Sex and Death on the Beach

by Elaine Viets

Beneath the sun and sea of South Florida, dark crimes and bone-chilling secrets are lurking. Introducing a brand-new twisty mystery series from award-winning author Elaine Viets.

When the body of adult film star Sammie Lant is found buried next to the courtyard pool of the Florodora, Norah McCarthy’s apartment complex, she quickly becomes the police’s prime suspect.

Norah was witnessed having an argument with Sammie six months ago, the last day Sammie was seen alive – the day she gained notoriety for a shocking public stunt with a college football player.

But events take an even darker turn when more remains are unearthed – ones with an apparent connection to Norah’s tragic past. Is it pure coincidence that more than one person was buried by Norah’s pool? And is the killer closer to home than she thinks?

Introducing feisty, female sleuth Norah McCarthy, a cast of eccentric characters, and the dark underbelly beneath the palm trees and beaches of South Florida, this addictive new series is perfect for fans of Carl Hiaasen and Tim Dorsey.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy, Fiction

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2025

About the author

As a young girl, Elaine Viets was taught the virtues of South St. Louis: the importance of hard work, housecleaning, and paying cash. She managed to forget almost everything she learned, which is why she turned to mystery writing.

Living in South Florida has not improved her character. But it has given her the bestselling Dead-End Job series. Like her amateur detective, Helen Hawthorne, Elaine actually works those rotten jobs. Perhaps her early training has given her a lifelong fascination with jobs. She and Helen both know working for a living can be murder.

To research her novels, Elaine has been everything from a salesclerk to a survey taker. Her first book in the series is SHOP TILL YOU DROP, a novel of sex, murder and plastic surgery. It's set at a fashionable dress shop that caters to kept women. Book two, MURDER BETWEEN THE COVERS, takes place at a bookstore. Elaine worked at a Barnes & Noble in Hollywood, Florida, for a year.

For the third, DYING TO CALL YOU, Helen works as a telemarketer. Elaine sold septic tank cleaner and did telephone surveys. She actually asked women if they shaved their armpits. In the fourth Dead-End Job mystery, JUST MURDERED, Elaine and Helen explore big-money matrimony for better or worse. Elaine did her research in Zola Keller’s posh bridal salon in Fort Lauderdale.

For the fifth novel, Elaine and Helen go to the dogs. MURDER UNLEASHED is set at a high-end dog boutique, where people spend two hundred dollars for canine cuisine, women sneak illegal pets into condos using high-priced designer purses, and the dogs at the store have bigger wardrobes than the salesclerks. MURDER UNLEASHED is Elaine's first hardcover mystery. Publishers Weekly calls it “wry social commentary.”

Although Elaine lives in Fort Lauderdale, her heart – and her viewpoint – remain in the Midwest. Like Helen Hawthorne, another transplanted St. Louisan, she observes the outrageously rich Florida culture (and lack thereof) with wide-eyed fascination.

Elaine’s second series takes her back to work in St. Louis. It features Josie Marcus, a mystery shopper and single mom. The debut novel, DYING IN STYLE, tied with Stephen King on the bestseller list for the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association.

Elaine won both the Agatha and the Anthony Awards for her short story, "Wedding Knife," in CHESAPEAKE CRIMES.

Some honors don’t come with plaques and award banquets. Elaine was thrilled when her short story, "After the Fall," was featured on the same cover of the Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine as the master, Ed Hoch.

Her short story, "Red Meat," is in BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS, the Mystery Writers of America anthology edited by Lawrence Block. "Blonde Moment" is in the MWA anthology, SHOW BUSINESS IS MURDER, edited by Stuart Kaminsky. "Sex and Bingo" is featured in the HIGH STAKES gambling anthology. And if you've ever wondered about the early life of purple-loving landlady Margery Flax, read "Killer Blonde" in DROP-DEAD BLONDE.

Elaine has served on the national boards of the Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with her husband, actor Don Crinklaw, where they collect speeding tickets.

Please buy her novels so she can pay her MasterCard.

