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Sarah Vane Mysteries #2
A Seaside Murder
A completely unputdownable and gripping cozy mystery
The English coast is like nowhere else on earth. The fresh sea breeze, gentle waves lapping the shore… and a body on the promenade?
Newly retired Sarah Vane is completely settled in Merstairs, enjoying the quirky, quaint feel of her new home. With some time on her hands, she decides to surprise her friend Daphne by cleaning her dusty, cluttered seafront shop. But when she arrives there early one morning, Sarah is shocked to find a dying woman on the doorstep, who utters one word before she takes her last ‘Wits…’
The victim is Abi Moffat – a much loved schoolteacher. Who could want her dead, and what could ‘wits’ possibly mean? Could the answer to Abi’s death be in Whitstable – the posher town along the coast? Or on a card from the luxurious Wittes Hotel found in her pocket? Or was it her scorned ex-boyfriend, Josh Whittsall who sent Abi countless postcards and flowers after they broke up?
All roads seem to lead to dead ends, and as Sarah talks to the locals it becomes clear that Abi had many admirers but not a single enemy. But then, a member of the Merstairs craft club is found dead at the local fun fair. At first glance, the two victims seem to have nothing in common, until Sarah takes a closer look at the clues, and realises there is something shocking in the close-knit Merstairs community that links them…
Join amateur sleuth Sarah for another gripping murder mystery in the breezy seaside town of Merstairs!
The English coast is like nowhere else on earth. The fresh sea breeze, gentle waves lapping the shore… and a body on the promenade?
Newly retired Sarah Vane is completely settled in Merstairs, enjoying the quirky, quaint feel of her new home. With some time on her hands, she decides to surprise her friend Daphne by cleaning her dusty, cluttered seafront shop. But when she arrives there early one morning, Sarah is shocked to find a dying woman on the doorstep, who utters one word before she takes her last ‘Wits…’
The victim is Abi Moffat – a much loved schoolteacher. Who could want her dead, and what could ‘wits’ possibly mean? Could the answer to Abi’s death be in Whitstable – the posher town along the coast? Or on a card from the luxurious Wittes Hotel found in her pocket? Or was it her scorned ex-boyfriend, Josh Whittsall who sent Abi countless postcards and flowers after they broke up?
All roads seem to lead to dead ends, and as Sarah talks to the locals it becomes clear that Abi had many admirers but not a single enemy. But then, a member of the Merstairs craft club is found dead at the local fun fair. At first glance, the two victims seem to have nothing in common, until Sarah takes a closer look at the clues, and realises there is something shocking in the close-knit Merstairs community that links them…
Join amateur sleuth Sarah for another gripping murder mystery in the breezy seaside town of Merstairs!
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2024
1201 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Alice Castle
20 books153 followersAlice Castle lives in South London. She was a feature writer on national newspapers for many years. She has a degree in Modern History from St Andrews University, is the British Royalty expert for Flemish TV, and lived in Brussels for nearly a decade. Her first novel, Hot Chocolate, sold out in two weeks and her second, the cozy crime novel The Murder Mystery, is an Amazon bestseller. She has written nine more whodunnits starring single mum amateur sleuth Beth Haldane. She has also written two psychological thrillers for Harper Collins, The Perfect Widow and The Invitation, under the name A.M. Castle
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 8, 2024
When I saw that this was only the second in a new cozy mystery series set along the English coastline, I couldn’t resist. It takes place in a fictional seaside town where GP Dr. Sarah Vane has retired and fancies herself an amateur sleuth. When Sarah discovers the murdered body of beloved young teacher Adi Moffat on the doorstep of her best friend, Daphne's shop, she is hot on the trail of the killer, enlisting the help of Daphne and possible romantic interest, Charles.
A fast, engrossing read, with twists and some red herrings, the perpetrator is not immediately obvious. Castle paints a perfect picture of a quaint, seaside village and its denizens. I really enjoyed the humor and quirky characters in the story. Bonuses are the anthropomorphic dog, Hamish and the terror of a cat, Mephisto. And, of course, there are the requisite tea and biscuits.
Thanks to #Netgalley and @bookouture for the DRC.
A fast, engrossing read, with twists and some red herrings, the perpetrator is not immediately obvious. Castle paints a perfect picture of a quaint, seaside village and its denizens. I really enjoyed the humor and quirky characters in the story. Bonuses are the anthropomorphic dog, Hamish and the terror of a cat, Mephisto. And, of course, there are the requisite tea and biscuits.
Thanks to #Netgalley and @bookouture for the DRC.
September 7, 2024
In A Seaside Murder by Alice Castle, Sarah finds herself in a second murder investigation. As a retired GP, she is used to death, but she had expected moving to this quiet seaside village to have less of it. She was going to do her friend, Daphne, a favor and do some cleaning at Daphne’s mystic/magic shop when she spied a bundle of clothing on the front steps. It turned out to contain a body, that of a young woman who had been stabbed and died in Sarah’s arms. It nearly broke her heart. Of course Tweedledee and Tweedledum (the locals’ names for officers Dumbarton and Deeside) were the first police to arrive and stomped on whatever evidence there was. Sarah felt she had to investigate, only to help Daphne’s daughter, Mariella, a detective-in-training. Sarah as as different than Daphne in every way. They had been school friends and Sarah had come to this village to retire after her professor husband, Peter, had passed on. Daphne was colorful, loud, a joiner, and uber-friendly, and well, a little nuts. Sarah was quiet and kept to herself. She had made at least one other friend in town, Charles, who was the part-time owner of a chihuahua, who was friendly with her own dog, a Scottie called Hamish. Daphne knew everyone so she made a helpful, if often annoying partner. It turns out the dead girl was a popular local primary teacher with no obvious enemies. It was a conundrum.
This is a delightful novel. Typically English. Typically cozy. Daphne adds color; although annoying, she is a good person at heart, despite the fact that Sarah is often very happy to retreat to her own quiet home after spending time with her. She inadvertently gives Sarah clues. She has a nightmare of a cat called Mephisto or the “orange menace,” who made Hamish’s life a nightmare. One of the endearing parts of this novel is the fact Hamish shares his thoughts with the reader. Not obnoxiously, but often they are right on. This is a good mystery and these three persons of a certain age are well-written and entertaining. They may be past their primes but they are nothing if not lively. It is a good book, well-written, well-plotted, and extremely delightful. Thanks, Ms. Castle for some terrific characters.
I was invited to read A Seaside Murder by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #AliceCastle #ASeasideMurder
This is a delightful novel. Typically English. Typically cozy. Daphne adds color; although annoying, she is a good person at heart, despite the fact that Sarah is often very happy to retreat to her own quiet home after spending time with her. She inadvertently gives Sarah clues. She has a nightmare of a cat called Mephisto or the “orange menace,” who made Hamish’s life a nightmare. One of the endearing parts of this novel is the fact Hamish shares his thoughts with the reader. Not obnoxiously, but often they are right on. This is a good mystery and these three persons of a certain age are well-written and entertaining. They may be past their primes but they are nothing if not lively. It is a good book, well-written, well-plotted, and extremely delightful. Thanks, Ms. Castle for some terrific characters.
I was invited to read A Seaside Murder by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #AliceCastle #ASeasideMurder
September 4, 2024
Sarah Vane is a newly retired widowed doctor who left London behind & moved to the Kent seaside resort of Merstairs, she’s now settled & enjoying the quirky, quaint feel of her new home plus she lives next door to her best friend Daphne. With some time on her hands, she decides to surprise her friend Daphne by cleaning her dusty, cluttered seafront shop. But when she arrives there early one morning, Sarah is shocked to find a dying woman on the doorstep, who utters one word before she takes her last breath: ‘Wits’ The victim is Abi Moffat, a much loved primary schoolteacher. Then, a member of the Merstairs craft club is found dead at the local fun fair. At first glance, the two victims seem to have nothing in common, until Sarah takes a closer look at the clues, and realises there is something shocking in the close-knit Merstairs community that links them
The second book in the series & another entertaining cosy mystery. I really like Sarah who jumps with both feet, she’s aided by Daphne & Charles & of course Hamish her little Scottie. I love the picture the author paints of Merstairs & its inhabitants, they are an eclectic mix but add to the books. There are red herrings as well as twists & turns as the amateur sleuths try to work out who killed Abi & Mabel & what ‘Wits’ means. The book is well paced but picks up for the climax & denouement where on of the regulars saves the day
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The second book in the series & another entertaining cosy mystery. I really like Sarah who jumps with both feet, she’s aided by Daphne & Charles & of course Hamish her little Scottie. I love the picture the author paints of Merstairs & its inhabitants, they are an eclectic mix but add to the books. There are red herrings as well as twists & turns as the amateur sleuths try to work out who killed Abi & Mabel & what ‘Wits’ means. The book is well paced but picks up for the climax & denouement where on of the regulars saves the day
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
July 19, 2024
Retired and recently widowed Dr Sarah Vane moves out to the seaside in Kent and gets back together with her old school chum (daffy) Daphne of the Tarot and Tea Leaves. They live next to each other, and one day Sarah gets the idea to help Daphny by doing a little house scrubbing of the shop area. But when she gets there, she finds what she thinks is a pile of donation clothes which turns out to be a dying young woman. The local constables are rather self-important bumblers who give the women a pat on the head and tell them to keep out of any police business. Daphne’s daughter, PC Mariella isn't very impressed with her mother's snooping, but she will listen. Daphne did know the murdered girl from the local crafting group and while snooping they find another dead woman also involved in the group! Daphne was afraid she was on the murderer's list, too. Nice slow and sneaky read.
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Bookouture via NetGalley. Thank you!
#SarahVaneMysteriesBk2
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Bookouture via NetGalley. Thank you!
#SarahVaneMysteriesBk2
September 11, 2024
Wits…that is the only clue that retired doctor Sarah Vane has at her disposal when she comes upon a young woman who was stabbed and soon died. Accompanied by her friend Daphne and her dog Hamish, Sarah follows whatever paths she can to find out who the young woman was and who it was that killed her. However, wits…could be a town called Whitstable, or it could refer to the Wittes Hotel. Or even the woman’s ex-boyfriend Josh Whittsall. So my directions, but Sarah knows she is up to the task.
I love Sarah and Daphne. Sarah doesn’t give up easily, if at all. Daphne was sometimes so over Sarah and going from place to place while Sarah was looking for answers, but she proved a faithful friend to Sarah all throughout. Then there is Hanish and his role (and thoughts) while Sarah is looking for the killer.
I am really enjoying this Sarah Vane series. It is nice to see a heroine that is my age solving crimes, although far more spry than I am. I look forward to continuing this series with the next book, Murder at the Tea Shop.
I love Sarah and Daphne. Sarah doesn’t give up easily, if at all. Daphne was sometimes so over Sarah and going from place to place while Sarah was looking for answers, but she proved a faithful friend to Sarah all throughout. Then there is Hanish and his role (and thoughts) while Sarah is looking for the killer.
I am really enjoying this Sarah Vane series. It is nice to see a heroine that is my age solving crimes, although far more spry than I am. I look forward to continuing this series with the next book, Murder at the Tea Shop.
July 29, 2024
Retired doctor Sarah Vane is feeling more settled in the small seaside town of Merstairs even though she still misses her late husband terribly. With her little Scottie dog, Hamish, to keep her company and her best friend from school, Daphne, living next door life is pretty good. She is, however, wishing she hadn't had the bright idea of popping into town early to give Daphne's seafront shop a bit of a once over!
Discovering one body had been a big shock, but now it seems to be a bit of a habit! Determined to give the police a hand, once again, Sarah ropes Daphne and fellow amateur sleuth, Charles, into helping her investigate. Nothing seems straightforward however, and before long they are all losing focus. When another body is discovered however, everyone knows they must up their game before anyone else dies.
Book two in this new series is a delight. The main protagonists are complex, annoying, likeable, and personable, just like most of us, in fact! The actual story twists and turns from start to finish and there are no shortage of likely suspects. Daphne is a delightful nightmare, keeping Sarah on her toes throughout. A brilliant series already I enjoyed this enormously.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. This was a great read and is highly recommended.
Discovering one body had been a big shock, but now it seems to be a bit of a habit! Determined to give the police a hand, once again, Sarah ropes Daphne and fellow amateur sleuth, Charles, into helping her investigate. Nothing seems straightforward however, and before long they are all losing focus. When another body is discovered however, everyone knows they must up their game before anyone else dies.
Book two in this new series is a delight. The main protagonists are complex, annoying, likeable, and personable, just like most of us, in fact! The actual story twists and turns from start to finish and there are no shortage of likely suspects. Daphne is a delightful nightmare, keeping Sarah on her toes throughout. A brilliant series already I enjoyed this enormously.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. This was a great read and is highly recommended.
January 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I love the characters - retired GP Sarah, her flamboyant friend Daphne and the perfectly polite and neatly turned out Charles. They make a great team, along with Hamish the Scottie dog!
June 1, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
A Seaside Murder is the second cozy mystery featuring amateur sleuth and retiree Sarah Vane by Alice Castle. Released 5th Sept. 2024 by Bookouture, it's 286 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, it's currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other 2 books in the series are also available on KU.
This is a nicely engaging village cozy featuring a retired GP as an amateur sleuth. She's recently widowed and has moved to a new place to make a new start near her quite eccentric friend. Despite being chalk and cheese, they're good together, and it's heartwarming to read about their genuine friendship and how they get on together despite being utterly different.
The village is full of oddball eccentric characters and the "whodunit" part of the book is well constructed and satisfying to figure out. Although it's the second book in the series, it works well enough as a standalone; the author provides the necessary background without bogging readers down or drowning them in details.
The actual solution to the murder was a bit over the top, but not completely heinous for the genre. The language is very clean, nothing worse than an occasional "damn" and no graphic violence or sexual content.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours, 14 minutes and is capably read by series narrator Jilly Bond. She has an -excellent- command of modulation and accents and she delineates each of the characters well, with varying regional accents and of a wide range of ages and both sexes. She does a great job with the read. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.
The plot, denouement, and resolution are self contained in this volume, but there's a short excerpt from book 3 included at the end of the book. With 3 books in the series extant at this point, it would make a great choice for a binge/buddy read.
Four stars for the mystery itself, a strong 5 stars for the narration and audiobook.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
A Seaside Murder is the second cozy mystery featuring amateur sleuth and retiree Sarah Vane by Alice Castle. Released 5th Sept. 2024 by Bookouture, it's 286 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, it's currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other 2 books in the series are also available on KU.
This is a nicely engaging village cozy featuring a retired GP as an amateur sleuth. She's recently widowed and has moved to a new place to make a new start near her quite eccentric friend. Despite being chalk and cheese, they're good together, and it's heartwarming to read about their genuine friendship and how they get on together despite being utterly different.
The village is full of oddball eccentric characters and the "whodunit" part of the book is well constructed and satisfying to figure out. Although it's the second book in the series, it works well enough as a standalone; the author provides the necessary background without bogging readers down or drowning them in details.
The actual solution to the murder was a bit over the top, but not completely heinous for the genre. The language is very clean, nothing worse than an occasional "damn" and no graphic violence or sexual content.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours, 14 minutes and is capably read by series narrator Jilly Bond. She has an -excellent- command of modulation and accents and she delineates each of the characters well, with varying regional accents and of a wide range of ages and both sexes. She does a great job with the read. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.
The plot, denouement, and resolution are self contained in this volume, but there's a short excerpt from book 3 included at the end of the book. With 3 books in the series extant at this point, it would make a great choice for a binge/buddy read.
