Death by the Sea

By the Sea Mystery #1

by Kathleen Bridge

National bestselling author Kathleen Bridge presents a delightful new series set on a barrier island where waves meet sand—and mayhem meets murder . . .

The Indialantic by the Sea hotel has a hundred-year-old history on beautiful Melbourne Beach, Florida, and more than a few guests seem to have been there from the start. When Liz Holt returns home after an intense decade in New York, she’s happy to be surrounded by the eccentric clientele and loving relatives that populate her family-run inn, and doubly pleased to see the business is staying afloat thanks to its vibrant shopping emporium and a few very wealthy patrons.

But that patronage decreases by one when a filthy rich guest is discovered dead in her oceanfront suite. Maybe this is simply a jewel theft gone wrong, but maybe someone—or many people—wanted the hotel’s prosperous guest dead. Only one thing is sure: there’s a killer at the Indialantic, and if Liz lets herself be distracted—by her troubled past or the tempting man who seems eager to dredge it back up—the next reservation she’ll book could be at the cemetery . . .

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Contemporary, Summer, Crime

235 pages, Paperback

First published April 3, 2018

About the author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen Bridge, national bestselling author of The Hamptons Home and Garden Mystery Series and The By The Sea Mystery Series. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America. Kathleen is also an antiques and vintage dealer and lives on the Central East Coast of Florida. www.kathleenbridge.com

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Death by the Sea by Kathleen Bridge is the first book in the cozy A By the Sea Mystery series. The main character Liz Holt has returned home to beautiful Melbourne Beach, Florida and her family run Indialantic by the Sea hotel.

Liz has been happy jumping back in at the hotel and helping her Aunt Amelia who was an actress at one point and still has her quirks. Liz even likes her aunt’s feisty parrot, Barnacle Bob. But as the hotel takes on a wealthy couple the wife does everything to test the nerves of Liz and her aunt.

However, as much as they debated on asking their guests to leave and take their demands with them they never wished to find the lady murdered. Now the list of suspects is growing by the minute so Liz decides to do her own little bit of investigating.

Now anyone that knows me knows I love a good little cozy mystery with their quirkiness and eccentric characters. Death by the Sea had the quirky edge that I enjoy and even added in Barnacle Bob the parrot who was a laugh a minute however when finished with this one I debated between a two and three star rating as unfortunately I didn’t fall in love with this opener in the series. After much debate I’m giving this one three stars and what saved it was the setting, Melbourne is somewhere I’ve vacationed quite a few times and enjoyed the virtual trip back there and then there was the few details here and there that I’m normally a fan.

What stopped me loving this one was it was just so darn wordy throughout. There are tons of characters involved and as each joins I felt like an info dump was going on. And then the mystery didn’t even get going until pretty late in the book and by then I was getting more than impatient waiting. Even with the info dump feeling to a lot of things though there was a backstory with the main character that kept being brought into the story that almost felt as if I had missed something somewhere like this was a spin off or continuation. I’m all for character development and plenty of suspects but this one just seemed to go a little too far in some areas and not enough in others to where the story just dragged too much for me so I’m not sure I would continue onward in the series.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a horribly public and violent breakup of her relationship with a best-selling novelist, Liz Holt returns home to Melbourne Beach, Florida and her family's island resort hotel. She grew up at the historic hotel, and it seemed the best place to go to recover her sanity following her disgrace in New York. She bears the scars of her old relationship, literally....and wants to leave all that behind and focus on her next book. The Indialantic Hotel is run by her Aunt Amelia and Liz's father. Amelia was an actress in the 50's and 60's and loves to tell stories about all the shows she was on and the actors she met. Liz settles back into life at the hotel, enjoying the touristy emporium shops and quirky guests. Just as Liz's life seems to be calming down, a wealthy and very difficult guest is found murdered in her suite at the hotel. It might have been a robbery...but what if it was murder? Liz has to be sure which...so she starts to investigate. Who wanted Regina Worth dead?

I loved all of the classic television and movie references in this book! I'm a huge Ghost and Mrs. Muir fan. I love the 1940's movie! But I had no idea there was a television show in the 1960's! A reference in this book led me to start watching the old show! It's wonderful! (It only had two seasons. But all episodes are available to watch on Youtube!) I think it's cute that Liz and her Aunt Amelia always compare their quirky guests to old television or movie actors. The hotel, movie references and discussion of classic movies and television make for a nice background theme!

Liz is great as a main character. She is dealing with personal problems stemming from her prior relationship, and is struggling to get her writing back on track. She's intelligent, strong and a brave person, but has her flaws just like anyone does. I like all the quirky side characters...Aunt Amelia who talks about her former acting career, Betty who wrote some of the Nancy Drew novels, The Captain with a weakness for the ladies, Pierre the Chef who is having memory problems......it's a great cast of characters! Quirky and sweet. :)

The mystery moved along at a nice pace. There were plenty of twists and surprises, although I wasn't very surprised at the murder's identity. This book is a great start to a new cozy mystery series! I'm definitely going to read the next book! I'm a huge classic radio, television and movie fan! This book was perfect for me!

Kathleen Bridge also writes the Hamptons Home & Gardens cozy series. The second book in the By the Sea Mystery series, A Killing By the Sea, will be out in September 2018! There are some yummy recipes in the back of the book. I'm definitely going to try the hummus!

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. **

[Darinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liz returns home to a small Florida beach town after 10 years of living in New York City and having a successful writing career. Her family runs a historic hotel, and Liz happily joins in working at the hotel when she returns. Everything seems to be going smoothly, until a rich guest is found murdered at the hotel. It seems there is a killer at the hotel, and Liz sleuths to discover who it is.

The 1st book in the By the Sea mystery series. A charming setting - loved the old hotel and nearby shops. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the books, the hotel library, and the local bookshop. The characters are fun, with the hotel and shops both full of eccentric staff and guests.

A great cozy mystery. I look forward to reading more of this series.

I received a digital copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! It’s set in a terrific beach area in Florida. The characters are very interesting with colorful backgrounds. Humor is spread throughout the book plus the author uses such lovely, descriptive prose that I almost felt like I was there! Liz, the brave protagonist who is scarred outside and inside is coping with her struggles and planning to continue with her life as a bestselling author. She’s staying with her beloved great aunt Amelia who runs an old Hotel and Emporium. Aunt Amelia is a fantastic, fun character who acted in popular old TV shows and movies. Amelia has a heart of gold and tends to collect misfits—both human and pets—at her hotel. I would love to be a guest there! I reveled in all the mentions of Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, and Agatha Christie mysteries. The murder mystery delves into a feud over pirate treasure, but figuring out who, what, when, where, why, and how is complicated. Adding to the delightfulness of this cozy are cats, a dog, and a talkative macaw! I’m all psyched up and can hardly wait for the second story! Fun debut!

I reviewed a digital arc from NetGalley and Lyrical Underground.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen Bridge's Death By The Sea has blown me away. I loved this book and I am incredibly excited for you to read it too. It was fun to picture and imagine the Indialantic Hotel and characters who dwell within the walls. So much to love from the back story of main character Liz, who is beautifully scarred inside and out, to her amazing great Aunt, and much loved Grand-Pierre. I loved this book for so many reasons. As a cozy lover this story came across as just a little bit more than your everyday cozy. As a first in series it had everything you could want and more, I could easily see myself spending time shopping at the emporium on the hotel grounds and hanging out with the characters. This great read is going to be published by Lyrical Underground on April 3rd. I would recommend pre ordering now so you can read it right away!

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The delightful cover led me to the book. A new author for me and 1st book in series. The characters are developed and the descriptions take to you to an island off the Florida coast. After a nasty scandal, Liz Holt has return home to the family Interlantic hotel on an island near Melbourne, Florida. Her Aunt Abigail runs the hotel and allows several wacky guests to stay there. Liz's father is a public defense lawyer who is beginning a relationship with a homicide detective. The hotel has an expensive emporium associated with it. Aunt Abigail allows a despised and unpleasant wealthy woman, to move into an apartment who is later killed in a robbery to steal her jewelry. As the story plays out it twines and the plot changes hiding the end. Does Liz's past catch up with her?
I HIGHLY recommend this book.
Some good sounding recipes are included.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Lyrical Underground for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series by Kathleen Bridge. I am new to this author but this won't be the last book of hers that I read. I found this to be an entertaining start for Liz and the rest of the residents of the Indialantic Hotel in Florida. I was entertained from start to finish. The books is well written and the story just flows taking the reader along for the ride. I really liked the character of Liz Holt. While she has returned home after some tragic events in New York, she has spunk and doesn't let what happened define who she is. Ms. Bridges surrounds Liz, with a great cast of secondary characters that are diverse in age, background and personalities. Aunt Amelia was my favorite. She is quirky in a good way that will endear her to the reader. The mystery was solid and built to the murder which occurred about 1/2 way through the book. There were a good number of suspects to choose from and with the help of some residents of the Indialantic, Liz and the crew are able to solve the murder. There is even a touch of romance for Liz.

I enjoyed this book and will be continuing with the series. I am looking forward to see how Liz grows in her new life and what path her writing career takes. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Lyrical Underground, through Netgalley.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death By the Sea is a first in a new series by Kathleen Bridge.
I'm new to this author, but I've found another mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Liz Holt has returned to Indialantic, back to her home and her family and friends.
Liz left New York City under a cloud of shame and humility, bearing the scars of a tragic breakup, both inside and out.
Liz is strong and determined to make a fresh start and the cast of colorful characters that the author has created are just the thing to help Liz heal.

The book started out a bit slow, but about half way through, things picked up and I was soon drawn to the mystery and the story behind it.

I really enjoyed Aunt Amelia, she is a kind hearted person who loves to take care of everyone. She is quite the pip and I had loads of fun laughing alone with her escapades.

This new series will appeal to all cozy mystery fans so be sure to pre order your copy now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

[Ell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death By The Sea introduces us to Liz Holt, a writer returning to Melbourne Florida after a decade in New York. We are also introduced to Liz’s colorful family and a cast of quirky clientele of the family-run hotel, The Indialantic by the Sea. When a wealthy resident is found murdered, it becomes clear they have stumbled across a burglary gone wrong or a cold blooded killer. The plot builds steadily and secrets are steadily revealed. This book is great for cozy mystery fans who enjoy quirky characters and seaside locations. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my rating. I have provided an unbiased and honest review.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first installment in the By the Sea Series set in the Indianatlantic Inn set on a barrier island off the coast of Melbourne, Florida. I really enjoyed Ghostal Living in the author's prior series and I was eager to try this one. I was also attracted to the cover, description and the beautiful setting of Melbourne Beach/Sebastian Inlet, Florida. Liz Holt, a successful author in her own right, has quietly returned to live with her father and great-aunt Amelia and her squawky parrot, Barnacle Bob, after a traumatic break-up with a Pulitzer Prize winning author has left her with a scarred face. Liz is trying to write another book but continues to have flashbacks of the awful night. While trying to restore the Inn to its former grandeur, Aunt Amelia regales the reader with all of her history and knowledge of shows from the 1960's and 70's like Bewitched, Gilligan's Island, I Dream of Jeannie, to name a few. There are so many more, which diverted from the mystery and just seemed like overkill. Wealthy socialite and guest Regina Harrington-Worth and her husband David are the only current guests. To the consternation of the historical society, she is trying to tear down a nearby landmark, Castlemara, which she inherited from her father, so she can develop the property for herself. She has managed to anger someone to the point of no return because she is found murdered in her suite and the search for her killer(s) begins.


I really, really wanted to like this book more than I did. From the beginning, I was overwhelmed with the number of characters and potential suspects. The murder didn't happen until far too long and by that time, it was hard to stay interested in such a disjointed pace. I was very confused about the actual status of the Inn; at times, it appears that they are on a shoestring budget but then there is the Worth's luxurious suite and the fancy shops. The attempted romance between Liz and visiting New York City firefighter Ryan Stone seems too contrived. By the end of the book, which I did finish in about 5 or 6 settings, I honestly had no real interest in finding the killer. That being said, it is the beginning of the series, so I will give the next book a read and hope that the characters gel better for me this time.

**Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a complimentary copy of this book. My review is voluntary.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun loving cozy mystery that takes place on the coast of Florida in Melbourne.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Death by the Sea” earns 4.5/5 Karma Bites…Entertainment by the Sea!

I am a big fan of Kathleen Bridge’s Hamptons Home & Garden series, so I was very eager to read the first book in her new By the Sea Mystery series. Death by the Sea takes us to the beach community of Melbourne, Florida, and introduces Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Holt who has returned home after a decade in New York that ended in a tabloid scandal. Kathleen Bridge continued with a delightful writing style engaging my interest by bringing to life the oceanfront community, hotel environment, and a plethora of entertaining characters, but the descriptions and introductions seem to be the main focus for an extended amount of time, more than I personally prefer in my cozy mysteries. Where’s the murder? Karma definitely had a few good targets to choose from, but you’ll need to wait patiently for the crime to occur. Ok, the synopsis on the book sites gives you a clue to the victim, but it takes awhile to manifest.

I did really enjoy the informative references to treasure hunting, chicory coffee, the area’s history, and 60s television programs and commercials with which I grew up, and while waiting for the crime and the subsequent investigation to get going, Kathleen Bridge did create a rich set of characters and an engaging subplot dealing with Liz Holt’s scars, emotional and physical. The rich characters which include her father, her quirky aunt, friends, BFFs, and a possible romantic interest provide a bit of humor…don't forget a very odd cat Venus and an obnoxious parrot Barnacle Bob. But despite waiting for the crime/investigation, I enjoyed this first book and am eager for the next book, A Killing by the Sea. The ongoing shop business, special hotel events, Liz’s writing career, and a blooming romance are intriguing enough to make me a fan!

It is always exciting to see a cozy with my two favorite words. No, not Murderous Fun, although that's always a good to see. No,…Recipes Included! It's even more exciting when the recipes aren't random, but make for a complete meal or are actually connected to the theme or characters in the story. Kathleen Bridge has included four marvelous recipes perfect beginning to end. From Pops’ Deli-casies By the Sea we start with Pops’ Kalamata Hummus, next enjoy an entree of Baked Grouper Bites with Banana Salsa and a side of Coconut Rice, then enjoy from Chef Pierre’s Kitchen his Coconut Lime Sugar Cookies. Yum!

Disclosure: I received an ARC, but my insights and options are voluntary and honest.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death By The Sea introduces us to Liz Holt, a writer who has returned to her home, The Indialantic By the Sea Resort, in Melbourne Florida. She has been living in New York for the past decade, but after a mysterious situation that ended in lawsuits, she has moved home. We also meet her wonderful family and friends who are loving, loyal and somewhat eccentric and quirky. The resort has recently opened to the public, but it is more of a residential hotel than a tourist resort. A wealthy woman and her husband have checked in while in town for an event. They are demanding and somewhat rude, but Liz's aunt and father treat them with respect. When the woman is found murdered, it is not clear whether it is a burglary gone wrong or a cold blooded killer. The story is well-paced and the plot builds steadily. There are secrets revealed, some huge twists and an eventual reveal. The one thing I liked about Liz is that she does not take chances like so many other amateur sleuths take. The final takedown is also done by law enforcement, with Liz present but not involved. One thing that drew me to this book was the fact that I have stayed in Melbourne Florida, so the setting was fun. I recommend this one to cozy mystery fans who enjoy quirky characters and seaside locations. I listened to the audiobook of this story and the narrator did a nice job with the voices of the various characters and the telling of the story.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many characters and it too many movie quotes that felt forced

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a book where you love the main characters right from the beginning. This definitely is one of them. A totally delightful read.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Death by the Sea by Kathleen Bridge is the first novel in A By the Sea Mystery series. Elizabeth “Liz” Holt has returned home to Melbourne Beach, Florida to The Indialantic by the Sea Hotel and Emporium which is owned by Amelia Eden Holt, her aunt. Aunt Amelia is an eccentric former actress who helped raise Liz along with Liz’s father, Fenton Holt. Liz is living in the beach house. She helps out in the hotel and is working on her next novel (well—she is supposed to be). Their latest guest is Regina Harrington-Worth and her husband David who will be staying with them while their historic home is being demolished and a modern monstrosity is built in its place. Regina considers The Indialantic beneath her, but it is the only hotel with a vacancy that will allow pets. After a successful Spring Fling event, they discover that Regina was found dead in her suite, her husband was stabbed, and some very expensive jewels have gone missing. Liz immediately dives in to find who committed the dastardly deed. Who disliked Regina enough to kill her (that is one long suspect list)? Join Liz at The Indialantic as she examines the clues and questions the suspects to catch the evildoer.

Death by the Sea is a slow starter. The murder does not happen until the forty-four percent mark. The beginning of the book is an introduction to the Liz, the hotel, the employees, Liz’s family, the guests, and the shops and their owners. The author overwhelms readers with the amount of information she is dishing out. Kathleen Bridge is a wordy writer. It creates a rich environment, but it also makes a slow-moving story. I do like the beautiful hotel and emporium that Ms. Bridge created in Death by the Sea. I did feel that the story jumps around making it disjointed. Liz has returned home after a disastrous relationship that ended in Liz being physically injured. Since Liz and her paramour are public figures, the whole debacle was fodder for the media. There are numerous quirky characters with the biggest one being Aunt Amelia. A popular actress during the 1960s who has passed her love of 60s sitcoms and movies along to Liz. The various shows and movies from that time-period are mentioned throughout the book (Dark Shadows, Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, Gilligan’s Island for example). I enjoyed the comments regarding the popular teen girl mystery novels which included Nancy Drew, Connie Blair, and Dana Girls (which I collect). There was an abundance of repetition (it is a common malady in books that I have read recently) along with a cliché nasty detective. The pace picks up slightly in the second half of the book as the investigation gets under way. I think the author tried to put too much into one book. The hotel, the numerous quirky characters, the unique shops, Liz’s nemesis, Liz and her issues, a love interest, Regina’s father and how he died, the treasure of the San Carlos, Spring Fling, Fenton Holt and his practice, the obnoxious bird with the foul mouth, the hairless cat, and Liz and her writing difficulties are just a few of the items in the book. The murder of Regina was not as complicated as it seemed, and it can be solved before the reveal. At the end of the book, readers are still left wondering how Liz was injured. We are told about her injuries, but not how they happened. There are also some contradictions (one example is the hotel is not doing well, but an employee has a large suite and some people seem to live there for free). My rating for Death by the Sea is 3 out of 5 stars. I am hoping the author will scale back in A Killing by the Sea.

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liz Holt returns to Indialantic, Florida where her father runs the Indialantic by the Sea Hotel. We meet an odd assortment of characters who appear to find little to do other than drop names of old movies. (How many old titles can be fit into the book? Hundreds, it seemed.) Robbery appears to be the motive when a wealthy guest turns up dead about 40% of the way into the book. This installment failed to make me care about the amateur sleuth, detective, or any other character. I felt the author simply tried to show off her knowledge of old movies. I looked forward to a mystery set in this locale but came away disappointed. Other readers may find it more appealing. I will skip future installments. I received an advance reader's copy through NetGalley with the expectation an honest review would be written.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new cozy mystery series for me. I really enjoyed the setting for the "Indialantic by the Sea hotel and emporium" and its cast of quirky characters. Indialantic Florida is on the barrier island that separates the Indian River Lagoon from the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel itself is more of a boarding house with that "old Florida" atmosphere. The emporium is a cluster of small, unique shops right on the grounds of the hotel. Our main character, Liz returns after a traumatic injury and settles in helping her great aunt running the hotel and becoming involved in a very satisfying murder mystery.

[JoAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death by the Sea by Kathleen Bridge was an amazing introduction to this new cozy series. I seriously am ready to move into the Indialantic by the Sea hotel now.

Ms. Bridge's descriptive writing of the characters and the hotel made me feel like I was part of the family right from the beginning. I admired Liz. Her strength as she committed herself to her new life back home at the hotel was impressive. The permanent residents of the Indialantic were a quirky group that I fell in love with. I want to meet Betty and get some of my Nancy Drew books autographed by her. The plot was quick and flowed smoothly throughout the twists and turns of this well plotted mystery. The characters are developing in this first book and I look forward to the opportunity to get to know them better as the series progresses. I'm already excited about reading the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Lyrical Underground via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Paulette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This cozy was just ok. To me, the characters seemed drawn by a heavy hand and I didn't like that many of them. A cozy should be frothy, light and fun and this book wasn't fun. It was readable though.

[RO G'ma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death by the Sea is the first book in Kathleen Bridge’s By the Sea Mystery series. The author provides beautiful descriptions and lots of history about the family-run inn and the surrounding area. The characters are well developed. As is often true in the first book in a series, the mystery doesn’t start until close to the middle of the book, but then the well-plotted mystery moved at a quick pace, with lots of twists and turns. I’m looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.

Liz Holt, an award-winning author, returns to Melbourne Beach, Florida from Manhattan, where she’s lived for the past ten years, after being involved in a scandal with her writer boyfriend. She’s staying at her childhood home, an old style Florida hotel, Indialantic by the Sea Hotel, which is owned by her eighty-year-old paternal great-aunt, Amelia Eden Holt, a former television character actress. After her mother passed away when she was five years old, she moved there with her dad, Fenton, who is an attorney. Amelia has a foul mouthed but adorable thirty-year-old macaw named Barnacle Bob. Liz’s great-aunt and dad surprised her with the beach house so she would have a place to continue her writing, but she’s using her role helping at the Indialantic and being her dad’s assistant as an excuse not to write. A large portion of the hotel is now home to a collection of quirky characters and their pets. Liz is organizing the First annual Indialantic Spring Fling by the Sea at the emporium they recently opened and dealing with Regina Harrington-Worth, their new celebrity guest, who is overbearing and making everyone miserable. Regina and her husband are staying in the Oceana Suite and when a robbery occurs, she’s strangled and her husband is stabbed. Fenton’s friend, Agent Charlotte Pearson, is in charge of the case, but Liz is determined to find out if it was a burglary gone wrong or an intentional act and Liz’s childhood friend, Kate Fields, and several residents get involved in finding out what happened so their lives can return to normal. Sparks fly between Liz and Ryan Stone, who’s taken a leave from the New York City Fire Department to help his grandfather, Pops, at the Deci-casies by the Sea while Pops’ new knee heals.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Laura M · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this first of the new By the Sea Mystery series, Liz Holt returns to Florida to be near her aunt and father in the family-run hotel, the Indialantic. She’s enjoying being back and leaving the past behind, but does NOT enjoy the latest guest who is busy making demands of those around her. Soon, however, a dead body is found at the hotel and ruins the quiet, safe atmosphere and Liz’s way of life is threatened.

The characters in this book were very well written (though eccentric) and the scenes were set well, but I just couldn’t get into this book. I was saddened because I love Ms. Bridge’s other series, the Hampton Homes and Gardens mysteries, but this just didn’t read as easy to me. Perhaps it is, while the other series was also set ocean-side, it still had more of cozy, small-town feel to it, while this book felt more exotic in its characters and locale. Again, I can’t put my finger on it, and I’m sure other readers will love it, but I don’t feel the need to make a return visit to the Indiatlantic.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any cozy mystery that references Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, and also includes a treasure is a winner in my book - and Death by the Sea, Kathleen Bridge's debut entry in her new By the Sea Mystery series has them all! Bestselling author Liz Holt returns home to the Indialantic by the Sea hotel in beautiful Melbourne Beach, Florida, looking for a change in lifestyle after scandal upset her life in Manhattan. She's reconnecting with family - her father Fenton, her great aunt Amelia (what a hoot - I would love to have her in my family!), her best friend Kate - and a host of other friends, when one of the guests at the Indialantic by the Sea is found murdered and robbed of her fabulous jewelry. Liz and her team of Detectiveteers decide to investigate as any good sleuth would, and set about to discover the murderer (who surprised this reader!!!). A very nicely written cozy and the beginning of what promises to be a fun new series. A+ to Death by the Sea!

[Sue Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liz Holt retreated to her Aunt Amelia's hotel in Melborne, FL after a public nasty scandal that left her reputation in shreds and her face scarred. Growing up the hotel had been her home, and her return has been a recuperation. Unfortunately a nasty guest and a murder threaten her safe harbor. Filled with interesting characters and a fresh locale, this book is a real treat. First in a series that I will continue to read.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liz Holt is a successful author who returned to her childhood home in Florida because of a scandal in New York, one that left her face scarred and her person ostracized from literary circles. But all is not well at the Indialantic Hotel by the Sea; first she is introduced to Ryan Stone - a New York firefighter who apparently detests her at first glance and is there to help his grandfather with his delicatessen inside the Indialantic Emporium.

Then a guest of the hotel, Regina Harrington-Worth is found dead in her hotel room. Luckily Liz, her father, aunt, Ryan and a few others were together at the time of death and can vouch for each other; but it's apparent that someone at the hotel or one of its shops is the guilty party. While Liz detested the woman, she didn't wish her dead, but there are enough people around who did. So which one killed her? She knows it has to be someone at the hotel, so decides to do a little investigating of her own before the hotel's reputation is ruined forever...

While this book was an okay read, there were things that bothered me. Let's be honest, shall we? Liz states she was ostracized by the literary community for something that occurred between her and her ex-boyfriend, also a writer, that left her with a permanent scar on her face. We have no idea what this is, since the author didn't see fit to tell us. Oh, please. If the literary community didn't ostracize many other authors for scandals (including murder) then what did she do to have this happen? There have been plenty of literary scandals dating back decades ago; plus she was acquitted of any wrongdoing - and it's unfair to the reader not to give the details so we can judge for ourselves if we think it was ostracize-worthy.

Which brings us to Ryan, who has nothing but disdain for Liz for the "supposed scandal" he knows nothing about (welcome to the club, Ryan!) He rushes to take the side of the man involved without actually having been at the trial or knowing the details but merely accepts it because of the other person being a man whose book he read (then tries to get out of it later by using the bro-code, which just doesn't fly). He just assumes she's guilty and starts calling her Princess (which is what her ex called her) to make digs at her; this tells me he's a louse at heart. He doesn't even want to know the truth or he would have taken the time to learn it. A good man wouldn't have made assumptions and we're supposed to believe he 'reforms' after spending time with her?

Then we have an eighty-year-old woman (Great Aunt Amelia) who practically gambols around a hotel merrily (not to mention allowing a guest to verbally attack her niece without saying a word in defense). Amelia comes off as practically having dementia. She's living in the past of her youth, watching old television shows she was on, talking about them constantly. She just can't move on to the present. I seriously doubt if retired actors sit around and talk about their old films/TV shows or even watch them. I doubt if they spew the content to anyone who will listen. And hasn't everyone who knows Amelia already heard every single story? She seems to have been a prolific actress but not a very good one if she couldn't land a permanent role. She needs to get a grip. I think she's supposed to be eccentric, but just comes off as pathetic. I didn't find her interesting, merely the type of person who sits and rambles about their past. Sad, actually.

There's also an eighty-year-old chef who falls asleep, forgets ingredients (that Liz has to add) and makes a mess of the kitchen (that Liz has to clean up). Who did it while she was living in Manhattan? Who made sure the meals were correct? Or did people just eat the food without realizing key ingredients weren't there?

Why are all the shops named "by the Sea?" Can the tourist not figure out these places are by the sea and need to be informed before they enter every one? Overkill. Wordy. Not necessary. There was also too much talk of 1960's television and it felt as if it were just filler. Yes, there are people who have never seen these shows and/or don't know the characters; but then again we don't really need to know the plot of every single show Amelia was on. It also seems like everyone is living at the hotel for free except for the Worths, so how are they making any money to keep it going? Everyone (except Liz and Ryan) has a 'suite of rooms' at the hotel.

I didn't really understand why Liz was investigating; she didn't have a reason to do so, it seems Charlotte was doing a decent job. But is it Detective or Agent Pearson? At first she's introduced as Agent Pearson, then later on it's noted she's a homicide detective. Do they call her Agent Detective Pearson (or Detective Agent Pearson)? One or the other, please, but not both.

The murder was solved nicely although I think the pieces fit together a little too conveniently. It seemed as if the author just couldn't bear to hurt anyone in the book regardless of their level of guilt. Hopefully this series will improve with the second book, and also hopefully we'll find out what exactly happened to Liz that sent her scurrying home to Papa and Aunt Amelia; but if I have to listen to many more of Auntie's stories, I don't know if I'll continue on to book three.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death By The Sea was terrific! The setting, the characters, and the mystery by the sea all blended together to delight and enchant me. I felt fully immersed in the seaside setting, and could easily picture each room, each scene, in my mind. There was a bit of a wait for the murder, but it was well worth it. I loved Liz, the talented main character, whose devotion to her family and friends, coupled with her quirky sense of humor, made this a mystery to remember and to treasure. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Liz and crew!

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Più che un hotel, questo libro mi sembra essere ambientato in una casa di riposo... A parte questo, si è dimostrato una lettura piacevole e scorrevole. La protagonista Liz e Ryan mi sono piaciuti e devo confessare che ero più interessata a scoprire tutta la storia dietro la cicatrice sul volto di Liz (e ancora non la conosco tutta, quindi mi toccherà leggere i libri successivi) che a scoprire chi fosse l'assassino, anche perché la vittima era particolarmente odiosa.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Kathleen Bridges and I loved it. It went by so fast it was hard to believe I was finished. Really fun cast of characters, from quirky Aunt Amelia to the Captain to the cursing parrot. Fun location and good mystery. Hope for many more in this series!

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It didn't really get interesting until about 40% into the book. Author also was never quite clear about how Liz got her scar even though all the other characters knew. Did you forget to clue in the reader? Overall a good book but not really wanting to read another one in this series.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall enjoyed. Felt like there were a lot of memory and movie references that distracted from the story rather than add. Would have liked more information on her drama in New York.