending was absolutely perfect, can't wait to read the next in series. Plus, as a NH Native, it's fun reading in context of familiarity.
July 6, 2017
I gave it two stars because the story line was good enough to keep me going and finish the book. The Writing was painful in its level of detail. Annoyed me endlessly. Instead of "she put on her coat and left" we'd get " she put on her coat that was kept in the closet. She hung the hanger back up. Left arm, right arm then buttoned up. All four buttons. She found her purse on the kitchen counter near the blue bread box. Walked back to the front door where the knob was on the left. Opened the door...."
September 4, 2023
This earned a 2 instead of a 3 by a slim margin. I enjoyed it a lot, but it had too many annoying things in it for me to feel OK giving it a 3. Shout out to the author who is very accessible to his readers and extremely friendly--a really nice and interesting guy.
I loved the setting and the descriptions of the community, restaurants, and people. It made me want to retire and order the same thing at a diner every morning until I die.
The length was appropriate and it was an easy read. The Max and Jack love story, Max's writing, and the ending brought this down to a 2 for me.
Max was completely helpless, uninteresting, and manipulative. She friendzoned Jack so hard, but then still got mad when he showed interest in other women. The love story between her and Jack was unrealistic. They must have kissed seven times and Jack, a forty something male, thought they were friend kisses. Wtf is a friend kiss.
Jack's inner monologue about the relationship or lack thereof gave off strong virgin vibes. Also, wiping her tears away with his thumbs? Barf. It was over the top and not credible. The pool hall scene was an egregious r/menwritingwomen example. Thankfully it did not last long.
The mystery itself was cool. I won't give it away. I was disappointed with the ending and thought it could have been done in a more interesting and satisfying way. I REALLY wanted someone else to be the villain.
I wondered about Jack. He seemingly did not have a job, closed down the bar drinking every night, never cooked, and never saw his cat. The women who work with Max act like a bunch of 11 year olds when the topic of who's dating whom comes up, to the point of not being credible.
I would read another Beale mystery, as long as Max dies or otherwise is taken off the pages for good early on.
I loved the setting and the descriptions of the community, restaurants, and people. It made me want to retire and order the same thing at a diner every morning until I die.
The length was appropriate and it was an easy read. The Max and Jack love story, Max's writing, and the ending brought this down to a 2 for me.
Max was completely helpless, uninteresting, and manipulative. She friendzoned Jack so hard, but then still got mad when he showed interest in other women. The love story between her and Jack was unrealistic. They must have kissed seven times and Jack, a forty something male, thought they were friend kisses. Wtf is a friend kiss.
Jack's inner monologue about the relationship or lack thereof gave off strong virgin vibes. Also, wiping her tears away with his thumbs? Barf. It was over the top and not credible. The pool hall scene was an egregious r/menwritingwomen example. Thankfully it did not last long.
The mystery itself was cool. I won't give it away. I was disappointed with the ending and thought it could have been done in a more interesting and satisfying way. I REALLY wanted someone else to be the villain.
I wondered about Jack. He seemingly did not have a job, closed down the bar drinking every night, never cooked, and never saw his cat. The women who work with Max act like a bunch of 11 year olds when the topic of who's dating whom comes up, to the point of not being credible.
I would read another Beale mystery, as long as Max dies or otherwise is taken off the pages for good early on.
September 1, 2025
I bought this book at a large craft fair in NH and met the author. I was somewhat excited to read it, as he said the story was set in Rye Beach, NH, where I spent my summer vacations as a kid, and still visit regularly for beach days, and he said he had referenced many locations I would recognize. In fact, there were only a couple of places he referenced by name, which turned out to be a bit of a disappointment. All in all, this is a pretty good sit in the sun by the pool kinda read. It’s an easy read, and held my interest pretty well, but lacked the twists and turns a good, “Who done it?,” has. The ending was no shocker and almost predictable, leaving me a little dissatisfied. That being said, I did enjoy the story.
March 25, 2020
I bought this from the author at a farmer’s market. I was in need of a rest and recover day after two days of driving. I read it in one day. It was an easy read and certainly entertaining. I feel like there were a few inconsistencies in dates and timing, tough. The characters were lovable and it was fun to read about a local community even though it is fictionalized. I will read others in the series. Definitely a good, light escape read.
