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By the Sea Mystery #3
Murder by the Sea
When a murderer crashes a masquerade ball, it's up to Liz to unmask the killer . . .
It's been quite a year for novelist Liz Holt. She's overcome a lot and is finally feeling at peace with her new life at her family's hotel, the Indialantic by the Sea, on the beautiful barrier island of Melbourne Beach, Florida. She's exactly where she needs to be to ring in the New Year at the Florida Writes Literary Masquerade Ball.
But when her ex-boyfriend surprises her at the ball, she can't disguise her anger, and the two engage in a very public argument. Naturally, after her ex is found dead on the hotel grounds, shot through the heart, Liz tops the suspect list. With the help of family and friends, she needs to clear her name before the real killer waltzes away scot-free . . .
Recipes included!
It's been quite a year for novelist Liz Holt. She's overcome a lot and is finally feeling at peace with her new life at her family's hotel, the Indialantic by the Sea, on the beautiful barrier island of Melbourne Beach, Florida. She's exactly where she needs to be to ring in the New Year at the Florida Writes Literary Masquerade Ball.
But when her ex-boyfriend surprises her at the ball, she can't disguise her anger, and the two engage in a very public argument. Naturally, after her ex is found dead on the hotel grounds, shot through the heart, Liz tops the suspect list. With the help of family and friends, she needs to clear her name before the real killer waltzes away scot-free . . .
Recipes included!
Audio CD
First published May 21, 2019
52 people are currently reading
696 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Bridge
13 books340 followersABOUT 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
May 22, 2019
I received this kindle e-book through a Goodreads Giveaway. While this is the third book in the series, it worked well as a standalone novel for me. There are several quirky, fun characters that make this an enjoyable book. This is a classic murder mystery with multiple killer possibilities and twists and turns along the way. The gem of this series is the cast of characters and their relationships. The author does a great job of bringing the characters to life and the scenes are depicted in such a way that I felt the ocean breeze as if I was in Florida with them. This is an entertaining cozy mystery and I look forward to reading others in the series.
May 20, 2019
Liz and friends are celebrating New Year’s Eve with a masquerade ball. When Liz’s ex-boyfriend shows up at the ball, Liz is surprised and angry with his arrival. Even more surprising is his sudden demise, and Liz is the primary suspect. Fortunately, Liz has some good friends to help sleuth and discover the truth.
This is the third book in the A By the Sea Mystery series by Kathleen Bridge. I recommend reading this series in order. There are a number of characters, and their relationships progress through the series.
This is a highly entertaining cozy mystery. Quirky characters in a fun and light read. I especially enjoyed the masquerade ball of literary characters and the talk of favorite sleuths, including Sherlock Holmes and Nancy Drew. A recommended read for fans of cozy mysteries.
I received a free eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third book in the A By the Sea Mystery series by Kathleen Bridge. I recommend reading this series in order. There are a number of characters, and their relationships progress through the series.
This is a highly entertaining cozy mystery. Quirky characters in a fun and light read. I especially enjoyed the masquerade ball of literary characters and the talk of favorite sleuths, including Sherlock Holmes and Nancy Drew. A recommended read for fans of cozy mysteries.
I received a free eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2019
A fun and entertaining cozy mystery! I love all the reminiscing about Nancy Drew, classic books, old TV shows, commercial jingles, and old movies.
Protagonist Liz lives with several aging, eccentric people who are all delightful characters in their quirkiness. Her great aunt, Amelia, has the biggest heart for helping people and pets, and that’s one reason Liz and her father are among her guests who live at the Indialantic by the Sea Inn on a barrier island in Florida. A dark cloud suddenly arrives in the form of Liz’s trouble making ex, Travis, and his rag-tag posse of supporters. During a literary masquerade ball, Travis disappears and is later found deceased from a gunshot wound. A lively game of whodunit challenges Liz to clear herself as a suspect. This is a cozy sure to please all who read it, and I look forward to more stories in this series!
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Lyrical Underground. Thank you.
Protagonist Liz lives with several aging, eccentric people who are all delightful characters in their quirkiness. Her great aunt, Amelia, has the biggest heart for helping people and pets, and that’s one reason Liz and her father are among her guests who live at the Indialantic by the Sea Inn on a barrier island in Florida. A dark cloud suddenly arrives in the form of Liz’s trouble making ex, Travis, and his rag-tag posse of supporters. During a literary masquerade ball, Travis disappears and is later found deceased from a gunshot wound. A lively game of whodunit challenges Liz to clear herself as a suspect. This is a cozy sure to please all who read it, and I look forward to more stories in this series!
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Lyrical Underground. Thank you.
April 8, 2019
MURDER BY THE SEA by Kathleen Bridge is the third book and my first in the “By the Sea” mystery series featuring writer Liz Holt and a cast of characters who appear to have on-going roles in the series. They all live on a barrier island in or near a historic hotel, the Indialantic. Liz has returned to Florida after ten years in New York City where she was involved in an abusive relationship which left her both physically and emotionally scarred.
In this novel, the mystery stand alone, although there are references to the previous books in the series. It cannot be determined if the relationships between Liz and the other characters have developed gradually over the course of the book.
The book opens with Liz, her family and friends attending a literary party hosted by her great aunt, owner of the Indialantic. Everyone is in costume as a favorite character from fiction and the party is in full swing when Liz is suddenly pulled aside by her ex-boyfriend. He angrily approaches her about forcing her to support his latest literary endeavor and she is consumed by how he knew about the party and where to find her.
Liz and her ex have a verbal confrontation which is overheard and, as the book seems to telegraph, he is discovered dead the next day. Suspicion immediately falls on Liz, with a local reporter feeding the flames of suspicion and a new detective, who doesn’t know Liz and family being brought in to solve the murder.
There are some interesting characters who make for enjoyable reads, including Liz’s aunt, a well-known writer who has been a lifelong friend, Liz’s father, and Liz’s boyfriend. I liked these characters better than I liked Liz, who seems to make bad decisions time and time again, digging herself deeper into trouble. Why does she allow herself to be pulled from the party by an abusive ex in the first place? When he is determined to be missing, why does she agree to go to the house he and his party are renting and engage in a hunt for him? Throughout the book she makes poor decisions that seem to lead her deeper into trouble.
I like the setting of the book, along the Atlantic coast, and I like many of the secondary characters as well. I would like to see Liz as a bit smarter and more savvy, more worthy of having such interesting friends.
The mystery itself does have some good clues and red herrings, although I found it fairly easy to solve. The plot moves at a good pace and the end is satisfying for the most part. This is a book you can easily pick up and put down between other activities, which might make it a good read for the beach or in between other activities. An added bonus are the recipes at the end of the book if you enjoy trying your hand at some new dishes.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books Lyrical Underground for providing an advance copy of this book for review.
In this novel, the mystery stand alone, although there are references to the previous books in the series. It cannot be determined if the relationships between Liz and the other characters have developed gradually over the course of the book.
The book opens with Liz, her family and friends attending a literary party hosted by her great aunt, owner of the Indialantic. Everyone is in costume as a favorite character from fiction and the party is in full swing when Liz is suddenly pulled aside by her ex-boyfriend. He angrily approaches her about forcing her to support his latest literary endeavor and she is consumed by how he knew about the party and where to find her.
Liz and her ex have a verbal confrontation which is overheard and, as the book seems to telegraph, he is discovered dead the next day. Suspicion immediately falls on Liz, with a local reporter feeding the flames of suspicion and a new detective, who doesn’t know Liz and family being brought in to solve the murder.
There are some interesting characters who make for enjoyable reads, including Liz’s aunt, a well-known writer who has been a lifelong friend, Liz’s father, and Liz’s boyfriend. I liked these characters better than I liked Liz, who seems to make bad decisions time and time again, digging herself deeper into trouble. Why does she allow herself to be pulled from the party by an abusive ex in the first place? When he is determined to be missing, why does she agree to go to the house he and his party are renting and engage in a hunt for him? Throughout the book she makes poor decisions that seem to lead her deeper into trouble.
I like the setting of the book, along the Atlantic coast, and I like many of the secondary characters as well. I would like to see Liz as a bit smarter and more savvy, more worthy of having such interesting friends.
The mystery itself does have some good clues and red herrings, although I found it fairly easy to solve. The plot moves at a good pace and the end is satisfying for the most part. This is a book you can easily pick up and put down between other activities, which might make it a good read for the beach or in between other activities. An added bonus are the recipes at the end of the book if you enjoy trying your hand at some new dishes.
My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books Lyrical Underground for providing an advance copy of this book for review.
March 31, 2019
Another fun installment in the By the Sea Mystery series. I enjoy this series because of the quirky characters and the close bond between the Icelandic by the Sea family. Liz as a protagonist is developing nicely and coming into her own. Her relationship with Ryan is developing nicely and I think they make a good sleuthing team. The secondary cast of characters are all well written and bring fun, humor and family. In this installment, Liz finds her self as the chief suspect in the death of her former fiancee. Frankly, he is worse than we even thought so I can't say I'm sorry he was the victim. The murder occurs at a New Years Eve costume party. With everyone in costume and a number of guest there who had motive, Liz has to work with Ryan, Betty, Aunt Amelia and her father to find the real killer. The author did a nice job of providing a good selection of suspects with viable motives. She also throws in some red herrings to divert the attention of the reader.
I enjoy this series and always finish a book having been entertained. I will definitely be continuing with this series.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
I enjoy this series and always finish a book having been entertained. I will definitely be continuing with this series.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
April 4, 2019
Murder By the Sea by Kathleen Bridge is the best one yet in this series. I was drawn into the story from the first chapter.
Liz and her family and friends are enjoying a masquerade ball on New Year's Eve at the Indialantic by the Sea when her past comes back when her ex-boyfriend, Travis, crashes the party. Travis is one of those characters that I love to hate so it was no surprise when he is found dead the next day. Ms. Bridge's descriptive writing made me feel right at home again at the Indiatlantic. All of the residents are of a "certain" age but they are quirky, intelligent and some of the best sleuths that Liz could have helping her solve the case. A plot that moved swiftly with red herrings and twists to keep me guessing I couldn't put the book down until I had finished it. I am already anxious to read the next one 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.
Liz and her family and friends are enjoying a masquerade ball on New Year's Eve at the Indialantic by the Sea when her past comes back when her ex-boyfriend, Travis, crashes the party. Travis is one of those characters that I love to hate so it was no surprise when he is found dead the next day. Ms. Bridge's descriptive writing made me feel right at home again at the Indiatlantic. All of the residents are of a "certain" age but they are quirky, intelligent and some of the best sleuths that Liz could have helping her solve the case. A plot that moved swiftly with red herrings and twists to keep me guessing I couldn't put the book down until I had finished it. I am already anxious to read the next one 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.
May 20, 2019
Murder by the Sea by Kathleen Bridge is the 3rd book in the By the Sea Mystery series, and another great book. Novelist, Liz Holt is now living in her home town of Melbourne Beach, Florida, she had been living in New York, and she's happy to be home and be with family and friends. To ring in the New Year, her family is hosting Florida Writes Literary Masquerade Ball, at their hotel, the Indialantic by the Sea. When her ex comes uninvited, and the two have an argument, Liz becomes the prime suspect when he is found. There are twists and turns around every corner. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. If you love funny cozy mysteries, I strongly recommend this book/series. I am anxiously waiting for the next book in the series.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
March 19, 2019
The new year has started and the Indialantic hotel is holding a masquerade ball to ring the New Year. Liz Holtz is upset when she discovered her ex-boyfriend Travis and his friends have crashed the party uninvited. He wants Liz to support his book on their affair which she declined in a loud angry voice. When is a dead body is found he becomes the leading candidate for the murder? Her law enforcement friends are not allowed with the investigation because of a conflict of interest. Liz and her friends work behind the scene to clear her name. The ending is a surprise.
I highly recommend this book and series.
Recipes from the Indialantic kitchen are included.
Disclosure: Thanks to Kensington Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
I highly recommend this book and series.
Recipes from the Indialantic kitchen are included.
Disclosure: Thanks to Kensington Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
May 4, 2019
Liz Holtz has made a good life for herself returning to the Indiatlantic Hotel after a traumatic and scandalous end to her relationship with Travis, an award winning novelist. New Year's eve Literary fancy dress ball is crashed by Travis and several other of his NYC coterie with the intention of getting Liz to agree to something. But he is murdered before all was revealed. Now Liz finds herself in the shortlist of suspects and has to clear her name. Another fun entry in this series. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2019
Murder by the Sea is a great addition to the By the Sea series that takes place in lovely south Florida and Melbourne Beach. Liz Holt grew up on the beach and has recently returned after spending time in Manhattan as a writer. She moved home after a bad relationship with another author, Travis Osterman. She and her dad lived on the beach with her great aunt, Amelia Holt, a former actress, and owner of a hotel, Indialantic by the Sea. In its heyday, the hotel hosted many big actors and stars. Now it is home to a some group of friends. On New Year's Eve, the hotel was host to a Literary Masquerade Ball. Things went sour when Travis and his entourage including his agent and friends show up and he confronts Liz. Their argument was witnessed by others and brought to light when he is found dead the next day. The regular crew of friends do their investigating to find the real killer. Fenton, Liz's attorney father, along with her detective boyfriend Ryan, Betty, mystery author and hotel resident along with Liz do their investigating. Charlotte, agent with the Sheriff's office and fiancee of Fenton has been taken off the case since she is too close to the accused.
This is another great read in the series with its lovely setting and fun group of characters. Things are more complicated since everyone was in disguise at the time of the murder.
I received a complimentary ARC from Lyrical Underground and Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
This is another great read in the series with its lovely setting and fun group of characters. Things are more complicated since everyone was in disguise at the time of the murder.
I received a complimentary ARC from Lyrical Underground and Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
June 1, 2019
This was a delightful story for me, full of mystery, silliness and fun. It was impossible to put down once I had started reading it and the author, Kathleen Bridge, had created some lovely characters that I would love to have met. The animals were a great addition to the story.
This was a very amusing and engaging mystery with a great plot.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my own request from the publisher via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
This was a very amusing and engaging mystery with a great plot.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my own request from the publisher via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
June 7, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Did Liz kill her ex-boyfriend? If not, then who did?
Murder by the Sea by Kathleen Bridge is a fabulous mystery filled with witty eccentric characters and bits of nostalgic 1960s and 1970s television series and commercials. I found myself transported to the days of watching TVLand with my mom before bed.
Our sleuths
Liz Holt
Liz is our point of view, main character and sleuth. She returned home after ending an abusive relationship and has found a worthy boyfriend. Liz is also a writer with one book out and working on the second.
I like that Liz is brave and relies on her instincts. Liz also loves animals, cooking, and taking care of the family. However, she has to keep reminding herself that she is moving forward and that everything is okay. I presume this lack of confidence comes from her abusive relationship and the following ordeal.
Ryan Stone
Ryan is a private investigator who works mostly for Liz’s dad, who is an attorney. He is a take charge type of guy. This investigation obviously isn’t his first and most likely won’t be his last.
What I like about Ryan is that he is there for his friends and family. He also has a way of sharing his strength and taking care of Liz without making her feel pressured or dismissed. The one thing that I didn’t like about him was that he seemed almost too good to be true.
Betty Lawson
Betty is an older mystery writer who has been writing for a while. She fancies herself, Ms. Marple. She is very tech savvy for her age and carries around an iPad. I love it. Betty thinks things through and keeps things close to the breast until she is sure of what she has.
I like that Betty is funny, serious, smart, and likes to stick her nose in other people’s business. I can respect that. What I don’t care for is that she sometimes comes across as arrogant. Although not as bad as some of the other characters.
Mystery
The mystery is excellent with lots of red herrings and plenty of false leads. I love the way the sleuths. They work well together, each of them focusing on their specialties. There were lots of people helping find clues and following up on the leads.
4 Stars for Murder by the Sea by Kathleen Bridge
My rating for Murder by the Sea by Kathleen Bridge is four stars. I enjoyed reading the book but at times got lost in the world of Aunt Amelia, which wasn’t a bad thing.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes cozy mystery, especially those with retro pop culture references.
Other Books in the Series
Prize: (1) Copy - Murder by the Sea (A By the Sea Mystery) by Kathleen Bridge - the U.S. Only
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Murder by the Sea by Kathleen Bridge is a fabulous mystery filled with witty eccentric characters and bits of nostalgic 1960s and 1970s television series and commercials. I found myself transported to the days of watching TVLand with my mom before bed.
Our sleuths
Liz Holt
Liz is our point of view, main character and sleuth. She returned home after ending an abusive relationship and has found a worthy boyfriend. Liz is also a writer with one book out and working on the second.
I like that Liz is brave and relies on her instincts. Liz also loves animals, cooking, and taking care of the family. However, she has to keep reminding herself that she is moving forward and that everything is okay. I presume this lack of confidence comes from her abusive relationship and the following ordeal.
Ryan Stone
Ryan is a private investigator who works mostly for Liz’s dad, who is an attorney. He is a take charge type of guy. This investigation obviously isn’t his first and most likely won’t be his last.
What I like about Ryan is that he is there for his friends and family. He also has a way of sharing his strength and taking care of Liz without making her feel pressured or dismissed. The one thing that I didn’t like about him was that he seemed almost too good to be true.
Betty Lawson
Betty is an older mystery writer who has been writing for a while. She fancies herself, Ms. Marple. She is very tech savvy for her age and carries around an iPad. I love it. Betty thinks things through and keeps things close to the breast until she is sure of what she has.
I like that Betty is funny, serious, smart, and likes to stick her nose in other people’s business. I can respect that. What I don’t care for is that she sometimes comes across as arrogant. Although not as bad as some of the other characters.
Mystery
The mystery is excellent with lots of red herrings and plenty of false leads. I love the way the sleuths. They work well together, each of them focusing on their specialties. There were lots of people helping find clues and following up on the leads.
4 Stars for Murder by the Sea by Kathleen Bridge
My rating for Murder by the Sea by Kathleen Bridge is four stars. I enjoyed reading the book but at times got lost in the world of Aunt Amelia, which wasn’t a bad thing.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes cozy mystery, especially those with retro pop culture references.
Other Books in the Series
May 20 –
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May 20 –
Cozy Up With Kathy
– AUTHOR INTERVIEW
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Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews
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Bibliophile Reviews
– REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
May 21 –
I’m All About Books
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May 21 –
Rosepoint Publishing
– REVIEW
May 22 –
Kelly P’s Blog
– SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT
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A Blue Million Books
– AUTHOR INTERVIEW
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Books a Plenty Book Reviews
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Babs Book Bistro
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Here’s How It Happened
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Readeropolis
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Baroness’ Book Trove
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LibriAmoriMiei
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Ruff Drafts
– RECIPE, SPOTLIGHT
May 26 –
Lisa Ks Book Reviews
– REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
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Celticlady’s Reviews
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This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
June 12, 2019
"Murder By the Sea" earns 5/5 Karmic Bites...Clever and Entertaining!
Kathleen Bridge got it deliciously right serving up a nice batch of well-deserved Karma. Everyone is enjoying the New Year's Literary Masquerade Ball with guests dressed as their favorite character. Although costumes are heavy on nods to Lewis Carroll and J.R.R. Tolkien, Liz channels Jane Eyre, Aunt Amelia is the perfect Miss Havisham, and Ryan's Jean Valjean melts Liz's heart, but it's her ex-boyfriend Travis's surprise appearance as a WWII soldier accessorized with a bayoneted rifle and a threatening blackmail scheme that sends chills down Liz's spine. So when Travis's literary agent and gossip link show their anger that Travis can't be found accusing Liz of having something to do with his disappearance, the new year rings in...murder!
Excellent! I was totally engaged with Kathleen's third-person narrative writing style filled with vivid descriptions, laying out the investigation along with dialogue that illustrates well the various personalities. The murder victim seemed obvious it very cathartic. And motive? A challenge to pick one since the victim had burned a lot of people; the final solution was a pleasant surprise! It took awhile for the axe to drop, but I enjoyed the journey that gave me just the right amount of time to revisit characters and set up dramatic interactions and conflicts. My favorite? Well, of course, I love Liz who's gaining confidence and personal strength and healing from her past difficulties, but she needs to trust in Ryan's attentions and be more forthcoming. I adore Aunt Amelia and all the 60s/70s references, but it's Betty's London Chimney Sweep Mystery book that fascinates me! I highly recommend Kathleen's third book...totally entertaining! And three mouthwatering recipes are included--Classic Desserts with a French Twist from the Chef Pierre Montague Cookbook: my favorite Crème Brûlée, decadent Chocolate Mousse, and fancy Crêpes Suzette. Yum!
Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insight and comments.
Kathleen Bridge got it deliciously right serving up a nice batch of well-deserved Karma. Everyone is enjoying the New Year's Literary Masquerade Ball with guests dressed as their favorite character. Although costumes are heavy on nods to Lewis Carroll and J.R.R. Tolkien, Liz channels Jane Eyre, Aunt Amelia is the perfect Miss Havisham, and Ryan's Jean Valjean melts Liz's heart, but it's her ex-boyfriend Travis's surprise appearance as a WWII soldier accessorized with a bayoneted rifle and a threatening blackmail scheme that sends chills down Liz's spine. So when Travis's literary agent and gossip link show their anger that Travis can't be found accusing Liz of having something to do with his disappearance, the new year rings in...murder!
Excellent! I was totally engaged with Kathleen's third-person narrative writing style filled with vivid descriptions, laying out the investigation along with dialogue that illustrates well the various personalities. The murder victim seemed obvious it very cathartic. And motive? A challenge to pick one since the victim had burned a lot of people; the final solution was a pleasant surprise! It took awhile for the axe to drop, but I enjoyed the journey that gave me just the right amount of time to revisit characters and set up dramatic interactions and conflicts. My favorite? Well, of course, I love Liz who's gaining confidence and personal strength and healing from her past difficulties, but she needs to trust in Ryan's attentions and be more forthcoming. I adore Aunt Amelia and all the 60s/70s references, but it's Betty's London Chimney Sweep Mystery book that fascinates me! I highly recommend Kathleen's third book...totally entertaining! And three mouthwatering recipes are included--Classic Desserts with a French Twist from the Chef Pierre Montague Cookbook: my favorite Crème Brûlée, decadent Chocolate Mousse, and fancy Crêpes Suzette. Yum!
Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insight and comments.
April 26, 2019
Murder by the Sea is the third book in Kathleen Bridge’s By the Sea Mystery series. The quirky characters are well developed, and the well-plotted mystery moves at a steady pace, with lots of twists and turns and humor. I enjoyed reading this fun and entertaining cozy mystery. The reveal, especially the motive, surprised me.
Liz Holt, an award-winning author, is back home in Melbourne Beach, Florida and is living in a cottage on the beach at her childhood home, Indialantic by the Sea Hotel and Emporium, which more like a boarding house than a full-service hotel and owned by her great-aunt, Amelia Eden Holt, a former television character actress. Her father, Fenton, is an attorney, and recently became engaged to Charlotte Pearson, Brevard County PD’s lead homicide detective. Liz is dating Ryan Stone, who took a leave of absence from his job as an arson investigator and fireman for New York City’s fire department to help his grandfather, Pops, at the Deci-casies by the Sea and is also working as Fenton’s on-call private investigator. Liz’s ex-boyfriend, Travis Osterman, his literary agent, his intern, and a publisher are uninvited and unwanted guests who crash the New Year’s Literary Masquerade Ball, the kickoff event for the weeklong New Year’s Writers’ Festival. When Travis is found dead with a bullet hole in his chest the next day, Liz becomes the prime suspect since she was overheard and recorded arguing with and threatening Travis. Agent Crowley is the lead investigator because Agent Crowley is removed from the case due to a conflict of interest.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Liz Holt, an award-winning author, is back home in Melbourne Beach, Florida and is living in a cottage on the beach at her childhood home, Indialantic by the Sea Hotel and Emporium, which more like a boarding house than a full-service hotel and owned by her great-aunt, Amelia Eden Holt, a former television character actress. Her father, Fenton, is an attorney, and recently became engaged to Charlotte Pearson, Brevard County PD’s lead homicide detective. Liz is dating Ryan Stone, who took a leave of absence from his job as an arson investigator and fireman for New York City’s fire department to help his grandfather, Pops, at the Deci-casies by the Sea and is also working as Fenton’s on-call private investigator. Liz’s ex-boyfriend, Travis Osterman, his literary agent, his intern, and a publisher are uninvited and unwanted guests who crash the New Year’s Literary Masquerade Ball, the kickoff event for the weeklong New Year’s Writers’ Festival. When Travis is found dead with a bullet hole in his chest the next day, Liz becomes the prime suspect since she was overheard and recorded arguing with and threatening Travis. Agent Crowley is the lead investigator because Agent Crowley is removed from the case due to a conflict of interest.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
June 6, 2019
What a delightful mystery! Third in the series, it can be read as a standalone but will be much more fun if you've read the first two. Each character is uniquely designed and most are very likable, especially Aunt Amelia and Betty, the rockin', challenged-by-nothing older ladies. Liz, our protagonist, won an award for her first novel and is hard at work on her second. She returned to the family-owned and operated Indialantic by the Sea Hotel, which is more of a boarding house than a hotel. Nearly 100 years old, it recently achieved historical landmark status and sounds like the kind of place I would like to take an extended visit.
It is time for the annual Florida Writers Literary Masquerade Ball at the Hotel on New Years' Eve, and what a crew of famous literary characters are in attendance! There is a select guest list, which is why Liz was absolutely stunned to see a woman who looked a lot like Paula, her Pulitzer-prize winning Manhattan ex-boyfriend's literary agent. His drinking finally erupted in violence, and after nearly a decade in the Big Apple, Liz came home to the best place she has ever lived. Just when she thought she was mistaken, she saw Travis, the ex-boyfriend. He and his entourage - the literary agent, his intern/ assistant, and owner of his new publisher, which is also Liz's publisher are in attendance, not a one with an invitation.
Travis came to stir up problems for Liz, and she isn't going to play his game. She countered his demands with a threat, which he followed with another threat. And that is what somebody remembered the next evening when his costumed-remains are found near where they had argued. Placing Liz firmly at the top of the suspect list.
Liz's father Fenton is an attorney, and she is dating Ryan, who is the part-time PI her father hires for various cases. Betty, a life-long mystery writer and reader, is one of Liz's partners-in-crime-solving, as is Ryan. Her best friend, Kate, is not going to take this lying down. Nobody is going to arrest Liz as long as she, Betty, and Ryan have anything to say about it.
The octogenarian and septuagenarians bring wisdom, great ideas, and just plain fun to the mix. Liz has the best of the best on her side as they try to find who might the real murderer be. For as obnoxious as Travis had been, Liz never wanted him to be killed, but there had to be at least one person that he pushed too far. It was hard to determine who the real bad guy or gal could be, and there were surprises in store at every turn. I highly recommend this to fans of well-written cozy mysteries with cats, grumpy Macaws, and complex mysteries in a lovely Florida barrier island setting.
It is time for the annual Florida Writers Literary Masquerade Ball at the Hotel on New Years' Eve, and what a crew of famous literary characters are in attendance! There is a select guest list, which is why Liz was absolutely stunned to see a woman who looked a lot like Paula, her Pulitzer-prize winning Manhattan ex-boyfriend's literary agent. His drinking finally erupted in violence, and after nearly a decade in the Big Apple, Liz came home to the best place she has ever lived. Just when she thought she was mistaken, she saw Travis, the ex-boyfriend. He and his entourage - the literary agent, his intern/ assistant, and owner of his new publisher, which is also Liz's publisher are in attendance, not a one with an invitation.
Travis came to stir up problems for Liz, and she isn't going to play his game. She countered his demands with a threat, which he followed with another threat. And that is what somebody remembered the next evening when his costumed-remains are found near where they had argued. Placing Liz firmly at the top of the suspect list.
Liz's father Fenton is an attorney, and she is dating Ryan, who is the part-time PI her father hires for various cases. Betty, a life-long mystery writer and reader, is one of Liz's partners-in-crime-solving, as is Ryan. Her best friend, Kate, is not going to take this lying down. Nobody is going to arrest Liz as long as she, Betty, and Ryan have anything to say about it.
The octogenarian and septuagenarians bring wisdom, great ideas, and just plain fun to the mix. Liz has the best of the best on her side as they try to find who might the real murderer be. For as obnoxious as Travis had been, Liz never wanted him to be killed, but there had to be at least one person that he pushed too far. It was hard to determine who the real bad guy or gal could be, and there were surprises in store at every turn. I highly recommend this to fans of well-written cozy mysteries with cats, grumpy Macaws, and complex mysteries in a lovely Florida barrier island setting.
April 21, 2019
Murder by the Sea is the third installment in the A By the Sea Mystery series set on the Florida island of Melbourne Beach and featuring author Liz Holt. Settling in to life at her family's Indialantic Hotel, Liz is looking forward to attending the New Year's Eve Literary Ball with her great aunt Amelia, her father and the other permanent hotel guests.
Everyone is having fun dressed as literary characters and Liz is very much looking forward to kissing her beau Ryan at midnight. Liz is distraught when she realizes that her abusive ex boyfriend Travis Osterman has appeared at the ball accompanied by members of his publicity team. It's really no surprise to Liz that he's still the same threatening, manipulating person and she feels no real remorse when he's found shot to death the next morning. The problem is that Liz was witnessed by none other than the local reporter having a verbal altercation with Travis that could very well have been his last.
Determined to clear her name, Liz sets out with the help of her family and friends to track down a killer. Her investigation uncovers an even deeper layer of deceptive behavior and the suspect list continues to grow.
This was the first installment in the series that I have read and I will go back to start from the beginning. The author does a good job with back history and character description which enables the book to read as a stand alone. In addition to the humans, a great cast of animals including the delightful parrot, Barnacle Bob and a collection of tasty recipes round out a fast paced plot.
I received an advanced copy of Death by the Sea from NetGalley via Lyrical Underground. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
Everyone is having fun dressed as literary characters and Liz is very much looking forward to kissing her beau Ryan at midnight. Liz is distraught when she realizes that her abusive ex boyfriend Travis Osterman has appeared at the ball accompanied by members of his publicity team. It's really no surprise to Liz that he's still the same threatening, manipulating person and she feels no real remorse when he's found shot to death the next morning. The problem is that Liz was witnessed by none other than the local reporter having a verbal altercation with Travis that could very well have been his last.
Determined to clear her name, Liz sets out with the help of her family and friends to track down a killer. Her investigation uncovers an even deeper layer of deceptive behavior and the suspect list continues to grow.
This was the first installment in the series that I have read and I will go back to start from the beginning. The author does a good job with back history and character description which enables the book to read as a stand alone. In addition to the humans, a great cast of animals including the delightful parrot, Barnacle Bob and a collection of tasty recipes round out a fast paced plot.
I received an advanced copy of Death by the Sea from NetGalley via Lyrical Underground. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
March 1, 2020
It's New Year's Eve and Liz, her family and friends are celebrating with a masquerade ball. When Liz’s ex-boyfriend shows up at the ball, he tries to blackmail Liz into signing off on a movie edition of his book where she is a character. She is not impressed and is very angry at him. They get in a heated argument that is overheard by a local reporter. When he ends up dead, Liz is the primary suspect. Fortunately, Liz and her friends are ready to do some investigating to find the real murderer. This is the third book in the By the Sea Mystery series by Kathleen Bridge and it is very enjoyable. I recommend reading this series in order as the characters and their relationships develop with each book. Having said that, you could read this book easily without reading the first two, but there would be spoilers if you want to read the first two.
This is a highly entertaining cozy mystery.I enjoy this series a lot because of the characters and setting. There are several quirky characters and I have been to the area several times where the series occurs. This book is a light, fun mystery. There are several suspects and with it occurring at a masquerade ball, it makes it a bit more difficult to figure out who was even there. I love the literary talk in these books, and this one had a lot of my favourite or memorable characters from books I have read over the years. There is humour, witty dialogue, some red herrings and a lot of clues that all add to a great mystery. I recommend this book and series to fans of cozy mysteries.
This is a highly entertaining cozy mystery.I enjoy this series a lot because of the characters and setting. There are several quirky characters and I have been to the area several times where the series occurs. This book is a light, fun mystery. There are several suspects and with it occurring at a masquerade ball, it makes it a bit more difficult to figure out who was even there. I love the literary talk in these books, and this one had a lot of my favourite or memorable characters from books I have read over the years. There is humour, witty dialogue, some red herrings and a lot of clues that all add to a great mystery. I recommend this book and series to fans of cozy mysteries.
May 13, 2019
This is book three in the By The Sea Mystery series.
This is my first foray into the By The Sea series and I thought it was decent. Good. Nice mystery. Nice twists.
The story starts out at a Masquerade Ball. So, since I didn’t know who anyone was anyway, this didn’t particularly bother me. But I can see how it would be difficult to pair costume to character once the real mystery starts unfolding.
I had a hard time getting into this one. I didn’t feel it got its sea legs until about three-fourths into the book. I did a lot of re-reading since I seemed to zone out in some of the parts I needed to pay attention to. Once it got going it was good. I liked the characters. I wanted to root for them and I did somewhat.
Text flow was nice and storyline interesting. The mystery wasn’t as complex of some I’d read lately but it really did keep you guessing. I think all the costumes in the beginning made it a bit more difficult to target the real murderer.
Nice story. Decent. A good read to take to the beach one day when you want a quick read.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is my first foray into the By The Sea series and I thought it was decent. Good. Nice mystery. Nice twists.
The story starts out at a Masquerade Ball. So, since I didn’t know who anyone was anyway, this didn’t particularly bother me. But I can see how it would be difficult to pair costume to character once the real mystery starts unfolding.
I had a hard time getting into this one. I didn’t feel it got its sea legs until about three-fourths into the book. I did a lot of re-reading since I seemed to zone out in some of the parts I needed to pay attention to. Once it got going it was good. I liked the characters. I wanted to root for them and I did somewhat.
Text flow was nice and storyline interesting. The mystery wasn’t as complex of some I’d read lately but it really did keep you guessing. I think all the costumes in the beginning made it a bit more difficult to target the real murderer.
Nice story. Decent. A good read to take to the beach one day when you want a quick read.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
May 23, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Florida where we get to tag along with Liz as she goes about her life on an island paradise writing novels and getting tangled up with murder. Her ex pops up for this installment which makes you really dislike him before it is all said and done. Things just get more interesting when he is the lucky one to turn up dead making Liz the main suspect. An outside detective tries his best to pin it on her too but with the help of her colorfully eclectic friends, family, and pets they manage to uncover all of the clues just in time to save the day. Though is was a tad touch and go for bit there. This book has a setting that makes you want to move in just full of some of the best characters that feel like your friends. The addition of the wide range of pets is just the cherry on top of the cake. Full of fun, mystery, silliness, good food, and so much more that make it impossible to put down once you get started. An absolute must read for fans of animal cozies. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Florida where we get to tag along with Liz as she goes about her life on an island paradise writing novels and getting tangled up with murder. Her ex pops up for this installment which makes you really dislike him before it is all said and done. Things just get more interesting when he is the lucky one to turn up dead making Liz the main suspect. An outside detective tries his best to pin it on her too but with the help of her colorfully eclectic friends, family, and pets they manage to uncover all of the clues just in time to save the day. Though is was a tad touch and go for bit there. This book has a setting that makes you want to move in just full of some of the best characters that feel like your friends. The addition of the wide range of pets is just the cherry on top of the cake. Full of fun, mystery, silliness, good food, and so much more that make it impossible to put down once you get started. An absolute must read for fans of animal cozies. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
April 16, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
At a masquerade ball on a sea island, the sleuth's petulant ex shows up, and is murdered forthwith. She has to clear her name, among other people's.
Not great.
At a masquerade ball on a sea island, the sleuth's petulant ex shows up, and is murdered forthwith. She has to clear her name, among other people's.
Not great.
July 10, 2019
https://openbooksociety.com/article/m...
Murder by the Sea
A By the Sea Mystery, Book #3
By Kathleen Bridge
ISBN 9781516105250
Author Website: kathleenbridge(.)com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
When a murderer crashes a masquerade ball, it’s up to Liz to unmask the killer . . .
It’s been quite a year for novelist Liz Holt. She’s overcome a lot and is finally feeling at peace with her new life at her family’s hotel, the Indialantic by the Sea, on the beautiful barrier island of Melbourne Beach, Florida. She’s exactly where she needs to be to ring in the New Year at the Florida Writes Literary Masquerade Ball.
But when her ex-boyfriend surprises her at the ball, she can’t disguise her anger, and the two engage in a very public argument. Naturally, after her ex is found dead on the hotel grounds, shot through the heart, Liz tops the suspect list. With the help of family and friends, she needs to clear her name before the real killer waltzes away scot-free . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
What a great New Year’s story for any time of year! I enjoy the characters, particularly Betty, Aunt Amelia, and Liz. The setting in Florida sounds like a gorgeous place for a New Years’ Eve celebration, and I enjoyed reading about the Florida Writes Library Masquerade ball. The mystery sends Ryan, a PI and Liz’ boyfriend, to the Big Apple and back, with clues along the way in Kentucky and Connecticut, and is a real challenge!
Liz Holt returned to the Indialantic Hotel and Emporium after being in the Big Apple for ten years. Her career as an author began there, and she continues to write now that she is back home. The primary differences are that she lives in the former bathhouse, now a beautiful beach cabin, she has an adorable kitten, Bronte, and Great-Aunt Amelia is now running the Hotel. Liz is dating Ryan, who had been a firefighter for FDNY and now works as a part-time PI for Liz’s father, Fenton, an attorney.
We are greeted with the Masquerade Ball, where Liz is known as Jane Eyre, and Ryan is Jean Valjean. I enjoyed the descriptions of the costumes and those wearing them. When least expected, Liz thought she saw her ex-boyfriend’s literary agent, dressed as Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Moments later, she is approached by a US Army officer carrying a rifle with a bayonet. It had to have been Paula she saw, as the Army officer is Travis, Liz’s ex-boyfriend from Manhattan. The best-selling, Pulitzer-prize winning author with charm, and a heavy drinking problem that broke out in anger. The night he knocked her down cost her the scar on her cheek and was the last straw to her Manhattan life.
Only Travis would be costumed as the protagonist of his own prize-winning WWII novel, Mickey McAvoy. Travis being at the Indialantic is as unusual – and welcome – as an alligator on the beach. Liz told him in no uncertain terms to leave. Travis demanded that she go on a publicity tour for the novel he loosely based on their failed relationship, Blood and Glass as a movie deal is on the line because of when she called 911 on him. She threatens to reveal what he stole from a deceased veteran at the VA Hospital, and he threatens to tell all that he really wrote her prize-winning first novel, since her drafts were on his laptop, and sue her for past royalties. It wasn’t their best moment, and it was recorded. As Liz walked away, she ran into Sally Beamon, a local TV newswoman, who was sloshed. She didn’t realize that Sally, who had tried many times to get the scoop about Liz and the famous Travis, had recorded their words. Or that it would come back to haunt her. Late the next day, during a strong thunderstorm, Travis’ body was found, murdered, only a short distance from where Liz had seen him the night before.
