A Beach To Die For

Smiley and McBlythe #10

by Bruce Hammack

An island paradise… and a killer on the loose.


Warm Caribbean sunshine and the whisper of waves upon the shore beckon blind PI Steve Smiley. He’s come for the wedding of his friend, Bella, at her parents’ island resort, but the tide turns on the joyous occasion when the man slated to purchase the resort is found dead.

When a guest claims someone is framing her for the murder and pleads for Smiley’s help, he's no longer on vacation. With the help of his partner and Bella, Smiley’s investigation shines the light on a host of people vying for the slice of paradise.

But who would be desperate enough to kill for the beachfront property and its untouched barrier reef? Smiley dives in head first to solve this mystery before the body count rises and the bride’s dreams of a picture-perfect wedding are all washed up.

Genres: Mystery

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 10, 2023

About the author

Drawing from his extensive background in criminal justice, Bruce Hammack writes contemporary, clean read detective and crime mysteries.

When he's not writing his next novel, he enjoys reading classic whodunits, watching film noir movies and traveling to see new places.

Having lived in eighteen cities around the world, he now lives in the Texas hill country with his wife of thirty-plus years.

He is the author of the Star of Justice series, the Smiley and McBlythe Mysteries and the Fen Maguire Mysteries. You can find out about his latest release at https://brucehammack.com/.
Follow him on social media at https://www.facebook.com/BruceHammack...
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/bruce...

Reviews

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beach to Die For is book 9 in the Smiley and McBlythe Mystery by Bruce Hammack. I always enjoy reading a Bruce Hammack book. Each book in this series has great characters and each book is different and fresh. Book 9 has several surprises that I did not expect and I enjoyed this! Steve and Heather are going to St Croix for Bella and Adam's wedding. But, a murder was not supposed to happen. So much happened in the story and I just couldn't put the book down. I am looking forward to reading what Steve and Heather are up to next. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I figured out “who done it” early on in this mystery, it was an enjoyable cozy mystery and the island setting was a treat! Clean read.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Bruce Hammack’s stories, especially the Smiley and McBlythe series! Watching Heather and the blind Smiley work a case is always so much fun, they work so well as a team. And Smiley continues to amaze me with what he can discern through his other senses. This story takes place in an idyllic island setting in the Caribbean at the island resort and both of them are looking forward to some beach time, along with Adam and Bella’s wedding. Unfortunately, there has been a death which they also need to investigate! A fascinating story with plenty of twists and a few surprises that will keep you entertained. I received an advance copy of this book and write this review voluntarily.

[Beth Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Steve, Heather, and crew keep you on your toes the entire book. There are twists, turns, and surprises around every corner. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Myra Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another intriguing installment in the Smiley and McBlythe series! This one takes Steve and Heather to a tropical resort, where they are recruited to assist local law enforcement in solving a grisly murder. I've been following Heather's on-again-off-again romance with her boyfriend, Jack, and in this novel it took an interesting twist. While it's fun deciphering the clues to find out "whodunit," I especially enjoy glimpses into the protagonists' personal lives. It just makes them all the more real to me.

[Julie Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always a book by this author is a joy to read. See if you can figure out who dun it!

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, it's so delicious!! A Twisted, twisted , twisted story line!! A roller coaster ride of events that kept me on the edge of my seat. I did not want to put the book down. It's so awesome!! I laughed so hard I almost fell out of my chair. 'His black tuxedo and Bermuda shorts, bare feet dug into the sand.' Such a great addition to this series, just the best!!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beach to Die For is an well-written, intriguing mystery and police procedural. The book can be read as a stand-alone novel. The plot is complex with more than one story: a destination wedding; the sale, purchase and inheritance of beach property in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; and a murder. Will the wedding happen without complications, and who is responsible for the murder at the resort? It’s complicated . . . a murder for a beach resort. The author has a talent for writing a story using dialog; the personalities of the characters are revealed in what the characters say and how they interact with each other. This is a character driven story and emphasis is on the people; and also very descriptive about the food that they were eating. I appreciate that there are no supernatural events that take place. Everything that happens, although fictional, seems real. The descriptions of the social life ring true, which will make the book a relevant historical read about social life in the 2020’s for future readers. There is no offensive language and no sexual situations that distract from the story. There are many characters in the book, including a Maine Coon Cat. While I was reading the story, I could not figure out who committed the murder or who would be able to solve the crime. However, the author was skilled at reminding the reader throughout the book about the relationships of the characters to each other, and I took notes. The story was wrapped up with a detailed ending that brought closure to the book. So many authors forget to put a good finish to their story, but not Mr. Hammack. He showed his talent in putting together a story that is well-written from beginning to end. I read an Advanced Reader Copy of the book. I am submitting this review voluntarily. Some Locations: [Texas: Houston, Conroe Regional Airport; U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Croix, St. Thomas; Belize; Columbia: Cartagena]

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this latest book in the Smiley/McBlythe series, the two P.I.s travel to the Virgin Islands to help their friend, Bella, and her family figure out who is causing problems at their resort. They were planning to head to the island for Bella's wedding but go a week earlier and also help the local police solve a murder. Another hotel owner has been murdered and it may be connected to some things that have been happening at Bella's family's resort.

Lots of suspects, a shady couple from New Jersey, a mysterious woman from China, a man from Columbia whose stepmother is staying at the resort, a down on his luck developer and others. Steve and Heather have to wade thru all of these people while trying to keep Bella's wedding on track and deal with problems with Heather's romantic life. Heather's fiancé is acting strangely, and they aren't really speaking. She is worried about their relationship, and it is distracting her a bit. Her father shows up at the resort and helps in the investigation and she is seeing a different side of him from that when she was growing up.

I love how Steve has enhanced his other senses since becoming blind. He listens carefully and processes all the information he hears along with a heightened sense of smell that he uses a lot. He likes to prod Heather to change a few things in her life that she is doing and keep her mind off things that are bothering her. He is a very astute detective and quite often keeps things to himself until he has everything set in his mind.

I love how the author worked into the story, Max, the big Maine coon cat that is Heather's pet. Bringing him to the tropics was great. Both P.I.s have lots of contacts and they use them throughout the story which aids them. It was nice to have the story set in a different location than usual for this series. The book can be read as a stand-alone but it helps to have some more background info on some of the characters.

I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Booksirens" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with bith Heather and Smiley anticipating their trip to Bella's wedding. Shortly, Heather receives a call from Bella asking her to come down to the resort early. It seems she discovered a body and she needs help. Once they arrive at the resort, they learn that the dead body was the individual who was going to purchase her parent's resort. Once Heather and Smiley arrived, they met up with Bella's parents and learned what information was available. They were also told that the detective handling the case was not pleased that they have shown up. This later changes and he is glad for their help. Heather and Smiley later meet up with Lin Jing who wants to hire them and shortly thereafter Lin is arrested.

As the two begin their search for answers using Bella's assistance, they meet up with other people who were staying at the resort. Things begin happening which is resulting in providing the resort with a bad name and also will likely cause the purchase price to fall. After several days and shortly before Bella's wedding, Smiley has invited all of the parties that have involvement to a meeting where he intends to identify the killer.

To discover who the killer was, what events transpired while Heather and Smiley were investigating, who else became a part of Heather and Smiley's investigative group and why the killing happened, then you need to read this book. In addition, you will learn of what other event is Heather's life that had her somewhat preoccupied. The ending provides the answers.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve and Heather came to the island resort for a holiday before a wedding, but their plans to relax are rudely interrupted when a potential investor is found dead and the owners ask for their help in finding the culprit. Things are further complicated when a potential suspect asks for help in clearing her name. And it doesn't make things any easier that there turn out to be several people who could have a motive for murder! Can the pair uncover the murderer before the bride's special day is spoiled? And in the meantime, Heather's life is a bit of a mess: what's going on with Jack?

Another interesting read in the series. As I've found to be typical of this author, I find the mystery intriguing, but even more I appreciate what goes on behind the scenes, particularly between Steve and Heather and between Heather and Jack. Of course, it's always interesting having a blind detective involved (when done well, as here), just because he tends to pick up such different things in a situation - and watching him and Heather interact and spar really adds to the story. As for what will happen between Heather and Jack? Well, I guess I'll have to wait for the next book to find out. All in all, a good read that can be read on its own for the mystery but is probably best appreciated as part of a series to see the developments in Heather's life, romantic or otherwise.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kiperly Coley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read at bedtime and Mr. Hammack's books are some of my favorites. They are not the kind of suspenseful murder stories that keep me turning pages until far past my bedtime. These are the kinds of books where a reader pays attention to detail and tries to discover the murderer before Mr. Smiley reveals him!

I feel like I know the characters because they behave consistently from book to book. Steve Smiley has learned to compensate for his disability in very believable ways, and though he is not dependent on others, he does allow his friends to help him navigate his world. This makes him likeable.

I also appreciate that the characters have flaws that cause them difficulties in their relationships, allowing them to grow and not remain static. Heather tends to be a workaholic and Steve not only shows concern for her, but quietly nudges her toward a healthier lifestyle and better choices.

I liked that my summer beach read was set on a tropical island. I also appreciate that the books do not contain profanity, vulgarity, or immorality. Thank you, Mr. Hammack!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. (I pre-order every book that Mr. Hammack offers, so I actually purchased a copy, too.)

[Daryl P Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends and family in peril at island resort.

I wonder how much the author enjoyed researching this adventure set in a luxury Caribbean resort. Our PI duo have to juggle investigating a murder with preparations for a wedding foreshadowed in the previous book. They also have to negotiate their own family relationships and feelings about loved ones and suspects.

I think I must be following Bruce Hammack's writing devices too closely as I worked out the suspect quite early in the book. Learning more of the backstory and that of significant others in our lead character's lives provided interest and impetus to reading onwards. Although there is clever plotting, the main story momentum is character driven. I also enjoyed Smiley employing more senses in both appreciating the surroundings and adding to his deduction portfolio.

The story involves allies being brought in to aid our detectives (they are meant to be on vacation), but this is done in a smooth and credible way. The resolution is satisfying as well as logical.

I look forward to more exploits, and wonder where they will be visiting next.

I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[John Presler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Smiley's former partner, Leo, asks Steve for help with an apparent murder. To Steve, the evidence suggests an Insurance Scam, rather than a murder scene. While Steve and Heather are having dinner after leaving Leo, Steve gets a call from Adam, Bella's fiance. Bella found a body while out for a morning walk with Judith Tovar, one of the guests at the resort owned by Bella's parents. Steve and Heather fly to St. Croix the next day to look into the mystery. The victim is Nate Johnson, who owns a hotel on the island and hosts diving classes on a regular basis. Nate was also in negotiations to buy the Resort owned by Bella's parents. When additional attacks on resort guests occur, the stakes skyrocket.

Who killed Nate? Why was he killed? Why are more guests being attacked? Can Steve and Heather unravel the tangle of lies and half-truths to reveal the culprit before more people are hurt or killed?

Bruce Hammack has another complex mystery for Steve and Heather to unravel. He has wonderful characters and great situations with a dash of humor to keep things moving at an easy pace. I am anxiously awaiting more stories in this fantastic series.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having become more and more impatient for Bruce Hammack to put out the next Smiley and McBlythe book, I was very pleased when the Kindle ARC version was made available to me. Since I always try to write an honest review on any books I read, that certainly hasn’t been a problem. Well written, clean, and humorous murder mysteries are hard to come by, so I especially appreciate this author’s books. With the intertwining storyline containing not only the murder mystery but also on-again off-again romance struggles of the main characters, it kept me reading further into the night than was probably wise. Steve and Heather’s taking their detection services off to a Caribbean Island didn’t mean that their big jointly-owned cat was left behind. Don’t miss the complicated relational interactions intertwined throughout this suspense as Smiley and McBlythe combined skills solve the mystery-with getting killed themselves.

[DJ McCready · Rating 4 out of 5]

have loved the Smiley and McBlythe series. Ironically, i completed reading this #9 in the series and turned to read the one in which Bella is discovered and returned to her parents in St. Croix. Since this book revolves around Bella I was interested but you can read this as a stand-alone. I was not surprised by Jack although I have seen other reviewers mention that as a surprise.

The characters are well-developed and particularly Bella who Smiley tries to keep from worries about her upcoming wedding. There is one murder, and several assaults that add intensity to the book but the real surprise is how Smiley manages to figure out the murder and those behind it - that is also true of the other books in the series but McBlythe is more instrumental in some of the other books.

I have become a huge fan of this author and not just this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Texas · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Beach to Die For, #8 - While still an interesting story, it was missing something. I had a hard time, here and there, keeping my interest in the story. Good characters and story lines, but an average read. Source: BookSirens. 3*

The Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series:
Exercise Is Murder, prequel - An interesting and immersing introduction to Steve Smiley and Heather McBlythe
and their beginnings. Recommend reading this first. 4*

Jingle Bells, Rifle Shells, 1 - Interesting and immersing easy read with a steady pace, good story lines, good characters and good values made this a hard to put down read. Recommend reading the prequel, Exercise is Murder first. 5*

Murder In The Dunes, #4 - Difficult to put down with its steady pace, easy to read writing style and good characters and story lines. 5*

Mistletoe, Malice And Murder, #9 - Interesting but too easy to figure out the murderer. Good story lines with humor and good characters. Source: BookSirens. 4*

[Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this series, with Steve Smiley and Heather McBlythe, private detectives, ex police officers and really good friends. This time they're off to Bella & Adams wedding in St Croix in the Caribbean , but it’s never going to be that simple.

Number nine in the series, this is a stand alone read, but it is well worth reading earlier books first. Being blind, Steve’s other senses more than compensate for lack of sight, and Heather is the perfect foil for him. The characters are all well developed, even down to Max, the Maine Coon cat, who gets to go with them this time. The plot is nicely twisted, with enough suspects to make it intriguing, and a really nice flow with the narrative. As always, I didn’t want the book to end. Roll on number 10.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laura Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Private investigators Steve Smiley a blind former police officer and Heather McBlythe a wealthy former cop are in the island paradise of St Croix for a wedding. Of course there is a murder to solve because it wouldn't be a perfect vacation without some PI fun along the way. Heather has personal issues with her fiancé and Steve is his usual taciturn self. I love this series because you never see the ending coming out of left field. The characters are always revealing a new facet of their personalities and the friendship between Smiley and McBlythe deepens with each novel. The author refrains from vulgarity and sex which I appreciate. Lots of action and heartbreak happening in this one.

*I was given this book through Book Sirens to read and review. That in no way influences my opinion.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beach To Die For is the 9th book in the Smiley and McBlythe series by Bruce Hammack. filled with the twists and turns expected from this author.

This time they are on an island in the Caribbean for the wedding of Bella and Adam. For such a beautiful and idyllic place you would expect just a wonderful time, but instead there has been a murder! Add in several serious attacks on some of the guests, and you have a great mystery to solve!

Its so entertaining to watch how Smiley (who is blind) uses all his senses to solve the mystery of the murder and attacks on guests.

I want to thank the author for writing such great books and the publisher for allowing me to have this advanced reader copy to enjoy. I'm leaving this review voluntarily and hope others love Bruce Hammack's book as much as I do.

[MGB · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You didn’t see that one coming, did you?"

That quote from the book sums up a lot of the action. Heather is suffering greatly in her personal relationships. Will solving a murder change her attitude and outlook? Maybe a vacation in beautiful St. Croix will do it? What if both can be combined?

Then the hardcore action hits and no one is safe. But Heather and Steve put together brains, logic, reasoning and determination. In the end it will be a great reveal. Heather know Steve: "He loved to keep suspects off balance and go back and forth between separate story lines, only to bring them back together and tie up the loose ends."

The book does not disappoint. If fact it excels as great detective work and also a good solid jolt to the emotions to keep you in the story.

Another highly recommended read from the author.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series and this book was phenomenal. The storyline was engaging and well written. When it comes to the mystery all I can say is twisty and well plotted. Bruce has a way of crafting his characters so that they are a complex mix of traits whether they are a regular in the series or stopping by in this book. There were more one timers in this book that usual. It was interesting to see how they all came together during the denouement. There is only one thing I didn’t like but it would give something away and I don’t want to ruin the story. I would recommend this book even if you haven’t read any of the series. Guarantee you’ll be hooked!

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Adpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beach, a working vacation, a wedding, and.... murder!
Bruce and Heather's friend, Bella is getting married in St. Croix. (now I want to go there!) A week before the wedding, a man is murdered. And other threats and assaults also begin. But, why? and who? As the island police force is small, Bruce and Heather are invited to help solve the murder.

This story is packed with action and victims, and suspects and mysteries. One thing I really enjoy is that it is an intriguing book and it is clean (no vulgarity, profanity). This is the second book by this author that I have read, and it will not be my last! I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a good mystery.

I received a copy of the book via BookSprout; this review is my honest opinion.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve lost track of how many Bruce Hammack books I’ve read now, and I’ve loved each one.

In this book, blind, ex-detective Steve Smiley and his private investigation partner, Heather McBlythe, are called to St. Croix about a murder. Bella (from the latest Bruce Hammack books I read) was the one to call them to investigate with the killer possibly still at her parent’s resort. All this was happening at the same time that Bella was getting ready for her wedding in a few days.

The cast of possible suspects was extensive and as is customary in the Smiley and McBlythe books, there's a big reveal at the end.

There's no Christian fiction feel to this book, but as usual it’s as clean, or more, than most Christian fiction books I read.

Loved it.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beach to Die For by Bruce Hammack is a book that will keep you turning pages well into the night. It is full of suspense, murder, crime and did I say suspense? Steve Smiley is not you normal private investigator - he is blind! He also is great at solving mysteries and murders. It is the 9th book in this series, but it is the first one that I have read. I will read more of this author's books. Even though it is the a later book in the series, it can be a stand-alone and enjoyed!

I received a copy of this book through BookSirens and I always review every book that I read. I highly recommend this one if you enjoy mysteries and trying to figure out who committed the crime.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

After waiting patiently for the next book in the Smiley and McBlythe series, it did not disappoint! The duo is again at work solving a murder, while also having normal life experiences at the same time, or trying to. The banter between the two just gets better with each book. There are many characters to choose from who could be the murderer, with many twists and turns throughout the book. It made my head spin! I hope the author is hard at work on the next book, because I’m ready for it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gruesome murder. A young woman with a forged passport is arrested just after coming to Steve for help. Multiplying suspects, a business pair of ex-cops (Smiley who is blind and Heather McBlythe), a pet Maine Coon cat, sneaky plot twists, and complex characters are all parts of this engaging (unputdownable) and enjoyable mystery. Although it is the latest in a series, I read it as a stand alone without a problem. But I'm going to hunt down earlier ones for simple enjoyment and the joy of solving a mystery.
I requested and received an EARC from the author/publisher via BookSirens.

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent murder mystery. Once I had got to grips with the characters and their relationships with each other, I found this a superb read, really gripping. (I presume it took me some time as this was not the first book in the series but it was the first one I had read).

It gave insight into how a detective solves a case and also into the world of spies and secret agents.

All in all, I found it really difficult to put down once I had started it.

I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wedding vacay turns mystery when a wedding guest says someone is trying to frame her. The mystery takes place in the beautiful Caribbean. The blind detective is on it! It is nice to read a clean mystery without the violence of some mysteries. This was an enjoyable read and the characters continue to really become friends as you get to know the personalities and quirks. I tried to figure out who dun it, but didn't quite figure things out. A good mystery and entertaining read.
I received an ARC and was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Maricle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have so enjoyed the books that I’ve read by this author. He writes a great mystery/police procedural that can hold the reader’s interest and he does it well, without vulgarity or graphic violence. This is the 9th book in the series and I do recommend reading these books in order although any of them are an enjoyable read on their own. I just like to see how characters develop their relationships over the course of a series. This is good reading. Recommended. Thanks to book sirens, I received a copy of this book. I’m leaving my review voluntarily.