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Hilda Mae Novels #1
Missing on the Gulf Coast
In "Missing on the Gulf Coast," join Hilda Mae Palmer, a skilled and determined landscaper living on Florida's picturesque Gulf Coast, as she finds herself entangled in a perilous search for a missing woman. Hilda Mae’s ordinary life takes an unexpected turn when her quest uncovers a dark and sinister pattern - the disappearance of multiple women. As she delves deeper into her investigation, Hilda Mae faces danger at every turn, exposing the dark underbelly lurking beneath the surface of the coastal paradise. With her own life hanging in the balance, Hilda Mae must race against time to unravel the mystery and bring justice to those who have vanished. In this gripping and suspenseful tale, "Missing on the Gulf Coast" will leave you on the edge of your seat, eager to discover what lies hidden beneath the seemingly idyllic exterior of this sun-soaked region.
284 pages, Paperback
Published October 19, 2023
363 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 12, 2024
"Aunt Pearl sometimes teases me about my 'strays' but she has one of the biggest hearts around. We're not saints, nor do we want, or expect praise. When it does come, we try to deflect it to the ones who have earned it. We make it understood these people earned it by making the choice to work hard and improve their lives." -Hilda Mae Palmer, from the novel
I selected this book because it was a mystery and set in Florida, where I live. At first, I liked it. Main character, Hilda Mae is an amateur detective and a down-to-earth, rather quirky young woman and I found her amusing. But the last quarter of the book was very confusing and, I felt convoluted, not very believable. Also, I found a number of typos or other editing errors that bothered me. Guess I am just that much of a grammar geek. Anyway, I rated the book a 2, which is rare for me. I won't be looking for another in this series.
I selected this book because it was a mystery and set in Florida, where I live. At first, I liked it. Main character, Hilda Mae is an amateur detective and a down-to-earth, rather quirky young woman and I found her amusing. But the last quarter of the book was very confusing and, I felt convoluted, not very believable. Also, I found a number of typos or other editing errors that bothered me. Guess I am just that much of a grammar geek. Anyway, I rated the book a 2, which is rare for me. I won't be looking for another in this series.
April 26, 2024
This took me so long to read. The story didn't hook me. It didn't feel realistic. I didn't like how the story would switch and be speaking directly to the reader, ex, "He has a nice back side, you know what I mean, wink wink." It was awkward.
November 7, 2025
Lost, abducted. Kidnapped, released, repeat
I loved the family nursery setting for this book that takes place in Florida. The native plants theme and operations of the nursery were reminiscent of my early life.
There were highly trained law enforcement people in the book but they weren't as efficient as the nursery owners at figuring out who was shooting people, breaking into businesses and kidnapping people.
I found a few editorial deficiencies. Worse than that, was the factual errors or lack in judgement regarding fires, firefighters, and a ridiculous amount of danger and risk patrons were subjected to at a carnival. Just because a friend is having a psychological anomoly doesn't mean you can sit back and let it happen. The lady with multiple personalities should have been taken into custody when she began playing with fire while intoxicated. That segment ruined all the earlier good parts.
I loved the family nursery setting for this book that takes place in Florida. The native plants theme and operations of the nursery were reminiscent of my early life.
There were highly trained law enforcement people in the book but they weren't as efficient as the nursery owners at figuring out who was shooting people, breaking into businesses and kidnapping people.
I found a few editorial deficiencies. Worse than that, was the factual errors or lack in judgement regarding fires, firefighters, and a ridiculous amount of danger and risk patrons were subjected to at a carnival. Just because a friend is having a psychological anomoly doesn't mean you can sit back and let it happen. The lady with multiple personalities should have been taken into custody when she began playing with fire while intoxicated. That segment ruined all the earlier good parts.
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November 22, 2024A fun read!
This was a fun book to read, especially since I am from the area that serves as the setting of the book. The main characters are entertaining and keep you interested in their development as the story unfolds. The story itself is engaging and pretty well thought out. There are a few places where the writing is a bit awkward, but overall the author's style works quite nicely with the rhythm of the book. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series to see where Hilda Mae takes us for her next adventure!
This was a fun book to read, especially since I am from the area that serves as the setting of the book. The main characters are entertaining and keep you interested in their development as the story unfolds. The story itself is engaging and pretty well thought out. There are a few places where the writing is a bit awkward, but overall the author's style works quite nicely with the rhythm of the book. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series to see where Hilda Mae takes us for her next adventure!
December 5, 2024
To read a book that has a setting based on where you are from is probably one of the coolest things ever. Being able to fully sink and immerse myself into this book was everything I'd hoped it would be. I received this series as a birthday gift and I am just so so excited about it. The story line is great, Hilda Mae is someone I'd truly love to just be friends with. Her stubbornness is something I can relate heavily to. I've started the second book in this series and I am so excited to see what comes next.
January 23, 2024
suspense, mystery, humor
It was fun following the heroine around to all the local places I live near. I can just picture it so it seemed more realistic to me. There was suspense, and mystery, and lots of trouble in a southern setting. Surprises and twists keep you reading along. Some double entendres, sometimes a little crude, but good story overall. Not cozy, but no bad language.
It was fun following the heroine around to all the local places I live near. I can just picture it so it seemed more realistic to me. There was suspense, and mystery, and lots of trouble in a southern setting. Surprises and twists keep you reading along. Some double entendres, sometimes a little crude, but good story overall. Not cozy, but no bad language.
December 5, 2024
Cute story
Aside from the typos and mangled grammar (due to the typos) this was a cute storyline. I loved that the characters did what people should do, stick by and up for each other, even if they're not best of friends. I never give away the story in my reviews. I say what I liked and hope someone is curious enough to pick it up and trad it. I can only say I wish I could find a Joe and had an Aunt like Hilda Mae has.
Aside from the typos and mangled grammar (due to the typos) this was a cute storyline. I loved that the characters did what people should do, stick by and up for each other, even if they're not best of friends. I never give away the story in my reviews. I say what I liked and hope someone is curious enough to pick it up and trad it. I can only say I wish I could find a Joe and had an Aunt like Hilda Mae has.
March 9, 2025
It was ok
Not a bad story line. Characters were likeable even though main character was a bit annoying. My main issue was the somewhat stilted conversations and odd writing style How do you write out can not and did not but answers to a question were I'll and I'm? That was the whole sentence 'I'll '. Huh? And enough with the wink wink. And honestly no I did not remember the character Mark.
Not a bad story line. Characters were likeable even though main character was a bit annoying. My main issue was the somewhat stilted conversations and odd writing style How do you write out can not and did not but answers to a question were I'll and I'm? That was the whole sentence 'I'll '. Huh? And enough with the wink wink. And honestly no I did not remember the character Mark.
February 29, 2024
Editor Needed
This novel is in bad need of a good editor. The grammatical mistakes and the missed mistakes really hurt the storytelling.
I enjoyed the mention of places I know like Navarre, Milton, and Fort Walton.
The author has promise but she definitely needs a good editor and proof reader.
This novel is in bad need of a good editor. The grammatical mistakes and the missed mistakes really hurt the storytelling.
I enjoyed the mention of places I know like Navarre, Milton, and Fort Walton.
The author has promise but she definitely needs a good editor and proof reader.
February 2, 2025
long winded!
Good enough story but took too long to get the story out. It became too involved in too many plots and it lost momentum. I thought a couple of times that it should have reached a conclusion before it actually did.
Lots of typos and grammar mistakes showing a lack of proof reading or a use of AL.
Good enough story but took too long to get the story out. It became too involved in too many plots and it lost momentum. I thought a couple of times that it should have reached a conclusion before it actually did.
Lots of typos and grammar mistakes showing a lack of proof reading or a use of AL.
February 12, 2025
Don’t mess with Hilda Mae
Some people are just plain nosy. Something was amiss and Hilda Mae found herself in the middle of mugging, murder, human trafficking, and kidnapping. The story is very interesting and has several comical parts to make you laugh. If there was trouble Hilda Mae found it.
Some people are just plain nosy. Something was amiss and Hilda Mae found herself in the middle of mugging, murder, human trafficking, and kidnapping. The story is very interesting and has several comical parts to make you laugh. If there was trouble Hilda Mae found it.
March 5, 2024
Enjoyed reading this book , good story . There were several grammar and spelling errors in the book though.
The author was great but I would have my publisher and editor look the book over closer next time before print
The author was great but I would have my publisher and editor look the book over closer next time before print
March 29, 2024
Wonderful book
I loved this book! I live in the area that it was written about so there were many places that were familiar. This is a mystery but it has so much humour in it that I was laughing so hard that I was crying.
I loved this book! I live in the area that it was written about so there were many places that were familiar. This is a mystery but it has so much humour in it that I was laughing so hard that I was crying.
July 27, 2024
a very startling discovery on the Gulf coast
A fast read with lots of twists and turns and a surprise ending. Reading about Navarre the nearby towns in Florida is always fun for us locals.
A fast read with lots of twists and turns and a surprise ending. Reading about Navarre the nearby towns in Florida is always fun for us locals.
December 3, 2024
Dangerous Landscaping
Well written, full of action, great characters. Intense storyline from beginning to the end. Can't wait for the next one. Andi has a great series going here. Really blew me out of the water.
Well written, full of action, great characters. Intense storyline from beginning to the end. Can't wait for the next one. Andi has a great series going here. Really blew me out of the water.
December 7, 2024
I miss Publishing
When decent publishers weeded out garbage and edited books, life was good, but now we get these self published, no edited, poorly thought out disjointed mistakes. At least it was free—save yourself, choose something else!
When decent publishers weeded out garbage and edited books, life was good, but now we get these self published, no edited, poorly thought out disjointed mistakes. At least it was free—save yourself, choose something else!
December 7, 2024
Missing on the Gulf Coast is a riveting read
This novel is a great story with sub-stories within it. None are fully developed yet could be. Great relationships are revealed and even seemed believable. I enjoyed the read and will come back to Ms Lodge's work.
This novel is a great story with sub-stories within it. None are fully developed yet could be. Great relationships are revealed and even seemed believable. I enjoyed the read and will come back to Ms Lodge's work.
December 10, 2024
enjoyable read.
Plenty of drama but still an easy and enjoyable read. For me it was a nice change from the darker novels I usually read. I will continue to read her books with pleasure.
Plenty of drama but still an easy and enjoyable read. For me it was a nice change from the darker novels I usually read. I will continue to read her books with pleasure.
December 18, 2024
The humor was great but the story line was thin. I found it difficult to enjoy the book because of all the typos. Also, if you're going to use conjunctions you should use them all the time, not just here and there. It hurts the flow when you go flow easyglow language to stiff, formal language.
May 8, 2025
A little of everything!
This was a fun, quick read full of love, friendships, family, action, and suspense! Hilda Mae had quite a way of getting in over her head, and yet getting out at the same time.
This was a fun, quick read full of love, friendships, family, action, and suspense! Hilda Mae had quite a way of getting in over her head, and yet getting out at the same time.
October 10, 2025
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. Hilda Mae was a little bit the Nancy Drew of my childhood and Stephanie Plum of my middle age years. Excited that this local author shows such talent.
July 17, 2024
Liked
Enjoyed this book. Being from this area and vacationing at the Gulf Coast for several years it brought back several good memories for me.
Enjoyed this book. Being from this area and vacationing at the Gulf Coast for several years it brought back several good memories for me.
August 10, 2024
A friend recommended this book to me, and I was hesitant because I was not familiar with the writer, but I trusted my friend and I am so glad I did. I really enjoyed the book and found myself laughing and enjoying the very Southern characters.
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December 6, 2024Read 12/24
April 2, 2025
An easy and enjoyable read. Loved the characters, especially Hilda Mae and her Aunt Pearl.
May 23, 2025
the local references were fun, but at some points the writing style drove me crazy. it was like an inebriated sorority girl rambling on. story was fast paced
July 25, 2025
Rated PG17
lots of sexual talk
lots of sexual talk
January 13, 2025
The storyline was good but some sections just felt added in just meet a certain word count
February 14, 2025
Good read overall. A little far fetched that that many incidents could happen to one person. Good story line and an easy read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews