Beach Club Bloodshed: A Summer Jenkins Cozy Mystery

by Christine Wellert OR

Summer Jenkins day just went from bad to a downright dumpster fire.

First, there’s the dead body covered in stab wounds. Then, she finds out her best friend Lani’s missing and considered a person of interest in the murder.

With Lani MIA, everyone is looking to Summer for answers, including one hot hunk of a detective, Cole Peterson.

Detective Hottie, uh, Peterson, is a complication Summer doesn’t need right now. He senses Summer’s hiding something behind those pretty blue eyes, but when she becomes a victim of a hit and run, all of his protective instincts emerge as Summer gets drawn farther into the web of intrigue.

As the accidents start to pile up, Summer takes matters into her own hands and lands herself in hot water with a Yakuza boss, a Russian oligarch, and Auntie Miriam.

She can’t decide who’s scarier…

With the stunning backdrop of the Big Island’s Kohala Coast and a cast of quirky characters, this story is anything but a typical murder mystery.

Beach Club Bloodshed will keep you on the edge of your seat as Summer and her friends race against time to solve the murder and clear their names.

But with danger lurking around every corner and unexpected twists at every turn, will they be able to crack the case before it's too late?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

282 pages, Paperback

Published August 2, 2025

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This begins as a breezy beach read, but things quickly grow more complicated. What follows is a mix of suspense, murder, romance, lust and a generous dose of humor.

As a lifeguard, Summer was trained to handle emergencies. But this particular rescue ended badly, and everything snowballed from there.

From the snackalicious detective to a pet pig, the variety of characters keeps the story fresh and entertaining.

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

[Ste O'Neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Come for the suspense, stay for the smooching.

In Beach Club Bloodshed, Summer is a lifeguard who has the misfortune to have a dead body float into her patch of the sea, with wounds matching a Polynesian weapon called a Lei O Mano.

We find out alongside her that her closest friend is possibly in the frame for murder, and it’s a hard thing to convince the police otherwise when she’s known as a fiery personality.

The police officer who takes the case of the murder, Cole, talks with Summer and her sassy roommate Elliot, and doesn’t fully trust what they’re saying, believing they’re possibly involved, but falls for Summer’s charms and starts to circumvent the law to try and help her find her friend, but as expected, things aren’t quite as clear as the sea at Waikiki beach.

Beach Club Bloodshed is a raucous celebration of Polynesian culture, showing the hardy attitude of the people, and the respect for the past, all wrapped up in a 60% crime and 40% romance story.

I’m excited to see if Summer returns, and what happens on the islands next!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a summer/beach cozy murder mystery this is the book for you. This book takes place on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast with a group of fun characters and a side of romance.

The book follows Summer and Cole. Summer is a lifeguard who has a dead body wash up on her one day and Cole is the police detective in charge of the case. Summer’s best friend goes missing after being the last one seen with the dead guy leaving Summer on a mission to clear her name. Cole and Summer end up partnering up together to solve this mystery with some very entertaining side characters including a pet pig and a cat from Hell.

I read this book in a day. Perfect book for a day at the beach.

[Britt Smolinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I read this in one sitting. Yes, yes I did. This is the perfect beachy, cozy mystery! I loved the high stake mystery and hint of romance. I laughed out loud at Summer, Cole and Elliot’s shenanigans as they try to solve the mystery. This reminds me of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series in all the best ways, wild grandma/auntie included! I can’t wait to read more books in the Summer Jenkins Cozy Mystery series!

Thank you to Christine Wellert and Tales & Teacups PR for the arc!

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole was so genuine and honest with Elliot, and it made me laugh at their encounter. Summer and Cole both had an attraction to each other, but Summer fought it harder. They made a good trio with Elliot trying to solve the crimes. Cole with the animals (pig and cat) had me roflmao. What an epic fight at the end! Salem for the great assist! Go Salem!!! This was an engaging, funny, gripping journey that I was happy to be on. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Niamh ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to say thank you to the author, Christine Wellert, and Tales and Teacups PR for allowing me to read the eARC of Beach Club Bloodshed.

If anyone has read any of the True Blood books, and enjoyed their quirkiness, I think you will definitely enjoy Beach Club Bloodshed. This book follows along Summer, Cole and their group of friends as they try to uncover why someone was murdered and their body discovered at the beach of the club that Summer Lifeguards for.

There is a pig, a cat, a mean auntie (didn't seem too mean to me), yakuza, russians, gay-bestfriend - it is a cosy mystery all over.

I feel as if it was missing a little more depth for the characters. My favourite bit was the flashback to Lani and Summer's first meeting --- this is the kinda depth and history I love in characters, I want more of that! The chemistry between Cole and Summer felt a little forced, but that could just be a me issue! I am so used to slow-burn books, and this was not a slow-burn.

In terms of quality, it was a little repetitive when it came to descriptions or interactions between characters. I get it, Mr. Sam looks like Pat Morita! Also how does everyone know what everyone is thinking, or at least what Summer is thinking.

But again, that is just me over-analysing. As a debut novel I think this is great - it hooked me in, and it kept me hooked. I am not afraid to DNF books that I don't like, and I enjoyed reading this. It's a bit of fun and quirky, definitely a good read if you can sunbathe and have an aperol spritz to hand!

[Cris Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Wellert's Beach Club Bloodshed is the first book of the Summer Jenkins Mystery series. This is a complex murder mystery with a cast of characters that you'll love--except for the menacing bad guys.

Summer's job as a lifeguard on the Big Island, Hawaii, lands her in hot water when she fishes a dead body out of the ocean. From that horrifying moment, Summer and her friends' lives are in danger. Hunky Detective Cole Peterson is looking for Summer's best friend Lani as a suspect in the murder. By trying to protect Lani, Summer may become a suspect herself.

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

Summer and her roomie, Elliot, work together to find the real killer and finally join Cole to solve the mystery.

Humor is a big part of the story. Throw in a cat named Salem and a pet pig named Penelope and there's never a dull moment.

The tension builds until the exciting conclusion. I am looking forward to more of Summer Jenkins mysteries.

[Rhiannon Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beach Club Bloodshed - Christine Wellert

I love murder mysteries. I love all these characters. I loved getting to know Summer, Cole, and Elliot. They were all so lovable. The romance between Summer and Cole was really sweet. I love the representation that is present in the book. There was so many twists and turns and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time reading the book. I really enjoyed the murder mystery aspect of the book, as well as learning more about the native artifacts. I can’t wait to how the TS PI agency goes. I’m glad I was gifted a copy of the book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️

Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy

Series 🌙 Summer Jenkins Mystery, #1

Genre/Tropes ✨ beach read, mystery, thriller, murder mystery, Hawaii, Native Islander representation

[Amanda P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beach Club Bloodshed

This is THE cozy mystery of the year.

Here are some reasons to read it
- [ ] Island scenery
- [ ] Perfect length
- [ ] Slow burn tension
- [ ] Fun moments, great sarcastic humour
- [ ] There’s a pig named Penelope, and a personality filled cat named Salem.
- [ ] An epic matron Auntie Miriam
- [ ] Written by a wonderful indie author
- [ ] Friendships and side characters are amazing
- [ ] Love the main characters and dual POV

This book made me laugh out loud by page 3, I squealed, gasped and clutched the book needing to devour it in less than a day.

Thank you so much Christine for the #gifted copy. It has a permanent home on my shelf now!

[William Guesdon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy at no cost, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A fun cocktail of sun, sand, and suspense! Beach Club Bloodshed was my first cozy mystery, and that was an entertaining read. The book takes place on Hawaii’s Kona coast, which I have never visited but would like to one day. The story follows Summer Jenkins, a relatable and plucky lifeguard, who stumbles upon a murder victim and becomes embroiled in a high-stakes investigation.

I liked the characters Summer and Elliot, and I look forward to reading more novels featuring them. I will also probably read more cozy mystery novels.

Overall, the book was a refreshing blend of mystery, humor, and romance in a great location.

[Nichole Montanez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up Beach Club Bloodshed looking forward to a compelling mystery, and there were definitely some intriguing moments especially with the murder plot and the vibrant Hawaiian setting. The pacing kept things moving, and a few scenes had real suspense.

That said, the romantic subplot wasn’t really for me. I tend to prefer mysteries that focus more on the investigation and less on the romantic tension. Some of the side characters also felt a bit predictable, but overall, it’s a light and fast read.

If you enjoy a mix of mystery and romance with a tropical backdrop, this could be a great fit. It just wasn’t quite my style.

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

[Don't Fold The Corners · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow and steady reading.
At times some cringy sentences but overall a good beach read over the summer. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Sara (sarasbooksandcoffee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️🌴 Book Review ✨️🌴
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Beach Club Bloodshed by Christine Wellert

Release Date August 14, 2025

I’m such a sucker for mysteries set in the Hawaiian Islands and this one was such a fun ride! Palm trees, beach vibes, a good whodunit, and a pig and cat duo? I’m all in this was the best! 🐖🐱

Summer finds herself in a sticky situation when she finds a dead body that washes up while she's on duty as a lifeguard, her best friend has gone missing. Detective Cole is in charge of the case and the two team up to solve thus mystery.

This tropical cozy mystery has just the right blend of sunshine and suspense, with lovable characters, both human and animal.

If you're looking for a light, island-set mystery with charm and claws, this one’s worth checking out!

Thank you to @talesandteacupspr and @christinewellertauthor for this ARC

[Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌊 ‘I certainly couldn’t complain about the view- turquoise-blue waters and clear, sunny skies that never failed to lift my spirits.’ 🌊

This book was fabulous- I read it all in one day, I was absolutely hooked! It had everything I could have wanted- murder mystery that keeps you on your toes, a cozy tropical summer setting and all of the romance, humour and friendship you could ask for! I loved it! 🩵

🌊 ‘Take care of yourself. I'd hate to see anything happen to you.’ 🌊

Summer Jenkins has a pretty normal life- living in Hawaii on the Kohala Coast with her best friend Elliot, working as a lifeguard for a tropical resort. Until one day her life is sent spiralling into turmoil when she pulls a dead body out of the water that’s covered in stab wounds that look to be from a rare Hawaiian weapon the Lei o Mano. Even crazier, she finds out her best friend Lani is a prime suspect, and Lani has now gone MIA. With Lani missing, everyone is looking to Summer for answers, including hot detective Cole Peterson.

Cole is a distraction Summer doesn’t need right now. He senses that Summer is hiding something, but when she becomes a victim in a hit and run he makes it his main goal and responsibility to protect her personally from any future danger. As the accidents start to pile up, Summer takes matters into her own hands and lands herself in hot water with a Yakuza boss, a Russian oligarch, and Auntie Miriam. She can’t decide who is scarier… With time running out, Summer and her friends are in a race against time to solve the murder and clear their names. Are they able to do this with impending danger always a step around the corner? 🏝️

🌊 ‘It's not just that though. There's just something about her. Her sassy mouth, her loyalty to her friends, the way her mind works. I can't get her out of my mind.’ 🌊

I absolutely loved this book! It was such an easy and entertaining read- I especially adored the setting! From the vivid description that makes you feel completely immersed in the setting and story, to the pieces of Hawaiian tradition and history integrated into the book, you can really tell that the author has described the setting based off of experience and has put a lot of time into making it feel accurate and perfect. The setting had such a cozy, summery, tropical vibe too which I loved, and there were so many aspects of the book which made it feel like a suspenseful mystery with lots of twists and turns, but also equally endearing and romantic. This is the perfect book for summer! 🌅

🌊 ‘The more someone pushed, the more I dug in out of pure stubbornness. It must be the Taurus side of me.’ 🌊

One of my favourite things about Beach Club Bloodshed was also the quirky and endearing characters. All of the characters in this book were very unique and entertaining! I loved Summer and Elliot’s friendship- they are people that when reading you wish you were friends with, with their sarcasm and quick-witted comments, funny remarks and trust in one another. I love that over time Cole begins to integrate into their group, not only building a romance with Summer, but also a friendship with Elliot. I really enjoyed both Summer and Cole as characters!
I also really loved Albert as a character, there were a lot of entertaining and very funny moments with him, and I love how random it is but also how perfectly it makes sense based on his vibe that he has a micro pig. It was very funny that Penelope the pig became best friends with Salem the cat aka She-Devil, and that they were inseparable from the start. I loved all of the moments with them, these were definitely some of my favourite bits of the book! 🐈‍⬛

🌊 ‘Where on Earth did you get a pig? I didn't even know you had a cat.’ “The cat and the pig are both new." 🌊

If you’re looking for a cozy, murder mystery with a summery, tropical setting, quirky and entertaining characters and all of the romance, friendship and humour you could ask for, give Beach Club Bloodshed a read! 🌺

Thank you very much to Tales and Teacups and the author for allowing me to read this book early, I loved it and it’s now a new favourite for me! 💗

[Alto Zee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hawaii Five O with a touch of Romantasy and Mystery ****

I breezed through this book and the ending left me wanting more, Beach Club bloodshed was a delight to read. An easy read that gets straight to the point within the first chapters. I liked that Christine Wellert didn’t mess around when it came to establishing the premise of this book. Right away I was sucked into the world of Summer Jenkins a lifeguard at a cozy beach resort on the island of Kohala in Hawaii. Summer rescues a dead body with suspicious looking stab wounds and even more mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of the wealthy business man. Summer soon discovers that her friend Lani Davis is missing and is a person of interest in the murder.

Threatening to fall apart from the day that she has had Summer meets Detective Peterson and swoons from the instant attraction she feels for the handsome tall but utterly serious detective. Enter our MMC Cole Peterson, an experienced detective with the Honolulu Police Department (HPD). Cole is instantly drawn to Summer and develops a need to protect her at all costs. Cole investigates the murder and the disappearance of Lani and in doing these stumbles on the found family he never knew he needed. Summer, the daughter of a Private Investigator and a woman with an enquiring mind of her own, strives to protect her friend and in probing into her disappearance puts a target on her own back. A target, that she needs Cole and Aunty Miriam to help her dodge and help clear both Summer’s and Lani’s names. Both Summer and Cole have grown up amongst Hawaiian culture and I absolutely adored that the writer chose to refer to artifacts of the Hawaiian culture by their native names.

The depiction of everyday life in Hawaii, I thought was captured beautifully. This was one of my favorite things about this book. Christine does a good job of describing the stunning scenery, gives context before using traditional Hawaiian names for places, items and historical figures. I felt like this novel was an ode to the everyday Hawaiian, the Hawaiian way of life and the way in which one is treated when they are integrated into and trusted amongst the community. Having visited Hawaii, I loved the mention of real places like the ABC stores and the Food Mart, I loved hearing the Pidgeon Hawaiian language used only amongst those intimately familiar with the culture.

The book didn’t have too many twists per se, the investigation brought out suspects very quickly into the novel and the reader did the process of elimination early. The perpetrators were identified and then the weaving and ducking of said perpetrators is what brought the adventure within this book. The shenanigans of Cole and Summer and their friends made me laugh as well as kept me on the edge of my seat. I particularly liked that the book identifies key characters well, however I would have liked a little bit more character build into Summer and perhaps a POV from Lani would have been beneficial as I got the sense that there could have been more twists and turns in her POV. Also perhaps a POV of the number one perpetrator to give more of a sense into where the book might be taking reader to next.

To conclude, I give Beach club bloodshed a solid 4 stars. Aside from more character build, I couldn’t fault the book, it was a delight to read and it lived up to its description of it being a cozy mystery, with just the right amount of fantasy weaved into it.

Thank to Christine Wellert and Tales and Teacups for this ARC.

[trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before I get into my review, I want to thank Tales and Teacups and Christine Wellert for this ARC. Now let’s get into the good stuff!!

This book follows Summer Jenkins, who is a lifeguard and finds a dead body in the water during her shift, and Cole Peterson, who is a police officer that works the case. They meet when Summer gets questioned, but when her best friend Lani becomes a suspect, Summer finds herself getting more and more wrapped up in the case.

This is really fun, cozy book to read if you plan on staying in bed all day. The murder mystery was well planned out, and I loved the Hawaiian cultural aspect she weaves into the story. She also intertwines a fun, cute romance into the story as well, and I love how the mystery and the romance balanced each other out in the sense that one didn’t overshadow the other. I also loved the romance between Cole and Summer. How protective and jealous Cole got when he was with Summer was just really enjoyable to read. I also loved Elliot’s character. He’s giving the perfect, funniest, most caring side character I’ve ever read in a romance book. I also loved Salem and Penelope. I thought it was really creative making two animals as side characters in a way. She really got the ‘ragtag team’ on point, and I loved reading about their group dynamic. Also, I have to point out that ending because oh. My. God. I need more of Auntie Miriam, she’s who I want to be when I grow up.

However, I wasn’t a huge fan of the writing style. There were a lot of phrases that could have been dialogue. For example, there was a lot of ‘she repeated the question’ and ‘they discussed this’, and the fact that this happened all the time throughout the entire book made it a little bit tiring to read. There was also a lot of ‘[emotion] washed over me’ or ‘[emotion] radiated off of her’ or variations of that phrase. However, I think that this book could’ve gone to the next level if the emotions were portrayed through description of facial features or body language. What I mean is that I would’ve liked more showing, not telling. I also thought the romance could’ve been more fleshed out with more characterisation. I know I said previously that I loved the romance, and it’s because I loved the romance that I want moreeeeeee. Cole and Summer barely had any alone time in the book; they were almost always third-wheeled by Elliot. I was waiting and waiting for their MOMENT, the moment where they sat down and told each other about their past and fears about the case. I want hear about Summer’s and Cole’s insecurities if they have any, I want them to know about each other’s childhoods so they can better understand each other. Because there wasn’t much of this, it kind of felt to me like they only liked each other because they thought the other looked good-looking.

