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Citrus Beach Mysteries #6
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
384 people are currently reading
4627 people want to read
About the author
Victoria L.K. Williams
50 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 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!
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.
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
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 24, 2017
Flappers, Peacocks, & Florida - Winning Combination!
The Citrus Beach Mysteries are always a fun read & The Flapper Caper does not disappoint! The plot twists kept me turning the pages nonstop. Definitely a worthwhile read.
The Citrus Beach Mysteries are always a fun read & The Flapper Caper does not disappoint! The plot twists kept me turning the pages nonstop. Definitely a worthwhile read.
June 24, 2017
This was a fun read. Megan is helping her ex-husband prove he's no murderer and her boyfriend, police detective Aiden, having to step aside because of possible conflicts in the case. The tension between the two strains their relationship. Will their love overcome the problems between them?
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!
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
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 10, 2021
The characters stayed with me enough to buy the next in the series
September 23, 2021
Nice little read. Cute story as long as you believe magic is possible.
July 16, 2025
Return to Citrus Beach Book 1
Gift of Murder
Victoria LKWilliams
Emma goes back home and its Christmas time. Aiden has to go to Europe and Megan is going with his husband and they are taking the dogs with them, so they dont get lonely. Back home, Zoe, as the office manager and Emma are staying in front of the business , and they have everything covered.
Emma, as soon as they depart, goes to see her new office and finds her Christmas present, left there by her mom. Its a wonderful beagel puppy, named Dixie. Now Emma is a new pet owner and she is loving it.
She leaves her pet in Zoe's care and goes to her first work reunion where she will show her new designs around some Christmas decorations. As she gets there and is ready to see the Diamond Christmasts Ornaments she is going to make the designs around for, the girl that was going to display the ornaments, gets killed and the ornaments are stolen from the mansion.
Then Emma gets involved in findind who killed the girl. Who stole the ornaments? and Who was the killer of the accountant?
There is no doubt in my mind that Ms. Williams is one of the Best Cozy Mystery Writers, if not the best of all.
This book proves it: A great Cozy mystery, that you'll have to read If you want to find out what happens. I recommend that you get the book. In fact, get the whole Citrus Beach Series, It is a wonderful series to get. This book was great.
Fun Cozy Read.
Gift of Murder
Victoria LKWilliams
Emma goes back home and its Christmas time. Aiden has to go to Europe and Megan is going with his husband and they are taking the dogs with them, so they dont get lonely. Back home, Zoe, as the office manager and Emma are staying in front of the business , and they have everything covered.
Emma, as soon as they depart, goes to see her new office and finds her Christmas present, left there by her mom. Its a wonderful beagel puppy, named Dixie. Now Emma is a new pet owner and she is loving it.
She leaves her pet in Zoe's care and goes to her first work reunion where she will show her new designs around some Christmas decorations. As she gets there and is ready to see the Diamond Christmasts Ornaments she is going to make the designs around for, the girl that was going to display the ornaments, gets killed and the ornaments are stolen from the mansion.
Then Emma gets involved in findind who killed the girl. Who stole the ornaments? and Who was the killer of the accountant?
There is no doubt in my mind that Ms. Williams is one of the Best Cozy Mystery Writers, if not the best of all.
This book proves it: A great Cozy mystery, that you'll have to read If you want to find out what happens. I recommend that you get the book. In fact, get the whole Citrus Beach Series, It is a wonderful series to get. This book was great.
Fun Cozy Read.
November 15, 2024
The Gift of Murder
Emma Cassidy returns home after a 5 year stint of learning her trade to start her own business.
While at her first customers home to discuss the designs that Emma has prepared for the redesign for her company’s logo, there is a scream down the hall, and as everyone rushes into the room, they discover the body of one of the people involved in the day to day business of running of that household, along with several missing expensive ornaments.
As Emmy was known to solve a couple of mysteries in her younger years, she is asked to step in and solve the mystery of the missing baubles and murder.
So, with the help of former friends, frenemies, and new friends.
Emmy sets out to solve the newest crime in town.
Gift of Murder is the first book in the Return to Citrus Beach series.
There are developed characters, a bit of intrigue, and a new puppy to keep things interesting.
Many thanks to Victoria Williams for allowing me to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this story.
All opinions given are my own.
Emma Cassidy returns home after a 5 year stint of learning her trade to start her own business.
While at her first customers home to discuss the designs that Emma has prepared for the redesign for her company’s logo, there is a scream down the hall, and as everyone rushes into the room, they discover the body of one of the people involved in the day to day business of running of that household, along with several missing expensive ornaments.
As Emmy was known to solve a couple of mysteries in her younger years, she is asked to step in and solve the mystery of the missing baubles and murder.
So, with the help of former friends, frenemies, and new friends.
Emmy sets out to solve the newest crime in town.
Gift of Murder is the first book in the Return to Citrus Beach series.
There are developed characters, a bit of intrigue, and a new puppy to keep things interesting.
Many thanks to Victoria Williams for allowing me to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this story.
All opinions given are my own.
February 16, 2025
Enjoyable!
This new series is a continuation of one that took place in Citrus Beach that ended 7 yrs ago. The original series was about Megan Cassidy & her exploits. Now we get to see her daughter, Emma, returning to Citrus Beach to start her own business. Quite quickly Emma becomes involved in a murder & the theft of 24 antique diamond Christmas ornaments. I truly enjoyed the story. Unfortunately the book is seriously in need of an editor. These errors disrupt the flow of the story which made me give this book 4 stars instead of 5.
This new series is a continuation of one that took place in Citrus Beach that ended 7 yrs ago. The original series was about Megan Cassidy & her exploits. Now we get to see her daughter, Emma, returning to Citrus Beach to start her own business. Quite quickly Emma becomes involved in a murder & the theft of 24 antique diamond Christmas ornaments. I truly enjoyed the story. Unfortunately the book is seriously in need of an editor. These errors disrupt the flow of the story which made me give this book 4 stars instead of 5.
November 15, 2024
Truly excellent book! I loved it!
Immediately that warm feeling, that excitement. Emma! I have always loved her, and I’m so happy she gets her own series now!
Dixie is so cute! She’s the star of the show, right alongside Emma. The story flows well and the mystery is multi-layered. It was clear to me whodunit, but that’s ok, I loved the way it was done. I liked the sense of justice. Great book that made me feel happy!
Immediately that warm feeling, that excitement. Emma! I have always loved her, and I’m so happy she gets her own series now!
Dixie is so cute! She’s the star of the show, right alongside Emma. The story flows well and the mystery is multi-layered. It was clear to me whodunit, but that’s ok, I loved the way it was done. I liked the sense of justice. Great book that made me feel happy!
November 17, 2024
What a good story! I love stories set at Christmas time. I really like these characters, especially Dixie, the puppy. I usually look for books with animals in them. I am looking forward to the next one.
February 10, 2026
Mist at the Beach House is a captivating mystery with a vivid setting and engaging characters. Victoria L.K. Williams builds suspense beautifully, keeping you intrigued from the first page to the last. A delightful and satisfying read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the small town cozy mystery, which featured themes of theft and murder in a tight-knit community.
January 27, 2025
This book did not feel like it was written by a seasoned author. It was not well edited, and I didn’t need to be told repeatedly how much Kim had changed or how self-absorbed Wendy was. I usually like cozy mysteries, but this one just didn’t engage me.
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews