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Crime á la Mode #1
Deadman's Float
It all started with a runaway dog.
Meet Serena Lavinia: part-time ice cream truck driver, part-time reporter, and full-time woman of mystery. She never expected to find a cute little terrier while on her morning ice cream route on the island of Lantern Beach.
Nor did she expect the dog to be carrying a bloody shoe.
When a dead body is discovered floating in a nearby pool, Serena becomes fully immersed in her very own who-done-it. But her investigation hits a snag when a new foe arrives in town. Webster Newsome has been appointed the town’s new newspaper editor—a job Serena wanted—and the man is entirely too bossy.
Meet Serena Lavinia: part-time ice cream truck driver, part-time reporter, and full-time woman of mystery. She never expected to find a cute little terrier while on her morning ice cream route on the island of Lantern Beach.
Nor did she expect the dog to be carrying a bloody shoe.
When a dead body is discovered floating in a nearby pool, Serena becomes fully immersed in her very own who-done-it. But her investigation hits a snag when a new foe arrives in town. Webster Newsome has been appointed the town’s new newspaper editor—a job Serena wanted—and the man is entirely too bossy.
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2020
352 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
340 books1,673 followersChristy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
July 12, 2020
Serena works part-time selling ice cream from her ice cream truck and also as a reporter for the local newspaper. One day on her ice cream route a runaway dog crosses her path with a bloody shoe in his mouth, which eventually gets Serena caught up in a murder mystery. She’s working on the news story along with Webster Newsome who is the town’s new newspaper editor, the job that Serena had hoped for. She initially has bad feelings towards him, but finds that they make a pretty good team during their investigation.
This cozy mystery was such a cute read. I loved the adorable dog of many names that Serena became quite attached to. I thought that Serena and Webster made a really nice team. The island of Lantern Beach, North Carolina, was a lovely setting for the story in this super-fun and quick read.
This cozy mystery was such a cute read. I loved the adorable dog of many names that Serena became quite attached to. I thought that Serena and Webster made a really nice team. The island of Lantern Beach, North Carolina, was a lovely setting for the story in this super-fun and quick read.
April 30, 2020
DEADMAN'S FLOAT is an adorable cozy mystery that probably shouldn't be read late at night, unless you want to wake up an unsuspecting person and warn them not to eat the ice cream because it is cursed. The ice cream is not cursed, though the truck might be, but this is a fun book as the quirky ice cream truck driver stumbles into her own who-dun-it.
I did sort of halfway figure it out by the end, but part of it caught me by surprise.
I love Ms. Barritt's books and this is a cozy mystery novella not to be missed. Return to Lantern Beach for this novella.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
I did sort of halfway figure it out by the end, but part of it caught me by surprise.
I love Ms. Barritt's books and this is a cozy mystery novella not to be missed. Return to Lantern Beach for this novella.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
April 25, 2020
Another Lantern Beach series??? Yes, please!!! This novella stars Serena, part time ice cream truck driver and part time reporter. She is as fun and quirky as ever. While driving her ice cream truck, she finds a missing dog with a bloody shoe in his mouth which leads her to a dead body in a pool. Let the mystery begin! Sidenote here... as a dog lover myself, I always love a book with a great canine sidekick. Let's just call this one the dog with a thousand names. That will make sense when you read the book. This pup will not disappoint!! We are also introduced to a new resident in Lantern Beach. Webster Newsome has been named the new newspaper editor. Since Serena thought that job would be hers one day, Serena and Webster's relationship starts off a bit rocky to say the least. However, they team up to solve the mystery of who is responsible killing the man in the pool. This was a quick, fun read and I am looking forward to the future books in this series!
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 26, 2020
Deadman's Float was a super fun trip back to Lantern Beach that follows Serena as she investigates a murder. A compelling read that I finished in a day, it was a nice distraction and a great escape from the real world.
Serena has always been one of my favorite Lantern Beach residents, so it's great to finally be getting a series about her. She's a little bit out there and definitely marches to the beat of her own drum, but that's what makes her so likable and fun to read about. You never know what she's gonna do next. I'm very much intrigued by the introduction of Webster Newsome. Him and Serena have an interesting dynamic and I'm looking forward to seeing how that develops in the future. And I can't forget to mention the adorable dog. He's such a cutie!
If you're looking for an entertaining and quick read, pick up this sweet treat.
Serena has always been one of my favorite Lantern Beach residents, so it's great to finally be getting a series about her. She's a little bit out there and definitely marches to the beat of her own drum, but that's what makes her so likable and fun to read about. You never know what she's gonna do next. I'm very much intrigued by the introduction of Webster Newsome. Him and Serena have an interesting dynamic and I'm looking forward to seeing how that develops in the future. And I can't forget to mention the adorable dog. He's such a cutie!
If you're looking for an entertaining and quick read, pick up this sweet treat.
July 20, 2020
This is a light cozy-style mystery that’s mostly really good fun of trying to find out who killed a man. The book is squeaky clean and the murder barely described at all. There’s no romance although the hint of it is there for later stories. Despite the short length, it’s well-paced and feels complete. I’ve always enjoyed this town and especially liked this lighter and more whimsical view of it rather than the somewhat intense longer novels.
July 30, 2020
2.5 stars rounded up
Serena Lavinia is a part-time ice cream truck driver, part-time reporter, and social media influencer living on Lantern Island, North Carolina. During her routine route, she discovers a cute little dog missing a collar and leash. The cute dog happens to be holding a man's shoe... a bloody man's shoe with no man in sight. Serena searches for an owner but no one comes forward and in fact, one of the only people she sees is floating face down in a pool of a rental home. The police are on the case and Serena is eager to report the story for the local paper but the editor has a surprise. Her nephew has come to stay from the big city and will be the new editor. When the police are less forthcoming with information than Serena and Webster would like them to be, the reporters do a little sleuthing of their own.
This is a short, lightish mystery, perfect for a hot summer's day or night. The plot was interesting enough. I guessed what it was about before the reveal. The story isn't that complicated.
Serena's brain seem to work part-time. She is either really naïve and optimistic or too stupid to live. She's immature, sometimes rude, and rushes in without thinking. When she's selling ice cream, she's delightful. Serena dresses as a new character each day, is always perky and cheerful and loves what she does. $1 per ice cream sandwich and $5 for 5 ice cream sandwiches is not a deal LOL! It's a bargain, but not a deal. I love the little terrier she finds. She gives him too many names to keep track of and I thought for sure she forgot to feed the little guy a meal but later she relates that she did cook him supper. She was only shown giving him water so I was concerned. The terrier is loving, playful and super adorable. He reminded me of my friend Grady.
http://www.evelynarts.com/album/album...
Serena's ice cream truck, Elsa is also a character in the story. Elsa has a mind of her own and plays music to suit the occasion or when needed as a distraction. It's a little corny but fun.
Police Chief Cassidy Chambers seems to know what she's doing so I don't know why Webster is so angry with her. Cassidy is personal friends with Serena but she's all business here. I think the police could have solved the mystery. I haven't read the books about Cassidy so I don't really know her that well.
Random people mentioned are Lawrence Hollingshed, a surfer dude neighbor to the rental house where the body is found. He could have been a witness. He claims he was out surfing all day but what about night? Why didn't he see or hear anything? Is he lying? Ernestine Sanders, editor of the local paper, is an interesting character. She's afraid to leave her house but has a special friend and reports on crime. She's a contradiction! I don't understand her motivation in just randomly turning things over to her nephew without telling Serena or anyone else. Webster Newsome is kind of Mr. Darcyish. He can be standoffish and a bit rude but he unbends and relaxes a bit around Serena. I sense he has a secret reason for leaving the big city papers behind and it's not a good one. He's a little overzealous in trying to get his story. Serena's friend and neighbor, Kail Wilson, is a hippie who cleans houses on the weekends. She is Serena's informant. She's smart to exchange information for ice cream! However, I don't think she was right to reveal private information.
Paul Witherspoon, the dead man, was from Upstate New York. What was he doing in Lantern Island? His name wasn't on any rental agreement. Who was he? Was he the terrier's owner? It's a mystery. The reveal makes him sound like a decent guy who got mixed up in something he shouldn't have. Cal Linton, dogcatcher, is Serena's only suspect. How can he do such a terrible job? He seems shifty . I figured out why long before Serena did. Jason claims he owns the cute terrier Serena has fallen in love with. The terrier doesn't seem to love Jason as much as Serena. Therefore, Jason must be a bad guy but what he's up to is the mystery!
This bit of fluff was OK. I might read the second one to see if Serena matures. I'm a sucker for a cute dog so I probably WILL end up reading the next two.
Serena Lavinia is a part-time ice cream truck driver, part-time reporter, and social media influencer living on Lantern Island, North Carolina. During her routine route, she discovers a cute little dog missing a collar and leash. The cute dog happens to be holding a man's shoe... a bloody man's shoe with no man in sight. Serena searches for an owner but no one comes forward and in fact, one of the only people she sees is floating face down in a pool of a rental home. The police are on the case and Serena is eager to report the story for the local paper but the editor has a surprise. Her nephew has come to stay from the big city and will be the new editor. When the police are less forthcoming with information than Serena and Webster would like them to be, the reporters do a little sleuthing of their own.
This is a short, lightish mystery, perfect for a hot summer's day or night. The plot was interesting enough. I guessed what it was about before the reveal. The story isn't that complicated.
Serena's brain seem to work part-time. She is either really naïve and optimistic or too stupid to live. She's immature, sometimes rude, and rushes in without thinking. When she's selling ice cream, she's delightful. Serena dresses as a new character each day, is always perky and cheerful and loves what she does. $1 per ice cream sandwich and $5 for 5 ice cream sandwiches is not a deal LOL! It's a bargain, but not a deal. I love the little terrier she finds. She gives him too many names to keep track of and I thought for sure she forgot to feed the little guy a meal but later she relates that she did cook him supper. She was only shown giving him water so I was concerned. The terrier is loving, playful and super adorable. He reminded me of my friend Grady.
http://www.evelynarts.com/album/album...
Serena's ice cream truck, Elsa is also a character in the story. Elsa has a mind of her own and plays music to suit the occasion or when needed as a distraction. It's a little corny but fun.
Police Chief Cassidy Chambers seems to know what she's doing so I don't know why Webster is so angry with her. Cassidy is personal friends with Serena but she's all business here. I think the police could have solved the mystery. I haven't read the books about Cassidy so I don't really know her that well.
Random people mentioned are Lawrence Hollingshed, a surfer dude neighbor to the rental house where the body is found. He could have been a witness. He claims he was out surfing all day but what about night? Why didn't he see or hear anything? Is he lying? Ernestine Sanders, editor of the local paper, is an interesting character. She's afraid to leave her house but has a special friend and reports on crime. She's a contradiction! I don't understand her motivation in just randomly turning things over to her nephew without telling Serena or anyone else. Webster Newsome is kind of Mr. Darcyish. He can be standoffish and a bit rude but he unbends and relaxes a bit around Serena. I sense he has a secret reason for leaving the big city papers behind and it's not a good one. He's a little overzealous in trying to get his story. Serena's friend and neighbor, Kail Wilson, is a hippie who cleans houses on the weekends. She is Serena's informant. She's smart to exchange information for ice cream! However, I don't think she was right to reveal private information.
Paul Witherspoon, the dead man, was from Upstate New York. What was he doing in Lantern Island? His name wasn't on any rental agreement. Who was he? Was he the terrier's owner? It's a mystery. The reveal makes him sound like a decent guy who got mixed up in something he shouldn't have. Cal Linton, dogcatcher, is Serena's only suspect. How can he do such a terrible job? He seems shifty . I figured out why long before Serena did. Jason claims he owns the cute terrier Serena has fallen in love with. The terrier doesn't seem to love Jason as much as Serena. Therefore, Jason must be a bad guy but what he's up to is the mystery!
This bit of fluff was OK. I might read the second one to see if Serena matures. I'm a sucker for a cute dog so I probably WILL end up reading the next two.
September 24, 2020
What an adorable introduction to this fun ice cream themed cozy mystery series from one of my favorite authors! Deadman's Float is a novella so I read it pretty quickly. I enjoyed the fact that the crime in the book was not the same ol', same ol', and I had fun trying to figure out who was behind it all while getting acquainted with Serena and Co.
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
April 23, 2020
A second new series from Christy Barritt this month?!?!? Talk about your April showers!!!
Serena Lavinia, who was a supporting character in several Lantern Beach novels, becomes the star of her own series. Part-time ice cream lady, part-time reporter, part-time social media influencer, and full-time magnet for intrigue (or she better be, otherwise this series will be pretty dull), Serena teams up with the newspaper's new editor, Webster Newsome, to investigate the death of a man whose body is found in a vacation rental's pool. Along the way she gains a four-legged partner.
The book has a decent mystery, but there's also fun with Elsa, the ice cream truck with a mind of its own, and someone who is creating art on the beach on a daily basis (I think I know who, but . . .). All in all, another great start from author Christy Barritt.
Serena Lavinia, who was a supporting character in several Lantern Beach novels, becomes the star of her own series. Part-time ice cream lady, part-time reporter, part-time social media influencer, and full-time magnet for intrigue (or she better be, otherwise this series will be pretty dull), Serena teams up with the newspaper's new editor, Webster Newsome, to investigate the death of a man whose body is found in a vacation rental's pool. Along the way she gains a four-legged partner.
The book has a decent mystery, but there's also fun with Elsa, the ice cream truck with a mind of its own, and someone who is creating art on the beach on a daily basis (I think I know who, but . . .). All in all, another great start from author Christy Barritt.
April 28, 2020
This story is a spin-off from all the Lantern Beach series and it stars Serena. It’s a cute story with a quirkiness that only Serena can give. It will all leave your head spinning; from her outlandish costumes to the crazy names she gives the cute little dog she finds. Her tender heart and curious mind keeps her busy and sometimes in a little bit of danger.
Christy Barritt is an amazing author because she brings to life characters in such a way it’s as if I know them personally. She uses vivid word pictures and descriptions to tell this story. The way she writes is so genuine and refreshing. I love this new storyline and can’t wait to read more adventures with Serena and Scoops.
If you LOVE mystery, suspense, action, and some fun quirky parts too, you will love this book!
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Christy Barritt is an amazing author because she brings to life characters in such a way it’s as if I know them personally. She uses vivid word pictures and descriptions to tell this story. The way she writes is so genuine and refreshing. I love this new storyline and can’t wait to read more adventures with Serena and Scoops.
If you LOVE mystery, suspense, action, and some fun quirky parts too, you will love this book!
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 3, 2020
Too fun and too cute
Serena has always been the quirky character in the Lantern Beach books. It was fun to see her front and center in this story. She showed she had more depth than I could imagine. Webster is going to be an interesting character to get to know.
Looking forward to what’s next for the trio!
Serena has always been the quirky character in the Lantern Beach books. It was fun to see her front and center in this story. She showed she had more depth than I could imagine. Webster is going to be an interesting character to get to know.
Looking forward to what’s next for the trio!
May 25, 2020
If readers are familiar with the Lantern Beach world, then Serena is a reoccurring character who drives the ice cream truck. She finally gets her stories. From her crazy clothes to her outgoing personality, Serena finds herself in trouble when a dog appears on her route with a shoe in his mouth. True to every person on Lantern Beach, mysteries find everyone. The story is quick. I finished it in a little under an hour, so it doesn't take that long to read, but it is a delightful little mystery.
November 8, 2023
Cute novella with a good mystery.
October 8, 2020
This was the cutest short read! I just loved the little dog that Serena found near her ice cream truck whose name she changed on a nearly daily basis. I had to hand it to her as far as being nice to her boss Ernestine's nephew Webster who she told Serena would be taking over as editor of the small paper where she was a reporter and had secretly hoped to become editor when Ernestine retired. Serena was nice to him without being too nice, but at least she wasn't snarky and mean to the guy. He wasn't mean either and was just doing the job he was there for. Serena didn't mope around about not getting the editor job. She did do a little sleuthing on her own, but most of the time she shared info with Webster. They made a good sleuthing team for their article, and I'm interested in continuing the series to see how their friendship or frenemyship maybe? progresses.
I really enjoyed this mystery and what the murder had been connected with. It was a good showdown too! I never would have guessed the main perp.
I really enjoyed this mystery and what the murder had been connected with. It was a good showdown too! I never would have guessed the main perp.
June 4, 2023
4.25 stars
Even though this was on the shorter side for cozy mystery, packed quite a punch and delivered on creating this full story arc as well as mystery. It was really enjoyable, and
I was hooked as soon as doggy Scoops arrived on the scene. I am light that the mystery surrounded the dog and was a big part of the story. It was interesting and different from any other cozy mystery. I have read before. I appreciate that.
I really liked the tension between Serena and Webster. There were some really good reporter there, and foreshadowing of what I think is going to happen between them as they have this battle at the newspaper together well probably investigating murders. And it was just so entertaining.
It was just a solid start to a series that I think I’m going to thoroughly enjoy. It just had everything that I wanted in a cozy mystery just in a condensed version. I was OK with that because the story was entertaining, complete, intriguing, and interesting, plot, as well as characters. It was just a great read.
Even though this was on the shorter side for cozy mystery, packed quite a punch and delivered on creating this full story arc as well as mystery. It was really enjoyable, and
I was hooked as soon as doggy Scoops arrived on the scene. I am light that the mystery surrounded the dog and was a big part of the story. It was interesting and different from any other cozy mystery. I have read before. I appreciate that.
I really liked the tension between Serena and Webster. There were some really good reporter there, and foreshadowing of what I think is going to happen between them as they have this battle at the newspaper together well probably investigating murders. And it was just so entertaining.
It was just a solid start to a series that I think I’m going to thoroughly enjoy. It just had everything that I wanted in a cozy mystery just in a condensed version. I was OK with that because the story was entertaining, complete, intriguing, and interesting, plot, as well as characters. It was just a great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2020
Delightfully Intriguing
A delightfull story about Serena, the ice cream lady of Lantern Beach. While driving her ice cream route she discovers a dead body floating in a pool. Since Serena also works as reporter for the local Lantern Beach newspaper, she is determined to write the story about the dead body. That same day she also finds a stray dog or perhaps the dog finds her. She believes she should find the dogs owner but keeps the dog until she does. She calls the dog Sprinkles, the first of several names. When Serena goes to the newspaper office to inform the owner she wants to investigate and write the story of the dead body she is dismayed to learn there is a new editor, the owners nephew, Webster. Serena, Webster along with Sprinkles embark on an adventure to solve a murder and along the way they discover where Sprinkles came from although by now his name is Nutty Buddy. A fun and entertaining read, perfect for a relaxing day at home.
A delightfull story about Serena, the ice cream lady of Lantern Beach. While driving her ice cream route she discovers a dead body floating in a pool. Since Serena also works as reporter for the local Lantern Beach newspaper, she is determined to write the story about the dead body. That same day she also finds a stray dog or perhaps the dog finds her. She believes she should find the dogs owner but keeps the dog until she does. She calls the dog Sprinkles, the first of several names. When Serena goes to the newspaper office to inform the owner she wants to investigate and write the story of the dead body she is dismayed to learn there is a new editor, the owners nephew, Webster. Serena, Webster along with Sprinkles embark on an adventure to solve a murder and along the way they discover where Sprinkles came from although by now his name is Nutty Buddy. A fun and entertaining read, perfect for a relaxing day at home.
April 24, 2020
Ah, a fun trip back to Lantern Beach! In this new series by Christy Barritt, we return to The Outer Banks of NC to get to know Serena a little better. Serena bought Elsa, the Ice Cream Truck with a mind of it's own, from Cassidy, and also works for the town newspaper, hoping to move up in the ranks. A lost pup with a bloody shoe, a dead body in a pool, and a new guy at the newspaper, all threaten Serena's peaceful life on the island and plans for the future. As she tries to beat the new guy to solving the murder and grudgingly find the pup's owner, while changing characters daily, Serena's quirky personality shines through. I loved revisiting Lantern Beach and favorite places and characters while reading this fun mystery. Deadman's Float is a great start to the Crime a la Mode Mystery Series. I was given a free copy of this book. The opinions are my own.
May 21, 2020
Another very cute suspense from Christy Barritt. Wow, Sprinkles/Mocha/Nutty Buddy/Scoops is such a cute and happy dog - and smart as the dickens too! Serena sees him running from the marshes with something in his mouth. He comes to her and she now feels obligated to find the owner. The first person she goes to is a rather rude old lady - hmmm? What did the dog drop? Ugh, a bloody shoe, now she needed to find out where that goes too - unfortunately it went on a dead man in a pool with a knife wound in his chest!
On top of this excitement, her editor is retiring and she leaves the job to her nephew, Webster. Serena is not happy!
Join the fun in this quirky clean suspense (which only hints at romance to come).
On top of this excitement, her editor is retiring and she leaves the job to her nephew, Webster. Serena is not happy!
Join the fun in this quirky clean suspense (which only hints at romance to come).
September 19, 2020
SPRINKLES OR NUTTY BUTTER OR?
Serena, the Ice Cream lady of Lantern Beach, NC, finds a small, adorable terrier of some kind while on her daily round with Elsa, her ice cream truck. But the weird thing is that the little dog is holding a shoe in his mouth with fresh blood. She began to look for the little guy's owner, but comes up without a clue. That's until she and a man on vacation find a dead man at the bottom of the swimming pool on the same street. There they find the other shoe. That is the beginning of a light, short but interesting mystery. Christy Barritt is one of my favorite authors. She doesn't disappoint!!!!
Serena, the Ice Cream lady of Lantern Beach, NC, finds a small, adorable terrier of some kind while on her daily round with Elsa, her ice cream truck. But the weird thing is that the little dog is holding a shoe in his mouth with fresh blood. She began to look for the little guy's owner, but comes up without a clue. That's until she and a man on vacation find a dead man at the bottom of the swimming pool on the same street. There they find the other shoe. That is the beginning of a light, short but interesting mystery. Christy Barritt is one of my favorite authors. She doesn't disappoint!!!!
August 25, 2021
This was a cute little mystery novella, which is what I was looking for. I can count on Christy Barritt to provide a fun mystery. I didn't realize this was a novella when I picked it up, so some of my expectations for character development fell a bit short, but that's on me for picking it up without realizing that there wouldn't be time for that. I will assume that the development happens throughout the series. I enjoyed the character of the dog in this one and glad he seemingly will make appearances throughout. I enjoyed Serena's character as well with her daily changes of things. If you're looking for a super quick, fun mystery read, this is one I'd recommend.
April 23, 2020
On her ice cream truck route, Serena accidentally steps into a murder mystery while avoiding a stray dog in the street. With work woes, a budget to meet and the bad guys on her tail, Serena attempts to solve the mystery while attachment grows to the pup. What a great start to the new series.
While this is a different twist for author Christy Barritt, the quirky characters, strange situations and favorite location feel right at home. Put a smile on your face as you enjoy some Crime à la Mode.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
While this is a different twist for author Christy Barritt, the quirky characters, strange situations and favorite location feel right at home. Put a smile on your face as you enjoy some Crime à la Mode.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
September 6, 2020
The first in a new little series, still set in the Lantern Beach universe, by favorite author Christy Barritt. A very lightweight little book, quick read in just an hour or two. This one has ice cream lady Serena (driver of crazy truck Elsa that plays random music) finding a dead body floating in a pool. She and her new editor at the local online paper need to find out how to work together, and investigate the crime, and help out police chief Cassidy Chambers. Not what I would term Christian fiction, as I tend to expect from this author, more of a traditional light cozy.
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July 8, 2020A hilarious and fun new offering from the town of Lantern Beach. Serena is anything but 'normal', in fact she strives not to be, from her random jobs to her outlandish outfits. On day on her ice cream route she finds a small dog, with a bloody shoe in its teeth. As Lantern's beach's ace reporter (if only in her own mind) she sets off to solve the mystery but it might be bigger and more deadly than she is ready for.
November 5, 2020
This book contains 2 things that I love to read about - Lantern Beach and a mystery. I just love the Lantern Beach characters and getting to know Serena a little better has been great. This book is wonderful and it takes off from the start with Serena and her wardrobe peculiarities and ends with her solving the mystery with a little help. I never know who the bad guy is going to be until the end. I recommend this book to anyone!!
July 30, 2021
This short mystery is very fun to read. I always love Christy Barritt's books. I started out receiving her books in exchange for honest reviews. Now I buy them anyway and love to share them with my friends. Even though the book is short, it is full of mystery, danger, and even humor. A tiny bit of a potential romance might be viewed. I could imagine a longer book with the characters more fully developed. It would be well-received by fans and new readers of Ms. Barritt.
July 14, 2025
This is the first book in the series of Crime a la Mode. Serene is out of her ice cream when a little dog run out in front of her with a bloody shoe. While Serene is out trying to find the owner she and the dog come across a man floating in a pool. When Serene goes into her second job to request to be lead of the story of dead man in the pool she find out her editor’s nephew is taking over as editor. This is an easy and fast read with some twist and turn not just with the dead man in the pool.
April 22, 2020
Time to visit Lantern Beach!!! This newest story from Christy Barritt has "all the feels" - quirky characters, a mystery to solve, a complicated relationship and an adorable dog!!! I love that the main character, Serena, talks to the dog as if it understands everything she is saying. I can't wait to read the other books in this series!!
April 23, 2020
Mysterious fun!
Serena has settled in to Lantern Beach and her quirky personality shines as bright as the island sun! She almost hits a dog with Elsa, her mind-of-it’s-own ice cream truck, and the adventure begins! Come along for a great ride as Serena unravels the mystery and, if you ask nicely, you might even get a Bomb Pop!
Serena has settled in to Lantern Beach and her quirky personality shines as bright as the island sun! She almost hits a dog with Elsa, her mind-of-it’s-own ice cream truck, and the adventure begins! Come along for a great ride as Serena unravels the mystery and, if you ask nicely, you might even get a Bomb Pop!
June 12, 2020
Serena, Serena
Oh to be that young, adventurous, courageous and determined. Driving around the island in Elsa selling ice cream she never knew what she would run into. Living her jobs she put her whole heart into them even at the risks of her own safety. Really a very cute story with a wonderful heroine . Great job. Thank you.
Oh to be that young, adventurous, courageous and determined. Driving around the island in Elsa selling ice cream she never knew what she would run into. Living her jobs she put her whole heart into them even at the risks of her own safety. Really a very cute story with a wonderful heroine . Great job. Thank you.
June 22, 2020
Fun, clean, mystery with a cute dog
Who doesn't love a story with a cute dog? This is a fun, clean mystery. It takes place on fictional Lantern Beach. Other charcters from previous Lantern Beach stories are in it. Including Elsa, the singing uncontrollable ice cream truck and Chief Cassidy.
Who doesn't love a story with a cute dog? This is a fun, clean mystery. It takes place on fictional Lantern Beach. Other charcters from previous Lantern Beach stories are in it. Including Elsa, the singing uncontrollable ice cream truck and Chief Cassidy.
October 10, 2020
Where did this dog come from?
This story revolves around Serena, the ice cream lady. While riding around Lantern Beach selling ice cream, she came upon a dog with blood on his collar. This started her mystery.
This story keeps you guess until the end as most of Christy Barrett’s books do. Give it a try.
This story revolves around Serena, the ice cream lady. While riding around Lantern Beach selling ice cream, she came upon a dog with blood on his collar. This started her mystery.
This story keeps you guess until the end as most of Christy Barrett’s books do. Give it a try.
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