The Beach House Mystery

Samantha Wolf Mysteries #3

by Tara Ellis

For those craving a good, old-fashioned mystery or a clean read for their child!
"An endearing series perfect for fans of Nancy Drew!"

What should be a quiet week at the beach turns into the most challenging mystery that Sam and Ally have uncovered yet. What's the truth behind the odd family renting the cabin next door? Is the tale of a sea creature and haunted lighthouse just a myth? How does a missing girl, and suspicious boat tie into all of it? The girls can't solve this puzzle on their own, so they turn to their brothers for help.

Travel with them to the scenic Washington Coast and into the Olympic Rainforest, where the four have to work together to untangle the clues and fit the mysterious pieces together.
**
Book #1 - The Mystery of Hollow Inn
Book #2 - The Secret of Camp Whispering Pines
Book #3 - The Beach House Mystery
Book #4 - The Heiress of Covington Ranch
Book #5 - The Haunting of Eagle Creek Middle School
Book #6 - A Mysterious Christmas on Orcas Island
Book #7 - The Case of the Curious Canine
Book #8 - The Legend of Shadow Mountain
Book #9 - The Mystery of Old Gully Trail
Book #10 - Return to Hollow Inn
Book #11 - The Secret of Sanctuary
Book #12 - The Mystery at Ocean Side

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Childrens, Ebooks, Fiction, Cozy Mystery

239 pages, Paperback

First published July 11, 2015

About the author

With over 50 published books across ten genres, author Tara Ellis is best known for her heart-pounding post-apocalyptic and thriller series. A heavy dose of mystery often underscores her character-driven plots, heralding back to what fueled her desire to tell stories from an early age.

A certified firefighter in the state of Washington, Tara volunteered as a FF/EMT for over eight years. She also responded as a support officer, worked as an emergency room technician, was a 911 dispatcher, and taught life-saving techniques to the public and first responders. As an author of thriller and survival stories, she draws upon her personal experience throughout her storytelling.

Tara lives in the gorgeous Cascade Mountains of Washington State. When not writing or spending time with family, she can be found hiking the woods while plotting her next adventure.

*Join Tara's newsletter on her author website: Tara Ellis Books

*Check out her women's literature and mysteries under the pen name of Tara Meyers

*Find her on FB under Tara Ellis Author

Check back for upcoming dates for public appearances and book signings!

Coming this year, in 2025:

*A new post-apocalyptic series with Aethon Books, The 6th Extinction, releases in April

*A new thriller series co-authored with L.T. Ryan was announced to release later this year!

*The third and final book in The Fallen series, The Redeemed, is coming this summer

*Several new audiobooks will go live throughout the year

Check back for upcoming dates for public appearances and book signings!

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Samantha Wolf and her best friend Ally travelled with Sam’s parents and both of their brothers to a beach side town for her dad’s work, they were just expecting a week’s holiday in the beach house, swimming and body boarding, before heading home. But once again adventure, mystery and excitement found Sam and Ally when their neighbours in the beach house along side theirs showed an intriguing problem which Sam and Ally felt the need to solve.

Can the four youngsters find the missing girl and solve the problem without putting themselves in danger? The long-abandoned lighthouse was creepy; the rainforest deep, dark and spooky – but they had to put their fears aside…

The Beach House Mystery is the 3rd in the Samantha Wolf Mystery series by Tara Ellis and once again, it’s light, entertaining and fun. The two friends manage to get themselves into difficulties as per usual, but this time their brothers are by their sides. A great series for pre and early teens (and us oldies as well) which I recommend.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beach House Mystery is third in the Samantha Wolf series, but it’s easy to read as a standalone. The plot is reminiscent of the Famous-Five or Secret-Seven (yes, I’m English), pitting brothers and sisters against unknown foes as they enjoy a quiet, no-trouble seaside vacation. Of course, “trouble seems to have a way of finding” Sam and Ally, and it finds them again on the Olympic Peninsula, where they stay in a house that is “truly the last place on the block… reaffirming the feeling of isolation.” Cellphones don’t work without reception, and a crying child might be a victim of misty legend, but this adventure combines ancient and modern into a fun story, including lots of information about the region as well. It’s not the fastest read, and occasional word choices are odd. But it’s a fun, clean adventure, with believably wise child protagonists who are even willing to accept a little help from the guys.