Thanks to Sally Beamon, the police were aware of the verbal spat between Liz and Travis, which placed Liz at the top of the suspect list. Charlotte, the agent typically assigned to homicides, couldn’t be on the case due to her relationship with Liz’s father. Someone they are not familiar with, Agent Derek Crowley, is on the case, and has no reason to believe Liz. Her fingerprints were found on the rifle Travis carried – even though they were far from the hammer. She only touched it when pushing it away from herself. Liz and her co-detectives Ryan and Betty attempt to find out what they could from whomever they could. They could identify at least four other suspects…but was Crowley looking at even one of them?
The characters are defined well through conversations and actions, and I particularly like Liz, Betty, and Amelia. I am so happy to see the seniors who are valuable and involved in the story, such as Betty, Pierre, and Amelia. They are delightful and brilliant; even Pierre, with recent health challenges, can contribute in a positive manner. I also like how Liz feels it is always an adventure to live with Aunt Amelia, and the memories Liz shares of growing up with her, Betty, and Pierre.
The story moves along quickly, and is hard to put down once started. It is a beautiful place of escape with a complex mystery involving layers of motives that were not obvious. Plot twists keep the suspects and motives changing, as is a threat Liz received. There were times I put the book down in an attempt to think through who the killer might be, and even though I arrived at the right conclusion, I simply could not come up with the motive. This is such an exciting mystery that I was sorry to see it end! I highly recommend this novel, and this series.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Murder by the Sea
A By the Sea Mystery, Book #3
By Kathleen Bridge
ISBN 9781516105250
Author Website: kathleenbridge(.)com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
When a murderer crashes a masquerade ball, it’s up to Liz to unmask the killer . . .
It’s been quite a year for novelist Liz Holt. She’s overcome a lot and is finally feeling at peace with her new life at her family’s hotel, the Indialantic by the Sea, on the beautiful barrier island of Melbourne Beach, Florida. She’s exactly where she needs to be to ring in the New Year at the Florida Writes Literary Masquerade Ball.
But when her ex-boyfriend surprises her at the ball, she can’t disguise her anger, and the two engage in a very public argument. Naturally, after her ex is found dead on the hotel grounds, shot through the heart, Liz tops the suspect list. With the help of family and friends, she needs to clear her name before the real killer waltzes away scot-free . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
What a great New Year’s story for any time of year! I enjoy the characters, particularly Betty, Aunt Amelia, and Liz. The setting in Florida sounds like a gorgeous place for a New Years’ Eve celebration, and I enjoyed reading about the Florida Writes Library Masquerade ball. The mystery sends Ryan, a PI and Liz’ boyfriend, to the Big Apple and back, with clues along the way in Kentucky and Connecticut, and is a real challenge!
Liz Holt returned to the Indialantic Hotel and Emporium after being in the Big Apple for ten years. Her career as an author began there, and she continues to write now that she is back home. The primary differences are that she lives in the former bathhouse, now a beautiful beach cabin, she has an adorable kitten, Bronte, and Great-Aunt Amelia is now running the Hotel. Liz is dating Ryan, who had been a firefighter for FDNY and now works as a part-time PI for Liz’s father, Fenton, an attorney.
We are greeted with the Masquerade Ball, where Liz is known as Jane Eyre, and Ryan is Jean Valjean. I enjoyed the descriptions of the costumes and those wearing them. When least expected, Liz thought she saw her ex-boyfriend’s literary agent, dressed as Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Moments later, she is approached by a US Army officer carrying a rifle with a bayonet. It had to have been Paula she saw, as the Army officer is Travis, Liz’s ex-boyfriend from Manhattan. The best-selling, Pulitzer-prize winning author with charm, and a heavy drinking problem that broke out in anger. The night he knocked her down cost her the scar on her cheek and was the last straw to her Manhattan life.
Only Travis would be costumed as the protagonist of his own prize-winning WWII novel, Mickey McAvoy. Travis being at the Indialantic is as unusual – and welcome – as an alligator on the beach. Liz told him in no uncertain terms to leave. Travis demanded that she go on a publicity tour for the novel he loosely based on their failed relationship, Blood and Glass as a movie deal is on the line because of when she called 911 on him. She threatens to reveal what he stole from a deceased veteran at the VA Hospital, and he threatens to tell all that he really wrote her prize-winning first novel, since her drafts were on his laptop, and sue her for past royalties. It wasn’t their best moment, and it was recorded. As Liz walked away, she ran into Sally Beamon, a local TV newswoman, who was sloshed. She didn’t realize that Sally, who had tried many times to get the scoop about Liz and the famous Travis, had recorded their words. Or that it would come back to haunt her. Late the next day, during a strong thunderstorm, Travis’ body was found, murdered, only a short distance from where Liz had seen him the night before.
Thanks to Sally Beamon, the police were aware of the verbal spat between Liz and Travis, which placed Liz at the top of the suspect list. Charlotte, the agent typically assigned to homicides, couldn’t be on the case due to her relationship with Liz’s father. Someone they are not familiar with, Agent Derek Crowley, is on the case, and has no reason to believe Liz. Her fingerprints were found on the rifle Travis carried – even though they were far from the hammer. She only touched it when pushing it away from herself. Liz and her co-detectives Ryan and Betty attempt to find out what they could from whomever they could. They could identify at least four other suspects…but was Crowley looking at even one of them?
The characters are defined well through conversations and actions, and I particularly like Liz, Betty, and Amelia. I am so happy to see the seniors who are valuable and involved in the story, such as Betty, Pierre, and Amelia. They are delightful and brilliant; even Pierre, with recent health challenges, can contribute in a positive manner. I also like how Liz feels it is always an adventure to live with Aunt Amelia, and the memories Liz shares of growing up with her, Betty, and Pierre.
The story moves along quickly, and is hard to put down once started. It is a beautiful place of escape with a complex mystery involving layers of motives that were not obvious. Plot twists keep the suspects and motives changing, as is a threat Liz received. There were times I put the book down in an attempt to think through who the killer might be, and even though I arrived at the right conclusion, I simply could not come up with the motive. This is such an exciting mystery that I was sorry to see it end! I highly recommend this novel, and this series.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
June 14, 2020
This was bad, probably in large part because of the narration and the manly love interest. He is an asshole, manipulative and jerky. What I want to know is about her scars. The narrator mispronounces things she could have researched. The mystery does not hold attention
The author is able to bring together a bunch of quirky, interesting characters, human and critter. But it’s so much “the sky is falling” pointless Plotting.
I still want to know about Liz’s scar, so I’ll borrow the next in the series as a ebook from the library.
The author is able to bring together a bunch of quirky, interesting characters, human and critter. But it’s so much “the sky is falling” pointless Plotting.
I still want to know about Liz’s scar, so I’ll borrow the next in the series as a ebook from the library.
March 13, 2019
Unfortunately, this book didn't ever grab me. The characters were good, as was the mystery. My problem was it was too descriptive. Also, one of the suspects motive dealt with a horse and there was a major error in regards to the race that made the horse so valuable. A little research would have corrected it - the Preakness is only for 3 year olds and can't be won twice.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
May 13, 2019
Liz Holt is a novelist who lives in Florida at an old hotel-turned-boarding-house with her father, a semi-retired attorney, and her aunt Amelia, an ex-actress who owns the place. She's excited to be attending their annual literary ball, or at least she would be if she hadn't discovered that her ex-boyfriend, novelist Travis Ostermann, is there, and he's up to no good.
Liz and Travis broke up when they got into a fight one night that left her with a scar on her face. He wrote a fictionalized account of the evening, and now he's back trying to blackmail Liz into going on a book tour to promote the book. She, of course, wants nothing to do with it, and they have words, which are witnessed by one of the guests. When Travis is discovered murdered, Liz becomes the prime suspect. But she - and her family and friends - know she's innocent. So who killed Travis? While there are plenty of suspects, it won't be easy going, considering no one wants to give information and the press are surrounding them like hawks. It will take Liz and her friends everything they have to ferret out the truth or she'll be writing her next novel in jail...
This is the third book in the series, and I always like to give authors at least three books before I make a final judgment. Here it is: I'm done with this series. After three books we finally get to know what happened to Liz on that fateful evening that permanently scarred her, and it's not dramatic, just an accident after all. Silly me; I was thinking that perhaps Travis pushed her through a sliding glass door or something, but alas, no. Very simple and very ho-hum.
Also, there are just too many characters and the author keeps adding more and more. Why everyone has to 'pair off' is beyond me, and all these characters just bog down the story. Liz also doesn't act like a woman who's not yet thirty. She spends her time with octogenarians and acts just like them. I also didn't understand why she'd go searching for Travis on her own, at night, knowing the type of person he is. She should have at least grabbed her friend Kate to go with her. It's not very smart of her at all.
In the end, the book lost me with all of the characters and too many back stories. One or two is fine, but first you have to invest yourself in the characters, and I can't see anyone liking Susannah, and Liz herself isn't that likable as a protagonist. Unfortunately, while there may be more books in this series, I just don't care for it enough to continue reading. Not a bad series, and many might find it delightful, but it's just not for me.
Liz and Travis broke up when they got into a fight one night that left her with a scar on her face. He wrote a fictionalized account of the evening, and now he's back trying to blackmail Liz into going on a book tour to promote the book. She, of course, wants nothing to do with it, and they have words, which are witnessed by one of the guests. When Travis is discovered murdered, Liz becomes the prime suspect. But she - and her family and friends - know she's innocent. So who killed Travis? While there are plenty of suspects, it won't be easy going, considering no one wants to give information and the press are surrounding them like hawks. It will take Liz and her friends everything they have to ferret out the truth or she'll be writing her next novel in jail...
This is the third book in the series, and I always like to give authors at least three books before I make a final judgment. Here it is: I'm done with this series. After three books we finally get to know what happened to Liz on that fateful evening that permanently scarred her, and it's not dramatic, just an accident after all. Silly me; I was thinking that perhaps Travis pushed her through a sliding glass door or something, but alas, no. Very simple and very ho-hum.
Also, there are just too many characters and the author keeps adding more and more. Why everyone has to 'pair off' is beyond me, and all these characters just bog down the story. Liz also doesn't act like a woman who's not yet thirty. She spends her time with octogenarians and acts just like them. I also didn't understand why she'd go searching for Travis on her own, at night, knowing the type of person he is. She should have at least grabbed her friend Kate to go with her. It's not very smart of her at all.
In the end, the book lost me with all of the characters and too many back stories. One or two is fine, but first you have to invest yourself in the characters, and I can't see anyone liking Susannah, and Liz herself isn't that likable as a protagonist. Unfortunately, while there may be more books in this series, I just don't care for it enough to continue reading. Not a bad series, and many might find it delightful, but it's just not for me.
May 23, 2019
The new year starts out with the usual bang from the fireworks but mixed in with it is murder and Liz is the prime suspect. In the previous two books we have come to really dislike her ex-boyfriend, Travis and it's no surprise that he is the victim. It should be a happy occasion with a large gathering at the literary masquerade ball - all of the attendees are dressed as literary characters. One person was not invited by Liz and her great Aunt, not in a million years but he found a way in and he should have stayed in New York. Travis has plans that involve getting Liz to do something for him that she won't ever do and that gives her motive as far as the police are concerned. Time for Liz to investigate with the help of her family and friends.
The setting is perfect, a place I would love to visit, to get to spend time with Great Aunt Amelia, a lady who protects her family and friends fiercely. Liz's father, her Grand - Pierre, all of them have her back. They make everyone feel welcome. Sprinkled into the well crafted mystery are references to tv shows and commercials from the 60's and 70's, ones that Great Aunt Amelia had some role in. Not only that but the hotel where everything happens has been around since the 20's and welcomed many a famous person. My two favorite characters have to be Great-Aunt Amelia and her friend, Betty - a writer who was one of the "Carolyn Keene" authors of Nancy Drew - no, she won't tell anybody which books she wrote. She sure knows how to investigate a murder. Then there are all of the wonderful animals - cats, dogs, a foul mouthed bird and even a pelican. This mystery has it all.
This can be read as a stand alone but I would say read them in order so you get the full backstory of the relationship between Liz and her ex, Travis. I am eager to read the next book.
My thanks to the publisher Lyrical Underground and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
The setting is perfect, a place I would love to visit, to get to spend time with Great Aunt Amelia, a lady who protects her family and friends fiercely. Liz's father, her Grand - Pierre, all of them have her back. They make everyone feel welcome. Sprinkled into the well crafted mystery are references to tv shows and commercials from the 60's and 70's, ones that Great Aunt Amelia had some role in. Not only that but the hotel where everything happens has been around since the 20's and welcomed many a famous person. My two favorite characters have to be Great-Aunt Amelia and her friend, Betty - a writer who was one of the "Carolyn Keene" authors of Nancy Drew - no, she won't tell anybody which books she wrote. She sure knows how to investigate a murder. Then there are all of the wonderful animals - cats, dogs, a foul mouthed bird and even a pelican. This mystery has it all.
This can be read as a stand alone but I would say read them in order so you get the full backstory of the relationship between Liz and her ex, Travis. I am eager to read the next book.
My thanks to the publisher Lyrical Underground and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 4, 2019
Murder by the Sea is the third installment in Kathleen Bridge’s By the Sea Mystery series. Author Liz Holt has been home with her family at their Indialantic by the Sea Hotel, Melbourne Beach, Florida, for almost a year. Liz in enjoying the New Year’s Eve Florida Writers Literary masquerade ball being held at the Indialantic when she discovers her ex-boyfriend, Pulitzer winner Travis Osterman, and his publicist, Paula Resnick, have crashed the ball. After quite public words, Liz heads back to find her new beau, Ryan Stone, for the midnight celebration.
The next day Travis is missing and, later that day, he is found dead on the hotel grounds. Because of the bad blood between Liz and Travis and the fact that there are witnesses to their hostilities, Liz becomes the primary person of interest. And, as if that isn’t bad enough, her father’s new fiancé, Agent Charlotte Pearson of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department, is removed from the investigation due to her relationship with Liz.
Agent Pearson’s replacement, Agent Crowley, is a no nonsense type of guy with a military presence, which is proven when Captain Netherton, USCG retired, recognizes him. Although apparently thorough, Crowley is quite tight lipped. Unfortunately, it is also apparent that Liz is the primary suspect.
Over the next few days, Liz and her group of family and friends take every investigative path to find the actual murderer and to clear Liz’s name. The story takes many twists and turns before a heart stopping conclusion.
This is another well told story in this new series. With engaging characters and well described settings, this is a series to pay attention to! I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!
The next day Travis is missing and, later that day, he is found dead on the hotel grounds. Because of the bad blood between Liz and Travis and the fact that there are witnesses to their hostilities, Liz becomes the primary person of interest. And, as if that isn’t bad enough, her father’s new fiancé, Agent Charlotte Pearson of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department, is removed from the investigation due to her relationship with Liz.
Agent Pearson’s replacement, Agent Crowley, is a no nonsense type of guy with a military presence, which is proven when Captain Netherton, USCG retired, recognizes him. Although apparently thorough, Crowley is quite tight lipped. Unfortunately, it is also apparent that Liz is the primary suspect.
Over the next few days, Liz and her group of family and friends take every investigative path to find the actual murderer and to clear Liz’s name. The story takes many twists and turns before a heart stopping conclusion.
This is another well told story in this new series. With engaging characters and well described settings, this is a series to pay attention to! I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!
March 14, 2019
MURDER BY THE SEA by Kathleen Bridge is the third novel in the By the Sea Mystery series. The novel is due to be published on May 21st 2019 by Lyrical Underground.
Novelist Liz Holt is ringing in the New Year with her family and friends at the Florida Writes Literary Masquerade Ball when she runs into her abusive ex-boyfriend. Not long after Liz and Travis Osterman engage in a semi-public argument, Travis is found murdered on the grounds of her family hotel, the Indialantic by the Sea. Liz, unfortunately, has a motive for killing for Travis. She also has no alibi. While the police focus their investigation on Liz, she teams up with her boyfriend and a family friend to look into other suspects and find the real killer.
Even though I did enjoy it, I just couldn’t get into MURDER BY THE SEA. My main issue with the novel was the stilted, unnatural dialogue. I think Bridge relied too heavily on conveying information to the reader through the characters’ dialogue, but the characters were discussing topics that everyone in the conversation already knew about. Basically, the conversations came down to one character explaining something to another character in an “as you already know” context. I found it off-putting. That being said, the mystery itself is fairly enjoyable. The murder victim is a thoroughly unlikable guy, and there are plenty of suspects with solid motives.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Novelist Liz Holt is ringing in the New Year with her family and friends at the Florida Writes Literary Masquerade Ball when she runs into her abusive ex-boyfriend. Not long after Liz and Travis Osterman engage in a semi-public argument, Travis is found murdered on the grounds of her family hotel, the Indialantic by the Sea. Liz, unfortunately, has a motive for killing for Travis. She also has no alibi. While the police focus their investigation on Liz, she teams up with her boyfriend and a family friend to look into other suspects and find the real killer.
Even though I did enjoy it, I just couldn’t get into MURDER BY THE SEA. My main issue with the novel was the stilted, unnatural dialogue. I think Bridge relied too heavily on conveying information to the reader through the characters’ dialogue, but the characters were discussing topics that everyone in the conversation already knew about. Basically, the conversations came down to one character explaining something to another character in an “as you already know” context. I found it off-putting. That being said, the mystery itself is fairly enjoyable. The murder victim is a thoroughly unlikable guy, and there are plenty of suspects with solid motives.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
July 21, 2019
This is Book 3 of the series, and our heroine, Liz Holt, has settled in. The Indialantic by the Sea's operations are going well, her family circle are happy with their own blossoming romances, she and her hot P.I. boyfriend Ryan Stone are most definitely in love, and she finished her second book. Then her past comes back in the form of her ex-boyfriend, the writer Travis Osterman, who was the very reason she had to escape her previously successful former life. She becomes the lead suspect when her ex is found dead.
I like Liz Holt, and how she's a strong character despite her horrible past, and the romantic build-up between her and Ryan was adequate, but I kind of miss the humor and the romantic tension I so very much adore in other series. Nevertheless, Liz is endearing with how gutsy and stubborn she is (and she should be, as she's the No. 1 suspect in this story).
There were times when I got distracted by how detailed the other subplots and character backgrounds, but the shining point is how the suspects were shown with their motives, and the big red herrings, and then the discovery of who the real murderer was and what was the motive. I was stumped who the real murderer was, and when we got to the big reveal, I actually empathized with why the victim was killed. What I like about cozy mysteries, like Murder by the Sea, is that we're always reminded that the murderer in these stories is not always the villain; they have reasons you can understand and they do the deed because of their desperation and grief - traits that make them all too human and as relatable as the protagonist herself.
I am anticipating the next title in this series because of how I liked this book.
*** I got a copy of this book from NetGalley. These are all my own opinions.
I like Liz Holt, and how she's a strong character despite her horrible past, and the romantic build-up between her and Ryan was adequate, but I kind of miss the humor and the romantic tension I so very much adore in other series. Nevertheless, Liz is endearing with how gutsy and stubborn she is (and she should be, as she's the No. 1 suspect in this story).
There were times when I got distracted by how detailed the other subplots and character backgrounds, but the shining point is how the suspects were shown with their motives, and the big red herrings, and then the discovery of who the real murderer was and what was the motive. I was stumped who the real murderer was, and when we got to the big reveal, I actually empathized with why the victim was killed. What I like about cozy mysteries, like Murder by the Sea, is that we're always reminded that the murderer in these stories is not always the villain; they have reasons you can understand and they do the deed because of their desperation and grief - traits that make them all too human and as relatable as the protagonist herself.
I am anticipating the next title in this series because of how I liked this book.
*** I got a copy of this book from NetGalley. These are all my own opinions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2019
This is the 3rd in series and I highly recommend the entire series. This is a delightful visit to a barrier island hotel in Florida and fun charcters with a great sleuth. The author has created a series based on fun with a gorgeous indialantic setting that makes the reader feel as if they are visiting.
I love all the reminiscing in this book and enjoying information on Nancy Drew and many old movies.
Our intripd Protagonist Liz lives with several eccentric people who are both engaging and aging. They provide a great deal of humor throughout this series. Her great aunt, Amelia owns the hotel and she is quirky and fun. Liz is settled into her new life helping her Aunt run the Inn.
During a literary masquerade ball Liz finds out that her ex boyfriend Travis is there and he is known for causing trouble for her. After they publicly have a disagreement he then disappears and is later found shot. Liz is immediately under suspicion and must clear herself as a suspect.
The whodunit was full of clues and suspects that kept me guessing until the end. I love the setting, the charcters, the nostalgia and the masquerade ball. I look forward to the next in series. Thank you for the ARC. My opinion is my own. I highly recommend this series for your reading enjoyment.
I love all the reminiscing in this book and enjoying information on Nancy Drew and many old movies.
Our intripd Protagonist Liz lives with several eccentric people who are both engaging and aging. They provide a great deal of humor throughout this series. Her great aunt, Amelia owns the hotel and she is quirky and fun. Liz is settled into her new life helping her Aunt run the Inn.
During a literary masquerade ball Liz finds out that her ex boyfriend Travis is there and he is known for causing trouble for her. After they publicly have a disagreement he then disappears and is later found shot. Liz is immediately under suspicion and must clear herself as a suspect.
The whodunit was full of clues and suspects that kept me guessing until the end. I love the setting, the charcters, the nostalgia and the masquerade ball. I look forward to the next in series. Thank you for the ARC. My opinion is my own. I highly recommend this series for your reading enjoyment.
March 26, 2019
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me a free e-book copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me.
The plot itself was fine, and while I appreciated protagonist Liz Holt’s efforts to investigate the murder of her ex-boyfriend and clear her name, I'm always confused when authors choose such an unlikable character to be killed off. By all accounts, the ex-boyfriend was a deplorable human being with zero redeeming qualities and I wasn't sympathetic over his death at all.
A sense of suspense was also missing from the murder investigation, and everyone seemed happy to meander about their business or get really involved with the investigation despite the fact that a killer was loose among them.
Liz Holt was fine as a character, but I never got invested in her or her mission to clear her name. Her best friend is her elderly Aunt Amelia and if it wasn’t explicitly stated that Liz was twenty-eight, I would have pegged her as at least a decade older.
Overall, an easy read, but not one I’ll be picking up again.
Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me.
The plot itself was fine, and while I appreciated protagonist Liz Holt’s efforts to investigate the murder of her ex-boyfriend and clear her name, I'm always confused when authors choose such an unlikable character to be killed off. By all accounts, the ex-boyfriend was a deplorable human being with zero redeeming qualities and I wasn't sympathetic over his death at all.
A sense of suspense was also missing from the murder investigation, and everyone seemed happy to meander about their business or get really involved with the investigation despite the fact that a killer was loose among them.
Liz Holt was fine as a character, but I never got invested in her or her mission to clear her name. Her best friend is her elderly Aunt Amelia and if it wasn’t explicitly stated that Liz was twenty-eight, I would have pegged her as at least a decade older.
Overall, an easy read, but not one I’ll be picking up again.
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