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Skeletons in the Cupboard #2
The Seasiders
This seaside town holds more secrets than you could ever imagine.
Grace and Dick Thomas are the proud owners of the Sandybank Guest House, a pristine establishment set in a prime location overlooking the beach. Tourists come and go all year round, enjoying the beautiful setting and their host's wonderful culinary skills.
However, the permanent residents of this pretty coastal town cause net curtains to flutter and tongues to wag with their myriad of secrets and tales to be told.
Caught up in their midst, the Thomases live their lives regardless, checking guests in and checking guests out. But who holds the biggest secret of all?
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2016
176 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Griffiths-Jones
33 books72 followersA.J.Griffiths-Jones is a historian & genealogist with a special interest in Victorian Crime. After a decade of living & working in China, she now lives in Shropshire, England. A.J's interests include cooking, travelling & swimming.
Her debut book 'Prisoner 4374' was the result of ten years research in to the life of Dr.Thomas Neill Cream, the notorious Lambeth Poisoner & Jack the Ripper suspect.
A.J. is currently working on a sequel Ripper book and a series of novels, the first of which 'The Villagers' was published early 2016.
Her debut book 'Prisoner 4374' was the result of ten years research in to the life of Dr.Thomas Neill Cream, the notorious Lambeth Poisoner & Jack the Ripper suspect.
A.J. is currently working on a sequel Ripper book and a series of novels, the first of which 'The Villagers' was published early 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 25, 2018
The Seasiders is a light mystery novel written by A. J. Griffiths-Jones in 2016 and published by Creativia, the same press where I'm published. I like to sample different authors' books throughout the year to see what everyone's styles are like. I always end up enjoying the books and this was no exception.
At first, the story is very simple. A husband and wife, Dick and Grace, own and operate a small b&b in the UK. Grace's family originally ran the place, but once they retired the business transferred to their daughter. Dick does very little to help out. He does his best to build the foundation for an outdoor patio, but he breaks the cement all the time. He can't use the booking system, and he is possibly afraid of the washing machine. Grace loves him, but part of her wants an escape. We meet a few of their guests and neighbors all the while knowing something weird is going on, just never quite certain what it is. By the end, the truth comes out in quite a twist and we are left wondering what really happened along the way. I'm being purposely vague so readers won't feel any spoils nor try to guess for themselves. It's a very different kind of mystery book, but still a good one to experience.
Griffiths-Jones relies on typical encounters between a husband and wife, neighbors, and guests at a hotel to tell this story. Through preparing a meal, checking in/out, running errands, or overhearing conversations, the plot unfolds and thickens. A guest goes missing. Money has been stolen. Police are investigating but they won't say for what. It's in the hidden details that readers must find the actual events that have occurred. It's a careful and deliberate writing style to balance facts and missing facts. When a writer can do this and achieve a wonderful ending, it's a sign of talent.
On the shorter side, probably more of a novella, it's easy to digest in a couple of hours. Grab a cup of tea, perhaps a tasty snack, and sit by a fire this winter. Immerse yourself in each new character and try to figure out the connection to the plot. Sometimes it's clear, others it's not until the end. The author drops several red herrings, but there's also a few solid clues you might miss. I enjoyed the descriptions as it painted a mostly clear picture of the setting, scenery and characters, but left enough for me to fill in the blanks as I saw fit in my connections to the book. That's always my favorite style -- not too detailed, but not too vague.
A lovely story, a few surprises, a good afternoon read to get familiar with the author's styles and talents. I'm definitely glad I took this one and look forward to checking out her other books in the upcoming year.
At first, the story is very simple. A husband and wife, Dick and Grace, own and operate a small b&b in the UK. Grace's family originally ran the place, but once they retired the business transferred to their daughter. Dick does very little to help out. He does his best to build the foundation for an outdoor patio, but he breaks the cement all the time. He can't use the booking system, and he is possibly afraid of the washing machine. Grace loves him, but part of her wants an escape. We meet a few of their guests and neighbors all the while knowing something weird is going on, just never quite certain what it is. By the end, the truth comes out in quite a twist and we are left wondering what really happened along the way. I'm being purposely vague so readers won't feel any spoils nor try to guess for themselves. It's a very different kind of mystery book, but still a good one to experience.
