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A Helen Dexter Cosy Crime Mystery #3
Delitto a quattro stelle al Seaview Hotel
Helen Dexter sta assaporando il successo: il Seaview ha appena ottenuto le ambite quattro stelle. Ma quando una serie di disastri si abbatte sull’hotel, Helen comincia a chiedersi se quel riconoscimento non sia maledetto. Tutto inizia con l’arrivo di una squadra di minigolf per un torneo a Scarborough. Il loro comportamento è strano, e la tensione esplode con l’arrivo del capitano del team rivale. Come se non bastasse, Jean, la fedele cuoca del Seaview, si licenzia all’improvviso, lasciando Helen nel caos e mettendo a rischio le quattro stelle faticosamente ottenute. Ma il peggio deve ancora arrivare: uno degli ospiti dell’hotel muore in circostanze misteriose poco prima dell’inizio del torneo. L’ultima cosa che Helen desidera in questo momento, nonostante l’avvicinarsi del suo cinquantesimo compleanno, è una festa... Eppure, iniziano ad arrivare misteriosi inviti per un party che lei non ha mai organizzato... né voluto. Riuscirà a smascherare l’assassino, salvare l’hotel, ricucire i rapporti con Jean... e scoprire chi si cela dietro quegli inquietanti inviti? Con la levriera Suki al suo fianco, Helen è pronta a indagare. Ma il pericolo è più vicino di quanto immagini.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 9, 2023
The Seaview Hotel Scarborough.
As we welcome back Helen Dexter in another cosy crime mystery book three.
Along with her greyhound Suki the hotel is her pride and joy and has just been awarded four stars. Yorkshire cook Jean is responsible for her award winning breakfasts if only Helen's husband Tom could see all this now. While Sally the cleaner is away on honeymoon she takes on her mother Brenda, and then there's Jimmy away a lot with his Elvis gigs they had only shared a few kisses, will the relationship bloom into more?
A team of crazy golfers are arriving that will keep them all busy, both ex husband and wife have both got teams Ricky Delmont and Alice Pickle. One team at the Seaview the other at Miriam's next door Vista Del Mar.
And once again there is a murder the third for Helen and this is not going to be good for publicity and Helen starts to fret she's also not looking forward to her big fiftieth birthday.
I just love everything about this book so so good, we have serious moments and funny moments that are so entertaining to read lots of ups and downs along in each chapters, there is never a dull moment, I think I would like to stay here if only to sample Jean's famous breakfasts.
So as I reached the end and to Helens birthday will she get whisked around a strictly dance floor? I so cannot wait now for book Four with some new characters. recommend to all readers I am loving this series.
As we welcome back Helen Dexter in another cosy crime mystery book three.
Along with her greyhound Suki the hotel is her pride and joy and has just been awarded four stars. Yorkshire cook Jean is responsible for her award winning breakfasts if only Helen's husband Tom could see all this now. While Sally the cleaner is away on honeymoon she takes on her mother Brenda, and then there's Jimmy away a lot with his Elvis gigs they had only shared a few kisses, will the relationship bloom into more?
A team of crazy golfers are arriving that will keep them all busy, both ex husband and wife have both got teams Ricky Delmont and Alice Pickle. One team at the Seaview the other at Miriam's next door Vista Del Mar.
And once again there is a murder the third for Helen and this is not going to be good for publicity and Helen starts to fret she's also not looking forward to her big fiftieth birthday.
I just love everything about this book so so good, we have serious moments and funny moments that are so entertaining to read lots of ups and downs along in each chapters, there is never a dull moment, I think I would like to stay here if only to sample Jean's famous breakfasts.
So as I reached the end and to Helens birthday will she get whisked around a strictly dance floor? I so cannot wait now for book Four with some new characters. recommend to all readers I am loving this series.
July 12, 2023
The third instalment of this fantastic cosy crime collection by the amazing Glenda Young
Following on the trials of Helen Dexter with her Seaview Hotel in Scarborough, some would say unlucky to have so many murders happen to your guests, but sleepy wee villages like Midsomer, and remote islands like Shetland, also have their fictional share of unfortunate murders to deal with.
Please read Murder at the Seaview Hotel and Curtain Call at the Seaview Hotel first. You need to feel the depth of characters here to truly appreciate the accumulation of life that has already occurred in the first books before you can see the minds at work in this fabulous third outing for Helen and her loveable dog Suki.
I won’t give much away here, too many reviewers give spoilers, but suffice to say that the falling out with Jean - the stalwart cook of all things delicious for breakfast and of course cakes - is an upsetting period in the book.
Jimmy is there with all his Elvis charm, Marie - the best friend - still wants nothing more than the best for Helen, the crazy golfers are really that, crazy obsessed.
The story moves along at a pace that never lets you feel like a page is just being filled, the everyday happenings for poor Helen are at times relentless and you feel sympathy in buckets for all she is going through, considering her still enormous grief at losing her husband Tom.
As with the first 2 books I devoured this in no time, all other things than work took a backseat whilst I read my heart out and cried and laughed through it too.
A triumph Glenda for your faithful followers. Thank you.
When is book 4 coming? I need to know what Helen has to cope with for the next 10 incoming troop of Scarborough guests at the delightful - now 4 star - Seaview Hotel. Definitely better than her next door at the Vista Del Mar.
Following on the trials of Helen Dexter with her Seaview Hotel in Scarborough, some would say unlucky to have so many murders happen to your guests, but sleepy wee villages like Midsomer, and remote islands like Shetland, also have their fictional share of unfortunate murders to deal with.
Please read Murder at the Seaview Hotel and Curtain Call at the Seaview Hotel first. You need to feel the depth of characters here to truly appreciate the accumulation of life that has already occurred in the first books before you can see the minds at work in this fabulous third outing for Helen and her loveable dog Suki.
I won’t give much away here, too many reviewers give spoilers, but suffice to say that the falling out with Jean - the stalwart cook of all things delicious for breakfast and of course cakes - is an upsetting period in the book.
Jimmy is there with all his Elvis charm, Marie - the best friend - still wants nothing more than the best for Helen, the crazy golfers are really that, crazy obsessed.
The story moves along at a pace that never lets you feel like a page is just being filled, the everyday happenings for poor Helen are at times relentless and you feel sympathy in buckets for all she is going through, considering her still enormous grief at losing her husband Tom.
As with the first 2 books I devoured this in no time, all other things than work took a backseat whilst I read my heart out and cried and laughed through it too.
A triumph Glenda for your faithful followers. Thank you.
When is book 4 coming? I need to know what Helen has to cope with for the next 10 incoming troop of Scarborough guests at the delightful - now 4 star - Seaview Hotel. Definitely better than her next door at the Vista Del Mar.
November 3, 2024
This book continues on with the pattern of a different group of guests for each mystery. This time, it's a group of crazy golfers, or miniature golfers, depending on where you live. As usual, the group has varied characters and we have a great setup for the crime being the leader of a rival group saying at the same hotel, and this person has an abrasive personality and is disliked by many.
I've found that this series is weighted more to the cosy side of things rather than focusing too much on the mysteries. I don't mind the balance in this series, since the three main characters are very engaging, but it does set this aside from most other cosies I read. As I just mentioned, the three main characters are the strength in this series, and it's a shock to see the possibility of one of them leaving the hotel. That was such a huge moment in this book. One that I found very tense.
The introduction of Brenda in this book, as a temporary cleaner, was brilliant. What an engaging character! And I can't wait to see what happens in the next book given we now know where she will work in the future. It's one of those times where I think the author throws in another character just to see what readers will think, and this reader thinks it's a winner.
My one negative to mention, and it's something I've felt with prior books, is Helen is a little too melodramatic about the smallest things. It does get a little repetitive to see her basically have a meltdown over every little challenge or problem. I honestly would have thought somebody who is successfully running a hotel would have a little more resilience.
But this series is still one I would recommend and I'm looking forward to book four.
I've found that this series is weighted more to the cosy side of things rather than focusing too much on the mysteries. I don't mind the balance in this series, since the three main characters are very engaging, but it does set this aside from most other cosies I read. As I just mentioned, the three main characters are the strength in this series, and it's a shock to see the possibility of one of them leaving the hotel. That was such a huge moment in this book. One that I found very tense.
The introduction of Brenda in this book, as a temporary cleaner, was brilliant. What an engaging character! And I can't wait to see what happens in the next book given we now know where she will work in the future. It's one of those times where I think the author throws in another character just to see what readers will think, and this reader thinks it's a winner.
My one negative to mention, and it's something I've felt with prior books, is Helen is a little too melodramatic about the smallest things. It does get a little repetitive to see her basically have a meltdown over every little challenge or problem. I honestly would have thought somebody who is successfully running a hotel would have a little more resilience.
But this series is still one I would recommend and I'm looking forward to book four.
December 27, 2023
A lovely cosy series that never disappoints. A chaotic moment in Helen's life as she must face work issues and a murder.
The characters are well thought and likeable as usual, the mystery is well done and kept me guessing.
A lot of fun, highly recommended
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The characters are well thought and likeable as usual, the mystery is well done and kept me guessing.
A lot of fun, highly recommended
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 28, 2025
temevo di rimanere delusa. e avevo ragione
October 15, 2025
sempre tanto carino 🥰
January 12, 2025
This book was joy to read.
I'm not someone who often reads cosy mysteries and thrillers, but this book really took hold of me. The characters and the settings were beautifully written. I felt like a fly on the wall in every scene, transported to Scarborough by the writer's words.
And it was nuts, the story. The premise follows a bunch of professional crazy golf players who get caught up in some 'foul play', let's say. The characters on the golf team were beautifully mad and I couldn't get enough of them.
Our main character and her employees were also lovely to read. They felt like a family and I can picture them perfectly. I've stayed in Scarborough myself before, and they're exactly the folk you'd expect to find running a B&B style hotel.
The mystery was brilliant too. The solution was planted as little seeds throughout the book, and when all the seeds came together to bloom into the final reveal, it all made perfect sense and created a satisfying reveal. I never saw it coming, and I love that!
If you want a cosy little mystery about a strange gaggle of people in a cosy hotel, this book is for you. I'll definitely have to read more from this author!
I'm not someone who often reads cosy mysteries and thrillers, but this book really took hold of me. The characters and the settings were beautifully written. I felt like a fly on the wall in every scene, transported to Scarborough by the writer's words.
And it was nuts, the story. The premise follows a bunch of professional crazy golf players who get caught up in some 'foul play', let's say. The characters on the golf team were beautifully mad and I couldn't get enough of them.
Our main character and her employees were also lovely to read. They felt like a family and I can picture them perfectly. I've stayed in Scarborough myself before, and they're exactly the folk you'd expect to find running a B&B style hotel.
The mystery was brilliant too. The solution was planted as little seeds throughout the book, and when all the seeds came together to bloom into the final reveal, it all made perfect sense and created a satisfying reveal. I never saw it coming, and I love that!
If you want a cosy little mystery about a strange gaggle of people in a cosy hotel, this book is for you. I'll definitely have to read more from this author!
August 1, 2023
This is another fun mystery from Glenda Young set in a small hotel in Scarborough. This time the hotel is full of crazy golf competitors who have come to Scarborough for a crazy golf competition. They take their sport very seriously and insist on all sorts of strange health foods much to the displeasure of the Seaview’s award winning cook.
The characters are all as entertaining as ever however, a more serious note is added by Helen’s mood as she tries to move on from the death of her husband. This has an almost disastrous effect on her friendships. The murder victim is quite predictable but the mystery is well plotted and there are lots of clues and red herrings to entertain the reader. The seaside town of Scarborough again takes a starring role which adds an extra layer to the story.
This is a great read for a Summer’s evening for anyone who enjoys a well written cosy crime.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers, Headline, for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The characters are all as entertaining as ever however, a more serious note is added by Helen’s mood as she tries to move on from the death of her husband. This has an almost disastrous effect on her friendships. The murder victim is quite predictable but the mystery is well plotted and there are lots of clues and red herrings to entertain the reader. The seaside town of Scarborough again takes a starring role which adds an extra layer to the story.
This is a great read for a Summer’s evening for anyone who enjoys a well written cosy crime.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers, Headline, for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 9, 2023
I've loved this series right from the start, the characters are well rounded and the guests are always fun and interesting.
This time they are a group of crazy golfers who take it VERY seriously.
I enjoyed the book, although not as much as previous books in this series. There was less investigating and, in my opinion, too much of Helen moaning and feeling sorry for herself. I liked her less in this book, mainly because she's quite mean to the people around her and yet we have no real explanation as to why. She feels bad about it and tries to make amends, which is good, but we never find out what was going on internally to make her behave that way. And she is, quite frankly, unbearable about the party being arranged for her.
I did love the ending and I will definitely read the next book. I'm just hoping Helen is a but more focussed on investigation the murder next time!
This time they are a group of crazy golfers who take it VERY seriously.
I enjoyed the book, although not as much as previous books in this series. There was less investigating and, in my opinion, too much of Helen moaning and feeling sorry for herself. I liked her less in this book, mainly because she's quite mean to the people around her and yet we have no real explanation as to why. She feels bad about it and tries to make amends, which is good, but we never find out what was going on internally to make her behave that way. And she is, quite frankly, unbearable about the party being arranged for her.
I did love the ending and I will definitely read the next book. I'm just hoping Helen is a but more focussed on investigation the murder next time!
October 5, 2025
Recensione per il blog A book with tea
Nel cuore della costa inglese, tra le onde che si infrangono e il profumo di salsedine, sorge il Seaview Hotel, un luogo dove ogni ospite porta con sé una storia e un piccolo mistero. In Delitto a quattro stelle al Seaview Hotel di Glenda Young, la quiete della vita di provincia si intreccia con il fascino del giallo classico, tra tazze di tè fumante, pettegolezzi di paese e un segreto pronto a emergere. Un romanzo che profuma di atmosfera british, capace di trasportare il lettore in un mondo accogliente, ironico e pieno di sorprese.
Nell’affascinante cornice di Scarborough, cittadina costiera dello Yorkshire, si gioca una partita più pericolosa del torneo di minigolf che anima la stagione turistica. In Delitto a quattro stelle al Seaview Hotel, Glenda Young ci accompagna di nuovo nel piccolo universo del suo amato albergo, dove l’ospitalità si mescola ai misteri e ogni stanza nasconde una storia da raccontare.
La protagonista, Helen Dexter, proprietaria del Seaview, è una donna determinata e realistica, che affronta le sfide quotidiane di una struttura appena premiata con le sue agognate quattro stelle. Ma quando disastri, licenziamenti improvvisi e una morte misteriosa sconvolgono la sua routine, Helen dovrà indossare i panni dell’investigatrice – e scoprire quanto la tranquillità di Scarborough possa essere solo un’illusione.
La storia si apre con l’arrivo di una squadra di minigolf, ospite del Seaview per un torneo locale. Sin dalle prime pagine, il clima tra i giocatori è teso, quasi carico di non detti. Le stranezze del gruppo e i contrasti con il team rivale creano un terreno fertile per il mistero, che esplode con la morte improvvisa di uno degli ospiti.
Parallelamente, Helen deve affrontare la perdita della sua cuoca, Jean, una figura chiave nella vita dell’hotel, il cui abbandono improvviso segna non solo una difficoltà pratica, ma anche emotiva. Il caos cresce con i misteriosi inviti a una festa di compleanno che Helen non ha mai organizzato — un tocco inquietante che introduce un sottile elemento di suspense psicologica.
L’atmosfera è quella di un giallo da tè pomeridiano, dove il brivido si intreccia alla quotidianità e la tensione non sfocia mai nel macabro. È un mondo che profuma di biscotti al burro, mare e mistero.
La scrittura è scorrevole, pulita, e nella sua apparente semplicità riesce a essere sorprendentemente descrittiva. Young ha la capacità di dipingere Scarborough con vero amore, restituendo al lettore non solo un’ambientazione, ma una sensazione di appartenenza.
Si percepisce quanto l’autrice conosca e ami questa cittadina costiera: le passeggiate sul lungomare, i caffè affacciati sul porto, il vento del Nord che spazza via i pensieri. Tutti dettagli che rendono l’ambientazione un personaggio a sé.
È un linguaggio che non cerca di stupire, ma di accompagnare — perfetto per chi cerca una lettura rilassante e avvolgente, senza rinunciare a un pizzico di mistero.
Helen è una protagonista matura e credibile, che si muove con pragmatismo e ironia in mezzo al caos che le ruota intorno. La sua levriera Suki, fedele compagna di avventure, aggiunge un tocco di tenerezza e leggerezza che stempera i momenti più tesi.
I personaggi secondari — dai membri del team di minigolf ai clienti abituali dell’hotel — sono descritti con brevi pennellate efficaci: nessuno è davvero “buono” o “cattivo”, ma tutti hanno sfumature riconoscibili, piccoli difetti, reazioni plausibili.
È proprio questa umanità diffusa che rende la lettura piacevole: ci si affeziona a queste figure ordinarie, pur sapendo che dietro ognuna potrebbe nascondersi un segreto.
Come in ogni cozy mystery, il piacere della lettura sta più nell’atmosfera che nella complessità dell’indagine. Tuttavia, va detto che in Delitto a quattro stelle al Seaview Hotel ci sono alcuni piccoli difetti narrativi, dettagli che in un giallo più rigoroso sarebbero imperdonabili — un paio di incongruenze o passaggi un po’ forzati che stonano leggermente nel quadro generale.
Nonostante ciò, è difficile essere severi: la storia si legge d’un fiato, diverte, rilassa e fa sorridere. Quattro stelline forse sono un po’ generose per un romanzo così semplice e leggero, ma il piacere della lettura compensa tutto.
In fondo, non sempre si cerca il capolavoro: a volte basta un libro che ti faccia stare bene, che ti porti altrove per qualche ora, e questo romanzo riesce perfettamente nel suo intento.
Delitto a quattro stelle al Seaview Hotel è un romanzo che incarna lo spirito del giallo cozy inglese: rassicurante, ironico e intriso di umanità. Non promette colpi di scena mozzafiato, ma offre un viaggio nella provincia britannica pieno di fascino e calore.
Con la sua protagonista carismatica, i suoi personaggi pittoreschi e l’irresistibile scenario di Scarborough, Glenda Young regala al lettore una storia piacevole e confortante, come una tazza di tè in un pomeriggio di pioggia.
Grazie infinite come sempre a Newton Compton Editori per la copia digitale del romanzo.
Nel cuore della costa inglese, tra le onde che si infrangono e il profumo di salsedine, sorge il Seaview Hotel, un luogo dove ogni ospite porta con sé una storia e un piccolo mistero. In Delitto a quattro stelle al Seaview Hotel di Glenda Young, la quiete della vita di provincia si intreccia con il fascino del giallo classico, tra tazze di tè fumante, pettegolezzi di paese e un segreto pronto a emergere. Un romanzo che profuma di atmosfera british, capace di trasportare il lettore in un mondo accogliente, ironico e pieno di sorprese.
Nell’affascinante cornice di Scarborough, cittadina costiera dello Yorkshire, si gioca una partita più pericolosa del torneo di minigolf che anima la stagione turistica. In Delitto a quattro stelle al Seaview Hotel, Glenda Young ci accompagna di nuovo nel piccolo universo del suo amato albergo, dove l’ospitalità si mescola ai misteri e ogni stanza nasconde una storia da raccontare.
La protagonista, Helen Dexter, proprietaria del Seaview, è una donna determinata e realistica, che affronta le sfide quotidiane di una struttura appena premiata con le sue agognate quattro stelle. Ma quando disastri, licenziamenti improvvisi e una morte misteriosa sconvolgono la sua routine, Helen dovrà indossare i panni dell’investigatrice – e scoprire quanto la tranquillità di Scarborough possa essere solo un’illusione.
La storia si apre con l’arrivo di una squadra di minigolf, ospite del Seaview per un torneo locale. Sin dalle prime pagine, il clima tra i giocatori è teso, quasi carico di non detti. Le stranezze del gruppo e i contrasti con il team rivale creano un terreno fertile per il mistero, che esplode con la morte improvvisa di uno degli ospiti.
Parallelamente, Helen deve affrontare la perdita della sua cuoca, Jean, una figura chiave nella vita dell’hotel, il cui abbandono improvviso segna non solo una difficoltà pratica, ma anche emotiva. Il caos cresce con i misteriosi inviti a una festa di compleanno che Helen non ha mai organizzato — un tocco inquietante che introduce un sottile elemento di suspense psicologica.
L’atmosfera è quella di un giallo da tè pomeridiano, dove il brivido si intreccia alla quotidianità e la tensione non sfocia mai nel macabro. È un mondo che profuma di biscotti al burro, mare e mistero.
La scrittura è scorrevole, pulita, e nella sua apparente semplicità riesce a essere sorprendentemente descrittiva. Young ha la capacità di dipingere Scarborough con vero amore, restituendo al lettore non solo un’ambientazione, ma una sensazione di appartenenza.
Si percepisce quanto l’autrice conosca e ami questa cittadina costiera: le passeggiate sul lungomare, i caffè affacciati sul porto, il vento del Nord che spazza via i pensieri. Tutti dettagli che rendono l’ambientazione un personaggio a sé.
È un linguaggio che non cerca di stupire, ma di accompagnare — perfetto per chi cerca una lettura rilassante e avvolgente, senza rinunciare a un pizzico di mistero.
Helen è una protagonista matura e credibile, che si muove con pragmatismo e ironia in mezzo al caos che le ruota intorno. La sua levriera Suki, fedele compagna di avventure, aggiunge un tocco di tenerezza e leggerezza che stempera i momenti più tesi.
I personaggi secondari — dai membri del team di minigolf ai clienti abituali dell’hotel — sono descritti con brevi pennellate efficaci: nessuno è davvero “buono” o “cattivo”, ma tutti hanno sfumature riconoscibili, piccoli difetti, reazioni plausibili.
È proprio questa umanità diffusa che rende la lettura piacevole: ci si affeziona a queste figure ordinarie, pur sapendo che dietro ognuna potrebbe nascondersi un segreto.
Come in ogni cozy mystery, il piacere della lettura sta più nell’atmosfera che nella complessità dell’indagine. Tuttavia, va detto che in Delitto a quattro stelle al Seaview Hotel ci sono alcuni piccoli difetti narrativi, dettagli che in un giallo più rigoroso sarebbero imperdonabili — un paio di incongruenze o passaggi un po’ forzati che stonano leggermente nel quadro generale.
Nonostante ciò, è difficile essere severi: la storia si legge d’un fiato, diverte, rilassa e fa sorridere. Quattro stelline forse sono un po’ generose per un romanzo così semplice e leggero, ma il piacere della lettura compensa tutto.
In fondo, non sempre si cerca il capolavoro: a volte basta un libro che ti faccia stare bene, che ti porti altrove per qualche ora, e questo romanzo riesce perfettamente nel suo intento.
Delitto a quattro stelle al Seaview Hotel è un romanzo che incarna lo spirito del giallo cozy inglese: rassicurante, ironico e intriso di umanità. Non promette colpi di scena mozzafiato, ma offre un viaggio nella provincia britannica pieno di fascino e calore.
Con la sua protagonista carismatica, i suoi personaggi pittoreschi e l’irresistibile scenario di Scarborough, Glenda Young regala al lettore una storia piacevole e confortante, come una tazza di tè in un pomeriggio di pioggia.
Grazie infinite come sempre a Newton Compton Editori per la copia digitale del romanzo.
January 24, 2024
The Seaview Hotel is set on the corner of King’s Prade overlooking Scarborough’s North Bay on the Yorkshire coast. It is Helen Dexter’s pride and joy. And having now been awarded a long desired four star rating her joy is unbounded. Well, it would be if she could get the precious plaque to hang straight. Comments from her cook Jean, didn’t help. Especially when the plaque fell off the wall.
The early arrival of the crazy-golf team didn’t help either, or their specialist requirements. Jean who she had inherited when she and her husband Tom, sadly now deceased, had bought The Seaview, is none too impressed to have received a list of breakfast requirements, Chia seeds, goji berries, manuka honey and Alfafa sprouts. Jean is a no nonsense Yorkshire cook famous for her breakfasts, with emphasis on the no-nonsense.
The crazy-golf team are captained by Alice Pickle who makes it clear that her disciplined team are here to WIN, by fair means or foul, but mainly to beat their arch-rival Ricky Delmont and his team.
Complication arise when her next-door neighbour Miriam, owner of the Vista del Mar, and the most disagreeable woman on the planet, tells Helen that she has a team of crazy golfers booked in, but that she has overbooked and their Captain, one Ricky Delmont is threatening to sue her. Could she put him up at her hotel?
In this the third book in the series, Helen is struggling, but is not sure why. Plain speaking Jean says Helen has ‘lost her sparkle’. Then one of the guests is murdered, Jean quits, and people are receiving mysterious invitations to a party that Helen doesn’t want. It is said things come in threes.
So, with no cook, and no cleaner, oops! did I not mention that Sally the reliable cleaner is on her honeymoon. The suggestion is that Sally’s mother Brenda will step in. I will leave you to make your own minds up about Brenda, but I am not sure she would be my first choice for a replacement for Sally. Mind you she has got green fingers, oh! and she likes a tipple.
Can Helen find the killer? Will Jean return? The one character who does return is Jimmy, the Elvis impersonator who has been away with his troupe of Elvis impersonators on a gig. He had been seeing Helen, but Helen is confused about her feelings for him.
The characterisation is brilliant. I was so delighted when I received this book and had the opportunity to meet up again with the inmates at The Seaview Hotel. A good mystery with flashes of humour. I know that the question you will all be asking is ‘will Helen find the murderer, and get the 4-star plaque affixed to the hotel wall?’ Read it and find out.
Highly recommended.
------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett.
The early arrival of the crazy-golf team didn’t help either, or their specialist requirements. Jean who she had inherited when she and her husband Tom, sadly now deceased, had bought The Seaview, is none too impressed to have received a list of breakfast requirements, Chia seeds, goji berries, manuka honey and Alfafa sprouts. Jean is a no nonsense Yorkshire cook famous for her breakfasts, with emphasis on the no-nonsense.
The crazy-golf team are captained by Alice Pickle who makes it clear that her disciplined team are here to WIN, by fair means or foul, but mainly to beat their arch-rival Ricky Delmont and his team.
Complication arise when her next-door neighbour Miriam, owner of the Vista del Mar, and the most disagreeable woman on the planet, tells Helen that she has a team of crazy golfers booked in, but that she has overbooked and their Captain, one Ricky Delmont is threatening to sue her. Could she put him up at her hotel?
In this the third book in the series, Helen is struggling, but is not sure why. Plain speaking Jean says Helen has ‘lost her sparkle’. Then one of the guests is murdered, Jean quits, and people are receiving mysterious invitations to a party that Helen doesn’t want. It is said things come in threes.
So, with no cook, and no cleaner, oops! did I not mention that Sally the reliable cleaner is on her honeymoon. The suggestion is that Sally’s mother Brenda will step in. I will leave you to make your own minds up about Brenda, but I am not sure she would be my first choice for a replacement for Sally. Mind you she has got green fingers, oh! and she likes a tipple.
Can Helen find the killer? Will Jean return? The one character who does return is Jimmy, the Elvis impersonator who has been away with his troupe of Elvis impersonators on a gig. He had been seeing Helen, but Helen is confused about her feelings for him.
The characterisation is brilliant. I was so delighted when I received this book and had the opportunity to meet up again with the inmates at The Seaview Hotel. A good mystery with flashes of humour. I know that the question you will all be asking is ‘will Helen find the murderer, and get the 4-star plaque affixed to the hotel wall?’ Read it and find out.
Highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett.
September 13, 2023
‘Foul Play at the Seaview Hotel’ is the third book in this series and I loved it! Once again it was a brilliant cosy crime mystery that was filled full of humour to counteract the darkness of the crime. I find this series just gets better and better. I have raved about it from book one and Helen and the gang have firm places on my auto-reads! Although, this part of a series this can certainly be read as a standalone as each book is very separate in their stories and anything you do need to know is fully provided by the author.
Helen Dexter is enjoying the status of her four-star hotel and is looking forward to welcoming a team of professional mini golfers. But she soon begins to wonder if her four-star status is a curse on her and the hotel! The mini-golfers turn out to be a strange bunch and their behaviour only gets stranger when their rival team turn out to be staying next door. There isn't room for the rival team captain and he ends up staying with Helen. Disaster strikes when one of the mini-golfers dies on the course at the start of the competition. Then the Seaview’s prize-winning cook quits. Plus, Helen’s 50th birthday is around the corner and despite not being in the mood to celebrate people are receiving invitations to a mystery party. What is Helen going to do…
I really love this series but I might be biased as I grew up in Scarborough and they make me so nostalgic for my home of many years. Glenda manages to paint such an evocative picture of Scarborough and its people that I instantly feel happy when I pick up one of the books in this series. I can see all the landmarks, places and the heart of it all - it's people and Glenda manages to capture this essence and put it down on the page.
Helen is going through something in this outing as people keep telling her ‘She has lost her sparkle’ and the whole way through I thought that Helen was suffering from menopause but this wasn't really addressed. But Helen was still determined to figure out who the killer was anyhow! She does love a good mystery. I loved Sally’s mum Brenda and her one word answers of ‘aye’!
So this is weird but until this week I hadn't heard of professional mini golf but I also saw it on an episode of Bones and then I picked up this book and bam another mention! It's so weird but it also encouraged me to book a round of mini golf next weekend. It was a great theme for this book and I laughed out loud so many times whilst reading it. I flew through this book in one day as I found it to be a great whodunit and a page-turner! Roll on book four as I am already missing Helen and the gang.
Let me know if you pick this one up!
Helen Dexter is enjoying the status of her four-star hotel and is looking forward to welcoming a team of professional mini golfers. But she soon begins to wonder if her four-star status is a curse on her and the hotel! The mini-golfers turn out to be a strange bunch and their behaviour only gets stranger when their rival team turn out to be staying next door. There isn't room for the rival team captain and he ends up staying with Helen. Disaster strikes when one of the mini-golfers dies on the course at the start of the competition. Then the Seaview’s prize-winning cook quits. Plus, Helen’s 50th birthday is around the corner and despite not being in the mood to celebrate people are receiving invitations to a mystery party. What is Helen going to do…
I really love this series but I might be biased as I grew up in Scarborough and they make me so nostalgic for my home of many years. Glenda manages to paint such an evocative picture of Scarborough and its people that I instantly feel happy when I pick up one of the books in this series. I can see all the landmarks, places and the heart of it all - it's people and Glenda manages to capture this essence and put it down on the page.
Helen is going through something in this outing as people keep telling her ‘She has lost her sparkle’ and the whole way through I thought that Helen was suffering from menopause but this wasn't really addressed. But Helen was still determined to figure out who the killer was anyhow! She does love a good mystery. I loved Sally’s mum Brenda and her one word answers of ‘aye’!
So this is weird but until this week I hadn't heard of professional mini golf but I also saw it on an episode of Bones and then I picked up this book and bam another mention! It's so weird but it also encouraged me to book a round of mini golf next weekend. It was a great theme for this book and I laughed out loud so many times whilst reading it. I flew through this book in one day as I found it to be a great whodunit and a page-turner! Roll on book four as I am already missing Helen and the gang.
Let me know if you pick this one up!
August 12, 2023
This is my first taste of this Scarborough based cosy mystery series by Glenda Young, featuring widow Helen Dexter and her dog, Suki, still grieving the loss of her husband Tom, whose life revolves around running the Seaview Hotel, which has recently been awarded 4 stars. She is in a constant state of anxiety and jagged nerves, she is not looking forward to her 50th birthday and has no plans of celebrating it with a party, despite being urged to do so by her wonderful Yorkshire cook, Jean. Helen finds herself in a emotional quandry as to whether to move on to the next stage of her relationship with Elvis impersonator, Jimmy, her mind is still full of Tom, is she in a place where she will be able to get together with Jimmy? Sally, her friend and cleaner, is on her honeymoon with cab driver, Gav, and she ignores Jean's misgivings to take on Sally's mother, Brenda, to help temporarily.
Helen's worries are heightened with her new intake of guests, in Scarborough to compete in the crazy golf tournament. They include the nasty piece of work that is Ricky Delmont with his amateur NDA agreement he insists Helen signs, his ex-wife, Alice Pickle, Freddie, the wunderkind that talks in an American accent, a married couple, Marty and Marilyn, with an enormous age gap difference between them, and ex-military Olga who marches the team everywhere. They all have specific dietary requirements intended to keep them at peak fitness levels, wanting ingredients Helen has never heard of and which Jean refuses to pander to. The stage is set for conflict and long running feuds to play out and a murder has Helen feeling she must solve it to preserve the reputation and ensure the survival of her beloved Sea View Hotel.
Young has clearly established a long running set of series characters, this includes Helen's best friend, Marie, and Miriam, the snobby owner of the next door Vista Del Mar hotel, whose attitude makes it difficult to hold on to her cleaners. Helen hears some home truths when it comes to her fabulous cook, Jean, with her award winning breakfasts, forcing her to re-evaluate how she treats Jean on whom the success of her hotel depends. With Helen on edge most of the time in the novel, it is only near the end that it looks as if she is regaining her lost sparkle. This is an entertaining Yorkshire crime read, although at times there was a little too much repetition for my tastes. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
Helen's worries are heightened with her new intake of guests, in Scarborough to compete in the crazy golf tournament. They include the nasty piece of work that is Ricky Delmont with his amateur NDA agreement he insists Helen signs, his ex-wife, Alice Pickle, Freddie, the wunderkind that talks in an American accent, a married couple, Marty and Marilyn, with an enormous age gap difference between them, and ex-military Olga who marches the team everywhere. They all have specific dietary requirements intended to keep them at peak fitness levels, wanting ingredients Helen has never heard of and which Jean refuses to pander to. The stage is set for conflict and long running feuds to play out and a murder has Helen feeling she must solve it to preserve the reputation and ensure the survival of her beloved Sea View Hotel.
Young has clearly established a long running set of series characters, this includes Helen's best friend, Marie, and Miriam, the snobby owner of the next door Vista Del Mar hotel, whose attitude makes it difficult to hold on to her cleaners. Helen hears some home truths when it comes to her fabulous cook, Jean, with her award winning breakfasts, forcing her to re-evaluate how she treats Jean on whom the success of her hotel depends. With Helen on edge most of the time in the novel, it is only near the end that it looks as if she is regaining her lost sparkle. This is an entertaining Yorkshire crime read, although at times there was a little too much repetition for my tastes. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
June 20, 2024
Is it just me who found this woman totally irritating?
I think the book is mis-named, it could have been titled 'hotel owner whines on about surprise birthday party and treats her cook, friends, with some contempt'. If you like this then this is the book for you. It's a wonder the woman had any friends let alone a boyfriend who is an Elvis impersonator.
Helen Dexter runs a hotel and is a widow which then gives the story something to run along with. She just whines all the time, it's no wonder her cook goes off to work in the hotel next door, it was an even bigger wonder that she returned. And still Helen keeps whinging at her. A troop of crazy golf players come to stay, don't know why they bothered as they gave her a list of their food requirements for meals which contained a lot of seeds and power food, which she and her cook Jean then totally disregard as the 4 star hotel is renowned for its food. This is something to make your eyebrows disappear in their hairline, maybe she should lose her 4 star rating if she cannot meet the dietary requirements of her guests. I would have moved out at this point, and taken my seeds with me.
Anyway moving on, this whining woman doesn't get any better. Someone has secretly arranged a surprise 50th birthday party for her. She spends most of the book whinging on about this to everybody. This seems to come across as the main theme and not the death of a rival crazy golfer who is staying there. He doesn't die in the hotel, just on the crazy golf course. So if you like whining hotel owners who treat not only the cook but her boyfriend and friends with some contempt, then this is definitely just the book for you! On reflection Basil Fawlty did a better job at it. Running a hotel. Maybe more people will read it, now I've left this review? You never know it might peak peoples interest.
I think the book is mis-named, it could have been titled 'hotel owner whines on about surprise birthday party and treats her cook, friends, with some contempt'. If you like this then this is the book for you. It's a wonder the woman had any friends let alone a boyfriend who is an Elvis impersonator.
Helen Dexter runs a hotel and is a widow which then gives the story something to run along with. She just whines all the time, it's no wonder her cook goes off to work in the hotel next door, it was an even bigger wonder that she returned. And still Helen keeps whinging at her. A troop of crazy golf players come to stay, don't know why they bothered as they gave her a list of their food requirements for meals which contained a lot of seeds and power food, which she and her cook Jean then totally disregard as the 4 star hotel is renowned for its food. This is something to make your eyebrows disappear in their hairline, maybe she should lose her 4 star rating if she cannot meet the dietary requirements of her guests. I would have moved out at this point, and taken my seeds with me.
Anyway moving on, this whining woman doesn't get any better. Someone has secretly arranged a surprise 50th birthday party for her. She spends most of the book whinging on about this to everybody. This seems to come across as the main theme and not the death of a rival crazy golfer who is staying there. He doesn't die in the hotel, just on the crazy golf course. So if you like whining hotel owners who treat not only the cook but her boyfriend and friends with some contempt, then this is definitely just the book for you! On reflection Basil Fawlty did a better job at it. Running a hotel. Maybe more people will read it, now I've left this review? You never know it might peak peoples interest.
September 4, 2023
This is Scarborough hotel owner Helen Dexter’s third outing in a series that grows stronger with each book. As her snotty neighbour and rival hotel landlady Miriam says, “it’s unfortunate the way her guests keep getting murdered.”
The story opens with a group of keen crazy golfers arriving at the hotel prior to a grand tournament. Then the captain of their rival team also takes a room – and it soon becomes apparent that all the players have history with each other. When a player dies in suspicious circumstances Helen has to save the reputation of her hotel once more by solving the mystery.
Along with that, she has her own problems to deal with. Her cook has walked out, her new love interest Jimmy is back from his latest Elvis impersonation tour and pushing her for commitment, and her friends are all behaving very oddly about her upcoming fiftieth birthday.
This was a solid cosy crime story – I just loved the premise that crazy golfers could be so motivated to murder! There is plenty humour in the narrative, but it stays just on the right side of darkness with the ever present sense of danger to at least one of Helen’s guest, to herself, and even to her beloved rescue greyhound Suki.
Helen is an empathetic character and though it would be nice to see her through other people’s eyes occasionally, she is a reliable narrator, and holds the story together well. You can rely on her version of events and join in with her on picking up the clues that lead to solving the mystery.
I enjoyed this story and I think the Seaview Hotel series is getting stronger with each murder mystery it hosts - next time we're promised ballroom dancers taking some serious misteps. I can't wait!
The story opens with a group of keen crazy golfers arriving at the hotel prior to a grand tournament. Then the captain of their rival team also takes a room – and it soon becomes apparent that all the players have history with each other. When a player dies in suspicious circumstances Helen has to save the reputation of her hotel once more by solving the mystery.
Along with that, she has her own problems to deal with. Her cook has walked out, her new love interest Jimmy is back from his latest Elvis impersonation tour and pushing her for commitment, and her friends are all behaving very oddly about her upcoming fiftieth birthday.
This was a solid cosy crime story – I just loved the premise that crazy golfers could be so motivated to murder! There is plenty humour in the narrative, but it stays just on the right side of darkness with the ever present sense of danger to at least one of Helen’s guest, to herself, and even to her beloved rescue greyhound Suki.
Helen is an empathetic character and though it would be nice to see her through other people’s eyes occasionally, she is a reliable narrator, and holds the story together well. You can rely on her version of events and join in with her on picking up the clues that lead to solving the mystery.
I enjoyed this story and I think the Seaview Hotel series is getting stronger with each murder mystery it hosts - next time we're promised ballroom dancers taking some serious misteps. I can't wait!
December 21, 2023
The third in the series featuring Helen Dexter, firstly this easily reads as a standalone, though I suspect you will want to go back and read the first two.
If you like your crime on the cosy side, then this is the read for you, it is a wonderful read, full of heart and characters who you can on some level relate to, from the opening pages I was drawn into the goings on at the Seaview Hotel
The story is wholly engaging, the writing really brings everything to life. The premiss of the book is quite different to the norm featuring two teams of highly competitive crazy golfers, the seriousness with which they undertake this game is not to be underestimated, it felt right and gave the book an undertone of rivalry with a define twist thrown in.
There is a charm to this book that is very much defined by the hotel setting and the characters who live and work there
It is actually cleverly plotted, to some degree there is a familiarity about the the book as much as the rise is with Miss Marple, the clues are there though you just don’t recognise them, there are also plenty of red herrings thrown in
The book is superbly character driven, you form a mental picture of each, I particularly loved the way that Brenda was written and then you have Miriam a woman with airs and graces above her station, I also liked the way that Helen and Jean rely and play off each other, there is a warmth and charm, I also found it a book that dealt with the aftermath of grief and a struggle mixed with self doubt to adapt and find a way to move on, here the friendship between the characters came to the fore, overall there is quite an eclectic mix of characters. Some of the goings on between the golfers had me laughing, their commitment to cause is unnerving
The dénouement in bringing everything together is well thought out and constructed in a way that I hadn’t seem coming.
For me it did have an added adavtange being set in my hometown, this gave it an extra dimension reading about familiar places and landscapes
It is a read that has real warmth and heart combined with moments of often wry humour to bring a fresh and highly enthralling entertaining mystery read, I also found it one of those book which is difficult to put down, you need not only to know who the killer is but what lies ahead for Helen, the author makes you care for the characters
I really enjoyed the read, and definetely look forward to reading more, one to recommend
If you like your crime on the cosy side, then this is the read for you, it is a wonderful read, full of heart and characters who you can on some level relate to, from the opening pages I was drawn into the goings on at the Seaview Hotel
The story is wholly engaging, the writing really brings everything to life. The premiss of the book is quite different to the norm featuring two teams of highly competitive crazy golfers, the seriousness with which they undertake this game is not to be underestimated, it felt right and gave the book an undertone of rivalry with a define twist thrown in.
There is a charm to this book that is very much defined by the hotel setting and the characters who live and work there
It is actually cleverly plotted, to some degree there is a familiarity about the the book as much as the rise is with Miss Marple, the clues are there though you just don’t recognise them, there are also plenty of red herrings thrown in
The book is superbly character driven, you form a mental picture of each, I particularly loved the way that Brenda was written and then you have Miriam a woman with airs and graces above her station, I also liked the way that Helen and Jean rely and play off each other, there is a warmth and charm, I also found it a book that dealt with the aftermath of grief and a struggle mixed with self doubt to adapt and find a way to move on, here the friendship between the characters came to the fore, overall there is quite an eclectic mix of characters. Some of the goings on between the golfers had me laughing, their commitment to cause is unnerving
The dénouement in bringing everything together is well thought out and constructed in a way that I hadn’t seem coming.
For me it did have an added adavtange being set in my hometown, this gave it an extra dimension reading about familiar places and landscapes
It is a read that has real warmth and heart combined with moments of often wry humour to bring a fresh and highly enthralling entertaining mystery read, I also found it one of those book which is difficult to put down, you need not only to know who the killer is but what lies ahead for Helen, the author makes you care for the characters
I really enjoyed the read, and definetely look forward to reading more, one to recommend
February 24, 2025
I'd like to give this 3.5 but don't know how to. It's a low-key 'cosy crime' story with fairly interesting and believable characters and an engaging plot that isn't obvious; do people really get that passionate about crazy golf?! I took some time to warm to Helen, despite the name, as she does whinge a lot and doesn't always treat people with as much respect as they deserve - I think it's clear she's menopausal, but no one admits it! I think I might have appreciated the relationships between the main characters more had I read the others in the series first, but I didn't know there were more when I found it.
It's well written, apart from a degree of repetition and the now-ubiquitous use of 'Me and x are doing something', which I just can't come to terms with - though to be fair in this book it is used sparingly and only by people who would probably talk like that. I really liked the Scarborough setting and descriptions - it made me want to go there again - and I wanted to draw a plan of the hotel! Could such a place really be run so well by such a small staff, though?
It's a little bit sad that taking a relationship a step further always seems to imply sex nowadays - though in fact it got deferred here! - but that's just me not liking modern ways. A good book for a holiday or in between heavier works.
It's well written, apart from a degree of repetition and the now-ubiquitous use of 'Me and x are doing something', which I just can't come to terms with - though to be fair in this book it is used sparingly and only by people who would probably talk like that. I really liked the Scarborough setting and descriptions - it made me want to go there again - and I wanted to draw a plan of the hotel! Could such a place really be run so well by such a small staff, though?
It's a little bit sad that taking a relationship a step further always seems to imply sex nowadays - though in fact it got deferred here! - but that's just me not liking modern ways. A good book for a holiday or in between heavier works.
December 25, 2023
4.5 Stars
Helen Dexter’s B & B has just been awarded four-star status but she begins to wonder if this accolade is cursed when a series of disasters strike. Firstly a crazy golf team arrive to play in a Scarborough tournament, their odd behaviour heightens when the rival team captain Ricky Delmont turns up. Then one of the guests is murdered playing crazy golf. Then the Seaview's prize-winning cook Jean quits, leaving Helen devastated. Finally as Helen's fiftieth birthday approaches, mysterious invitations arrive for a party that Helen doesn't want.
The third book in the series & I’d recommend reading in order to fully understand the relationships & how the characters interact. I love Helen but she’s certainly going through a midlife crisis & is at a crossroads in her life, especially in her private life, Jimmy the Elvis impersonator is back in Scarborough, Helen’s relationship with Jean is fraught & things do come to a head, which is upsetting. There are twists & turns as the hunt for the killer progresses & I didn’t work out who the villain was. The book has humour as well as some angst. I read it in two sitting & look forward to the next book
Helen Dexter’s B & B has just been awarded four-star status but she begins to wonder if this accolade is cursed when a series of disasters strike. Firstly a crazy golf team arrive to play in a Scarborough tournament, their odd behaviour heightens when the rival team captain Ricky Delmont turns up. Then one of the guests is murdered playing crazy golf. Then the Seaview's prize-winning cook Jean quits, leaving Helen devastated. Finally as Helen's fiftieth birthday approaches, mysterious invitations arrive for a party that Helen doesn't want.
The third book in the series & I’d recommend reading in order to fully understand the relationships & how the characters interact. I love Helen but she’s certainly going through a midlife crisis & is at a crossroads in her life, especially in her private life, Jimmy the Elvis impersonator is back in Scarborough, Helen’s relationship with Jean is fraught & things do come to a head, which is upsetting. There are twists & turns as the hunt for the killer progresses & I didn’t work out who the villain was. The book has humour as well as some angst. I read it in two sitting & look forward to the next book
December 23, 2023
Foul Play at the Seaview Hotel by Glenda Young.
A Helen Dexter cosy crime mystery book 3.
Helen Dexter is enjoying the new four-star status of the Seaview Hotel. But she begins to wonder if this accolade is cursed when a series of disasters strike.
It starts when a crazy golf team arrive to play in a Scarborough tournament. Their odd behaviour heightens when the rival team captain turns up. Yet, there's worse to come for Helen when one of the guests is murdered playing crazy golf.
Then the Seaview's prize-winning cook Jean quits, leaving Helen devastated. And so, as Helen's fiftieth birthday approaches, the last thing she's in the mood for is a celebration. However, mysterious invitations arrive to a party that Helen doesn't want.
Can Helen unmask the crazy golf killer, save the reputation of the Seaview, win Jean back and solve the mystery of the party invitations? With her rescue greyhound Suki by her side, Helen Dexter is on the case.
A really good read. I love this series. I do like Helen character. I hope there is more to come. 4,*.
A Helen Dexter cosy crime mystery book 3.
Helen Dexter is enjoying the new four-star status of the Seaview Hotel. But she begins to wonder if this accolade is cursed when a series of disasters strike.
It starts when a crazy golf team arrive to play in a Scarborough tournament. Their odd behaviour heightens when the rival team captain turns up. Yet, there's worse to come for Helen when one of the guests is murdered playing crazy golf.
Then the Seaview's prize-winning cook Jean quits, leaving Helen devastated. And so, as Helen's fiftieth birthday approaches, the last thing she's in the mood for is a celebration. However, mysterious invitations arrive to a party that Helen doesn't want.
Can Helen unmask the crazy golf killer, save the reputation of the Seaview, win Jean back and solve the mystery of the party invitations? With her rescue greyhound Suki by her side, Helen Dexter is on the case.
A really good read. I love this series. I do like Helen character. I hope there is more to come. 4,*.
December 23, 2023
Foul Play at the Seaview Hotel by Glenda Young.
A Helen Dexter cosy crime mystery book 3.
Helen Dexter is enjoying the new four-star status of the Seaview Hotel. But she begins to wonder if this accolade is cursed when a series of disasters strike.
It starts when a crazy golf team arrive to play in a Scarborough tournament. Their odd behaviour heightens when the rival team captain turns up. Yet, there's worse to come for Helen when one of the guests is murdered playing crazy golf.
Then the Seaview's prize-winning cook Jean quits, leaving Helen devastated. And so, as Helen's fiftieth birthday approaches, the last thing she's in the mood for is a celebration. However, mysterious invitations arrive to a party that Helen doesn't want.
Can Helen unmask the crazy golf killer, save the reputation of the Seaview, win Jean back and solve the mystery of the party invitations? With her rescue greyhound Suki by her side, Helen Dexter is on the case.
A really good read. I love this series. I do like Helen character. I hope there is more to come. 4,*.
A Helen Dexter cosy crime mystery book 3.
Helen Dexter is enjoying the new four-star status of the Seaview Hotel. But she begins to wonder if this accolade is cursed when a series of disasters strike.
It starts when a crazy golf team arrive to play in a Scarborough tournament. Their odd behaviour heightens when the rival team captain turns up. Yet, there's worse to come for Helen when one of the guests is murdered playing crazy golf.
Then the Seaview's prize-winning cook Jean quits, leaving Helen devastated. And so, as Helen's fiftieth birthday approaches, the last thing she's in the mood for is a celebration. However, mysterious invitations arrive to a party that Helen doesn't want.
Can Helen unmask the crazy golf killer, save the reputation of the Seaview, win Jean back and solve the mystery of the party invitations? With her rescue greyhound Suki by her side, Helen Dexter is on the case.
A really good read. I love this series. I do like Helen character. I hope there is more to come. 4,*.
October 9, 2024
It was an okay story but not gripping
In the charming Yorkshire seaside town of Scarborough, a killer game is being played . . .Helen Dexter is enjoying the new four-star status of the Seaview Hotel. But she begins to wonder if this accolade is cursed when a series of disasters strike.It starts when a crazy golf team arrive to play in a Scarborough tournament. Their odd behaviour heightens when the rival team captain turns up. Yet, there's worse to come for Helen when one of the guests is murdered playing crazy golf.Then the Seaview's prize-winning cook Jean quits, leaving Helen devastated. And so, as Helen's fiftieth birthday approaches, the last thing she's in the mood for is a celebration. However, mysterious invitations arrive to a party that Helen doesn't want.Can Helen unmask the crazy golf killer, save the reputation of the Seaview, win Jean back and solve the mystery of the party invitations? With her rescue greyhound Suki by her side, Helen Dexter is on the case.
In the charming Yorkshire seaside town of Scarborough, a killer game is being played . . .Helen Dexter is enjoying the new four-star status of the Seaview Hotel. But she begins to wonder if this accolade is cursed when a series of disasters strike.It starts when a crazy golf team arrive to play in a Scarborough tournament. Their odd behaviour heightens when the rival team captain turns up. Yet, there's worse to come for Helen when one of the guests is murdered playing crazy golf.Then the Seaview's prize-winning cook Jean quits, leaving Helen devastated. And so, as Helen's fiftieth birthday approaches, the last thing she's in the mood for is a celebration. However, mysterious invitations arrive to a party that Helen doesn't want.Can Helen unmask the crazy golf killer, save the reputation of the Seaview, win Jean back and solve the mystery of the party invitations? With her rescue greyhound Suki by her side, Helen Dexter is on the case.
August 3, 2023
This is the third installment in this wonderful series. Helen is back with her faithful companion, Suki her adorable greyhound. In this book she has her work cut out as her guests are a team of crazy golfers. When one of them is killed Helen investigates to save the reputation of her guesthouse.
I cannot rate this series highly enough. The dynamics with Helen, Jean, Sally and Marie are just fabulously written. Jimmy is also back and I feel the writing of their relationship is beautifully done. My personal favourite is the setting, I adore Scarborough so when I am reading this series I can visualise everything.