Series:
* Dead-End Job Mystery
* Josie Marcus, Mystery Shopper
* Francesca Vierling Mystery

Reviews

[Sue Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐ rounded up
Years ago, I read and enjoyed many books in Viet's other two series (Dead End Jobs and Mystery Shopper.) And after reading the first in her new series, I think this new one is my favorite. Great premise. Norah McCarthy inherited the Florodora Apartment building from her feisty and flamboyant grandmother. As there are a limited number of apartments, each tenant is specially chosen to fit in. And the criterion is being a Florida man or woman..IYKYK. When the body of an aging porn star is discovered in a pit by the pool, Norah goes on the offensive to keep herself out of jail. Clever with great characters. Can't wait for the next one. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Steve Cripwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the body of adult film star Sammie Lant is found buried next to the courtyard pool of the Florodora, Norah McCarthy’s apartment complex, she quickly becomes the police’s prime suspect.
Norah was witnessed having an argument with Sammie six months ago, the last day Sammie was seen alive – the day she gained notoriety for a shocking public stunt with a college football player.
But events take an even darker turn when more remains are unearthed – ones with an apparent connection to Norah’s tragic past. Is it pure coincidence that more than one person was buried by Norah’s pool? And is the killer closer to home than she thinks?

This was an easy read but didn’t set the pulse racing. It felt like there was a lot of padding of the story. Characters who were there but had no real role in the story. It was okay which is the most I can say about it. I found it a bit tedious at times.

[Danielle D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review! The characters in this cozy mystery are likable, unique, and quirky. I read it on a snowy day so I really liked the coastal Florida setting. All of the cheesy quotes the author constantly references from signs in the local restaurant and Mickey’s art were a little cringy (“whatever you do today, do it with the confidence of a four-year-old in a Batman t-shirt” is one example of many). Overall, it was an entertaining read.

Of note, there is a reference to Ron DeSantis’ actions during COVID where the author says he “saved the day” by removing COVID restrictions in May 2020. “Saved the day” is an insane way to describe that controversial decision. There are other references to things he’s done that do not glorify him, but that one really rubbed me the wrong way.

[Kevintipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sex and Death on the Beach: A Florida Beach Mystery is the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Elaine Viets. Filled with a host of colorful and eccentric characters, a great setting, a couple of mysteries, and plenty of humor, the result is a really good and highly entertaining cozy style mystery. All too soon the read is over leaving one wanting more.

Norah McCarthy owns and operates the apartment building known to all as “The Florodora.” Inherited from her grandmother, Norah keeps the traditions surrounding the building alive and well. This happens even though developers want the place and there are issues with upkeep of the building and the grounds. The place is over one hundred years old. That means history is everywhere inside and outside of the building. Located in Peerless Point, Florida, a beach town between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, the place is full of a cast of characters who are renters and also family.

History is important and part of everything at The Florodora, but the kind of history that has been just uncovered is the kind of history that Norah McCarthy could really do without. The pool is broken. Again. The Sykes brothers have been using a mini excavator to tear up the courtyard so that they can get to the pipe problem. Again. They still have not gotten to the pipe, but the work is done for now.

They have found a buried body.

All indications are that the body is of Sammie Lant. A notorious porn star who had recently been riding a wave of publicity built on her riding a certain college athlete on the beach. The video went viral and the public went crazy.

She also had tried to rent an apartment at The Florodora only to have Nora McCarthy emphatically tell her no. Sammie had tried again two more times and had gotten nastier each time. The last time, back in April five months ago, the two women had a very loud and very public argument which had resulted in the police being called. Eventually, a local cop, Jordan DeMille, escorted Sammie off the property as Sammie loudly complained that Norah had threatened her life.

She had.

Now Sammie lies dead in a hole near the pool at The Florodora. As it happens, the same cop who heard Norah threaten Sammie months ago is a Detective. Norah, who is worried that one of her residents might have done the dead, never thought of herself as a suspect. In the eyes of Detective Jordan Demille and other members of the Peerless Point Police, she most definitely is a suspect. Not the only one, but a suspect of significant importance.

Now Sammie is dead and buried on her property and that is a huge problem. If only Liam and Lester hadn’t found the body. But, they did, and the media is soon all over everything and hounding residents. With things getting worse by the hour and day, and DeMille and crew seemingly focused on her, it isn’t surprising that Norah starts investigating as best as she can. The goal, with a little help from her friends, is to clear her good name and restore peace and tranquility for all at The Florodora.

Way easier said than done.

Sex and Death on the Beach: A Florida Beach Mystery is a highly entertaining cozy mystery read. Plenty of eccentric characters, a complicated backstory, and lots of action and suspense make the read a real page turner. This fast read with plenty of humor hooks the reader into various mysteries, past and present, and gradually reveals them all. Strongly recommended.



Published by Severn House, I picked up my reading copy via NetGalley without any expectation of a review.


Kevin R. Tipple ©2025

[Alison McMahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elaine Viets was a journalist in St. Louis, which inspired her dark Francesca Vierling series. She switched gears to write the humorous Josie Marcus, Mystery Shopper series, and the cozy Dead End Job series. She brilliantly explored the seamier side of class war in the noir Angela Richman series. Now she’s back with Sex and Death on the Beach, the first book of her Florida Mystery series, which will to appeal to fans of Patricia Cornwell and Kathy Reichs but also Tim Dorsey and Carl Hiaasen.
The setting is the fabulous Floradora beach apartments in Southeast Florida, built by a dancing girl after she was left widowed and wealthy. Now it’s run by Norah, the dancer’s granddaughter, who only rents to tenants who are good “Florida Man” or “Florida Woman” candidates, the kind you meet in news articles like ‘Florida Woman Bathes in Mountain Dew in Attempt to Erase DNA after Committing Murder.’
The building has a secret staircase and hidden closets, good for hiding the dancer’s past as well as a tenant’s pot when the detective comes round to find out who killed the porn star buried out by the pool.
A second body is found buried in the courtyard, this one a thirty-year old cold case. Turns out he was the drunk who killed Norah’s parents; fingers are pointed at Norah’s now deceased grandmother. Norah wants to clear her grandmother’s name and find the truth about her grandmother’s secrets. She relies on the tenant who is her sometime lover, the hunky Dean (not his real name because he is in witness protection).
Viets braids the various plot threads with skilled hands. The pace is fast, the crimes grim, the characters hilarious. A book to be read in one sitting, then re-savored.

[Lizz Axnick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Ms. Viets' prior series so I was excited to read this start to a new series. Unfortunately, I didn't really like any of the characters enough that I would want to continue.

Norah owns the historic Florodora apartments with an eclectic group of tenants. For years developers have tried to get their hands on the property, to no avail. An adult film star has been persistent about wanting to rent the vacant apartment and Norah has stuck to her guns that she would not be a good fit at the Florodora. Her parting words would be that she would rent this person an apartment "over my dead body, or better yours." So when this same person turns up dead on the property, Norah is the number one suspect. Coupled with finding a second body on the premises, Norah has to find out whodunit to save her beloved Florodora.

The cast of characters is certainly eclectic, which Viets is quite good at. I did not really care for Norah, who struck me as a poor little rich girl. While I appreciated her gumption to save her apartment building and her grandmother's legacy, there was nothing particularly striking that made me want to like her. I also thought her investigation of the murders was too far fetched to be realistic, since she did not have a good relationship with the detective and these random people she is questioning all seem to get angry and want her dead too.

My thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this ARC.

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somehow, I missed an entire Viets series, but am happy to start this one. Florida definitely is a gold mine for wacky people, and there's a whole genre of Florida fiction. Clearly this series will be in that space, as a cozy mystery/Florida fiction.

Norah inherited the Florodora from her grandmother. Having been raised there, the residents are like family (albeit Florida-weird), and in a pinch, they'll come together. In this case, the pinch is a body found buried near the pool, of a porn star/actress. Then, a second body is discovered --the same person who killed Norah's parents in a drunken driving accident. Did her grandmother kill him? And who killed the porn star? Despite warning from a former police officer (and love interest), Norah pursues this, to clear her name (porn star) and her grandmother's name (drunk driver). And, well, I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

SEX AND DEATH ON THE BEACH by Elaine Viets

I’m ready to move into the Florodora’s vacant apartment, if Norah would accept me as an honorary Florida woman if I told some tales.
Yes, there are problems (since it comes early in the book, mention of buried bodies wouldn’t count as a spoiler, would it?) There’s also trouble with building inspectors and undue influence by wealthy interests — isn’t there always?
It’s a wild and unpredictable adventure, with dangers I’d rather face in fiction than in reality, though lessons might help deal IRL. Friendship, humor, and fun, and strong, determined women who can face problems ,and accept help, will always prevail in an Elaine Viets book, and may it be so for us all.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me access this book!

Very much a chaotic and Florida-worthy cast and plot. I loved the references to Florida men and Florida women that I suspect were actual headlines from real life, not just the headlines in the book. Some of the more dramatic moments were a little hard to swallow given how silly some of the characters/build up to drama had been, but an ultimately enjoyable romp. The main character is quite hotheaded and sometimes acts in ways that are frustrating, but also feel realistic for someone dealing with the police and threats to her life and family/friends.

If a sequel were released, I would probably read it, especially if we get to spend more time learning about the residents of the Florodora.

[Amanda Prunean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will start by saying, I absolutely LOVED this book. It started as something that just held my interest based solely on the fact the idea of the house, and the characters who lived in it amused me. It was playful, but serious. Then once it turned into a who done it? Well, then I was hooked!

This is fun, playful and a very well developed story that intertwines many characters to build a rather large and unconventional family.

Thank you NetGalley, Elaine Viets and Severn House for the opportunity to preview this novel. The opinions shared are my own, and I strongly recommend that you read this book.

[Cheryl R.]

What can go wrong when you fill an apartment building with Florida Men, and Women?

If you've dreamed of living on the Florida beach, this book gives you a taste of that. It also shows what happens when an apartment full of Florida characters takes on solving mysteries and the town for good measure. No one is spared the scrutiny of Nora, whether they are football stars, porn film promoters, nosy neighbors, or even her own family.

In my mind this isn't as good as the Dead-end series, but it's a highly enjoyable read overall. And I suspect that the next books in the series will continue to flesh out the supporting characters.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Elaine Viets' Sex and Death on the Beach (A Florida Beach Mystery #1), Norah McCarthy's quirky Florida apartment building, the Florodora, becomes a crime scene when the body of adult film star Sammie Lant is unearthed near the courtyard pool. Norah, who had a public argument with Sammie, quickly becomes the prime suspect. The discovery of a second body, seemingly connected to Norah's tragic past, further complicates the investigation. As Norah navigates eccentric residents and a clever plot that keeps the reader guessing, she must clear her name and uncover the dark secrets lurking beneath the sunny facade of South Florida.

Norah's interactions with her eccentric neighbors, from gossiping retirees to aspiring artists, add layers and unexpected twists to the investigation. The Florodora with its vintage charm and hidden histories provide a perfect backdrop for the story. This was an entertaining story with an unforgettable array of eccentric characters.

I would recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries who appreciate strong, relatable female characters, a touch of humor, and a distinctive setting like the intriguing Florodora. Sex and Death on the Beach is a strong start to the Florida Beach Mystery series, and I eagerly anticipate the next book!

Thank you to Severn House for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the body of adult film star Sammie Lant is discovered buried near Norah McCarthy's apartment complex, she instantly becomes the prime suspect. Their past argument, coupled with Sammie's last public appearance, casts a dark shadow on Norah. However, the discovery of more bodies with links to Norah's past throws the investigation into disarray. The suspense builds as the question arises: is the killer closer than Norah thinks? Viets masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, leaving the reader guessing until the very end.

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I feel like I've been reading Elaine Viets for a long time. I expect humorous cozy mysteries with likeable characters. And this book definitely succeds there. But it's more over-the-top and funny than normal, so I'm really hoping there are more to come in this series.
The Florida setting ramped it up and the characters were hilarious. Norah is the most normal one, and she's smart and nice. The mystery wasn't super exciting, but I felt like this book was more setting up the scene and all the people.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Severn House for the eARC.
Norah McCarthy owns the Florodora, an apartment complex in Florida. When a wannabe tenant's body is found on the property, McCarthy becomes the no. 1 suspect, as she was seen arguing with the woman (an adult filmstar).
The description of the tenants was fun, they were all quirky and I enjoyed some of the Floridian strange misdemeanors committed by it's citizens, quite funny.
Otherwise, I found it an. enjoyable, quick read.
3.5 stars

[Beachcomber · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lighthearted cosy mystery, with shades of Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone about the lead character. It’s got a wide range of eclectic characters that live at the Florodora, and a decent humour to the writing, which makes it an easy read. I only marked it down as 3 stars as it felt a bit light on the actual mystery, which almost takes a back seat to the whole Florodora renovations thread.

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to start off my saying I really dislike giving bad / low ratings but this book was not for me

While this book was quirky with some entertaining characters, I just couldn’t get into it. The story left choppy and odd at times and I really didn’t care too much about anything that was happening

Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for an advance copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of quirky characters. They are "found family" most having traumatized lives prior to adopting the Floradora Apartments as home.

When the plumbing repair unveils a dead body or two, Norah McCarthy must investigate the history of the place and her relatives, filling in gaps she did not know.

I enjoyed the investigation but was surprised that her "plan" gave so much away as to who was the killer.

I anticipate reading more in the series.

I borrowed a copy from the public library.

[Holly Collins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, I didn't love it. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. I didn't find it very entertaining. However, it's a quick read and it's not hard to follow along. The simplicity of it is enjoyable and I finished it in one sitting. I am very appreciative of every opportunity to review an ARC!

[Christine Verstraete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elaine has a fun sense of humor that's always great to read, and this new series is a good one! Quirky characters, appealing main character and family history, and the strangeness that goes with the Florida scenery make it a quick, fun read. Enjoyed it and can't wait to revisit the characters in the next book!

[Ayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sex and Death on the Beach by Elaine Viets is set at the Florodora, a historic apartment complex in Florida. Passed down to Norah by her Grandmother, she’s kept the place going and true to its roots by only allowing eccentric personalities to take up residence. Soon, the body of an adult film star is found buried next to the courtyard pool, and the police make Norah their prime suspect.

The storyline was interesting, the plot was easy to follow, and the cast of eccentric characters was a nice unique touch. Unfortunately apart from that it was just okay. I did find this to be quite underwhelming and predictable and just lacking that quality that makes me want to turn the pages. Definitely more of a cosy, low stakes read.

A fast read that you may enjoy if you like a quick ‘Whodunnit’ mystery set in sunny Florida with an eccentric cast. Thank you NetGalley and Severn House for my ARC.

[Monica · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF’d at 40% as soon as I read the false narrative about Florida Governor DeSantis “saving the day” in May 2020 during the COVID 19 pandemic.

I received a complimentary ARC from Severn House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Amy Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great murder mystery/love story

This story birder, romance, and family stole my heart. I didn't "figure it out" any sooner than I.ws supposed to. Think you, Elaine Viets, for another excellent read.

[Nancy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elaine Viets never disapointsts

I am a longtime fan of Elaine Viets this book had me laughing out loud and the storyline was beyond excellent. I have already recommended this book to several of my friends who always love reading. Great Books

[Joyce Burk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great New Florida Beach Mystery

I have read many Elaine Viets mysteries and this is one of the best of the lot. I learned about life on Miami Beach.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Checked it out because of the title. Stayed for the story.

[Pegi Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good start to a new series
Looking forward to more

[Soraya Pierre-Louis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, quick murder mystery in Florida. I’d read more of Viets.

[Darel Krieger · Rating 3 out of 5]

found this story to be better than I thought it would be. Quirky characters and a good place for story development.

[Rachael McMahon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy cozy mystery’s and this was good, there wasn’t anything outstanding or amazing about it but it was a good fun read. I do feel as though it was loads of introducing characters ready for a lengthy series and not too much action so hopefully the rest will be more packed.
I do love the ““typical Florida person” and often find myself doing deep dives into the random stuff they do so was funny to read about them in this book and how they support these people!
Overall it was a fun book but with not much of anything apart from exceptional characters I can’t wait to see how they develop in future books!
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