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Nora Breen Investigates #2
Murder at the Spirit Lounge
In the second installment of the Nora Breen Investigates series—“perfect for cozy mystery lovers” (Book Riot)—beloved former nun Nora Breen returns, this time to track down a ghostly killer before it’s too late.
When Dolores Chimes, a famous medium, arrives in Gore-on-Sea, even surly Detective Inspector Rideout is lured in by her promises of messages for the afterlife.
But after a reading goes disastrously wrong, Dolores loses her life—and the six sitters at the séance with her fall victim to supernatural deaths themselves in the days following the nightmare of a reading.
Determined to unveil the truth, Nora finds herself chasing a ghostly serial killer she believes to be responsible, before the sixth victim—Detective Rideout himself—perishes along with the others.
When Dolores Chimes, a famous medium, arrives in Gore-on-Sea, even surly Detective Inspector Rideout is lured in by her promises of messages for the afterlife.
But after a reading goes disastrously wrong, Dolores loses her life—and the six sitters at the séance with her fall victim to supernatural deaths themselves in the days following the nightmare of a reading.
Determined to unveil the truth, Nora finds herself chasing a ghostly serial killer she believes to be responsible, before the sixth victim—Detective Rideout himself—perishes along with the others.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 21, 2026
About the author
Jess Kidd
17 books2,571 followersJess Kidd was brought up in London as part of a large family from county Mayo and has been praised for her unique fictional voice. Her debut, Himself, was shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards in 2016. She won the Costa Short Story Award the same year. Her second novel, The Hoarder, published as Mr. Flood's Last Resort in the U.S. and Canada was shortlisted for the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year 2019. Both books were BBC Radio 2 Book Club Picks. Her latest book, the Victorian detective tale Things in Jars, has been released to critical acclaim. Jess’s work has been described as ‘Gabriel García Márquez meets The Pogues.’
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
May 5, 2026
Murder at the Spirit Lounge is the second book in the Nora Breen Investigates series by award-winning London-born author, Jess Kidd. Former Carmelite nun, Nora Breen first encounters popular psychic, Doreen Chimes when Gore-on-Sea’s Detective Inspector Hilary Rideout requests her presence at the lady’s residence, Ravensholme, reporting a minor theft.
Nora is a little concerned when Rideout seems uncharacteristically gullible about the medium’s powers. The next time she sees Doreen Chimes, the woman is mysteriously dead, mid-message from beyond, during a séance attended by only a select group of invitees, one of whom is Rideout. Shocked, they may be, but each attendee must be questioned, as must the missing Ravensholme charwoman.
On a more pragmatic note, with her cash reserves running low, Nora is thinking she’ll need to visit a second-hand store for clothing if she doesn’t get a paying job soon, when fellow Gulls Nest lodger, Bill Carter presents a novel solution that very much appeals to her. To her surprise, she is soon comfortably attired in masculine wear, which comes in handy on a later trip to London.
Photographer and jazz enthusiast, Mr Hosmer understands Nora’s financial predicament, and recommends her to Martine Hartigan, the editor of the Gore-on-Sea Herald, in need of a reporter. He hopes that doing things like reviewing the food offered by the Marine Hotel’s new French chef will keep her out of harm’s way.
But lunch there proves otherwise, as Nora witnesses one séance attendee, apparently hallucinating, jumping to her death from a window, while the young woman’s mother, also present at Doreen Chimes’s death, is found dead in her bed. What frightened Harriet Braybrooke was the spectral figure of a uniformed young man, also seen by Nora.
Trace evidence in Lady Constance Braybrooke’s room provides a firm link to Doreen’s demise, apparently murder. Rideout and Breen quickly understand that each person at the séance is therefore in danger of being murdered. Links are sought between the victims and the seemingly disparate remaining potential targets: a curmudgeonly military type lodged at Gulls Nest; an actress staying at a theatrical boarding house; a developer ensconced in the Marine Hotel’s penthouse suite; and Rideout himself.
Interrogations, trace evidence, manner of death, research, and Nora’s interviews with two of those remaining, lead to visits to a refuge for shell-shocked servicemen, and a London Gentleman’s Club, as Rideout and Breen follow up every possible avenue in search of motive. By the time three more have been murdered, Nora has observed that there’s a definite theatrical quality to this very inventive killer’s work: electrocution, poisoning, suffocation, maddening, fire and garrotting have all been employed by a master of disguise. Along with Rideout’s colleagues, Nora is extremely worried when he is the last man standing.
There’s plenty of dry, and sometimes, black humour in the banter between characters, and Kidd gives Nora some great lines:
“’Miss Breen, I would caution you against letting your imagination run away with you,’ he says, uppishly. ‘I appreciate that ladies are more excitable, less level-headed—’
Nora snorts. ‘And I would caution you, Colonel Fulford, to sift through your mind’s flotsam before letting it froth out of your mouth.’”
There are serious moments too: about a shell-shocked serviceman, Rideout observes “‘We had a job to do, and we had to keep on doing it day after day. So naturally many of us– and not just our group captain– frowned down on the men who chose to unravel.’” To which Nora replies “You thought those men had a choice of whether or not to unravel?”
Some exchanges, Nora isn’t sure about: “‘He’ll think you’re my fancy woman.’
‘Don’t even joke about it.’
Rideout starts the engine. ‘Would that be so dreadful after all?’”
Rideout does now seem to be resigned to Nora sticking her coulter in: “You have an open invitation, Breen. You’re usually to be found wherever the trouble is anyway.”
Before matters are resolved, there are red herrings and distractions in the lead up to a nail-biting climax. This is another delightful helping of Nora Breen and her Gore-on-Sea associates, and fans will have fingers crossed that Jess Kidd has more of this cast up her literary sleeve.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Faber & Faber Ltd.
Nora is a little concerned when Rideout seems uncharacteristically gullible about the medium’s powers. The next time she sees Doreen Chimes, the woman is mysteriously dead, mid-message from beyond, during a séance attended by only a select group of invitees, one of whom is Rideout. Shocked, they may be, but each attendee must be questioned, as must the missing Ravensholme charwoman.
On a more pragmatic note, with her cash reserves running low, Nora is thinking she’ll need to visit a second-hand store for clothing if she doesn’t get a paying job soon, when fellow Gulls Nest lodger, Bill Carter presents a novel solution that very much appeals to her. To her surprise, she is soon comfortably attired in masculine wear, which comes in handy on a later trip to London.
Photographer and jazz enthusiast, Mr Hosmer understands Nora’s financial predicament, and recommends her to Martine Hartigan, the editor of the Gore-on-Sea Herald, in need of a reporter. He hopes that doing things like reviewing the food offered by the Marine Hotel’s new French chef will keep her out of harm’s way.
But lunch there proves otherwise, as Nora witnesses one séance attendee, apparently hallucinating, jumping to her death from a window, while the young woman’s mother, also present at Doreen Chimes’s death, is found dead in her bed. What frightened Harriet Braybrooke was the spectral figure of a uniformed young man, also seen by Nora.
Trace evidence in Lady Constance Braybrooke’s room provides a firm link to Doreen’s demise, apparently murder. Rideout and Breen quickly understand that each person at the séance is therefore in danger of being murdered. Links are sought between the victims and the seemingly disparate remaining potential targets: a curmudgeonly military type lodged at Gulls Nest; an actress staying at a theatrical boarding house; a developer ensconced in the Marine Hotel’s penthouse suite; and Rideout himself.
Interrogations, trace evidence, manner of death, research, and Nora’s interviews with two of those remaining, lead to visits to a refuge for shell-shocked servicemen, and a London Gentleman’s Club, as Rideout and Breen follow up every possible avenue in search of motive. By the time three more have been murdered, Nora has observed that there’s a definite theatrical quality to this very inventive killer’s work: electrocution, poisoning, suffocation, maddening, fire and garrotting have all been employed by a master of disguise. Along with Rideout’s colleagues, Nora is extremely worried when he is the last man standing.
There’s plenty of dry, and sometimes, black humour in the banter between characters, and Kidd gives Nora some great lines:
“’Miss Breen, I would caution you against letting your imagination run away with you,’ he says, uppishly. ‘I appreciate that ladies are more excitable, less level-headed—’
Nora snorts. ‘And I would caution you, Colonel Fulford, to sift through your mind’s flotsam before letting it froth out of your mouth.’”
There are serious moments too: about a shell-shocked serviceman, Rideout observes “‘We had a job to do, and we had to keep on doing it day after day. So naturally many of us– and not just our group captain– frowned down on the men who chose to unravel.’” To which Nora replies “You thought those men had a choice of whether or not to unravel?”
Some exchanges, Nora isn’t sure about: “‘He’ll think you’re my fancy woman.’
‘Don’t even joke about it.’
Rideout starts the engine. ‘Would that be so dreadful after all?’”
Rideout does now seem to be resigned to Nora sticking her coulter in: “You have an open invitation, Breen. You’re usually to be found wherever the trouble is anyway.”
Before matters are resolved, there are red herrings and distractions in the lead up to a nail-biting climax. This is another delightful helping of Nora Breen and her Gore-on-Sea associates, and fans will have fingers crossed that Jess Kidd has more of this cast up her literary sleeve.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Faber & Faber Ltd.
March 19, 2026
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, so I was really excited to return to Nora Breen’s world and see where the story would go next. I’m very glad this is continuing as a series, but this installment didn’t quite hit the same mark for me.
The first half of the book felt quite slow, and it took me several days to get through roughly the first 50–55%. There was a lot of buildup that, in my opinion, could have been tightened, as some sections felt repetitive or padded and didn’t add much to the overall mystery. That said, once the story picked up, it really picked up. The second half moved at a much stronger pace and became far more engaging, and I ended up finishing it quickly once things fell into place.
I was also hoping for more development between Nora and Rideout. The slow-burn dynamic continues here, but it didn’t feel like it progressed much compared to the first book. I did find Nora’s characterization interesting in parts, particularly the direction the author seems to be exploring with her identity, though it didn’t fully land for me in this installment.
Overall, this felt like a slower middle book that could have benefited from tighter editing, but I’m still invested enough in the series to pick up the next one and see where it goes
The first half of the book felt quite slow, and it took me several days to get through roughly the first 50–55%. There was a lot of buildup that, in my opinion, could have been tightened, as some sections felt repetitive or padded and didn’t add much to the overall mystery. That said, once the story picked up, it really picked up. The second half moved at a much stronger pace and became far more engaging, and I ended up finishing it quickly once things fell into place.
I was also hoping for more development between Nora and Rideout. The slow-burn dynamic continues here, but it didn’t feel like it progressed much compared to the first book. I did find Nora’s characterization interesting in parts, particularly the direction the author seems to be exploring with her identity, though it didn’t fully land for me in this installment.
Overall, this felt like a slower middle book that could have benefited from tighter editing, but I’m still invested enough in the series to pick up the next one and see where it goes
May 13, 2026
Nora Breen is back to solve another crime.
Nora is still at Gull's Nest in Gore-on-Sea, the site of the first murders, but she's at a loose end and running out of money. Thankfully she doesn't have to wait long until DI Rideout is asking for help on another case.
Breen rushes to help at a seance to which Rideout, along with several other luminaries, have been especially invited by the renowned medium, Doreen Chimes. Unfortunately for Ms Chimes she had not foreseen her own demise. The only clues to what happened are the odd markings on Ms Chimes body and the eerie message spelt out on the ouija board - EVE.
And Ms Chimes is far from the only victim of the seance. As the body count increases it becomes clear that someone is targeting the seance attendees; that means Rideout is in the firing line.
Can Breen and Rideout chase down the deranged murderer once more or will Rideout pay the ultimate price?
Another wonderful murder mystery from the great Jess Kidd. Is there no genre she cannot turn her hand to? I love the characters in these books. Rideout's grumpy demeanour works so well with Nora's no-nonsense approach.
As in the first book the residents of Gull's Nest Guest House all play their parts including the silent Diana who always seems to know more than may be healthy for her and Bill Carter who is happy to provide Nora with interesting outfits.
Oddly for me I actually managed to figure out some parts of whodunnit. But there are several twists along the way to keep you guessing. I am hopeless with really complicated plots but there is just enough in here to keep me happy and mostly confused.
Definitely recommended. I'd read the first Nora Breen before starting this but even if you don't it should be easy enough to read as a stand alone.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Faber & Faber for the digital review copy.
Nora is still at Gull's Nest in Gore-on-Sea, the site of the first murders, but she's at a loose end and running out of money. Thankfully she doesn't have to wait long until DI Rideout is asking for help on another case.
Breen rushes to help at a seance to which Rideout, along with several other luminaries, have been especially invited by the renowned medium, Doreen Chimes. Unfortunately for Ms Chimes she had not foreseen her own demise. The only clues to what happened are the odd markings on Ms Chimes body and the eerie message spelt out on the ouija board - EVE.
And Ms Chimes is far from the only victim of the seance. As the body count increases it becomes clear that someone is targeting the seance attendees; that means Rideout is in the firing line.
Can Breen and Rideout chase down the deranged murderer once more or will Rideout pay the ultimate price?
Another wonderful murder mystery from the great Jess Kidd. Is there no genre she cannot turn her hand to? I love the characters in these books. Rideout's grumpy demeanour works so well with Nora's no-nonsense approach.
As in the first book the residents of Gull's Nest Guest House all play their parts including the silent Diana who always seems to know more than may be healthy for her and Bill Carter who is happy to provide Nora with interesting outfits.
Oddly for me I actually managed to figure out some parts of whodunnit. But there are several twists along the way to keep you guessing. I am hopeless with really complicated plots but there is just enough in here to keep me happy and mostly confused.
Definitely recommended. I'd read the first Nora Breen before starting this but even if you don't it should be easy enough to read as a stand alone.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Faber & Faber for the digital review copy.
January 16, 2026
This is the second in the Nora Breen Investigates crime series but stands alone quite well. There ae clearly things you don’t know about Nora and Detective Rideout from the first novel but nothing that detracts anything from this story. It is well paced and has good characterisations throughout. The plot works well, and I enjoyed the mystery and it’s resolution although the end did feel slightly abrupt. I found this an engaging, enjoyable story .
My thanks to the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.
My thanks to the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.
March 23, 2026
3.5 stars
May 10, 2026
Yes Nora is back for a second outing, supported ably by the team of regular characters which readers are loving. After Nora's first bit of amateur sleuthing, she finds herself becoming Inspector Rideout's right hand woman when a murder takes place during a seance leaving those who attended at risk of being 'knocked off' themselves. Nora and Rideout find themselves up against the clock to find the killer.
I cannot stress how likeable the characters are in the Nora Breen Investigates series. Firstly there's the rather spectacular Nora and Inspector Rideout and then there's the supporting characters, a favourite is Irene, Nora's ebullient (not) landlady who has some great laugh out loud moments. Jess Kidd manages to mix the humour with some dark themes, what war does to men and women, the psychological damage and how Nora faces her own past. If you are looking for an entertaining, well written read then look no further, I look forward to spending time with Nora, Rideout and Irene again. A joy.
I cannot stress how likeable the characters are in the Nora Breen Investigates series. Firstly there's the rather spectacular Nora and Inspector Rideout and then there's the supporting characters, a favourite is Irene, Nora's ebullient (not) landlady who has some great laugh out loud moments. Jess Kidd manages to mix the humour with some dark themes, what war does to men and women, the psychological damage and how Nora faces her own past. If you are looking for an entertaining, well written read then look no further, I look forward to spending time with Nora, Rideout and Irene again. A joy.
April 17, 2026
I really enjoyed this second installment in the series. It felt like it struck a good balance tying book one too book two. Once again, I was able to predict the twist pretty early on, not that necessarily is a bad thing.
Wonder where the next book will go!
Wonder where the next book will go!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Former nun Nora Breen loves to start her day with a walk along the beach. In the first paragraph of the book, we read that, "Nora Breen walks the shoreline, along the length of the deserted December beach. It is some form of lunacy that has her up and out at first light, every morning, traipsing along the tide's ragged hem, whatever the weather, whether the sky is a crisp laundry-day blue, or dawn arrives dark and drear. Wind-lashed, rain-drenched, frozen to the bone, she doesn't care. It's an exhilarating communion. Herself, braced against the elements, slipping over shingle, blown sideways, abraded by sand. Her head filled with the boom and hiss of wave over shale and the scream of gulls as they dip and jibe above. Then back to the boarding house with chapped lips, wild hair, a face like a slapped arse, and a thirst for hot coffee." On this day, however, the hot coffee will have to wait because as she's walking home, Inspector Rideout pulls up alongside her and asks her to accompany him to the home of Doreen Chimes, a clairvoyant, who has reported the theft of some property. She's having a seance that very night and she invites Inspector Rideout to attend. Her seances are by invitation only and as Nora learns when being shown around the house, there are always 5 'guests' and Doreen herself. (Note: on Goodreads she's called Dolores, but in my copy, she's Doreen). Also invited is Captain Fulford, another guest at the boarding house where Nora lives. Rideout attends the seance but things don't get very far before the lights go out and Doreen is dead. Was she the only target or are there more deaths to follow? Why would someone want to kill her? Who else was at the seance and why? Nora and Rideout proceed to look for answers to these questions while trying to prevent more murders.
I loved this book as much as I did the first one in the series. Although this is the second book in that series, it's not necessary to have read the first one to enjoy this one. It stands alone quite well, I think, but the first one does lay out more of Nora's backstory and her history in the boarding house and her life before, as well as that of some of the other recurring characters. In the first book, Nora was more unsure of herself in some ways, being in the outside world for the first time in decades. In this book, she's found her footing a bit more and although there are some things she still doesn't understand completely right away, she does draw on her experiences at the monastery to deal with people in ways that sometimes cause them to be taken aback. There is also humor in this book, which I quite enjoyed. I laughed out loud at times. The mystery is somewhat unusual, although I did see some things coming. The setting is beautifully done--as you can see from the paragraph above, Jess Kidd really places readers in the time and place and I was happy to spend time in 1950s England with her. The conclusion was interesting but satisfying. There's much to love in this book and I am already looking forward to the next book.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for a digital review copy.
I loved this book as much as I did the first one in the series. Although this is the second book in that series, it's not necessary to have read the first one to enjoy this one. It stands alone quite well, I think, but the first one does lay out more of Nora's backstory and her history in the boarding house and her life before, as well as that of some of the other recurring characters. In the first book, Nora was more unsure of herself in some ways, being in the outside world for the first time in decades. In this book, she's found her footing a bit more and although there are some things she still doesn't understand completely right away, she does draw on her experiences at the monastery to deal with people in ways that sometimes cause them to be taken aback. There is also humor in this book, which I quite enjoyed. I laughed out loud at times. The mystery is somewhat unusual, although I did see some things coming. The setting is beautifully done--as you can see from the paragraph above, Jess Kidd really places readers in the time and place and I was happy to spend time in 1950s England with her. The conclusion was interesting but satisfying. There's much to love in this book and I am already looking forward to the next book.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for a digital review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
‘A lapsed Nun, a Police Inspector and a Medium walk into a Lounge’ sounds like the start of a Shaggy Dog story – a comedic trope in the 1950s when this story is set. But what is the punchline? Nora Breen was a Carmelite Nun for thirty years, before leaving her Monastery in Ireland and moving to Gore-on Sea on the Kent Coast. Hilary Rideout was a bomber pilot in the War and is now the local Police Inspector. Doreen Chimes is a famous Medium, renowned for her ability to contact the deceased, and the War has certainly increased the number of the latter. Doreen only has invited clients at her séances, and Rideout is invited to the next one. Nora has no truck with such nonsense and can’t see why her friend and associate should wish to attend but goes along with him to check-out the set-up before the séance – hence my opening line. Rideout goes to the event where he is one of seven attendees, and the ‘show’ begins. The Spirit Lounge is dimly lit, mostly by candles, everyone holds hands, the planchette starts to spell out a message and then there is a loud bang, and the room is plunged into darkness. When order is restored, they discover that Doreen has passed from the Corporate world to the Spirit world. Natural causes? Accident? Murder? While that choice is being resolved, the seven attendees start to die and Nora is determined to solve the mystery and find their killer before Rideout becomes a victim.
This is the second in a cozy crime series featuring Breen and Rideout. Nora relates the events and does most of the puzzle solving, while Rideout lets her tag along – simultaneously claiming she is interfering and putting herself at risk but also asking her advice and inviting her attendance at crime scenes. So an odd couple, but not a unique device in this genre. Nora must be about fifty (postulant at around eighteen and then thirty years in the monastery); Rideout should be early thirties (average age of a bomber pilot in 1945 was about twenty-three and the story appears to be set in the mid-fifties) but his description makes him seem to be older. There is a romantic frisson between them, nevertheless (as there is between Nora and Hosmer the town’s photographer). Still age isn’t everything! Nora as narrator is prone to description by list; for example Doreen is described as: “Russet of hair, green of eye, curling of lip, voluptuous of form”. The plot is not hard to work out, but it rolls along quite nicely until the final confrontation, which is a bit scrambled. So not perfect, for me, but cozy crime readers will love it.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
This is the second in a cozy crime series featuring Breen and Rideout. Nora relates the events and does most of the puzzle solving, while Rideout lets her tag along – simultaneously claiming she is interfering and putting herself at risk but also asking her advice and inviting her attendance at crime scenes. So an odd couple, but not a unique device in this genre. Nora must be about fifty (postulant at around eighteen and then thirty years in the monastery); Rideout should be early thirties (average age of a bomber pilot in 1945 was about twenty-three and the story appears to be set in the mid-fifties) but his description makes him seem to be older. There is a romantic frisson between them, nevertheless (as there is between Nora and Hosmer the town’s photographer). Still age isn’t everything! Nora as narrator is prone to description by list; for example Doreen is described as: “Russet of hair, green of eye, curling of lip, voluptuous of form”. The plot is not hard to work out, but it rolls along quite nicely until the final confrontation, which is a bit scrambled. So not perfect, for me, but cozy crime readers will love it.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Faber Books for sending me a GIFTED proof Murder At the Spirit Lounge, the second book in Jess Kidd's Nora Breen Investigates Series.
We first encounter former Nun, Nora Breen, in Murder At Gulls Nest. Now she is back for another adventure in Gore-on-Sea, and this time it's spookily spectral in nature!
Dolores Chimes, a famous, and very glamorous medium, has arrived in the seaside town, and is causing quite the stir. So much so that even Detective Inspector Rideout is lured to attend one of her séances by her promises of messages from the afterlife.
But the reading goes disastrously wrong, Dolores loses her life, and in the following days, the people who attended the séance also succumb to supernatural deaths, one by one.
Sceptical Nora is determined to unveil the truth, and finds herself chasing the ghostly serial killer she believes to be responsible. But can she do so before the final victim, Detective Rideout himself, perishes?
Oh how I loved being back in the company of the inimitable Nora. She really is my kind of gal: a plain speaking, gutsy, observer of human nature, intelligent, extremely practical, and full of common sense.
Rideout pretends she's a nuisance, but anyone can see that he'd be lost without Nora's perceptive powers of detection, and their dynamic has such chemistry.
In this second brilliant instalment, the characters are developing nicely, and I really enjoyed seeing different elements of Rideout's and Nora's personalities being revealed, as the spark between them grows.
They're a great working partnership solving clues and detecting crime, but they're also a great romance waiting to happen. Yes, Nora has a soft spot for Hosmer, the photographer, but you can see Rideout is the one for her, and she for him, and I'm here for it!
It's also fun to see more of life at Gulls Nest, with Bill and his 'contacts'; silent, will-o-the-wisp Dinah; and Irene with her seriously amusing deficit in the hospitality and culinary skills department.
The plot has plenty of twists, turns and red herrings to keep you guessing, and a very neat twist, which combine with the wry humour, engaging characters, and the deftly created sense of a 1950s seaside town, to make a really appealing and quirky read for lovers of cosy crime looking for their next satisfying read.
I absolutely loved it, and it's crying out for a BBC TV adaptation - I've had so much fun deciding which actors might be perfect for each of the characters!
Thank you Jess Kidd and Faber for a great, great read. There's only one problem....I'm now ABSOLUTELY DESPERATE for book three!!
We first encounter former Nun, Nora Breen, in Murder At Gulls Nest. Now she is back for another adventure in Gore-on-Sea, and this time it's spookily spectral in nature!
Dolores Chimes, a famous, and very glamorous medium, has arrived in the seaside town, and is causing quite the stir. So much so that even Detective Inspector Rideout is lured to attend one of her séances by her promises of messages from the afterlife.
But the reading goes disastrously wrong, Dolores loses her life, and in the following days, the people who attended the séance also succumb to supernatural deaths, one by one.
Sceptical Nora is determined to unveil the truth, and finds herself chasing the ghostly serial killer she believes to be responsible. But can she do so before the final victim, Detective Rideout himself, perishes?
Oh how I loved being back in the company of the inimitable Nora. She really is my kind of gal: a plain speaking, gutsy, observer of human nature, intelligent, extremely practical, and full of common sense.
Rideout pretends she's a nuisance, but anyone can see that he'd be lost without Nora's perceptive powers of detection, and their dynamic has such chemistry.
In this second brilliant instalment, the characters are developing nicely, and I really enjoyed seeing different elements of Rideout's and Nora's personalities being revealed, as the spark between them grows.
They're a great working partnership solving clues and detecting crime, but they're also a great romance waiting to happen. Yes, Nora has a soft spot for Hosmer, the photographer, but you can see Rideout is the one for her, and she for him, and I'm here for it!
It's also fun to see more of life at Gulls Nest, with Bill and his 'contacts'; silent, will-o-the-wisp Dinah; and Irene with her seriously amusing deficit in the hospitality and culinary skills department.
The plot has plenty of twists, turns and red herrings to keep you guessing, and a very neat twist, which combine with the wry humour, engaging characters, and the deftly created sense of a 1950s seaside town, to make a really appealing and quirky read for lovers of cosy crime looking for their next satisfying read.
I absolutely loved it, and it's crying out for a BBC TV adaptation - I've had so much fun deciding which actors might be perfect for each of the characters!
Thank you Jess Kidd and Faber for a great, great read. There's only one problem....I'm now ABSOLUTELY DESPERATE for book three!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 28, 2026"The way to find a needle in a haystack is to sit down." (Beryl Markham)
Jess Kidd slides another needle into an almost insurmountable haystack in Murder at the Spirit Lounge. This is another delicious mystery just like the first book in this series, Murder at the Gulls Nest (2025). This one can definitely be read as a standalone, but you'd miss all the interactions of these quirky characters with a bit of humor tossed here and there in the first one.
Nora Breen is a former nun who resides at a boardinghouse in Gore-on-Sea in the 1950's. She's short on funds but never short on resourcefulness and wit. Nora found herself assisting DI Rideout of the local police to solve a mystery in the first book. Nora has an uncanny ability to see the underside of humans and what they're capable of. She's also quick-witted and speaks her mind straight out with no filters much to the arched eyebrow of Rideout.
Murder at the Spirit Lounge has a nice Agatha Christie vibe to it. We're hunkered down in the home of the famous medium, Dolores Chimes. We observe six "sitters" by invitation only seated around a table in a room lit only by candlelight. As Dolores leans in and manipulates her spirit board, she suddenly gasps and does a face plant on the table. The table catches fire. They run to put out the fire only glancing over at the now dead Dolores. What in the world happened?
DI Rideout calls upon Nora to assist him in this small village. Nora definitely picks up on wayward clues and the wayward behaviors of the suspects. And as this story rolls out, each of the "sitters" will be meeting up with their own demise much like Dolores. But why? What is their connection?
Murder at the Spirit Lounge is a bit of a slow mover. But hear me out. Sleuthing was done back then on foot with ringing doorbells and following up on word-of-mouth clues. No iPhones nor high tech. The mind shuffled around the unknown to the known. The process of reasoning, indeed. We readers are the ride alongs and sitting next to Nora is a hoot. Jess Kidd takes the action far outside of Nora's boarding house, but there's plenty of goings-on within that weirdly funny house as well with its inhabitants. The crimes are serious, but getting there adds such an amusing tone. Well done as always, Jess Kidd. Well done.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Atria Books and to the talented Jess Kidd for the opportunity.
Jess Kidd slides another needle into an almost insurmountable haystack in Murder at the Spirit Lounge. This is another delicious mystery just like the first book in this series, Murder at the Gulls Nest (2025). This one can definitely be read as a standalone, but you'd miss all the interactions of these quirky characters with a bit of humor tossed here and there in the first one.
Nora Breen is a former nun who resides at a boardinghouse in Gore-on-Sea in the 1950's. She's short on funds but never short on resourcefulness and wit. Nora found herself assisting DI Rideout of the local police to solve a mystery in the first book. Nora has an uncanny ability to see the underside of humans and what they're capable of. She's also quick-witted and speaks her mind straight out with no filters much to the arched eyebrow of Rideout.
Murder at the Spirit Lounge has a nice Agatha Christie vibe to it. We're hunkered down in the home of the famous medium, Dolores Chimes. We observe six "sitters" by invitation only seated around a table in a room lit only by candlelight. As Dolores leans in and manipulates her spirit board, she suddenly gasps and does a face plant on the table. The table catches fire. They run to put out the fire only glancing over at the now dead Dolores. What in the world happened?
DI Rideout calls upon Nora to assist him in this small village. Nora definitely picks up on wayward clues and the wayward behaviors of the suspects. And as this story rolls out, each of the "sitters" will be meeting up with their own demise much like Dolores. But why? What is their connection?
Murder at the Spirit Lounge is a bit of a slow mover. But hear me out. Sleuthing was done back then on foot with ringing doorbells and following up on word-of-mouth clues. No iPhones nor high tech. The mind shuffled around the unknown to the known. The process of reasoning, indeed. We readers are the ride alongs and sitting next to Nora is a hoot. Jess Kidd takes the action far outside of Nora's boarding house, but there's plenty of goings-on within that weirdly funny house as well with its inhabitants. The crimes are serious, but getting there adds such an amusing tone. Well done as always, Jess Kidd. Well done.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Atria Books and to the talented Jess Kidd for the opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jess Kidd’s Nora Breen series is dramatically different from the other two books I’d read by the author, Things in Jars and The Night Ship, and as traditional mysteries are much more my cup of tea.
Nora Breen is a former nun who initially ends up in Gore-on-Sea in the first book of the series, and decides she rather likes it and decides to stay. The lull in excitement after solving a series of murders has her feeling restless, so naturally the small seaside community serves up a series of new murders for her to investigate along with her friend and Detective Sergeant Rideout.
The murders start with a local medium during a gathering, and attendees of the gathering began dying in quick succession almost immediately after. This causes Nora great concern, because Rideout was one of the attendees.
Nora discovers over the course of the first few murders that all of the attendees likely had one person in common, Evelyn Leyton. But Leyton died three years ago, so who is the murderer?
As attendees continue dying the sense of urgency increases that Rideout could be next. Kidd does a great job of creating this sense of urgency, with the macabre deaths that happen despite police protection, ghostly soldiers, tailing cars, and a suspenseful ending.
I loved the reveal of the murderer and how they were able to get away with everything they did. I did struggle some with their reasoning for killing all the people associated with Evelyn. I expected them all to be guilty of doing something horrible to him, but it seemed to be more about knowing Evelyn and being relatively close geographically.
I also enjoy the whodunnit of a traditional mystery, and while the why didn’t feel entirely satisfying, the how element of it was great. Kidd also keeps the stories from feeling too much like a cozy mystery, where cutesy storylines and comic relief can often detract the mystery that’s supposed to be the primary storyline. I look forward to the next book in the Nora Breen series, because I know it will be coming at some point!
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Nora Breen is a former nun who initially ends up in Gore-on-Sea in the first book of the series, and decides she rather likes it and decides to stay. The lull in excitement after solving a series of murders has her feeling restless, so naturally the small seaside community serves up a series of new murders for her to investigate along with her friend and Detective Sergeant Rideout.
The murders start with a local medium during a gathering, and attendees of the gathering began dying in quick succession almost immediately after. This causes Nora great concern, because Rideout was one of the attendees.
Nora discovers over the course of the first few murders that all of the attendees likely had one person in common, Evelyn Leyton. But Leyton died three years ago, so who is the murderer?
As attendees continue dying the sense of urgency increases that Rideout could be next. Kidd does a great job of creating this sense of urgency, with the macabre deaths that happen despite police protection, ghostly soldiers, tailing cars, and a suspenseful ending.
I loved the reveal of the murderer and how they were able to get away with everything they did. I did struggle some with their reasoning for killing all the people associated with Evelyn. I expected them all to be guilty of doing something horrible to him, but it seemed to be more about knowing Evelyn and being relatively close geographically.
I also enjoy the whodunnit of a traditional mystery, and while the why didn’t feel entirely satisfying, the how element of it was great. Kidd also keeps the stories from feeling too much like a cozy mystery, where cutesy storylines and comic relief can often detract the mystery that’s supposed to be the primary storyline. I look forward to the next book in the Nora Breen series, because I know it will be coming at some point!
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Nora Breen is settling in at Gore-on-Sea. Detective Inspector Hilary Rideout is getting into a habit of asking her to accompany him to cases, she stops by to listen to music and drink coffee with Hosmer of Hosmer's Photographic Studio, and she's been recommended for a writing gig with the Gore-on-Sea Herald. Then Dolores Chimes' reading goes disastrously wrong, leading to the death of the medium herself, followed by the people in attendance. Breen and Rideout must solve the mysterious killings before the last victim - Rideout - dies.
I enjoyed this one quite a bit more than the first book (Murder at Gulls Nest). I'm not sure whether it's because Breen is less unlikeable in this one, or because I'm somewhat familiar with her now. The third person present tense is still a little jarring at times, but it is what it is. (I cannot figure out why this irks me so much when I've read other stories in this style - maybe because those were usually short stories and not a full novel? idk)
I'm ambivalent about the love triangle subplot, even if it does add to some of the tension in the book. Rideout and Breen's relationship has progressed to a place where it feels more natural - and rather like a good partnership - even if Breen is a little oblivious to Rideout's feelings. Adding another suitor, which Breen is again rather oblivious about, felt rather awkward.
At any rate, the mystery itself is a tantalising morsel. There are so many threads to pull on, so many secrets and hidden relationships to reveal, and it's easy to get absorbed into the tragedies playing out in Gore-on-Nest. It snaps along at a good pace, full of tension.
Overall, another exciting whodunit!
Note: I received a digital ARC of this book from Atria Books via Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I enjoyed this one quite a bit more than the first book (Murder at Gulls Nest). I'm not sure whether it's because Breen is less unlikeable in this one, or because I'm somewhat familiar with her now. The third person present tense is still a little jarring at times, but it is what it is. (I cannot figure out why this irks me so much when I've read other stories in this style - maybe because those were usually short stories and not a full novel? idk)
I'm ambivalent about the love triangle subplot, even if it does add to some of the tension in the book. Rideout and Breen's relationship has progressed to a place where it feels more natural - and rather like a good partnership - even if Breen is a little oblivious to Rideout's feelings. Adding another suitor, which Breen is again rather oblivious about, felt rather awkward.
At any rate, the mystery itself is a tantalising morsel. There are so many threads to pull on, so many secrets and hidden relationships to reveal, and it's easy to get absorbed into the tragedies playing out in Gore-on-Nest. It snaps along at a good pace, full of tension.
Overall, another exciting whodunit!
Note: I received a digital ARC of this book from Atria Books via Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved Jess Kidd’s second Nora Breen mystery, Murder at the Spirit Lounge, despite the author adopting the one writing style that I detest: writing the novel in the present tense. It is artificial, it does not create a “immersive, immediate, and high-stakes reading experience”, despite what AI might generate from trawling the Internet. However, that’s the author’s choice…
Nora, the ex-nun resident in a seaside boarding house, is invited by her friend, Detective Inspector Rideout, to accompany him to interview a woman who says she’s been robbed. The woman is a medium and people attend her seances by personal invitation only. The story continues with Rideout being one of those invited to her next séance – which ends in a suspicious death.
Rideout and Breen make a terrific professional partnership and the novel shows the deepening friendship between the two. There is also her friend, Hosmer, the owner of a photographic studio, who is worried about her welfare and is very keen on taking her out for meals and for dancing. I found Hosmer’s devotion to Nora - and her ignorance of his (fairly obvious) feelings – quite touching. Hosmer recommends Nora to a local newspaper editor who needs a reporter. This, of course, gives Nora an excuse for inserting herself into various places and situations; and for asking lots of nosy questions – a brilliant plot development!
Although I identified the murderer with, I think, the first clue, I was still rapt until the very end. The book is very well-written, with an awful inevitability moving the plot; and great banter between Breen and the other characters. She does not waste time on niceties, saying what she thinks, whether it will be welcomed or not. Every page is a joy to read.
#MurderattheSpiritLounge #NetGalley
Nora, the ex-nun resident in a seaside boarding house, is invited by her friend, Detective Inspector Rideout, to accompany him to interview a woman who says she’s been robbed. The woman is a medium and people attend her seances by personal invitation only. The story continues with Rideout being one of those invited to her next séance – which ends in a suspicious death.
Rideout and Breen make a terrific professional partnership and the novel shows the deepening friendship between the two. There is also her friend, Hosmer, the owner of a photographic studio, who is worried about her welfare and is very keen on taking her out for meals and for dancing. I found Hosmer’s devotion to Nora - and her ignorance of his (fairly obvious) feelings – quite touching. Hosmer recommends Nora to a local newspaper editor who needs a reporter. This, of course, gives Nora an excuse for inserting herself into various places and situations; and for asking lots of nosy questions – a brilliant plot development!
Although I identified the murderer with, I think, the first clue, I was still rapt until the very end. The book is very well-written, with an awful inevitability moving the plot; and great banter between Breen and the other characters. She does not waste time on niceties, saying what she thinks, whether it will be welcomed or not. Every page is a joy to read.
#MurderattheSpiritLounge #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the first installment of the Nora Breen series, Murder at Gulls Nest, and I enjoyed this one as much if not more so. The character of Nora Breen, Irish ex-nun now living in a boarding house in an English seaside town, is three dimensional and very likeable. She has a sharp wit but also a tender heart. I really appreciated how, even though this novel is in third person, we are so privy to Nora’s thoughts that it almost feels like first person.
In this chapter of Nora’s adventures, she is still living in Gulls Nest, a boardinghouse full of quirky people and site of the tragic murders that were the subject of the previous book. She is still in cautious, sometimes flirtatious friendship with Inspector Rideout, who finds her captivating and maddening all at the same time. Although he would prefer not to, he finds himself reluctantly involving her in police work.
This time, the police work revolves around a medium named Doreen Chimes, who runs seances for the upper crust from her stately home. One evening, a seance goes terribly wrong and there is a murder. Who is behind the death? Was it possibly the spirits she had called on, or is it a more earthly entity?
I think this book is most accurately described as “literary mystery.” Jess Kidd’s prose is self assured, well paced, and beautifully descriptive without being excessive. I hope she has plans for a third book about Nora Breen.
I really enjoyed the first installment of the Nora Breen series, Murder at Gulls Nest, and I enjoyed this one as much if not more so. The character of Nora Breen, Irish ex-nun now living in a boarding house in an English seaside town, is three dimensional and very likeable. She has a sharp wit but also a tender heart. I really appreciated how, even though this novel is in third person, we are so privy to Nora’s thoughts that it almost feels like first person.
In this chapter of Nora’s adventures, she is still living in Gulls Nest, a boardinghouse full of quirky people and site of the tragic murders that were the subject of the previous book. She is still in cautious, sometimes flirtatious friendship with Inspector Rideout, who finds her captivating and maddening all at the same time. Although he would prefer not to, he finds himself reluctantly involving her in police work.
This time, the police work revolves around a medium named Doreen Chimes, who runs seances for the upper crust from her stately home. One evening, a seance goes terribly wrong and there is a murder. Who is behind the death? Was it possibly the spirits she had called on, or is it a more earthly entity?
I think this book is most accurately described as “literary mystery.” Jess Kidd’s prose is self assured, well paced, and beautifully descriptive without being excessive. I hope she has plans for a third book about Nora Breen.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I missed the historical fiction part of this when requesting from NetGalley. I typically do not read historical fiction. But I decided to carry on as the story sounded interesting. I may not read fiction based in that era but I still love me a PBS British Mystery set in that time. And quickly jumped into visualizing the characters and their surrounding. This story is the 2nd in the series but the first for me. It can be read as a standalone. I was able to gather our main character's background was that of a Nun and that she had left her order. I did eventually read the first title's description to find out why she had left. But it isn't necessary to have read it.
The very beginning was interesting as we meet the psychic involved, the participants, and the death takes place early on. However. It became a bit of a slog to get through the story. I will repeat what another review said, "this could have been tightened up a bit more". More editing would have made this story more engaging for me. As it were, I did make it through and found the killer to be very interesting. I also like the slow burn "romantic" interest between our Nora Breen and Detective Rideout. Rightly handled in a very mature fashion for someone who was a practicing nun before they met. I didn't mind that all.
I am giving this 3.5 stars. It really was a push to continue at one point. But I overall liked the story and would really like to read book 3.
Thank you #netgalley and #AtriaBooks for the eARC of #MurderattheSpiritLounge
The very beginning was interesting as we meet the psychic involved, the participants, and the death takes place early on. However. It became a bit of a slog to get through the story. I will repeat what another review said, "this could have been tightened up a bit more". More editing would have made this story more engaging for me. As it were, I did make it through and found the killer to be very interesting. I also like the slow burn "romantic" interest between our Nora Breen and Detective Rideout. Rightly handled in a very mature fashion for someone who was a practicing nun before they met. I didn't mind that all.
I am giving this 3.5 stars. It really was a push to continue at one point. But I overall liked the story and would really like to read book 3.
Thank you #netgalley and #AtriaBooks for the eARC of #MurderattheSpiritLounge
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
have to start my review with - I LOVE the author. Many of her characters seem to have a 'fey' quality about them which is perfect for the story line. This one is similar. Himself is still my favorite Jess Kidd book.
This was the second in the Nora Breen Investigates series and I truly hope there is more. Similar to my first review - I have to repeat again that the character Nora has a similar feel to the Phryne Fisher mysteries on BBC and YET this series seems to be a tad more 'electric'. haha you will find out when you read the book.
The ghosts of WWII still play a large part in this second book (of the series) and in fact; the serial killers' (yes I said serial killer) motive is based on fictional WWII events. Nora (the former nun) and her 'friend' Rideout (the detective inspector) are back together investigating a crime which begins with a seance and an ouija board and ends with murder. Literally the whole town (along with a new suitor for Nora) seems to be involved. Unfortunately there are more murders, but the WWII 'hook' is soooo interesting. The description of the small English villages and life are spot on. Just remember that this is England just after the war and some of that history becomes part of the book.
Anyway; a serial killer, a tad of romantic interest, a hoard of theatrical types and of course Irene's (the housekeeper and cook of Gulls Nest) truly horrible food make this a fun, thrilling and somewhat creepy tale of English life after WWII.
Many thanks to Atria for the ARC. :)
This was the second in the Nora Breen Investigates series and I truly hope there is more. Similar to my first review - I have to repeat again that the character Nora has a similar feel to the Phryne Fisher mysteries on BBC and YET this series seems to be a tad more 'electric'. haha you will find out when you read the book.
The ghosts of WWII still play a large part in this second book (of the series) and in fact; the serial killers' (yes I said serial killer) motive is based on fictional WWII events. Nora (the former nun) and her 'friend' Rideout (the detective inspector) are back together investigating a crime which begins with a seance and an ouija board and ends with murder. Literally the whole town (along with a new suitor for Nora) seems to be involved. Unfortunately there are more murders, but the WWII 'hook' is soooo interesting. The description of the small English villages and life are spot on. Just remember that this is England just after the war and some of that history becomes part of the book.
Anyway; a serial killer, a tad of romantic interest, a hoard of theatrical types and of course Irene's (the housekeeper and cook of Gulls Nest) truly horrible food make this a fun, thrilling and somewhat creepy tale of English life after WWII.
Many thanks to Atria for the ARC. :)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love the Nora Breen series of books by Jess Kidd. This second instalment, Murder at the Spirit Lounge, sees Nora assist Detective Inspector Rideout in solving the murder of the medium, Doreen Chimes, who met her demise at a seance she was holding at her house. The bodycount in Gore-on-Sea begins to rise as all the guests at the seance turn up murdered.
Nora Breen is a great gutsy character. She’s recently left a convent having lived most of her adult life as a cloistered nun. She’s now living in a boarding house on the South Coast in Gore-On-Sea and navigating her place in the world helped by her friends. At the boarding house she’s friends with the housekeeper Irene and wheeler dealer Will, who both look out for her. She has a great rapport with Detective Inspector Rideout and Hosmer the owner of the Photography shop, both of whom perhaps hold a candle for Nora, who is oblivious.
It definitely hovers in the historical cosy crime side of things. The backdrop of the early 1950s is fascinating as the country is still scarred by World War II with servicemen disfigured and psychologically damaged by the war, rationing still in place, but with a sense of a country trying to rebuild.
I can’t wait for the next instalment of Nora Breen investigates.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Faber and Faber Ltd, for making this e-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Nora Breen is a great gutsy character. She’s recently left a convent having lived most of her adult life as a cloistered nun. She’s now living in a boarding house on the South Coast in Gore-On-Sea and navigating her place in the world helped by her friends. At the boarding house she’s friends with the housekeeper Irene and wheeler dealer Will, who both look out for her. She has a great rapport with Detective Inspector Rideout and Hosmer the owner of the Photography shop, both of whom perhaps hold a candle for Nora, who is oblivious.
It definitely hovers in the historical cosy crime side of things. The backdrop of the early 1950s is fascinating as the country is still scarred by World War II with servicemen disfigured and psychologically damaged by the war, rationing still in place, but with a sense of a country trying to rebuild.
I can’t wait for the next instalment of Nora Breen investigates.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Faber and Faber Ltd, for making this e-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In Murder at the Spirit Lounge, Jess Kidd invites us back into Nora Breen’s world with a mystery that is equal parts charming and chilling.
Set again in Gore-on-Sea, this second installment leans into the supernatural when a glamorous medium’s séance ends in tragedy. Nora, ever practical and refreshingly skeptical, is determined to uncover the truth and proves again to be a most compelling guide.
The characters truly shine. Nora’s sharp perception and quiet strength remain a joy, and her dynamic alongside Detective Inspector Rideout continues to simmer with promise, even if I found myself wishing for a bit more progression between the two. The supporting cast adds warmth, wit, and a vivid sense of place that makes the setting feel alive.
That said, the only caveat for me was the pacing, which was somewhat uneven. The first half seemed to drag, and it took me a bit longer than usual to really get into the story. Having said that, it did gather momentum and became far more engaging with a satisfying, if somewhat abrupt, ending. So, while this installment didn’t quite capture the same magic as the first, it still proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable follow-up, and I for one am still very eager to see where Nora’s path leads next.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Faber Books for the advanced copy, graciously provided in exchange for my honest review.
#MurderAtTheSpiritLounge
#FaberBooks
#NetGalley
Set again in Gore-on-Sea, this second installment leans into the supernatural when a glamorous medium’s séance ends in tragedy. Nora, ever practical and refreshingly skeptical, is determined to uncover the truth and proves again to be a most compelling guide.
The characters truly shine. Nora’s sharp perception and quiet strength remain a joy, and her dynamic alongside Detective Inspector Rideout continues to simmer with promise, even if I found myself wishing for a bit more progression between the two. The supporting cast adds warmth, wit, and a vivid sense of place that makes the setting feel alive.
That said, the only caveat for me was the pacing, which was somewhat uneven. The first half seemed to drag, and it took me a bit longer than usual to really get into the story. Having said that, it did gather momentum and became far more engaging with a satisfying, if somewhat abrupt, ending. So, while this installment didn’t quite capture the same magic as the first, it still proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable follow-up, and I for one am still very eager to see where Nora’s path leads next.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Faber Books for the advanced copy, graciously provided in exchange for my honest review.
#MurderAtTheSpiritLounge
#FaberBooks
#NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder at the Spirit Lounge is the second book in the Nora Breen mystery series. Nora is an ex-nun who moves to a small town on the British coast after World War II. I really like Nora and how her character is growing and changing. Going from a cloistered convent to like “outside” has been very interesting for Nora and very exciting too. She is once pulled into a murder investigation and she and Detective Rideout have quite the mystery to solve. There are so many twists and turns in this investigation that I just could not put the book down. A group of people are called together for a seance and then are killed off one by one in what appears to be a revenge plot. The murderer is truly unhinged and some of the reasoning is kind of odd, but I’m sure someone that disturbed is not thinking clearly. I love the team of Nora and Rideout and I hope they will continue on professionally and maybe personally too. I also think there is a lot more to Nora’s history that I would love to learn about. She’s definitely got a much bigger story than just an ex-nun. I can’t wait to hear what it is.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
The second book about former nun Nora Breen does not waste time getting to the mystery at its center. A seance leads to a suspicious death, and then the seance attendees find themselves in danger. The question, of course, is who and why. Nora and Detective Rideout start investigating and there’s a lot to investigate. Seven people sat for the seance so there’s a lot to learn about each of them and what role they play in the mystery.
Unlike the first book which was more or less contained to the Gull’s Nest and its residents, this book is more expansive. I think that’s a good thing. There are more crimes and clues, which means more for the reader to use to figure out the culprit. I had my suspicions about who the murderer was about mid way through the story, and it turns out that I was right. However, there was a twist I didn’t see coming. I think Nora felt the same.
I’m really enjoying this series. It’s a fun and smart read with interesting characters. Plus, it’s Jess Kidd. Her writing is just lovely and introduces the right amount of oddity that I find appealing.
P.S. The food at the Gull’s Nest has not improved since the first book.
I received an advanced readers copy for free. This review is entirely voluntary.
Unlike the first book which was more or less contained to the Gull’s Nest and its residents, this book is more expansive. I think that’s a good thing. There are more crimes and clues, which means more for the reader to use to figure out the culprit. I had my suspicions about who the murderer was about mid way through the story, and it turns out that I was right. However, there was a twist I didn’t see coming. I think Nora felt the same.
I’m really enjoying this series. It’s a fun and smart read with interesting characters. Plus, it’s Jess Kidd. Her writing is just lovely and introduces the right amount of oddity that I find appealing.
P.S. The food at the Gull’s Nest has not improved since the first book.
I received an advanced readers copy for free. This review is entirely voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder at the Spirit Lounge is the second entry in the series about former nun Nora Breen. As the book opens, Nora is still living in the same boarding house in Gore-on-Sea as Christmas approaches, finding her way in the world and looking to find a source of regular income to enable her to continue living in the small seaside village she has come to love. Nora quickly finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation revolving around the last seance of medium Dolores Chimes that went awry. The people in attendance at this seance are being murdered in unusual and ghostly ways, but Nora is sure there is a logical explanation, and she works with Detective Rideout to sleuth it out.
As with the first book, the mystery is well plotted, with the clues placed cleverly throughout the book for the keen reader to pick up as the plot moves forward. I also enjoyed the character development of Nora, as she continues to find her own way in the world now that she has left the nunnery, and made friends and developed relationships with the other people in the small village. I would eagerly read a third novel about Nora.
Thank you to Atria Book and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of this novel for review.
As with the first book, the mystery is well plotted, with the clues placed cleverly throughout the book for the keen reader to pick up as the plot moves forward. I also enjoyed the character development of Nora, as she continues to find her own way in the world now that she has left the nunnery, and made friends and developed relationships with the other people in the small village. I would eagerly read a third novel about Nora.
Thank you to Atria Book and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of this novel for review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder at the Spirit Lounge is the second in the Nora Breen cozy mystery series. Jess Kidd has done an excellent job placing the reader in Gore-on-Sea in the mid-1950s. Nora was a nun for most of her life, before taking leave of her vows in the first book. I definitely recommend reading the books in order as Kidd doesn’t waste much time recapping Nora’s history.
This time, she is again helping DI Rideout investigate a murder. A famous medium has died during one of her seances. Rideout was in attendance at the seance, along with five other attendees. Soon thereafter, two other attendees also die.
I adore Nora. Practical and no nonsense, she’s the only one who doesn’t believe the medium was the real deal. She’s also capable of dealing equally boldly with blowhards and criminals of all types. Flip side, she’s a little oblivious to those who care for her and would like something more.
The book contains plenty of humor, especially when it comes to the cuisine at Gulls Nest. All the characters are well rounded. I did think it was fairly obvious who was behind the murders, but that didn’t ruin my enjoyment.
My thanks to netgalley and Atria Books for an advance copy of this book.
This time, she is again helping DI Rideout investigate a murder. A famous medium has died during one of her seances. Rideout was in attendance at the seance, along with five other attendees. Soon thereafter, two other attendees also die.
I adore Nora. Practical and no nonsense, she’s the only one who doesn’t believe the medium was the real deal. She’s also capable of dealing equally boldly with blowhards and criminals of all types. Flip side, she’s a little oblivious to those who care for her and would like something more.
The book contains plenty of humor, especially when it comes to the cuisine at Gulls Nest. All the characters are well rounded. I did think it was fairly obvious who was behind the murders, but that didn’t ruin my enjoyment.
My thanks to netgalley and Atria Books for an advance copy of this book.
April 7, 2026
Nora Breen is an ex-nun who is living in Gore-on-Sea. While taking walk at the sea, she is summoned by the local police detective - Inspector Rideout - to accompany him to investigate a reported robbery at the home of local medium, Doreen Chimes. While investigating, Chimes invites Inspector Rideout to attend the seance she is holding that evening. During the seance, however, Chimes ends up dead after she starts to share a mysterious message. When each person who attended the seance slowly end up getting murdered, Breen and Inspector Rideout need to figure out who is committing the murders before Rideout becomes one of the victims.
This is book two in the series, but it can be read as a stand alone. I didn't read the first book and had no problem with the story. I think this is a fun mystery, but the pace is just a bit too slow. It just felt like there was a bit too much fluff in the story. Nora Breen's character is super fun and a bit quirky. The possible love triangle piece just didn't really fit though and didn't add anything to the story.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is book two in the series, but it can be read as a stand alone. I didn't read the first book and had no problem with the story. I think this is a fun mystery, but the pace is just a bit too slow. It just felt like there was a bit too much fluff in the story. Nora Breen's character is super fun and a bit quirky. The possible love triangle piece just didn't really fit though and didn't add anything to the story.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"The doubt Nora feels is that of her own mind and motives. And, as she well knows, this is the most painful doubt of all."
I adored "Murder at Gull's Nest", the first in the series featuring Nora Breen, former nun and now "detective". Thus, I was super excited to score a copy of the second in the series #murderatthespiritlounge. Nora is no fool, so when a murder takes place at a seance, she knows human hijinks are afoot. But then the murders keep happening, and Nora joins forces with local DI Rideout to find the killer, who seems bent on terminating everyone seated around the table at the Spirit Lounge. Some genuinely creepy moments, and a terrifically creepy villain.
Nora is a great character, as are Rideout and Griggs and Bill and Dinah, I could go on and on. I love that Nora is such a chronicler of humanity...she is astute and intuitive and quite lovely. I do hope we will be treated to many more of her adventures.
P.S. Thanks to #netgalley and #simonandschuster for the ARC.
I adored "Murder at Gull's Nest", the first in the series featuring Nora Breen, former nun and now "detective". Thus, I was super excited to score a copy of the second in the series #murderatthespiritlounge. Nora is no fool, so when a murder takes place at a seance, she knows human hijinks are afoot. But then the murders keep happening, and Nora joins forces with local DI Rideout to find the killer, who seems bent on terminating everyone seated around the table at the Spirit Lounge. Some genuinely creepy moments, and a terrifically creepy villain.
Nora is a great character, as are Rideout and Griggs and Bill and Dinah, I could go on and on. I love that Nora is such a chronicler of humanity...she is astute and intuitive and quite lovely. I do hope we will be treated to many more of her adventures.
P.S. Thanks to #netgalley and #simonandschuster for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
A cozy mystery of spiritual phenomena turned serial murder mystery in which Nora and Detective Rideout race against the fast-burning hit list of people all connected in some way that our crime solving duo must find out. The stakes soar as Rideout finds himself on that very list while the killer still roams free.
I must declare that I'm partial to hard copy books because this sequel went to depths I appreciated better than Murder at Gulls Nest, which I experienced in audiobook format. The transformation of nun/nurse Nora into this liberated woman-in-trousers suit (especially in the 50s) as the detective inspector's right hand AND journalist epitomizes "she can do both."
Thank you to Atria Books for this giveaway!
I must declare that I'm partial to hard copy books because this sequel went to depths I appreciated better than Murder at Gulls Nest, which I experienced in audiobook format. The transformation of nun/nurse Nora into this liberated woman-in-trousers suit (especially in the 50s) as the detective inspector's right hand AND journalist epitomizes "she can do both."
Thank you to Atria Books for this giveaway!
April 26, 2026
Murder at the Spirit Lounge had all the ingredients of a 10/10 read for me: atmospheric seaside setting, wonderfully eccentric characters, sharp wit, and that cozy-but-creepy mystery vibe Jess Kidd does so well. I absolutely loved being back with Nora Breen and following her through another wonderfully layered case. The writing is clever and immersive, the setting feels alive, and the unraveling of the mystery kept me fully invested. Nora remains such a fantastic protagonist, and I loved the balance of humor, heart, and menace throughout.
Spoiler thoughts below:
This was sitting at a full five stars for me right up until the final twist. I had unfortunately guessed where things were heading very early on and spent most of the book hoping I was wrong. The decision to make the killer reveal center around a man dressing as a woman was disappointing. It took some of the shine off what had otherwise been such a strong, character-rich mystery for me. I still loved so much about this book, but that ending definitely changed my final rating.
Spoiler thoughts below:
This was sitting at a full five stars for me right up until the final twist. I had unfortunately guessed where things were heading very early on and spent most of the book hoping I was wrong. The decision to make the killer reveal center around a man dressing as a woman was disappointing. It took some of the shine off what had otherwise been such a strong, character-rich mystery for me. I still loved so much about this book, but that ending definitely changed my final rating.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was so happy to receive an ARC of this book by NetGalley and the publisher. I loved the first book in this series and this second book did not disappoint. Nora Breen, ex-nun and unintentional amateur sleuth, is once again caught up in solving a murder mystery. A local medium assembles a gathering of six customers to attend a seance at her home. Those assembled, at first glance, do not seem to have anything in common. But after the medium dies during the seance, determined later to have been accomplished by a clever electrocution, the rest of the attendees are also murdered, one-by-one, in gruesome fashion. Unfortunately, Inspector Rideout was one of the invited guests. As he and Nora investigate, a common thread is revealed - everyone at the table knew a deceased, courtmartialed, mentally disturbed ex-military man named Evelyn Leyton. Full of twists, turns and suspense, Rideout and Nora try to identify and apprehend the murderer before Rideout becomes the final victim. Very entertaining.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'd like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC. In exchange, I am providing an honest review.
This book is more of a 4.5, but rounded up.
I am so glad that this is part of a series. I loved the first book, and I was thrilled to get more Nora Breen. Watching her evolve has been delightful, the book itself showing a true appreciation for the aging process and figuring out who you are along the way, even if you are middle-aged.
I also enjoyed seeing other familiar characters crop up, their relationships to Nora growing and changing as she changes.
The murder mystery in this novel is intriguing, coming with twists and turns that don't feel like they came out of left field. In fact, it almost felt as if I could have figured this out along the way; I was just looking in all the wrong places.
I wish there was another book already written for me to jump into. I eagerly await the next installment so that I can continue along with Nora on her adventure of self-discovery.
This book is more of a 4.5, but rounded up.
I am so glad that this is part of a series. I loved the first book, and I was thrilled to get more Nora Breen. Watching her evolve has been delightful, the book itself showing a true appreciation for the aging process and figuring out who you are along the way, even if you are middle-aged.
I also enjoyed seeing other familiar characters crop up, their relationships to Nora growing and changing as she changes.
The murder mystery in this novel is intriguing, coming with twists and turns that don't feel like they came out of left field. In fact, it almost felt as if I could have figured this out along the way; I was just looking in all the wrong places.
I wish there was another book already written for me to jump into. I eagerly await the next installment so that I can continue along with Nora on her adventure of self-discovery.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 stars
This second in the Nora Breen series is just as quirky and interesting as the debut. Nora Breen is an ex-nun and a former nurse and pretty hard to categorize. She has a penchant for solving mysteries and is not adept at personal relationships after years at the convent. She has two quality male friends in her life but shies away when there's a hint of further involvement.
She lives in a very odd boarding house that suits her style. In this case, she gets involved in a seance where a death occurs. Nora is a skeptic, but wants to find out what really happened. And then the people who attended the seance start dying. And she gets more motivated when a close friend appears to be on the targeted list.
This is not quite a cozy but certainly not a procedural. Nora is quite a character and we want to find out what happens next. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This second in the Nora Breen series is just as quirky and interesting as the debut. Nora Breen is an ex-nun and a former nurse and pretty hard to categorize. She has a penchant for solving mysteries and is not adept at personal relationships after years at the convent. She has two quality male friends in her life but shies away when there's a hint of further involvement.
She lives in a very odd boarding house that suits her style. In this case, she gets involved in a seance where a death occurs. Nora is a skeptic, but wants to find out what really happened. And then the people who attended the seance start dying. And she gets more motivated when a close friend appears to be on the targeted list.
This is not quite a cozy but certainly not a procedural. Nora is quite a character and we want to find out what happens next. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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