Seaside Homicide: a totally un-put-downable small town cozy animal murder mystery

by Opal Webb

Burnt scones. Dead body. Bossy cat.

Tessa Caldwell just moved to Ashbury Point. She’s inherited one old Victorian house. A cranky oven. And an orange tabby who’s claimed the premises as his own.

Day one? Kitchen fire. Day two? Dead town historian.

The police say accident. Her late aunt’s notes say murder.

Clues turn up in old drawers, soggy maps, and Marmalade’s favorite nap spots. Lionel, the victim, seemed to have had few friends in Ashbury Point.

As Tessa works through threads to solve the crime, it seems everyone has a secret to the hostile lobsterman, the mayor blustering over every inquiry, the gossipy florist with too much hairspray.

Tessa doesn’t know who to trust.

Because someone will kill again to keep the past buried.

If she doesn’t crack the case fast, Tessa could lose her shot at a fresh start... and her life.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2025

Reviews

[Cornel Diaconu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't have anymore to tell about this story, besides the Goodreads description (which is pretty exact and to the point).
Just a quick reading book' not many turns of the direction though. And also, I failed to see how Tessa's life were in danger (according to the description :-) ; though in the second to last chapters, when Marmalade the cat jumped on the killer and made her stumble ... maybe in those moments ?
OKay, good to read, overall

[Gina Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me happy Joy Patrick vibes, (one of my fav authors) and it brought me joy like her cozy mystery series, Magnolia Manor. (One of my absolute fav series!) A super charming little town, a murder that needs to be solved, and a lot of potential for new friendships made this an incredibly enjoyable read. Nice intro to a fun new series!

[Saundra Callender · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author. It might be her first book, too. I googled her but couldn't find anything about her, which is a shame because I really liked this novella, and her website was under construction so I couldn't find anything out there either. What caught my attention first about this book was the cover. The victorian house by the sea was beautiful, as was the thought of living in a small town. Tessa was intelligent and fun. I loved the banter between Tessa and Cal. And Marmalade the cat was a cute add to the story. The townspeople were a part of the mystery since you weren't sure who to trust. This was a short story that was over quickly. I wish it had been longer because as I said, I really enjoyed it. I hope she writes more.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seaside Homicide is a well-written cozy mystery set in Asbury Point and an inherited Victorian house by Tessa Caldwell. Tessa is new to the town and has also inherited an orange tabby, called Marmalade. This story got my attention at the beginning. I loved the spunk and Tessa's ability to investigate her way.

The characters are well-developed with layers. The investigation of the murder kept me guessing who the guilty party was. The twists and turns sent me in a different direction. But the ending wrapped everything up nicely.

[G. Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good Novella. Gives you a view of what Tessa found after she first arrives
at the house her Aunt left her. First day she bakes some scones and the oven starts smoking then she hears someone and she remembers him. She noticed he was a firemen and he checks to see if she is ok. She checks out the town, is led to a body and then things start to happen. Go grab the book so you and get the jest of what has been happening to this town. Happy reading.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tessa Caldwell inherits her Aunt Gina's house at Ashbury Point and has a humorous encounter with her childhood friend . A murder disturbs the community and there is a lot going on than it seemed. An intriguing read with suspense and humour. I received this book free and recommend this book to other readers .

[Lorraine O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opal Webb is a great storyteller. The plot was well thought out with lots of twists and turns. Tessa, the heroine is great and Marmalade, the cat managed to point her in the right direction. A real page turner. Enjoy!

[Donna Bagby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tessa inherits her aunt's house along with dark secrets from the past. She plays amateur detective after a homicide is discovered. mildly interesting story with twists and turns.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this short prequel of Tessa Caldwell inheriting her aunt's home. It was a good story and Tessa, Cal and Henry were great characters. Recommend reading.

[Vickie Jameson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great series starter and a quick read. Looking forward to reading more of this author's work.

[alice Tileston · Rating 4 out of 5]

received ARC:
fast story, good characters, and a community cat make for an entertaining short story.

[Soscha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Same book as Homicide at Seaside Inn

[Beverley Ammeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magnificent short novella mystery packed with suspense. I could not put it down.