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Penny Brannigan #11
On Deadly Tides
With a picturesque black and white lighthouse, pebble beaches and stunning views of sea and mountains, the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales is the perfect place for an idyllic mid-summer painting holiday. And watercolour artist, businesswoman, and amateur sleuth Penny Brannigan is enjoying the retreat enormously - until she discovers the body of a New Zealand journalist on a secluded beach just as the tide is going out, threatening to take the body with it.
The post mortem reveals the victim died from injuries "consistent with a fall from a great height," and the death is ruled accidental. But Penny thinks there's more to the story. Curious how the victim came to such an untimely end at this most inhospitable spot, she uncovers a link to a mysterious disappearance several years earlier. And as her holiday romance with a wildlife photographer turns to love, she learns some truths about herself, too, that surprise her.
As the winds of change blow through Penny's own life, she sets sail on a friendly tide for a future she never dreamed possible, in a beautiful place she never imagined.
The post mortem reveals the victim died from injuries "consistent with a fall from a great height," and the death is ruled accidental. But Penny thinks there's more to the story. Curious how the victim came to such an untimely end at this most inhospitable spot, she uncovers a link to a mysterious disappearance several years earlier. And as her holiday romance with a wildlife photographer turns to love, she learns some truths about herself, too, that surprise her.
As the winds of change blow through Penny's own life, she sets sail on a friendly tide for a future she never dreamed possible, in a beautiful place she never imagined.
280 pages, Hardcover
Published November 10, 2020
31 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth J. Duncan
23 books399 followersAfter graduating from Carleton University, Ottawa, with a BA in English, Elizabeth J. Duncan worked as a writer and editor for some of Canada’s largest newspapers, and as a public relations practitioner.
A two-time winner of the Bloody Words Award for Canada's best light mystery, she is the author of two traditional mystery series, Penny Brannigan set in North Wales and Shakespeare in the Catskills featuring costume designer Charlotte Fairfax,
Elizabeth divides her time between Toronto, Canada and Llandudno, North Wales.
A two-time winner of the Bloody Words Award for Canada's best light mystery, she is the author of two traditional mystery series, Penny Brannigan set in North Wales and Shakespeare in the Catskills featuring costume designer Charlotte Fairfax,
Elizabeth divides her time between Toronto, Canada and Llandudno, North Wales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
October 14, 2020
To be honest this read as though it was going to be the last book in the series. There was a definite sense of winding up the old and moving on to another stage in the main character's life.
The characters were all interesting, the mystery was suitable mysterious and there was a satisfying ongoing romance. Altogether a pleasant easy read which probably would have held my attention more if I had read the earlier books in the series. I will look out for more books by this author anyway.
My thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The characters were all interesting, the mystery was suitable mysterious and there was a satisfying ongoing romance. Altogether a pleasant easy read which probably would have held my attention more if I had read the earlier books in the series. I will look out for more books by this author anyway.
My thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 17, 2020
On Deadly Tides is the first book by Elizabeth J. Duncan that I've read. I don't normally jump into a series at book #11, but I've been wanting to try the Penny Brannigan series for some time. My TBR pile is a bit out of control and I lose track of things I want to read just because..... so. many. books. So I decided to break my rule of reading series in order and tried this newest book.
I'm so glad I did! This book was delightful!
Penny Brannigan decides to go on a weekend art getaway with a friend. A dead body on the beach adds some drama to their planned art retreat. Who killed the reporter and why?
This cozy mystery really has the old classic mystery feel to it! I really enjoyed it! This story has a bit slower pace, lots of description of Wales, the coast and the people they meet. I definitely got the old time whodunit feel from this story!
I'm definitely backtracking and reading this series from the beginning! Very entertaining read!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
I'm so glad I did! This book was delightful!
Penny Brannigan decides to go on a weekend art getaway with a friend. A dead body on the beach adds some drama to their planned art retreat. Who killed the reporter and why?
This cozy mystery really has the old classic mystery feel to it! I really enjoyed it! This story has a bit slower pace, lots of description of Wales, the coast and the people they meet. I definitely got the old time whodunit feel from this story!
I'm definitely backtracking and reading this series from the beginning! Very entertaining read!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
November 29, 2020
"Sometimes old mysteries beget new murders".
This is my first book I have read by Elizabeth J. Duncan and the first in her Penny Brannigan series of which this is the eleventh title but I had no trouble following the storyline and getting acquainted with the characters (old and new).
Penny, who is in her 50s, is an amateur sleuth and a painting enthusiast who in this installment goes to a painters' retreat in Anglesey with her friend. There she meets a young journalist from New Zealand Jessica Graham, who is in Anglesey to interview Bill Ward an ex-actor who is leading the retreat and also investigate the disappearance of a New Zealand man from Anglesey seven years ago. Next morning, Penny finds Jessica's body on the beach. Penny puts on her sleuthing cap on and is determined to find out why Jessica was killed. Penny also meets a wildlife photographer Colin Campbell at the retreat who turns out to be a potential romantic interest for her.
I really like how the author describes Anglesey, Wales and the small town of Llanelen, with its natural beauty and greenery making it very visually appealing.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author for the e-Arc of the book.
The book was published on 10th November 2020.
This is my first book I have read by Elizabeth J. Duncan and the first in her Penny Brannigan series of which this is the eleventh title but I had no trouble following the storyline and getting acquainted with the characters (old and new).
Penny, who is in her 50s, is an amateur sleuth and a painting enthusiast who in this installment goes to a painters' retreat in Anglesey with her friend. There she meets a young journalist from New Zealand Jessica Graham, who is in Anglesey to interview Bill Ward an ex-actor who is leading the retreat and also investigate the disappearance of a New Zealand man from Anglesey seven years ago. Next morning, Penny finds Jessica's body on the beach. Penny puts on her sleuthing cap on and is determined to find out why Jessica was killed. Penny also meets a wildlife photographer Colin Campbell at the retreat who turns out to be a potential romantic interest for her.
I really like how the author describes Anglesey, Wales and the small town of Llanelen, with its natural beauty and greenery making it very visually appealing.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author for the e-Arc of the book.
The book was published on 10th November 2020.
September 3, 2020
Penny and her friend, both keen amateur artists, have signed up for a painting weekend in a nearby part of Wales. The first night there, they meet an enthusiastic young reporter from New Zealand, and are shocked to learn of her death the next day. Was it an unfortunate accident, or murder? Did someone want to silence her investigation? Penny also meets a handsome gentleman, and wonders if there is a future in their relationship, as he is based in Toronto. I had not read this author before, but will look for more of her books, since I enjoyed the Welsh setting, the characters, and the happily ever after ending. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC.
