Beach, Breeze, Bloodshed

A Teddy Creque Mystery #2

by John Keyse-Walker

“Sun, Sand, Murder by John Keyse-Walker is a winner. It is written with the coral clarity of a Caribbean atoll, and evokes an edgy rhythm that suits the protagonist, Teddy Creque, and his wholly authentic domain, the Virgin Islands.”—Randy Wayne White

After barely surviving the first criminal investigation in living memory on the sun-drenched British Virgin island of Anegada, Constable Teddy Creque has spent the past six months trying to weather the aftermath, and move on with his life. Now, with a promotion and a medal of honor, he’s newly committed to the job. So when a young woman dies in a shark attack off the coast of a neighboring island, Virgin Gorda, Teddy is happy to help when Deputy Commissioner Howard Lane orders him to capture the man-eater. But when Teddy arrives on Virgin Gorda, he begins to suspect there was human foul play involved, too.

After all, the sharks around the idyllic island aren’t known for attacking humans, and there are some oddities at the scene. Unfortunately, while Teddy is convinced that the woman’s death wasn’t accidental, not everyone on the island takes kindly to his meddling, and he’s forced to be creative in his pursuit of justice. In unfamiliar territory, and with his sole witness a silent child who communicates in unorthodox ways, Teddy must earn the trust of the reserved residents of the touristy island, tangle with a loquacious parrot, and follow the clues which might lead him directly into the path of a killer.

John Keyse-Walker, the winner of the 2015 Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award, has written another taut, witty mystery that will keep readers mesmerized from the opening page to the stunning conclusion.

Genres: Mystery, Suspense

294 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 2017

Reviews

[Carolyn Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a splendid, gripping follow-up to the first book in the Constable Teddy Creque crime series by John Keyse- Walker. The location is the tropical British Virgin Islands, with vibrant, atmospheric descriptions of the sand, sea, towns, and its people. The characters are so well-developed that they come to life on the pages. The stories with unique mysteries flow well, are compelling, and contain a lot of human drama.

Constable Teddy Creque is suffering from the physical and emotional repercussions of his previous case on his home island of Anegada. Although he was awarded the Queen's Police Medal for heroic bravery and was promoted to a full member of the Royal Virgin Islands Police force (RVI), he feels he lacks the ability to do the work and is a failure in life and love. He quits the police force, but his boss ignores his letter of resignation. He falls deeper into alcoholic stupors to escape his mental and physical pain.

His friend, Anthony Wedderburn, supports Teddy through his turmoil and helps restore him to a steady state, and Teddy returns to police duty. His new assignment is to travel to the more prosperous and populated nearby island of Gordo. He is to kill a shark that is thought to have devoured a woman and to identify the victim. He brings along his devoted friend, Anthony Wedderburn, one of the most fascinating characters in crime fiction. He was known in Anegada as De White Rasta. While homeless, he wandered the island in a drugged stupor, high on ganja and spoke in mostly incomprehensible Rastafarian slang. In his prior life in England, he was Lord Wedderburn, Viscount of Thetford. He now has a house in Anegada and is employed as assistant to the island's administrator and civilian assistant to the RVI police force. His friendship with Teddy leads him into constant danger.

Once on Gordo, they are hampered in their investigation. They work under the orders of Sergeant Chalwell, who sets up roadblocks in their ability to follow clues and deprives them of a police vehicle. They kill the shark and recover the woman's remains from its stomach. There are forensic clues that she might have been murdered by being thrown into the sea for the sharks. The Gordo islanders are reserved, and most refuse any information that might help. They learn the dead woman was an American scientist doing research. She spent her days hard at work in a deserted area, but her nights were spent on promiscuous living and excessive drinking. She may have witnessed criminal activity that lead to her murder. Her letters to her parents in the USA suggest she thought she was in danger. The main witness is a non-communicative boy who spends his time building amazing structures from leggo. Sergeant Chalwell hates the boy and his mother and refuses to give these clues any credibility.

As Anthony and Teddy discover the unusual motive for the crime, they are opposed by the local police. Teddy has become distracted by romance and lovemaking with a new woman, and this was somewhat distracting to the reader. However, this may be a positive step in his life. Both Teddy's and Anthony's lives are in extreme danger as they pursue a conspiracy of murder and its coverup. This leads to a thrilling, action-packed conclusion. Who will survive, and who will face criminal charges?

A terrific thriller, high in suspense and with unforgettable characters. The atmospheric descriptions of the islands are vivid and transporting.

[Rebbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this one was a true-blue cozy mystery based on the cover and its brief synopsis on Netgalley, but I turned out to be wrong! It has a depth and an almost bittersweet quality to its writing that leans more toward the traditional mystery genre than it does toward cozy mystery. It was a pleasant surprise, though.

It's a first-person narration of a constable named Teddy Creque who is hired to kill a bull shark that's allegedly killed a woman. But the evidence points to a different direction, which leads the reader to looking for clues to solve the mystery from Teddy's point of view.

This book is beautifully descriptive, especially with the author's talent of weaving the descriptions of imagery right into the storyline, while keeping it moving at a good pace. It made me feel almost as if I were really on the island.

Also, I enjoyed the complexity of the main character, Teddy. The development of his character is full-fledged, which is a welcome blessing when you're looking to get into any series, especially mysteries.

Thanks to Netgalley!

[Aisling · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in a series I love. Feels like a vacation to visit these outliers of the British Virgin Islands. I love the atmosphere, the local characters, and the plots are great. Spoiler: I was torn between giving this an extra star or taking one away since the mystery pivoted on Sir Winston Churchill (the parrot) giving crucial evidence to the police right on cue and in perfectly understandable (and accented) English. I mean, in a way it's so absurd I love it but in a way --c'mon, what a cheat! And as much as I adore Teddy Creque his falling head over heels in love in each book is getting a little harder to buy. (Well, I would buy it but not when he also wants to be remorseful and philosophical about destroying his marriage.) I also have a BIG problem with the author putting Sir Anthony in peril (because he is one of the greatest characters ever written) but pretty sure all will work out in book 3. I Hope so because I feel that this is a unique series that is a joy to read.

[Nathaniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second 'Dollar Store TBR' book I've read this week.
To start this off, this book wasn't that bad. Obviously a three star rating isn't bad but it's lower than a lot of the reviews on this book. I think that John Keyse-Walker is a good writer and this had one of my favourite plots in it! Sharks! I love shark movies and it's about time I read a shark book. This wasn't as shark-centered as it could've been and that is partially why I'm disappointed. I also didn't connect with the characters or get the fun, thrilling mystery I wanted. It was all rather obvious and cliché.
Will I read another book by this author? Maybe. I think there's potential for me to love a book from him I just need to find it. I would like to read the first b0ok in this series at some point.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a "local guy does good" in that this author is a personal friend.
So that is a kind of disclaimer, but I really enjoyed his writing style and this book.
It takes place in the Virgin Islands (as did his first book) and in places I have visited and loved.
I'm not giving anything away in saying they find a body (well actually pieces parts which was a bit graphic and I hate to say - humorous.)
The story flows through the VI and comes to a satisfying conclusion although I didn't fully catch on until the very end.

[Edwin Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up in a town that looks suspiciously like Amity Island and was five years old when Jaws hit the theaters, so anything that starts with a shark attack has my attention. This fun follow up to Sun, Sand, Murder, moves the action from sleepy Anegada to more touristy (but equally alluring) Virgin Gorda, both in the British Virgin Islands, and picks up with Constable Teddy Creque. Keyse-Walker has a way with dialogue and setting, and by the time you finish this enjoyable read, you’ll want to book your next vacation.

[nikkia neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks St. Martin's Press and netgalley for this ARC.

I liked this new addition to the series. It's great to be taken out of the usual and hum drum - this is way out there. It's a great mystery and you'll never guess what's coming.

[Harold Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting … especially in that the setting is the British Virgin Islands.

[Colored Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a nice surprise! Really enjoyed this book (and wish I'd read the first one, too). New, interesting characters, a great setting, and a multi-layered mystery. Beautifully written, sweeter and sadder than I expected (I didn't know what to expect). I loved reading about each aspect in turn--the crystal-clear water, the fish/sharks/diving, each of the islands, and all the different inhabitants. Feels like the author understands the real, and diverse, life of the islands. I would recommend this book. I look forward to reading the next one, and following these characters forward.

[Cathy Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is rather sobering to write this review in the days following Hurricane Irma's destruction of the two islands-- Anegada and Virgin Gorda-- that figure so prominently in Beach, Breeze, Bloodshed. John Keyse-Walker writes eloquently of island life and culture. It's so easy to visualize the scenes that take place on the islands or out on the water and diving on the coral reefs.

Teddy Creque has done a lot of growing since the first book in the series, both mentally and emotionally. He's learned quite a bit about what being a good police officer entails, and he's very aware that his education has just begun. He has a natural aptitude for investigation, and he's even improved his skills in working with his superior officers. This character growth really impressed me, and certainly makes me eager for more books in the series.

The mystery in Beach, Breeze, Bloodshed features some excellent misdirection, exciting action sequences, and a romantic interest for Teddy that no-romance-in-my-books me didn't turn my nose up at. Bring on the next book; I'm ready for another trip to the Caribbean!

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Beach, Breeze, Bloodshed - Teddy Creque Mystery Book
Author: John Keyse- Walker
Publisher: St Martin's Press / Minotaur Books
Published: 9-12-2017
Pages: 304
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: International Mystery, Police Procedural, Crime
ISBN: 9781250148476
ASIN: B06W5PKM4R
Reviewed For NetGalley and St Martin's Press / Minotaur Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.25 Stars


After barely surviving the first criminal investigation in living memory on the sun-drenched British Virgin island of Anegada, Constable Teddy Creque has spent the past six months trying to weather the aftermath, and move on with his life. Now, with a promotion and a medal of honor, he’s newly committed to the job. So when a young woman dies in a shark attack off the coast of a neighboring island, Virgin Gorda, Teddy is happy to help when Deputy Commissioner Howard Lane orders him to capture the man-eater. But when Teddy arrives on Virgin Gorda, he begins to suspect there was human foul play involved, too.


After all, the sharks around the idyllic island aren’t known for attacking humans, and there are some oddities at the scene. Unfortunately, while Teddy is convinced that the woman’s death wasn’t accidental, not everyone on the island takes kindly to his meddling, and he’s forced to be creative in his pursuit of justice. In unfamiliar territory, and with his sole witness a silent child who communicates in unorthodox ways, Teddy must earn the trust of the reserved residents of the touristy island, tangle with a loquacious parrot, and follow the clues which might lead him directly into the path of a killer.


I don't know how I thought this would be more like a cozy, but am glad requesting it anyway. From the beginning, when I began reading I could not stop. The characters are well developed and multidimensional. The local colloquialisms added ring true and help with imagining myself on the island experiencing the local flavor.


John Keyse-Walker shows his talent in his writing and plotting the story so it flows smoothly and quickly from scene to scene. This story will appeal to mystery lovers across the board. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Teddy Crique, his past, pain, fears and hopes.


My rating of "Beach, Breeze, Bloodshed - Teddy Creque Mystery Book 2" is 4.25 out of 5 stars.


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[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having received a medal of honor and promoted to a full constable in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force on his native Anegada after the events of John Keyse-Walker’s first mystery, “Sun, Sand, Murder,” Teddy Creque returns for another adventure, this time on neighboring island Virgin Gorda to assist in the hunt for a shark that killed a young woman.
Of course, it isn’t long after Teddy bags the guilty shark that he begins to suspect foul play in the young woman’s death. Somewhat to Teddy’s surprise, both RVIPF crime scene investigator Stout and commanding officer Deputy Commissioner Lane are more supportive, given Teddy’s success in his first major case.
John Keyse-Walker shows that his Edgar Award-winning first Teddy Creque mystery was no fluke, as he builds another layered story with colorful characters (including a charming ex-KGB agent turned dive shop owner, a half-deaf old man and his exasperated wife, and a loquacious parrot that picks up the most unfortunate turns of phrase), and a plot that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. And while Teddy Creque is haunted by his previous case that earned him his Queen’s Police Medal, he clearly learned from previous mistakes, as he proves to be a much more solid investigator this time around. Even so, he still flounders from time to time. Good thing he has his trusty sidekick Lord Anthony Wedderburn, Viscount of Thetford, a.k.a. “De White Rasta.”
My favorite scenes involved Teddy and Anthony, an English expat of the upper class who had gained the nickname of “De White Rasta” in the first novel due to his blond dreadlocks, speaking in island patois and copious consumption of marijuana. Now shorn of his dreads, faux accent and ganja, Anthony makes for a loyal Sancho Panza to Creque’s Don Quixote, although they do more dodging bullets and interviewing suspects than tilting at windmills. Maybe that amounts to the same thing.
Keyse-Walker provides plenty of suspects to choose from; some were obvious, others a complete surprise. Teddy even finds love in the arms of a local woman whose autistic son may have been a witness to the victim’s demise. However, remembering how Teddy’s last romantic fling went, I remained fearful that another catastrophe might be lurking around the corner.
As I said, the book kept me guessing to the very end and even had the nerve to end on a cliffhanger, as the fate of one of the main characters is left uncertain.
I guess I’ll just have to be first in line to get the next book in the series, whenever that will be. All in all, a great read.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book some time ago and for whatever reason never got around to writing up a proper review. Although I still have my notes there are specifics of the novel that escape me so this will be more of a review about general impressions I had from reading the book. At some point in the not too distant future I will read it again and update my review accordingly.

I recall that I enjoyed the book quite a bit even though it wasn't quite what I had expected. I read a lot of hardboiled, often violent, crime fiction and periodically I will pick up something more along the lines of a cozy or traditional locked room mystery as sort of a mental palate cleanser... something different to reset my mind before jumping back into the harder stuff.

I requested 'Beach, Breeze, Bloodshed (A Teddy Creque Mystery #2)' thinking it would be something along the lines of a BBC-style mystery. Exotic Island locale with terribly civilized people getting involved in oh so inconvenient murders while lounging around with cocktails and whatnot... I was greatly mistaken (and not at all disappointed)!

This book is told more from the perspective of the regular folk, the island people, as seen through the eyes of Constable Teddy Creque of The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. The characters are rich, fully developed people far from the rote caricatures I had expected. The story is closer to hardboiled (though it really isn't hardboiled) than it is to a cozy. A real good book.

***Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this title. With my most sincere apology for having taken so long to post a review.

[J.C. Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

BVI Constable Teddy Creque is called on to capture a shark that has attacked and killed a woman off Virgin Gorda. But sharks don’t usually attack humans unless they are dead or wounded, and Teddy sees a cut on the woman’s neck that doesn’t appear to be caused by shark’s teeth.

The story unfolds around unique characters, including a brilliant boy who almost never speaks, a parrot who repeats everything he hears, a Russian ex-spy, “De White Rasta” Teddy’s cohort from the previous story, and various other fascinating participants.

For me, the setting draws me back to the islands. I can picture the people, the shops and houses, the tropical flowers, the warm humid air, the beautiful clear water—even the birds are familiar. I haven’t seen or heard of a bananaquit since I lived in the Bahamas where they would join me for breakfast on the veranda, stealing my food.

I also appreciate that the author didn’t drag us through the protagonist’s depression as many crime novels do. Teddy apparently went through a period of moping over his mistakes and his affair with a not-so-nice woman between novels. But he mostly has his act together by the time this story happens, although he doubts his policing skills from time to time.

Keyse-Walker’s second novel is as engaging as his first. He again captures the spirit of Caribbean island life. This time on Virgin Gorda, a tiny bit faster-paced than Anegada where his first book took place, due to more people, more tourists, etc.

I’m delighted that I went back for seconds.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Teddy Creque, a constable, is on leave after a violent death and is sent to kill a bull shark in the Virgin Islands. This shark attacked and killed a woman. But was the woman killed by the shark or by someone? Can Teddy figure out who the victim is?

If you enjoy a who-dun-it murder mystery, including the investigation, the chase, and following the clues, you’ll enjoy this story told in first person. Can you follow the clues? A witness who won’t talk, a superior who doesn’t want him to investigate, can Teddy beat the odds again and solve the case?

The cover made me think this would be more in line with a cozy mystery, but that is not the case, with the descriptive dialogue and actions of the characters. I did enjoy the parts about hunting for the suspected shark of the attack and the journey to finding to the killer.

I received a free copy from Net Galley in the hope that I would post reviews. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

[Ms. Woc Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like others when I saw the cover and read the description on Netgalley I assumed it was a cozy mystery. After so many bland nonstarters lately I proceeded with caution. It also had been awhile since I read a tale starring a leading male detective. My mystery reading as of late has been filled with cozies featuring amateur female detectives.

The writing is very descriptive and the characters easily draw you in having all the components of a classic mystery. The British Virgin Islands setting makes for a unique experience full of colorful characters and splashes of local culture. Had I not checked Goodreads I would not even have known this was the second in a series. The story stands well on its own. As times reading it felt like watching Death in Paradise which is a series I enjoy.

Our main character Teddy is investigating a shark attack off the coast of Virgin Gorda. He believes the cause of death was more than just a shark attack and insists on doing further investigation much to the commissioner's chagrin.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This time Constable Teddy is on the Island of Virgin Gorda, another island of the British Virgin Islands. This time, Teddy has been trained and reinstated as a true Officer of the British Virgin Islands. Once again, Teddy suspects there is more to the story than meets the eye when a scientist is eaten by a shark.
Although, some of the plot is light, it is no cozy. There is sex, mild violence and a detailed account of a shark attack.
Despite being in close proxmitity to Anegada, Virgin Gorda Islanders are not as friendly towards the investigating Constable. But he is smart and intuitive and is determined to solve the the mysterious circumstances despite his immediate skeptic Superior.
John Keyse-Walker represents a small part of the British Virgin Islands by describing foods, history, and culture smoothly.

[David Miraldi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading John Keyse-Walker's second mystery was like returning home to visit with old friends. As in his first novel, the author develops a story set in the British Virgin Islands with such detail that one believes that this Ohio native has lived his entire life in the Caribbean. In this second book, the self-deprecating yet stubborn Constable Creque finds himself swimming against the current as he tries to determine whether a shark attack or foul play led to the death of one of the island's more promiscuous residents. There is a charm to the author's writing that reminds one of P.G. Wodehouse. Combine that with a compelling mystery and it adds up to a delightful read.

[Peter Andrus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rarely read fiction, being a nonfiction addict, so just my reading this is a compliment to the author!
This book was a breezy, fun read.... no pun intended!
I haven’t read the first book, so all the allusions to those previous events played out like some Tarantino-sequels backstory.
The plot is pretty straightforward, the slang talk is fun to read, the mystery has some good twists and turns, and the ending comes kinda out of nowhere. I liked it. I was like reading John Grisham, except no lawyers, no mafia, no weird legal brief.... lol

I’ll probably find myself reading about Teddy Creque again.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice follow up to the first book in the series. I thought it was good that they found a reason to send him off to another island since Anegada is always described as never having anything going on, and it would be unlikely for it to have another murder to investigate in so short a time. There are a lot of references to the first book so I would definitely recommend reading it first so you understand how the main character got to where he is now. Some of the mystery is predictable and easily figured out before the real detective but still entertaining reading. Moving on to the third book.

[Nina Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

A remarkable new murder mystery set in the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean.
This is a very different kind of mystery novel. The writing style is verbose and interspersed with literary quotations from British classics, in contrast to the powerful crime plot which is quite dark in places with some gore.
I didn't believe the romance subplot which was used by the author as a device to lure the killers, but the local background and pace of the novel carry you along.

[A. Lieberson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was anxious to read this, the second book in the series, to find out what happened to Teddy. He's now a Constable and has been sent to Virgin Gorda to inspect the death of a woman killed by a shark.
After finding the shark, killing it and finding the woman's remains inside, Teddy isn't so sure that the shark killed her. The plot was a little too similar to that of book number one where a outsider comes to the island and is killed.

[Rhonda · Rating 2 out of 5]

A woman was attacked and eaten by a shark, but was she attacked first and fed to the shark is the real mystery. The only witness is an autistic child of a hot woman. The whole story seemed too hokey for my taste, but looking at the rest of the reviews, others thought it was a lot of fun.

[Martine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

Five things:
- British Virgin Islands setting
- Shark attack murder mystery
- What appears to be a young autistic character?
- A solid amount of fishing and scuba diving description
- Small town Island living

[Doreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

9/1/17 Full review tk.

[P R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light read. Quite enjoyable. Love the setting.

[Jim Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice page turner. The characters need a little more developing but all in all a good read. This is the authors second book, so off to kindle for the first.
I really hope there is a third book.

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teddy, Anthony Jeanne and Jemmy all on Virgin Gordy, fun and great characters, good twist and intrigue need to read book one

[Phair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another satisfying trip to the British Virgin Islands. Really like Teddy and the story had enough twists and turns and local color to keep one interested. Look forward to #3 in this series.

[Andy Plonka · Rating 3 out of 5]

The shark did it or did he, that is the gimmick in this tale set in the Virgin Islands. Though a bit convoluted, the characters are quite realistic and it is believable.