Washed Up at Sea Oats Beach: A cozy mystery beach read

by Karen C. Whalen

If you enjoy Christy Barritt’s Beach Bound Books, you'll adore this cozy mystery set in the Coastal Carolinas…

Here’s what reviewers had to say about Murder at Sea Oats Beach: “Those who enjoy reading cozy mysteries with a touch of humor and romance will enjoy Murder at Sea Oats Beach. It makes for an excellent beach read…” ~Crimefictioncritic

“Engaging characters, perfect setting and delightful twists kept me guessing.” ~Amazon reviewer

“If you love a good mystery, the beach and a bevy of cute, cuddly animals, you’ll love this new cozy mystery beach read.” ~Amazon reviewer

“Murder at Sea Oats Beach was a playful summer read.” ~Long and Short Reviews

“The setting is ideal—a small seaside town filled with interesting characters.” ~Amazon reviewer

“A likeable somewhat flawed main character, a wonderful coastal beach town, and furry friends!” ~Amazon reviewer

“This cozy mystery is a great summer read with delightful characters both human and dogs.” ~Amazon reviewer

One sun-drenched morning at Sea Oats Beach, Breanna Hart stumbles on the dead body of a surfer washed ashore. As the reality of her grim find sinks in, a movement in the water catches her eye—a chocolate Lab perched on a surfboard. Did the dog belong to the surfer or someone else? With no answer to that question, Breanna fosters the traumatized canine and learns about the incredible world of dogs who surf—an unexpected yet fascinating sport.

What began as a tragic encounter quickly escalates into a homicide investigation when the authorities determine that the woman’s death was no accident. Driven by her desire for justice for the woman, and healing for the Lab, Breanna sets out to connect the lost dog to his people and unravel the secrets hiding in the tide. Will she discover the truth, or will it remain as mysterious as life under the waves?

Dive into the sequel to the award-winning Mystery at Sea Oats Beach featuring a colorful cast of characters including the island town of Sea Oats Beach itself. Sit back and relax, unwind, and escape to the shore!

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2025

About the author

Karen C. Whalen is the award-winning author of three cozy mystery series. The Dinner Club Mysteries features Jane Marsh, an empty nester who hosts a gourmet dinner club. The Tow Truck Mysteries stars Delaney Morran, a super feminine shoe-a-holic who drives a tow truck. Both are about strong friendships and family ties set in Colorado. The Sea Oats Beach series is a cozy mystery – beach read set in Coastal Carolina. Her books are similar to those written by authors Jessica Beck, Joanne Fluke, Leslie Meier, Cindy Bell, and Laura Childs.

The first in the Dinner Club series, Everything Bundt the Truth, tied for FIRST PLACE in the Suspense Novel category of the 2017 IDA Contest. The third in the Tow Truck series, Eyes on the Road, was a SECOND PLACE winner of the 2023 Firebird Book Awards in the Cozy Mystery category. The first in the Sea Oats Beach Mysteries, Murder at Sea Oats Beach, won the 2024 Firebird Book Awards in the Summer Beach Read category.

She worked for many years as a paralegal at a law firm in Denver and had been a columnist and regular contributor to The National Paralegal Reporter magazine. She loves to host dinner clubs, ride bicycles, hike in the mountains, walk on the beach, and read cozy murder mysteries.

KCW Books, LLC

Reviews

[yasmeen ⟡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

• ౨ৎ ‹ washed up at sea oats beach ɞ˚
°˖ 𐃘 2.5

pre-read ⤸ ahhhh!! so excited for my first-ever arc to be a cozy beach mystery ˖°𓇼🌊⋆🐚🫧 i can't wait to read this & see where the mystery goes, the blurb sounds so cute and interesting!

i want to start this review by saying this wasn’t a bad read, but some parts could’ve definitely used some polishing. i loved the setting of this book — bright sunny mornings, the scent of salt in the air, crashing waves, beach cottages, and sun-kissed skin. it had very cozy coastal beach vibes which is perfect especially since the weather is getting warmer <3 i also liked the character dynamics at first; they were fun and entertaining to follow. but the more i read, the more it went downhill, unfortunately.