December 31, 2020
I am a great fan of Elizabeth Duncan's books. I love the way she brings the characters to life - they feel real to me, their experiences and reactions are real. I love her descriptions of places. This book has to be my all-time favourite. A great plot with plenty of twists. I don't want to write a spoiler so all I will say is that Penny's life comes full circle and I'm still feeling a warm glow in my heart.
November 17, 2020
Attending an art retreat at picturesque Beaumaris on Anglesey on North Wales, Penny Brannigan is pleased to meet new people - friendly (and attractive) wildlife photographer Colin, clever young New Zealand journalist Jessica, her fellow artists and the staff at the hotel. But on her first morning out painting, she and her painter friend find Jessica’s dead body on the beach, and suddenly her peaceful weekend is something else entirely.
Penny is an interesting variant in the modern cozy mystery heroine; most of them are twenty and thirty-somethings, but Penny is in her fifties, and she has slightly different priorities. This is apparently book 11 in this series, but I think you could jump in here and pick up without missing out on anything… though if you have been following Penny’s journey throughout the series, you might be slightly startled by her suddenly developing a love interest here and (slight spoiler) actually marrying him at the end of the book.
I struggled to get into the book because in the first few chapters, there was an awful lot of ‘telling’ rather than going on as everyone was introduced, and the locations were described. This did improve as things went on but I am marking down a star for it because a good editor should have helped the author to fix things up.
The cat on the cover is also pretty misleading. Yes, Penny owns a cat. But it doesn’t feature in the story at all, is only mentioned a couple of times, and frankly only seems to be there because an animal is Obligatory in the genre. It’s not. Miss Marple didn’t need a cat. If there isn’t one playing a significant role in your story, don’t put it on the cover, because your animal-loving readers will be annoyed by the bait and switch. I was.
Overall, this was okay; I liked Penny as a character but the telling made the beginning of the book especially very dull, and the bait and switch with the cat on the cover annoyed me. I’ll give it three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
Penny is an interesting variant in the modern cozy mystery heroine; most of them are twenty and thirty-somethings, but Penny is in her fifties, and she has slightly different priorities. This is apparently book 11 in this series, but I think you could jump in here and pick up without missing out on anything… though if you have been following Penny’s journey throughout the series, you might be slightly startled by her suddenly developing a love interest here and (slight spoiler) actually marrying him at the end of the book.
I struggled to get into the book because in the first few chapters, there was an awful lot of ‘telling’ rather than going on as everyone was introduced, and the locations were described. This did improve as things went on but I am marking down a star for it because a good editor should have helped the author to fix things up.
The cat on the cover is also pretty misleading. Yes, Penny owns a cat. But it doesn’t feature in the story at all, is only mentioned a couple of times, and frankly only seems to be there because an animal is Obligatory in the genre. It’s not. Miss Marple didn’t need a cat. If there isn’t one playing a significant role in your story, don’t put it on the cover, because your animal-loving readers will be annoyed by the bait and switch. I was.
Overall, this was okay; I liked Penny as a character but the telling made the beginning of the book especially very dull, and the bait and switch with the cat on the cover annoyed me. I’ll give it three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
January 6, 2022
The problem with Mystery Guild book club is they never put where in a series something is and if I forget to check I end up with something like this book 11 in a series I've never read. I bought it because I was super excited to see something set in Wales. I did like the writing style and Penny but the more I read the more I was bothered by some things.
Penny is a Canadian ex-pat living and working in Wales for years. She has her own spa and apparently an interest in art as it opens at an artist retreat in Beaumaris. A young woman, a reporter from New Zealand, spends an evening talking to Penny and a new male interest, Colin a wildlife photographer. The girl ends up dead and Penny is the only one who thinks it might not have been an accident. Even her police friend Bethan, is convinced it's murder.
So naturally that's her cue to start investigating and we're off with Colin in toe. The mystery wasn't bad but on the other hand, the victim told Penny that she came to Wales on the trail of a fellow Kiwi who disappeared seven years ago. This never crosses anyone's mind as a possible motive until like the last three chapters so that was eye rolling and rather dampened my enthusiasm for the mystery.
Another problem I had was, you have a rich setting with North Wales and Anglesey (Ynys Mon) and this is an artist who should be into it but the closest we get to anything is the scene of the crime light house and the Georgian apartments. This could have been any coastal town. North Wales is where Welsh is spoken rather heavily. When I've been there, I heard it everywhere I went including Conwy which is in the story. Not once is this mentioned by her or Colin (another Canadian). The closest we get to any Welsh flavor are her friends' names Alwyn and Bethan (and the bartender Llifon). It just seemed like a missed opportunity.
Another review said this felt like the end of the series and I can see that point. Would I read more if there was more? I think so. Would I go back and find earlier ones? Not likely unless it was set somewhere really cool in Wales.
And what really bugged me I'll put under a spoiler cut
Penny is a Canadian ex-pat living and working in Wales for years. She has her own spa and apparently an interest in art as it opens at an artist retreat in Beaumaris. A young woman, a reporter from New Zealand, spends an evening talking to Penny and a new male interest, Colin a wildlife photographer. The girl ends up dead and Penny is the only one who thinks it might not have been an accident. Even her police friend Bethan, is convinced it's murder.
So naturally that's her cue to start investigating and we're off with Colin in toe. The mystery wasn't bad but on the other hand, the victim told Penny that she came to Wales on the trail of a fellow Kiwi who disappeared seven years ago. This never crosses anyone's mind as a possible motive until like the last three chapters so that was eye rolling and rather dampened my enthusiasm for the mystery.
Another problem I had was, you have a rich setting with North Wales and Anglesey (Ynys Mon) and this is an artist who should be into it but the closest we get to anything is the scene of the crime light house and the Georgian apartments. This could have been any coastal town. North Wales is where Welsh is spoken rather heavily. When I've been there, I heard it everywhere I went including Conwy which is in the story. Not once is this mentioned by her or Colin (another Canadian). The closest we get to any Welsh flavor are her friends' names Alwyn and Bethan (and the bartender Llifon). It just seemed like a missed opportunity.
Another review said this felt like the end of the series and I can see that point. Would I read more if there was more? I think so. Would I go back and find earlier ones? Not likely unless it was set somewhere really cool in Wales.
And what really bugged me I'll put under a spoiler cut
November 20, 2020
I wonder what is next for Penny? I don’t want to give anything away by saying too much but it seems like the end of the series, all of which I enjoyed very much. Good mystery, very romantic. The house tour in Beaumaris reminded me of Escape to the Country. I found it interesting about the app What3Words and have downloaded it.
February 1, 2021
Fantastic. I adore this series and anytime spent in Wales. Penny Brannigan is a unique sleuth who sticks in my mind long after the story ends. I always want to spend time with her.
November 23, 2020
On Deadly Tides is the eleventh book in the Penny Brannigan mystery series by Elizabeth J. Duncan and the first book in the series that I have had the pleasure of reading.....and boy was it an awesome read !! On Deadly Tides felt like it could have been a stand alone book or the first in a new series.
Main character Penny Brannigan and her friend Alwynne are on a girl's get away weekend to a motel for a painting retreat with actor turned painter, Bill Ward. On the friday evening there is a welcoming party in the bar of the hotel and Alwynne goes to bed early so Penny is on her own. Penny meets two people Colin Campbell and Jessica Graham both there seperately. Colin is a wildlife photographer in town to take photos of local wildlife and Jessica is in town to write about local interests as well as look into an old case of a missing person. The three of them share a table in the bar and get know each other.
After parting ways Penny doesn't think much of Jessica until the next morning while her and Alwynne are at the local lighthouse setting up to paint it and its surroundings when Penny looks down the cliff at the beach below and sees Jessica's lifeless body. After it is investigated it is ruled that Jessica's death was an accident. Only Penny can't help thinking there is more to it especially seeing as the backpack that Jessica had with her friday night was no where to be found. It wasn't at the scene or in her hotel room.
When Jessica's mother, Louise, comes to claim her body her and Penny hit it off and soon agree that there is more to Jessica's "accident". Unfortunately the police cannot just go on what someone thinks or feels and do not take things seriously until Louise is poisoned one night at the hotel.
Now that the police are looking into Jessica's death Penny can concentrate on her growing feelings for Colin. The two have spent some time together and have been keeping in touch. But when Colin gets on board with his curiousity on Jessica's death as well, Penny will allow him to assist her in investigating.....
On Deadly Tides will capture readers attention immediately and they will want to solve Jessica's murder also. They will also be drawn to the storyline behind the missing person case from seven years ago. And who cannot be curious when a new relationship is blossoming..... Duncan will draw the reader in and as you get lost in the story you will be powerless to shut the book....not that you will want to. It is always a treat when you are reading a cozy mystery to have a love story intertwined in the story and Duncan has aced that as well. Whether you are a long time fan and have read the previous books or you are reading On Deadly Tides and this is the first book of this series that you have read, you will be a devoted fan !!
Main character Penny Brannigan and her friend Alwynne are on a girl's get away weekend to a motel for a painting retreat with actor turned painter, Bill Ward. On the friday evening there is a welcoming party in the bar of the hotel and Alwynne goes to bed early so Penny is on her own. Penny meets two people Colin Campbell and Jessica Graham both there seperately. Colin is a wildlife photographer in town to take photos of local wildlife and Jessica is in town to write about local interests as well as look into an old case of a missing person. The three of them share a table in the bar and get know each other.
After parting ways Penny doesn't think much of Jessica until the next morning while her and Alwynne are at the local lighthouse setting up to paint it and its surroundings when Penny looks down the cliff at the beach below and sees Jessica's lifeless body. After it is investigated it is ruled that Jessica's death was an accident. Only Penny can't help thinking there is more to it especially seeing as the backpack that Jessica had with her friday night was no where to be found. It wasn't at the scene or in her hotel room.
When Jessica's mother, Louise, comes to claim her body her and Penny hit it off and soon agree that there is more to Jessica's "accident". Unfortunately the police cannot just go on what someone thinks or feels and do not take things seriously until Louise is poisoned one night at the hotel.
Now that the police are looking into Jessica's death Penny can concentrate on her growing feelings for Colin. The two have spent some time together and have been keeping in touch. But when Colin gets on board with his curiousity on Jessica's death as well, Penny will allow him to assist her in investigating.....
On Deadly Tides will capture readers attention immediately and they will want to solve Jessica's murder also. They will also be drawn to the storyline behind the missing person case from seven years ago. And who cannot be curious when a new relationship is blossoming..... Duncan will draw the reader in and as you get lost in the story you will be powerless to shut the book....not that you will want to. It is always a treat when you are reading a cozy mystery to have a love story intertwined in the story and Duncan has aced that as well. Whether you are a long time fan and have read the previous books or you are reading On Deadly Tides and this is the first book of this series that you have read, you will be a devoted fan !!
June 27, 2020
*This book was provided as an Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGalley.
Cozy mysteries are my feed good kind of book. They're not as technical or dark as general mysteries and whodunits, and usually have some fun theme to go along. So when I saw the cat on the cover of this book, I thought that would hit the spot. Although I must admit, it did take a little while for the cat to show up, I was worried for a bit.
Penny is an artist, and while on an art retreat, she and her friend discover a body. While the police don't think it's nefarious right away, Penny just has a feeling. But there's a lot of people in the hotel, including one that takes a special interest in Penny, and no clear motive to be had.
Penny was an interesting character. Sometimes I had trouble placing her age, because she was described in a multitude of ways and could have fit many age genres. Which is probably a weird comment but I went from picturing her as an elderly lady at first to someone my age, and just thought the transition was interesting. She's the main character, with a wide variety of others popping in and since she's technically from a small town, they all had that small town vibe.
I was worried at first because I couldn't tell if this book was the first in the series based on the title (A Penny Brannigan Mystery). Even a quick search didn't make it clearer for me. I discovered at one of the end pages it's actually quite a few books in. But the good news is you definitely don't have to have read any of the other books to enjoy this one. I found it charming and didn't feel like I missed out on too much backstory. In fact, my only real complaint is that there are a lot of side stories that happen and are quickly resolved in this book. I was looking more more depth on some of those and they end up being just blurbs and really don't do much to carry the plot forward.
But it's a quick read, it fits the cozy mystery bill, and there does end up being a cat. Not a bad way to spend some reading time.
Review by M. Reynard 2020
Cozy mysteries are my feed good kind of book. They're not as technical or dark as general mysteries and whodunits, and usually have some fun theme to go along. So when I saw the cat on the cover of this book, I thought that would hit the spot. Although I must admit, it did take a little while for the cat to show up, I was worried for a bit.
Penny is an artist, and while on an art retreat, she and her friend discover a body. While the police don't think it's nefarious right away, Penny just has a feeling. But there's a lot of people in the hotel, including one that takes a special interest in Penny, and no clear motive to be had.
Penny was an interesting character. Sometimes I had trouble placing her age, because she was described in a multitude of ways and could have fit many age genres. Which is probably a weird comment but I went from picturing her as an elderly lady at first to someone my age, and just thought the transition was interesting. She's the main character, with a wide variety of others popping in and since she's technically from a small town, they all had that small town vibe.
I was worried at first because I couldn't tell if this book was the first in the series based on the title (A Penny Brannigan Mystery). Even a quick search didn't make it clearer for me. I discovered at one of the end pages it's actually quite a few books in. But the good news is you definitely don't have to have read any of the other books to enjoy this one. I found it charming and didn't feel like I missed out on too much backstory. In fact, my only real complaint is that there are a lot of side stories that happen and are quickly resolved in this book. I was looking more more depth on some of those and they end up being just blurbs and really don't do much to carry the plot forward.
But it's a quick read, it fits the cozy mystery bill, and there does end up being a cat. Not a bad way to spend some reading time.
Review by M. Reynard 2020
July 9, 2020
Penny and fellow painter friend Alwynne take a weekend course on painting in the nearby town of Beaumaris on the beautiful North Wales island of Anglesey. Sitting in a crowded bar on her first night, Penny first meets Colin, an attractive man, and a young news reporter named Jessica who just arrived from New Zealand to investigate a man who went missing several years before. The next morning, while out to paint a lighthouse, Penny finds Jessica dead on the beach, the victim of an apparent fall. Penny knows this was no accident and when the police have no evidence it was anything but an accident, she picks up the threads to unravel the circumstances that led to the young woman's death.
Found this on Netgalley and snapped it up. I've read this series since the beginning and a few books back, I mentioned that I thought the character of Penny had stagnated, so I was really happy to see her character moving forward! I think this will breathe some new life into the series.
As for the plot, I had a pretty good idea whodunit but eagerly raced through the book to see it all unfold. Lots of twists and turns led to a satisfying conclusion that neatly wrapped up the two cases. It was also a pleasure to watch the romance blossom and to catch up with the usual cast of characters I've grown to love. The sweet ending left a smile on my face and I do hope this isn't the end to the series (felt a little ambiguous to say for certain?) and if not, I look forward to more of Penny's exploits.
Found this on Netgalley and snapped it up. I've read this series since the beginning and a few books back, I mentioned that I thought the character of Penny had stagnated, so I was really happy to see her character moving forward! I think this will breathe some new life into the series.
As for the plot, I had a pretty good idea whodunit but eagerly raced through the book to see it all unfold. Lots of twists and turns led to a satisfying conclusion that neatly wrapped up the two cases. It was also a pleasure to watch the romance blossom and to catch up with the usual cast of characters I've grown to love. The sweet ending left a smile on my face and I do hope this isn't the end to the series (felt a little ambiguous to say for certain?) and if not, I look forward to more of Penny's exploits.
December 18, 2020
Although
On Deadly Tides
by Elizabeth J. Duncan is book 11 in the Penny Brannigan Mystery series, it was my first. I was not lost as the author provided some background and the mystery was individual to this novel.
Fifty-something Penny is a painting enthusiast and runs a Spa with a friend. Meeting her was like seeing an old friend and she was easy to get on with. I liked the supporting cast in the story, too. The mystery itself was compelling and well written by Elizabeth J. Duncan. Set in Anglesey in North Wales, the descriptions of the coastal town helped to make this story a good one, with the lighthouse, pebble beaches, and the wild landscape all delightfully depicted. On Deadly Tides certainly grabbed my attention and I will doubtlessly be reading more in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley and this is my own unbiased opinion.
Fifty-something Penny is a painting enthusiast and runs a Spa with a friend. Meeting her was like seeing an old friend and she was easy to get on with. I liked the supporting cast in the story, too. The mystery itself was compelling and well written by Elizabeth J. Duncan. Set in Anglesey in North Wales, the descriptions of the coastal town helped to make this story a good one, with the lighthouse, pebble beaches, and the wild landscape all delightfully depicted. On Deadly Tides certainly grabbed my attention and I will doubtlessly be reading more in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley and this is my own unbiased opinion.
August 12, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!
This cozy combines two of my favorites; art and mystery! What a combination! Immediately I felt a connection with Penny, and I adored the setting chosen for this one. Even though I've never been there, I felt right at home in Wales, painting a lighthouse. This is the magic of the best kind of cozy; a kind of welcome home feel to instantly put the reader at ease. Then you get the sudden chill of murder, and you follow the sleuth as they try and make everything as OK as it's going to be again. This mystery was well thought out, but I'm going to admit I was a sucker for the romance too! It was well crafted and just felt very sweet and real.
I read this in one sitting as a bath grew cold around me, that is how invested in the plot and characters I was. A great cozy series, I'd love to read more from this author.
This cozy combines two of my favorites; art and mystery! What a combination! Immediately I felt a connection with Penny, and I adored the setting chosen for this one. Even though I've never been there, I felt right at home in Wales, painting a lighthouse. This is the magic of the best kind of cozy; a kind of welcome home feel to instantly put the reader at ease. Then you get the sudden chill of murder, and you follow the sleuth as they try and make everything as OK as it's going to be again. This mystery was well thought out, but I'm going to admit I was a sucker for the romance too! It was well crafted and just felt very sweet and real.
I read this in one sitting as a bath grew cold around me, that is how invested in the plot and characters I was. A great cozy series, I'd love to read more from this author.
June 26, 2020
A painting class, on the coast of North Wales, will change Penny Brannigan's life forever. When she finds a murdered journalist the mystery begins!
This was the first Penny Brannigan book I've read and I enjoyed it. The descriptions of the landscape were wild, romantic and slightly dangerous. The characters were wonderfully written and I loved the interactions between Penny and her friends. I was in the mood for a classic style mystery and the book fit the bill perfectly!
I'll definitely read more of Elizabeth J. Duncan's books!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed are my own.
This was the first Penny Brannigan book I've read and I enjoyed it. The descriptions of the landscape were wild, romantic and slightly dangerous. The characters were wonderfully written and I loved the interactions between Penny and her friends. I was in the mood for a classic style mystery and the book fit the bill perfectly!
I'll definitely read more of Elizabeth J. Duncan's books!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed are my own.
June 15, 2020
Think Jenny Colgan in Wales with an unusual murder weaving throughout. There are the wonderful Welsh of the village and the island retreat, two peripatetic artistic Canadians, and a probably murdered New Zealand journalist. The author writes in a way that made me feel like I knew everyone, especially the main characters. The mystery and sleuthing are very well done and not the clinical or procedural sort. I really enjoyed it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
February 28, 2021
Successful businesswoman and amateur artist Penny goes on a painting weekend to a local beauty spot and spots the dead body of a journalist she'd met the night before. Accident or murder? Penny is sure it's murder, and enlists a chance met nature photographer--and is he ever handsome?--to help her find out. There's more about her rapidly budding romance with the photographer, but they get some sleuthing in, too, especially after there's an attempt on the life of the dead woman's mother, who has come all the way from New Zealand to find out what happened to her daughter.
December 14, 2024
Penny Brannigan, the main character, finds love and possibly a new and different life. The mystery concerns the death of a young woman from New Zealand whose body Penny finds. The book was an easy read.
October 22, 2020
3.5 stars Pleasant, but not compelling read. Leisurely paced with wonderful descriptions, but light on the mystery part of the book.
November 6, 2020
3 stars
This is the eleventh book in the Penny Brannigan mystery series by Elizabeth J. Duncan.
I thought this was okay. It was pretty slow and I had to put it down a couple of times in order to get my gumption up to read it again. I was not compelled by the story or characters to continue. I did finish. They had me in the beginning when Penny found the dead body but with the lethargic story, I quickly lost interest. I think it has promise and with the bit of a rewrite could be quite good. Good bones but not a lot of follow through.
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.
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 the eleventh book in the Penny Brannigan mystery series by Elizabeth J. Duncan.
I thought this was okay. It was pretty slow and I had to put it down a couple of times in order to get my gumption up to read it again. I was not compelled by the story or characters to continue. I did finish. They had me in the beginning when Penny found the dead body but with the lethargic story, I quickly lost interest. I think it has promise and with the bit of a rewrite could be quite good. Good bones but not a lot of follow through.
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.
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.
November 16, 2020
I had not read any books in this series before and was feeling some trepidation beginning so far into the series. But the author put enough background into the book that I was able to get the gist of the previous books in the series.
I found the characters to be relevant and the plot to be interesting all through the book. I will be looking for her previous titles in this series to get an even better knowledge of the full story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review.
I found the characters to be relevant and the plot to be interesting all through the book. I will be looking for her previous titles in this series to get an even better knowledge of the full story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review.
November 3, 2020
On Deadly Tides is the eleventh book in the A Penny Brannigan Mystery series by Elizabeth J. Duncan.
Penny Brannigan and her friend, Alwynne Gwitt, are looking forward to attending an artist retreat at a nearby town on the coast of Wales. On the evening of their arrival, Penny stops in the hotel’s bar for a drink. The bar is quite crowded, so Penny shares a table with a handsome Canadian wildlife photographer, Colin Campbell. Jessica Graham, a reporter from New Zealand, Jessica, will ask if she can share their table. Jessica relates that she is here to do an article on Bill Ward, actor turned artist, whose television show was a hit in New Zealand. Jessica states she will also be investigating the disappearance of a wealthy New Zealander who was visiting the coastal town several years ago.
The next morning Penny and Alwynne head out for a spot from where they can paint the impressive lighthouse. Penny thinks she has found the perfect place but approaches the cliff’s edge to get a different perspective and looks down to view the waves crashing the shore and see what appears to a body. Penny finds a path and carefully slides down to the shoreline. As she thought, there is a body and drags the body on to land as the tide is going out and afraid it will take it out to sea. Penny recognizes the body as that of Jessica. Penny called the police, and after their investigation, they determined that it was an accidental death.
When Jessica’s mother, Louise, arrives, she contacts Penny to learn what she saw at the scene as she doesn’t believe it was an accident, and Penny has to agree with her. Penny decides to look into what Jessica had been doing since arriving in town. Penny and Colin have hit off rather well, and Colin agrees to help Penny with her sleuthing. When Louise is found unconscious from an overdose of sleeping pills, she will deny taking any sleeping pills, and Penny feels confident that she is getting close to the killer. Penny hopes that the killer will be arrested before anyone else is hurt.
I enjoy this series a lot. Ms. Duncan’s description of the area makes to visit the place. The story is well-written and plotted with enough twists and turns to keep guessing until the end. The book’s characters are both well-developed and interesting and who I would enjoy calling friends.
I’m hoping there will be more books in this beautiful series.
Penny Brannigan and her friend, Alwynne Gwitt, are looking forward to attending an artist retreat at a nearby town on the coast of Wales. On the evening of their arrival, Penny stops in the hotel’s bar for a drink. The bar is quite crowded, so Penny shares a table with a handsome Canadian wildlife photographer, Colin Campbell. Jessica Graham, a reporter from New Zealand, Jessica, will ask if she can share their table. Jessica relates that she is here to do an article on Bill Ward, actor turned artist, whose television show was a hit in New Zealand. Jessica states she will also be investigating the disappearance of a wealthy New Zealander who was visiting the coastal town several years ago.
The next morning Penny and Alwynne head out for a spot from where they can paint the impressive lighthouse. Penny thinks she has found the perfect place but approaches the cliff’s edge to get a different perspective and looks down to view the waves crashing the shore and see what appears to a body. Penny finds a path and carefully slides down to the shoreline. As she thought, there is a body and drags the body on to land as the tide is going out and afraid it will take it out to sea. Penny recognizes the body as that of Jessica. Penny called the police, and after their investigation, they determined that it was an accidental death.
When Jessica’s mother, Louise, arrives, she contacts Penny to learn what she saw at the scene as she doesn’t believe it was an accident, and Penny has to agree with her. Penny decides to look into what Jessica had been doing since arriving in town. Penny and Colin have hit off rather well, and Colin agrees to help Penny with her sleuthing. When Louise is found unconscious from an overdose of sleeping pills, she will deny taking any sleeping pills, and Penny feels confident that she is getting close to the killer. Penny hopes that the killer will be arrested before anyone else is hurt.
I enjoy this series a lot. Ms. Duncan’s description of the area makes to visit the place. The story is well-written and plotted with enough twists and turns to keep guessing until the end. The book’s characters are both well-developed and interesting and who I would enjoy calling friends.
I’m hoping there will be more books in this beautiful series.
November 19, 2020
3.5 Stars
Penny Brannigan and her best friend are enjoying a painting holiday on an island off the coast of Wales. Penny is able to relax, paint, and meet new people, including a charming wildlife photographer named Colin. However, the fun comes to a halt when Penny discovers the dead body of a young journalist from New Zealand that she had just met. It looks like it may have just been a tragic accident, but Penny thinks there is more to Jessica’s death. She begins asking questions to see if the ambitious reporter ran across anyone in her short visit that didn’t want their secrets to become a newspaper headline.
This is the eleventh book in a series that I’ve not read before, but I was able to get to know the main characters without any trouble. How you feel about this book will depend on what you’re looking for. The pace of the story is slow and leisurely, with the exception of Penny’s romance with Colin which is rushed and a bit forced. The mystery itself is light and isn’t the main focus of the book. For most of the book, Penny doesn’t seem to have any sense of urgency about solving the crime and that carried over to my attitude toward the book. It was pleasant when I was reading it, but when I put it down, I didn’t feel compelled to pick it back up. Overall, I did enjoy the book, though. The author excels writing vivid descriptions of the setting. I could imagine fighting my way through the crowded bar to get a drink as Penny does, and I could picture the lighthouse on the shore of the island that Penny admires. Penny is likable for the most part, although there are a few examples when she seems a little self-centered, worrying more about her fledgling romance than the safety of other people. I like the other side of Penny, such as when she drops everything to comfort Jessica’s mother who is alone and grieving far from home.
Penny has a way about her that she is able to get answers when she begins asking questions about Jessica’s death. She is able to find possible motives that support the theory that Jessica was murdered and she is able to pass along the information to a friend who is a member of the North Wales police force. I thought the motive was fairly obvious pretty early on, but the author is still able to include a few details that took me by surprise when the crime is solved. The ending is a little pat but very sweet and should please fans of the series. I don’t know if this is the end of the series or if the author is just taking Penny’s character in a new direction, but either way there are a lot of new adventures in store for Penny.
~ Christine
Penny Brannigan and her best friend are enjoying a painting holiday on an island off the coast of Wales. Penny is able to relax, paint, and meet new people, including a charming wildlife photographer named Colin. However, the fun comes to a halt when Penny discovers the dead body of a young journalist from New Zealand that she had just met. It looks like it may have just been a tragic accident, but Penny thinks there is more to Jessica’s death. She begins asking questions to see if the ambitious reporter ran across anyone in her short visit that didn’t want their secrets to become a newspaper headline.
This is the eleventh book in a series that I’ve not read before, but I was able to get to know the main characters without any trouble. How you feel about this book will depend on what you’re looking for. The pace of the story is slow and leisurely, with the exception of Penny’s romance with Colin which is rushed and a bit forced. The mystery itself is light and isn’t the main focus of the book. For most of the book, Penny doesn’t seem to have any sense of urgency about solving the crime and that carried over to my attitude toward the book. It was pleasant when I was reading it, but when I put it down, I didn’t feel compelled to pick it back up. Overall, I did enjoy the book, though. The author excels writing vivid descriptions of the setting. I could imagine fighting my way through the crowded bar to get a drink as Penny does, and I could picture the lighthouse on the shore of the island that Penny admires. Penny is likable for the most part, although there are a few examples when she seems a little self-centered, worrying more about her fledgling romance than the safety of other people. I like the other side of Penny, such as when she drops everything to comfort Jessica’s mother who is alone and grieving far from home.
Penny has a way about her that she is able to get answers when she begins asking questions about Jessica’s death. She is able to find possible motives that support the theory that Jessica was murdered and she is able to pass along the information to a friend who is a member of the North Wales police force. I thought the motive was fairly obvious pretty early on, but the author is still able to include a few details that took me by surprise when the crime is solved. The ending is a little pat but very sweet and should please fans of the series. I don’t know if this is the end of the series or if the author is just taking Penny’s character in a new direction, but either way there are a lot of new adventures in store for Penny.
~ Christine
October 24, 2020
On Deadly Tide is a murder mystery where the murder investigation progresses slowly. Actually, the first half of the story is mostly about Penny’s budding romance and the death of a young journalist is mainly seen as tragic. Though there are some oddities.
Things change when Jessica’s mother Louise comes to Wales to see the place where her daughter died and to take her body home. When staying at the hotel where her daughter stayed Louise takes a near fatal overdose of sleeping pills. Adamant she did not take any sleeping pills herself, this convinces Penny - and local police - there might be more to Jessica’s death after all.
The culprit is pretty obvious and I was reading on to be proven wrong. I’m actually a bit disappointed that I wasn’t.
There are a few other things I’m a bit disappointed in. For instance: Louise describes her daughter was a very ethical journalist, but then she gives an example of a story her daughter has worked on about a politician taking bribes, that doesn’t quite make Jessica shine as an ethical journalist. Apparently, Jessica rang the politician the evening before the story ran in the newspaper “to prepare him”. That makes it sound like she has not tried to speak to him before on the topic of taking bribes. It’s a good journalistic practice to try to get all sides of the story, i.e. to talk to the politician well before the story is going to run so you can add his perspective in a side bar (or mention that the politician declined to comment).
And I can't quite believe
The story was well-written, but I’m quite certain that if I didn’t have an ARC that is only available for a limited time (so there was some pressure to finish it), I would have probably put this book aside at some point and forgotten to ever get back to it.
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
Things change when Jessica’s mother Louise comes to Wales to see the place where her daughter died and to take her body home. When staying at the hotel where her daughter stayed Louise takes a near fatal overdose of sleeping pills. Adamant she did not take any sleeping pills herself, this convinces Penny - and local police - there might be more to Jessica’s death after all.
The culprit is pretty obvious and I was reading on to be proven wrong. I’m actually a bit disappointed that I wasn’t.
There are a few other things I’m a bit disappointed in. For instance: Louise describes her daughter was a very ethical journalist, but then she gives an example of a story her daughter has worked on about a politician taking bribes, that doesn’t quite make Jessica shine as an ethical journalist. Apparently, Jessica rang the politician the evening before the story ran in the newspaper “to prepare him”. That makes it sound like she has not tried to speak to him before on the topic of taking bribes. It’s a good journalistic practice to try to get all sides of the story, i.e. to talk to the politician well before the story is going to run so you can add his perspective in a side bar (or mention that the politician declined to comment).
And I can't quite believe
The story was well-written, but I’m quite certain that if I didn’t have an ARC that is only available for a limited time (so there was some pressure to finish it), I would have probably put this book aside at some point and forgotten to ever get back to it.
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
December 3, 2020
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.On Deadly Tides by Elizabeth J. Duncan is a wonderful read about a Canadian living in Wales and solving a murder. Well, another murder while also maybe finding some love?
Can Penny figure out who killed the young investigative reporter?
Penny Brannigan
Penny Brannigan is our sleuth, and she is away on a painting camp for two days before going back home. She ends up meeting a guy named Colin, who is her love interest. Penny is an interesting sleuth as she is in her early fifties and is great at solving puzzles. I like Penny because she runs a Spa place with a girlfriend, and then in her free time, she paints. I like that because it shows that she lives a balanced life. There isn't really anything that I didn't like about this character.
The Mystery
The mystery that Penny is working on solving has a tie into the past and the one that happened in the present. What happened to Mark Currie seven years ago? And what does that have to do with recently deceased investigative reporter Jessica Graham? Those are the two questions that Penny, with the help of the detective in Wales and her new beau Colin, has to figure out. I actually got this one earlier on, and I can't believe that I was actually right, especially about the motive. I feel bad that another life being taken to have it figured out.
Three Stars
On Deadly Tides by Elizabeth J. Duncan is a good read if you are looking for one that isn't where you live. Ms. Duncan's Penny Brannigan Mysteries' are located in Wales, and it's definitely a different ball game over there to the ones based in the United States. It was nice looking at it from a different perspective. Ms. Duncan has done a good job of writing this book. I am giving it three stars.
Other Books in Series
Prize: (1) Print Copy On Deadly Tides: A Penny Brannigan Mystery by Elizabeth J. Duncan+ a Welsh Surprise Gift (U.S. Only).
Tour Organized by:
To find all the tour information, click the banner at the top of the page.
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of On Deadly Tides by Elizabeth J. Duncan. Check out the other stops and giveaway if you have time.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Can Penny figure out who killed the young investigative reporter?
Penny Brannigan
Penny Brannigan is our sleuth, and she is away on a painting camp for two days before going back home. She ends up meeting a guy named Colin, who is her love interest. Penny is an interesting sleuth as she is in her early fifties and is great at solving puzzles. I like Penny because she runs a Spa place with a girlfriend, and then in her free time, she paints. I like that because it shows that she lives a balanced life. There isn't really anything that I didn't like about this character.
The Mystery
The mystery that Penny is working on solving has a tie into the past and the one that happened in the present. What happened to Mark Currie seven years ago? And what does that have to do with recently deceased investigative reporter Jessica Graham? Those are the two questions that Penny, with the help of the detective in Wales and her new beau Colin, has to figure out. I actually got this one earlier on, and I can't believe that I was actually right, especially about the motive. I feel bad that another life being taken to have it figured out.Three Stars
On Deadly Tides by Elizabeth J. Duncan is a good read if you are looking for one that isn't where you live. Ms. Duncan's Penny Brannigan Mysteries' are located in Wales, and it's definitely a different ball game over there to the ones based in the United States. It was nice looking at it from a different perspective. Ms. Duncan has done a good job of writing this book. I am giving it three stars.
Other Books in Series
Prize: (1) Print Copy On Deadly Tides: A Penny Brannigan Mystery by Elizabeth J. Duncan+ a Welsh Surprise Gift (U.S. Only).
Tour Organized by:
To find all the tour information, click the banner at the top of the page.
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of On Deadly Tides by Elizabeth J. Duncan. Check out the other stops and giveaway if you have time.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
December 12, 2020
Penny Brannigan is a businesswoman, an amateur sleuth and a watercolour artist. And she’s very much enjoying an art retreat with a good friend on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. There is so much to choose to paint, and Penny settles on the lighthouse. And then she discovers a body on the beach, just before the tide carries the young female journalist’s body out to sea.
The autopsy says the victim died from injuries consistent with a fall from a height, but Penny thinks there may be more to it, since the journalist was there working on a story that may tie into a disappearance that’s seven years old. Was it a tragic accident or is there more to the journalist’s death? Penny sets out to find out what really happened on the cliff.
Penny’s doing more than solving a mystery however as she finds herself attracted to wildlife photographer Colin Campbell. But his work takes him all over the world, so can their meeting lead to more?
There’s mystery, intrigue, suspense and a dash of romance in this eleventh in the Penny Brannigan series by Elizabeth J. Duncan.
The autopsy says the victim died from injuries consistent with a fall from a height, but Penny thinks there may be more to it, since the journalist was there working on a story that may tie into a disappearance that’s seven years old. Was it a tragic accident or is there more to the journalist’s death? Penny sets out to find out what really happened on the cliff.
Penny’s doing more than solving a mystery however as she finds herself attracted to wildlife photographer Colin Campbell. But his work takes him all over the world, so can their meeting lead to more?
There’s mystery, intrigue, suspense and a dash of romance in this eleventh in the Penny Brannigan series by Elizabeth J. Duncan.
July 11, 2020
What a lovely book. It leads you graceful into the mystery of Jessica's death via the life of Penny. She meets her to be future husband while investigating Jessica's death and helping Jessica's mother through her grief. It flows quite easily and leads to the reveal of the murderers. #OnDeadlyTides #NetGalley
October 19, 2024
Penny Brannigan is a Canadian who has been living in Wales for about twenty years, and helping the police solve mysteries. As a cozy, this works very well; there are some lovely descriptions of Anglesey and the local Welsh environs that took me back to my visits to Wales.
On a visit to Anglesey with friend, Alwynne Gwilt, as part of a plein air painting session with the accredited Bill Ward, famous twice over as an actor from Jubilee Terrace and a painter after he left the tv series, Penny meets up with two very interesting people: Colin Campbell and Jessica Graham. Colin is a yummy fellow, sandy hair with flecks of grey, blue eyes with crinkles, and he and Penny immediately hit it off. They are joined by Jessica, visiting from New Zealand. Jessica is a newspaper reporter here to do a few things: Interview Bill Ward and also investigate a missing New Zealand man, presumed deceased under mysterious circumstances.
The next day, as Penny and Alwynne are setting up to start their painting at the old lighthouse, Penny spots something down on the beach and runs down to find out what it is - and it turns out to be Jessica's body. The police are called and the body is taken away. Penny thinks it's rather odd Jessica would've been found where she was, as the young woman seemed sober when she left the bar the night before, but goes on with her life, interested in Colin (the feeling is mutual).
However, when Jessica's mother, Louise, comes in from New Zealand, Penny's instincts are raised again. Neither woman thinks Jessica's death was accidental, but who would want to kill the young woman?