But overall, the mystery is what hooked me. It was perfect. If the romance was more fleshed out and the writing style was more honed, then I think this book could’ve gone to the next level for me. It’s still a great debut book from Christine Wellert!

[Carti cu Sclipici · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Beach Club Bloodshed felt like spending a weekend inside a tropical TV mystery – the kind where you end up half-invested in solving the case, and half-invested in the quirky, lovable chaos of the people (and animals) involved.

From the first chapters, it gave me Scooby-Doo energy in the best way possible: a tight-knit group of “nosy” friends, a case they probably shouldn’t be involved in, and the kind of trouble that follows you even when you swear you’re going to stay out of it. Only here, the meddling gang includes a fabulous roommate, a stubborn lifeguard, a pig named Penelope, and Salem – a cat with a personal vendetta against cops.

Summer, our main character, is the heart of this book. She’s warm, loyal, and treats everyone like family… which is both her biggest strength and her biggest source of trouble. Her connection to the island community is so genuine that it made me want to be there, on that beach, just to soak in the atmosphere. Cole, the detective assigned to the case, is her opposite in many ways but you can feel from the start that there’s a spark neither of them can quite ignore. I liked that his search for belonging quietly mirrors what Summer already has.

The friendships here are gold. Summer and Elliot’s dynamic is full of easy banter and small acts of care (the “gay fairy godmother” line made me laugh out loud). Summer and Lani’s bond, despite its off-page tension, is strong enough to drive the entire plot. And the way all of them – humans and animals alike – come together in the finale is pure found-family magic.

Plot-wise, it’s not a heavy, twisty mystery – and that’s exactly what worked for me. It’s breezy, light, and perfect for a summer day when you want to be entertained without overthinking. The pacing makes it easy to imagine this as a miniseries you binge in one sitting, complete with sunset shots, chase scenes, and comedic interruptions at the worst possible moments.

It’s funny, it’s warm, it’s got just enough danger to keep the pages turning - and it made me smile more than once. Plus, I will be forever invested in the friendship between a pig and a cat.

⭐ Final rating: 4.25/5
📖 Plot: 4.5/5
💗 Sweetness: 4.5/5

Thank you to the author for the ARC. This is my honest review.

[Roisin Tweedie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Tales and Teacups PR and the author Christine Wellert for kindly gifting me an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.

This book is an easy, breezy read—perfect for summer, especially with its vibrant tropical setting in Hawaii. You can absolutely feel the author’s deep affection for the islands, and she takes clear care to honour aspects of Hawaiian culture and traditions throughout the story.

There’s a colourful cast of characters here, and the dynamics between them kept the story flowing. I particularly enjoyed the moments of humour woven throughout; the scene at the Fairmont hotel genuinely made me laugh out loud. And while slightly random, the additions of Salem the cat and Penelope the pig were delightfully adorable touches that added charm.

That said, I did struggle to rate this more than three stars. Admittedly, the murder mystery genre isn’t my go-to, which may have impacted my engagement. I was far more intrigued by the potential romance between Cole and Summer, but it didn’t fully develop—which I understand, as it wasn’t the main focus—but I still found myself hoping for more. An epilogue or some kind of closure would have helped tie things together.

Elliot, while a lovely friend, occasionally felt a bit overused in the narrative, which further stifled the possibility of deepening that romantic thread.

I also found the writing style a bit uneven at times. It occasionally jumped around in structure and leaned a little too heavily on obvious explanation rather than trusting the reader to infer.

Overall, a light-hearted, scenic read with some memorable moments—especially great if you’re after something summery and fun—but it didn’t quite hit all the notes for me.

[Nicola Frasier · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks so much to talesandteacupspr and the author for this ARC! Overall, this was a funny, cheesy mystery book with a touch of romance 🏝️

🌟🌟

Summer is working as a lifeguard at a resort and pulls in a dead body and then becomes the next target, suspected of taking a precious item from the deceased. Cole is the investigator on the case and finds an unlikely kinship with Summer and her friend Elliot when they get wrapped up in the case. Taking it into their own hands - against Cole’s wishes - they investigate the case themselves to absolve their friend of the crime who was forced to go into hiding. Whilst summer and cole fight their attraction for each other, they get themselves into many troublesome and dangerous situations to find the murderer.

Things I liked? I loved that it was set in Hawaii and touched a lot on their culture. It was refreshing! The dynamic between Summer and her best friend Elliot was really sweet and I enjoyed how Cole fit right in with them and created an unbreakable trio. It shows how in the wildest of moments you can make new friends. What gave the book more character and humour was the cat, mini pig and crazy auntie, providing many funny moments. It was for sure a fun easy read that entertained me.

The romance was cute and honestly I felt more keen on this than the mystery. There was certainly chemistry between Summer and Cole which was the main reason I kept on reading despite the lack of depth and cringy moments. The concept of the mystery was good but the execution wasn’t it for me; it didn’t pull me in that much. There were a lot of characters involved where the switch up from suspect to new friends felt very ingenuine. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t get into this book even though I really wanted to!

[Emily Marmarou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Tales and Teacups for this ARC and the opportunity to review this new book.

Summer Jenkins is a lifeguard with a background in investigation thanks in part to her father and his PI business and partly due to her stubbornness and curiosity. When a dead body ends up floating by in the water she is guarding she gets pulled into a wealthy, well-connected world of ancient artifact auctions and criminal groups. The detective leading the investigation, Cole, seems to fall head first for Summer the moment he first interrogates her about finding the corpse. There is insta-lust in this book but the romance is a subplot and there are no open door scenes, only kissing briefly mentioned.

This book has found family, a slightly odd dynamic between Summer, Cole, and Summer’s roommate Elliot that almost leans toward feeling like a love triangle?
There are adorable animal side characters - a sweet mini pig named Penelope and a ferocious cat named Salem.
There are some cringey phrases and parts in my opinion - multiple people giving “stink eye” and calling the police popo

Overall an entertaining, quick, light read heavier on the mystery than the romance. Minimal character growth or development of the relationships which left me feeling a little disappointed and wanting a little more front he story and the relationships between everyone. The mystery and history of the stolen artifacts and related murder were interesting though no crazy twists or shocks happened. The ending was as expected and felt a little rushed in the last 20-30 pages. This is on the shorter end of books I normally read so maybe my expectations for plot and character development are not in line for the typical expectations of a book this length.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic murder mystery set in the Aloha state of Hawaii as lifeguard Summer pulls a the body of a man from the ocean that sets her off on an adventure. It turns out her victim didn’t drown but was murdered. No great surprise to Summer, the multiple stab wounds had clued her in on that but what was shocking was one of her bestie’s Lani was now considered prime suspect numero uno. Hot on the trail of Lani who has conveniently disappeared it’s not long before Summer’s antics brings her to the attention of the Yakuza, a Russian Oligarch and a hot detective who’s investigating the crime.

The overall storyline was engaging, centred around a murder mystery and missing Hawaiian artefacts believed to possess mystical powers. Summer's quest to track down Lani, aided by her roommate Elliot, was filled with action and suspense. Along the way, she encountered a cast of quirky characters, including Albert, an underground auctioneer with a love for karaoke, and his pet pig, Penelope. Then there's Salem, a feral cat with a soft spot for Penelope and a hatred for the hot cop, and not forgetting Auntie Miriam, a femme fatale whose name strikes fear into everyone but who can cast a spell over any man with not even mob bosses immune to her charms. Described as a cosy mystery, that is definitely not a word I’d use to describe this book. Jessica Fletcher is cosy while Summers Jenkins’ introduction in Beach Club Bloodshed was so much more, this was more a gloriously technicolour adventure with a strong vein of humour running throughout and if this is any indication of what to expect from this author, then I’m hoping this is only the beginning of a series because I can’t wait to read more from these characters.

[Lizz · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨
📖 Beach Club Bloodshed
✍️ Christine Wellert
📅 Publication: August 14, 2025

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
Summer Jenkins’s day spirals from bad to worse, first a murdered body turns up, then her best friend Lani vanishes and becomes the prime suspect.
Now everyone’s looking to Summer for answers, especially the dangerously charming Detective Cole Peterson. He suspects Summer’s holding something back, but when she’s nearly killed in a hit and run, his protective side kicks in hard.
As the threats close in, Summer dives headfirst into the mystery and lands herself in serious trouble with a Yakuza boss, a shady Russian oligarch, and her no-nonsense Auntie Miriam. And honestly? She can’t decide who’s scarier.

𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
This novel delivered an engaging blend of crime and romance, keeping me invested. The storyline flowed smoothly and was easy to get immersed in, with a well-drawn cast of characters who each brought something meaningful to the plot.
One of the standout aspects for me was the thoughtful portrayal of Hawaiian culture. The author did a beautiful job honoring the resilience of the people and the deep-rooted reverence for tradition and history. It added a rich, heartfelt layer to the story.
If I had to break it down, I’d say it leaned slightly more into the crime and mystery elements, about 60%, while the romantic thread made up the other 40%. The balance worked well and kept things interesting.
I’m looking forward to exploring more of this author’s work in the future!

Thank You, @talesandteacupspr, for allowing me to review this book.

[Nik Rose (momsonplay) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nik’s ARC Review
📚 Beach Club Bloodshed by Christine Wellert
🏖️ Genre: murder mystery, romance
🗓️ Publish Date: August 14, 2025
📃 Page Count: 262 pages

📖 Read if you like:
Island setting 🏝️
Light mystery 🧩
Romance 💘

📕 Story Premise: 3/5
When Summer pulls a lifeless body from the waters off the Big Island’s Kohala Coast, her peaceful paradise turns into a crime scene. With her best friend Lani tangled in the investigation, Summer teams up with the guarded (and also charming) Detective Peterson to uncover the truth. But falling for the man accusing your best friend? Yeah… that complicates things.

✍️ Writing Style: 2/5
Even though this was a super easy read, the writing felt a little cheesy at times. It read more like a YA novel, just with adult characters. The author tried to make the characters quirky, but for me, it didn’t quite land. I can totally see others enjoy this, but it just wasn’t my style.

⭐️ Final Verdict: 2/5
I was really curious to dive into a murder mystery set on a Hawaiian island. It’s definitely a change from my usual suburban streets and creepy cabins. The tropical setting had potential, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I found myself more drawn to the romance than the actual mystery. That said, it was a quick and easy read and I appreciated the nods to Hawaiian culture throughout. I can totally see why others would enjoy it. It’s got beach vibes, drama, and a little love triangle tension. It just didn’t hit the mark for me.


For more reviews, please follow my Bookstagram account @MomsonPlay

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly thank you so much for the arc!

This book follows the story of two characters - Summer Jenkins, a lifeguard on the Big Island's Kohala Coast and Cole Peterson a police detective. When a body is washed up with suspicious circumstances around his death and Summer being the one who pulls him out of the ocean, she quickly finds herself in danger from the bad guys and fingers are pointing to her best friend Lani as a suspect who is now missing. Cole is investigating the case and has to unravel the clues and hunt down Lani who is not so easy to find. Wanting to clear her best friend’s name, Summer is determined to do what it takes but doesn’t always make smart decisions. Along the way Cole feels a duty to protect Summer, lines are blurred between romance and staying professional but they have to figure out the mystery together before things get worse for them.

I enjoyed this book, I love that it’s set in Hawaii, a fast paced mystery with a hint of romance and humour. I liked seeing the different characters along the way (and the animals) and how the story unfolded when things kept going wrong for the investigation and Summer kept making rash decisions. Also the ending?? I want to read more about this pendant and the powers it beholds - what is going on with Auntie Miriam?!

Overall a good, quick cosy murder mystery read!

[lisha fogarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Summer woke up, she didn’t think going to her job as a life guard would result in her getting tangled up in a murder investigation. After pulled a dead body covered in stab wounds from the sea and her best friend going missing in the same day, life as Summer knows it, is about to change drastically. Events start to spiral when she is the victim of a hit and run, and ends up being caught up with the Yakuza boss, a Russian Oligarch and Auntie Miriam , who unofficially runs the island. Oh, and there’s a cute detective working the case.


I had some much fun reading this. It’s a blend of a (somehow cosy?) murder mystery with plenty of romantic tension which made for a fun read.
I found the characters to be humorous and entertaining. I really liked the unlikely trio of Cole, Summer and Elliot. I think they all contrasted to each other well.
LOVED how wholesome and protective Cole was throughout the book.
Who knew the inclusion of a pet pig (literally) and a sassy cat would make things even better!
I really enjoyed this and would love to see further books in this series.

Thank you to the publisher and authors for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Amy Marie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice read to keep you on your toes. I really didn’t know what to except from this as I have never been into mystery books before, but it was a solid read that I finished in one sitting.

It has what you would expect from a mystery book like

An Exotic Location
Found Family
Amateur Sleuth
Law Enforcement
The treasure Hunt
Every Day Woman turned Hero
Secret High Stakes Battle
Friends to Lovers

And Detective Daddy!

Summer who is a lifeguard finds body in the water while on duty and then her best friend goes missing! This then puts her life in danger but also puts her life in the path of Cole, the handsome detective there to help her out.

The friendship bonding that happens with Summer, Elliott and Cole is hilarious and refreshing. This book will keep you entertained throughout, wish it didn’t end so abruptly but I know there will be more coming.

Also if you want an interesting pairing between a pig and a cat then this is worth the read.

Was grateful for the ARC for this book 🏖️

[Ashley Dudley · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, thankful for the opportunity to read this ARC! Overall I really enjoyed this book! It reminded me a lot Hawaii Five-O mixed with Magnum PI (the reboot version).


We follow along with the female main character Summer, as she navigates through the continued trouble she finds herself in. We are taken along on this roller coaster of Summer’s life, and meet those closest to her.

When a dead body turns up, and Summer’s BFF Lani ends up missing, all eyes are on Summer to see what she knows. Summer and her other BFF Elliot that she lives with, may know more than they’re leading on. That’s when detective Daddy aka Detective Cole Peterson gets involved, and quickly learns he needs Summer and Elliot’s help to solve this murder case.

Going into the book I expected a thriller, but it was so much more, as it was also entertaining and had a touch of romance. I love the relationship between Elliot and Summer, and the relationship that develops between Elliot, Summer and Cole.

Definitely jump into this book for a cozy, beachy, mystery read!

[halwilbur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beach Club Bloodshed was such a fun and engaging read. It gave me the same lighthearted yet thrilling feeling I get from Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. I was hooked from the start and quickly became invested in the characters.

The dynamic between Cole and Summer was one of my favorite parts of the story. Their interactions felt natural and full of chemistry, with just the right amount of humor. Elliot completely won me over as well. He is such a lovable character, and I really enjoyed every scene with him and Summer together.

I also appreciated how the author wove in accurate details about Polynesian culture and brought attention to the very real problem of cultural artifacts being stolen for private collections and profit. It added depth to the story without ever feeling heavy-handed.

The ending was incredibly satisfying while still setting the stage for another adventure for Summer. I cannot wait to see what comes next for these characters. Christine Wellert has created a series I will happily follow.

[Desiree Raburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beach Club Bloodshed by Christine Wellert
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🏖 Genre: Cozy Mystery
🏖 Pub Date: August 14, 2025
🏖 Part of a Series: Yes
🏖 Format: Kindle

🌊 Amazing backdrop on the Kona Coast of Hawaii (I need to go stat!)
👫 Found family
🔥 Slow burn
🤭 Quirky cast of characters
🕵‍♂️ Who dun it?
✌️ Dual POV

Beach Club Bloodshed was the perfect mix of Hawaii Five O and the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich with a little slow burn romance and Hawaiian culture sprinkled in.  While the mystery may be the draw for most, the characters were the major attraction for me. Wellert does an amazing job of creating a cast of characters that stick with you (I want to be Auntie Miriam when I grow up and everyone needs a best friend like Elliot 😊)

Add Beach Club Bloodshed to your beach bag. It's a quick, easy read, and you'll be anxiously awaiting book 2 later this year. I know I am!

Thank you to (author) and (pr) for the advanced copy!

[the_bookwormhole_ · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cheesy, cosy, summer-y mystery

I was kindly sent an eBook ARC of this cosy mystery by Tales & Teacups, so a huge thank you to them!

Sadly, I was a little underwhelmed at the overall feel of this one. It felt a bit clunky at times and, despite a fun premise, the writing felt like it lacked nuance and sophistication throughout. The cheesy language and moments felt forced and made me cringe a little, but that may appeal to some readers.

However, I did come to love some of the characters and I enjoyed the plot overall and the mystery/adventure elements that felt tense at times. The sun-drenched Hawaiian setting also makes it a good summer read, and it had a cosy-mystery feel to it as it was never too dark or sinister. We are also introduced to Hawaiian culture, heritage, and language, which was really interesting to learn about, and it plays a key role in the mystery itself which was a refreshing take.