August 16, 2021
Nice light read that kept me going. We used to live in the area that he writes about so we enjoy the memory lane details. But the food descriptions get annoying. But my husband loves that part. I couldn’t guess what was gonna happen next so for me that’s a win. Will try the next as well.
April 22, 2022
I couldn't put this book down and finished it in less than two days. I am familiar with the seacoast area in NH so I loved all the mentions of local places. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
June 24, 2017
I liked this one a lot. I would read another in the series as it kind of leaves you wondering what will happen next. Glad I took a chance on this one. Also liked how it was set on the seacoast.
November 8, 2017
Good plot but writing was repetitive and over explanatory.
March 29, 2019
I really enjoyed this. The storyline was good, the characters likeable. I breezed through it in a couple of hours.
January 7, 2022
My first book by local author- murder mystery set on NH coast-enjoyed it. Look forward to 2 nd book
March 4, 2023
Kind of confusing to follow the many characters initially. A little slow and interesting writing style
May 18, 2023
Very good book. Didn't know who to trust until the very end.
July 29, 2023
Great mystery! K.D.Mason local author! Can’t wait to read his next one! Loved it!
February 19, 2024
The series was a page turner start to finish. I read the books in the summer of 2021. Finished one and started the next 🤩🤩
November 17, 2024
Really liked it
December 27, 2025
Started and finished in one afternoon. Setting of New Hampshire was a plus as I moved to NH 10 years ago. Unlike other reviews, I did not find the writing style to be overly descriptive.
July 18, 2015
Mason's initial book in the Jack Beale mystery series revolves around a pair of murders: one in the New Mexico desert, and one in the freezing waters of Rye Harbor, New Hampshire (the latter being the book's main setting). Jack must unravel the mystery behind the murders before his friend and prospective lover Max falls into danger.
"Harbor Ice" contains an interesting backstory behind the murders that spans generations and nations. I enjoyed trying to figure out the significance of a certain piece of jewelry that ties into the mystery. And I also enjoyed that LGBT characters played a large role in the beginning of the story (though they would end up leaving the stage fairly quickly). There's some great action description up front.
In addition, I liked the New Hampshire Seacoast setting of the story. I live fairly close to Rye, Portsmouth, and other places described in the book. The author captured the feeling of a long coastal winter well.
There's a lot of repetition in the story and unnecessary detail included. For example, in a few different places, a scene experienced by one character is then repeated via dialogue as the character describes it to another character. And many scenes that are similar to each other play out in bars and cafes. There are many "Hellos" and "How are yous" and other bits of dialogue that more experienced writers usually cut to get to the interesting bits faster (if dialogue is not directly advancing the plot or revealing something about a character-- and preferably it should do both simultaneously-- it should go).
I would have liked to see more agency on the part of Max, the "feisty redheaded bartender" (as she's referred to on the back cover). A character can't really count as "feisty" if she spends much of the book crying and running into our hero's arms (count the number of times). Also, why is this a "Jack Beale mystery" if Jack's friend Tom (the police chief) is doing most of the investigating? Jack, a civilian, spends most of his time thinking about how to woo Max, not about solving mysteries. He felt a bit colorless, and much of his lovelorn thoughts seemed to be more appropriate to a younger character than I think Jack was actually meant to be (just went back and checked-- yeah, looks like Jack is supposed to be in his mid-forties).
There's also way too much flashback in the first fifty pages or so of the book. As well as later in the book, as the mystery begins to be unveiled. Some of the flashback was interesting backstory, e.g., Jack's past. But with so much flashback, it seemed like the story could have been started earlier in time to have some of these events play out in "real time" for the reader, for a greater feeling of stakes.
On a related note, several times in the book, one character is telling a long story, and another character keeps urging them to "get to the point"-- but the storytelling character refuses and keeps talking in long paragraphs. If you as the writer feel the need to have a character repeatedly insist someone should "get to the point," that's a sign that the scene needs to be revised.
But I'm sure some of these issues are ironed out in later books in the series, as the setting deepens in detail and the author gets more words under his belt. "Harbor Ice" is worth checking out for anyone interested in both mysteries and the Seacoast, and who can forgive a little repetition in the writing.
"Harbor Ice" contains an interesting backstory behind the murders that spans generations and nations. I enjoyed trying to figure out the significance of a certain piece of jewelry that ties into the mystery. And I also enjoyed that LGBT characters played a large role in the beginning of the story (though they would end up leaving the stage fairly quickly). There's some great action description up front.
In addition, I liked the New Hampshire Seacoast setting of the story. I live fairly close to Rye, Portsmouth, and other places described in the book. The author captured the feeling of a long coastal winter well.
There's a lot of repetition in the story and unnecessary detail included. For example, in a few different places, a scene experienced by one character is then repeated via dialogue as the character describes it to another character. And many scenes that are similar to each other play out in bars and cafes. There are many "Hellos" and "How are yous" and other bits of dialogue that more experienced writers usually cut to get to the interesting bits faster (if dialogue is not directly advancing the plot or revealing something about a character-- and preferably it should do both simultaneously-- it should go).
I would have liked to see more agency on the part of Max, the "feisty redheaded bartender" (as she's referred to on the back cover). A character can't really count as "feisty" if she spends much of the book crying and running into our hero's arms (count the number of times). Also, why is this a "Jack Beale mystery" if Jack's friend Tom (the police chief) is doing most of the investigating? Jack, a civilian, spends most of his time thinking about how to woo Max, not about solving mysteries. He felt a bit colorless, and much of his lovelorn thoughts seemed to be more appropriate to a younger character than I think Jack was actually meant to be (just went back and checked-- yeah, looks like Jack is supposed to be in his mid-forties).
There's also way too much flashback in the first fifty pages or so of the book. As well as later in the book, as the mystery begins to be unveiled. Some of the flashback was interesting backstory, e.g., Jack's past. But with so much flashback, it seemed like the story could have been started earlier in time to have some of these events play out in "real time" for the reader, for a greater feeling of stakes.
On a related note, several times in the book, one character is telling a long story, and another character keeps urging them to "get to the point"-- but the storytelling character refuses and keeps talking in long paragraphs. If you as the writer feel the need to have a character repeatedly insist someone should "get to the point," that's a sign that the scene needs to be revised.
But I'm sure some of these issues are ironed out in later books in the series, as the setting deepens in detail and the author gets more words under his belt. "Harbor Ice" is worth checking out for anyone interested in both mysteries and the Seacoast, and who can forgive a little repetition in the writing.
January 8, 2017
This review was first published on Kurt's Frontier.
Synopsis:
In Rye Harbor, New Hampshire, a woman’s body is found under the ice. This murder is linked to another woman who was murdered in New Mexico. These two women had been companions. The woman killed in New Mexico was the aunt of Max, a feisty redheaded bartender at Ben’s Place in Rye Harbor. Jack Beale begins poking into the mystery as the threat to Max’s life increases. Jack has a personal reason to jump into action. Max is a woman he’s quietly adored for a long time. A mysterious stranger and an ex-boyfriend add to the danger as the Mystery unravels. At the center of it, all is a ring that belonged to Max’s aunt.
Review:
Harbor Ice is set in coastal New Hampshire. It contains romance in addition to mystery, with Max being pursued by the story’s protagonist, Jack Beale. As a resident of New Hampshire, I’ve been to the coast and can see the setting in my mind’s eye. When a body is pulled out of the ice of Rye Harbor, Max recognizes her Aunt Lillian’s companion, Meredith. To her shock, she sees a ring she recognizes as her aunt’s on Meredith’s hand. The ring disappears before the body reaches shore. Jack Beale does his best to help her through this tough time. An ordeal made more complicated by the reappearance of her ex-boyfriend, Andy. When police in New Mexico find Lillian’s body, Jack finds he must unravel the mystery of the ring, before to protect Max’s life.
Harbor ice is K.D. Masons first attempt at murder mystery. While the writing technique is still developing, the book has the elements of a whodunnit. The reader isn’t sure who the murder is until the end. Red herrings and relationships make the story interesting. The pool of potential culprits was not large, but complexity in the case could keep the audience guessing who the murder is. The story telling is enjoyable, and I look forward to seeing how the author’s storytelling evolves.
Synopsis:
In Rye Harbor, New Hampshire, a woman’s body is found under the ice. This murder is linked to another woman who was murdered in New Mexico. These two women had been companions. The woman killed in New Mexico was the aunt of Max, a feisty redheaded bartender at Ben’s Place in Rye Harbor. Jack Beale begins poking into the mystery as the threat to Max’s life increases. Jack has a personal reason to jump into action. Max is a woman he’s quietly adored for a long time. A mysterious stranger and an ex-boyfriend add to the danger as the Mystery unravels. At the center of it, all is a ring that belonged to Max’s aunt.
Review:
Harbor Ice is set in coastal New Hampshire. It contains romance in addition to mystery, with Max being pursued by the story’s protagonist, Jack Beale. As a resident of New Hampshire, I’ve been to the coast and can see the setting in my mind’s eye. When a body is pulled out of the ice of Rye Harbor, Max recognizes her Aunt Lillian’s companion, Meredith. To her shock, she sees a ring she recognizes as her aunt’s on Meredith’s hand. The ring disappears before the body reaches shore. Jack Beale does his best to help her through this tough time. An ordeal made more complicated by the reappearance of her ex-boyfriend, Andy. When police in New Mexico find Lillian’s body, Jack finds he must unravel the mystery of the ring, before to protect Max’s life.
Harbor ice is K.D. Masons first attempt at murder mystery. While the writing technique is still developing, the book has the elements of a whodunnit. The reader isn’t sure who the murder is until the end. Red herrings and relationships make the story interesting. The pool of potential culprits was not large, but complexity in the case could keep the audience guessing who the murder is. The story telling is enjoyable, and I look forward to seeing how the author’s storytelling evolves.
July 30, 2013
Being that this story takes place in Rye, New Hampshire, I had to read it. I'm glad I did. It held my interest though there really wasn't much of a twist.
Jack has been crazy about Max but is afraid to let her know his feelings. She keeps going back to Andrew every time he shows up even though he keeps breaking her heart when he leaves without so much as a goodbye. When that happens, Jack is there to pick up the pieces while Max vents her frustrations.
A body is discovered in the water off the deck of the bar where Max and Patty tend bar. Max recognizes the woman and she's sure of her identity when she spots the ring she is wearing. When she is asked to ID the woman for the police, the ring is missing.
And so the mystery really begins.
Jack has been crazy about Max but is afraid to let her know his feelings. She keeps going back to Andrew every time he shows up even though he keeps breaking her heart when he leaves without so much as a goodbye. When that happens, Jack is there to pick up the pieces while Max vents her frustrations.
A body is discovered in the water off the deck of the bar where Max and Patty tend bar. Max recognizes the woman and she's sure of her identity when she spots the ring she is wearing. When she is asked to ID the woman for the police, the ring is missing.
And so the mystery really begins.
June 9, 2022
This was a super fun read. I had NO idea who the real killer was until the end and I'm good at figuring out mysteries. It's even MORE fun because I know the author! It also helps that I know the area, so when it is set in Rye Harbor, Odiorne point or Portsmouth, I know exactly where he is talking about. I could NEVER write a book. I don't have the imagination to create a story and characters but K.D. does. I only found out about the books when I went to my UNH reunion last week. It's fun to discover that someone you know has such hidden (well, not anymore) talents! I'm starting on book 2 today.
February 12, 2010
K.D. Mason has woven together wonderfully a realistic murder mystery and a touching love story. The events are exciting and the characters understandable as they race through the action and the drama. With the sad passing of Robert B. Parker the torch may have been passed to this new voice from the backstreets of New England. I eagerly await Mr. Mason’s next tale of suspense and mystery!
October 31, 2016
Disappointingly vague. We never really get a sense of the scene, or of what the characters look like or what they're about. We only get the action that takes place in a scene. Plus, the representation of coastal NH is way off with details that do not suspend disbelief.
I was hoping for more and got none.
I was hoping for more and got none.
June 23, 2013
A local NH writer, writing a mystery that takes place in seacoast NH. One of the things that intrigued me was a friend told me you can see his progress as a writer as the series continues. He has the method down, I think with a few tweaks he could be a good mystery writer.
May 16, 2015
The book interested me as it is set in Rye NH, so I downloaded it. It was okay. Liked recognizing some of the places in the book. The story has some twists that I liked. But too much of something that just doesn't work for me...
April 10, 2016
It took me a bit to get into this book but once I did I couldn't put it down. I will be getting the second book soon. I bought this book at a hotel in York, ME and hope to purchase my next one there too.
June 16, 2012
This was a quick read! I enjoyed this murder mystery set on the seacoast in New Hampshire!
October 29, 2012
This book was really pretty good....it's a mystery with suspense=))
November 5, 2013
I liked reading this book because it is set in NH. I know the places in the book. The mystery was good. A bit too much predictable romance. Will read more from this author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews