Death by the Sea

Eliza Thomson Investigates #6

by V.L. McBeath

A well-kept secret, a bathing machine and a dead body
Eliza Thomson Investigates…

July 1905: A family holiday to the seaside, at Brighton’s most prestigious hotel, promises to be a grand affair. And bumping into an old friend adds to the excitement.

But when a body is discovered in one of the beach's bathing machines, all plans are put on hold. Eliza needs to know what happened.

Despite the police insisting the death was accidental, Eliza is convinced it’s more sinister, but when she suggests it was murder, they refuse to listen. Until they have no choice…

As the police struggle to find a motive for the death, the investigation appears to be going nowhere. But when they make Eliza and Archie their prime suspects, Eliza takes things into her own hands.

Determined to clear their names, Eliza and Connie search for answers, only to discover a dreadful secret … and someone desperate for revenge.


This is the seventh standalone story in the Eliza Thomson Investigates series. If you like Miss Marple-style murder mysteries and historical women with attitude, you’ll love this historical British series.

Books in the Eliza Thomson Investigates A Deadly Tonic (A Novella)Murder in MoretonDeath of an Honourable GentDying for a Garden PartyA Scottish FlingThe Palace MurderDeath by the SeaMurder at the MarqueeThe Calling Card MurdersA Christmas Murder (A Novella)

NB. This series is written in UK English

Genres: Historical

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2023

About the author

Val is an accidental author! She started writing in 2010 when she realised the family history research she was working on would make a great story.

That story ultimately turned into The Ambition & Destiny Series, a five part series with a short story prequel.

By the time that was complete, Val had developed a taste for writing and began a series of historical cozy mysteries - Eliza Thomson Investigates.

Prior to writing, Val trained as a scientist and worked in the pharmaceutical industry for many years. In 2012, she set up her own consultancy business, and currently splits her time between business and writing.

Born and raised in Liverpool (UK), Val now lives in Cheshire with her husband, two daughters and a cat. In addition to family history, her interests include rock music and Liverpool Football Club.

Reviews

[Trick Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza and Connie are back, finally! I have so missed thes two women and what kind of trouble they get into without trying to! The family, Elisa, Achier.9 Elisa's husband) Mr. Bell(Elisa's father) and Connie Appleton, Elisa's companion and best friend are on holiday by the sea. Archie and Elisa run in to David, who they have known since they were young, Archie in medical school, David who introduced Elisa to Archie and it has been so many years since they were in contact. First, they share a drink next thing they know, David is dead. Killed by poison, the police think the Bell's had something to do with the murder and here not only do they investigate David's murder they have to clear their selves and only have a week to do it in. You met all sorts of people staying at the hotel, was it one of them or was it the staff? What reason would the staff have to kill him in such a matter, not only poison but drowned? Then who did David met for dinner, some secret woman, was it her? Follow the leads and ask the questions along with everyone else, but it won't stop Eliza I don't care if the police want her help or not, they are still going to get it! I thought I had the killer, but guess what, I was wrong, let's see if you can figure it out! Fantastic story, fantastic writing and I'm so glad to see Eliza is back!

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This time we go to Brighton with Eliza, her husband, Archie, her friend & companion, Connie & her father, Mr Bell. Mr Bell has treated then to a week at the Metropole Hotel. Whilst they are enjoying a cup of afternoon tea someone Archie knew whilst training came in & joined them, a big surprise as they’d not met for years. David had a short chat & then left to go & unpack before going out to dinner with a friend. Later that night, whilst Archie & Mr Bell were in the bar, he came to join them, saying that he felt quite unwell, had a drink & off to bed.
Next day, whilst out walking Eliza, Archie, Connie & Mr Bell see the police busy at a bathing hut. Someone has been discovered dead inside. It turns out to be David & Eliza & the police do not get along well! She manages to get inside the bathing box & senses all is not as it seems. She suggests to the coroner to check for poison! Immediately they are all under suspicion of the murder!! Naturally things are all sorted out with not much help from the police but several of the other visitors to the hotel help keep things moving.

[Avis Witter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great tale of Eliza Thomson’s insatiable curiosity about the accidental death of a friend of her husband whilst they are on holiday in Brighton. Along with her companion, Connie, they inevitably get involved much to the chagrin of the local police force. Being treated as suspects makes Eliza even more determined to get to the bottom of things.

It was great to get back to another Eliza Thomson mystery and reacquaint oneself with her family. What talents must have been missed in those days of women having to keep their brains to themselves. There were lots of secrets to uncover with a few twists and turns I never expected. I did enjoy the participation of some of the other holiday makers as well. It added more suspects to the list. Being transported to the scenes and hearing the dialogue makes you feel part of the story. Once again, well written around a simple motive that you maybe don’t see coming.

Thank you to the author for my ARC and the enjoyment it brought.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A holiday by the sea. Supposed to be a tranquil visit with Eliza’s father. An unexpected surprise when on their first day the group runs into an old friend from Archie’s medical school days Dr. David Shaw. Plans for a pleasant seaside holiday are throw aside when Dr. Shaw is found dead in one of the bathing machines by the shore. When the police inspector seems to indicate suspicion of Archie and her father Eliza decides to do some digging of her own. Twenty years is a long time and is David the same old chum that they remember? Why has he suddenly moved from a London hospital position to a sleepy seaside hospital? Was this a tragic accident or is there more afoot? Time will tell.
What a wonderful twisty mystery. Not the relaxing vacation by the sea they were hoping for. Absolutely loved the surprise solution I did not see that ending at all! A thoroughly enjoyable experience!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death by the sea, "its no holliday"

This is another detective murder mystery, in the Eliza Thompson books.

This time Eliza and Archie have booked themselves a holiday at the beach.
Connie has gone along to be company, for Eliza.
Eliza's dad is staying with them on what is an opportunity to spend time together.

For those of us that have read previous books in this series, we know that a restful break away in Eliza's life, is not likely to happen without a murder or mystery popping up for Eliza to to insist on helping to solve, even if the police inspectors would prefer her to just go home.


Please do enjoy reading this book, it can be read as a stand alone novel.
Eliza will soon have you searching for more in this series.

🇳🇿💜📚
Thank you for your review.

[Catherine Stratman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a relaxing beachside holiday!

Eliza, Connie, Archie, and Eliza's father are on a peaceful vacation in Brighton. An old friend of Archie's is also staying at the same hotel. When Archie's friend Dr Shaw is found dead, the police are quick to decide the death is accidental. But how did the bathing machine make it to the surf and why did Dr Shaw get sick? When the police decide that Archie is guilty, Eliza and Connie cone to his rescue! Love the location!

I received an ARC. This is my honest review.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Cope for Review

What appears as an accidental beach death has Eliza and Connie okaying detective once again.

In this issue they will discover secrets as they get involved in the investigation as only these two can in this period piece cozy. As they dig deeper Eliza and Archie will become prime suspect.

Will they find the murder before revenge strike? Delightful addition in this series.

[blueyed_cntry_girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Elizabeth’s investigations and this one sure was a doozy for her. The whole case just had you questioning who in the world could have done it and why. The motive is always good but this one was a great motive. The whole story just transforms you into that timeframe and makes you actually feel like you are in this hotel and at the sea. I could just smell and feel the salt water in the air. GREAT BOOK !

I received this as an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza and Archie are on a trip to Brighton, while staying there a body is found on the beach that was a friend of Archie that he hasn't seen for a while.. because they are suspects of course Eliza gets involved with finding the murderer even though the police told her to stay out of the investigation.

[KathleenWH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, written with cleverness and intelligence

I’ve enjoyed each of VL McBeath’s.

As I noted above, I find they are written with cleverness and intelligence.

I recommend this book, and all else in the McBeath oeuvre.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes place in 1905 Eliza as always is ready to solve a strange crime. Who did this and why. Will keep you trying to guess who possibly committed the murder. Eliza is one of a kind, strong and smart.

[Susan Behrmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

love the twists and turns and when or who you least expect!

[davidlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read.

As always another well produced novel .cosy and familiar characters make this book another one to highly recommend.cant wait for the next one in series.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Bell, Eliza's father decided to treat Eliza, Archie and Connie to a holiday down by the seaside. Fresh sea air, sunshine and God Forbid, perhaps even a quick dunk in the cold ocean waters to refresh the spirit! And when an old friend of Archie's bump into them, it made it all seem even more fun. Until it was not.

I love that Eliza cannot help but involve herself in an investigation, welcomed or not. And not only involve herself, but drags the rest of the gang in as well. Fun and exciting, with some surprises along the way, Eliza is back with another good read.