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Seaview Cottages #3

Grave Expectations on Dickens' Dune

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Miriam, the Grand Old Lady Detectives, & Charly's Angels take on a cold case that will have you wondering what the dickens is going on until the very end!A cold case doesn't stay cold for long when Miriam and her Grand Old Lady Detective [G.O.L.D.] pals take on a new mystery to solve. Charly's old friend, Judith Rogow, asks for her help in locating her ex-husband's grave. A Vietnam War veteran, Allen Rogow survived the war and returned home only to disappear several years later. Although evidence pointed to foul play, the police never found his body and Allen Rogow's disappearance remained an unsolved mystery. That all changes when an ex-convict makes a deathbed confession claiming someone murdered Allen Rogow and buried his body on Dickens' Dune. As the cold case warms up, it becomes clear that Allen Rogow had lots of secrets. Was he killed to make sure he'd take them to his grave? What Miriam soon discovers is that it's the secrets you don't know you're keeping that can sometimes be the most dangerous.Grab your copy of book 3 in the Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery series by USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Anna Celeste Burke and join the fun as Miriam and her friends unravel the mystery in Grave Expectations on Dickens' Dune.Recipes IncludedFree to read with Kindle Unlimited

214 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2019

271 people are currently reading
149 people want to read

About the author

Anna Celeste Burke

52 books1,170 followers
Anna Celeste Burke is an awarding-winning, USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling author!
Welcome! Join me, snooping into life's mysteries with fun, fiction, and food--California style!

Life is an extravaganza and so unpredictable! Figuring out how to hang tough and make the most of the wild ride is the challenge.

On my way to Oahu to join the rock musician and high school drop-out I married in Tijuana, I was nabbed by the police as a runaway. When the police let me go and the rock band broke up, my husband and I had to find another way to survive. Our next stop: Disney World where we trained to be chefs, courtesy of the Walt Disney World University.

A GED for my husband, and many more years of education eventually landed us in academia—with Ph.D.s from the University of Michigan we took professor jobs with U of M’s longstanding football rival, The Ohio State University.

Retired now from my role as a professor in social work and behavioral science, I have picked up a long-time interest in writing fiction. In my professional career I wrote and published widely as a scholar, with more than forty manuscripts of varying lengths on my vita. I also carried out hundreds of training, consulting and speaking engagements on a number of gloriously nerdy topics.

So what on earth does a research scientist have in common with a mystery writer? As avid fans of the mystery genre will tell you at the core of any good mystery is a passionate search for the truth. Discovering the truth involves finding and assembling pieces of complex puzzles in order to solve seemingly intractable problems—scientist and sleuth are cut from the same cloth!

Still married to the same sweet guy, I live with my husband in one of the seven desert resort cities in the Palm Springs area. In addition to reading and writing mysteries I enjoy painting, hiking, hanging out with my handsome husband and tending to my Siamese cats.

The Sonoran Desert is a beautiful setting to ponder life’s mysteries, by the surrounding mountains and the bountiful delights of the desert resort communities. I hope you enjoy reading the books in my three cozy mystery series: The Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery Series, The Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery Series, and the Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery Series. Cheers! Anna

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,458 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2019
Grave Expectations on Dickens' Dune by Anna Celeste Burke is book three in the Seaview Cottages series and the best one yet!

The plot moved at lightning speed this time as G.O.L.D. takes on a new case of a missing person that happened decades ago. Charly, Miriam, Neely, Midge and Marty are smart, energetic, and more than competent when it comes to ferreting out clues. There is also a subplot as Miriam finds out more about Pete's financial past missteps that really took a toll on her in this one. The plot was quickly paced with plenty of twists that even though there was an obvious suspect still kept me guessing until the reveal. It turns out that there is so much more to the missing person story. I really love this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
Profile Image for RO G'ma.
1,061 reviews43 followers
May 23, 2019
Grave Expectations on Dickens’ Dune is the third book in Anna Celeste Burke’s Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery series. This book is a quick and easy read, involving a complex cold case mystery. The storyline is well plotted, and the affable characters are well developed. Red herrings, plus twists and turns, are abundant and kept me guessing until the reveal. As always, Ms. Burke has given readers a clean read with delightful and three-dimensional characters and vivid descriptions that made me feel like I was involved with the action along with the characters. I recommend this series to readers who enjoy well-crafted whodunits.

Miriam Webster, Charly Parker, Marty Monroe, Midge Gaylord, and Neely Conrad, who all reside in the Seaview Cottages community, recently banded together as the “Grand Old Lady Detectives” (a/k/a G.O.L.D.), and Carl Rodgers and Joe Torrance, who also live in the community, have dubbed themselves as Charly’s Angels and help with investigations. The Grand Old Lady Detectives [G.O.L.D.] and Charly’s Angels take on a cold case when Charly Parker’s friend, Judith Rogow, hires the amateur detectives to locate ex-husband’s grave. Allen Rogow, Judith’s ex-husband, is a Vietnam War veteran, who survived the war, but disappeared several years after he returned home. Authorities suspected foul play was involved in Allen’s disappearance, but his body was never found, and the case remains unsolved. New facts recently became known when a convict, Leonard Cohen, made a deathbed confession. While Leonard didn’t confess to murdering Allen, if what he said is true, Allen was murdered and buried on Dickens’ Dune. Miriam, her high-spirited Dalmatian, Domino, the other G.O.L.D. members, and Charly’s Angels set out to find the Allen Rogow’s grave, determine if his killer is still, and, if so, alert the authorities bring that person to justice. Things get pretty heated, but the group works together well, and with Domino’s help, they have things under control when Hank Miller, a detective with the County Sheriff’s Department who’s dating Miriam, and other authorities show up. Meanwhile, Miriam has to worry about another problem her deceased husband left for her to clean up.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
3,140 reviews132 followers
May 26, 2019
"Death is a mighty, universal truth.~Charles Dickens"

The Grand Old Lady Detectives and "Charly' s Angels" are at it again when they agree to meet with the ex wife of a long dead Vietnam Vet who may have died near Dickens' Dune off the Seaview Cottages near where most of them live. And leave it to Miriam Webster and Domino , her trusty canine companion to have discovered the connections as she is confronted by still another "situation" her late husband kept from her, and the man confronting her is found dead.

The personal and professional become intertwined as the case they investigate takes them into what begins to feel like and old gangster movie with is much lawyers, missing pieces, drugs, guns and secrets no one could believe it was truth until the key to the whole situation fits the pieces together.

The GOLD gang has solved another cold case with their unusual unorthodox approach to solving mysteries. How Anna Celeste Burke does it is beyond me but in the end, she always keeps the reader entertained, from beginning to end, and then tempts the reader with a few fantastic recipes. Highly recommended. 5/5

[ I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]
Profile Image for Doward Wilson.
752 reviews18 followers
May 30, 2019
Meet Miriam, her Dalmatian dog, Domino and her friends in this wonderfully entertaining cozy. Miriam is part of the group of the Grand Old Lady Detectives and Charly's Angels. Together they solve murders and mysteries, especially cold cases. Judith Rogow has asked them to find out if her ex-husband was murdered and where the body is buried. With a death bed confession by a convict all they know is that Allen was murdered by one of his friends and the body was buried somewhere on Dickens' Dune which adjoins their housing complex. As the case progresses, the ladies discover that there was a lot more to Allen Rogow than anyone had realized. In the meantime Miriam is hit up by a bookie for the mob demanding $20,ooo to settle her late husband's debt. Moments after chasing the man off he is found shot to death in a golf cart. Now Miriam is worried that the mob will continue to come after her. Can she repay the debt or get it settled another way? Can the girls find Allen Rogow's killer and his burial place? What is the handsome mob lawyer doing sending flowers and chocolates to Miriam?

This series continues to deliver on every level. Realistic characters, intriguing murder plots and great writing make this a must read cozy mystery.
559 reviews12 followers
May 25, 2019
Grave Expectations on Dicken's Dune is another great story from Anna. The G.o.l.d. put their detective powers to work to solve a cold case. Lots of twists that will keep you guessing. Very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Allyson Abu-Hajar.
605 reviews37 followers
May 27, 2019
The G.O.L.D (Grand Old Lady Detectives) made up of Miriam Webster, Charly Parker, Neely Conrad, Marty Monroe and Midge Gaylord, take on a dated crime where from Leonard Cohen's deathbed confession has lead them to Dickens' Dune.

Judith Rogow, who hired the G.O.L.D, was a new client who had been told that her ex-husband, Allen Rogow, had been murdered and buried somewhere on Dickens' Dune. Miriam Webster, along with her Dalmatian, Domino, decided to go investigate. Miriam, soon had unwanted company, and she made a hasty retreat.

A cold case, and info from a deathbed has the G.O.L.D digging up and turning over every little stone.

When, Miriam Webster, is accosted in front of her home by someone from her late husband's past. Miriam is told to lie low, so the gang splits up with Miriam and Neely going to Luis Obispo to visit a halfway house, where Allen Rogow had lived.

With a cold case, to solve, and keeping a watch for others who might target Miriam, the gang has a lot on their plate.

This was an interesting read with many variables involved to keep you guessing!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Donna.
Author 7 books33 followers
May 26, 2019
Another winner for Anna Celeste Burke! Miriam and the gang are back in the third book of the Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery series. There are several mysteries in this book: What happened to Allen Rogow in Vietnam? Was he murdered and buried on Dickens' Dune several years after his return? Who did Jimmy Dunn work for and is Miriam in danger? The twists and turns will keep you guessing "whodunit" until the end.

I love the way each member of GOLD has a unique background/strength that complements the rest of the group and makes them so much more capable when they work together. Even Charly's Angels have their own unique niche to fill. I truly enjoy books where the characters are middle-aged and beyond and show that people can still be productive regardless of age.

If you enjoy books with likable, competent characters, an engaging plot that keeps you turning the pages, an interesting mystery, humor, and a touch of romance, then I urge you to read Grave Expectations On Dickens' Dune.
Profile Image for Bonnie Dale Keck.
4,677 reviews58 followers
May 4, 2020
Kindle unlimited but one of my owned ones...in fact I own all her series, all her single books, all her collections. The only ones I don't is ones that were part of a large multi-writer collection, as I have stopped getting those, just waiting for the single book from her.

Sometimes the most dangerous secrets are the ones we don’t know we’re keeping. A cold case doesn’t stay cold for long when Miriam and her Grand Old Lady Detective [G.O.L.D.] pals take on a new mystery to solve. Charly’s old friend, Judith Rogow, asks for her help in locating her ex-husband's grave. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Allen Rogow survived the war and returned home, only to disappear several years later. Although evidence pointed to murder, the police never found his body.

When an ex-convict makes a deathbed confession, he claims someone murdered Allen Rogow because of a secret he promised to carry to his grave. Did someone make sure he kept his promise and is he buried in an unmarked grave on Dickens’ Dune? Is Allen Rogow’s killer still alive and intent on making sure no one unearths the truth? As the cold case warms up, it turns out Allen Rogow wasn't the only person keeping a dangerous secret. Miriam has a new one too—courtesy of her dead husband’s hidden life.


Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery
A Body at Fitzgerald’s Bluff 1 {was in Summer Snoops and Cozy Crimes: 12 Mysteries for the Dog Days of Summer which between typos and WTH stuff actually cancelled, just waited for this separately}
The Murder of Shakespeare's Ghost 2
Grave Expectations on Dickens' #3
kindle unlimited, will be one of my owned ones, have all the others, dooks and sets
Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery Series Box Set: Books 1-3
A Body on Fitzgerald's Bluff : Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery #1 Kindle
The Murder of Shakespeare's Ghost Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery #2 (Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery Series)
Grave Expectations on Dickens' Dune Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery #3 (Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery Series)
A Fairway to Arms at Hemingway Hills #4 {?}

Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery Series
Murder at Catmmando Mountain #1 Love Notes in the Key of Sea #2 All Hallows' Eve Heist #3 A Merry Christmas Wedding Mystery
Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery Series: Novellas 1-3
#4 Murder at Sea of Passenger X #5 Murder of the Maestro #6 A Tango Before Dying #7 {out 2019} A Canary in the Canal #8 {2019}

Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery
Love a Foot Above the Ground 0 A Dead Husband 1 A Dead Sister 2 A Dead Daughter 3 A Dead Mother 4 A Dead Cousin 5
Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery Series (Books 1-5)
A Dead Nephew 6 {2019}

Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery
Cowabunga Christmas #1 Gnarly New Year #2
Heinous Habits (Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery, #3) {in summer collection only first}
Radical Regatta Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery #4 {2019}

The CALLA LILY MYSTERY Series
Lily's Homecoming Under Fire #1
{currently only in collection Love Under Fire collection and she may be adding just a bit because of the ending/people}
Tangled Vines, Buried Secrets #2 {2019}

see goodreads/amazon for full listing of books, in various collections
Profile Image for Michele.
1,852 reviews63 followers
June 3, 2019
Seaview Cottages is a retirement community where seniors (at least most of them are over the required age) are anything but coach potatoes!! As a matter of fact they are probably more inquisitive and active then many of the younger people out there--much to the Sheriff's distress!! They use very unique methods of getting to the bottom of mysteries! This group of women decided to call themselves The Grand Old Lady Detectives (G.O.L.D. for short) and now will help people solve the mysteries in their lives. Of course Charly's Angels (2 of the men who have attached themselves to the group) are instrumental in helping as well. Miriam's dog--Domino--is in on the action and is really good at digging up clues and protecting all the ladies and men. Domino is also much better at knowing immediately if a person is a good guy or bad!!

Allen Rogow disappeared years ago, One of his friends made a deathbed confession saying that Allen was murdered and his body buried on Dicken's Dune-- and his wife would really like to know the truth!!

The Ladies get right on the case. Trouble starts when Miriam takes a walk with Domino up to the Dune--

Twists and turns and secrets are revealed left and right!! Of course--these ladies all have meetings that include food at alternating cottages--and the food and baked goods sound so good. (Recipes at the end of the book!)

This is a very enjoyable, easy read series each of which can be read as a stand alone--but you might really want to read them in order as the character's do overlap as does the story line.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
July 21, 2022
I enjoyed this book. I like the characters. The choice to make this series about an older generation of sleuths was great because being older
and coming from different backgrounds, means they all have there own skills and experiences to call soon to get them out of trouble. This makes them a fun if some what quirky crime fighting team. There are a lot characters, which gives you a number of suspects to keep you guessing and trying to work out what the motive for murder was. But the author weaves it all in nicely and obversely done a lot of research giving you quotes from some classic authors to keep the story in line with the writer's theme. This is book three in the series but works great as a standalone because the mystery gets tied up nicely. I can't wait to start the next book.
A friend of Charly's asks for help. A death her confession means she could finally find out what happened to her missing ex husband. He was never the same after coming back from the war and disappears for good after a prison stint. The police aren't interested in opening an investigation into such an old case that Judith hires G.O.L.D (Grand Old Lady Detective) to find out of the confession is true and he really is dead. Miriam and her friends will have to track down old army buddies, ex prison mates and even old friends if they want to find out what happened to him. But somebody killed Roger to make sure he kept his secret, just what will be do to Miriam and he friends when the killer learns they are trying to uncover them?
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
May 29, 2019
Death has a long reach

A great read. An action packed plot of veterans, PTSD, drugs, murder and the mob. Great to revisit the characters and the GOLD team as well as Charly's Angels. You are never too old!
A new case for the ladies in GOLD has her going to see an old bunker on the beach. A veteran had disappeared years ago and his ex-wife has just been notified of a deathbed confession that he had been murdered. Now she wants to find his body and lay him to rest. However her hike is interrupted by a man chasing her. The same man tries to strong arm later that night. But the Angels plus her own determination and Domino gets her free. When the man is found later, dead of a bullet wound, Hank suggests that it might be advisable for her to get out of town for a few days. A trip, druggies, a nurse, a love triangle, and a psychopath are mixed together with the mob for a read that is fast and furious. Will they find out what happened to the missing man and why he and the psychopath had a falling out?
Profile Image for Valerie.
487 reviews
June 23, 2019
This is book #3, in the Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery series, and I loved it. I wouldn’t miss a book, by Anna Celeste Burke, for anything. It’s amazing, the speed with which this author can put together interesting storylines, which always keep me interested right from the get go. This story begins with Miriam out for a walk, to Dickens Dune, which is an unfamiliar area for Miriam and her Dalmatian fur baby, Domino. Oh, and it’s not just a regular walk they’re on. No, they’re on a particular mission, a mission which involves looking for the grave, of a missing man. He’s a man who’s been missing for decades. So, off Miriam and Domino go, alone. Yes, Miriam knows she shouldn’t be going alone but, of course, that doesn’t stop her. I mean, not much would stop her from continuing with an investigation, especially when she’s agreed to do it. So, pull up a comfy chair, and enjoy.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,846 reviews9 followers
May 28, 2019
It has a well-crafted plot and kept me engaged. It did not drag and I enjoy the humor sprinkled throughout the story. I wanted to know want happened to Roger and why the lawyer was involved in tracking Miriam.

We also find out more about Miriam’s dead husband, Pete, financial dealings before he past away.
She feels as if she didn’t know this Pete, at least this side of him.

G.O.L.D. is a unique organization made of members in the Seaview Cottage development. I like how each of them bring different talents to the group and solve the mysteries that occur in each book.

Looking forward to the next one.

I was given an e-copy on date of publication from the author and these are my own opinions.
Profile Image for Diana.
466 reviews7 followers
April 9, 2021
This was technically a mystery novel, but it took forever to get to the actual mystery. I was excited to read this because I love cozy mysteries where the person you don't really expect actually ends up being a really good detective. Sadly, I was disappointed. At the beginning, there was so much conversation about the best way of doing things, so the pace was definitely painfully slow. Overall, not a big fan.
857 reviews13 followers
February 14, 2023
The Grand Old Lady Detectives and Charly's Angels are comprised of men and women living in a 55+ community. I love books where the sleuths are older and this book does just that! Great characters, each with his or her own unique personalities and a very well written mystery! As an added bonus there are some delicious recipes included! Grave Expectations on Dickens' Dune is the third book in the Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery series and I happily recommend it!
1,033 reviews2 followers
June 3, 2019
The Grand Old Ladies Detectives solve another case

Miriam, Charly, Midge, Neely, Marty, and Domino, Miriam's Dalmation join forces again to solve two murders and a Treasury Department case from the Vietnam war. Another great mystery in the series. I would love to meet these ladies!
51 reviews
June 2, 2019
Fun read

I enjoyed getting know the characters better. The situation seems like one that could be real. PTSD is an all too real problem. My problem is I can't think fast enough to keep up with the G.O.L.D. and Charley's Angels.
114 reviews
June 1, 2019
Good story

Characters continue to grow in this series. Looking forward to the next installment with this goofy crew of the G.O.L.D. Agency.
567 reviews
June 1, 2019
Good Read!!

Lots of plot, lots of action and everything is cleared up by the end of the book. If you enjoy good who-done its, you will enjoy this book.

Read and enjoy!I
97 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2019
Excellent mystery with plot twist.

I truly enjoyed this mystery. A mix of bad guys, people who have attempted to change and kind hearted people all woven into a murder. The GOLD team solve another one.
272 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2019
The G.O.L.D (grand old lady detectives) are at their best again. When Judith Rogow comes for help to locate the grave of her ex-husband and vet of the Vietnam war the girls and Charley's angles are very much prepared to help - little did they know that they would unravel deep dark secrets and Miriam's or rather her deceased husbands Peter past is catching up with her.
Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing till the end.
Profile Image for Jan.
6,531 reviews102 followers
June 3, 2019
Another twisty mystery involving the G.O.L.D. sleuths and their cohorts Charly's Angels! The publisher's blurb is a pretty good hook, but you really have to read it! Each book works as a stand alone, but they are so good that I snuffled them a.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,209 reviews61 followers
August 19, 2019
Grave Expectations on Dickens’ Dune earns 5/5 Cold Case Conundrums...Clever and Engaging!

Curiosity has said to have “killed the cat,” so, why not take a dog with you! Miriam Webster and her trusty “fur” companion Domino go exploring on the dunes, which aren’t really dunes, to see if she can locate the hidden grave of the ex-husband of current client of the G.O.L.D team Judith Rogow. In the early 80s, after returning from Vietnam, Judith’s ex-husband disappeared, but a recent deathbed confession revealed he may have been murdered and buried somewhere on Dickens’ Dune makes this cold case...hot! Hence, Miriam’s ill-conceived trek, the suspicious man watching her, footsteps on the rocks, and Domino’s uneasiness gives her great pause. What has she gotten into? They learn the victim made a promise to take to his grave a secret, a promise he appears to have kept, but what personal perils are still lurking now that the death is being closely scrutinized.

I am a big fan of Anna Celeste Burke’s writing style and creativity, so I’m always ready to read any book she pens. And this Seaview Cottage Mystery series may have become an all-time top favorite with an entertaining writing style from the first-person perspective of Miriam Webster sharing her insights along with descriptive language, humor, and dialogue that illustrates well tone and personalities. But, more importantly, it’s her clever mystery, contemporary themes, wonderful mature characters, a bit of romance, and incorporating links to Charles Dickens’ work through quotes with direct meaning...all keeping me totally engaged. Newbies can easily join in with book three and using the brief bios in the Cast of Character list keeps everyone informed, but the first two books are so clever, you don’t want to miss them. Charles Dickens would have been deliciously inspired by the easy-to-follow recipes that are included: Midge’s favorite Amish Tomato Pie (Intriguing...Gotta try this!), Sour Cream Coffee Cake, Earl Grey Doughnuts with Brown Butter Glaze, Rainbow Antipasto Pasta Salad, Barramudi with Pineapple Citrus Salsa, and my absolute favorite...Crème Brülée.

Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Profile Image for Nancy.
170 reviews62 followers
May 28, 2019
In this third installment of the Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery series is an absolute slam dunk! The author has several mysteries going on in this one and the twists and turns keep you guessing. The book moves at a fast pace as the pages just fly as you become engrossed in the wonderful story.

This book is about a cold case that the GOLD team is hired to investigate for Judith Rogow the death of her ex-husband, Allen Rogow. More precisely had he been murdered and buried somewhere on Dicken’s Dune, what happened to him in Vietnam, these are some of the questions that the team needs to find the answers to. The information that was received by Judith was from a deathbed confession; is it truthful?

Miriam Webster, along with her Dalmatian, Domino, decided to go investigate. Miriam, soon had unwanted company, and she had to make a hasty retreat. Later she is accosted in front of her home by someone from her late husband’s past demanding money. She knows nothing about it and the man shows her a promissory note for $10,000 with her and Pete’s signatures. He tells her his name is Jimmy Dunn and he wants the money now. Who did Jimmy Dunn work for and is Miriam in danger? With a cold case, to solve, and keeping a watch for others who might target Miriam, the gang has a lot on their plate.

The GOLD team and Charley’s Angels are working at a breakneck speed to find the answers for Judith as well as watching out for Miriam. With the help of Detective Hank Miller they are working around the clock to solve this cold case and make sure Miriam is safe. As the team soon discovers Allen Rogow was really murdered, but by whom and for what reason. Where is the body? The answers to these questions are found in the book which I highly recommend that you read.

I have read Anna Celeste Burke’s books from the beginning and have to say that this series is one of my favorites. The characters are so much fun; they are witty, smart and always bring a smile as I read about the trouble they get themselves into. No matter what the team sticks together and are truly friends. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,098 reviews27 followers
July 13, 2020
This is the third installment in the Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery Series, and I suggest that you read them in order to have the best grasp of the characters involved.
The G.O.L.D. (Grand Old Lady Detectives) and Charley’s Angels have just been hired to solve a cold case. This comes hot on the heels of them solving a case dealing with the ghost of Shakespeare while also solving a smuggling ring that was happening in their area as well.
When Judith Rogow asks the GOLD agency to find out what happened to her ex-husband, Miriam Webster and the rest of the ladies with the agency, and Charley’s Angels jump right in. Judith’s ex-husband Allen was a changed man when he came back from Vietnam. Addicted to drugs, he’d been in and out of rehab and jail. Making friends with other addicts, he chose the drugs over his family, and eventually he and Judith divorced. When he came up missing, his ex knew it had to do with the people he’d been involved with. Now she’s ready to know the truth and hires the agency to find out exactly what happened. At the same time, Miriam was confronted by a man with a promissory note she’d never signed and was informed that she owed thousands of dollars because her late husband had signed it and hadn’t paid. Miriam was suspicious of the note, not only because her signature was forged, but because of the spelling errors it contained. Putting that into the back of her mind, she and Neely head out to start their leg of the investigation.
The author does a wonderful job of keeping you on your toes. She blends in multiple suspects, witnesses, and bits of the victim’s past in a way that you keep wondering until the very end. She has a lot of strings to pull in and does a great job unveiling all. I do like the recipes at the end of each book, and the quotes by different authors that run through each story. You can tell that she has done a lot of homework researching the different towns she talks about and makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters.
I can’t wait to start another book by Ms. Burke, she’s a magnificent storyteller.
*I read this book using my Kindle Unlimited subscription
Profile Image for Catherine.
485 reviews
July 30, 2019
G.O.L.D STRIKE!

This 3rd installment of the Seaview Cottage Cosy Mysteries finds the gals, along with their two Charley's Angels guys investigating a hidden murder up on Dicken-s Dunes. A convicted drug addict group of Vietnam vets try to keep secret the murder of one of their own. But another member is on his deathbed and gives away the secret of a special ops gone wrong. As the race is on to capture the secret prize, more characters show up. Some are Army and their hangers-on. One in particular is Mark Victory, a drug dealer who want to be a kingpin among drug dealers, is particularly vicious and still dangerously violent even though he desperately need a kidney or two.
Kudos to Anna Celeste Burkes for another great adventure & this reader hopes for many mote to appear.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
379 reviews5 followers
July 30, 2019
Another good one from an amazingly creative author. Miriam and her GOLD crew are at it again. In this story, they are asked to find out if a hubby was killed and if his grave was in a bunker on Dickens Dune. This is not the usual " who done it" kind of story.. Its more of a "where did they put him" ? Yes, Miriam and her gang are always up for a challenge! Do things go as hoped? Nope but thats what makes this story so much fun to read! Definitely recommend to everyone!
1,769 reviews23 followers
January 23, 2021
For Old Times Sake

You're in for an adventure while being captivated by wiley caracters , oldys but goodies in the art of forging through mysterys to find truths. Celeste Burke is a high caliber writer that brings you into the world she has created showing getting older doesn't have to mean rocking chairs and knitting. Aquier " Grave Expectations on Dickens' Dune" today so you yourself can enjoy reading it as much as I have. 🙄😉😊Kat
4,507 reviews38 followers
April 19, 2021
Grave Expectations on Dickens' Dune is a perfect title for this mystery. A death bed confession that a body was buried on Dicken's Dune some forty years in the past has Miriam, the Grand Old Lady Detectives, & Charly’s Angels once again embroiled in an investigation. This well written, fast paced mystery and these fascinating characters will grab your attention on page one and not let go until you reach the end. I love my time at Seaview Cottages.
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714 reviews8 followers
May 5, 2022
They Just Keep Getting Better and Better

Anna Celeste Burke's books are always full of surprises and intrigue. I love her writing style and the mysteries that just keep coming. I can't express enough how much I love the characters in this series. And now that Miriam and Hank are becoming more than friends, who knows what could happen next. GOLD Investigating team is always entertaining and exciting. More to come in book four.
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