Disclosure: I found it on a deal and enjoyed reading it, though nothing will ever replace Enid Blyton for me!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from this series! I absolutely love these Sam and Ally. This is a great story for everyone that easily kept me entertained though the whole book. This is a very fast paced book, with the perfect writing style that kept me reading! There is nothing bad that I could say about it!

[C.P. Cabaniss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love these middle grade mystery stories. I loved them when I was in that age group and I love them now. This one definitely did not disappoint.

Sam and Ally are once again caught up in a mystery while visiting a beach house near where Sam's dad is overseeing the remodel of a boat. This time, they get their brothers John and Hunter involved. There's a lot of mystery surrounding a lighthouse and a legend about the founder of the town disappearing in the late 1800s and a sea monster and a ghost that haunts the waters, searching for her lost husband. All together it makes for an intriguing story.

The ocean and lighthouses fascinate me, so I was excited for this book and I'm glad I read it. It's a fun mystery for anyone, not just middle grade readers.

While it didn't detract from the story there were some minor editing problems throughout and in the first five or six chapters John and Hunter's names were mixed up which took me a minute to straighten out. Again, this didn't decrease my enjoyment, but be aware that you may run into this if you read.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Source: I downloaded this book via Kindle Unlimited.
Cost: Free

Title: The Beach House Mystery
Series: Samantha Wolf Mysteries #3
Author: Tara Ellis
Overall Rating: 3.9 stars

I wasn't disappointed with this one at all, the story was interesting and I kind of didn't see any of it coming to be honest. I do love these middle grade fantasy books, bringing me back to my Nancy Drew days. The main reason that I really liked this one was the fact that the big brothers got involved, I feel like that was a nice touch to the story as they were great characters.

I also like that their parents weren't encouraging their behaviour, as most parents wouldn't. I really enjoyed this and I would recommend it to younger readers.

[Samantha Silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved

I have read the first 3 and plan on reading more of them. I loved how you made the brothers apart of this one. Also I hope so of thr characters come back for a visit in later books.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago (more than I care to admit!), I was hooked on the Nancy Drew mystery series. The Samantha Wolf mysteries remind me so much of those mysteries of my youth. I believe that middle grade or younger readers would enjoy these stories.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kid friendly easy reading

This is a cute mystery. Good for middle school kids or a little younger. Respecting parents is encouraged. Hiding things from parents causes problems.

[Big Game James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way better than I expected...

The Beach House Mystery is an excellent, well-written story. Sam and Ally are great characters and even though the series is written for pre-teen girls, I’ve found myself enjoying the stories just like I did the Hardy Boys way back in the day.

This time, Sam and Ally encounter a mysterious lighthouse, a picturesque cove, and a local legend. For most people, that would be a perfect place for fun and relaxation. But with Samantha Wolf on the prowl, you know that trouble is just around the corner. Definitely a good read.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certain to Discover

This is a great young readers mystery book. Teamwork, detective skills, problem solving, and determination is displayed within these pages.

[WAYNAH · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a mystery that is reminiscent of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, then this is the book for you. A great little read without sex, violence, or modern-day drama.

[Lea Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The point of view took a little getting used to, but it's a clever, well-told story that put me in mind of the Bobbsey Twins and Boxcar Children.

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoy this story. It felt really accurate as to how a family would act, from the friendship between Hunter and John, as well as the friendship and bond between Ally and Samantha. The way she wove a legend in with the mystery of the missing girl. This was a very well written story that actually kept me guessing as to what was really going on and what the mystery involved. I really hope Tara Ellis keeps up her amazing work of weaving the best cozy mysteries.

[E.M. Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful adventure from the Samantha Wolf Mystery series. Not being familiar with US geography, I checked Google maps again to follow the intriguing coastal descriptions of Washington State and Oregon. Tara' Ellis' novels are definitely educational.

Twelve-year-old Sam is a wonderful role model for middle-grade readers who are looking for exciting and intelligent mystery and adventure. She's such a resourceful, courageous and loyal character--very likeable. In 'The Beach House Mystery' once again she's joined by best friend and fellow sleuth, Ally. With the help of Sam's older brother, Hunter and his friend, John, the kids unite to solve a mystery that involves spooky night stuff on the beach including wailing voices, rolling fogs and an old lighthouse. The action ramps up when they meet their holiday neighbours and soon find themselves entangled with adult criminals.

I especially enjoy the strong theme of friendship in the Sam Wolf Mysteries. The banter between the kids is natural and convincing. The stories are cosy and wholesome with just enough action, excitement and adventure to make them very suitable for middle grade readers.

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam's parents take her and best friend, Ally to stay at a beach house whilst her dad works on a boat at the local marina. The family next door seems to be very odd and the little girl there keeps saying her sister is missing, but her mother denies her having a sister. There is also the small matter of a possibly haunted lighthouse and a mystery sea monster.

This is a fun series for middle grade readers, with a better, 'meatier' plot than previous books. The girls' brothers, Hunter and John, also join in with the investigation this time which provides another dimension to this book.

[Sairaika · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mysterious read!

What's the truth behind the odd family renting the cabin next-door?
Is the tale of a sea creature and haunted lighthouse just a myth?
How does a missing girl, and suspicious boat tie into all of it?

And the girls are back with another mystery to solve! This duo are my favourite characters. Love how they solve mysterious and banter with their brothers and how they all come together to solve a mystery!

Such a mysterious, hooking and enjoyable read for all ages.

Full of mystery, adventure, suspense, suspicion, friendships, camp, sleuthing, action and secrets.

Perfect for readers of mystery reads.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

A feeling of actually being on adventure with Sam and her friends

An absolute smashing book. The ease of language makes it an enjoyable read for teenagers well as adults. The images painted throughout the storyline transports you to the beach, cove and lighthouse. A heartwarming story, brought back memories of reading Enid Blyton's Famous Five and their adventures. Look forward to following many more adventures of Samantha Wolf

[Tara Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam and Ally are back in book #3 of the Samantha Wolf Mysteries!

I hope you enjoy this fun summer story, where you learn a bit more about the girls families and their brothers get involved!

[Charleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great story.

The beginning to the end was great. Ally and Sam keep the mystery of the story going from start to the end.

[V. Arrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much improved on the last book! The mystery was exciting and tightly plotted, and there were real stakes for the kids all the way through the book. I also enjoy Ellis' scene-setting details.

[Barbara Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading one of the mysteries in this series. It works as a stand-alone story. Sam and her best friend Ally are invited by Sam’s parents to spend a week at a beach house on the Pacific Coast. Sam’s father will be working, but the rest of the family plans to enjoy a quiet week.
Sam has a reputation of getting into trouble by sticking her nose in the wrong place. At first, Sam and Ally, along with their brothers, Sam and Hunter, are intrigued by the charming town. Then they learn about Captain Brown’s ghost story, the haunted lighthouse and the monster of the sea. When Sam and Ally come across a child wandering the beach, and neighbors who act strangely and refuse to talk, Sam begins to investigate.
Her snooping skills will put the lives of Sam, Ally, and their brothers in mortal danger, but Sam’s detective smarts and quick thinking may be enough to save their lives as well as others from a nefarious biotechnology scheme.
This book probably appeals most to middle-grade and young adult audiences. While there are some editing issues, the fast pace and high energy level of the plot prevents them from being a real detriment to the story.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun story that begins to include Sam's and Ally's brothers in the mystery. International intrigue and real danger threatens the girls and their brothers. A big step forward is taken by the author toward territory occupied by Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys.

[Selena · Rating 5 out of 5]

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!

Best books of all time!!! I love and enjoy this whole series of books!!!!!

[Christina Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is the third book in this series, and I have read them all. I think that this one might be my favorite. I really like how she has their big brothers in the story. The writing is still really good, and the story is great! I love going to the ocean, so this reminds me of a lot of those things. I hope there will be more!

[gini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book for youth.