What do you think?
Rate this book
Mist at the Beach House
Murder, Mermaids Legends, & a Kitten from the Mist.
Morgan Seaver returns to her family home on Pearl Island, expecting a warm welcome. Instead, she finds her aunt has been murdered, and accusing fingers are pointing her way.
Soon she finds more than a murder needs to be solved. Her family has a history with the island, one that she is finding brings the legends of mermaids and her ancestors to the present.
She must solve the murder to clear herself and come to terms with a past that has a hold of her future.
Morgan Seaver returns to her family home on Pearl Island, expecting a warm welcome. Instead, she finds her aunt has been murdered, and accusing fingers are pointing her way.
Soon she finds more than a murder needs to be solved. Her family has a history with the island, one that she is finding brings the legends of mermaids and her ancestors to the present.
She must solve the murder to clear herself and come to terms with a past that has a hold of her future.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2020
367 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Victoria L.K. Williams
52 books432 followersFun Cozy Mysteries, Paranormal Mysteries (with a fantasy twist) all set on the Florida Coast. A Romantic Christian Series, with a strong sense of family set in upstate New York. These are the stories Victoria writes.
A hopeless animal lover, Victoria adds plenty of cats and dogs in each book, and her love of gardening shows through the characters. As a storyteller, it is important for Victoria to draw the reader into the story; to make you feel the sultry tropical heat or the numbing cold of the north.
Victoria and her husband live in South Florida and own a landscape garden service. Two feisty cats make themselves at home, usually on her desk as she writes.
A lover of a good mystery, she is an avid reader and likes to be outdoors. When she is not reading, you may find her working on a needlepoint project.
Visit her website to learn about new and upcoming books.
http://www.VictoriaLKWilliams.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
December 29, 2021
Good-ish
Decent story in a quaint setting with good bones, but the writing needs more unfolding and less summary statements. The editor needs coffee.
Decent story in a quaint setting with good bones, but the writing needs more unfolding and less summary statements. The editor needs coffee.
April 1, 2022
Pearl Island
This book got my attention early and never let go! I have always loved stories of the oceans including mermaids and legends of the sea. The author has a huge amount of talent describing the island and residents so well, I felt as I was a part of the actions. I will read more of this series!
This book got my attention early and never let go! I have always loved stories of the oceans including mermaids and legends of the sea. The author has a huge amount of talent describing the island and residents so well, I felt as I was a part of the actions. I will read more of this series!
February 19, 2022
A well-written book about family history and legacies with ghosts, mermaids and other fun critters.
I did guess the culprit early on so while the mystery is well-written I did think it was too obvious.
I did guess the culprit early on so while the mystery is well-written I did think it was too obvious.
March 10, 2021
Several years spent meandering down the Eastern Seaboard has finally led to Morgan Seaver returning to her childhood home - Pearl Island, an almost magical place off the coast of Florida.
I was captivated by this dreamy tale. Sure, it's a murder mystery and there are evil-doers who wish harm to the main character, but the vibe was surreal like a lazy day spent floating down a slow-moving river. And, pivot, at the same time, there's a good amount of action making this story very hard to sum up.
If the supernatural and ghostly apparitions are not your thing, this is not the series for you. I, however, adored the premise and found myself having to ration the book in order to keep from blasting through something that deserves a little time and contemplation.
I was captivated by this dreamy tale. Sure, it's a murder mystery and there are evil-doers who wish harm to the main character, but the vibe was surreal like a lazy day spent floating down a slow-moving river. And, pivot, at the same time, there's a good amount of action making this story very hard to sum up.
If the supernatural and ghostly apparitions are not your thing, this is not the series for you. I, however, adored the premise and found myself having to ration the book in order to keep from blasting through something that deserves a little time and contemplation.
May 21, 2020
This book had me in its trance. I found it incredibly relaxing to read this cozy paranormal story of a misty island with long-held family secrets. Morgan is an interesting and likable leading character, and her adopted cat adds a lot of humor. The house she lives in is almost a character unto itself. This book will make you want to chuck it all and move to a beachfront house on a misty island!
September 10, 2021
The characters stayed with me enough to buy the next in the series
March 9, 2021
Spellbinding from the first page
Very well written. Story unfolds beautifully. Will keep you on the edge of your seat, right up to the end. Highly recommended.
Very well written. Story unfolds beautifully. Will keep you on the edge of your seat, right up to the end. Highly recommended.
September 23, 2021
Nice little read. Cute story as long as you believe magic is possible.
March 7, 2021
I was torn between giving this paranormal cozy mystery 3 stars or 4. The grammatical errors were plentiful, and the editing was lacking. However, the storyline was imaginative, the setting was fun, and the potential is there for this book to be the start of a wonderful series.
March 6, 2021
Fabulous
February 22, 2021
A wild introduction into the history of Pearl Island that kept me turning page after page insisting on knowing what was to come next to poor vibrant Morgan who entered an unknown battle was at play .Thanks to certain islanders coming to her things could have worked out differently .Such a poetical writing style that captures your sense of imagination carrying you to another plane apon this earth. Acquire "Mist at the Beach House " to get started in a new series in the world in and around the magical oceans. 😏Kat
April 25, 2020
Morgan is on her way to her aunt Meredith’s house on the beach. When she arrives, the house appears empty even though there is a smell of freshly baked cookies.
After having a good look around, Morgan eventually goes off to the rocks on the beach where she finds her aunt. They have a chat and part ways.
When her aunt hasn’t returned home hours later, Morgan goes back to the beach where she is met by cries of ‘murderer’. A young woman is accusing her of murdering her aunt and several people are standing around Meredith’s dead body.
And from that moment everything takes on strange turns. The male policeman, Stanley, wants to cuff Morgan and charge her with murder. The female officer, Jenny, is not convinced.
Nothing is as it seems on Pearl Island, which appears to be a mixture of good and bad people, legends and ghosts. What will Morgan discover about the pearls, mermaids and how she fits into this story? A great read!
After having a good look around, Morgan eventually goes off to the rocks on the beach where she finds her aunt. They have a chat and part ways.
When her aunt hasn’t returned home hours later, Morgan goes back to the beach where she is met by cries of ‘murderer’. A young woman is accusing her of murdering her aunt and several people are standing around Meredith’s dead body.
And from that moment everything takes on strange turns. The male policeman, Stanley, wants to cuff Morgan and charge her with murder. The female officer, Jenny, is not convinced.
Nothing is as it seems on Pearl Island, which appears to be a mixture of good and bad people, legends and ghosts. What will Morgan discover about the pearls, mermaids and how she fits into this story? A great read!
April 25, 2020
This is the first story in the Seaver's tale of Pearl Island.
It has compelling characters, lots of drama, a little humor, strangers who are destined to work together, and a thieving cat.
Morgan Seaver arrives on Pearl Island to do some repair work on her aunt's library. Shortly after she arrives her aunt is found dead on the beach and Morgan is now the heir and protector of the island. As well as the prime suspect for one of the investigating officers.
This was an enjoyable story set on a small island with the main character who's been destined to become the protector of the island as her family lineage has done for centuries. Only she had never been let in on this little secret.
A solid storyline, and nicely developed characters.
It has compelling characters, lots of drama, a little humor, strangers who are destined to work together, and a thieving cat.
Morgan Seaver arrives on Pearl Island to do some repair work on her aunt's library. Shortly after she arrives her aunt is found dead on the beach and Morgan is now the heir and protector of the island. As well as the prime suspect for one of the investigating officers.
This was an enjoyable story set on a small island with the main character who's been destined to become the protector of the island as her family lineage has done for centuries. Only she had never been let in on this little secret.
A solid storyline, and nicely developed characters.
April 25, 2020
I loved it!
A really well-structured book with a good flow, good pacing, a nice cozy feel, likeable characters, a cute cat, and it had pageturnerability. I felt pulled in and I immediately liked Morgan and was interested. It kept my interest throughout. And I kept thinking about Morgan when I finished the book, so it’s a memorable book. When I finished, I was left with that nice, excited feeling of wanting more.
Like I said: I really loved Morgan, and kitten Misty! Morgan’s character is well developed and I can’t wait to see her grow more. Gabe I also loved. I think the author has done a wonderful job with the characters! And I love Morgan’s profession!
And I loved that paranormal element!
A really well-structured book with a good flow, good pacing, a nice cozy feel, likeable characters, a cute cat, and it had pageturnerability. I felt pulled in and I immediately liked Morgan and was interested. It kept my interest throughout. And I kept thinking about Morgan when I finished the book, so it’s a memorable book. When I finished, I was left with that nice, excited feeling of wanting more.
Like I said: I really loved Morgan, and kitten Misty! Morgan’s character is well developed and I can’t wait to see her grow more. Gabe I also loved. I think the author has done a wonderful job with the characters! And I love Morgan’s profession!
And I loved that paranormal element!
April 26, 2020
Mist at the Beach House by Victoria LK Williams
As soon as I started reading Mist at the Beach House, the book had me hooked in its story. It's a Paranormal Cozy Mystery full of suspense around Morgans aunt, her friends, the beach house, the mist and raging waves and the legend that tells about a great love, and confrontation between those who lived in the island. While I was reading the book, it made me feel like I was part of the island.
I really loved it! and felt like I was part of the story.This book has been wonderful and I can't wait for the next one.
As soon as I started reading Mist at the Beach House, the book had me hooked in its story. It's a Paranormal Cozy Mystery full of suspense around Morgans aunt, her friends, the beach house, the mist and raging waves and the legend that tells about a great love, and confrontation between those who lived in the island. While I was reading the book, it made me feel like I was part of the island.
I really loved it! and felt like I was part of the story.This book has been wonderful and I can't wait for the next one.
April 25, 2020
Our adventure begins as Morgan Seaver returns to Pearl Island, Florida. Family legends and mysteries abound, filling us with curiosity to learn more. I remained intrigued from the first page to the last. I recommend this book. I received my copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair review.
Read
April 25, 2020Absolutely loves this book. It kept me interested the entire time I was reading it. This book has the drama that just draws you right into the story while still giving you a chuckle here and there.
Morgan Seaver thinks she is there to repair her aunts library, but she soon becomes the main murder suspect of her aunt along with the protector of the island.
Morgan Seaver thinks she is there to repair her aunts library, but she soon becomes the main murder suspect of her aunt along with the protector of the island.
April 27, 2020
This new series by Victoria LK Williams covers a family legend, murder, an over zealous police officer and a touch of the paranormal. A great new beginning with colorful characters, humor and mystery. Looking forward to book two.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. The comments and review are my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. The comments and review are my honest opinion.
April 21, 2020
Most books I read very quickly. I whip through them and on to the next one. I love those books too, don't get me wrong. But this one is ...I can't explain it. Every word just feels the need to absorb it...hold onto it...make it last. It gave me a deeply spiritual feeling as I read it. Great read!
April 10, 2021
Oh dear.
Firstly: I read this book for the simple reason that I watched an interview with the author and downloaded a copy of her book outline for this story. Intrigued as to how she put the story together I decided to read this.
As regards the outline I downloaded: it is obviously an old one as character names are different and things are mentioned in the outline that don’t occur in the novel. That’s not surprising as creating a book is a fluid thing. I can forgive the inconsistencies in the outline.
But the book. Someone has referred to it as being ‘shallow’ while another has said it was an ‘excellent read and well written.’ My opinion? It reads like the first draft by a teenager. Notwithstanding errors in the copy, the story is only partially developed. Too many times the main character is told that she will have to find things out for herself. No one wants to fill her in on what is a fundamental aspect of life on the island. There are mysteries, but unexplained, and too often things just happen to be and happen too quickly. Conversations occur but no content is given. We are too often told, but not shown. There’s a lot more to worry about with the story, but I will ‘let you find out for yourself’! Here’s a hint or two: territorial birds that don’t react to strangers and take but a moment to bond with the main character; an attempt on the main character’s life that makes no sense (did they joust on an ATV?); too much spoon-feeding the coincidences to the reader; and so on.
The author has a number of books to her name and I was expecting this to be her first. But it seems it isn’t. I just hope this is an unfortunate result of hurrying to get a series started and that the rest of her books are better written with more depth.
It’s not well written, it’s not an excellent story, it’s shallow at best and amateurish at worst. It takes an intriguing concept, dresses it up in a familiar outfit, and fails to excite.
Sorry, but I can’t recommend it. Shame, because the interview I watched really was quite good.
Firstly: I read this book for the simple reason that I watched an interview with the author and downloaded a copy of her book outline for this story. Intrigued as to how she put the story together I decided to read this.
As regards the outline I downloaded: it is obviously an old one as character names are different and things are mentioned in the outline that don’t occur in the novel. That’s not surprising as creating a book is a fluid thing. I can forgive the inconsistencies in the outline.
But the book. Someone has referred to it as being ‘shallow’ while another has said it was an ‘excellent read and well written.’ My opinion? It reads like the first draft by a teenager. Notwithstanding errors in the copy, the story is only partially developed. Too many times the main character is told that she will have to find things out for herself. No one wants to fill her in on what is a fundamental aspect of life on the island. There are mysteries, but unexplained, and too often things just happen to be and happen too quickly. Conversations occur but no content is given. We are too often told, but not shown. There’s a lot more to worry about with the story, but I will ‘let you find out for yourself’! Here’s a hint or two: territorial birds that don’t react to strangers and take but a moment to bond with the main character; an attempt on the main character’s life that makes no sense (did they joust on an ATV?); too much spoon-feeding the coincidences to the reader; and so on.
The author has a number of books to her name and I was expecting this to be her first. But it seems it isn’t. I just hope this is an unfortunate result of hurrying to get a series started and that the rest of her books are better written with more depth.
It’s not well written, it’s not an excellent story, it’s shallow at best and amateurish at worst. It takes an intriguing concept, dresses it up in a familiar outfit, and fails to excite.
Sorry, but I can’t recommend it. Shame, because the interview I watched really was quite good.
January 22, 2025
I LOVE paranormal cozy mysteries and this story gives a new take on the genre featuring mermaid lore.
Morgan Seaver arrives home to the family beach house expecting to spend time with her aunt. Instead, she finds her aunt’s dead body on the beach. To make matters worse, the local police think she’s the murderer!
Soon after her arrival, Morgan notices that a strange mist appears when she is on the beach. One day a kitten walks from the mist and into her heart. Most importantly, she learns her family has a complicated history with the island. Learning this history leads her to the legend of a sea witch who her ancestors fought for control. Could her family ties help her solve the murder of her beloved aunt?
This was a fun read with plenty of interesting characters. I loved the magical aspects interwoven into the story and into Morgan’s ancestry. Can you imagine what it would be like if you had mermaid ancestry? The mystery builds to a nice reveal, allowing for the series to flow into the next book. This first book is FREE on Amazon.com.
Morgan Seaver arrives home to the family beach house expecting to spend time with her aunt. Instead, she finds her aunt’s dead body on the beach. To make matters worse, the local police think she’s the murderer!
Soon after her arrival, Morgan notices that a strange mist appears when she is on the beach. One day a kitten walks from the mist and into her heart. Most importantly, she learns her family has a complicated history with the island. Learning this history leads her to the legend of a sea witch who her ancestors fought for control. Could her family ties help her solve the murder of her beloved aunt?
This was a fun read with plenty of interesting characters. I loved the magical aspects interwoven into the story and into Morgan’s ancestry. Can you imagine what it would be like if you had mermaid ancestry? The mystery builds to a nice reveal, allowing for the series to flow into the next book. This first book is FREE on Amazon.com.
February 21, 2022
I am not big on legends of mermaids, sirens and suchlike. I read this book just for fun.
Morgan arrives on Pearl island planning to live with her aunt in the old family home. Only to learn that her aunt was killed on the morning of the day Morgan arrived. She is immediately accused of killing her own aunt by a dark haired woman named Sirena Storm.
As the police continue looking for clues, they are blocked by unknown factors and also by one of the police officers who also accuses Morgan of killing her aunt. Fortunately Morgan has proof that she was miles away from the island at the time the murder took place. She only arrived a few hours later.
While the killer does eventually oust himself, after it turns out that he was enchanted by the siren, Morgan is told that there are still more battles to come. This book does not really have a nice ending. There are still plenty of loose ends which will probably show up in future books. I dont think I will bother to read them.
August 13, 2020
A well written and enjoyable story about mermaids, legends, ghosts, and the sea.
There were many things I loved about this book. The characters were written well. I loved the storyline. I’ve always been fascinated by the unknown, and I love how the author was able to make the reader believe in the legend. The author wrote a tight story that kept moving along page after page. I’m not much of a cat person, but Misty, a cute kitty in the story, has captured my heart. The author posted a list of name origins for the characters at the end of the book, and showed how they are all related to the sea. The cover of the book is outstanding, and one of my favorite covers ever. But the best thing about this book, there are 5 more books of the series to come.
Thank you to Victoria LK Williams and Sun, Sand & Stories Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ book.
There were many things I loved about this book. The characters were written well. I loved the storyline. I’ve always been fascinated by the unknown, and I love how the author was able to make the reader believe in the legend. The author wrote a tight story that kept moving along page after page. I’m not much of a cat person, but Misty, a cute kitty in the story, has captured my heart. The author posted a list of name origins for the characters at the end of the book, and showed how they are all related to the sea. The cover of the book is outstanding, and one of my favorite covers ever. But the best thing about this book, there are 5 more books of the series to come.
Thank you to Victoria LK Williams and Sun, Sand & Stories Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ book.
April 25, 2021
Mist at the Beach House has the potential to be a wonderful story, with intriguing characters and just enough paranormal to verge on believable. Sadly, the grammar and punctuation degrade the telling. Word misuse, sentence fragmentation, and a serious lack of respect for the semicolon are the three major errors.
The story in itself is intriguing. The reader is never told why Meredith's first appearance isn't accompanied by the shimmering that attends every other appearance, or the logic of Morgan's immediate conclusion the death was murder. In formulaic fashion, she knows what she needs to know through extensive correspondence over the years, but doesn't know what isn't convenient to the narrative.
Still, there are valid and intriguing storylines that may extend from the conclusion of this volume, making for the potential of a worthy series.
The story in itself is intriguing. The reader is never told why Meredith's first appearance isn't accompanied by the shimmering that attends every other appearance, or the logic of Morgan's immediate conclusion the death was murder. In formulaic fashion, she knows what she needs to know through extensive correspondence over the years, but doesn't know what isn't convenient to the narrative.
Still, there are valid and intriguing storylines that may extend from the conclusion of this volume, making for the potential of a worthy series.
July 4, 2021
Cozy Mystery - Mist at the Beach House
I love the characters and setting. I chose the book because it had a fantasy legend woven into the story. This was a quick read. The characters are intertwined. The owner of the beach house is the guardian of the island and keeps the island and everyone safe. There is someone who watches over the owner of the beach house. The keeper of the museum is the keeper of the history of the island and the legends. When the owner of the beach house is murdered, the niece is the only one left to take care of the beach house. As she gets to know the people in the town and the roles they play to keep the island safe, she learns about the legend and how it affects everyone's life on the island. Generations have maintained the roles of the guardian, protector and historian of the island. I would recommend this book if you enjoy cozy mysteries.
I love the characters and setting. I chose the book because it had a fantasy legend woven into the story. This was a quick read. The characters are intertwined. The owner of the beach house is the guardian of the island and keeps the island and everyone safe. There is someone who watches over the owner of the beach house. The keeper of the museum is the keeper of the history of the island and the legends. When the owner of the beach house is murdered, the niece is the only one left to take care of the beach house. As she gets to know the people in the town and the roles they play to keep the island safe, she learns about the legend and how it affects everyone's life on the island. Generations have maintained the roles of the guardian, protector and historian of the island. I would recommend this book if you enjoy cozy mysteries.
March 25, 2024
Morgan returns to Pearl Island to visit her aunt but finds she has been murdered and that she is being
accused of killing her! Things get spooky when her
ghost appears to her and then other ghosts as well.
She delves into the history of Pearl Island and finds that her ancestors are tied directly to its founding and its early history.
Numerous attempts are made on her life as well as break ins in her aunts house as she tries to get to the
bottom of this mystery. Unfortunately it claims one more life before she is able to confront those responsible for her aunt’s death and get a confession that will clear her name.
Ghostly appearances and a sneaky feline that thwarts
thieves from getting items they want highlight this delightful romp into the unknown that brings legends to life.
I enjoyed reading this book in serialized form and recommend it as a book I believe you will also enjoy!
accused of killing her! Things get spooky when her
ghost appears to her and then other ghosts as well.
She delves into the history of Pearl Island and finds that her ancestors are tied directly to its founding and its early history.
Numerous attempts are made on her life as well as break ins in her aunts house as she tries to get to the
bottom of this mystery. Unfortunately it claims one more life before she is able to confront those responsible for her aunt’s death and get a confession that will clear her name.
Ghostly appearances and a sneaky feline that thwarts
thieves from getting items they want highlight this delightful romp into the unknown that brings legends to life.
I enjoyed reading this book in serialized form and recommend it as a book I believe you will also enjoy!
January 14, 2022
Could the legend be true?
At her Aunt Meredith’s request, Morgan Seaver is returning to Pearl Island. She will use her skills at book restoration to rejuvenate her aunt’s large library of books while she is enjoying time with her aunt. What should have been a joyful reunion becomes a nightmare when Meredith’s body is discovered on the beach and a young woman insists that Morgan is the murderer. That is the start of a strange sequence of events involving the history of the Seaver’s, Pearl Island, ghosts, and a legend that could leave Morgan just as dead as her aunt if she cannot solve the murder.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed it. The ending is a bit of a cliff-hanger but it really sets the stage for the next book in the series.
At her Aunt Meredith’s request, Morgan Seaver is returning to Pearl Island. She will use her skills at book restoration to rejuvenate her aunt’s large library of books while she is enjoying time with her aunt. What should have been a joyful reunion becomes a nightmare when Meredith’s body is discovered on the beach and a young woman insists that Morgan is the murderer. That is the start of a strange sequence of events involving the history of the Seaver’s, Pearl Island, ghosts, and a legend that could leave Morgan just as dead as her aunt if she cannot solve the murder.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed it. The ending is a bit of a cliff-hanger but it really sets the stage for the next book in the series.
September 13, 2023
This is a great book! The characters are strong and well written and their interactions are believable. Friends are friends and enemies are just that! I felt a real connection with Morgan, the heroine, on many levels. That rarely happens to me. Morgan has just returned to her family home on the island of Pearl and her Aunt Meredith is murdered before she even gets settled in. Actions are often foretold by old legends which Morgan has to catch up on. The book is a great read and I have already purchased the rest of the series!
May 16, 2022
Mysterious Mist
I wanted a light read to pick up a few minutes here and there that didn’t require me to remember who killed who, who was suspicious, who was being set up or who was really the baddy. This book did all that except let me pick up for a few minutes here and there as finished in one read. Great characters, believable story touched with fantasy and myth. Recommended
I wanted a light read to pick up a few minutes here and there that didn’t require me to remember who killed who, who was suspicious, who was being set up or who was really the baddy. This book did all that except let me pick up for a few minutes here and there as finished in one read. Great characters, believable story touched with fantasy and myth. Recommended
April 8, 2023
Mist at the Beach House - This book is an absolutely big surprise and a serendipitous find to fit my mood, a needed change. I was pulled into the story and did not surface until the end. A good writing style and the book is edited. An interesting mix of characters and story lines well blended with the past and present.
Easy to figure out the baddies and why. The ATV scene was a bad move, she did not hear it coming? And a shot to a kidney is painful. 4*
Easy to figure out the baddies and why. The ATV scene was a bad move, she did not hear it coming? And a shot to a kidney is painful. 4*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews