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Seacastle Mysteries #2
Eternal Forest
Tanya Bowe, an ex-investigative journalist, and divorcee, runs a vintage shop in the coastal town of Seacastle. When her old friend, Lexi Burlington-Smythe borrows the office above the shop as a base for the campaign to create a kelp sanctuary off the coast, Tanya is thrilled with the chance to get involved and make some extra money. Tanya soon gets drawn into the high-stake arguments surrounding the campaign, as tempers are frayed, and her friends, Roz and Ghita favour opposing camps. When a celebrity eco warrior is murdered, the evidence implicates Roz’s husband Ed, and Tanya finds her loyalties stretched to breaking point as she struggles to discover the true identity of the murderer. In this enthralling English, small-town, cozy mystery, Tanya finds herself torn between a search for the truth and loyalty to her friends. If you love a cozy whodunnit set at the seaside, with a cast of recurring characters, this is the series for you
- GenresMystery
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2023
613 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
P.J. Skinner
28 books69 followersPJ Skinner was born in Guildford, one of seven siblings. When she was six, the family moved to Ireland where she attended school. She went to Trinity College, Dublin University, graduating as a geologist. After graduation, PJ spent 35 years working in over thirty countries as an exploration geologist. PJ worked in many remote, strange, and often dangerous places, and loved every minute, despite encountering her fair share of misogyny and other perils. During this time, she collected the tall tales and real-life experiences which inspired her to write the Sam Harris Adventure Series. The series chronicles the adventures of a pioneering female geologist in an almost exclusively male world.
After finishing the Sam Harris Adventure series, PJ's childhood in Ireland inspired her to write the Green Family Saga, which follows the fortunes of an English family who move to Ireland just before the start of the Troubles, under the name of Kate Foley.
PJ moved to the south coast of England just before the Covid pandemic. There she wrote Mortal Mission, a sci-fi mystery set on Mars, inspired by her fascination with all things celestial. It is a science-based murder mystery; think The Martian with fewer potatoes and more bodies.
The enjoyment of writing Mortal Mission encouraged her to try writing a mystery series. She has always been a massive fan of crime and mystery, so it was inevitable she would turn her hand to it eventually. She published Deadly Return, the first book in the Seacastle Mysteries in July 2023 to great success. The Seacastle Mystery Series is a contemporary cosy mystery series with an amateur female sleuth, her grumpy ex-husband, hacker stepson and ungrateful rescue cat. The ensemble cast adds banter and humour as the series follows their stories between the murder mysteries. Poison Politics, book 10, will be released on the 31st of December 2025.
After finishing the Sam Harris Adventure series, PJ's childhood in Ireland inspired her to write the Green Family Saga, which follows the fortunes of an English family who move to Ireland just before the start of the Troubles, under the name of Kate Foley.
PJ moved to the south coast of England just before the Covid pandemic. There she wrote Mortal Mission, a sci-fi mystery set on Mars, inspired by her fascination with all things celestial. It is a science-based murder mystery; think The Martian with fewer potatoes and more bodies.
The enjoyment of writing Mortal Mission encouraged her to try writing a mystery series. She has always been a massive fan of crime and mystery, so it was inevitable she would turn her hand to it eventually. She published Deadly Return, the first book in the Seacastle Mysteries in July 2023 to great success. The Seacastle Mystery Series is a contemporary cosy mystery series with an amateur female sleuth, her grumpy ex-husband, hacker stepson and ungrateful rescue cat. The ensemble cast adds banter and humour as the series follows their stories between the murder mysteries. Poison Politics, book 10, will be released on the 31st of December 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 1, 2023
This is the second book in the Seacastle Mystery series and it was absolutely brilliant to be back with Tanya and Harry and the gang.
In this installment, the locals are shocked by the murder of an eco warrior who has come to town to campaign for a kelp sanctuary just off the coast and all the evidence points to Roz' husband, Ed.
Tanya, seeing the chaos unfold, steps up to investigate and try and save her friends being convicted of murder.
We meet a few new characters during this book and it was lovely to see new friendships forming and this helped us to explore some of the characters that we only briefly saw in the last book.
Tanya is still struggling with her feelings for both Harry and George and there were some great scenes with each of these throughout the story.
The plot worked so well and I found that I didn't really trust many of the characters at different times. I was sure there would have been a mistake arresting Ed, but there were so many little twists as more clues were found and more information came to light. Some of these turns really shocked me too especially towards the end.
As ever, I adore PJ's writing style which keeps you immersed throughout the book. The characters are so down to earth and relatable that you can't help get sucked into their lives and before you know it, the book has ended and you're already missing them!
I love that these are a quick and easy read and that things never get too heavy. Whenever the tension builds, there's always some humour injected which means I spend the whole book with a smile on my face!
Absolutely loved this book and I'm already excited for book 3 to see what Tanya gets dragged into next, how Tanya and Harry's relationship progresses and how our new arrivals slot into the Seacastle community.
In this installment, the locals are shocked by the murder of an eco warrior who has come to town to campaign for a kelp sanctuary just off the coast and all the evidence points to Roz' husband, Ed.
Tanya, seeing the chaos unfold, steps up to investigate and try and save her friends being convicted of murder.
We meet a few new characters during this book and it was lovely to see new friendships forming and this helped us to explore some of the characters that we only briefly saw in the last book.
Tanya is still struggling with her feelings for both Harry and George and there were some great scenes with each of these throughout the story.
The plot worked so well and I found that I didn't really trust many of the characters at different times. I was sure there would have been a mistake arresting Ed, but there were so many little twists as more clues were found and more information came to light. Some of these turns really shocked me too especially towards the end.
As ever, I adore PJ's writing style which keeps you immersed throughout the book. The characters are so down to earth and relatable that you can't help get sucked into their lives and before you know it, the book has ended and you're already missing them!
I love that these are a quick and easy read and that things never get too heavy. Whenever the tension builds, there's always some humour injected which means I spend the whole book with a smile on my face!
Absolutely loved this book and I'm already excited for book 3 to see what Tanya gets dragged into next, how Tanya and Harry's relationship progresses and how our new arrivals slot into the Seacastle community.
August 21, 2023
Another great read. This time Tanya is surprised when someone she used to know arrives in her shop. Lexi is working with an environmental scientist who wishes to save an area of kelp to regrow the forest it used to be. He is a womaniser & eventually gets himself killed. The team have been renting an office space in Tanya’s shop & the team enjoy the cafe & Mouse gets quite a lot of work with them, too. Two locals are arrested for the murder, but, it just could not have been them. Once again they sort out the clues & the police do eventually get the correct person.
August 15, 2023
A seaside town with traditional fishing has become the potential site for some regeneration via a protected area with kelp as the main means.
The inhabitants are invited to a presentation which takes place in Tanya's bric à brac shop/café. Her best friends are divided as one is for the project as she has a coup de foudre for the presenter David. The other is against as her spouse is a fisherman and they percieve this as restricting their fishing grounds.
David is a handsome man who is a philanderer and when he is murdered and the body found in the fisherman's vessel, Tanya with the help of her 'adopted' techie son, her business (romatic) partner and her stalwart friends uses her journalistic investigating skills to solve the mystery - but mostly to exonerate her friend and friend's fisherman spouse.
This book depicts realistically depression, mid life divorcee's crisis, young male's frustrations and various trends or fads.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The inhabitants are invited to a presentation which takes place in Tanya's bric à brac shop/café. Her best friends are divided as one is for the project as she has a coup de foudre for the presenter David. The other is against as her spouse is a fisherman and they percieve this as restricting their fishing grounds.
David is a handsome man who is a philanderer and when he is murdered and the body found in the fisherman's vessel, Tanya with the help of her 'adopted' techie son, her business (romatic) partner and her stalwart friends uses her journalistic investigating skills to solve the mystery - but mostly to exonerate her friend and friend's fisherman spouse.
This book depicts realistically depression, mid life divorcee's crisis, young male's frustrations and various trends or fads.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 11, 2023
Cosy crime is a fairly new genre for me and I'm really glad I signed up to read this book. It is the second in The Seacastle Mysteries but I found it fine as a standalone.
I loved Tanya. She is so down to earth and relatable and I felt for her regarding her illness. I really enjoyed her relationship with Mouse and I felt both of them grew as the book went on.
The setting of the book was great, Seacastle seems a lovely wee town. There is a diverse range of characters in the book, some more likeable than others. This was a great whodunnit book and I kept thinking I had it all worked out but then another red herring would pop up.
Thoroughly enjoyable. I think I'll need to read book one now before three comes out.
I loved Tanya. She is so down to earth and relatable and I felt for her regarding her illness. I really enjoyed her relationship with Mouse and I felt both of them grew as the book went on.
The setting of the book was great, Seacastle seems a lovely wee town. There is a diverse range of characters in the book, some more likeable than others. This was a great whodunnit book and I kept thinking I had it all worked out but then another red herring would pop up.
Thoroughly enjoyable. I think I'll need to read book one now before three comes out.
September 9, 2023
Having read and loved book one in the Seacastle Mystery series by PJ Skinner I was really excited to read book two, Eternal Forest, and it did not disappoint, I absolutely loved it. Cosy crime/mysteries are my absolute favourite genres.
I thought this book followed on beautifully from book one. We’re back in Seacastle with Tanya and her friends, and Tanya is again involved in solving a murder case, although this time involving one of her best friends.
The story is really well written and entertaining. It’s an easy, gripping read and as usual with all cosy mystery books had me trying to solve the crime along with the characters. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thought this book followed on beautifully from book one. We’re back in Seacastle with Tanya and her friends, and Tanya is again involved in solving a murder case, although this time involving one of her best friends.
The story is really well written and entertaining. It’s an easy, gripping read and as usual with all cosy mystery books had me trying to solve the crime along with the characters. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2025
Seacastle Mystery book 2
Tanya takes up a new investigation when her friend Roz and her husband become suspects in the murder of an environmental head. Several people had motives for the crime. As Tanya and her step son Mouse investigate it leads them scratching their heads. I love the dynamics in this mystery. Didn't figure out the murderer at all.
Tanya takes up a new investigation when her friend Roz and her husband become suspects in the murder of an environmental head. Several people had motives for the crime. As Tanya and her step son Mouse investigate it leads them scratching their heads. I love the dynamics in this mystery. Didn't figure out the murderer at all.
October 1, 2023
good read
I liked this just as much as the first one. Definitely surprised me in the end. And had a few funny moments. Well worth it.
I liked this just as much as the first one. Definitely surprised me in the end. And had a few funny moments. Well worth it.
September 8, 2023
It is both exciting and frustrating to be at the cutting edge of a new cozy mystery series. Exciting, because yay a new cozy mystery series. Frustrating, because it’s like watching a TV show in real-time, and now I have to wait for new books to come out instead of getting to binge them like seasons of old TV shows on a streaming service.
I look forward to many more adventures of The Seacastle crew. Cozy Mystery is absolutely my favorite genre, though I’ll admit thrillers are tickling my fancy these days. But I think that a good cozy will always be my go-to for comfort. And Ms. Skinner is tackling the genre head-on. The start was a little slow, and a little expository, but that isn’t uncommon in the genre.
In this book, we welcome back all of the familiar characters from book one, which is something I love about series. You get to know characters better, explore their lives, and get comfortable with them. Of course, with cozy mysteries, you always have to be on their toes. Sure, the most prevalent characters have “plot armor,” but there are only so many people in a small town to kill off before someone we like dies a horrible death. Good think we’re only two books in. And since our main female character was a journalist, she has lots of contacts to swoop in and take the fall.
I loved the main cast of characters, just as much as I did the first time, and grew to love my favorites – Mouse, Tanya, and Harry even more. Tanya’s pesky cat is super cute, and her relationship with her ex-stepson is so charming. I am a sucker for a love triangle, and the author delivers on that line – a tried and true staple of the genre it seems. I even like how she’s turned that trope on its head, but I won’t consider it solved just yet. Never trust a mystery writer to give you all the answers too early.
The setting is charming and atmospheric. The plot this time allowed more exploration of the seaside, offering chilling views of life by the sea. I love the dialogue and banter between characters, and the antique information is interesting, even if I don’t really know much about it. This book contained some particularly amusing antique finds.
I will keep my eye on this series, waiting patiently – probably – for another installment, and snatch it up as fast as I can!
Who’s It For
If you love cozies or just well-written mysteries, pick this up. If you’ve considered cozies, but haven’t made the plunge, do it! But, I’d start with the first book. It won’t truly hurt you to start with this one, but I’m a big believer in starting at the front of an author’s series. It sets things up more nicely. See my full review of that one, Deadly Return, here.
Content Warning: Suicidal Ideation, Murder, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Infidelity, and More
I look forward to many more adventures of The Seacastle crew. Cozy Mystery is absolutely my favorite genre, though I’ll admit thrillers are tickling my fancy these days. But I think that a good cozy will always be my go-to for comfort. And Ms. Skinner is tackling the genre head-on. The start was a little slow, and a little expository, but that isn’t uncommon in the genre.
In this book, we welcome back all of the familiar characters from book one, which is something I love about series. You get to know characters better, explore their lives, and get comfortable with them. Of course, with cozy mysteries, you always have to be on their toes. Sure, the most prevalent characters have “plot armor,” but there are only so many people in a small town to kill off before someone we like dies a horrible death. Good think we’re only two books in. And since our main female character was a journalist, she has lots of contacts to swoop in and take the fall.
I loved the main cast of characters, just as much as I did the first time, and grew to love my favorites – Mouse, Tanya, and Harry even more. Tanya’s pesky cat is super cute, and her relationship with her ex-stepson is so charming. I am a sucker for a love triangle, and the author delivers on that line – a tried and true staple of the genre it seems. I even like how she’s turned that trope on its head, but I won’t consider it solved just yet. Never trust a mystery writer to give you all the answers too early.
The setting is charming and atmospheric. The plot this time allowed more exploration of the seaside, offering chilling views of life by the sea. I love the dialogue and banter between characters, and the antique information is interesting, even if I don’t really know much about it. This book contained some particularly amusing antique finds.
I will keep my eye on this series, waiting patiently – probably – for another installment, and snatch it up as fast as I can!
Who’s It For
If you love cozies or just well-written mysteries, pick this up. If you’ve considered cozies, but haven’t made the plunge, do it! But, I’d start with the first book. It won’t truly hurt you to start with this one, but I’m a big believer in starting at the front of an author’s series. It sets things up more nicely. See my full review of that one, Deadly Return, here.
Content Warning: Suicidal Ideation, Murder, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Infidelity, and More
September 4, 2023
‘Eternal Foresr’ is a fantastic return for Tanya and the gang at Seacastle! Once again this was a fun cosy crime mystery that really managed to give you those fuzzy feelings whilst reading it. This is the second book in the Seacastle mysteries but it can be read very easily as a standalone. However, I do recommend reading the first one as it was a great read!
Tanya Bowe is an ex-investigate journalist who now runs a vintage shop in the seaside town of Seacastle. When her old friend Lexi Burlington-Symthe asks to rent the office on the second floor of Tamya’s building, Tanya is thrilled with the thought of the extra money and getting to spend time with an old friend from London. Lexi is heading up a campaign to install a kelp forest at Seacastle, something Tanya’s friend Ghita is involved with at the local council. Tanya and the gang soon gets drawn into the high-stakes arguements and counter arguments to the campaign, tempers are frayed as Roz and Ghita are at opposite ends of the campaign. When David, a celebrity eco-warrior is found murdered on Roz’s husband's boat Tanya’s loyalties are stretched to the limit. She becomes determined to find out the identity of the killer before one of her friends is found guilty of murder!
I can tell that this is going to become one of my favourite series being published at the moment. I have fallen hard for the group of individuals that make up the cast of Tanya and the group. Tanya of course I love but I have a particularly fondness for Mouse as well. Even George is growing on me! But they are a great group of characters, each one bringing different things to the story and feel of the books…and it's an overall feeling of hope and happiness.
PJ’s style of writing keeps you captivated with the mystery from the get-go right to the final reveal. I really am a huge fan of her books! There is an authentic feeling to her writing and style of narrative and it means I devour her work. I truly did read this in one sitting and just fell for the book's charm. The subject of the main narrative, the installation of a kelp forest was well researched and a hot topic at the moment in all areas of the coasts in the UK. PJ is skilful at laying down the clues without you noticing and there were a few twists and turns before the final reveal! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am already looking forward to book three.
Let me know if you pick this one up!
Tanya Bowe is an ex-investigate journalist who now runs a vintage shop in the seaside town of Seacastle. When her old friend Lexi Burlington-Symthe asks to rent the office on the second floor of Tamya’s building, Tanya is thrilled with the thought of the extra money and getting to spend time with an old friend from London. Lexi is heading up a campaign to install a kelp forest at Seacastle, something Tanya’s friend Ghita is involved with at the local council. Tanya and the gang soon gets drawn into the high-stakes arguements and counter arguments to the campaign, tempers are frayed as Roz and Ghita are at opposite ends of the campaign. When David, a celebrity eco-warrior is found murdered on Roz’s husband's boat Tanya’s loyalties are stretched to the limit. She becomes determined to find out the identity of the killer before one of her friends is found guilty of murder!
I can tell that this is going to become one of my favourite series being published at the moment. I have fallen hard for the group of individuals that make up the cast of Tanya and the group. Tanya of course I love but I have a particularly fondness for Mouse as well. Even George is growing on me! But they are a great group of characters, each one bringing different things to the story and feel of the books…and it's an overall feeling of hope and happiness.
PJ’s style of writing keeps you captivated with the mystery from the get-go right to the final reveal. I really am a huge fan of her books! There is an authentic feeling to her writing and style of narrative and it means I devour her work. I truly did read this in one sitting and just fell for the book's charm. The subject of the main narrative, the installation of a kelp forest was well researched and a hot topic at the moment in all areas of the coasts in the UK. PJ is skilful at laying down the clues without you noticing and there were a few twists and turns before the final reveal! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am already looking forward to book three.
Let me know if you pick this one up!
September 13, 2023
Here is my review of Eternal Forest :
This is a really intriguing book and I got into this book straight away. The plot is a cozy mystery and makes for a really enjoyable read. This is book two in the series but could easily be read as a standalone. There are some usual suspects from book one carried through to book two like Tanya, Mouse, Harry, George, Ghita and Roz to name a few. I liked the pace of the story and all the scenery that is mentioned, gives a nice vibe of the countryside. I enjoyed this one as much as the first one I read and am looking forward to more!
Blurb:
Tanya Bowe is inside her shop, Second Home, when her old friend Lexi Burlington-Smythe pops in to see her. She ends up staying for a coffee and renting the back office off Tanya for a few weeks as a base for the kelp sanctuary campaign. David de Frontenac is a celebrated eco warrior and he is heading up the campaign for the kelp sanctuary to go at Seacastle, he is even keen to go and meet the fisherman who are against the sanctuary to explain why it should happen.
He then brings them back to the office and suggests a dive over the kelp over WWII sunken boats and a few are interested in going so they arrange for the following morning. Ghita and Roz are at blows over David but Roz gets the upper hand and walks out with David who totally ignores Ghita. There is talk that Roz and David are having an affair. The dive went well and they got plenty of photos of the kelp and the fish living there.
Later that evening, David’s body was found dead on Ed’s boat so Ed was in police custody. Roz caught up with Tanya in Second Home and said I hadn't seen her as she disappeared up the stairs. A few minutes later, my ex-husband, George came in and asked if I had seen Roz and I said no. He asked me to get her to call him when I did. Also, he mentioned that David was dead and he left.
I immediately ran up to the flat to speak to Roz and she told me Ed was in custody and I told her George wanted to see her. We went to see George and he asked her questions. Roz wanted me to look into it but George said no. I said to Roz that my usual source of information was not available so there wasn’t much I could do at the moment. As time went, I started to look into it and work out who potential suspects could be.
Why was David killed? Was it a jealous lover? Or was he mistaken for somebody else?
This is a really intriguing book and I got into this book straight away. The plot is a cozy mystery and makes for a really enjoyable read. This is book two in the series but could easily be read as a standalone. There are some usual suspects from book one carried through to book two like Tanya, Mouse, Harry, George, Ghita and Roz to name a few. I liked the pace of the story and all the scenery that is mentioned, gives a nice vibe of the countryside. I enjoyed this one as much as the first one I read and am looking forward to more!
Blurb:
Tanya Bowe is inside her shop, Second Home, when her old friend Lexi Burlington-Smythe pops in to see her. She ends up staying for a coffee and renting the back office off Tanya for a few weeks as a base for the kelp sanctuary campaign. David de Frontenac is a celebrated eco warrior and he is heading up the campaign for the kelp sanctuary to go at Seacastle, he is even keen to go and meet the fisherman who are against the sanctuary to explain why it should happen.
He then brings them back to the office and suggests a dive over the kelp over WWII sunken boats and a few are interested in going so they arrange for the following morning. Ghita and Roz are at blows over David but Roz gets the upper hand and walks out with David who totally ignores Ghita. There is talk that Roz and David are having an affair. The dive went well and they got plenty of photos of the kelp and the fish living there.
Later that evening, David’s body was found dead on Ed’s boat so Ed was in police custody. Roz caught up with Tanya in Second Home and said I hadn't seen her as she disappeared up the stairs. A few minutes later, my ex-husband, George came in and asked if I had seen Roz and I said no. He asked me to get her to call him when I did. Also, he mentioned that David was dead and he left.
I immediately ran up to the flat to speak to Roz and she told me Ed was in custody and I told her George wanted to see her. We went to see George and he asked her questions. Roz wanted me to look into it but George said no. I said to Roz that my usual source of information was not available so there wasn’t much I could do at the moment. As time went, I started to look into it and work out who potential suspects could be.
Why was David killed? Was it a jealous lover? Or was he mistaken for somebody else?
September 15, 2023
Eternal Forest follows Tanya Bowe who is an ex-investigative journalist. She now runs a vintage shop in the seaside town of Seacastle. When her old friend Lexi asks to rent the office on the second floor of Tanya’s building Tanya is thrilled with the thought of the extra money and getting to spend time with an old friend from London. A proposed environmental project for an area to protect the growth of kelp along the sea coast is causing consternation among the fishing fraternity and inevitably somebody ends up dead.
The author’s style of writing keeps you captivated with the mystery in this story from the beginning to the final reveal. There is an authentic feeling to her writing and style of narrative and she delivers a story that gets you immersed in the characters. It is not often you get a book where a lot of the characters in it become murder suspects, with the exception of Agatha Christie of course! There are so many surprises in the story which make it a definite page-turner and this adds to the excitement in the story and the ‘Wow” What is going to happen next moments! The subject of the main narrative, which is the installation of a kelp forest, is well researched and is a hot topic at the moment in all areas of the coasts in the UK and interesting to learn about.
Eternal Forest is a great read and I really enjoyed the book’s charm. The murder case is certnainly a mystery and will leave you guessing to the end. The author PJ iSkinner is skilful at laying down the clues without you noticing and there are a few twists and turns before the final reveal and P J I definitely think that Agatha would have approved! I really enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend.
September 7, 2023
ETERNAL FOREST the second installment in PJ Skinner's The Seacastle Mysteries series. Ms. Skinner does a fantastic job creating the characters and making them real and believable. She definitely has a way with words and I really like her writing style. I like that each of the characters has flaws that make them relatable to life. This story is entertaining and easy read with twists and turns to keep things interesting. This is a fun, twisty murder mystery to a new series.
Tanya Carter was an investigative journalist before clinical depression and a divorce turned her life upside down. With a few faithful friends she is putting her life back together.
So many plot lines to follow in this installment. Fishermen arguing against the ecological naturalists who want to create a marine sanctuary. Before they are done there will be murder with Tanya's friends arrested one-by-one for the crime. It looks like it's up to Tanya to ferret out the true murderer. And what secret project is taking up all Ghita away. In the middle of all this there's a budding romance(s) for Tanya and even one for Mouse.
Some of the of the British words were unknown, but the general meaning could be understood. I am looking forward to reading more of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tanya Carter was an investigative journalist before clinical depression and a divorce turned her life upside down. With a few faithful friends she is putting her life back together.
So many plot lines to follow in this installment. Fishermen arguing against the ecological naturalists who want to create a marine sanctuary. Before they are done there will be murder with Tanya's friends arrested one-by-one for the crime. It looks like it's up to Tanya to ferret out the true murderer. And what secret project is taking up all Ghita away. In the middle of all this there's a budding romance(s) for Tanya and even one for Mouse.
Some of the of the British words were unknown, but the general meaning could be understood. I am looking forward to reading more of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2024
This is the second book in the Seacastle mystery series and it is a good story with Tanya getting involved with the kelp forest proposal to be developed off the shores of Seacastle.
An old friend of Tanya’s, Lexi Burlington-Smythe, works for the eco warrior (David) leading this proposal and wants to rent the office in Tanya’s building. Needing the money and not being opposed to the kelp forest, she agrees. Little does she know, David will end up murdered and her good friend Roz and her husband will become the most likely suspects as Ed feels the proposal will affect the fishing industry.
Of course, we all know Ed and Roz aren’t guilty, but who could it be? The women he has spurned as he is a love ‘em and leave ‘em type of guy? Or a local fisherman opposed to the proposal?
I felt the killer was a complete surprise with an out of the blue reason. I feel for Tanya as she is trying to build her relationship with Harry and George is professing his love to her and saying he made a mistake.
I like that she is rebuilding her life after the divorce and dealing with her depression. I love Mouse and her best friends, and the cat from hell, Hades. I look forward to more in the series and to see these characters and root for Tanya growing her business and become more independent as time goes on.
An old friend of Tanya’s, Lexi Burlington-Smythe, works for the eco warrior (David) leading this proposal and wants to rent the office in Tanya’s building. Needing the money and not being opposed to the kelp forest, she agrees. Little does she know, David will end up murdered and her good friend Roz and her husband will become the most likely suspects as Ed feels the proposal will affect the fishing industry.
Of course, we all know Ed and Roz aren’t guilty, but who could it be? The women he has spurned as he is a love ‘em and leave ‘em type of guy? Or a local fisherman opposed to the proposal?
I felt the killer was a complete surprise with an out of the blue reason. I feel for Tanya as she is trying to build her relationship with Harry and George is professing his love to her and saying he made a mistake.
I like that she is rebuilding her life after the divorce and dealing with her depression. I love Mouse and her best friends, and the cat from hell, Hades. I look forward to more in the series and to see these characters and root for Tanya growing her business and become more independent as time goes on.
September 15, 2023
This is the second book in The Seacastle Mysteries, following on from the very successful first book Deadly Return. It was so good to meet up with the all my favourite characters again and move onto the next murder with them and PJ has seamlessly linked the two books together to make you feel as though you have just popped into Vintage again for another cup of coffee and a slice of delicious cake.
As to be expected, as well as the murder to be solved, there is the simmering love interest , plus another one! and you find yourself in the will they won't they scenario or , which one will Tanya go for. Just like Deadly Return , Eternal Forest is a lovely entertaining read and the "Who Dunnit" is very well hidden until you get to the closing chapters.
I am really looking forward to the next instalment in The Seacastle Mysteries and hoping beyond hope that book three, Fatal Tribute, isn't going to be the final instalment.
I love these cosy mystery books with all the coffee and cake along with many mornings of boiled eggs and soldiers in Grotty Hovel that will have you yearning for your childhood favourites again whilst enjoying the characters that PJ has created and whom you feel you have known for years. Yet another gripping 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read from PJ Skinner.
As to be expected, as well as the murder to be solved, there is the simmering love interest , plus another one! and you find yourself in the will they won't they scenario or , which one will Tanya go for. Just like Deadly Return , Eternal Forest is a lovely entertaining read and the "Who Dunnit" is very well hidden until you get to the closing chapters.
I am really looking forward to the next instalment in The Seacastle Mysteries and hoping beyond hope that book three, Fatal Tribute, isn't going to be the final instalment.
I love these cosy mystery books with all the coffee and cake along with many mornings of boiled eggs and soldiers in Grotty Hovel that will have you yearning for your childhood favourites again whilst enjoying the characters that PJ has created and whom you feel you have known for years. Yet another gripping 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read from PJ Skinner.
September 5, 2023
Eternal Forest is Book Two in the Seacastle Mystery Series by PJ Skinner. I’m a huge fan of her books. She is such a versatile writer, having published books in many different genres. Cosy Crime is one of my favourite genres. I thought this book was brilliant! I really enjoyed see how Tanya, Harry and Mouse (and Hades!) had progressed since the previous book. Tanya is once again involved in solving a murder case, this time involving one of her best friends. She is a determined, courageous and intelligent character who is fiercely loyal. Mouse has become more self assured with the help of the love from Tanya. He has become a key player in her mystery solving. The relationship between Harry and Tanya is sweet and tender. They are destined to be together. The story is very well written and entertaining. It’s a pacy, gripping read that had me trying to solve the crime along with the characters. I enjoyed this book immensely and can’t wait for the next one!
December 13, 2023
I loved the 1st book in the Seacastle Mystery series, but the 2nd book is even better. This installment is a complex, intriguing, well-designed puzzle with a surprising (at least for me) twist that changes everything about the whodunit/whydunit in the final act. Tanya is a sympathetic and likable amateur sleuth. I want her to succeed ... not just in solving the murder but in life itself. The evolution of her attitude toward her ex-husband in this book is deeply satisfying. As is the slowly blossoming romance with Harry. With quirky characters, a quaint-yet-contemporary English coastal setting, not to mention a rising body count, this is shaping up to be a fantastic cozy mystery series with many more crimes to unravel in the future.
August 24, 2023
Having read the first book in this series, which I enjoyed, I looked forward to this one being published and I managed to get as a free copy.
Once again, the author delivers a story that gets you immersed in the characters. I think this book was possibly even better than the first one in the series because there were so many surprises in the story that made it a page-turner. It is not often you get a book where a lot of the characters in it become murder suspects! This added to the excitement in the story and the "Oh my! What is going to happen next?" moments! It was a great read and, yet again, I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!
Once again, the author delivers a story that gets you immersed in the characters. I think this book was possibly even better than the first one in the series because there were so many surprises in the story that made it a page-turner. It is not often you get a book where a lot of the characters in it become murder suspects! This added to the excitement in the story and the "Oh my! What is going to happen next?" moments! It was a great read and, yet again, I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!
August 31, 2023
I love everything about The Seacastle Mysteries series - the characters, the setting, the story. This is a real cosy mystery story and it reminds me of all the old school mysteries I love like Agatha Christie. Tanya’s personality really develops in this second novel and I love how independent she is becoming.
I really love the relationship between Tanya and Mouse and I wish I could have a slice of Ghita’s cake in the cafe above the shop ‘The Vintage’. This is a great little whodunnit and I am already looking forward to book three.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
I really love the relationship between Tanya and Mouse and I wish I could have a slice of Ghita’s cake in the cafe above the shop ‘The Vintage’. This is a great little whodunnit and I am already looking forward to book three.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
September 1, 2023
A great second book in the series! Although it's always good to start with the first book, where the people and places are properly introduced, there is enough background information given that you can read this without any problems. Lots going on in this one: a body on a boat - that of an "eco-warrior" who thought greatly of himself; a budding romance for Tanya, perhaps, and jealousy elsewhere; family dynamics; tension between fishermen and naturalists who want to create an inshore marine sanctuary. A real page-turner as you follow all the plot lines and puzzle over the suspects and solutions. - I received a review copy and freely leave this honest review.
September 6, 2023
This book arrived at a time when I was under considerable pressure due to a family health issue and it provided a lot of relief from that pressure.
I loved the believable characters and the interactions between them especially as there is a sprinkling of humour to offset the serious matter of the murder.
The mystery is well developed with lots of twists and turns and red herrings. Even the police seem intent on charging just about everyone involved in the case with murder, but who is actually guilty? You'll just have to read the book to find out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the believable characters and the interactions between them especially as there is a sprinkling of humour to offset the serious matter of the murder.
The mystery is well developed with lots of twists and turns and red herrings. Even the police seem intent on charging just about everyone involved in the case with murder, but who is actually guilty? You'll just have to read the book to find out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2023
Eternal Forest is the second installment of The Seacastle mystery series written by Pj Skinner. I love that the characters are so down to earth and relatable that you can't help get enthralled into their lives and before you know it, the book has concluded and you're already are missing them! I just absolutely loved this series so far and I'm already excited for the next book. I want to see what Tanya gets dragged into next, and how Tanya and Harry's relationship develops and grows.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2023
I was so happy to be able to be able to revisit Seacastle and all the now familiar characters from the first book.
PJ Skinner's writing is as good as ever and I was pleased to discover more about the main characters and how their personal lives are developing, alongside the crime itself.
I wasn't quite as invested in the investigation itself (lower body count this time - I realise this doesn't reflect well on me!). However, with this series, I came for the crime and stayed for the characters.
Thanks to the author, and Love Book Tours for the eARC of this book.
PJ Skinner's writing is as good as ever and I was pleased to discover more about the main characters and how their personal lives are developing, alongside the crime itself.
I wasn't quite as invested in the investigation itself (lower body count this time - I realise this doesn't reflect well on me!). However, with this series, I came for the crime and stayed for the characters.
Thanks to the author, and Love Book Tours for the eARC of this book.
September 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this installment of the Seacastle Mysteries, I really enjoyed how the story played out and how Tanya along with Mouse and her friends solved this mystery. PJ Skinner really creates a story that feels realistic and makes the reader connect to all the characters. I was shocked to see our main-ish charactars in the limelight of the murder and I really enjoyed that direction. I love seeing how Tanya and her friendships develop and how her sleuthing always comes out on top! This is a favourite cosy murder mystery series of mine and I would recommend to everyone
September 4, 2023
Guilty?
A fishing town mystery that will capture your interest as Tanya, her stepson, Mouse, and her friend, Harry investigate a murder. The big question is who is guilty. So many people appear to have a motive and the police continue arresting people while attempting to solve the crime. Add in the fact that Tanya's ex-husband is the father of Mouse, plus the detective investigating the crime. The race to solve the case first and identify the guilty party is entertaining. A fun story!
A fishing town mystery that will capture your interest as Tanya, her stepson, Mouse, and her friend, Harry investigate a murder. The big question is who is guilty. So many people appear to have a motive and the police continue arresting people while attempting to solve the crime. Add in the fact that Tanya's ex-husband is the father of Mouse, plus the detective investigating the crime. The race to solve the case first and identify the guilty party is entertaining. A fun story!
October 19, 2023
This is book 2 in the series. I really enjoyed this book. It was full of twists and turns and had me hooked. It was good to explore how Tanya was dealing with her feelings about her divorce, her unadopted son from her marriage and how her investigative journalist mind came straight back to her as she delved into helping her friends being arrested for a murder that hadn’t committed. A great read I would fully recommend. Looking forward to starting the next one now.
May 4, 2024
I received this book as a freebie in return for an honest review.
Having read the first book, I was rapt to be able to read the next instalment. I enjoyed it as much as the first.
The same old gang, with a few new faces to add to the mix, and another mystery to solve for Tanya and Mouse. I thought I'd solved this one early, but was outsmarted lol. Really enjoyable read, and I love the atmosphere of the story. I could just move there tomorrow.
Bring on book number 3.
Having read the first book, I was rapt to be able to read the next instalment. I enjoyed it as much as the first.
The same old gang, with a few new faces to add to the mix, and another mystery to solve for Tanya and Mouse. I thought I'd solved this one early, but was outsmarted lol. Really enjoyable read, and I love the atmosphere of the story. I could just move there tomorrow.
Bring on book number 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2023
This book depicts realistically depression, a mid life divorcee's crisis and young male frustrations.
I have really enjoyed everything that I have read by this author and this book was no exception. It is well written with a compelling story line and well developed characters that I loved.
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me.
I have really enjoyed everything that I have read by this author and this book was no exception. It is well written with a compelling story line and well developed characters that I loved.
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me.
July 3, 2025
What Fun!
I loved it. I have read most of the rest in the series and seemed to have missed this one. It was so good. First the characters are wonderful and it has the added pleasure of not being your run of the mill mystery. Well written couldn’t stop so had it done in a little over 12 hours. Preordered book 9!!!!
I loved it. I have read most of the rest in the series and seemed to have missed this one. It was so good. First the characters are wonderful and it has the added pleasure of not being your run of the mill mystery. Well written couldn’t stop so had it done in a little over 12 hours. Preordered book 9!!!!
July 2, 2024
Love This Series!
I have red 2 of the series Sea castle Mysteries and look forward to the rest! Unlike some predictive plots after re as ding the first in a cozy mystery series, so far the plots keep you guessing! Highly recommend this seriez!
I have red 2 of the series Sea castle Mysteries and look forward to the rest! Unlike some predictive plots after re as ding the first in a cozy mystery series, so far the plots keep you guessing! Highly recommend this seriez!
March 8, 2025
Interesting and fun
The subject was interesting. I like learning new things from where new book I read. The characters (apart from the regulars) were intriguing. I liked Lexi.
But Harry and Mouse are always my favorites.
The subject was interesting. I like learning new things from where new book I read. The characters (apart from the regulars) were intriguing. I liked Lexi.
But Harry and Mouse are always my favorites.
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