Four stars for the mystery itself, a strong 5 stars for the narration and audiobook.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
September 1, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "A Seaside Murder" in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the second book in the Sarah Vane mystery series. The first book was interesting and gripping, this one took it to a whole new level. The mystery was very intricate, the characters interesting and it took to the very last few pages for all the clues to fall into place. There were a few laugh out loud moments as well.
The star of the book was of course, Hamish the black Scottie dog that title character Sarah received from her husband Peter, shortly before he died. There are many moments with Hamish and his nemesis next-door Mephisto the psychotic marmalade cat.
Sarah was a busy London doctor before she retired to Merstairs. Her next-door neighbour (and owner of Mephisto) is Daphne Roux, her old schoolmate. When Sarah decides to go to Daphne's shop The Tarot and Tealeaves early one morning to surprise her by tidying up, she gets a shock when she finds a young lady in the recessed doorway who had obviously been stabbed. Her final words "wits" becomes the clue that Sarah obsesses over - and probably misses some other clues. Sarah fancies herself an amateur detective. You can't blame her when the local constables are called Tweedledum & Tweedledee because they are known to trample over evidence at crime scenes. Daphne's daughter Mariella is a police officer often sidelined by her male colleagues.
While Sarah is convinced what "whits" must mean, they follow many false leads. Daphne while happy to help Sarah, isn't as into crime fighting - she's more the fun, whimsical one - who is always read for a spot of tea and some light refreshments. The third member of their group is Charles Diggory who is quite sweet on Sarah.
The three as usual have the pieces in place and solve the crime before the local police - though not before some thrilling adventures.
Looking forward to what Sarah and Daphne will get up to next and whether is will be romance in the air for Sarah and Charles.
This is the second book in the Sarah Vane mystery series. The first book was interesting and gripping, this one took it to a whole new level. The mystery was very intricate, the characters interesting and it took to the very last few pages for all the clues to fall into place. There were a few laugh out loud moments as well.
The star of the book was of course, Hamish the black Scottie dog that title character Sarah received from her husband Peter, shortly before he died. There are many moments with Hamish and his nemesis next-door Mephisto the psychotic marmalade cat.
Sarah was a busy London doctor before she retired to Merstairs. Her next-door neighbour (and owner of Mephisto) is Daphne Roux, her old schoolmate. When Sarah decides to go to Daphne's shop The Tarot and Tealeaves early one morning to surprise her by tidying up, she gets a shock when she finds a young lady in the recessed doorway who had obviously been stabbed. Her final words "wits" becomes the clue that Sarah obsesses over - and probably misses some other clues. Sarah fancies herself an amateur detective. You can't blame her when the local constables are called Tweedledum & Tweedledee because they are known to trample over evidence at crime scenes. Daphne's daughter Mariella is a police officer often sidelined by her male colleagues.
While Sarah is convinced what "whits" must mean, they follow many false leads. Daphne while happy to help Sarah, isn't as into crime fighting - she's more the fun, whimsical one - who is always read for a spot of tea and some light refreshments. The third member of their group is Charles Diggory who is quite sweet on Sarah.
The three as usual have the pieces in place and solve the crime before the local police - though not before some thrilling adventures.
Looking forward to what Sarah and Daphne will get up to next and whether is will be romance in the air for Sarah and Charles.
July 18, 2024
Name of Book: Seaside Murder at an English Pub
Author: Alice Castle
Series: Sarah Vane Mystery - Book #2
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pub Date: September 5, 2024
My Rating: 3.5
Pages: 327
Sarah Vane recently retired Doctor and additionally is a recent widow.
She and her Scottie dog, Hamish, have moved from London to live in a small cottage by the sea which is also next door to her best friend Daphne Roux.
Sarah and Daphne have known each other for sixty years. True Daphne is a bit eccentric -always dresses in spectacularly outfits and insists that the spirits from beyond tell her things.
Sarah has settled in to the point her cottage is pin-neat and organized down to the last spoon.
Since she has some ‘free time’ she decides to surprise Daphne by helping with some spring cleaning her shop “Tarot and Tealeaves’.
When Sarah arrives at Daphne’s shop she finds someone huddled in the doorway. Her thoughts are it was someone homeless. As she tries to awake up the young girl she sees blood and knows the girl is injured. As a retired GP, Sarah knows to call for an ambulance. She discovers that the girl is beloved teacher Adi Moffat. Before she died she utters one word ‘Wits…’
Is ‘Wits’ the name of the person who murdered her?
Amateur sleuth Sarah wants to know - - What does Adi means by Wits? Is it a name of a thing, a town, etc.? Sarah seeks help from Daphne and Charles Diggory (who seems to be a romantic interest},
Awww another nice easy enjoyable Alive Castle mystery! Love these characters as well as the setting – I look forward to next in this series!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 5, 2024.
Author: Alice Castle
Series: Sarah Vane Mystery - Book #2
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pub Date: September 5, 2024
My Rating: 3.5
Pages: 327
Sarah Vane recently retired Doctor and additionally is a recent widow.
She and her Scottie dog, Hamish, have moved from London to live in a small cottage by the sea which is also next door to her best friend Daphne Roux.
Sarah and Daphne have known each other for sixty years. True Daphne is a bit eccentric -always dresses in spectacularly outfits and insists that the spirits from beyond tell her things.
Sarah has settled in to the point her cottage is pin-neat and organized down to the last spoon.
Since she has some ‘free time’ she decides to surprise Daphne by helping with some spring cleaning her shop “Tarot and Tealeaves’.
When Sarah arrives at Daphne’s shop she finds someone huddled in the doorway. Her thoughts are it was someone homeless. As she tries to awake up the young girl she sees blood and knows the girl is injured. As a retired GP, Sarah knows to call for an ambulance. She discovers that the girl is beloved teacher Adi Moffat. Before she died she utters one word ‘Wits…’
Is ‘Wits’ the name of the person who murdered her?
Amateur sleuth Sarah wants to know - - What does Adi means by Wits? Is it a name of a thing, a town, etc.? Sarah seeks help from Daphne and Charles Diggory (who seems to be a romantic interest},
Awww another nice easy enjoyable Alive Castle mystery! Love these characters as well as the setting – I look forward to next in this series!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 5, 2024.
August 14, 2024
Murder At The Seaside is the second book in a cosy mystery series set in the fictional English coastal town of Merstairs.
Dr Sarah Vane is a recently retired GP who has also recently been widowed. Wanting something to keep busy, Sarah decided to help her old friend Daphne, by giving her shop a clean and tidy up. However, she gets more than she bargained for when she discovers young schoolteacher, Adi Moffat on the shop steps, mortally wounded. When Adi dies, before the arrival of the ambulance, Sarah vows to investigate and help bring the perpetrator to justice. There are a few twists and turns, then to complicate matters further, another body turns up.
This is the lightest of light cosy mysteries. This means it is a little short on plot and long on quirkiness and humour. Sarah can be quite annoying and I’m not sure how the police in the book put up with her. There are plenty of quaint, eccentrics; both investigating the murder and as suspects. Plus I’m a firm animal lover, but I found the antics of an anthropomorphic cat and dog just too twee to bear.
The book is well written though and I like the seaside setting. It’s just not what I am looking for in a cosy mystery as I like mine a little darker. However, if you want an undemanding story with lots of quirkiness, I highly recommend this one.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley, Alice Castle and Bookoutre for the much-appreciated ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
Dr Sarah Vane is a recently retired GP who has also recently been widowed. Wanting something to keep busy, Sarah decided to help her old friend Daphne, by giving her shop a clean and tidy up. However, she gets more than she bargained for when she discovers young schoolteacher, Adi Moffat on the shop steps, mortally wounded. When Adi dies, before the arrival of the ambulance, Sarah vows to investigate and help bring the perpetrator to justice. There are a few twists and turns, then to complicate matters further, another body turns up.
This is the lightest of light cosy mysteries. This means it is a little short on plot and long on quirkiness and humour. Sarah can be quite annoying and I’m not sure how the police in the book put up with her. There are plenty of quaint, eccentrics; both investigating the murder and as suspects. Plus I’m a firm animal lover, but I found the antics of an anthropomorphic cat and dog just too twee to bear.
The book is well written though and I like the seaside setting. It’s just not what I am looking for in a cosy mystery as I like mine a little darker. However, if you want an undemanding story with lots of quirkiness, I highly recommend this one.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley, Alice Castle and Bookoutre for the much-appreciated ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
September 12, 2024
Wow! What a fantastic read! I enjoyed every page of this cozy mystery set in a beach setting. I loved the vivid scenery, picturing the characters walking on the beach, staring up at an old castle on the hill, and enjoying the shops and cafes in the quaint English beach town of Merstairs.
The central character is a retired GP, recently widowed, who moves to a small beach enclave. There, a variety of exciting characters sprang from the page and into my imagination. The cast of characters is so eclectic that I was chuckling throughout the story.
The book is adorable. It is an easy, breezy, unputdownable beach read that will transport any reader from the stressors of day-to-day life into the worlds of the stories’ richly developed characters. Now, Hamish, the Scotty terrier, steals the story.
The characters and narrative are so well-developed and well-written that I felt as if I was inside the story.
The book captivated me from the first to the last page. Although I had read none of Alice Castle’s books before this one, she has earned a permanent place on my bookshelves. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of cozy, beachy mysteries.
I want to thank Net Galley, Bookouture, and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC. This review is voluntary and is mine alone.
The central character is a retired GP, recently widowed, who moves to a small beach enclave. There, a variety of exciting characters sprang from the page and into my imagination. The cast of characters is so eclectic that I was chuckling throughout the story.
The book is adorable. It is an easy, breezy, unputdownable beach read that will transport any reader from the stressors of day-to-day life into the worlds of the stories’ richly developed characters. Now, Hamish, the Scotty terrier, steals the story.
The characters and narrative are so well-developed and well-written that I felt as if I was inside the story.
The book captivated me from the first to the last page. Although I had read none of Alice Castle’s books before this one, she has earned a permanent place on my bookshelves. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of cozy, beachy mysteries.
I want to thank Net Galley, Bookouture, and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC. This review is voluntary and is mine alone.
September 7, 2024
A Seaside Murder by Alice Castle is the second in the Sarah Vayne Mysteries. A twisty contemporary cosy, A Seaside Murder follows the amateur sleuthing of Dr Sarah Vayne, a widowed GP who has retired to Merstairs, a seaside town in Kent, a far cry from her busy metropolitan life in London
However, all is not peace and tranquility, as when Sarah volunteers to help clean up her friends shop on the seafront, she is confronted by a woman, fading from life, her last words being "wits" - This could have a whole plethora of associations in the local area, and as Sarah investigates further, she seems to be getting nowhere, until a second unaliving is discovered. New clues help Sarah to peel back the layers until she discovers a darker seam underneth the pretty facade of the town
A compelling contemporary cosy mystery with a dynamic, eclectic fmc, determined and yet with a wry humour. Honourable mention to the delightful supporting cast in Daphne and Charles and who can forget Sarah's scottie dog Hamish. The narrative flows well and all in all, a great read
Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley and Alice Caste for the lovely ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
However, all is not peace and tranquility, as when Sarah volunteers to help clean up her friends shop on the seafront, she is confronted by a woman, fading from life, her last words being "wits" - This could have a whole plethora of associations in the local area, and as Sarah investigates further, she seems to be getting nowhere, until a second unaliving is discovered. New clues help Sarah to peel back the layers until she discovers a darker seam underneth the pretty facade of the town
A compelling contemporary cosy mystery with a dynamic, eclectic fmc, determined and yet with a wry humour. Honourable mention to the delightful supporting cast in Daphne and Charles and who can forget Sarah's scottie dog Hamish. The narrative flows well and all in all, a great read
Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley and Alice Caste for the lovely ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
July 15, 2024
The 2nd book in the series has Sarah more settled in her new life with her dog Hamish and best friend, Daphne. Yet again, Sarah stumbles upon a murder victim though this time she hears her last words, “wits”. Sarah and Daphne, and sometimes Charles, set out to try to figure out what these words might mean and how they are connected to the beloved murdered teacher. There are several wrong turns, leads that don’t pan out, and then another murder that does not seem connected to the first. Sarah is still getting to know some of the townspeople and their backstories so she is able to question them to try to find a reason why someone would want to cause these deaths. Some amusement is brought through some parts of the story being told through the perspective of Hamish, which is quite enjoyable as he only has eyes for Tinkerbell, Charles’ chihuahua. Despite always commenting on how Daphne’s daughter, Mariella, is the sole of discretion regarding sharing police information, she often shares details that help the amateur detectives along.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
September 9, 2024
This second book in the Sarah Vane Mysteries features a retiree who is recently widowed. I am a fan of costal settings plus cozy mysteries and this was the quaint ambiance I was looking for, in the small town of Merstairs. I’m also fond of stories starring pets and Hamish, who is Sarah’s little black Scottie, made it even cozier along with the seafront backdrop. But the image of quiet paradise is marred by a murder when suddenly a young woman passes away on the doorstep with a single word on her lips. As Sarah and her crew set out on searching for clues, they will come to discover another dead body and uncover the secrets hidden within the close-knit seaside community. I enjoyed the eccentric cast of characters and the humorous scenes throughout the read. My only qualms are some the slower parts in the story and maybe it would have been better had I started with book one. Overall I delighted in the teas and biscuits while sleuthing alongside Sarah and her friends. It made for a light escape and loads of entertaining moments trying to play armchair detective.
Thanks to Bookouture + Netgalley for my DRC. And to the author for a fun murder mystery getaway!
Thanks to Bookouture + Netgalley for my DRC. And to the author for a fun murder mystery getaway!
September 9, 2024
This is the second of the Sarah Vane Mysteries, but sadly only the first book that I've read both in the series and by this author.
The storyline certainly worked well as a standalone read.
We're following one case which is complete and concludes nicely at the end of the book.
However, I do usually like to read series in order, just to keep up with any character development that usually continues over the whole series.
Sarah was a great character to explore here and I loved to see the dynamics between her and her friends.
I especially loved the bickering between Sarah and Daphne! This really made me.laugh on more than one occasion.
True friends really though, they always make up ready for the next bout!
This was your standard cosy mystery format - which don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed!
One of my favourite genres, I could never get bored with a well presented and written case!
This was well planned out and all the clues were definitely there - but I totally didn't spot them until the reveals.
I loved making my own theories though and totally following along the routes of the red herrings!
The writing was a nice easy style which had me racing through this in only a couple of sittings. I definitely need to catch up on book 1, just so that I'm up to date before the next release ....
The storyline certainly worked well as a standalone read.
We're following one case which is complete and concludes nicely at the end of the book.
However, I do usually like to read series in order, just to keep up with any character development that usually continues over the whole series.
Sarah was a great character to explore here and I loved to see the dynamics between her and her friends.
I especially loved the bickering between Sarah and Daphne! This really made me.laugh on more than one occasion.
True friends really though, they always make up ready for the next bout!
This was your standard cosy mystery format - which don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed!
One of my favourite genres, I could never get bored with a well presented and written case!
This was well planned out and all the clues were definitely there - but I totally didn't spot them until the reveals.
I loved making my own theories though and totally following along the routes of the red herrings!
The writing was a nice easy style which had me racing through this in only a couple of sittings. I definitely need to catch up on book 1, just so that I'm up to date before the next release ....
September 8, 2024
I love a good whodunnit book, and the weather the last few days has been wet a miserable, which is perfect for curling up under a blanket to solve a cozy crime.
This was the second book in a series. I haven't read the first, but don't feel this matters as this one works perfectly as a standalone. There were some references to things that I assume happened in book 1, but they weren't integral to the plot.
I loved Sarah and Daphne, it was so nice and refreshing to have some 'older' ladies as the main characters. I thought Marissa was a pretty terrible police woman. She accidentally told people far too much about the ongoing investigation, but then it would have been a very different book without that. I absolutely loved the sections "narrated" by Hamish, they were really fun.
I thought I had the killer all worked out, but there was a lovely little extra twist that I hadn't guessed which was great.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this and look forward to reading more books by Alice.
This was the second book in a series. I haven't read the first, but don't feel this matters as this one works perfectly as a standalone. There were some references to things that I assume happened in book 1, but they weren't integral to the plot.
I loved Sarah and Daphne, it was so nice and refreshing to have some 'older' ladies as the main characters. I thought Marissa was a pretty terrible police woman. She accidentally told people far too much about the ongoing investigation, but then it would have been a very different book without that. I absolutely loved the sections "narrated" by Hamish, they were really fun.
I thought I had the killer all worked out, but there was a lovely little extra twist that I hadn't guessed which was great.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this and look forward to reading more books by Alice.
September 10, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the chance to read this one, it's the second book in the Sarah Vayne Mystery series. I haven't previously read the first book (although I will be adding to my list very soon after reading this one) but I feel like this storyline was great as a standalone so don't deter from reading if you haven't started the series either.
I just love a good whodunit + cozy mystery. Add in the small town and costal setting and I don't think there's a better recipe for a good read. It's really hard not to love the dynamic between Sarah and Daphne.
It was such an easy, bingeable read. Although the pacing was a little slow at certain parts, this might just be due to the fact that I am missing some context from the first book in the series.
This one kept me guessing until the end, it definitely had some hidden easter eggs throughout the storyline that didn't register until they revealed themselves. Highly recommend if you're looking for something entertaining and intriguing in the world of murder mysteries.
I just love a good whodunit + cozy mystery. Add in the small town and costal setting and I don't think there's a better recipe for a good read. It's really hard not to love the dynamic between Sarah and Daphne.
It was such an easy, bingeable read. Although the pacing was a little slow at certain parts, this might just be due to the fact that I am missing some context from the first book in the series.
This one kept me guessing until the end, it definitely had some hidden easter eggs throughout the storyline that didn't register until they revealed themselves. Highly recommend if you're looking for something entertaining and intriguing in the world of murder mysteries.
August 31, 2024
This is book 2 in the series, where Sarah a retired GP, acts as an amateur sleuth to solve a murder case or two.
The book's pacing is lacking, where nothing happens for a long time and then everything happens at once. The characters of the book also did not resonate much with me.
Sarah and Daphne's friendship doesn't feel original, and Daphne's love for food is way too repetitive. Also she is terrible at sleuthing, so I couldn't understand why Sarah even wanted her to join in.
Both Sarah and Daphne's dialogues show that they would rather be friends with someone else, but since they are childhood friends, they are still together.
The mystery itself was ok, thought it would have been better if the conclusion was reached via a series of investigation results, and not just in the last few pages.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book's pacing is lacking, where nothing happens for a long time and then everything happens at once. The characters of the book also did not resonate much with me.
Sarah and Daphne's friendship doesn't feel original, and Daphne's love for food is way too repetitive. Also she is terrible at sleuthing, so I couldn't understand why Sarah even wanted her to join in.
Both Sarah and Daphne's dialogues show that they would rather be friends with someone else, but since they are childhood friends, they are still together.
The mystery itself was ok, thought it would have been better if the conclusion was reached via a series of investigation results, and not just in the last few pages.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 5, 2024
It was lovely to catch up with Sarah, Hamish her dog, Daphne, Mephisto her cat, and Charles in Sarah Vane Mysteries book 2. I love how Sarah and Daphne bicker and make up and their new friend, Charles is a great new friend for them both. One early morning, Sarah makes a decision to go to Daphne's shop to do a spruce for her as a surprise. However, instead, Sarah comes upon a young lady in the doorway. Sarah and her friends begin their amateur sleuthing into who she is and how she ended up there.. I read this in one day and there are a few laugh out loud moments and along with a few red herrings, the subplot knits together to a surprising conclusion. I highly recommend this book! More please!!!
September 5, 2024
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨ Book 2
✨ A doctor
✨ murder to solve
✨ Apart from this book is a number 2B in the series , it can be read alone but I recommend to read the first one first as they are collected.
✨ Sarah is the main character in the story. a doctor and trying to solve a murder case.
✨ the book is more into friendship with the girl name Daphne , her childhood friend.
✨ tbh, I did much liking the plot on this one rather than the first. This book focusing on friendship they and how will it be solve. I’m guessing also that there will be book 3. As the ending wasn’t quite there yet, to be fair , I’m looking forward for that one.
This story was an average but the wording is amazing🫶🏼
✨ Thankyou @bookouture for the opportunity to read this book for a honest review.
✨ Book 2
✨ A doctor
✨ murder to solve
✨ Apart from this book is a number 2B in the series , it can be read alone but I recommend to read the first one first as they are collected.
✨ Sarah is the main character in the story. a doctor and trying to solve a murder case.
✨ the book is more into friendship with the girl name Daphne , her childhood friend.
✨ tbh, I did much liking the plot on this one rather than the first. This book focusing on friendship they and how will it be solve. I’m guessing also that there will be book 3. As the ending wasn’t quite there yet, to be fair , I’m looking forward for that one.
This story was an average but the wording is amazing🫶🏼
✨ Thankyou @bookouture for the opportunity to read this book for a honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2024
The second book in the series, finds our retired doctor again discovering a crime. This time Sarah experiences a young woman dying in her arms from a stab wound. In addition, the body is on the doorstep of her friend Daphne's shop. Before dying, the young woman whispers one syllable which sends Sarah and Daphne on a journey to find the killer. The setting along the English coast in a small community adds to the ambiance of the story. Sarah with her dog, Hamish, is slowly becoming part of the close knit community. Sarah and Daphne are friends from childhood but two distinct and unique personalities which adds humor and realism to the story.
September 6, 2024
Sarah is a retired GP and Daphne is the owner of a tarot shop. The two ladies are poles apart in temperament and looks but they balance each other very well. They’ve had one stint of solving a crime and think they’d do very well at another.
When Sarah finds the dying Aby on Daphne’s doorstep she is determined to find out who was responsible. Despite firm orders not to get involved, the friends embark on this mission not realising the danger they put themselves into when there is a determined and savage murderer in their midst.
Set in an idyllic English seaside town, the small village atmosphere adds to the charm of the story, apart from a very good cozy story.
When Sarah finds the dying Aby on Daphne’s doorstep she is determined to find out who was responsible. Despite firm orders not to get involved, the friends embark on this mission not realising the danger they put themselves into when there is a determined and savage murderer in their midst.
Set in an idyllic English seaside town, the small village atmosphere adds to the charm of the story, apart from a very good cozy story.
September 8, 2024
This is the second book in the Sarah Vane series. Sarah is a retired GP who has moved to coastal English village of Merstairs for quiet life, yet another murder occurs that seems to involve her best friend and neighbour Daphne, a self-proclaimed clairvoyant. Sarah, Daphne and Charles (a local antique dealer) decide to do some investigating themselves and once again discover some of the secrets that residents of Merstairs are trying to hide.
This book is a great cosy told with quite a bit of humour and there is of course Hamish, Sarah's Scottie, still locking horns with the evil Mephisto, Daphne's cat.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
This book is a great cosy told with quite a bit of humour and there is of course Hamish, Sarah's Scottie, still locking horns with the evil Mephisto, Daphne's cat.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
September 14, 2024
Retired GP Dr Sarah Vane, newly settled in a Kent coastal town, decides to help her neighbour and friend Daphne rejuvenate her shop with a good clean. She discovers a young woman badly hurt in the shop's doorway, and along with Daphne and her new friend Charles, Sarah decides to investigate what happened to the young woman. This engaging, cosy mystery has many credible leads but just as many dead ends. It's atmospheric, and as the suspense builds, it becomes increasingly intense. I like the amateur sleuths' dynamic, the dialogue and the twisty mystery.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
July 15, 2024
I enjoyed the first book in this series so decided to give book 2 a go. Once again I enjoyed the read but had a few more frustrations with it this time around. I do like a cosy mystery but it was a bit too over the top and bumbling for me. Sarah is a terrible sleuth and if I was in the police I would be mightily unimpressed by her actions, taking and tampering with evidence and getting in the way the entire time. All of the characters are eccentric other than Hamish the dog who I like a lot. I’m still not entirely sure how it all reached its conclusion.
August 28, 2024
2⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of A Seaside Murder.
Sarah is a retired GP and recent widow. Her and her best friend Daphne seem to keep finding dead bodies of residents of there town. They take it upon themselves to try to solve the case. But they may find their lives may be in danger.
This is the second book in the Sarah Vane Mysteries. I just found it really hard to connect with the characters. I also felt like the book was pretty slow moving in some parts.
Sarah is a retired GP and recent widow. Her and her best friend Daphne seem to keep finding dead bodies of residents of there town. They take it upon themselves to try to solve the case. But they may find their lives may be in danger.
This is the second book in the Sarah Vane Mysteries. I just found it really hard to connect with the characters. I also felt like the book was pretty slow moving in some parts.
September 2, 2024
A cozy mystery read with eccentric characters.
Main character, Sarah, once again stumbles upon a dead body. Along with her friend, Daphne, they decide to investigate the murder. Sarah’s dog, Hamish, plays a big part in their amateur sleuthing.
I enjoyed the small seaside location, the quirky characters as well as the humorous moments that made me smile and laugh.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Main character, Sarah, once again stumbles upon a dead body. Along with her friend, Daphne, they decide to investigate the murder. Sarah’s dog, Hamish, plays a big part in their amateur sleuthing.
I enjoyed the small seaside location, the quirky characters as well as the humorous moments that made me smile and laugh.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 8, 2024
I loved the characters in this book - and also the little furry companion Hamish who is integral to solving this crime. The characters are all from a small village and you can see that in the way that everyone knows everyone. We watch the group of villagers try and solve the crime and I was not ready for the twist at the end and that one crime led to another. The writing style of this novel helps to make this a very cosy mystery which is the kind of book you can either relax and read by the pool or snuggle up on the couch with a blanket.
October 22, 2024
A Seaside Murder by Alice Castle is the 2nd book in Sarah Vane Mysteries series, both books have been a lovely cosy mystery and a lovely easy read. These are well written throughout set at the seaside, we all love being by the seaside - this book will brighten your day, with all the characters in these books are brilliant and fit well into the story especially the Scottie dog called Hamish, - he is the star of these books.
I highly recommend these books.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.
I highly recommend these books.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.
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