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Lantern Beach Mysteries #1
Hidden Currents
You can take the detective out of the investigation, but you can't take the investigator out of the detective.
A notorious gang puts a bounty on Detective Cady Matthews’s head after she takes down their leader, leaving her no choice but to hide until she can testify at trial. But her temporary home across the country on a remote North Carolina island isn’t as peaceful as she initially thinks.
Living under the new identity of Cassidy Livingston, she struggles to keep her investigative skills tucked away, especially after a body washes ashore. When local police bungle the murder investigation, she can’t resist stepping in. But Cassidy is supposed to be keeping a low profile. One wrong move could lead to both her discovery and her demise.
Can she bring justice to the island . . . or will the hidden currents surrounding her pull her under for good?
A notorious gang puts a bounty on Detective Cady Matthews’s head after she takes down their leader, leaving her no choice but to hide until she can testify at trial. But her temporary home across the country on a remote North Carolina island isn’t as peaceful as she initially thinks.
Living under the new identity of Cassidy Livingston, she struggles to keep her investigative skills tucked away, especially after a body washes ashore. When local police bungle the murder investigation, she can’t resist stepping in. But Cassidy is supposed to be keeping a low profile. One wrong move could lead to both her discovery and her demise.
Can she bring justice to the island . . . or will the hidden currents surrounding her pull her under for good?
296 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
2720 people are currently reading
1811 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
340 books1,673 followersChristy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 324 reviews
June 30, 2018
Wow, from the first page this book had my FULL attention!! The cover is good but doesn't do the story justice. MUCH more funny than mysterious, but there's both here.
LOVED how Cassidy met Ty, couldn't believe she faced off with him in the parking lot like that!
Also got SUCH a kick about how she's wasn't officially investigating on Lantern Beach, she was only biding her time while in hiding :) That ice cream truck plays songs at the weirdest moments, but it only makes the plot that much more amusing. One of my FAVORITE scenes is when Cassidy hops into the same hammock with Ty unintentionally in order to avoid someone, just genius writing there!
Serena is such an annoying yet interesting character and Chief Bozeman is so incompetent, it's hilarious! Can't wait for Cassidy to break it off with Ryan and love how her friendship with Ty is developing.
Can't WAIT to read more of this series, another Barritt winner :)
LOVED how Cassidy met Ty, couldn't believe she faced off with him in the parking lot like that!
Also got SUCH a kick about how she's wasn't officially investigating on Lantern Beach, she was only biding her time while in hiding :) That ice cream truck plays songs at the weirdest moments, but it only makes the plot that much more amusing. One of my FAVORITE scenes is when Cassidy hops into the same hammock with Ty unintentionally in order to avoid someone, just genius writing there!
Serena is such an annoying yet interesting character and Chief Bozeman is so incompetent, it's hilarious! Can't wait for Cassidy to break it off with Ryan and love how her friendship with Ty is developing.
Can't WAIT to read more of this series, another Barritt winner :)
February 3, 2020
This was an easy listen through my library. As usual, Barritt's mysteries are engaging and enjoyable, and it was fun getting to know Cassidy at an earlier date than the other Lantern Beach series I read. I'll be reading book 2 very soon.
June 29, 2019
A great start to the Lantern Beach series. Cassidy's story definitely has me intrigued and I can't wait to learn more about the rest of the characters in this series either! Will be starting book two immediately!
August 1, 2020
Fast paced suspense
This book was a fast read full of suspense. Great writing and interesting plot. Loved the believable beach setting! Recommended for those who enjoy clean, gripping reads.
This book was a fast read full of suspense. Great writing and interesting plot. Loved the believable beach setting! Recommended for those who enjoy clean, gripping reads.
January 20, 2020
After her undercover time with a notorious gang goes wrong, Detective Cady Matthews becomes Cassidy Livingston, and leaves the west coast for a North Carolina Island. She needs to remain hidden for a few months until the gang trials are over. Although she tries to lie low, she soon can't keep herself from investigating the murder of a man who washes up on the beach, after the local police department show themselves to be too inexperienced to solve the case. Further complications arise when she finds herself drawn to her neighbor Ty, a man who annoyed her to no end when they first met. Will Cady be able to navigate this new life and investigate the local murder without exposing herself and drawing more danger?
I enjoyed this book, and especially the character of Cady/Cassidy. She has been through a terrible ordeal in being undercover with a gang, and her time with them ended in a horrific way. She is a very strong woman, and feels the need to investigate the murder on the island even though she knows it could endanger herself. Even though she can't reveal her true identify, I like that she still feels guilty over it once she and Ty become friends. Ty is another good character, carrying plenty of baggage from his past, but wanting to keep other military veterans from experiencing the same.
The storyline was fast-paced, and kept me really wanting to know how all would turn out for these characters. While there was some resolution to one storyline thread, the major one was left open. I look forward to reading the next book to see what it will bring for Cady/Cassidy.
I enjoyed this book, and especially the character of Cady/Cassidy. She has been through a terrible ordeal in being undercover with a gang, and her time with them ended in a horrific way. She is a very strong woman, and feels the need to investigate the murder on the island even though she knows it could endanger herself. Even though she can't reveal her true identify, I like that she still feels guilty over it once she and Ty become friends. Ty is another good character, carrying plenty of baggage from his past, but wanting to keep other military veterans from experiencing the same.
The storyline was fast-paced, and kept me really wanting to know how all would turn out for these characters. While there was some resolution to one storyline thread, the major one was left open. I look forward to reading the next book to see what it will bring for Cady/Cassidy.
September 1, 2018
This was a really captivating mystery from start to finish. The Characters grow on you quickly and with an appeal that leaves you want to know them more. The story line was well thought out and having the complexity of the characters past mixed in was an absolute masterstroke that added depth and detail. This was a fantastic first book in the series can't wait for the next one! 5 Stars easily!
March 10, 2025
Book 1 in a six book series, HIDDEN CURRENTS is a cozy mystery that leaves the primary mystery unsolved.
Yes, there is a storyline where a mystery is figured but it’s not the one you REALLY want to know about. The BIG mystery is dark, dangerous and where the book begins. The FMC is undercover with a terrorist gang when things go very wrong - her cover is blown. She suspects a leak so where in the upper echelon of the police or DA’s office, where her boyfriend is an ADA. With maximum security, she hides in Lantern Beach until the trial where she will be the star witness. Only one person knows where she is. Even her DA boyfriend just has a phone number to a burner - for emergency purposes only.
That storyline is exciting, thrilling; it had me turning pages. Once we landed in Lantern Beach? It was time for popcorn and gummy bears. Honestly, I enjoy cozy mysteries but this went too far from the start. We are introduced to the residents of Lantern Beach but not much development happens. Even the MMC is still an enigma at the close of this volume. Argh, please don’t wait SO long to give us insight into the story pillars we want to care about; it’s frustrating.
Now what? I have the next two books in this series sitting in my TBR. They will happen sooner rather than later because I really DO want to know what happens in the BIG, primary mystery📚
Yes, there is a storyline where a mystery is figured but it’s not the one you REALLY want to know about. The BIG mystery is dark, dangerous and where the book begins. The FMC is undercover with a terrorist gang when things go very wrong - her cover is blown. She suspects a leak so where in the upper echelon of the police or DA’s office, where her boyfriend is an ADA. With maximum security, she hides in Lantern Beach until the trial where she will be the star witness. Only one person knows where she is. Even her DA boyfriend just has a phone number to a burner - for emergency purposes only.
That storyline is exciting, thrilling; it had me turning pages. Once we landed in Lantern Beach? It was time for popcorn and gummy bears. Honestly, I enjoy cozy mysteries but this went too far from the start. We are introduced to the residents of Lantern Beach but not much development happens. Even the MMC is still an enigma at the close of this volume. Argh, please don’t wait SO long to give us insight into the story pillars we want to care about; it’s frustrating.
Now what? I have the next two books in this series sitting in my TBR. They will happen sooner rather than later because I really DO want to know what happens in the BIG, primary mystery📚
October 11, 2023
Hidden Currents is the first book in the Lantern Beach Mysteries series and a wonderful read. I listened to the audiobook version and highly recommend it. It grabbed my attention right away and I had no problem following the story. I didn't expect going in that the book would end with a continuing storyline and now I am eager to continue the series. I liked the characters and the hint of a romance intrigues me. All in all, a great, clean mystery.
November 6, 2025
"Everything is worse when faced alone."
Undercover Detective Cady Matthews has often felt alone, being the only child of parents whose main focus has, and always will be, money and prestige. Unfortunately, Cady is quite alone in a deserted alley; her life hanging in the balance with the odds being in her enemy's favor, save for her prowess with a ball and the hope that back-up will miraculously arrive in time to extract her from the wrath of a notorious West Coast gang leader.
Lantern Beach, North Carolina is a lovely place to serve solitary confinement and test a hidden identity. When Cady, now Cassidy Livingston, arrives to find that her temporary residency includes a garish pink ice cream truck and an annoying neighbor, she wonders just how long she can stand it. Then a body washes up on the beach, and Cassidy can't help herself, her sense of justice takes over, quite possibly putting her life at risk once again.
A nicely constructed crime novel, which appears to be just the tip of the iceberg to come!
Undercover Detective Cady Matthews has often felt alone, being the only child of parents whose main focus has, and always will be, money and prestige. Unfortunately, Cady is quite alone in a deserted alley; her life hanging in the balance with the odds being in her enemy's favor, save for her prowess with a ball and the hope that back-up will miraculously arrive in time to extract her from the wrath of a notorious West Coast gang leader.
Lantern Beach, North Carolina is a lovely place to serve solitary confinement and test a hidden identity. When Cady, now Cassidy Livingston, arrives to find that her temporary residency includes a garish pink ice cream truck and an annoying neighbor, she wonders just how long she can stand it. Then a body washes up on the beach, and Cassidy can't help herself, her sense of justice takes over, quite possibly putting her life at risk once again.
A nicely constructed crime novel, which appears to be just the tip of the iceberg to come!
February 17, 2018
HIDDEN CURRENTS is the first book in Ms. Barritt's newest series. Cassidy (Cady) is trying to appear to be a carefree beach bum but she can't quite master it, especially when a crime literally washes up on the beach--and the police arrested an innocent man and don't care to look further. Add a hunky ex-Navy SEAL, an ice-cream truck with personality plus, and a secret life, you have a winner.
I had my suspicions who might've done one of the crimes in this book, and suspicions about the other, but I was wrong-wrong-wrong on the one and remains to be seen on the other.
I'm a long-time fan of Christy Barritt and this book was definitely engaging. I had to keep reading suspense. There isn't much of a faith message and the romance is weak, but beginning stages. A fun romantic suspense.
I had my suspicions who might've done one of the crimes in this book, and suspicions about the other, but I was wrong-wrong-wrong on the one and remains to be seen on the other.
I'm a long-time fan of Christy Barritt and this book was definitely engaging. I had to keep reading suspense. There isn't much of a faith message and the romance is weak, but beginning stages. A fun romantic suspense.
March 8, 2024
This was my first book by this author, but it definitely won't be my last! I really enjoyed that this book had a great pace, but also took the time to develop characters. Cady is a young investigator who goes undercover, but is discovered. She has to go into hiding until trial to testify, so she temporarily relocates to a remote North Carolina island. Her goal is to lay very low, but she finds it hard to do when a body washes up not long after she arrives. She also starts connecting with some of the locals, which also makes her have to be even more cautious so who she really is, isn't discovered.
This had a great small town and on the water setting, as well as mystery. I wouldn't call it suspense, and it barely tipped it's toe in the water of being a faith based novel, but I really enjoyed this one and will go on to the next book in the series.
This had a great small town and on the water setting, as well as mystery. I wouldn't call it suspense, and it barely tipped it's toe in the water of being a faith based novel, but I really enjoyed this one and will go on to the next book in the series.
July 21, 2018
So cute! RTC
January 30, 2019
2.5 stars,
I am the odd man out here. I was scrolling through the reviews and saw mainly four and five stars. But honestly I couldn't get into the book.
At first I started off well. I was into it Cassidy taking on the head of DH-7 was interesting and I was like this is a cool character. And then we get to Lantern Beach and it became just blah from there. I didn't particuarly like her. I wasn't really interested in the self help quotes she kept spouting, Her atnatognistic relationship with Ty just fizzled for me. And then she was like I'm not going to get involoved I'm not going to get involved. I was like you're involved already moving on. Ty didn't really strike a cord with me either. Admitted I skipped ahead a little, but then I don't feel the need to go back and reread/listen to anything either. Not to mention the mystery wasn't all that engaging for me.
I will admit though, the scene where she's basically telling the shierff who dunnit and why, had me giggling, but honestly that was one scene in the entire book towards the end, so no I wasn't invested in the characters, in the mystery or in the book.
It's not a bad book per say, it just didn't resound with me, and the only reason I got through it so fast was because I was listening to it.
But on the bright side, the narrator did a great job. I wouldn't mind listening to her agian.
Still I won't be reading anymore of this series. (although I did cruise through the book blurbs and nearly all of them still had four and five star reviews all the way. Still not inclined to pick up anymore.)
Recommended: Sure I mean like I said, I am the odd man out here. There are plenty of four and five star reviews out there (granted I did only go through the first few pages of reviews for this book)
buy/borrow? borrow
I am the odd man out here. I was scrolling through the reviews and saw mainly four and five stars. But honestly I couldn't get into the book.
At first I started off well. I was into it Cassidy taking on the head of DH-7 was interesting and I was like this is a cool character. And then we get to Lantern Beach and it became just blah from there. I didn't particuarly like her. I wasn't really interested in the self help quotes she kept spouting, Her atnatognistic relationship with Ty just fizzled for me. And then she was like I'm not going to get involoved I'm not going to get involved. I was like you're involved already moving on. Ty didn't really strike a cord with me either. Admitted I skipped ahead a little, but then I don't feel the need to go back and reread/listen to anything either. Not to mention the mystery wasn't all that engaging for me.
I will admit though, the scene where she's basically telling the shierff who dunnit and why, had me giggling, but honestly that was one scene in the entire book towards the end, so no I wasn't invested in the characters, in the mystery or in the book.
It's not a bad book per say, it just didn't resound with me, and the only reason I got through it so fast was because I was listening to it.
But on the bright side, the narrator did a great job. I wouldn't mind listening to her agian.
Still I won't be reading anymore of this series. (although I did cruise through the book blurbs and nearly all of them still had four and five star reviews all the way. Still not inclined to pick up anymore.)
Recommended: Sure I mean like I said, I am the odd man out here. There are plenty of four and five star reviews out there (granted I did only go through the first few pages of reviews for this book)
buy/borrow? borrow
March 31, 2021
2.5 stars
I read a few other books by this author and was interested to see what I thought of this series.
Well, I’m not sure.
Things I liked:
I did like Cassy even if she wasn’t at all good about acting like her new personality would act. (She was in hiding.)
Ty was a nice guy, and I liked his dog.
I did like that the mystery wasn’t too intense.
No swearing.
Things I didn’t like:
The book had more than one mystery. I figured that Cassidy in hiding was going to last more than one book because this story wasn’t going to take weeks to happen, but there were three other mysteries, and only one got solved.
I didn’t like the mystery and am so confused about several things that didn’t happen or should have happened.
I don’t like it when the local police are portrayed as dumb and with no common sense.
Overall, it was okay. I don’t know if I’ll read the next book or not.
I read a few other books by this author and was interested to see what I thought of this series.
Well, I’m not sure.
Things I liked:
I did like Cassy even if she wasn’t at all good about acting like her new personality would act. (She was in hiding.)
Ty was a nice guy, and I liked his dog.
I did like that the mystery wasn’t too intense.
No swearing.
Things I didn’t like:
The book had more than one mystery. I figured that Cassidy in hiding was going to last more than one book because this story wasn’t going to take weeks to happen, but there were three other mysteries, and only one got solved.
I didn’t like the mystery and am so confused about several things that didn’t happen or should have happened.
I don’t like it when the local police are portrayed as dumb and with no common sense.
Overall, it was okay. I don’t know if I’ll read the next book or not.
September 27, 2018
Cady Matthews, a detective in Seattle, has to hide from the gang she infiltered and broke up by killing the leader, until she testifies at the trial. While hiding all the way in Lantern Beach, NC, she uncovers a mystery of a different sort and has to downplay her detecting skills while selling ice cream from a truck. Can she help the incompetent police chief put away a killer without breaking her cover? And how will she handle her feelings for her beach neighbor, a former SEAL? Especially when Ryan is back home? This was a good start to a new series, and I look forward to reading the rest.
July 20, 2018
Doesn't end!!!
There is a mystery within a mystery. The first one isn't solved in this book or the next three books. I liked the story until there wasn't an ending. I hate cliff hangers! Won t read any more. I hope her other series isn't a cliff hanger.
There is a mystery within a mystery. The first one isn't solved in this book or the next three books. I liked the story until there wasn't an ending. I hate cliff hangers! Won t read any more. I hope her other series isn't a cliff hanger.
July 25, 2025
I actually really enjoyed this book. The author is sensitive on certain details where it could be triggering. Since I'm overly sensitive about these things, it was perfect. The ending reminded me of Scooby-Doo, but being my favorite cartoon as a kid, I was happy. This is the perfect cozy mystery series with beach vibes.
(And I would have gotten away with it to if it wasn't for you meddling kids and your dog!) 🐕🔍
(And I would have gotten away with it to if it wasn't for you meddling kids and your dog!) 🐕🔍
January 16, 2018
Another new series by Christy Barritt, Hidden Currents is the first book in the when finished six book series occurring at Lantern Beach, North Carolina. Cassidy is a charming character with the ties to solve the mystery of the dead body that arrives on the beach. Using her knowledge without uncovering her real job on the main land causes a lot of poking around for Cassidy. Ty, her neighbor, is an ex-Navy Seal who rubs her the wrong way from their first encounter on the highway. Right away, the emotions between these two characters fly across the page. The romance between Cassidy and Ty runs deep through the story, allowing the tension between Cassidy and Ty to spark as they argue and fight what they actually feel. The mystery is different, and I liked following Cassidy as she hunts for clues while not actually looking for clues. This is a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours and fans of cozy mysteries should try this introduction to Barritt's new series. I can't imagine how she keeps writing so fast and writing such different heroines in the number of series she has written, but I'm glad she does.
I received a complimentary copy of Hidden Currents by Christy Barritt, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of Hidden Currents by Christy Barritt, but the opinions stated are all my own.
January 22, 2018
The story line was good but it was a story within a story, and I did not realize the main story would not be finished in this book. You have to wait for Book 2 and/or 3 to come out to find out the outcome of the main story - which is what intrigued me to purchase this book. So while it was a good read, I'm quite disappointed as I kept anticipating the finality of it all. Had I known it was a cliffhanger, I would not have started reading it at all.
September 17, 2018
Before you read this, know that it's a series and not all mysteries are solved by the end of the book. A few of them I'm still confused about... But it was a good book and fun story a d I liked the mystery.
January 17, 2018
What? A new series from Christy Barritt? One in which a capable police detective from Seattle forced into hiding and assuming an identity completely opposite of the capable, composed woman she is? A fumbling, bumbling police captain thrown in the mix? To tell you the truth, I was hooked at Christy Barritt.
Welcome to Lantern Beach, a tiny community located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. A place so remote, it takes two ferry rides to get there.
This first book is an introduction to the little island town through Cassidy’s eyes. And despite her best efforts to be the laid back, carefree spirit she’s supposed to be, she just can’t ignore the mess the tiny police department is making of a murder investigation—all while staying under the radar. Add in plenty of distrust and misjudgment of her neighbor, and there is plenty of tension to build throughout Hidden Currents.
I loved that, while most of the book is Cassidy’s point of view, we also get a few scenes from Ty’s perspective. The quirky characters, the misunderstandings, and the ice cream truck leave a touch of humor to offset the tensions.
I’m now ready for February and book 2 in the series because there’s still some mysteries to solve (and Cassidy is going to have to find someone to trust in her island hideaway. Personally, I’m rooting for Ty!).
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Welcome to Lantern Beach, a tiny community located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. A place so remote, it takes two ferry rides to get there.
This first book is an introduction to the little island town through Cassidy’s eyes. And despite her best efforts to be the laid back, carefree spirit she’s supposed to be, she just can’t ignore the mess the tiny police department is making of a murder investigation—all while staying under the radar. Add in plenty of distrust and misjudgment of her neighbor, and there is plenty of tension to build throughout Hidden Currents.
I loved that, while most of the book is Cassidy’s point of view, we also get a few scenes from Ty’s perspective. The quirky characters, the misunderstandings, and the ice cream truck leave a touch of humor to offset the tensions.
I’m now ready for February and book 2 in the series because there’s still some mysteries to solve (and Cassidy is going to have to find someone to trust in her island hideaway. Personally, I’m rooting for Ty!).
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
January 18, 2024
I'm hoping the series gets better!
May 31, 2018
3.5 -- Warning: There's a storyline dealing with the main character that is not resolved in this book. However, the main story that she's investigating is resolved.
October 8, 2022
A Real Page Turner
This book is different but in a good way. I really enjoyed it. The two main characters are very likeable as they get acquainted and work out the kinks in their relationship as they work to solve a murder at Lantern Beach. Just be aware the end is a cliff hanger so you are definitely going to want the next book in the series.
This book is different but in a good way. I really enjoyed it. The two main characters are very likeable as they get acquainted and work out the kinks in their relationship as they work to solve a murder at Lantern Beach. Just be aware the end is a cliff hanger so you are definitely going to want the next book in the series.
January 30, 2018
Another great new mystery series from Christy Barritt!
This series follows Detective Cady Matthews from the west coast to her new identity as Cassidy Livingston now living on the east coast. Cady is working deep undercover when her true identity is blown. She is then forced to go into hiding, and moving from the west coast to the east coast seems to be the best option. Now, Cassidy has a new name and new life. Laying low for now should be simple, right? Until a body washes up on shore in her new town. Cassidy finds it hard to pretend she is no longer a detective. Especially since local law enforcement doesn't seem to know how to find answers. Cassidy wants more than anything to help solve this case, but can she risk blowing her new secret identity?
Christy Barritt never disappoints! This series is off to a great start, and I can't wait to read more! While the main mystery of this story is solved, like with any great series, there are plenty of other mysteries surrounding Cassidy left open. You will definitely be anticipating the next book in this series!
This series follows Detective Cady Matthews from the west coast to her new identity as Cassidy Livingston now living on the east coast. Cady is working deep undercover when her true identity is blown. She is then forced to go into hiding, and moving from the west coast to the east coast seems to be the best option. Now, Cassidy has a new name and new life. Laying low for now should be simple, right? Until a body washes up on shore in her new town. Cassidy finds it hard to pretend she is no longer a detective. Especially since local law enforcement doesn't seem to know how to find answers. Cassidy wants more than anything to help solve this case, but can she risk blowing her new secret identity?
Christy Barritt never disappoints! This series is off to a great start, and I can't wait to read more! While the main mystery of this story is solved, like with any great series, there are plenty of other mysteries surrounding Cassidy left open. You will definitely be anticipating the next book in this series!
January 22, 2018
Cliffhanger
I enjoyed the story as far as it went but I truly dislike cliff hanger. When the slow spots occur the intrigue is what makes you read on. I need books to finish the story as I am unable to remember plots from one book to the next. Sorry won't be reading her books.
I enjoyed the story as far as it went but I truly dislike cliff hanger. When the slow spots occur the intrigue is what makes you read on. I need books to finish the story as I am unable to remember plots from one book to the next. Sorry won't be reading her books.
January 23, 2019
I dislike books with cliff hanger endings that require purchasing another book! Will not be reading any more of this author’s books. That is just a cheap way to make people buy another book!
October 18, 2019
Cozy mystery. It wasn't bad at all, just a little too straightlaced for me.
March 9, 2023
3.5 Stars-ish
Forced to hide out when a sting operation leads to death threats, Detective Cady Matthews finds herself thousands of miles away from her Seattle home on a small island selling ice cream to tourists. Since a low profile will keep her safe, she vows to remain disengaged when a body washes up on the beach. However, the police chief seems to be at a loss when it comes to procedure leaving Cady's sense of justice to win her over. She begins her own investigation, only to be hampered by her annoying and nosey neighbour, Ty.
**Though Cady changes her name, for ease of this review I'll call her by her original name.**
Addressing the elephant in the room: Yes, there's a cliffhanger. The main plot does, however, wrap up and the mystery for this particular story is effectively solved. The "to be continued" part is the overall story arc - a way to tie the series together. I have not read on so I'm guessing that the Lantern Beach Mysteries series will continue with Cady remaining in isolation at Lantern Beach and mostly likely solving mysteries - a fair assumption, I think.
I loved the setting - give me an island as a backdrop and I'm happy. All in all, Cady's new life doesn't sound terrible to me though I can imagine that an active detective would feel dissatisfied after an exciting undercover life.
I didn't love the characters. Cady seemed flakey compared to the marshalled police officer she was supposed to be. Occasionally, Cady even addresses this fact; her inner monologue suggests she's uncomfortable that she has let her standards slide. When we get to Ty (growl), I could not STAND him. He refers to Cady as "Little Miss Ice Cream" which is dismissive and condescending. I don't feel he redeems himself at all and he turns my stomach with his arrogance. Furthermore, Cady begins to soften towards him at the end of the book.
I probably will read another in this series, but I do hope the characters iron out in the next one.
Forced to hide out when a sting operation leads to death threats, Detective Cady Matthews finds herself thousands of miles away from her Seattle home on a small island selling ice cream to tourists. Since a low profile will keep her safe, she vows to remain disengaged when a body washes up on the beach. However, the police chief seems to be at a loss when it comes to procedure leaving Cady's sense of justice to win her over. She begins her own investigation, only to be hampered by her annoying and nosey neighbour, Ty.
**Though Cady changes her name, for ease of this review I'll call her by her original name.**
Addressing the elephant in the room: Yes, there's a cliffhanger. The main plot does, however, wrap up and the mystery for this particular story is effectively solved. The "to be continued" part is the overall story arc - a way to tie the series together. I have not read on so I'm guessing that the Lantern Beach Mysteries series will continue with Cady remaining in isolation at Lantern Beach and mostly likely solving mysteries - a fair assumption, I think.
I loved the setting - give me an island as a backdrop and I'm happy. All in all, Cady's new life doesn't sound terrible to me though I can imagine that an active detective would feel dissatisfied after an exciting undercover life.
I didn't love the characters. Cady seemed flakey compared to the marshalled police officer she was supposed to be. Occasionally, Cady even addresses this fact; her inner monologue suggests she's uncomfortable that she has let her standards slide. When we get to Ty (growl), I could not STAND him. He refers to Cady as "Little Miss Ice Cream" which is dismissive and condescending. I don't feel he redeems himself at all and he turns my stomach with his arrogance. Furthermore, Cady begins to soften towards him at the end of the book.
I probably will read another in this series, but I do hope the characters iron out in the next one.
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