The story does wander around a bit because, well, cozy, and I never particularly felt Penny was in any danger as she might've been in an American-written novel. I very much enjoyed the characters even though I am coming in on the 11th book in the series, as with most cozies, it's easy enough to figure out who's who in the cast of characters. Penny is relatable, clever but not a genius, pretty but not gorgeous, well-liked in her small town. I wouldn't mind reading more of this series.
On a visit to Anglesey with friend, Alwynne Gwilt, as part of a plein air painting session with the accredited Bill Ward, famous twice over as an actor from Jubilee Terrace and a painter after he left the tv series, Penny meets up with two very interesting people: Colin Campbell and Jessica Graham. Colin is a yummy fellow, sandy hair with flecks of grey, blue eyes with crinkles, and he and Penny immediately hit it off. They are joined by Jessica, visiting from New Zealand. Jessica is a newspaper reporter here to do a few things: Interview Bill Ward and also investigate a missing New Zealand man, presumed deceased under mysterious circumstances.
The next day, as Penny and Alwynne are setting up to start their painting at the old lighthouse, Penny spots something down on the beach and runs down to find out what it is - and it turns out to be Jessica's body. The police are called and the body is taken away. Penny thinks it's rather odd Jessica would've been found where she was, as the young woman seemed sober when she left the bar the night before, but goes on with her life, interested in Colin (the feeling is mutual).
However, when Jessica's mother, Louise, comes in from New Zealand, Penny's instincts are raised again. Neither woman thinks Jessica's death was accidental, but who would want to kill the young woman?
The story does wander around a bit because, well, cozy, and I never particularly felt Penny was in any danger as she might've been in an American-written novel. I very much enjoyed the characters even though I am coming in on the 11th book in the series, as with most cozies, it's easy enough to figure out who's who in the cast of characters. Penny is relatable, clever but not a genius, pretty but not gorgeous, well-liked in her small town. I wouldn't mind reading more of this series.
June 7, 2020
4/5 stars
I received On Deadly Tides from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
On Deadly Tides is a part of the Penny Brannigan mystery series and is a murder mystery set in Wales. In the book, Penny finds herself on a painting retreat in Anglesey where she meets a Canadian photographer named Colin and a journalist from New Zealand named Jessica, who is researching a story on a missing New Zealand man. On her second day there, Penny is in search of a good view to paint from when she stumbles upon a body at the bottom of a cliff. Did this person accidentally slip or was something more sinister at play?
Overall, I found On Deadly Tides to be a good read. It is your classic murder mystery starring an amateur sleuth determined to get to the bottom of the case. The author did a great job of plotting out this well/written story and making it flow nicely. The attention to detail in the surrounding area made the reader feel like they were immersed in the environment right along with Penny.
The only thing that kept tripping me up through out the book were some of the names (i.e. Llifon and Alwynne). I found myself trying to figure out how to pronounce them instead of reading the sentence in full. I know it has to do with the fact that I don’t see names like this on a daily basis, but it was the only thing I found distracting as I read.
On Deadly Tides is the latest in the long series of Penny Brannigan mysteries. As someone who has not read any of the others in the series I can say that this can be read as a stand-alone mystery. But beware, it may make you want to go back and read the rest of the series! This was a good read and I’m glad I was given the opportunity to read and review!
I received On Deadly Tides from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
On Deadly Tides is a part of the Penny Brannigan mystery series and is a murder mystery set in Wales. In the book, Penny finds herself on a painting retreat in Anglesey where she meets a Canadian photographer named Colin and a journalist from New Zealand named Jessica, who is researching a story on a missing New Zealand man. On her second day there, Penny is in search of a good view to paint from when she stumbles upon a body at the bottom of a cliff. Did this person accidentally slip or was something more sinister at play?
Overall, I found On Deadly Tides to be a good read. It is your classic murder mystery starring an amateur sleuth determined to get to the bottom of the case. The author did a great job of plotting out this well/written story and making it flow nicely. The attention to detail in the surrounding area made the reader feel like they were immersed in the environment right along with Penny.
The only thing that kept tripping me up through out the book were some of the names (i.e. Llifon and Alwynne). I found myself trying to figure out how to pronounce them instead of reading the sentence in full. I know it has to do with the fact that I don’t see names like this on a daily basis, but it was the only thing I found distracting as I read.
On Deadly Tides is the latest in the long series of Penny Brannigan mysteries. As someone who has not read any of the others in the series I can say that this can be read as a stand-alone mystery. But beware, it may make you want to go back and read the rest of the series! This was a good read and I’m glad I was given the opportunity to read and review!
November 2, 2020
Penny Brannigan and her friend Alwynne go on a painting weekend to the coastal town of Anglesey. At the hotel, Penny meets Jessica Graham, a young reporter from New Zealand who has just arrived to cover several stories, and Colin Campbell, a wildlife photographer. The next morning, Penny and Alwynne set up near a prominent lighthouse to start painting when they spot Jessica's body at the base of a cliff. The police believe her death was a tragic accident but Penny has her suspicions. When Jessica's mother Louise arrives in Wales, she asks for Penny's help and they return to Anglesey.
Penny's suspicions are heightened when Louise almost dies from an overdose of sleeping pills and the fact that Jessica's backpack has never been found. Penny takes in Louise and continues her amateur sleuthing. She is surprised when an intruder sneaks into her cottage to search for Louise's belongings. Clues lead Penny to focus on a New Zealand man named Mark Currie who had disapperared 7 years ago and the whereabouts of her wife and her current lover.
Meanwhile, Penny's personal life gets a spark when she realizes that she is falling quickly in love with Colin. She gets a scare when Colin's team is missing during an expedition in the Canadian Arctic. But the story ends with the romantic pair reuniting and getting married.
I had enjoyed reading the earlier Penny Brannigan books but had not read the most recent ones. It is good that Penny has made a life for herself with her cottage, thriving spa business and has also found love.
I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
Penny's suspicions are heightened when Louise almost dies from an overdose of sleeping pills and the fact that Jessica's backpack has never been found. Penny takes in Louise and continues her amateur sleuthing. She is surprised when an intruder sneaks into her cottage to search for Louise's belongings. Clues lead Penny to focus on a New Zealand man named Mark Currie who had disapperared 7 years ago and the whereabouts of her wife and her current lover.
Meanwhile, Penny's personal life gets a spark when she realizes that she is falling quickly in love with Colin. She gets a scare when Colin's team is missing during an expedition in the Canadian Arctic. But the story ends with the romantic pair reuniting and getting married.
I had enjoyed reading the earlier Penny Brannigan books but had not read the most recent ones. It is good that Penny has made a life for herself with her cottage, thriving spa business and has also found love.
I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
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