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Southern Beach Mysteries #2
The Sea Turtle Did It
False crawl? Nesting season? Turtle monitors?
Jewel Mantelle is just getting used to the humidity in her new Southern home on Sophia Island when turtle season opens way too early. At least it's too early according to her friends who volunteer with the Turtle Trackers. Have they really found a sea turtle nest, surrounded by garbage, on a stormy April morning?
It doesn't seem likely when a body is discovered, buried where the eggs should be.
Jewel has too much on her plate to worry about a false turtle nest. She's trying to clean up the old house her disinterested, on-the-road husband inherited in Sophia Beach's historic downtown. But when the body is found to have close ties to one of Jewel's new friends, her lunch bunch goes to work trying to solve the murder.
Between college kids partying on the beach, a senator's illegitimate child, a lost sketch pad, and warring turtle factions hindering the investigation, it's a miracle Jewel even has time to try biscuits and gravy.
But she finally did... and she's a fan.
The Sea Turtle Did It is a clean and cozy beach mystery set in a historic small town. It'll keep you turning pages well after bedtime and slathering on more sunscreen to get a few more poolside pages in.
Jewel Mantelle is just getting used to the humidity in her new Southern home on Sophia Island when turtle season opens way too early. At least it's too early according to her friends who volunteer with the Turtle Trackers. Have they really found a sea turtle nest, surrounded by garbage, on a stormy April morning?
It doesn't seem likely when a body is discovered, buried where the eggs should be.
Jewel has too much on her plate to worry about a false turtle nest. She's trying to clean up the old house her disinterested, on-the-road husband inherited in Sophia Beach's historic downtown. But when the body is found to have close ties to one of Jewel's new friends, her lunch bunch goes to work trying to solve the murder.
Between college kids partying on the beach, a senator's illegitimate child, a lost sketch pad, and warring turtle factions hindering the investigation, it's a miracle Jewel even has time to try biscuits and gravy.
But she finally did... and she's a fan.
The Sea Turtle Did It is a clean and cozy beach mystery set in a historic small town. It'll keep you turning pages well after bedtime and slathering on more sunscreen to get a few more poolside pages in.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2020
512 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Kay Dew Shostak
23 books100 followershttps://www.facebook.com/kay.shostak
“A new voice in Southern Fiction” is how a recent reviewer labels Kay Dew Shostak’s debut novel, "Next Stop, Chancey".
After being raised in a small-town in Tennessee, Kay lived around the country in a variety of settings. Taking a look at the familiar and loved from new perspectives led Kay to see, and then write about, the absurd, the beautiful, and the funny in her South.
After publishing several stories in compilation books and spending a few years in journalism, Kay wandered into writing fiction and found it hard to leave. She currently is working on the fourth book in the Chancey series and living in Fernandina Beach, Florida with her husband.
“A new voice in Southern Fiction” is how a recent reviewer labels Kay Dew Shostak’s debut novel, "Next Stop, Chancey".
After being raised in a small-town in Tennessee, Kay lived around the country in a variety of settings. Taking a look at the familiar and loved from new perspectives led Kay to see, and then write about, the absurd, the beautiful, and the funny in her South.
After publishing several stories in compilation books and spending a few years in journalism, Kay wandered into writing fiction and found it hard to leave. She currently is working on the fourth book in the Chancey series and living in Fernandina Beach, Florida with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 18, 2020
I loved this story! Kay does such great Character building. If you want to read about a fun group of women who you can relate to (unless you are perfect) this series as perfect for you. These average women are extraordinary characters. A perfect cozy mistery. Kay please, please, please don’t stop at 3 books.
June 4, 2022
3.5 stars.
January 22, 2021
I loved this book way more than the first in the series. I think because all the characters were already established and we could jump right into the murder solving. I enjoy how Jewel is this ordinary woman that doesn't mean to get wrapped up in the middle of things, but ends up being forced into being the investigative hero by what she uncovers both on her own and the help of her detective crew of friends.
I love this group of characters in the series and like I mentioned in my review for the previous book, I enjoy the setting being a place I love near and can picture easily in my head with all the descriptions the author gives.
Also I love the simple, but cute cover illustrations.
I love this group of characters in the series and like I mentioned in my review for the previous book, I enjoy the setting being a place I love near and can picture easily in my head with all the descriptions the author gives.
Also I love the simple, but cute cover illustrations.
April 28, 2025
This was a fun little murder mystery read. I actually didn't realize it was part 2 , and was a little confused on why the author didn't really describe the characters 🤣
That being said, you can definitely follow along if you haven't read the first book yet
That being said, you can definitely follow along if you haven't read the first book yet
July 6, 2021
Ya'll. Seriously, this is a fun read. I picked this up at a bookstore in Florida. I liked the cover and title and like to support local authors. I don't even read mysteries typically. Much to my surprise, it was fun! It was a super easy read that I was able to complete in six days. I typically read about one book a month. I couldn't put it down this weekend and it was perfect for reading by the pool I love the small size of the book too. It fits nicely in my purse. Check out this author and her series of beach mysteries. I contacted the author on Facebook and had her send a signed copy to my best friend in Florida. I know my friend will enjoy the main character who is from the Midwest and is acclimating to the charm, culture, people, and food of the south. We both moved to the South as adults and went through that experience ourselves.
July 9, 2020
Ok. This needs a 10 🌟 rating!!
This needs a 10🌟 rating! Not being a big fan of cosy mysteries, this series has changed my mind! Join Jewel and the ladies as they search for a murderer in their beach town. Will Jewel and Craig be able to repair their marriage? As Jewel settles in to their inherited home, Craig won't come home. Now, I have to be patient until the next one comes out!
