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Lady Hardcastle Mysteries #6
Death Beside the Seaside
July 1910. Lady Hardcastle and her tireless sidekick Flo have finally embarked on a long-overdue seaside break. But just as they’re wavering between ice creams and donkey rides, their fellow guests start to go missing—and the duo find themselves with a hysterical hotel manager and a case to solve.
The first to disappear is Dr Goddard, a scientist doing something terribly top-secret for the government. Gone too are his strongbox and its mysterious contents. By the time Lady Hardcastle has questioned the horde of international guests, her number-one suspect has been dispatched in grisly circumstances—and then the others start vanishing too.
As the case begins to look like a matter of national security, Lady Hardcastle takes advice from her brother in the secret service. But could there be an even more personal connection at play? To solve the case, Lady Hardcastle may face a shocking discovery of her own.
The first to disappear is Dr Goddard, a scientist doing something terribly top-secret for the government. Gone too are his strongbox and its mysterious contents. By the time Lady Hardcastle has questioned the horde of international guests, her number-one suspect has been dispatched in grisly circumstances—and then the others start vanishing too.
As the case begins to look like a matter of national security, Lady Hardcastle takes advice from her brother in the secret service. But could there be an even more personal connection at play? To solve the case, Lady Hardcastle may face a shocking discovery of her own.
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First published October 22, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 523 reviews
October 12, 2019
Like all the books in this series this one was just so readable. It was funny with really entertaining dialogue, there was a good story and the author writes so well. As I started Death Beside the Seaside I felt I could relax and just enjoy myself for a few peaceful hours.
Starting with the beautiful cover we can see the amazing Lady Hardcastle and Florence her "tiny servant" on holiday in Weston-Super-Mare, England. Florence would take issue with the depiction of the blue sea since she firmly believed there was none. Apparently Weston has very extreme tides which means that for most of the day there is just a large expanse of mud flats. She does however manage to fulfil her wish to see Punch and Judy and to take a ride on a donkey.
Trouble follows our intrepid pair wherever they go but I think this book exceeds the usual body count even for them. In between kidnappings, murders and other mayhem they enjoy cocktails and high teas and generally have a very English good time.
I had a very good time too just reading about it all. I will definitely be keeping a look out for the next book.
My thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Starting with the beautiful cover we can see the amazing Lady Hardcastle and Florence her "tiny servant" on holiday in Weston-Super-Mare, England. Florence would take issue with the depiction of the blue sea since she firmly believed there was none. Apparently Weston has very extreme tides which means that for most of the day there is just a large expanse of mud flats. She does however manage to fulfil her wish to see Punch and Judy and to take a ride on a donkey.
Trouble follows our intrepid pair wherever they go but I think this book exceeds the usual body count even for them. In between kidnappings, murders and other mayhem they enjoy cocktails and high teas and generally have a very English good time.
I had a very good time too just reading about it all. I will definitely be keeping a look out for the next book.
My thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 5, 2023
4.5 stars
January 1, 2020
Lady Hardcastle and her lady's maid/sidekick Flo are taking a long overdue vacation at a luxurious seaside hotel in a small English village called Weston-Super-Mare. Unfortunately, their relaxing holiday turns into a nightmare when four hotel guests are murdered, two are kidnapped, and a mysterious strongbox goes missing. Something sinister is going on at the hotel and Lady Hardcastle and Flo are determined to get to the bottom of it.
Death Besides the Seaside is a fantastic addition to the Lady Hardcastle Mysteries. It is a humorous, entertaining historical cozy mystery, with great characters, excellent writing, and a complex mystery. Lady Hardcastle and Flo had me laughing out loud several times throughout the book, and I look forward to solving more mysteries with them. If you're looking for a lighthearted, historical cozy, then I highly recommend this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Death Besides the Seaside is a fantastic addition to the Lady Hardcastle Mysteries. It is a humorous, entertaining historical cozy mystery, with great characters, excellent writing, and a complex mystery. Lady Hardcastle and Flo had me laughing out loud several times throughout the book, and I look forward to solving more mysteries with them. If you're looking for a lighthearted, historical cozy, then I highly recommend this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2019
Once again author TE Kinsey has held me enthralled from beginning to end in Death Beside the Seaside; 6th in the Lady Hardcastle Mysteries. Lady Emily Hardcastle and her “tiny servant” Flo embarked on a week’s holiday at a seaside hotel in a small village called Weston-Super-Mare in England. It wasn’t long before Lady Hardcastle and Flo were in the thick of things once again with missing people, murdered others and few clues. As their investigation continued, against the express wishes of Lady Hardcastle’s Secret Service brother, a sudden blast from the past shocked the two sleuths who were determined to solve the case.
I loved this one – though I’ve loved them all – but the humour and dry wit from both Lady Hardcastle and Flo had me laughing out loud on occasion. A fabulous read, this is historical mystery; cosy style; at its best. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this one – though I’ve loved them all – but the humour and dry wit from both Lady Hardcastle and Flo had me laughing out loud on occasion. A fabulous read, this is historical mystery; cosy style; at its best. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2019
This is the sixth book in the Lady Hardcastle series featuring Lady Emily Hardcastle and her maid/associate, Flo. The book is a lighthearted look at the world of spycraft and adventure with two unlikely heroines; Lady Hardcastle who is a 40 something year old aristocrat and Flo, her right hand woman, a tiny woman, raised in a circus, who is adept at all manner of martial arts. They often allude to their past daring dos, when they were both working for Her Majesty’s government as spies although now they are attempting to retire and live quiet lives in the country.
The book, and series, is written with great humor, and is a tongue in cheek type of view of the world according to Lady Hardcastle and Flo. Both women are delightfully eccentric, with Lady Hardcastle being gifted at endeavors such as pioneering moving pictures and an in-depth study of botany while Flo keeps herself busy performing many of the tasks normally done by a ladies maid unless called upon to employ her more combative skills. Their relationship to each other is one of two friends who know each other so well, they can read each other’s minds. Their conversations are entertaining for both the content and the humor with which they are written. Lady Hardcastle spends most of her time pretending to be a ditzy, slightly off-balance lady who takes nothing seriously while Flo pretends to be a servant when they are in public and clearly is a friend and equal to Lady Hardcastle when they aren’t in the presence of others.
In this novel, Flo, who technically works for Lady Hardcastle, has finally badgered her into a vacation to the seashore. They set off to have what they believe is to be a calm, relaxing time at the shore, going on donkey rides, watching Punch and Judy shows, eating fish and chips and in general being tourists. The trip doesn’t turn out to be anything like they expected, which leads to hilarious entertainment in the form of a new adventure for the two women.
The hotel they reserve features five other guests, all from different countries, one of whom identifies himself as an employee of England doing some type of secret work. Lady Hardcastle quickly identifies the other “guests” as being foreign agents and proceeds to engage their attention and learn what exactly is taking place. Almost immediately after meeting the English scientist, he disappears, along with a strongbox he had secreted under his bed. As Lady Hardcastle engages first one then another of the guests she learns each of them believe the contents of the now missing strongbox contains information their respective governments might want. The questions are, is the scientist dead or missing? what’s in the strongbox? and where is it now?
Before Lady Hardcastle and Flo can begin much of an investigation, another guest is murdered, forcing Lady Hardcastle to contact her brother who works for the government and ask for his help in dealing with the murder. Of course he helps, encourages her to not get involved, she ignores his demands, and on the book goes to the next adventure.
If you like lighthearted intrigue books with agents which are just on the other side of believable, then this may be the book for you. Lady Hardcastle are delightful in their banter between each other as well as other characters in the book. The adventure itself is well plotted and fun, even though the reader is required to suspend disbelief a little in order to fully enjoy it. While it is a series, it isn’t necessary to read the books in order as each adventure is a complete story within itself. There are some recurring background characters, and the reader's enjoyment may be enhanced somewhat by reading the books in order. If you can’t find one, though, don’t let that stop you from sampling this highly entertaining series.
My thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital read copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
The book, and series, is written with great humor, and is a tongue in cheek type of view of the world according to Lady Hardcastle and Flo. Both women are delightfully eccentric, with Lady Hardcastle being gifted at endeavors such as pioneering moving pictures and an in-depth study of botany while Flo keeps herself busy performing many of the tasks normally done by a ladies maid unless called upon to employ her more combative skills. Their relationship to each other is one of two friends who know each other so well, they can read each other’s minds. Their conversations are entertaining for both the content and the humor with which they are written. Lady Hardcastle spends most of her time pretending to be a ditzy, slightly off-balance lady who takes nothing seriously while Flo pretends to be a servant when they are in public and clearly is a friend and equal to Lady Hardcastle when they aren’t in the presence of others.
In this novel, Flo, who technically works for Lady Hardcastle, has finally badgered her into a vacation to the seashore. They set off to have what they believe is to be a calm, relaxing time at the shore, going on donkey rides, watching Punch and Judy shows, eating fish and chips and in general being tourists. The trip doesn’t turn out to be anything like they expected, which leads to hilarious entertainment in the form of a new adventure for the two women.
The hotel they reserve features five other guests, all from different countries, one of whom identifies himself as an employee of England doing some type of secret work. Lady Hardcastle quickly identifies the other “guests” as being foreign agents and proceeds to engage their attention and learn what exactly is taking place. Almost immediately after meeting the English scientist, he disappears, along with a strongbox he had secreted under his bed. As Lady Hardcastle engages first one then another of the guests she learns each of them believe the contents of the now missing strongbox contains information their respective governments might want. The questions are, is the scientist dead or missing? what’s in the strongbox? and where is it now?
Before Lady Hardcastle and Flo can begin much of an investigation, another guest is murdered, forcing Lady Hardcastle to contact her brother who works for the government and ask for his help in dealing with the murder. Of course he helps, encourages her to not get involved, she ignores his demands, and on the book goes to the next adventure.
If you like lighthearted intrigue books with agents which are just on the other side of believable, then this may be the book for you. Lady Hardcastle are delightful in their banter between each other as well as other characters in the book. The adventure itself is well plotted and fun, even though the reader is required to suspend disbelief a little in order to fully enjoy it. While it is a series, it isn’t necessary to read the books in order as each adventure is a complete story within itself. There are some recurring background characters, and the reader's enjoyment may be enhanced somewhat by reading the books in order. If you can’t find one, though, don’t let that stop you from sampling this highly entertaining series.
My thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital read copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
November 18, 2023
The 6th Lady Hardcastle mystery is another top notch read. The audio book is excellent as always. I will get to book 7 early next year.
November 12, 2019
I loved the quaint sea-side switch up for this mystery's location. As always I was swept along with Lady Hardcastle and the ever vigorous side-kick-lady's-maid Flo as they took a trip. We didn't have to wait long and before you can say "salt water taffy" Dr. Goddard, a scientist staying at their hotel goes missing.
The tone of T. E. Kinsey's stories are highly entertaining, and I've discovered that the narrator for them on Audible, Elizabeth Knowelton is simply perfection! I hope these books continue for years to come. They're the perfect smart and fun entertainment for a long day that is anything but smart or entertaining.
--Anna E. Bendewald
The tone of T. E. Kinsey's stories are highly entertaining, and I've discovered that the narrator for them on Audible, Elizabeth Knowelton is simply perfection! I hope these books continue for years to come. They're the perfect smart and fun entertainment for a long day that is anything but smart or entertaining.
--Anna E. Bendewald
October 5, 2019
I have a grand time with this historical cozy mystery series set in rural Edwardian England with a clever and quirky Lady Hardcastle and her intrepid maid, Florence Armstrong both former spies now retired. Lots of fun wisecracks, intriguing historical details, engaging characters and settings that make the reader feel amused and engaged each time.
Death Beside the Seaside is the sixth Lady Hardcastle mystery that can be read out of order since each mystery is self contained in each book, though there is a mild series build if that is something which might bug some readers.
The latest adventure takes them from their village of Little Cotterell to the seaside where they hope to promenade along the boardwalk and pier, enjoy ice cream, the musicals at the theater, donkey rides on the beach and excursions about the local seaside town. But, not long after their arrival at the hotel recommended by a neighbor, they spot an intriguing international group of guests shortly before one goes missing as well as his mysterious locked box. Then the poor hotel manager is begging them to find out what goes on in his quiet, respectable establishment when a murder happens.
These are generally light and rompish, a little over the top, and a few good twists for the mystery. Death Beside the Seaside took that to an extreme giving winks to the old-style comedic spy capers and mysteries that invite the reader or movie-watcher to laugh at the antics that go with the excitement.
Lady Emily Hardcastle and Flo ignore her brother's admonishment to stay out of it and do a great job hunting down clues and villains while getting in their holiday. I had a few laughs, but not a lot of surprise over the unfolding events. I think other installments in the series have had a sharper edge to keep my focus more, but I wouldn't say I was disappointed, either. I look forward to their next caper and I would recommend these who like a historical setting with their cozy mystery.
I received this book through Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
Death Beside the Seaside is the sixth Lady Hardcastle mystery that can be read out of order since each mystery is self contained in each book, though there is a mild series build if that is something which might bug some readers.
The latest adventure takes them from their village of Little Cotterell to the seaside where they hope to promenade along the boardwalk and pier, enjoy ice cream, the musicals at the theater, donkey rides on the beach and excursions about the local seaside town. But, not long after their arrival at the hotel recommended by a neighbor, they spot an intriguing international group of guests shortly before one goes missing as well as his mysterious locked box. Then the poor hotel manager is begging them to find out what goes on in his quiet, respectable establishment when a murder happens.
These are generally light and rompish, a little over the top, and a few good twists for the mystery. Death Beside the Seaside took that to an extreme giving winks to the old-style comedic spy capers and mysteries that invite the reader or movie-watcher to laugh at the antics that go with the excitement.
Lady Emily Hardcastle and Flo ignore her brother's admonishment to stay out of it and do a great job hunting down clues and villains while getting in their holiday. I had a few laughs, but not a lot of surprise over the unfolding events. I think other installments in the series have had a sharper edge to keep my focus more, but I wouldn't say I was disappointed, either. I look forward to their next caper and I would recommend these who like a historical setting with their cozy mystery.
I received this book through Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2020
No review needed -- 5 stars, as usual! I will definitely be listening to this one again in the future!
December 31, 2019
I really love this cosy mystery series set in 1910 in England featuring Lady Hardcastle and her lady's maid sidekick friend Flo.
This one is preposterous in many ways and yet I love the historical value; it's just very far-fetched which is actually enjoyable in itself!
It doesn't take itself too seriously and every time I read one I love the characters more and more.
It is definitely a series favourite :)
Another perfect holiday read (whatever the time of year) as we are transported to the English seaside in Weston Super Mare in 1910...love it...
This one is preposterous in many ways and yet I love the historical value; it's just very far-fetched which is actually enjoyable in itself!
It doesn't take itself too seriously and every time I read one I love the characters more and more.
It is definitely a series favourite :)
Another perfect holiday read (whatever the time of year) as we are transported to the English seaside in Weston Super Mare in 1910...love it...
March 3, 2025
4.5🌟 I'm never disappointed when it comes to a Lady Hardcastle mystery. There are very few mysteries (or books in general) that make me laugh, but T.E. Kinsey rocks it every time! I adored this story and, even more than that, I love Lady Hardcastle and Flo. Seriously the BEST lady detective team that was ever created.
This story was light, absolutely fun and hilarious. I only wish I had saved this book for the summer. It's the perfect beach read...or an excellent choice for a vacation at the seaside in England. (Wish that's where I read this book!)
I'm just going to keep reading, enjoying and being incredibly entertained by this dynamic duo until there are no more books to read (which will be so sad!). But, until then, I will indulge myself with these cozy and laugh-out-loud titles with happiness and satisfaction ☺️💕
Highly recommended!
This story was light, absolutely fun and hilarious. I only wish I had saved this book for the summer. It's the perfect beach read...or an excellent choice for a vacation at the seaside in England. (Wish that's where I read this book!)
I'm just going to keep reading, enjoying and being incredibly entertained by this dynamic duo until there are no more books to read (which will be so sad!). But, until then, I will indulge myself with these cozy and laugh-out-loud titles with happiness and satisfaction ☺️💕
Highly recommended!
April 15, 2020
I really enjoyed the first third of the book, but when the investigation got into full swing I began to have a few doubts. The plot was a bit too farcical, with a mysterious strongbox, bedroom hopping and new bodies turning up every day. Then came the ending;
To be honest at this point I was ready to give just one star, but I really like Emily and Florence’s relationship and eventually there was a reasonable conclusion to the story.
To be honest at this point I was ready to give just one star, but I really like Emily and Florence’s relationship and eventually there was a reasonable conclusion to the story.
August 30, 2021
Fluffy bit of genteel spy 'literature'.
I continue to find the relationship between Lady Hardcastle and her maid Florence wildly anachronistic. Which is perhaps why I tend to think of them as Lady Vastra and Jennie (of Doctor Who fame instead). But it *is* entertaining fluff, so I keep reading.
I continue to find the relationship between Lady Hardcastle and her maid Florence wildly anachronistic. Which is perhaps why I tend to think of them as Lady Vastra and Jennie (of Doctor Who fame instead). But it *is* entertaining fluff, so I keep reading.
October 4, 2022
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July 15, 2024
my favorite so far. the uptick in deaths in this one is fun.
March 16, 2023
Loved that Weston Super Mare was included. I’ll never forget visiting that area and hearing the sea but never seeing it.
March 7, 2025
Some fun elements and I loved Dr Goddard and Adelia Wilson, but it ultimately felt rather long.
December 31, 2019
5/5 ⭐️
This was super good and I enjoyed it like all the others.
This was super good and I enjoyed it like all the others.
October 23, 2019
Death Beside The Seaside is the seventh book in the A Lady Hardcastle Mystery series.
I like this series. The main characters, Lady Hardcastle and her sidekick/best friend/maid, Flo, are humorous and interesting and one of my favorite duos. They have been through many harrowing experiences together. They trust each other to have the others back when necessary. For the most part, Flo handles the narration of the story along with most of the humor, but Lady Hardcastle also gets her chance with humor.
Lady Hardcastle and Flo decide that it is time for a much-needed vacation and set off for Weston-super-Mare. Their new motor is loaded and off they go. Once they arrive at their hotel and get settled in their rooms they head downstairs for dinner. They have ordered drinks when a gentleman enters the dining room and Lady Hardcastle offers to share the table the gentleman who identifies himself as Dr. Goddard. He says he is a scientist for the government and is the area for a top-secret meeting. Lady H. and Flo soon learn that there are three other men from different countries also staying at the hotel who are also part of the secret meeting. A couple of days later Dr. Goddard and a strongbox he had in his room have gone missing. The hotel manager says he has heard of Lady H. and Flo to solve mysteries and asks them to find what has happened to Goddard. Before long the other three men are dead and the strongbox still not located. Since Goddard disappearance, Lady H has been in touch with her brother Harry who works for a secret government agency and Harry tells her to stop her sleuthing but knows she won’t. Hopefully, the killer will be found before anyone else loses their life.
Well written story with interesting and believable characters that kept me guessing until the end. The author in his Authors Notes provides some interesting historical information and explains where he has changed some facts to fit his story.
I will be watching for the next book in great series.
I like this series. The main characters, Lady Hardcastle and her sidekick/best friend/maid, Flo, are humorous and interesting and one of my favorite duos. They have been through many harrowing experiences together. They trust each other to have the others back when necessary. For the most part, Flo handles the narration of the story along with most of the humor, but Lady Hardcastle also gets her chance with humor.
Lady Hardcastle and Flo decide that it is time for a much-needed vacation and set off for Weston-super-Mare. Their new motor is loaded and off they go. Once they arrive at their hotel and get settled in their rooms they head downstairs for dinner. They have ordered drinks when a gentleman enters the dining room and Lady Hardcastle offers to share the table the gentleman who identifies himself as Dr. Goddard. He says he is a scientist for the government and is the area for a top-secret meeting. Lady H. and Flo soon learn that there are three other men from different countries also staying at the hotel who are also part of the secret meeting. A couple of days later Dr. Goddard and a strongbox he had in his room have gone missing. The hotel manager says he has heard of Lady H. and Flo to solve mysteries and asks them to find what has happened to Goddard. Before long the other three men are dead and the strongbox still not located. Since Goddard disappearance, Lady H has been in touch with her brother Harry who works for a secret government agency and Harry tells her to stop her sleuthing but knows she won’t. Hopefully, the killer will be found before anyone else loses their life.
Well written story with interesting and believable characters that kept me guessing until the end. The author in his Authors Notes provides some interesting historical information and explains where he has changed some facts to fit his story.
I will be watching for the next book in great series.
November 15, 2019
For a long time, sassy maid Florence Armstrong has been trying to persuade her boss, Emily, Lady Hardcastle to visit the seaside. So the duo — both of them retired spies — decide to take a holiday in the real-life beach resort of Weston-super-Mare, not far from Bristol. (Why the British think it’s such fun to swim in chilly water and brave pretty cold winds even in summer remains a mystery to me. Give me the French Riviera any day!) Some of the coincidences are a bit much, but Lady Hardcastle and Flo remain such a pleasure that I couldn’t put this humorous gem down.
When they arrive at the luxurious Steep Holm View Hotel, they discover that nearly all of the other guests hale from foreign parts: an aunt and niece from America, a Russian count, a disagreeable Austrian, a marine engineer from Nantes in France, an Oxford-trained Japanese. A timid English scientist rounds out the guest list. What are the odds? When the scientist vanishes, and his room is ransacked, Lady Hardcastle and Armstrong swing into action. I promise you won’t regret going along.
If you have Kindle Unlimited, you’re in for an additional treat: The Kindle and Audible versions are free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
When they arrive at the luxurious Steep Holm View Hotel, they discover that nearly all of the other guests hale from foreign parts: an aunt and niece from America, a Russian count, a disagreeable Austrian, a marine engineer from Nantes in France, an Oxford-trained Japanese. A timid English scientist rounds out the guest list. What are the odds? When the scientist vanishes, and his room is ransacked, Lady Hardcastle and Armstrong swing into action. I promise you won’t regret going along.
If you have Kindle Unlimited, you’re in for an additional treat: The Kindle and Audible versions are free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
January 26, 2020
Another fun addition to the series 4.5*
June 21, 2021
I enjoy T. E. Kinsey's dialogue, Elizabeth Knoweldon's delivery & the dynamic between Lady Hardcastle & Flo!
May 22, 2020
I expected to give this five stars - I enjoy the characters and the writing very much, and I had a great time with the disappearances, murders, and derring-do in this one - but alas. The anachronisms (seriously, that character didn't say "flaked out", did he? Lie to me if you have to, just say no) and rather an anticlimactic last couple of chapters let it fall flat. ()
January 1, 2020
Love this series
Ngl this series is one of the main reasons i wanted kindle unlimted lol i really love that this series, unlike many cozy mysteries, isnt based on a stupid love interest thats annoyingly drawn out or someone whos a complete butt and uses it as a personality trait. Might even reread this series too lol
Ngl this series is one of the main reasons i wanted kindle unlimted lol i really love that this series, unlike many cozy mysteries, isnt based on a stupid love interest thats annoyingly drawn out or someone whos a complete butt and uses it as a personality trait. Might even reread this series too lol
October 14, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of Death beside the Seaside, the sixth novel to feature Lady Emily Hardcastle and her lady’s maid, Florence Armstrong.
It’s July 1910 and Lady Hardcastle decides it’s time for a summer holiday so she and Flo depart for the Steep Holm View Hotel in Weston-super-Mare, a nice, genteel hostelry or it was until a guest disappears and another one is murdered.
I thoroughly enjoyed Death beside the Seaside which is a highly amusing romp through pre-war England. The plot is absurd with murders, spies and double crosses but it’s a lot of fun and highly entertaining. It held my attention throughout and I finished it in one sitting, unable to put it down. The absurdity is very well done and obviously a lot of thought has gone into it with all its twists and chaotic solutions, meaning there is never a dull moment and the reader can’t help but get caught up in the sheer fun and exuberance of it all.
Much of the fun revolves around the characters of Flo, the narrator and her boss/friend/accomplice Lady Hardcastle. If they’re not spinning tall tales of their previous escapades they’re getting stuck in to their investigation or outwitting the bad guys. Their adventures are spiced up by amusing dialogue between them.
Death beside the Sea is a fun read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
It’s July 1910 and Lady Hardcastle decides it’s time for a summer holiday so she and Flo depart for the Steep Holm View Hotel in Weston-super-Mare, a nice, genteel hostelry or it was until a guest disappears and another one is murdered.
I thoroughly enjoyed Death beside the Seaside which is a highly amusing romp through pre-war England. The plot is absurd with murders, spies and double crosses but it’s a lot of fun and highly entertaining. It held my attention throughout and I finished it in one sitting, unable to put it down. The absurdity is very well done and obviously a lot of thought has gone into it with all its twists and chaotic solutions, meaning there is never a dull moment and the reader can’t help but get caught up in the sheer fun and exuberance of it all.
Much of the fun revolves around the characters of Flo, the narrator and her boss/friend/accomplice Lady Hardcastle. If they’re not spinning tall tales of their previous escapades they’re getting stuck in to their investigation or outwitting the bad guys. Their adventures are spiced up by amusing dialogue between them.
Death beside the Sea is a fun read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
November 10, 2019
2019 bk 350. The newest book - this one I could see as a movie, one with a serious theme, but filled with lots of slapstick comedy. I'd love to see the younger Alfred Hitchcock work on this as a film. The book - was fun. Lady Hardcastle and Flo go for a week's vacation on the shore - but get involved in the disappearance of a scientist, then the death of .... Let's just say that there are many foreign elements staying at their hotel. Flo does get to ride her donkey, but the timing is never quite right to catch the Punch and Judy show. This is a keeper and one for reading again.
November 27, 2024
I have not read any of the previous books in this series, but this one stands well enough on its own.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Despite being a murder mystery, it is light hearted and silly. The joking between Lady Hardcastle and Florence is what makes the book. The cast of other characters are all well written.
The whole book is amusing and the perfect kind of silly. I will definitely be reading the previous books in this series.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Despite being a murder mystery, it is light hearted and silly. The joking between Lady Hardcastle and Florence is what makes the book. The cast of other characters are all well written.
The whole book is amusing and the perfect kind of silly. I will definitely be reading the previous books in this series.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2019
Another lovely addiction to this series. It's a fun read, engrossing and entertaining.
I loved the humor, the character development and the style of writing.
The mystery is solid and kept me guessing.
I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved the humor, the character development and the style of writing.
The mystery is solid and kept me guessing.
I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
September 3, 2023
This series never fails to put a smile on my face...
As always, I absolutely adored Flo and Lady Hardcastle and all their shenanigans. This was a particularly fun mystery filled with espionage, which I loved.
This has really become a comfort series for me!
As always, I absolutely adored Flo and Lady Hardcastle and all their shenanigans. This was a particularly fun mystery filled with espionage, which I loved.
This has really become a comfort series for me!
November 15, 2022
Absolutely loved it. The right amount of action and conversation for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 523 reviews