Griffiths-Jones relies on typical encounters between a husband and wife, neighbors, and guests at a hotel to tell this story. Through preparing a meal, checking in/out, running errands, or overhearing conversations, the plot unfolds and thickens. A guest goes missing. Money has been stolen. Police are investigating but they won't say for what. It's in the hidden details that readers must find the actual events that have occurred. It's a careful and deliberate writing style to balance facts and missing facts. When a writer can do this and achieve a wonderful ending, it's a sign of talent.
On the shorter side, probably more of a novella, it's easy to digest in a couple of hours. Grab a cup of tea, perhaps a tasty snack, and sit by a fire this winter. Immerse yourself in each new character and try to figure out the connection to the plot. Sometimes it's clear, others it's not until the end. The author drops several red herrings, but there's also a few solid clues you might miss. I enjoyed the descriptions as it painted a mostly clear picture of the setting, scenery and characters, but left enough for me to fill in the blanks as I saw fit in my connections to the book. That's always my favorite style -- not too detailed, but not too vague.
A lovely story, a few surprises, a good afternoon read to get familiar with the author's styles and talents. I'm definitely glad I took this one and look forward to checking out her other books in the upcoming year.
April 23, 2018
That little seaside town you love to visit in summer – have you ever wondered what that charming bookshop owner or the lovely landlady really feel about all their visitors? How they live both during the vibrant summers and quiet winters? Follow me and find out…
| Introduction |
‘Amazing Grace’ is Grace Thomas, owner of the Sandybank Guest House, overlooking the seafront in this charming little coastal town. Grace is an excellent host and, truth be told, she pretty much handles all things by herself. Her husband, Dick, does what he can but seeing as he loves to relax, takes years to construct a patio and wanders off in the afternoon, you can understand why Grace is in effect running the guest house and their household. No wonder the tension rises…
| Storyline |
After over twenty years of marriage, the “suave and sophisticated young man” Grace fell in love with is now “almost completely bald, overweight and almost always tired…” Even though the flame of passion may have been extinguished, Grace appreciates his kindness and is prepared to let him be. She herself, however, has always taken the trouble of taking care of herself, her weekly hairdresser’s appointment every Thursday is the highlight of her week; not only for her hair but also to keep up with the town’s latest gossip. In her sparse free time, Grace loves to read, especially romance novels. Whilst Grace is at the hairdresser’s, Dick has to do the beds and though grudgingly, he goes about his job when he finds a little book tucked away in the mattress. The book title is intriguing and more so the author’s name: Quentin Crisp. Though not much of a reader, Dick decides to keep his treasure.
After looking at the wonderful book covers displayed in the local bookshop’s window, Grace buys herself a romantic novel and, entrapped in her thoughts while walking back, feels sort of caught out when Robbie, the well-built fisherman, greets her and agrees to bring over fish the next week, just before Easter. Flustered, Grace speeds home to a disappointment: the washing machine is still not doing its job and her lazy husband tries to hide, unsuccessfully. A week of spring cleaning passes and Good Friday arrives – Robbie dutifully delivers his fish but does not leave before he has has a slice of Grace’s delicious cake. Her romantic novel is on the kitchen table and, much to Grace’s surprise, Robbie starts discussing the plot of her romantic novel with her. Another surprise is just around the corner when the police inform her, that one of their guests, Mr Brown, has been missing since last he checked out of their guesthouse. Something fishy all around, right? Follow me to that charming seaside town, have one of Grace’s delicious cakes or visit Maureen the hairdresser for all the tongue-wagging news…
| My Thoughts |
The Seasiders is a quirky novel with a twist – and even if you somehow feel something is off, you cannot pinpoint anything. After the unexpected ending, it was like the sun broke through the cloud and everything made sense… I realised I had to read The Seasiders again but now with the knowledge of hindsight! Is it a coincidence that the missing guest is one Mr Brown? I felt an Agatha Christie reference here… I loved the author’s descriptions of the town, I could almost smell Robbie’s fish and feel the sea wind in my hair.. the language used is lovely and takes you back to a time where “twaddle, ”chiller’and “çravat” were commonly used. You can easily picture the colourful characters and seemingly ordinary situations; I can just imagine how Grace is running the guest house and how Dick desperately tries to avoid working by hiding in his shed or sneaking away to the local pub or betting shop. A.J. Griffith-Jones warms our hearts with her engaging, humorous and enticing writing style and, just when you are almost completely disarmed, ambushes us with her creative plotline… I fell for it, hook, line and sinker!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/seasid...
| Introduction |
‘Amazing Grace’ is Grace Thomas, owner of the Sandybank Guest House, overlooking the seafront in this charming little coastal town. Grace is an excellent host and, truth be told, she pretty much handles all things by herself. Her husband, Dick, does what he can but seeing as he loves to relax, takes years to construct a patio and wanders off in the afternoon, you can understand why Grace is in effect running the guest house and their household. No wonder the tension rises…
| Storyline |
After over twenty years of marriage, the “suave and sophisticated young man” Grace fell in love with is now “almost completely bald, overweight and almost always tired…” Even though the flame of passion may have been extinguished, Grace appreciates his kindness and is prepared to let him be. She herself, however, has always taken the trouble of taking care of herself, her weekly hairdresser’s appointment every Thursday is the highlight of her week; not only for her hair but also to keep up with the town’s latest gossip. In her sparse free time, Grace loves to read, especially romance novels. Whilst Grace is at the hairdresser’s, Dick has to do the beds and though grudgingly, he goes about his job when he finds a little book tucked away in the mattress. The book title is intriguing and more so the author’s name: Quentin Crisp. Though not much of a reader, Dick decides to keep his treasure.
After looking at the wonderful book covers displayed in the local bookshop’s window, Grace buys herself a romantic novel and, entrapped in her thoughts while walking back, feels sort of caught out when Robbie, the well-built fisherman, greets her and agrees to bring over fish the next week, just before Easter. Flustered, Grace speeds home to a disappointment: the washing machine is still not doing its job and her lazy husband tries to hide, unsuccessfully. A week of spring cleaning passes and Good Friday arrives – Robbie dutifully delivers his fish but does not leave before he has has a slice of Grace’s delicious cake. Her romantic novel is on the kitchen table and, much to Grace’s surprise, Robbie starts discussing the plot of her romantic novel with her. Another surprise is just around the corner when the police inform her, that one of their guests, Mr Brown, has been missing since last he checked out of their guesthouse. Something fishy all around, right? Follow me to that charming seaside town, have one of Grace’s delicious cakes or visit Maureen the hairdresser for all the tongue-wagging news…
| My Thoughts |
The Seasiders is a quirky novel with a twist – and even if you somehow feel something is off, you cannot pinpoint anything. After the unexpected ending, it was like the sun broke through the cloud and everything made sense… I realised I had to read The Seasiders again but now with the knowledge of hindsight! Is it a coincidence that the missing guest is one Mr Brown? I felt an Agatha Christie reference here… I loved the author’s descriptions of the town, I could almost smell Robbie’s fish and feel the sea wind in my hair.. the language used is lovely and takes you back to a time where “twaddle, ”chiller’and “çravat” were commonly used. You can easily picture the colourful characters and seemingly ordinary situations; I can just imagine how Grace is running the guest house and how Dick desperately tries to avoid working by hiding in his shed or sneaking away to the local pub or betting shop. A.J. Griffith-Jones warms our hearts with her engaging, humorous and enticing writing style and, just when you are almost completely disarmed, ambushes us with her creative plotline… I fell for it, hook, line and sinker!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/seasid...
November 16, 2016
I’m so glad I found this refreshingly unusual crime novel. A.J. Griffiths-Jones is a wonderfully descriptive writer, making it easy to get lost in her seaside setting. I could ‘see’ the town and its interesting, believable characters as I read. Her writing has a lovely flow and was hard to put down. I had to ‘ration’ chapters to make it last. There’s a very good period atmosphere of small-town life in the early sixties, making this is a highly enjoyable read for social detail alone. This is a very original novel, full of unexpected twists and moments of wicked black comedy. The ending is superb. I loved ‘The Seasiders’ and can’t recommend it too highly.
June 14, 2017
Pure Fun!
This was a wonderful summer read. The ending was so unexpected and so hysterical. This story gives an absolutely new meaning to a twisted ending. I loved every moment of this well written story.
This was a wonderful summer read. The ending was so unexpected and so hysterical. This story gives an absolutely new meaning to a twisted ending. I loved every moment of this well written story.
April 22, 2019
What a good story. Set in a lovely seaside town we take it nice and easy as we join Grace and Dick as they run their guest house. As we follow their lives we have no idea where the journey will eventually take us.
Well done to the author for a well written book with an end that takes us by surprise.
Enjoyed the journey.
Well done to the author for a well written book with an end that takes us by surprise.
Enjoyed the journey.
June 17, 2017
Thank you A.J. Griffith-Jones for taking me back, albeit virtually, to a lovely memory of a short visit to The Queen’s Hotel in Portsmouth, England. Though my stay was in the midst of a frosty winter, I still managed to walk along the shore savoring the views of the Isle of Wight. The Seasiders transports readers to a fictional beach hotel called The Sandybank Guest House where families and single travelers go to unwind while enjoying the hospitality of Grace and Dick Thomas. The rapport between the husband and wife landlords is stellar. He’s off for a pint and she needs help because it’s Thursday and the beautician Maureen is waiting to style Grace’s hair at the salon. There’s a plot device used here I rarely see, where the reader is pulled along a somewhat mundane daily routine only to end up in a whirlpool. The characters are charming and the language artistic and brilliant. The author uses words like twaddle and phrases such as “Jolly smart cravat too,” or chiller and cold store instead of refrigerator. Delightfully British in a Fawlty Towers meets Rosemary and Thyme sort of way. There are fantastic characters with side issues such as Elliot Moss, Hilda Price and Oscar Renfrew that I still haven’t figured out. But I don’t want to spoil anything by giving away too much, because there are subtle clues all the way through that I never picked up while enjoying the creative narrative, which eventually led gullible me over an unexpected cliff. When I had finished reading this novel, it reminded me of the short cartoon called Bambi meets Godzilla where Bambi is out walking on a lovely spring day, enjoying the flowers and the butterflies. A classic piece of music by Grieg is playing in the background to draw us further into a false sense of security. That’s when Godzilla shows up to flatten Bambi and the audience is completely flabbergasted. If you like surprises, you’ll love reading The Seasiders.
July 2, 2018
The author weaved a funny, interesting, and surprising book in this effort. I will tell you nothing about the story contents except it is filled with anecdotes of people, people such as you may know, everyday people, living, working, playing, trying to get by. The one other thing I will say is the author is a master character creator. She has outdone herself in that regard in this story. How anyone could not enjoy this one is beyond me but I guess not all have the same tastes. READ this book. It is superbly written!
September 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. Small town gossip and people trying to keep things secret, it’s a quirky story and good fun
September 1, 2019
Audiobook review
Remember when you choose to stay at the beach and in the b&b the couple who look after you so well.
Listen or read this and it will definitely get you thinking about what goes on behind the front your allowed to see!
The towns secrets are abundant and I bet there’s more to unravel even after this tale is finished.
Talking about the finish, goodness what a swift change to the ending. Really good lead up & no idea this was going to happen at all.
Loved it.
Narrator was good she fit what I think the main character would’ve sounded like. A definite listen from me.
Remember when you choose to stay at the beach and in the b&b the couple who look after you so well.
Listen or read this and it will definitely get you thinking about what goes on behind the front your allowed to see!
The towns secrets are abundant and I bet there’s more to unravel even after this tale is finished.
Talking about the finish, goodness what a swift change to the ending. Really good lead up & no idea this was going to happen at all.
Loved it.
Narrator was good she fit what I think the main character would’ve sounded like. A definite listen from me.
October 17, 2019
Un giallo leggero con un finale più che sorprendente. Lettura da ombrellone.
January 20, 2018
Brilliant, I loved the suprise twist at the end I really did not expect it.
April 25, 2017
This book proves that we all enjoy gossip and hearing dirt on the people we know. This is the story of Grace and Dick, the owners of a bed and breakfast in England during 1964. A couple of their customers go missing after they leave. The clues to this are scattered throughout the story with all the gossip from the small town. I kept reading just to see what else would happen. And none of the gossip seemed boring. I did wonder why suddenly Dick was so keen to help Grace do her chores and give her some free time away. That just seemed so out of character for him. I knew something was going on, but didn't know what it was. And Grace seemed like the typical housewife from that era. Put up with whatever and keep your family together because marriage was still considered sacred by many. The ending was a complete surprise to me. I must admit that I did not see that coming. I would recommend this to those that enjoy mysteries and stories about human nature.
January 7, 2021
As a writer I can appreciate the detail that Ms. Griffiths-Jones puts into her fast moving and well thought out tales, the foreshadowing, the titillating glimpses of lifestyles different than our own, and the little mysteries not explained until the last page. This book had it all, the quirky characters that would conceivably stay alone at a seaside hotel, the families with children innocently having fun on a summer break, the meticulous landlady who enjoys romance stories, and the seemingly boring and slow husband. The ending and epilogue are essential to understanding the story and explain absolutely all of the loose threads in the book.
The world of the 1960s is brought alive, particularly that in a seaside village in England. Also, a thoroughly British droll sense of humor and lifestyle. As British a tale as oodles of pots of tea and "pints" at the local pub, creams and sweets, fish pie, and beef and kidney pie.
Good work!
The world of the 1960s is brought alive, particularly that in a seaside village in England. Also, a thoroughly British droll sense of humor and lifestyle. As British a tale as oodles of pots of tea and "pints" at the local pub, creams and sweets, fish pie, and beef and kidney pie.
Good work!
May 21, 2019
Seasiders
Seasiders was a surprise as I truly expected a different type of story. I kept thinking it would change but little tidbits of different locale people in the area would appear to surprise you and you forgot what you thought the book should be about. I finally figured, it wasn't about being by the sea especially but a town of characters that have known each other all their lives and still didn't know enough. This book does have an unexpected ending...must read to enjoy.
Seasiders was a surprise as I truly expected a different type of story. I kept thinking it would change but little tidbits of different locale people in the area would appear to surprise you and you forgot what you thought the book should be about. I finally figured, it wasn't about being by the sea especially but a town of characters that have known each other all their lives and still didn't know enough. This book does have an unexpected ending...must read to enjoy.
January 5, 2021
Grace and her husband, Dick run Sandybank Guest House although Grace does most of the work! Through the chapters we learn about some of the other local people and all the local gossip! We meet some of the people who come to stay at the guest house for their first time or regular visitors.
There is plenty going on in this seaside town. There is some lovely descriptive writing about the location that helps you to see it all in your mind. Some great characters and an ending I was not expecting.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
There is plenty going on in this seaside town. There is some lovely descriptive writing about the location that helps you to see it all in your mind. Some great characters and an ending I was not expecting.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
June 26, 2016
This book is must read you will want to keep reading to see what happens next if you are going on holiday take this and read it there then see if you can spot any Similar characters bet you will, it's well written and the characters are all unforgettable I would love to read more, one book you can't put down until the end then you want more
March 11, 2019
This is the third book in this series that I have read. I enjoy Griffiths-Jones books they are a very different read in a good way. I love to be surprised and not figure out how it all ends. This book takes place in a seaside town in England small village. Give it a try you will be pleasantly surprised.
January 4, 2023
You pick up The Seasiders to just read a couple of chapters, and next minute, you know you've whiled away several wonderful hours. This book has interesting characters that you think you know, but as the book unfolds, they keep on surprising you. It's a great story line which keeps you turning the pages.
April 22, 2021
Another interesting mystery
I never had an inkling about what was going on behind the scenes in this story. The characters are interesting and quirky. The ending was a complete surprise.
I never had an inkling about what was going on behind the scenes in this story. The characters are interesting and quirky. The ending was a complete surprise.
October 11, 2016
Surprise, surprise
This is a great deal of fun. It's not terribly long, so you can slip it in a chapter or two at a time.
Just be sure to slip it in somewhere.
This is a great deal of fun. It's not terribly long, so you can slip it in a chapter or two at a time.
Just be sure to slip it in somewhere.
November 5, 2016
too weird.
This book was too weird for words. Poor overworked & innocent Grace (so you think) puts up with a lazy spouse.
This book was too weird for words. Poor overworked & innocent Grace (so you think) puts up with a lazy spouse.
March 9, 2019
Murder
I enjoyed this book with descriptions of the seaside and the way a hotel was run. I hope to read more.
I enjoyed this book with descriptions of the seaside and the way a hotel was run. I hope to read more.
March 26, 2019
A quick enjoyable read. I did not see that coming!
March 18, 2020
A charming book, taking me back to a bygone era. Loved the characters and the twist at the end. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
March 30, 2021
This had quite the interesting twist at the end that I wasn’t expecting. Definitely going to be reading more in the series now
October 20, 2024
This book is set in the 1960s and the descriptions of the era are good, however the storyline wasn't. Grace has taken over the running of her parents guest house Sandybanks which is on the seafront of a seaside town somewhere in Britain. The guest house seems profitable, well at least there are a lot of guests coming and going, quite a few of them are single bachelors. Hmm, everything seemed to move slowly and seemed to be going nowhere, just a sleepy seaside place with people going about their daily lives and nothing much happening. Then right at the last few pages left in the book something happens which was quite extraordinary.
I won't give the plot away but I was totally surprised at the ending, I didn't see that coming, which was a pity as I was speed reading the book by then and wishing that something would happen as I was quite bored by now, waiting for amazon to deliver something in a 4hr window and had just finished reading another cozy one before this, so was quite weary. If you don't mind reading something which is incredibly slow paced with not a lot happening and can get to the end then I am sure you will be very surprised by it!! (I upped it one star purely because of the completely surprising ending!).
I won't give the plot away but I was totally surprised at the ending, I didn't see that coming, which was a pity as I was speed reading the book by then and wishing that something would happen as I was quite bored by now, waiting for amazon to deliver something in a 4hr window and had just finished reading another cozy one before this, so was quite weary. If you don't mind reading something which is incredibly slow paced with not a lot happening and can get to the end then I am sure you will be very surprised by it!! (I upped it one star purely because of the completely surprising ending!).
January 21, 2019
An Interesting Story with an Unexpected Ending
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! As I read it, it reminded me a lot of Maeve Binchy's story telling of mundane everyday lives in Ireland. However, this is a mystery and that is in the back of the reader's mind as the story unfolds. One learns a lot about the various villagers that live in this charming seaside town including the hidden lives of the main characters of the story. At the end, one finally understands the mystery component of the story in the traditional Alford Hitchcock manner! Highly recommended read for anyone who likes mysteries and stories set in England or Ireland.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! As I read it, it reminded me a lot of Maeve Binchy's story telling of mundane everyday lives in Ireland. However, this is a mystery and that is in the back of the reader's mind as the story unfolds. One learns a lot about the various villagers that live in this charming seaside town including the hidden lives of the main characters of the story. At the end, one finally understands the mystery component of the story in the traditional Alford Hitchcock manner! Highly recommended read for anyone who likes mysteries and stories set in England or Ireland.
December 8, 2018
This is the second book I've read in the Skeleton in the Cupboards Series, and there are skeletons galore! Griffiths-Jones has a pleasing narrative touch, and The Seasiders an endearing, domestic feel. The era of the 1960s is well-observed. The story oozes the lifeblood of the social mores, family dynamics and power struggles of the times. The plotting and pacing are excellent. There is never a dull moment! Lots of lesser mysteries are solved along the way, yet it is the mystery at the heart of the novel, the one concerning the main characters, Grace and Dick, that packs the punch.
April 8, 2025
The main characters are the Husband and Wife team that run a small seaside guest house. The storyline centres around their interaction with the guests and the discoveries plus secrets that they become aware of while out visiting their friends, neighbours and local shop keepers. Each chapter brings a new revelation, some of which are easily guessed but the main secret of all is quite unexpected. Why do some of the guest disappear? A good story
August 29, 2017
Waste of time
Silliest book I've ever read. Stupid plot. You should thank me if I've convinced you to avoid reading this book.
Silliest book I've ever read. Stupid plot. You should thank me if I've convinced you to avoid reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews