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A Delilah Duffy Mystery #1
Sea-Devil
I was on the end of my seat the whole time and couldn’t put the book down. It’s a well-thought-out story, full of unexpected twists and turns. I highly recommend it! - The International Review of Books
You never get over your first love. How about your first murder?
Tipee Island isn’t just a beachy cool vacation spot, but the perfect place to start over. Gutsy, but error-prone, Delilah Duffy returns to the island she loved as a child and hopes to reinvent herself as the manager of Beach Read Books. But disappearing into the anonymous folds of a tourist town isn’t easy, especially with her first love and worst heartbreak, Sam Teague, offering her only support.
Her arrival in Tipee sets off a string of disturbing acts of vandalism. The message is clear—everyone wants to see her fail, even members of her own family. When a man is murdered in her bookstore the night before her grand opening, Delilah tops the short list of suspects. The evidence mounts along with the ill-will of islanders who don’t want her there in the first place.
If Delilah Duffy has a shot at the beach life, she must navigate a vicious family feud, outrun a dark past, and uncover the truth. It’s not only her business but her very life that’s in danger.
You never get over your first love. How about your first murder?
Tipee Island isn’t just a beachy cool vacation spot, but the perfect place to start over. Gutsy, but error-prone, Delilah Duffy returns to the island she loved as a child and hopes to reinvent herself as the manager of Beach Read Books. But disappearing into the anonymous folds of a tourist town isn’t easy, especially with her first love and worst heartbreak, Sam Teague, offering her only support.
Her arrival in Tipee sets off a string of disturbing acts of vandalism. The message is clear—everyone wants to see her fail, even members of her own family. When a man is murdered in her bookstore the night before her grand opening, Delilah tops the short list of suspects. The evidence mounts along with the ill-will of islanders who don’t want her there in the first place.
If Delilah Duffy has a shot at the beach life, she must navigate a vicious family feud, outrun a dark past, and uncover the truth. It’s not only her business but her very life that’s in danger.
276 pages, ebook
First published March 18, 2013
346 people are currently reading
1306 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Sherry
13 books132 followersJessica loves stories that make her heart race, one way or another, so it’s no wonder that she writes mysteries and romances. Her novels feature broken, imperfect people, emotional plots, quirky found families, and better-ever-afters. She aches for a good story and loves building worlds where people laugh, cry, hurt, find themselves, and, of course, fall in love. When she isn’t lost in a book, she finds inspiration at the beach, on her daily park walks, thrift store shopping, and hanging out in beautiful Wilmington, NC, where she lives with her family. Connect and follow her on Instagram & TikTok @authorjessicasherry
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 8, 2023
Leaving behind her home and teaching career, Delilah Duffy heads to a coastal island, home of her grandparents and the boy who broke her heart years ago. Besieged by setbacks, Delilah's new venture - a bookstore - seems doomed from the start. Then, the body of a dead worker is found within its doors.
4.75 Stars
Sea-Devil is one of those stories, the kind that grips you and keeps you reading well into the dark hours. Every twist, every turn was a shocker. And the romance, oh the romance! Often, a love story in a mystery is a cheesy distraction that keeps the plot's compelling parts from flowing. Not in this case. It was so well integrated that the story required it.
I highly recommend this story to cosy lovers. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
4.75 Stars
Sea-Devil is one of those stories, the kind that grips you and keeps you reading well into the dark hours. Every twist, every turn was a shocker. And the romance, oh the romance! Often, a love story in a mystery is a cheesy distraction that keeps the plot's compelling parts from flowing. Not in this case. It was so well integrated that the story required it.
I highly recommend this story to cosy lovers. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
December 11, 2015
I love Delilah Duffy! She is a very realistic character--someone I'd love to get to know. She's not your typical cozy mystery heroine. There's no love triangle, and she's not an accident waiting to happen. She's trying to get her life together, with no help at all from her crazy aunts. When a dead man is found in her shop, Beach Read Books, the night before her grand opening, Delilah becomes the main suspect.
There is quite a bit of history between some of the characters, and it is revealed bit by bit as the story progresses. I like that approach better than having it all dumped on a reader at the very start of the story, when you don't really know the characters and may not have any interest in their story.
I enjoyed every page of this story. It was a true page-turner for me. I was anxious to see what was going to happen next, and how the whole mystery would play out. I already have the second book in the series on my schedule for later this month, and expect it to be just as entertaining.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
There is quite a bit of history between some of the characters, and it is revealed bit by bit as the story progresses. I like that approach better than having it all dumped on a reader at the very start of the story, when you don't really know the characters and may not have any interest in their story.
I enjoyed every page of this story. It was a true page-turner for me. I was anxious to see what was going to happen next, and how the whole mystery would play out. I already have the second book in the series on my schedule for later this month, and expect it to be just as entertaining.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
May 31, 2023
Oh My what an awful family. No support system, back stabbing and makes for a page turner. This book was entertaining and had me up way too late to see how it ends. All she wanted to do is reopen her aunt's bookstore. But one thing after another keeps her from opening. Admit it, you blame her aunts. So why are folks dying? Who hates her enough to want her dead? Sam is a refreshing character and adds romance to a mystery. Great reading!
March 18, 2024
Sea devil
This is a great murder mystery for a girl running from her past trying to start over in new town with family who wants her to leave before she finds true love and the murderer
This is a great murder mystery for a girl running from her past trying to start over in new town with family who wants her to leave before she finds true love and the murderer
March 30, 2023
When it comes to mystery novels, few things are more intriguing than tales of the ocean, where the sea holds secrets only the most intrepid detectives can hope to uncover. In "Sea-Devil: A Delilah Duffy Mystery," Jessica Sherry proves that she can craft a thrilling whodunit that is equally beguiling and breathtaking.
Delilah Duffy is a private investigator with a penchant for maritime mysteries. In this series installment, she's tasked with solving the perplexing case of a missing cargo ship - the Sea-Devil - and its crew. The ship disappeared under mysterious circumstances, leaving no trace of wreckage or any clue about its fate. Delilah embarks on a treacherous journey across the high seas to unravel the enigma. What she discovers will leave readers gasping for breath.
Jessica Sherry expertly weaves a tale that is both atmospheric and suspenseful. She transports her audience to the heart of the ocean, painting vivid scenes of towering waves, howling winds, and eerie calm. The author's love for the sea is evident in her intricate descriptions and ability to capture the beauty and terror of the open waters.
The protagonist, Delilah Duffy, is a well-developed character with a rare depth in the mystery genre. She's fiercely intelligent and resourceful but also vulnerable and haunted by her past. Sherry's portrayal of Delilah's complex emotions and personal struggles adds a human touch to the story, making it all the more engaging.
The supporting characters are just as memorable, with diverse personalities that bring life to the pages. Among them are a grizzled sea captain, a lovable yet mysterious cook, and a rival investigator who is as tenacious as Delilah. Their interactions with the protagonist add layers to the narrative and keep the story moving briskly.
What sets "Sea-Devil" apart from other mysteries is its intricate plot, full of twists and turns that leave readers guessing until the end. When you think you have the mystery solved, Sherry throws in another curveball that forces you to reevaluate your deductions. The final reveal is both surprising and satisfying, and it's clear that the author put a great deal of thought into constructing the puzzle.
Delilah Duffy is a private investigator with a penchant for maritime mysteries. In this series installment, she's tasked with solving the perplexing case of a missing cargo ship - the Sea-Devil - and its crew. The ship disappeared under mysterious circumstances, leaving no trace of wreckage or any clue about its fate. Delilah embarks on a treacherous journey across the high seas to unravel the enigma. What she discovers will leave readers gasping for breath.
Jessica Sherry expertly weaves a tale that is both atmospheric and suspenseful. She transports her audience to the heart of the ocean, painting vivid scenes of towering waves, howling winds, and eerie calm. The author's love for the sea is evident in her intricate descriptions and ability to capture the beauty and terror of the open waters.
The protagonist, Delilah Duffy, is a well-developed character with a rare depth in the mystery genre. She's fiercely intelligent and resourceful but also vulnerable and haunted by her past. Sherry's portrayal of Delilah's complex emotions and personal struggles adds a human touch to the story, making it all the more engaging.
The supporting characters are just as memorable, with diverse personalities that bring life to the pages. Among them are a grizzled sea captain, a lovable yet mysterious cook, and a rival investigator who is as tenacious as Delilah. Their interactions with the protagonist add layers to the narrative and keep the story moving briskly.
What sets "Sea-Devil" apart from other mysteries is its intricate plot, full of twists and turns that leave readers guessing until the end. When you think you have the mystery solved, Sherry throws in another curveball that forces you to reevaluate your deductions. The final reveal is both surprising and satisfying, and it's clear that the author put a great deal of thought into constructing the puzzle.
April 30, 2023
What a homecoming! Mystery & murder meet romance🌊🛥
This story, set on the North Carolina coast near Cape Fear, had a range of elements that worked really well together. The seaside locale plays a key role in the drama. The story's characters, their squabbles and activities (including the weekly bingo nights and mandatory appearance in the family pew at church) were hometown quirky and sometimes catty, but there's a mysterious streak of targeted violence and criminal intent layered over the small town homey vibe. Oh, and a second chance romance, slow build and sweet. Altogether it kept me intrigued and happy with the read.
Delilah Duffy, the female lead, is a real underdog with a very challenging family dynamic. She's an unwelcome prodigal to some because of the book store she's determined to open, scuttling her aunts' plans to extend their business into her premises. Then there's threats and vandalism, murder and more. And Delilah just CAN'T refrain from doing a bit of amateur sleuthing since she's in police detective Lewis' sights as a suspect.
But she's got handsome local cop Sam Teague on her side. Their teenage past still haunts her and contains a mystery all its own that is eventually solved. Sam was a good supporting character with an interesting backstory though he still retained a bit of mystery right until the end.
The climax, full of action, was unexpected and I really like unpredicted elements that seem to emerge suddenly, out of the blue, in a mystery plot.
Thanks to the author, BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
This story, set on the North Carolina coast near Cape Fear, had a range of elements that worked really well together. The seaside locale plays a key role in the drama. The story's characters, their squabbles and activities (including the weekly bingo nights and mandatory appearance in the family pew at church) were hometown quirky and sometimes catty, but there's a mysterious streak of targeted violence and criminal intent layered over the small town homey vibe. Oh, and a second chance romance, slow build and sweet. Altogether it kept me intrigued and happy with the read.
Delilah Duffy, the female lead, is a real underdog with a very challenging family dynamic. She's an unwelcome prodigal to some because of the book store she's determined to open, scuttling her aunts' plans to extend their business into her premises. Then there's threats and vandalism, murder and more. And Delilah just CAN'T refrain from doing a bit of amateur sleuthing since she's in police detective Lewis' sights as a suspect.
But she's got handsome local cop Sam Teague on her side. Their teenage past still haunts her and contains a mystery all its own that is eventually solved. Sam was a good supporting character with an interesting backstory though he still retained a bit of mystery right until the end.
The climax, full of action, was unexpected and I really like unpredicted elements that seem to emerge suddenly, out of the blue, in a mystery plot.
Thanks to the author, BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
December 31, 2013
A bookstore, the ocean, a little romance, some laughs and a murder…this book has it all! The Duffy family couldn’t have been more entertaining. They made me laugh one second and shocked me the next.
I loved reading about how Delilah and Sam met and their relationship years before. I also loved learning how their new relationship unfolded.
Every chapter was titled with something to do with the ocean (like damselfish, ghost crabs, currents, shoals) and started with a bit of info about it which then linked somehow to the rest of the chapter. I learned a lot that never knew, and it fascinated me since the ocean is my happy place. This is the first book I’ve read with chapter titles and beginnings like that, and I think it was a great idea.
Even though I generally like books around 300 pages, this book at 425 pages seemed like a pretty quick read. The chapters were short which was another plus. I really don’t like stopping in the middle of chapters and I didn’t have that problem with this book.
First time author Jessica Sherry has a winner in Sea Devil! I loved her writing style and how descriptive she was. I loved reading about Tipee Island and learning more and more about the characters. I could see the beach town, the buildings, the people. Delilah, Sam, and the other characters were a mix of good, bad, funny, and scary. Some were wounded souls and some were warriors.
The front cover says “A Delilah Duffy Mystery”, so I’m wishing and hoping that there are more to come.
This book is one of my top 2 favorite books of 2013 and I highly recommend it.
I loved reading about how Delilah and Sam met and their relationship years before. I also loved learning how their new relationship unfolded.
Every chapter was titled with something to do with the ocean (like damselfish, ghost crabs, currents, shoals) and started with a bit of info about it which then linked somehow to the rest of the chapter. I learned a lot that never knew, and it fascinated me since the ocean is my happy place. This is the first book I’ve read with chapter titles and beginnings like that, and I think it was a great idea.
Even though I generally like books around 300 pages, this book at 425 pages seemed like a pretty quick read. The chapters were short which was another plus. I really don’t like stopping in the middle of chapters and I didn’t have that problem with this book.
First time author Jessica Sherry has a winner in Sea Devil! I loved her writing style and how descriptive she was. I loved reading about Tipee Island and learning more and more about the characters. I could see the beach town, the buildings, the people. Delilah, Sam, and the other characters were a mix of good, bad, funny, and scary. Some were wounded souls and some were warriors.
The front cover says “A Delilah Duffy Mystery”, so I’m wishing and hoping that there are more to come.
This book is one of my top 2 favorite books of 2013 and I highly recommend it.
March 11, 2016
This is probably the best self-published book I've read. Enjoyed the main character Delilah very much, as well as her love interest, Sam Teague, and of course Willy the golden retriever. Escaping a shameful incident that led to the downfall of her teaching career, Delilah heads to an East Coast island where she has family and she spent some nice times growing up. With plans to take over her great aunt's book store business she finds herself in over her head in a town that is not very welcoming to her. Multiple vandalizations of her property and a few attempts on her life later, she finally opens the bookstore all the while making headlines and making friends. Keeping the story going with humor and a good mystery, this book is looooong, but I wanted to keep reading the entire time. Getting ready to start the second book in this series now, and am thankful this first installment was included in my First Reads contest win of the second book.
January 22, 2016
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway and recommend it highly. This whodunit style mystery keeps you guessing as you follow Delilah, the "expert mistake maker," and root for her to reopen her great aunt's bookstore, solve a murder, and rekindle her first love.
Mrs Sherry's writing style will appeal to the book lover in you. Delilah views and analyzes much of her life events through the novels she loves, including Wuthering Heights and Agatha Christie mysteries, and frequently quotes them when her own words fail to come. I also enjoyed that Mrs. Sherry begins her chapters with oceanic facts and ties them in to the dark elements of the story line, inspiring her reader to hypothesize the relevance before it is revealed.
I look forward to reading more of Delilah, Sam, Willie, and the crazy Duffy Clan.
Mrs Sherry's writing style will appeal to the book lover in you. Delilah views and analyzes much of her life events through the novels she loves, including Wuthering Heights and Agatha Christie mysteries, and frequently quotes them when her own words fail to come. I also enjoyed that Mrs. Sherry begins her chapters with oceanic facts and ties them in to the dark elements of the story line, inspiring her reader to hypothesize the relevance before it is revealed.
I look forward to reading more of Delilah, Sam, Willie, and the crazy Duffy Clan.
April 22, 2017
Oh! My! Stars! With family like this, who needs enemies! Seriously, I think I would have slit my wrists if this family belonged to me! Just goes to show what a good author can do. Ms Sherry created characters that I loved and characters that I loved to hate! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As many other reviewers have stated, the information about the ocean and its inhabitants included at the first of each chapter was such a delight. I learned a lot, plus enjoyed a great mystery. It is so nice to read a book that completely captured my interest from the very first pages all the way to the end without the use of gratuitous profanity or vulgar sex scenes. I look forward to reading other great books by this author. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Reading Deals In order to provide honest review.
March 26, 2023
In Sea-Devil, a woman comes to a small island town determined to start a new life by reopening a family business. This book is every bit a cozy mystery and is a fun read. This book is the first in a series and I look forward to reading more of these stories. The characters in the small town are quirky and well-developed. I admit to being a bit confused about why the main character accepts poor treatment from her aunts, but that is a minor fault. The book in general is light, but a few scenes were incredibly nuanced and captured stress and fear in ways so true to life, it elevated the entire novel. I would recommend this book and look forward to seeing the writer's development.
April 13, 2023
I was very surprised how much I enjoyed this book. I loved the setting, the bookstore angle, and the characters. The family is so dysfunctional that you want to scream at them. The characters are well-developed. The main character, Delilah, is much more forgiving then I would be. I also loved that, at the start of the chapters, Ms. Sherry gave us tidbits of knowledge about oceans, and/or its inhabitants, and then related them within the chapters. All and all, a fun, quick, and entertaining read! I will definitely continue to read the series.
March 31, 2023
I was very surprised how much I enjoyed this book. I loved the setting, the bookstore angle, and the characters. The family is so dysfunctional that you want to scream at them. The characters are well-developed. The main character, Delilah, is much more forgiving then I would be. I also loved that, at the start of the chapters, Ms. Sherry gave us tidbits of knowledge about oceans, and/or its inhabitants, and then related them within the chapters. All and all, a fun, quick, and entertaining read! I will definitely continue to read the series.
September 10, 2023
A big thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the eARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is the first in a series. This is my first time reading this author. Delilah was a teacher, and wants a fresh start, so reopens her favorite aunts bookstore. Her family is both amazing, and horrible to her. Very curious and sort of odd. Her childhood crush is the town policeman Sam Teague. This is a cute cozy mystery, with a solid hint of romance. I really did not understand some of the family drama-that part was crazy. 3.5 stars I would read this author again.
October 17, 2015
Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher. This review is my honest opinion, and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.
I absolutely loved every minute of this book. I just couldn't put it down until I had read every last word. I then had to immediately purchase book 2. This was the first book I have read by Jessica Sherry and it won't be the last. I always enjoy adding new authors to my must have list.
I absolutely loved every minute of this book. I just couldn't put it down until I had read every last word. I then had to immediately purchase book 2. This was the first book I have read by Jessica Sherry and it won't be the last. I always enjoy adding new authors to my must have list.
March 15, 2023
Loved Delilah Duffy! She was realistic and relatable. Who doesn't love a fast paced action packed romance with a little scandal and murder mixed in. Seriously fun and enjoyable read. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
March 21, 2023
ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review:
I really enjoyed this! The setting was amazing. Loved the character development. I also loved how short each chapter was! Not going to have any spoilers but this was a great read!
I really enjoyed this! The setting was amazing. Loved the character development. I also loved how short each chapter was! Not going to have any spoilers but this was a great read!
August 11, 2013
A light summer mystery that does a nice job of focusing on faith in God, as well. Not the best writing but definitely enjoyable.
August 8, 2014
I won this from a goodreads giveaway and I absolutely loved it. It's exactly the kind of book I'm interested in!
July 15, 2017
A new author to follow!
Excellent story. Was happy that Sam and Delilah got together. Looking forward to reading more of this author. Thank you!
Excellent story. Was happy that Sam and Delilah got together. Looking forward to reading more of this author. Thank you!
May 25, 2023
Sea-Devil: A Delilah Duffy Mystery" by Jessica Sherry is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that introduces readers to the captivating world of Delilah Duffy and her quest for a fresh start on Tipee Island. This first book in the Delilah Duffy Mystery series takes readers on a journey filled with love, murder, family feuds, and a race against time to uncover the truth.
Delilah Duffy, a resilient yet flawed protagonist, returns to the island she cherished during her childhood to reinvent herself as the manager of Beach Read Books. However, her dreams of starting anew are quickly shattered as Tipee Island becomes a hotbed of vandalism, with Delilah as the primary target. Even her first love and heartbreak, Sam Teague, seems to be the only one offering her support in this hostile environment.
As Delilah tries to establish herself on the island, she finds herself entangled in a web of suspicion when a man is found murdered in her bookstore on the eve of its grand opening. The mounting evidence against her, coupled with the animosity of the islanders who oppose her presence, puts Delilah at the top of the suspect list. With her business and life on the line, Delilah must confront a treacherous family feud, confront her own dark past, and uncover the truth to clear her name and ensure her safety.
"Sea-Devil" immerses readers in the atmospheric setting of Tipee Island, where secrets lurk beneath the tranquil surface. Jessica Sherry skillfully weaves a tale of mystery and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Delilah races against time to solve the murder and protect herself from unseen threats. The novel explores themes of resilience, love, and the lengths one will go to start anew.
With its well-developed characters, a suspenseful plot, and a vividly depicted island backdrop, "Sea-Devil" offers an enthralling reading experience. Jessica Sherry's storytelling prowess keeps readers engaged as they follow Delilah's journey of self-discovery while untangling the complex web of secrets surrounding her.
Prepare to be swept away by the thrilling twists and turns of "Sea-Devil: A Delilah Duffy Mystery" as you join Delilah in her pursuit of truth and justice. This captivating novel marks the beginning of an exciting series that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in Delilah Duffy's mysterious adventures.
Delilah Duffy, a resilient yet flawed protagonist, returns to the island she cherished during her childhood to reinvent herself as the manager of Beach Read Books. However, her dreams of starting anew are quickly shattered as Tipee Island becomes a hotbed of vandalism, with Delilah as the primary target. Even her first love and heartbreak, Sam Teague, seems to be the only one offering her support in this hostile environment.
As Delilah tries to establish herself on the island, she finds herself entangled in a web of suspicion when a man is found murdered in her bookstore on the eve of its grand opening. The mounting evidence against her, coupled with the animosity of the islanders who oppose her presence, puts Delilah at the top of the suspect list. With her business and life on the line, Delilah must confront a treacherous family feud, confront her own dark past, and uncover the truth to clear her name and ensure her safety.
"Sea-Devil" immerses readers in the atmospheric setting of Tipee Island, where secrets lurk beneath the tranquil surface. Jessica Sherry skillfully weaves a tale of mystery and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Delilah races against time to solve the murder and protect herself from unseen threats. The novel explores themes of resilience, love, and the lengths one will go to start anew.
With its well-developed characters, a suspenseful plot, and a vividly depicted island backdrop, "Sea-Devil" offers an enthralling reading experience. Jessica Sherry's storytelling prowess keeps readers engaged as they follow Delilah's journey of self-discovery while untangling the complex web of secrets surrounding her.
Prepare to be swept away by the thrilling twists and turns of "Sea-Devil: A Delilah Duffy Mystery" as you join Delilah in her pursuit of truth and justice. This captivating novel marks the beginning of an exciting series that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in Delilah Duffy's mysterious adventures.
May 29, 2024
Sea Devil by Jessica Sherry promises to be a light beach read, blending humor with mystery and suspense. However, despite its intriguing premise, I found the book to be more frustrating than enjoyable, largely due to the main character, Delilah, Duffy.
The narrative revolves around Delilah, a young woman with plenty of grit. However, her lack of forethought and impulsive actions made it difficult for me to connect with her. Her decisions often seemed reckless, which detracted from the overall enjoyment of the story. This inability to relate to or appreciate the protagonist marred the reading experience significantly.
Another point of frustration was the family tree, which was convoluted and hard to follow. The abundance of aunts, all named starting with the letter C, only added to the initial confusion. This lack of clarity regarding family relations made it challenging to keep track of the characters and their connections.
Additionally, the frequent anecdotes about the ocean felt out of place and forced. Almost every chapter contained some reference to the sea, which seemed inane. Yes, I picked up that the theme of this book was nautical but the references seemed forced to fit the storyline to me in many instances.
Overall, while Sea Devil has potential as a light, engaging read, personally it fell short due to its confusing character relationships and a protagonist who was difficult to root for thus making it a less enjoyable experience. If you are into light reads, love the sea, bookstores & like s spirited but impulsive girl always getting into *surprise surprise* trouble then this book is for you!
Thank you Netgalley, Booksgosocial & Jessica Sherry for the arc!
The narrative revolves around Delilah, a young woman with plenty of grit. However, her lack of forethought and impulsive actions made it difficult for me to connect with her. Her decisions often seemed reckless, which detracted from the overall enjoyment of the story. This inability to relate to or appreciate the protagonist marred the reading experience significantly.
Another point of frustration was the family tree, which was convoluted and hard to follow. The abundance of aunts, all named starting with the letter C, only added to the initial confusion. This lack of clarity regarding family relations made it challenging to keep track of the characters and their connections.
Additionally, the frequent anecdotes about the ocean felt out of place and forced. Almost every chapter contained some reference to the sea, which seemed inane. Yes, I picked up that the theme of this book was nautical but the references seemed forced to fit the storyline to me in many instances.
Overall, while Sea Devil has potential as a light, engaging read, personally it fell short due to its confusing character relationships and a protagonist who was difficult to root for thus making it a less enjoyable experience. If you are into light reads, love the sea, bookstores & like s spirited but impulsive girl always getting into *surprise surprise* trouble then this book is for you!
Thank you Netgalley, Booksgosocial & Jessica Sherry for the arc!
April 10, 2023
The story had a strong start to it. The main character Delilah, sets out on a new journey to renovate her life and chance the trajectory of bad outcomes that have plagued her as of late. She's really just trying to get her life together, with no help whatsoever from her crazy aunts. When a dead man is found in her shop, Beach Read Books, the morning of her grand opening, Delilah becomes the main suspect of his death.
I very much enjoyed every part of this story. It was a real page-turner for me. I was intrigued to see what was going to happen next, and how the whole mystery would play out and the culprit revealed. I never guessed the ending at all! I already have the second book in the series on my kindle, and expect it to be just as intriguing if not better than the first.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I very much enjoyed every part of this story. It was a real page-turner for me. I was intrigued to see what was going to happen next, and how the whole mystery would play out and the culprit revealed. I never guessed the ending at all! I already have the second book in the series on my kindle, and expect it to be just as intriguing if not better than the first.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 17, 2024
Talk about bad luck
Wow, on the one hand, I feel terrible about all she goes through. On the other, she didn't always make it easier on herself. Admittedly, her family stunk. How they could do the things they did was horrible. Already having to start over, opening a business beloved to her and the family, they should have supported rather than hindered. Some did, but others not so much. When a body is found in the store and Delilah becomes the main suspect? Rally around, but not her Aunts. Thank God for Sam and his unwavering attempts to win her back. Opening a store, solving a murder and clearing her name while battling her past means romance falls slightly lower on her list of priorities. Old heartbreak doesn't help.
Went where I did not expect at the end. Definitely picked up some clues but people can be evil.
Wow, on the one hand, I feel terrible about all she goes through. On the other, she didn't always make it easier on herself. Admittedly, her family stunk. How they could do the things they did was horrible. Already having to start over, opening a business beloved to her and the family, they should have supported rather than hindered. Some did, but others not so much. When a body is found in the store and Delilah becomes the main suspect? Rally around, but not her Aunts. Thank God for Sam and his unwavering attempts to win her back. Opening a store, solving a murder and clearing her name while battling her past means romance falls slightly lower on her list of priorities. Old heartbreak doesn't help.
Went where I did not expect at the end. Definitely picked up some clues but people can be evil.
October 20, 2023
"Sea Devil" by Jessica Sherry is a decent read. Sherry's writing style is engaging, and she crafts vivid imagery that immerses you in the maritime world. The characters are well-developed, and their complex relationships add depth to the story. The plot, while interesting, sometimes feels a bit predictable. However, Sherry's attention to nautical details and her descriptive prose make up for it. The book delivers a satisfying blend of adventure and romance, making it an enjoyable choice for those who appreciate tales of the high seas. While it didn't quite reach the level of a 5-star masterpiece, it's a 3-star read.
July 17, 2017
I was fooled by the cover
Which made it look like a serious mystery rather than a cozy. I don't do "cozy"s and nothing about this simpleminded story made me change my mind. I should have caught on when I realized the two main characters were Delilah and Sam but silly me read on. The situation became more and more improbable and Delilah's action more and more cringeworthy. I skipped most of the middle just find the culprit and see if Delilah continued to be an idiot (she did).
Which made it look like a serious mystery rather than a cozy. I don't do "cozy"s and nothing about this simpleminded story made me change my mind. I should have caught on when I realized the two main characters were Delilah and Sam but silly me read on. The situation became more and more improbable and Delilah's action more and more cringeworthy. I skipped most of the middle just find the culprit and see if Delilah continued to be an idiot (she did).
July 28, 2017
Excellent Story
I enjoyed every minute of reading it. The only thing that made me sad was the way the Duffy's were as they sat in church on Sunday and judged everyone. I know this is very true in a lot of churches and of a lot of Christians. There are, however, others who are not this way. Have learned that God loves us all the same and Jesus died for all of us, rich or poor, all sinful, We are all broken in one way or another. I am grateful for the peace of God, even though I still blow it daily. But I did love this book and thank you for writing it
I enjoyed every minute of reading it. The only thing that made me sad was the way the Duffy's were as they sat in church on Sunday and judged everyone. I know this is very true in a lot of churches and of a lot of Christians. There are, however, others who are not this way. Have learned that God loves us all the same and Jesus died for all of us, rich or poor, all sinful, We are all broken in one way or another. I am grateful for the peace of God, even though I still blow it daily. But I did love this book and thank you for writing it
March 14, 2024
I give this one 2.5 stars. The final climax of the story felt somewhat thrown together, and I was confused about why the main character made a lot of the decisions she made. Also her family dynamics were confusing to me and didn’t seem to have the character development to back them up. The hatred in her family felt forced, childish, and unbelievable. I won’t be reading the sequel.
June 27, 2024
sorry, not sorry
I really wanted to like this book. The plot was sound. The characters were wretched. Totally dysfunctional family for the main character, who gave teachers a bad rap. Bad guys who came off like cartoon characters. I hope the author keeps going but works on creating believable characters that readers can become involved with.
I really wanted to like this book. The plot was sound. The characters were wretched. Totally dysfunctional family for the main character, who gave teachers a bad rap. Bad guys who came off like cartoon characters. I hope the author keeps going but works on creating believable characters that readers can become involved with.
April 30, 2025
Really enjoyed this book! I got it as a free read and finished it very quickly. The two main characters were interesting and the family dynamic of the Duffy family was chaotic and entertaining. There were so many possibilities of how it could end and the writer took a creative turn with it in multiple ways throughout the book. Looking forward to reading other books in this series.
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