🥥🌴🌺🍍🌸

I think the main issue with this book was that i was being told what was happening rather than being shown, and because of that, so many unnecessary descriptions and pieces of information were added that were not related to the plot at all. there was one particular chapter where one of the characters goes on about how the formation of sea glass is very rare at sea oats beach and although informative, it was just a random piece of information. it seemed like the author included all this extra info just for the sake of reaching a word count. whalen constantly does this with multiple topics to the point where the book (a cozy murder mystery) started reading as an academic criminology research paper (?) “the perpetrator often immersed himself or herself into the investigation.” i still don’t understand the structure of this book because of how inconsistent it was.

another issue i had with the novel was how repetitive the language was. does roscoe really need to say "dude" after every sentence? and does bree really need to say "bro" every time she's talking to flynn? speaking of bree.. i have a complicated love-hate relationship with her. bree was cute in the first 70% of the book but near the end, she was sooo desperate to solve the murder, not out of a sense of justice, but just to satisfy her curiosity and gossip. she literally approached the victim’s sister and kept pressuring her to share more about callie’s ex-boyfriend. this made me furious because it was so inappropriate and none of her business. toward the end of the book, she also started acting like a whiny, immature child, which was such a shame because she was actually likeable in the first half. also WHY THE HELL are all the townies so casual with the murder? they all acted like it was a casual monday morning gossip.

another elephant in the room. what was up with the descriptions of the POC characters..? (mainly serenity). as a person of colour, i found it a bit strange that the author consistently emphasized the skin tone or “POC features” of characters of colour. i do appreciate the effort to be inclusive, but repeatedly pointing out appearances felt unnecessary, mentioning it once is more than enough.

some examples:
"serenity had light brown dreads to go with her beautiful brown skin."

"with her perfect brown skin, her dreadlocks.."

i didn't really like the concept of the gathering at the beach either. bree just started accusing people based on random bits of information she saw as “proof,” which felt forced. the murderer and their motive didn’t make sense at all, it came off as random and flat. and the way they found the killer? milo, (a dog mind you) just ran up to them out of nowhere. seriously? that couldn’t have happened during the questioning phase? if the characters just communicated with one another the murder case would have been solved in less than 100 pages. the murderer also turned out to be some irrelevant side character, which wasn’t convincing. also, why are they treating bree as if she solved the murder.. she didn't. all she did was act all nosy and provoke the entire town. it just HAPPENED by chance that while she was doing all of that, the murderer accidentally confessed. this book would’ve worked way better if it were only 100–200 pages long, it felt so dragged out. we never even found out what evidence the police collected, so the readers are just left guessing the whole time. it’s not like bree collected any solid evidence either. basically, the whole book revolves around the murder, but there’s nothing that actually helps the reader try to solve it. also the ending.. i can’t even sugar glaze it. what the fuck?! you're telling me TY, THE POLICE OFFICER is dating mallory? even after he suspected her as the murderer and was flirting with bree? the least this book could do was give me a happy ending.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good cozy murder mystery and Washed up at Sea Oats Beach certainly fits that criteria. Bree hasn't lived near Sea Oats Beach for long, but she seems to have found herself in the middle of a mystery for a second time (although I haven't read the first book as yet). She finds the body of a woman on the beach, as if washed up from a surfing accident, but with strangulation marks around her neck, showing this is anything but an accident.
I loved the setting of this book, as Bree tries to find her way in this new community, juggling her own insecurities and her brother's issues, as well as trying to get to the bottom of this murder. She also takes care of a dog who was at the scene and seems to enjoy surfing and skateboarding just as much as some of the locals.
On a slightly different note, I also hadn't heard of 'sea oats' before, but they clearly belong to the same family as other dune grasses such as toi toi and I can see how they got their name with their almost feather like seeds. What a great name for them and this beach community.
This was a light hearted, but gripping read, although I hadn't a clue who was responsible by the end. It all added up and made sense though and I really enjoyed this read. I think I may have to go back and read others in the series and I'm looking forward to what happens next for Bree and her friends.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the Sea Oats Beach Mysteries - a cozy mystery series. Breanna is awkward and has social anxiety but is making progress. I thought her self doubt sad and perhaps highlighted more than necessary. As she volunteers at an Animal Shelter, you can be sure there are animals in the story which I really like. Of course, it’s unrealistic how she goes around town asking questions but that’s expected in a cozy mystery. I liked the story. It’s simple to read. A nice break from heavier reads. I gave it 4 stars because it’s well done for the genre.
I received an advanced reader’s copy for free and I leave this review voluntarily.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good story. It caught and held my attention throughout the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. It was very well written, and I was totally surprised at who the villain was. I thought that the characters were likeable and could actually be real people. I hope there is another book with these characters. Recommend reading.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what the description says. Not the sort of book I usually read but occasionally the brain needs a rest from action packed suspense thrillers. In spite of the subject Breanna Hart again helps handsome police officer Ty - her not so secret crush - solve a murder, this was a pleasure to read. Dog lovers, like me, will enjoy it. The author's description of Sea Oats Beach, an island on the coast of South Carolina is wonderful. It's amusing in places how Breanna, the principle character 's social anxiety causes her to over think everything she does and says and how others see her to the nth degree, but it must be a debilitating condition. Book 1 "murder at Sea Oats Beach is just as enjoyable.

[Eliss · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first read by the author however i enjoyed it a lot! This is a perfect beach read.
I liked the characters and the plot was interesting. I will definitely pick up the first book to read :)

A big thank you to KCW Books and BookSirens for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Marianne Plunkert · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Something was wrong, that was obvious.” These words set the tone for Washed Up At Sea Oats Beach," a book that grabs your attention on the first page and never lets go.

Breanna Hart and her beach-bum, surfer-dude friend Roscoe were enjoying a peaceful stroll along the beach when they spotted a body lying in the shallow water. After the beach patrol arrives in a vain effort to resuscitate the woman, Breanna and Roscoe spy another unusual sight—a dog floating unattended on a surfboard. A very traumatized dog.

Who could have killed the dead woman? One of Roscoe’s several surfer-dude friends? Breanna's beach-yoga instructor sister? The dead woman’s mysterious boyfriend? Or someone else? The possibilities seem endless, and Breanna is convinced that the chocolate lab, left afloat on the board, holds the key to solving the crime.

One of the standout features of this cozy mystery is the quirky cast of characters with their unique personalities. Breanna Hart, the klutzy and introverted protagonist, is relatable and endearing. Her friendship with Roscoe, who is sometimes clueless and not always responsible, adds a layer of humor and warmth to the narrative. And the author’s vivid descriptions of the beach setting transport the reader to Sea Oats Beach, making them feel like they are part of the investigation.

While Washed Up At Sea Oats Beach is a cozy mystery, it doesn't shy away from exploring deeper themes. The novel touches on issues such as friendship, trust, and the impact of trauma. These elements add depth to the story, making it more than just a simple whodunit. It is the best of its genre I have read in quite a while. I have since learned that this is the second book in the author’s Sea Oats Beach Mystery Series and definitely plan to read the first book, Murder at Sea Oats Beach.

[L.B. Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Murder at Sea Oats Beach – Karen C. Whalen
The scene is set – a young woman, new to the community, and more than a bit self-depreciating finds a body on the beach. Out to sea a dog is floating on a surfboard. Breanna, our hero works as a volunteer in an animal sanctuary and ends up fostering and renaming the abandoned pooch. She may be shy, but she is smart, caring, and loving. She is determined to solve the case.
Ms Whalen skilfully brings a wealth of believable and memorable characters to the table. Not least Breanna, who is cute as she trips over herself more than once, making her even more loveable. As the story unfolds the author cleverly leads you in one direction, but be open to possibilities, and on your guard. In a twist of events, Breanna quietly falls for Ty, the lead in the investigation. It is then her wayward brother unexpectedly tips up. Bree loves her brother and will do anything for him. While Breanna follows her instincts and tries to share her ideas about the murder with Ty, he seems less interested. But the number of possible culprits for the murder is adding up.

I loved and recommend this cosy murder mystery, which is a perfect read for the beach or snuggling up in a cosy armchair.

[Lucy Kubash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breanna Hart is enjoying a walk on Sea Oats beach, but the morning takes a startling turn when she discovers the body of a dead female surfer washed up from the waves. As if this isn’t dreadful enough, something in the water catches her eye. A Labrador retriever is riding a surf board. Who does he belong to? Was he the surfer’s dog? Despite a warning from police officer Ty, who is also Breanna’s crush, she sets out to discover the truth behind what is soon determined to be a murder. Breanna is unsure of herself and feels awkward at socializing but decides she must find out who killed the woman. Her search leads her to more than a few suspects in the town of Sea Oats and a few scary encounters.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery. The North Carolina beach setting evokes a nice summer feel, and the characters are delightful, from Breanna’s troublesome brother to her faithful girlfriends and a group of local surfers. Breanna volunteers at the town’s animal shelter, and she dutifully cares for the Lab she names Milo, all the while trying to find his owner.
This is the second book in the Sea Oats Beach cozy mystery series, and I’m definitely going back to read the first. If you’re looking for a fun mystery series to read in the coming summer months, check out both books.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if you went walking on the beach one morning and found the body of a surfer that had washed ashore? Well I would probably run and get help. But that is not what Breanna Hart does. She stars at the body and then it sinks in "oh my gosh this woman is dead" and out of the corner of her eye she spots movement on the water. A chocolate Lab is perched on a surfboard. Does the dog belong to the surfer or someone else? Not knowing and since she volunteers at the local animal shelter she fosters the traumatized dog and calls him Milo. He is so afraid of what has happened that he spends a lot of time behind her couch hiding. They later find the surfers name is Callie and that she worked from home as a financial advisor. It isn't long before the surfers death escalates into a homicide investigation when the authorities realize her death was not an accident.

Breanna takes Milo for long walks and one day discovers that he now only surfs but rides a skateboard as well. This dog is just too cute and so talented too.

Since Breanna feels responsible for the dog's well being and wants to help solve Callie's death she starts her own investigation. Will she solve the mystery before the police do? Can she help heal Milo or reconnect him with his people?

[Kathleen Buckley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Washed Up at Sea Oats Beach, a cozy mystery by Karen C. Whalen, is the second in a series, the first being Murder at Sea Oats Beach. It’s the perfect beach read: it’s fun, it’s set on a beach, there are surfer dudes, a mystery, and Breeana, an appealingly klutzy but dogged heroine. There’s also animal rescue and a cast of supporting characters to add depth and zing.
There’s murder, break-ins, small town life where everybody knows almost everything about everyone, a traumatized, surfing Labrador, and Breeana’s charming, feckless brother with a troubled past. Those, plus a scattering of clues kept things moving along and kept me guessing until the end.
In addition, I found the location on the Carolina coast with houses on stilts to be exotic (I live in New Mexico’s high desert, a long way from any coast). I found the Intracoastal Waterway even more exotic and surprising than the ultimate disclosure of the killer.
This is an excellent beach read and just as good if you’re curled up in your favorite chair with a cup of tea.
I received an ARC for my unbiased review.

[Brian Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and sun-splashed walk on the beach is suddenly ruined when Breanna Hart comes across the lifeless body of a surfer washed up on the sand. She turns to the ocean to spot a surfboard bobbing in the swells. Atop the surfboard is a dog heading uneasily toward the shore. The surfer has been murdered, and the dog traumatized. Just like that, Bree is tasked with two things—caring for the traumatized dog and finding the surfer’s murderer.

Karen C. Wahlen’s Washed Up at Sea Oats Beach is a delight. The author masterfully paints a vivid picture of life in this Carolina beach town, peoples it with intriguing, complex, and quirky characters, and gives us a twisty mystery with plenty of suspects—gathered together at the finale in a classic mystery novel denouement, which, instead of in a drawing room, takes place on the beach and includes a clever curveball at the unmasking. Combine this with real insight into caring for shelter animals, an engaging protagonist who is awkward among both friends and strangers but who is also both caring and determined, and you have a real winner.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karen C. Whalen is a new author to me. I like the beach and I enjoyed reading her book, Washed Up at Sea Oats Beach. The story takes place in the North Carolina coastal town of Sea Oats Beach where twenty-five year old Breanna "Bree" Hart lives. One morning while on the beach with her friend Roscoe Blue, they find a dead woman in the shallow tidepool. Left behind is a dog. Who does he belong to? The woman's killer perhaps? Although Bree suffers from Social Anxiety Disorder, SAD, she wants to find the killer and wants to find a new home for the abandoned dog. He has been traumatized and he deserves a loving forever home. This book has very likable and laid back characters: Emma who works at the bait shop, Ty who is a policeman, Serenity who is an animal control officer, as well as surfers and other residents of the community. I liked Bree and her love for animals. Seeing the story unfold from her eyes, it was nice to see her solve the mystery.

[Kair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great cozy mystery by Karen C Whalen! Washed Up at Sea Oats Beach is the second book in the Sea Oats Beach mystery series. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. In this story Breanna Hart finds a young woman, Calli, washed up and dead on the beach and a Chocolate Lab dog floating on a surf board out in the ocean. Breanna fosters the traumatized dog while searching the island to determine who killed Calli. The story has a lot of great characters that have great interactions which adds more dimensions to the story. The main character Breanna suffers from social anxiety and the author does a great job incorporating Breanna's struggles and over thinking of every part of life into the storyline. I really enjoyed this second book in the series and look forward to reading more stories about life in Sea Oates Beach. I highly recommend this entire series.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable follow-up in the series. Bree is still struggling with her personal anxiety issues but is making some progress on that front. She finds herself in the middle of a murder when she discovers the body of a young woman and sets out to discover what happened when her local police friend is reluctant to divulge many details of his investigation. The discovery of a surfing dog adds to the fun.

I enjoy cozy mysteries and this was terrific. I like the characters surrounding Bree and the setting gives off a great beach vibe so it's immediately relaxing, albeit with dead bodies aplenty. The animal shelter part of the story makes me happy and I enjoyed in this one how Bree and Milo the dog connect slowly. The Christie-like ending with the gathering of everyone was fun.

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

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can always relate to Bree and her social awkwardness since I’m not a fan of crowds and lotsa people either. She does a much better job than I do of trying though, lol. I really like all her beach friends and was so hoping something could work out between her and Officer Ty.

The cutest thing was the dog Bree was fostering who was a surfer and skateboarder as well. Who’s a good boy, Milo? I kept hoping Bree might wanna just keep the dog but things still worked out great when he got a forever home. The case was a crazy one with plenty of suspects, but sometimes the simplest answer really is the one. Once that was done, it was another beach party kinda evening which Milo celebrated by, how else, being on his surfboard with his human.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author via BookFunnel, and my opinions are my own.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for the perfect cozy mystery for your summer reading list, this needs to be top of your pool or beachside book pile! Although this is the second in a series, you can easily dive in here if you haven’t read book one yet. Whalen wastes no time drawing you into the story, and it’s hard not to fall in love with Breanna, her new canine companion. I can totally relate to Breanna’s anxiety, and her overthinking at times made her more relatable and feel more real. Her determination to what really happened is admirable, and I love how she keeps pushing through her anxiety even though it can be overwhelming at times. The mystery itself will have you intrigued, and you’ll be following the clues and trying to untangle it all right alongside Breanna. The story has good pacing, and the imagery really places you in the midst of it all as it unfolds. Perfect for cozy mystery lovers!

[Dena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second in a series and I didn’t read the first. The author provides enough background for “Washed Up at Sea Oats Beach” to be a stand-alone book.

Part of the charm of Cozy Mysteries is the charming cast of characters. In this case, I felt too many of the characters were stereotypical cozy mystery beach town characters. Breanna Hart is an introverted 25-year-old with social anxiety which should make her more relatable. I would have rated this better if Brenna was a little less saintly, the backstory and her watching out for her brother seemed a little to saintly for me.

I really liked the chocolate lab being able to key to the mystery and the tie in with an animal shelter.

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

[Catherine Stratman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the beachy vibes!

Bree and her surfer bestie Roscoe are walking along the beach when they stumble upon a dead surfer who has been washed ashore. Looking out to sea they find a chocolate lab out on a surfboard all alone. Bree takes the dog to the shelter but later fosters the poor traumatized pooch. Does Milo, as she names him, belong to the dead surfer? No one seems to know who the surfer is. Bree feels obligated to try to figure out why someone killed the surfer and who she is. Someone doesn't like Bree meddling and lets her know! We also see more of Bree's brother and more of the landscape around Sea Oat's Beach. Very good mystery with plenty going on to keep the story moving along.

I received an ARC. This is my honest review.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is exactly what I thought it was going to be - shallow characters, simple plot, predictable ending. Bree, the main character, finds a dead woman on the shore and a dog on a surfboard. Bree has anxiety around people and most of the plot centers on the dog, whom she's named Milo, with the dead woman playing second fiddle. And I guess because Bree found the body, she inserts herself into the murder investigation, expecting any and all information to be shared with her by her cop crush, Ty. I found the book to be a fun read but not a very intriguing one, mostly about life with surfers in a small beach town. A little bit Scooby Doo-ish.....

This ARC was provided by BookSirens and the publisher, the opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breanna and her friend Roscoe were enjoying an early morning on the beach when they made a terrible discovery. Add to that, a discovery of an abandoned dog floating on a surfboard. Now Breanna has taken in upon herself to help the traumatized dog and find a murderer.

Right from the first page, the vivid descriptions pulled me into the story, making it hard to stop reading. The characters are original and interesting and the mystery intriguing. I am looking forward to the next book in the Sea Oats Beach Series.

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

[Don Lentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Washed Up at Sea Oats Beach: Written by Karen C. Whalen. This is an excellent book I just loved it. There is beach parties, surfing, mystery, romance and murder. Roscoe & Bree see something on the beach thinking a seal or something big had died on the beach, well something did die there. So Bree is trying to find out who the killer is. But she is also a dog foster to Milo & Milo loves skateboarding all by himself.Ty is telling her to let the police to figure out who is the murderer & let them to do their job. This was an awesome storyline. Yes I have this book and it grips you right away. Get the book it’s worth it.

Written by
Edith L 🐈‍⬛🐈

[Ncv Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this fabulous cozy murder mystery, the second in the series, by the prolific, creative queen of cozy mystery series, Karen Whalen. In this book you will fall in love with Sea Oats beach and the wonderful cast of characters, including her rescued Lab. Breanna is not a detective, but she sure can solve a murder mystery with the best of them!

Check out Karen Whalen's Dinner Club Series and "Stiletto-loving Lady" Tow Truck series-- for a wide range of enjoyment from beach and sun to mountains and snow, including adorable pets and scrumptious foods, this author writes mysteries that appeal to most everyone's tastes!

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

People seemed so unaffected and indifferent to the death/murder. It was very perplexing to me. I felt my heart tugging for the poor dog being deserted in the water!! I felt sick when the killer was revealed. They weren't on my radar. It was such an unnecessary death. Senseless!! They didn't deserve the dog or to surf free. I liked Flynn's growth and Bree's constant support of him. The ending was uplifting. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Hanna Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

A body in the surf. A traumatized dog. A mystery that won’t stay buried. Washed Up at Sea Oats Beach hooks you from the first page and doesn’t let go.

Breanna Hart and her laid-back surfer buddy Roscoe stumble upon a chilling scene that turns their beachside stroll into a full-blown investigation. With a quirky cast, plenty of suspects, and a sun-soaked setting, this cozy mystery delivers intrigue, humor, and heart. If you love an endearing heroine, a touch of beachy charm, and a puzzle that keeps you guessing, this one’s a must-read!

[Colleen L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This clean cozy mystery goes beyond the one-dimensional whodunit crime story. Each character adds a realistic dimension to the tale, their seemingly unheroic traits making them relatable, enjoyable, and the perfect unlikely heroes to preserve the safety of their small community. Along with an unknown dog...who comes with his own issues and talents. I absolutely recommend this mystery I failed to solve before the story ended, and the host of unique characters who made me feel like a part of their lives and town as I walked through it with them.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Washed up at Sea Oaks Beach is Book 2 in the Sea Oats Beach Series by Karen C Whalen. I enjoyed this cozy mystery. Breanne is an interesting main character. I enjoyed having the book surrounding the beach. I think that the author was very clever to leave a dog on a surfboard. Having an animal be the key to solving this murder was excellent. Surfing beach can be murder! I received an arc for free and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[DW · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed it immensely! The Beach life, a sporty chocolate lab, yoga routines, fun, family, finances, new places to explore, new people to meet, and the mysterious death of a local surfer with many suspects and viable motives to investigate.  There is so much to the story. Karen C Whalen writes it with charm, compelling detail, humor, and refreshing characters.  I can’t wait to read the next one!

[Rhonda Blackhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you have the beach as a setting and a dog in the center of the story, things can't get any better! A perfect beach read and pleasant getaway from other "stuff" in the world right now. The MC is a perfectly imperfect character--relatable and likeable, flaws and all. Whalen weaves together a good mystery which I enjoyed solving. If you haven't read the first book in the series, no worries--you'll still understand this one if you read it first.

[Isabella Pulliainen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was nice? I mean it gave SUMMER and its perfect book to read at the beach. Not really my favorite because I am a sucker for romance and it didn’t really have any. Roscoe or something and Breanna would have been perfect. I was expecting more mystery but the book really surprised me. I could read it again next summer🐠