The Murder At Talacre Beach: A Nesta Griffiths Mystery (Book 2)

by P. L. Handley

Whoever said that holidays are relaxing? When Nesta Griffiths is offered a week of free accommodation on the North Wales coast, she finds it impossible to turn down. It’s only after her first night’s stay at the Seashell’s caravan park near Talacre Beach that she realises her last-minute getaway deal might well have been too good to be true.

When holiday park owner Beryl Fisher is found dead in her cabin at the hands of a fishing knife, things soon take a peculiar turn. Forced to put on her detective hat — once again —Nesta quickly discovers that Talacre has more buried secrets than her hometown of Bala.

Get ready for sun, sand and a little bit of murder in this second instalment of the Nesta Griffiths Mysteries.

190 pages, Paperback

Published April 17, 2025

Reviews

[Janet Farnham]

WARNING: To those who, like me, choose to read cozies rather than more serious mysteries in order to avoid disturbing, gory images, this book contains descriptions of animal torture. I disliked the first book in this series-gave it 2 stars-but was hoping that the second book might be better. Unfortunately, it is worse-and not just for the unexpected and unnecessary ambush of such a taboo topic; the writing is amateurish, the grammar is cringe worthy, the plot is ridiculous and the main character is unappealing. In short (as they said on "In Living Color"): hated it!

[Mary Jane King]

good character interaction

If you would like a different setting with a multi age group of characters this is for you. Good plot twist, (didn't see it coming), and characters from every class level. They make for a very realistic read. Not once did I think, oh come on, get real! Love Nesta, loads of chatacter and sass has this old gel!

[Laura Roesener]

So many typos

This is the second Nesta Griffiths book I've read, and it will be my last. Not only is it filled with typos, there are so many grammatical errors as well. Where were the proofreaders??!

It's a shame because the plot was actually pretty ingenious, and I like the author's sense of humor. But as a retired teacher, I couldn't take all of the errors.

[Carole]

Flipping brilliant. Just love these stories. Nesta is an excellent character. Easy to read and follow. Not too many characters. Lovely books to read if you want to escape from real life for a while.

[Natalie]

Great continuity of the character Nesta. I did enjoy this story and the plot twist at the end was good. Likeable characters too. However , the old woman scenario ,asking questions , poking around , very like Miss Marple I feel. Despite that though , the story was good and gave an enjoyable read

[Rhys Whiteley]

Feels like AI

All of the book is spent searching for possible motives for the killing of the murder victim. And in the last 7 pages you have to rug pulled to a conclusion thats not even hinted at.

Don't waste your precious time.

[Tracey Carolan]

Good enough story which was an easy read, but a few irritating grammatical errors and names that got mixed up. Maybe invest in a better proof reader.
I am going to sample one of his other books

[Michaella Cooper]

A hilarious commentary on North Wales’ holiday makers. I wasn’t 100% sure if it was supposed to be satyrical, but I’ll assume it was 😅

[ANGELA HIGGINSON]

Interesting essy read book. Interesting carachters and lovely description of the welsh seaside towns and landscape. Love these books on yo the next now

[Roy Shone]

Enjoyed this book, did not expect that ending.

[Ian Sherwood]

A good read

A good enjoyable read. A few twists to keep you guessing. Makes me want to read more from this author.

[Becky]

Read the majority, but for some reason, simply didn't hold my interest.

[Kate B]

great book

Easy reading, love the series. Characters are so personable and interesting would highly recommend and looking forward to reading the next one

[Chelsey x]

3.75 🌟

[DJ]

My second Nesta Griffiths novel.
She is quite a character, possobly not enough of Hari ( her Jack Russell Terrier ) in this one to suit me.

I can only think that the Author has had some rather unfortunate Caravan Holidays in his time. Fortunately I've had some fun ones.

Whilst I am looking forward to the next one, I hope P.L.Hanley - loosens up his wroting style a little...
I've 've taken a star off for slight stiltedness of writing.

Fingers crossed.

[Chloe]

Really enjoyed this lighthearted murder mystery. I read it in a few evenings after visiting Talacre beach. I enjoyed the descriptions of Talacre and likeable Nesta made a relatable main character. The book ends with a classic whodunnit’ reveal and there are some good twists and turns throughout. I will definitely be buying more P L Handley books.

[Tracy Shanahan]

this is the 2nd book in the series and I'm finding the character of Nesta Griffiths a bit annoying. story is far fetched.
I have 2 more books to read in the series but will read something else before tackling another one about the meddling Nesta.