Murder-on-Sea

Whitstable Pearl Mystery #2

by Julie Wassmer

Christmas in Whitstable. Lights shine bright in old Harbour Street. A Christmas tree stands in place outside St Alfred’s Church. Carol singers surround it. The party season begins. Christmas cards drop through letterboxes . . .

Pearl is busy with the festive season, planning a great family occasion with Dolly and son Charlie - but she’s overstretched herself by agreeing to cater a charity fundraising event at St Alfred’s. As if she didn’t have enough on her plate already…Christmas cards begin arriving around town, filled with poisonous messages. Several people approach Pearl about the cards and though she has little time to take on a new case, Pearl’s curiosity is piqued when she receives one too - commenting on her relationship with DCI Mike McGuire . . .

At the local Christmas party, Pearl and McGuire soon find themselves standing below some mistletoe, when a guest suddenly keels over. At first it’s assumed that local accountant Sue Taylor has simply drunk too much of Pearl’s excellent mulled wine but McGuire and another guest at the event, local GP Paul Masters, soon confirm Sue’s death.

Suspicions soon begin to mount - could it be that Martha, a cat lover who led a solitary life outside her work as church warden, was also a murderer and the sender of all those poison pen Christmas cards?

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Christmas, British Literature, Audiobook

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2015

About the author

Julie Wassmer is a television drama writer who contributed for almost twenty years to the popular BBC series EastEnders.

She published her autobiography More Than Just Coincidence in 2010, in which she describes finding her long-lost daughter after an astonishing twist of fate. It was voted Mumsnet book of the year.

The Whitstable Pearl Mystery is the first in her series of crime novels, involving multi-tasking private detective-come-restauranteur, Pearl Nolan.

Julie lives in Whitstable and is well known for her environmental campaigning.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Whitstable Pearl Mystery series which is a cozy that has been made into a TV series.

Being in a close-knit community, there are a lot of little things that happen, including local gossip, and everyone seeming to know everyone and everything that happens.

So...Even though Pearl has a local bar/restaurant, she values her role as a local detective helping to solve these neighbors simple “concerns.”

When... A murder occurs...

Well... It becomes an even bigger deal that involves her favorite DCI Maguire.

The question is...Will you become annoyed with some of the characters, or the author’s descriptions along the way, or enjoy the small-town flavor that gets you to the predictable ending.

Sorry, I did figure out for the most part the whodunit.

Either way, this was fun. 3.5 stars

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished whilst in Whitstable!

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The petty descriptions of people, the unnecessary detail… it is a bit tiresome.

[Damaskcat · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is almost Christmas in Whitstable and Pearl Nolan has just written and posted her Christmas cards including one to McGuire - the detective she met in the Summer when they were both investigating a suspicious death. Someone else in the town has been using Christmas cards to send anonymous messages and has upset several of Pearl's friends but she really doesn't want a case to investigate just before Christmas and she refers all the recipients to the police.

Pearl invites McGuire to the church fundraiser which turns out to be more eventful than anyone could have wanted it to be when a guest collapses and Pearl hopes it wasn't her mulled wine to blame. This is an intriguing mystery with Pearl finding herself in the middle of another police investigation though at least it brings her into contact with McGuire again.

I found this a entertaining mystery with plenty of clues and red herrings and some odd goings on. I loved the characters - Charlie - Pear's son; Dolly - her eccentric mother; McGuire - the enigmatic detective with his own secrets and of course Whitstable. The author really brings the characters and Whitstable itself to life and I got a clear picture of the place out of season to set against Whitstable in high summer in the first book in the series.

If you like mysteries with interesting characters and an evocative background then you will probably enjoy the Whitstable Pearl mysteries. I am currently looking forward to the third book in the series due out in April 2016.

[Christina McLain · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second offering in the cozy Whitstable Pearl mystery series is okay but not spectacular. I hate to say it but the Acorn television series did things better. Here the two main protagonists, Pearl Nolan and Mike McGuire, are nothing more than beautiful Harlequin romance cutouts, and the story is peppered with a dull plot and tons of forgettable secondary characters. The television series was light but its characters had a kind of rumpled, imperfect authenticity and were more relatable to the audience. The romance is limp too. I found my mind wandering, which is not a good sign. I'd give it a miss. And I wish the author would provide us with a map of the town of Whitstable, which does at least sound appealing. Just couldn't get my bearings--I wasn't "on Sea" but at sea.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed my read of the first book in this series, The Whitstable Pearl Mystery, and I was excited to get my mitts on the next book in the series Murder on Sea!

I loved this story, first of all it is set at my favourite time of the year, Christmas time, it is also set in the seaside town of Whitstable in Kent (England - I have been there!!) and there is plenty of foodies descriptions and a nice dollop of cosy romance, oh and murder!

Pearl Nolan is getting ready for Christmas, her successful seafood restaurant is still busy and she is excited for her son coming home for Christmas. Her private detective business is ticking over nicely but with Christmas on the way family and work take priority until....

Her friends start to visit her with cards they have received, each of them with hateful messages inside that they want Pearl to get to the bottom of but she feels it is a job for the police and that means her friend in the force DCI Mike McGuire.

McGuire is a good cop but he lost someone he loved and now after finally coming to terms with it, he is seeing single mother Pearl in a new light, the pair of them have many "moments" together but when she invites him to the church fundraiser their moment under the mistletoe is interrupted by the collapse of one of the locals, a lady called Diana.

Without giving too much away, Diana unfortunately does not survive and it looks like she was poisoned, the question is by who? Is it linked to the poison pen letters or could it be the grievance she had with her neighbours? But with Pearl and McGuire both witnesses to Diana's demise it is guaranteed they will get to the bottom of it.

I loved this book, it could have been the festive atmosphere, it could be because I had already met the characters in the first book and was comfortable around them or it could be that this was just a constant enjoyable read from start to finish.

I like hearing a bit more about McGuire's background and the chemistry between him and Pearl was certainly getting sparkier. There is also plenty of other supporting character such as her mother Dolly and her friend Nathan who give a wonderful light hearted aspect to the story.

This is cosy crime with a little dark streak, perfect and just the way I like it! I hope to be back to Whitstable again soon!

[Jan Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pearl, Whitstable restaurateur and private detective, is preparing for Christmas and involved in many of the local community's festivities. She is approached to investigate a spate of poison-pen Christmas cards, a job which she hands on to DCI McGuire for reasons never really explained. But when one of the recipients of a card, her friend and accountant, is poisoned at a very public event she is drawn into the investigation almost be default.

This is the second in the series. As expected in any series of this kind it utilising many of the same characters. Her eccentric mother, her son, her almost romantic love, Inspector MacGuire, plus others that have cropped in in book one.

The story romps along at a good pace with plenty of intrigue and humour in amongst the local gossip and personal interest. Very much in the 'mystery vein' perhaps more at the Agatha Raisin end than Miss Marple, but none the worse for that. If I have one criticism (as someone with many relatives in the restaurant trade) she seems to spend very little time attending to that side of her business, but that is doubtless me being picky.

I read this at a sitting and was both amused and entertained - and you can't say fairer than that. Good,

[Samie Sands · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! All the characters were well written, rounded and realistic too. Although the plot line deals with a gruesome murder and a lot of nastiness, it manages to have a humorous edge to it too. The mystery was detailed and difficult to solve – which makes the reveal all that more exciting! Highly recommended!

[Martina Lennon · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who like cosy mysteries, then this a new series just right for you. Now all I have to is to find the first and wait for the third next year.. Some times that is the only drawback to libraries, but then anticipation is everything . Irishmadoc this is a series for you.

[Deanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Christmas time in Whitstable, and not everyone appears to be full of the joys of the season. When some of the locals receive poison cards they ask Pearl to get to the bottom of the mystery.
The characters are an interesting ensemble, though I don't know how Pearl puts up with Dolly, keep picturing her as Rose from keeping up appearances.

[Kendra Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the last in the series for me. Reasonable premise, awful, unbelievable characters who seem to be a mishmash of random personality traits that simply don’t belong together. And the style of writing feels amateurish. I was lured by the pretty covers, to my absolute shame.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In ‘Murder on Sea’ we are back in the town of Whitstable, it’s almost Christmas and restaurant owner and private investigator Pearl is in over her head with work. Especially since it’s almost Christmas and a lot needs to be done. Pearl really shouldn’t except new investigator jobs, but when people start receiving strange insulting Christmas cards, Pearl can’t resist to start asking some questions around town. But soon Pearl finds more than she bargained for and soon she is in the middle of a murder investigation.
With the help of DCI Mike McGuire, Pearl is determined to solve this new murder case before Christmas Eve.

I really enjoy reading cozy mysteries. And the Whitstable Pearl Mystery series definitely is one of my favorites in this genre. The writing is easy to follow and easily sparks your interest and imagination. I just love reading about this little town and it’s people.
The main character Pearl is definitely my favorite. Pearl is thirty nine years old and she seems to have her life al in order. A grown up son, a successful restaurant, a nice home, a starting new private investigator business.. The one thing missing in her life is romance. But even that is looking better every day. Pearl is tough character, who really cares for others. I really love reading about her.

The mystery in this book is definitely good. I didn’t have any idea about how this mystery would end until the very moment it was revealed. One moment I would think I totally knew who the murderer was, and the next I was completely unsure. I love that in mysteries. The fact that this book takes place around Christmas time, my favorite holiday, makes this book even better in my opinion.

Just like with the first book I really love the cover. It’s just so pretty and looks great upon my bookshelves. :P I definitely recommend his book.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are the basis for a charming murder mystery series on Acorn--the TV show has taken many liberties, but the tone and feel are exactly right. The real interest of these books is the locale, a seascape that JMW Turner thought was the most beautiful he had ever seen, a town of eccentric locals who are only too happy to fleece (they say "rinse") the DFLs--Down From Londons, along with other easy touristy pickings. There are pleasant, good-hearted main characters, and occasional murders. The first murder here takes place after page 90. The story is set in the last week before Christmas, and in the only slightly off-key note, a warm and jolly Christmas Eve party is used to Gather the Suspects and Reveal the Villain.

[Cliff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another cosy crime with a lady detective - shades of Miss Marple to Agatha Raisin. I found Pearl more realistic than most of this ilk with her feet firmly on the ground. OK, there is what seems to be the inevitable love interest, this time of a local DCI, but this isn't overdone and Pearl doesn't go around moping. She is the owner of a relatively up market seafood restaurant in Whitstable Kent. The story takes place in the run up to Christmas. There is the also inevitable denouement with Pearl disclosing the identity of the perp at a Christmas Eve party at her house. Fairly believable characters, well written, good dialogue, a good example of the unpretentious genre of which it forms par.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started reading these because of the television series but I don’t think I’ll continue. Not really a fan of any of the characters and the idea of a restaurant owner-turned-detective seems implausible. The murder mystery story was good but I don’t think it’s enough to keep me with the series.

[dnsyl57 · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Murder-On-Sea" is book #2 in the Whitstable Pearl Mystery" by Julie Wassmer.

"It's not the season of good will to all men...

The festive month is kicking off in style and Pearl is rushed off her feet with her restaurant, The Whitstable Pearl. She's also busy planning her own family Christmas and providing mulled wine for a charity church fundraiser when Christmas cards begin arriving all over town - filled with spiteful messages from an anonymous writer.

Pearl's curiosity is piqued but having pledged not to take on a case at her detective agency before Christmas, she reluctantly agrees that Canterbury's DCI Mike McGuire should take over; poisoned pen cards are after all a matter for the police. And with only the church fundraiser now between Pearl and Christmas, she invites McGuire along as her guest. The event appears to be a great success; St Alfred's church hall is packed and Pearl happily finds herself standing close to McGuire beneath some mistletoe . . . but then a guest suddenly collapses. Too much of Pearl's delicious mulled wine - or could it be something more sinister?

The last thing Pearl expects for Christmas is murder but soon the bodies are piling up. Can Pearl possibly solve the mystery in time to make 25th December an unforgettable day - or will the murderer contrive to ensure her goose is well and truly cooked before then?"

My thoughts:
I do like the core characters in this series. Pearl is smart and insightful. She concerned for her son Charlie who has been in Berlin the last few months. McGuire is still dealing with the loss of his love - which he has not told Pearl about. The author alternates between there perspectives on the case and their personal lives - granted there is more emphasis on Pearl but it does keep things more interesting.

The messages in the Christmas cards may have been spiteful, but they also seemed to be on target for those who received them even if they didn't all see it that way. Pearl did try to refrain from getting involved in sorting out who sent the cards, but once there was a murder, she felt she had to do something.

Trying to sort out who sent the cards and why is a mystery in itself. After the murder, it became more urgent as people started to wonder if the cards and the murder were related or done by someone else.

As Christmas drew closer and Pearl was able to gather more clues, she decided to host her usual Christmas Eve drinks party at her cottage but invited a few extra guests. In a Christie like scene, she slowly and methodically went through the events of the cards and murders to finally unveil the killer!

Well done Ms. Wassmer!

[Jayne Clifford-Greening · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was part of a big bundle I purchased from FaceBook Marketplace. Now I have to admit I do pick a book by its cover. And the cover is cute! A little crab surrounded by fish and an adorable-looking house nestled by the sea immediately convey a warm and cosy feeling. This is a book that should be read while sitting in your favourite armchair, a cup of hot chocolate in your hand and your cat curled up on your lap - oh, and the weather is wet and windy - my favourite kind of weather! Aptly named Pearl is the story's main character. She is a restaurateur and private detective. The story focus on a few main characters: an accountant, a cleaner, an estate agent, a photographer, a salon owner and a publican; each of whom receives a Christmas card with cryptic messages. The messages are cut from newspaper print!
And that is all I am going to give you ...!
This is an easy read, or a weekend read as I like to refer to them. The author Julie Wassmer, has done a great job of her characters. Pearl is loveable and someone who can be trusted with your secrets. You love or hate the other characters and this is a wonderful balance. Pearl solves the "whodunnit" even beating her police officer friend and the investigation officer. In fact, Pearl's approach reminds me of Angela Lansbury's Jessica Fletcher's Murder She Wrote.
The only thing I would have liked to have seen is more development of the characters, but having said that, the personalities were developed enough to follow the story and of equal importance enough for the reader to love some characters and hate others.
I like having a go at solving murder mysteries and using the MMO (motive, means, opportunity), I worked out the identity of the murderer!
If you are a fan of Agatha Christie's work and Murder She Wrote, then this is for you!

[Mike Sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the Whitstable Pearl murder mysteries. I read the first way back in 2016. Watching the TV adaptation recently of the first series was a memory jog and I purchased Murder-on-Sea which I have thoroughly enjoyed. It's another series based in a location I know so well. I was born in Kent, I am a proud Man of Kent, and I have visited Whitstable, on the North Kent coast, more times than I can remember. It's a small seaside town sandwiched between Tankerton and Herne Bay and is famous for its locally farmed oysters. Our protagonist, Pearl Nolan, runs a top class restaurant - The Whitstable Pearl - and a private detective agency. I just felt cosy, wrapped up in a cracking yarn as Christmas approaches and Pearl is rushed off her feet planning a family Christmas when Christmas cards begin arriving all over town - filled with spiteful messages from an anonymous writer...

Having pledged not to take on a case before Christmas Pearl agrees that DCI Mike McGuire should take over. There is a tingle of possible romance here, often perplexing with a lack of action! When Pearl organises a fundraiser Pearl invites McGuire along. The hall is packed when a guest suddenly collapses. MURDER! Soon the bodies are piling up and the investigation, that Pearl cannot avoid getting involved with, culminates in a delicious Christie style denouement, which is just so clever!

A highly recommended read for fans of cosy murder mysteries!

[Madeleine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd in the Whitstable Pearl mysteries, and handily is set at Christmas, so it was a perfect time to read it. Pearl, who has her own restaurant, is way behind with her own Christmas preparation, but is helping with the catering for a Christmas fair, and when a woman collapses at the fair, Pearl is worried she might have got food poisoning from one of her dishes, but after the woman dies in hospital, tests reveal she didn't have food poisoning, and whilst Pearl is exonerated, she's still technically a witness,although half the town was there too so they're all witnesses, including DCI Mike Maguire, Pearl's will they won't they love interest and sparring partner. Neither is allowed to investigate, but when the dead woman's nephew (and closest relative) asks Pearl to find out what happened, well she can't refuse can she. Then someone else is found dead, and what with a rising body count and a series of poison pen Xmas cards being sent to members of the community, Pearl has her hands full in trying to solve a mystery before Christmas Day. This was an enjoyable read, just on the right side of cosy and not too sentimental either. 7/10

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The stories in this series are reasonably well-plotted, but the writing continues to be clunky. Lots of needless description (what kind of cheeses are on the cheese platter, what someone is eating while someone else is talking), by which I mean it doesn't either reveal character or move the plot along. The relationship between Pearl and McGuire is a bit tiresome--they are each a little petty when it comes to the other. I don't find myself rooting for them. I have one more already waiting for me at the library, so I'll give it a go, but if it doesn't get substantially better, this is where I get off. This is a case where the television program is a significant improvement over the books.

[Philip Maughan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not reading these books in order, but it's noticeable that later books 3 and 5 are tighter and more thrilling than 1 and 2.
Set the week before Christmas we get poison pen Christmas cards, and a poisoning. And introducing us to a large pot of suspects.
As McGuire is a witness to the poisoning, he is sidelined from the police investigation. But we get nothing else from the police as Pearl is doing all the legwork, their paths never cross, and McGuire is assisting Pearl.
As usual, there are eloquent descriptions of North Kent and Whitstable, but the thrills are missing.
All ending in a classic Christie denouement / pre-Christmas drinks party.
I love Julie's writing style, good character building and description, and of course the wordplay between everyone.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good ‘cosy’ mystery set in the seaside town of whitstable with an interesting set of characters.
Pearl - Private detective/restaurant owner with family around her, makes an interesting focal point of the stories.
As with the first story this novel was an easy read and really drew you into the story.
Only downsides are some of the story elements borrow from other sources such as annoying but loved mother also present, potential love interest with local police officer.
So if you read a lot of mystery-cosy novels you might get a bit of deja vu.
I will continue with the series you see how they progress with the characters and see how the mysteries develop.

[Sarah Rayner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second of the Whitstable Pearl Mysteries I have read and this one certainly was as good if not better than the first. Living in Kent it is nice to read a book with places in you can recognise and having been to Whitstable on a number of occasions it’s nice to be able to picture in your mind the places she is writing about. It’s one of those stories that you can put down and just want to read another few pages hence why it only took me two days from start to finish. Can wait to start the next one in the series. The plot was really good and kept me guessing till the end

[Pamela Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second Whitstable Pearl Mystery and it’s just as wonderful as the first. This one is set right before Christmas and it’s Pearl’s busiest time at the Restaurant and compounded by her obligations to her family and town. What she doesn’t need is a murder to solve, but things don’t go as planned, and when mean spirited Christmas cards are sent to some residents, and then someone dies, she is pulled into the investigation to find out if they are related. Of course, DCI Mike McGuire is back and their attraction to each other doesn’t keep them from searching for clues.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five local people in Whitstable have received Christmas cards with an evil message in them. Pearl is asked by one of the people to investigate. Pearl is trying to get ready for Christmas, for Charlie coming home, and in the process of closing restaurant for a 2-week holiday. McGuire enters the picture after months of not seeing Pearl; a murder of one of the card recipients, a murder of a stranger to town, another murder and Pearl and McGuire are investigating. Love the tv series as well as the books.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good story -- have not read book one, but will definitely be reading more in the series. Really enjoyed this book. Pearl is a great characters - super interested to see what else she can do. Liked her love interest, the people in the town. Wondering if we'll learn more about her son? Loved the part about Scouts hand-delivering Christmas cards and how that figured into the story. Lots of good, unusual aspects to this story, but good writing and great characters make it even more worthwhile. Definitely recommend.

[Dallass · Rating 3 out of 5]

As per usual, I have picked up a book that is NOT the first book in a series. However, that didn't affect my understanding of the story as it only briefly touches on previous storylines. The characters were interesting, and there is the usual romantic angle that is touched on. I loved the little village, and the murder mystery itself was interesting and well done.

Will keep an eye out for more books in the series.

PS. I love these covers! ;-D

[Hazel Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lockdown Reading

I started this story after you spoke at the book group I belong to chaired by Gill Lato.
I always think of Whitstable as a ‘Marmite’ town........talk to people some like it, some don’t. I love walking along the shoreline, round the harbour, some fine restaurants, fish and chips and of course oysters.
The story covers three murders, are they connected or not, well read the book to find out but if you are local you will easily recognise everywhere and if not, come and visit, when we are permitted.

[Linda Amos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing the burgeoning relationship between McGuire and Pearl. Poison pen Christmas cards are received by some of the residents of Whitstable. Pearl is asked to help solve who sent them. Before she can do much one of the recipients has been murdered. More bodies follow but is there a connection between them for just the sender?
I enjoyed this one, although read it out of order. Looking forward to reading more.

[Julie Coles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in the Whitstable Pearl Mystery series. The titular character, Pearl, runs a restaurant and solves mysteries on the side. There's a bit of romance thrown in with a murder or two, all set in Whitstable, Kent.

It's an easy read and in the same genre as The Thursday Murder Club. Realistic? Not really. Enjoyable? Absolutely.

My judgement may be clouded as I grew up in Whitstable but I liked this little romp and whilst I didn't completely guess whodunit, it all made sense.