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Armed with a new counseling degree, Patience Price is eager to move back home to Chincoteague Island to help folks with their problems. But she finds the streets awash in more than East Coast charm. There's been a murder, and Adrian Davis, the town golden boy who once stomped her heart into a zillion pieces, is the main suspect. Now he's on the run, claiming he's innocent. Patience finds this…poetic. Not that she holds a grudge. Adrian's mom is sure that with her FBI background Patience can find the truth. Yes, she was at the FBI—in human resources. Still, she looks into it, but not everyone is happy with her snooping. Either that, or the welcome wagon has some bold new policies involving drive-by shootings. Things really heat up when a hunky former coworker, an actual FBI agent, arrives to help. But he may be too late; the quaint island harbors deadly secrets—and Patience is running out of time. 82,000 words

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

253 people are currently reading
913 people want to read

About the author

Julie Anne Lindsey

171 books1,464 followers
Julie Anne Lindsey- Hatcher is an award-winning and bestselling author of cozy mystery and romantic suspense. She’s published more than sixty novels as herself & under the pen names, Bree Baker, Jacqueline Frost & Julie Chase, for various publishers, including Kensington, Harlequin, Sourcebooks and Crooked Lane Books. When she's not writing the stories that keep her up at night, Julie stays busy in Kent, Ohio with her three amazing kids and shamelessly enabling friends. Today she hopes to make someone smile. One day she plans to change the world.

Be sure to check out NOT QUITE BY THE BOOK, Julie's latest work of contemporary fiction, written under her birth name, Julie Hatcher.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
Profile Image for Brooke Blogs.
676 reviews201 followers
January 24, 2022
It's no secret that Julie Anne Lindsey is one of my favorite authors. When I had the opportunity to read a revamped ARC of Murder by the Seaside for the re-release, I jumped at the chance.

Murder by the Seaside is the first Patience Price mystery. It's more of a traditional mystery and would not be considered cozy. There was definitely a romantic element - well, two - wrapped up in the story. There was more danger and criminal activity and details than a cozy. I really enjoyed this book. I did figure out whodunit shortly before the reveal, but loved seeing it play out.

The mystery was intense and kept me reading. There were so many times I laughed out loud. I really liked that things I love so much about Julie Anne's books were present even in her first book: humor, romance, and a believable mystery. While you can tell this is an early book (as her writing talent is more defined now after nearly 50 more books under her belt), it still had those things that make her an auto-buy author for me. I can't wait to read the next Patience Price book!

I received an early ARC and also borrowed the book on Kindle Unlimited to read. My opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
Profile Image for Heart DeCoupeville.
285 reviews
Read
May 18, 2023
I'm not sure I have sufficient words to describe how thoroughly I disliked this book. One star is at least a hundred too many.

Plot: Absurd. Ridiculous.

Main character: Absurd. TSTL. Shallow. Selfish. And this ditz wants to be a counselor? GMAFB.

Not recommended to anyone.
Profile Image for Ann.
6,008 reviews83 followers
December 24, 2013
I liked this story and I hope it's book one of many. The lovely island of Chincoteague is the setting for this humorous, fast moving, twisting murder mystery with just the beginning of two men vying for Patience's attention. The FBI and local authorities join forces to solve this mystery. An enjoyable read
Profile Image for Becky.
489 reviews15 followers
March 19, 2022
Pack your bags! This book by Julie Anne Lindsey will definitely take you on an adventure. Lots of action going on, slight more romance, and crime which sets this novel as a traditional mystery. There's great characters and a perfect island setting. Can't wait to read the next adventure in the Patience Price three part series.
Profile Image for Melissa.
137 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2014
IThere were parts of the book I enjoyed and parts that were meh. Ultimately I decided on two stars for two basic reasons: first, the book felt and read like a Sookie Stackhouse ripoff and second, unraveling the mystery took too long. Basically, I wouldn't recommend this book to very many people.

What I did like: the dialogue was surprisingly realistic and refreshing to read. It didn't come across is ridiculous or causation for eye rolling. The actual mystery of who-done-it was okay. Not great but not the worst I've read either. Character development was except for the two male characters that vied for the heroin's attention. It's as if the author felt merely having gorgeous male presence is enough. No need to give them personalities. Also, what is up with giving these men female qualities?
All these guys are super attentive. They cook, clean, decorate, kick butt, snuggles without asking for anything more. My point is that these dudes do not sound anything like the average male. And just like the Sookie Stackhouse novels, the Patience Price (get the alliteration here?) is also a girl that is rather unlikable. She is a glutton for punishment. She thinks she can do anything and everything but never catches on the fact that she needs constant rescuing. This book practically drips of adolescent angst but coming from a character that is 29 and supposedly 11 years past highschool, the love falls flat. The silly "romance" seems to fuel the book rather than the murder or the mystery.

Bottom Line: what I want to know is what happened to all the Dorothy Sayers? I feel like this author has potential for some great mystery writing and she squandered her talent on a stupid girl with a ridiculous love life rather developing a truly decent mystery story. If this author tried her hand at something less like a silly romance and more like a mystery I would love to read that!
Profile Image for Alicia.
188 reviews6 followers
February 23, 2021
As someone who grew up very close to Chincoteague and has been there quite a few times, I really enjoyed reading a book set there. Julie Anne Lindsey captured much of the feeling and atmosphere of it very well! I loved Patience and her quirky parents and thought the mystery was well written. I hope we get more of Claire in the next two books, along with Special Agent Sebastian. Another great read by the Queen of Cozies!
Profile Image for Kristin.
772 reviews10 followers
January 24, 2022
This is a really cute beginning to a series. It's a little more violent than the usual cozy, but not terribly so. I love that it's set on Chincoteague/Assateague. Patience is fun and quirky and has quirky parents. I love how people come to talk to her and get counseling and she doesn't realize what is going on at first. That's just too funny. The story is great and it moves along at a quick pace. I jumped right into the second one, to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Miriam Kahn.
2,173 reviews71 followers
February 26, 2015
An action packed mystery set in Chincoteague. Patience Price comes home to start a counseling practice, helping people with their problems. Little does she know that their problems are much smaller than the murder investigation she stumbles into. Lots of action, zippy dialogue, and fun characters.
The action doesn't really stop. Oh yes, there's a very sexy love interest that strictly "off stage."

For a longer review, see Ohioana Library Quarterly.
Profile Image for Susankelly.
12 reviews4 followers
October 27, 2014
This is the first book that I read by this author. I bought this book, because the story line happens on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. I enjoyed the book and did not figure "who done it" till the very end.
Profile Image for Colleen Shogan.
Author 9 books633 followers
January 1, 2015
I really enjoyed this book! I don't usually read romance but I appreciated the blend of the mystery and romance genre. Very well done, and I'm a big fan of Chincoteague and Assateague, so it was terrific to read a book set there.
Profile Image for Kelly.
Author 32 books255 followers
October 29, 2022
Once Patience Price was downsized from the FBI, things went south from there. Returning to her nearby Virginia island home, she decided to set up shop doing psychological counseling for residents. She had some fences to mend with an old boyfriend, her quirky parents, and the local sheriff.

When her old boyfriend is accused of murder, she feels compelled to help clear his name but instead is swept into a disastrous crime wave. Like dominoes, her misfortunes fall one at a time until she’s fighting to protect her family, friends, and for her own life.

On her side are two friends from the mainland FBI office where she formerly worked. Claire is a thoughtful bestie who always knows the right thing to say or do to make her feel better. Sebastian is the office crush who turns out to be more than an average special agent. He might make a good new beau if Patience could avoid danger longer than a few hours.

I liked Patience’s spunk, even if she does make a few cringy choices like going out for a boat ride alone at night. She’s smart and just trying to figure out where she fits into her new reality.

The Patience Price, Counselor at Large Series has three books. This series leans a little toward the traditional side of mysteries and includes some language and violent scenes, but nothing too graphic. There’s also a pretty strong romantic element that you don’t find in every cozy series, but it works here because all the characters are also involved in the murder investigation.
Profile Image for Jenna.
687 reviews45 followers
January 20, 2022
When counselor Patience Price loses her HR position with the FBI due to downsizing, she returns to her hometown of Pony Island to set up a practice of her own. The normally quiet small town soon seems to erupt with crime, danger, and violence with a very reluctant Patience thrust into the center of it all. Her ex-boyfriend's mother insists Patience can get her son out of trouble, mistakenly believing Patience had a very different job with the FBI! Soon enough, however, the FBI really is in town in the form of darkly dangerous and desirable Sebastian, a former coworker of Patience. And that's when the trouble boils over in earnest.

I've lost count of the number of books I have read by Julie Anne Lindsey. This new-to-me and recently refreshed trilogy reminds me of the stories that first provided my introduction to the author--the Geek Girl Mysteries. Slightly more serious than a true "cozy" mystery, but enormously enjoyable. Patience and Sebastian have a crackling chemistry, and I was glued to the page, forced to put the book down only when absolutely unavoidable. More, please!
Profile Image for Maria.
2,987 reviews96 followers
January 22, 2022
What a great start for a new-to-me (rereleased) series. The setting is beautiful, the characters are lovable, and the banter is witty. Patience is finding her way after losing her job with the FBI. She's serious enough but very good at not taking herself too seriously, which makes for some very funny situations. The mystery pushes the boundaries of a typical cozy as it's a little darker but I think it could still be considered a cozy. I did figure out who the killer was before the big reveal but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of this story. Can't wait to read the next.

I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Carol Lee.
689 reviews7 followers
February 8, 2022
Patience is starting over and has hung her shingle in her hometown. She is settling in well to her new profession until she is called on to represent her old boyfriend. His mom is completely convinced that he did not do it, but Patience thinks that turn about is fair play. She finally decides to look into it and what she finds is shocking. Patience must find out what is really going on before it is too late.
Profile Image for Madeleine Booth-Smits.
868 reviews15 followers
January 18, 2022
Loved this intense amateur sleuth story. I adore Patience and her penchant for trouble! So many things made me laugh, a few brought tears to my eyes and over all I was completed sucked in; hook, line and sinker.
Profile Image for Sapphyria  .
2,257 reviews59 followers
February 11, 2022
I’m a huge fan of Julie Anne Lindsey. I didn’t have a chance to read Murder by the Seaside during its original release but when she re-released it this year, I jumped on board.

Patience Price lost her job in the HR department at the FBI during some downsizing. Back to her hometown on an island off the coast of Virginia, Patience hopes to open her own counseling center. Shortly after her return, there is a murder of a local resident. When she finds out her high school boyfriend is a suspect, Patience is sure he didn’t do it but doesn’t know if she wants to get involved. Ultimately, Patience calls on a colleague from the FBI to help her out.

What ensues is a cozy-esque type murder mystery with a potential romance angle. Not quite a cozy, Murder by the Seaside has some decidedly traditional mystery elements. There are twists, turns, and red herrings throughout the book. The author calls on a bit of humor at times, and it’s perfectly inserted into the scene. The book has romantic, or could-be romantic, moments, which I love in the books I read, regardless of genre (for the most part).

The author's writing style is fluid, the pacing is perfect, and the story is so easy to read that when I reached the end, I couldn’t believe I was done already. I found myself engaged and completely captivated in the story from the very beginning. I really enjoyed Murder by the Seaside and can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Pam.
869 reviews
October 17, 2013
This is an entertaining mystery with humor, non-stop action and a bit of romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author introduces us to interesting characters and takes us on a wild ride of danger and intrigue.

Patience Price is moving back home after being away for ten years. She was working for the FBI in human resources and was let go as they downsized the department. Home is Chincoteague, Virginia, a beautiful island that she thought she wanted to run away from years ago yet it is calling her home. She wants to set up a counseling office and put her degree to good use.

One of the reasons she left was Adrian Davis, her high school sweetheart who broke her heart when she found out he was going to college and never told her, she was hurt and felt betrayed. The first day she is back in town there is a murder and Adrian is accused of the crime and from that moment on the story is non-stop action as Patience and several friends start to investigate the murder, but someone wants to stop her and from the beginning she is in danger.

A rollercoaster ride from beginning to end and I could not stop reading because I wanted to know what happens.

Complete review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind

Copy sent for an honest review
80 reviews3 followers
February 4, 2022
Murder By The Seaside is the 1st of 3 books in Julie Anne Lindsey’s Patience Price Mystery series. The author is re-releasing the series, after having made a few tweaks. Patience returns to her hometown of Pony Island, after being downsized out of her job at the FBI. The day she arrives a murder occurs and her high school boyfriend is accused of the crime. The setting is wonderful! Fictional Pony Island was inspired by the very real Chincoteague Island in Virginia. I’ve been to Chincoteague so that made the book all that more enjoyable for me. The characters have varied personalities. I love that Patience is wound a little tight, but her parents are free spirits. There’s a possible love triangle forming, I don’t really like love triangles, but I know who I am rooting for. Plenty of action and laugh out loud humor. The mystery is well plotted, with a lot of twists and turns. I had 3 suspects in mind, but I had settled on just one before the big reveal. This was a fantastic read that I highly recommend. I can’t wait to read the other two books.

Thanks to Julie Anne Lindsey for providing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Heidi.
453 reviews11 followers
July 13, 2014
This is a delightful, cozy mystery with a little bit of romance, and humor. The characters are well developed. I never even guessed who was behind the whole conspiracy in this novel.
It is the first book in the series, and even though it is good as a stand alone, when I found out there was a second one, I had to download it to my kindle.
Julie Anne Lindsey is an outstanding writer, and she never disappointed me with any of her stories.
Profile Image for Pippa D.
230 reviews14 followers
December 5, 2014
What a hoot! Quickly absorbed by the characters, the scene and the wit of the writer, I galloped through this book in a sitting. Patience Price is a wonderful creation, and the island setting is one the author seems to know well enough to sell to us through potent imagery without being too descriptive. The plotting worked well; the characters had charm and originality and Lindsey wove a delightful tale. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Gina.
124 reviews14 followers
January 17, 2022
Something big is happening on this little island. And it's nothing good. Patience Price is back in town after being downsized from the FBI. She wanted to be a counselor for the FBI but ended up in HR. Now she's trying out being a counselor at large. With murder and mayhem happening around her, it seems she might need to try on her amateur sleuth hat too! This is a winner mystery series that has been refreshed and sparkles. I received a free copy from the author for an honest review. Terrific!
Profile Image for Holly Cameron.
221 reviews
March 4, 2022
Murder by the Seaside is action packed meets amateur sleuth/mystery. This book had an unbelievable amount of twists and turns that kept me on my toes! I love the small island settings off the coast of Virginia, and an FBI love interest (oops! I mean former coworker😉) was fun to follow! This book is definitely a fun read!
Profile Image for J.R. Lancaster.
Author 6 books217 followers
March 4, 2022
Murder by the Seaside has me longing for warm weather and sunshine. Patience takes quite the ride in her first novel. She has to navigate a murder she doesn’t even want to investigate and the start of a relationship that leaves her wanting more. If you love laughs, love and murder, this series has you covered!!
Profile Image for Jennifer Anderson.
Author 9 books25 followers
October 31, 2013
Funny, clever and a cast you can't help but love. Reminds me a little of Stephanie Plum. I can't wait for more of Patience and her hi-jinks!
Profile Image for Tennille.
22 reviews4 followers
September 10, 2014
Another great book from Julie! Didn't want to put it down. On to the next in the series.
Profile Image for Simon.
1,348 reviews27 followers
December 16, 2025
"Murder by the Seaside" by Julie Anne Lindsey is a cozy mystery that blends small-town charm with suspense, set against the picturesque backdrop of Chincoteague Island. The novel introduces Patience Price, a newly minted counseling graduate returning to her hometown, eager to apply her skills. However, her homecoming is marred by the murder of a local resident, and the prime suspect is none other than Adrian Davis, her former flame. This sets the stage for a compelling narrative driven by personal history, community secrets, and unexpected danger.

Lindsey excels in character development, making each character distinct and relatable. Patience Price is portrayed as intelligent and determined, driven by a desire to help others and prove herself. Her flaw lies in her past relationship with Adrian, which clouds her judgment and creates internal conflict. Adrian Davis, the accused golden boy, is depicted as charismatic yet desperate, maintaining his innocence while on the run. Their relationship is central to the plot, fueling Patience's investigation as she grapples with past feelings and present doubts. The introduction of a hunky FBI agent adds another layer of complexity, creating a love triangle and raising the stakes as Patience navigates her feelings while trying to solve the murder.

The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. Just when Patience thinks she's close to uncovering the truth, new evidence emerges, leading her down unexpected paths. The tone of the novel is lighthearted yet suspenseful, balancing humor with moments of genuine danger. Lindsey skillfully weaves together elements of romance, mystery, and small-town drama, creating a captivating reading experience.

One of the central themes of "Murder by the Seaside" is the exploration of past relationships and their impact on the present. Patience's history with Adrian shapes her perceptions and actions throughout the investigation. The novel delves into how past hurts and unresolved feelings can influence our decisions and cloud our judgment.

Another significant theme is the idea of community and belonging. Chincoteague Island is portrayed as a close-knit community where everyone knows everyone else's business. The novel examines the dynamics of small-town life, where loyalty and suspicion often intertwine.

Additionally, the book delves into the theme of redemption and second chances. Adrian's struggle to prove his innocence highlights the possibility of redemption, while Patience's journey represents a chance to start anew and find her place in the world.

In conclusion, "Murder by the Seaside" is a delightful cozy mystery that offers a perfect blend of suspense, romance, and small-town charm. Julie Anne Lindsey's engaging characters, intricate plot, and skillful storytelling make this novel a must-read for fans of the genre. If you enjoyed this book, you might also like "The Tourist Trap" series by Lynn Cahoon or "The Hannah Swensen" series by Joanne Fluke, both of which offer similar blends of mystery, romance, and small-town settings.
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