This series is page turning, funny and at times moving. I was worried I may not enjoy this as much as the first two, I shouldn't have worried as this is my favourite in the series and I cannot wait for book 4.
I cannot rate this series highly enough. The dynamics with Helen, Jean, Sally and Marie are just fabulously written. Jimmy is also back and I feel the writing of their relationship is beautifully done. My personal favourite is the setting, I adore Scarborough so when I am reading this series I can visualise everything.
This series is page turning, funny and at times moving. I was worried I may not enjoy this as much as the first two, I shouldn't have worried as this is my favourite in the series and I cannot wait for book 4.
November 10, 2023
A cosy crime novel that is full of cosiness and quirkiness. If you go to Scarborough don't stay at the Seaview Hotel you're increasing your chances of being murdered.
The quirkiness comes from the characters especially from the group of crazy golfers staying at the Seaview Hotel about to take part in a tournament.
It takes quite a while for a dead body to turn up and when it does the following investigation isn't the main focus of the novel. Instead we get to know more about the various characters. Not entirely a bad thing as if you hadn't read the other books in the series you are able to catch up.
I thought how the murder was committed was quite original and in keeping with a seaside resort.
An engaging read with enough for me to read more in the series, and as the phone rings on the last page in this book you know there is scope for more.
The quirkiness comes from the characters especially from the group of crazy golfers staying at the Seaview Hotel about to take part in a tournament.
It takes quite a while for a dead body to turn up and when it does the following investigation isn't the main focus of the novel. Instead we get to know more about the various characters. Not entirely a bad thing as if you hadn't read the other books in the series you are able to catch up.
I thought how the murder was committed was quite original and in keeping with a seaside resort.
An engaging read with enough for me to read more in the series, and as the phone rings on the last page in this book you know there is scope for more.
December 17, 2023
Helen Dexter runs the Seaview Hotel in the popular seaside town of Scarborough. She has recently been awarded the coveted 4 stars, and has received a plaque to place on the wall outside the property.
However, she is starting to think that this award is brining her nothing but bad luck, which culminates in one of her guests being murdered.
When bookings start to be cancelled she decides to investigate for herself, to try to help the police find the culprit as soon as possible before her business is ruined.
What will she find out? Will her luck change? Will the guests return, and who on earth has arranged a 'surprise' 50th party for her eventhough she has stressed that she doesn't want one?
This is the first time I have read Glenda Young, but I will be back from more! I will buy the first two books in this series, and look forward to reading more.
However, she is starting to think that this award is brining her nothing but bad luck, which culminates in one of her guests being murdered.
When bookings start to be cancelled she decides to investigate for herself, to try to help the police find the culprit as soon as possible before her business is ruined.
What will she find out? Will her luck change? Will the guests return, and who on earth has arranged a 'surprise' 50th party for her eventhough she has stressed that she doesn't want one?
This is the first time I have read Glenda Young, but I will be back from more! I will buy the first two books in this series, and look forward to reading more.
February 10, 2024
This is the 3rd outing for Helen Dexter of 'Sea View' Apart from a strange party, a team of 'Crazy Golf' players who are in Scarborough for a tournament, Helen has a lot more to contend with. A 50th birthday party has been arranged for her when she has said she did not want one. Everyone is saying that they did not arrange it. Then the captain of the opposing team has to stay as the rest of the team who are staying next door do not have room for him. So he has to stay with Helen. He makes her sign a form she will not reveal anything about him and also a moon and her her mother 'helps' out, another member walks out. All this adds to a very enjoyable read, funny in parts as well. Oh forgot to mention a murder!
Another 5* read which I can recommend. Hopefully there will be a 4th book, as this one ended with seeds being planted about it.
Another 5* read which I can recommend. Hopefully there will be a 4th book, as this one ended with seeds being planted about it.
July 9, 2025
This was a light, cosy mystery set in a charming seaside town, with a likeable amateur sleuth in Helen Dexter. The setting, the Seaview Hotel in Scarborough, was a highlight, with plenty of local colour and community feel. It had a nostalgic, almost old-fashioned tone that suited the genre well.
That said, the plot felt a little predictable at times, and the pacing dragged in places. I found myself losing interest mid-way, though it picked up again toward the end. The supporting characters were enjoyable, but some lacked depth, and the “whodunnit” wasn’t too difficult to guess.
Overall, an easy read with a pleasant setting, but it didn’t quite grip me enough to seek out the next in the series straight away. One for fans of gentle, seaside mysteries with a touch of northern charm.
That said, the plot felt a little predictable at times, and the pacing dragged in places. I found myself losing interest mid-way, though it picked up again toward the end. The supporting characters were enjoyable, but some lacked depth, and the “whodunnit” wasn’t too difficult to guess.
Overall, an easy read with a pleasant setting, but it didn’t quite grip me enough to seek out the next in the series straight away. One for fans of gentle, seaside mysteries with a touch of northern charm.
July 24, 2024
Absolutely fabulous book. Set in the charming Yorkshire seaside resort of Scarborough at the Seaview Hotel.
Here, Helen Dexter is enjoying her newly acquired 4 star status of her hotel. Then trouble starts.
Enjoy the quaint ride as Helen starts to wonder if the 4 star accolade is cursed. She endeavours to catch a murderer, save the reputation of the Seaview and solve the mystery why someone has arranged a surprise 50th birthday party for her.
Enjoy this humorous whodunnit with its array of engaging characters set in the backdrop of Scarborough.
Plus you’ve one very cute canine, Suki.
Here, Helen Dexter is enjoying her newly acquired 4 star status of her hotel. Then trouble starts.
Enjoy the quaint ride as Helen starts to wonder if the 4 star accolade is cursed. She endeavours to catch a murderer, save the reputation of the Seaview and solve the mystery why someone has arranged a surprise 50th birthday party for her.
Enjoy this humorous whodunnit with its array of engaging characters set in the backdrop of Scarborough.
Plus you’ve one very cute canine, Suki.
October 27, 2025
Perfect for fans of cosy seaside mysteries
Such a cosy and comforting read! I really liked Foul Play at the Seaview Hotel — the seaside setting is lovely, and the characters feel so real. Helen especially is really relatable; she’s just trying to keep her hotel running and ends up tangled in all sorts of drama.
The mystery kept me interested, even if the climax felt a bit underwhelming after a strong build-up. Still, it’s such an easy, heartwarming read — perfect if you’re in the mood for a gentle whodunnit with plenty of charm.
September 19, 2023
Foul Play at the Seaview Hotel is the third book in the Helen Dexter Cosy Crime Mysteries series. I have read and loved the previous books and had high hopes for this one. It did not disappoint. Scarborough is one of my favourite places so I love the setting. The plot is so cleverly written with plenty of red herrings thrown in. I couldn't fault it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for my ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for my ARC.
September 21, 2023
Best one yet!
I loved the first in the series, not so much the second, but this one is properly back on track! And I'm hoping there'll be more. Scarborough, greyhounds (whose teeth chatter when happy, not impatient for a walk - that's when they swirl their tails, stamp their feet, snap their teeth at the air and become a moving obstacle course, trust me, I know!), a cozy mystery, and lovely descriptions of the coast and the sea... an absolute delight!
I loved the first in the series, not so much the second, but this one is properly back on track! And I'm hoping there'll be more. Scarborough, greyhounds (whose teeth chatter when happy, not impatient for a walk - that's when they swirl their tails, stamp their feet, snap their teeth at the air and become a moving obstacle course, trust me, I know!), a cozy mystery, and lovely descriptions of the coast and the sea... an absolute delight!
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