This needs a 10🌟 rating! Not being a big fan of cosy mysteries, this series has changed my mind! Join Jewel and the ladies as they search for a murderer in their beach town. Will Jewel and Craig be able to repair their marriage? As Jewel settles in to their inherited home, Craig won't come home. Now, I have to be patient until the next one comes out!
April 10, 2024
I really loved this series and I love these characters! I agree that I enjoyed this book more than the first, but I enjoyed the first one, too.
I’m am deeply invested in the what the future holds for Jewel and Craig!!
This story starts with a huge mound marked as a sea turtle nest discovered early one morning on the beach in Florida. Lucy is front and center for this as a member of the Sea Turtle Club. This causes a huge hub-bub for several reasons:
•it’s too early in the season,
•it’s too large,
•it’s marked incorrectly,
•there are no tracks of the mother going back into the ocean.
As the bystanders talk and ponder these oddities, the authorities are poking and prodding around in the mound, and Jewel looks down to see a purple painted toenail uncovered!! And the mound then becomes known as what it was all along, a crime scene!
This sets the detective ladies of Sophia Island in motion! They dig, ask questions, and connect the dots…..almost. At the final moment, Jewel puts the final piece of the puzzle into place a moment too late. Without any spoilers, you’ll definitely enjoy reading this sleuth story straight through, because I was unable to put it down!
I’m am deeply invested in the what the future holds for Jewel and Craig!!
This story starts with a huge mound marked as a sea turtle nest discovered early one morning on the beach in Florida. Lucy is front and center for this as a member of the Sea Turtle Club. This causes a huge hub-bub for several reasons:
•it’s too early in the season,
•it’s too large,
•it’s marked incorrectly,
•there are no tracks of the mother going back into the ocean.
As the bystanders talk and ponder these oddities, the authorities are poking and prodding around in the mound, and Jewel looks down to see a purple painted toenail uncovered!! And the mound then becomes known as what it was all along, a crime scene!
This sets the detective ladies of Sophia Island in motion! They dig, ask questions, and connect the dots…..almost. At the final moment, Jewel puts the final piece of the puzzle into place a moment too late. Without any spoilers, you’ll definitely enjoy reading this sleuth story straight through, because I was unable to put it down!
July 13, 2022
This is a fun cozy mystery series set in an island just off the Florida coast.
Jewel Mantelle is just beginning to get used to the humidity in her new Southern home on Sophia Island when Turtle Season opens way too early. At least it's too early according to her friends with Turtle Trackers. Is it a true Sea Turtle nest found on a stormy April morning? Not likely when a body is eventually discovered buried where the eggs should be.
However, when the body is found to have close ties to one of Jewel's new friends, the lunch group starts trying to figure out what happened. Between college kids partying on the beach, a senator's illegitimate child, a lost sketch pad, and warring turtle factions it's a miracle Jewel even had time to try biscuits and gravy. But she did... and she's a fan.
I am looking forward to the next book!!!
Jewel Mantelle is just beginning to get used to the humidity in her new Southern home on Sophia Island when Turtle Season opens way too early. At least it's too early according to her friends with Turtle Trackers. Is it a true Sea Turtle nest found on a stormy April morning? Not likely when a body is eventually discovered buried where the eggs should be.
However, when the body is found to have close ties to one of Jewel's new friends, the lunch group starts trying to figure out what happened. Between college kids partying on the beach, a senator's illegitimate child, a lost sketch pad, and warring turtle factions it's a miracle Jewel even had time to try biscuits and gravy. But she did... and she's a fan.
I am looking forward to the next book!!!
April 19, 2021
The detective gang is at it again to discuss the latest murdered body. It was nice to spend time with friends over the last couple weeks. That sure is what it feels like. This is book 2 in the Southern Beach Mysteries. Don’t worry If you haven’t read The Manatee Did It yet as Kay provides enough details to keep you in the know.
Kay says of her books, “I write books you can read without thinking, but can’t stop thinking about.” I throughly enjoy her books in the SBM series and hope to read her others in the future.
I’ve added that ice cream shop to my must visit places next trip to the island. :)
Kay says of her books, “I write books you can read without thinking, but can’t stop thinking about.” I throughly enjoy her books in the SBM series and hope to read her others in the future.
I’ve added that ice cream shop to my must visit places next trip to the island. :)
August 8, 2022
A great sequel to the first book. A good, cozy mystery filled with small town Southern politics, a fake turtle nest, and a dead body. The last thing Jewel expected when she moved with her husband into his great aunt's home was to keep stumbling upon dead bodies. What she has unexpectedly found has been friendship in unusual places. Really enjoying this collection and looking forward to the next books in the series.
January 28, 2022
I love the mystery part of the book. You really can’t figure out till the very end. On the other side….I feel like there is no excitement, no action, not really funny parts….it’s just kinda there. Oh well. I will read the next book in the series just cause I’m OCD with books and I need to finish it. Please let there only be 3 books!!!!! Taking a little break from the hum drum. Happy Reading:)
June 1, 2022
Is it a good idea to move from a large city to a very small town?
There's a big difference between living in a large city and a small island town. There's humor and suspense as the characters in this small island town welcome a newcomer to their close group. . A delightful short read.
There's a big difference between living in a large city and a small island town. There's humor and suspense as the characters in this small island town welcome a newcomer to their close group. . A delightful short read.
February 20, 2024
I am really enjoying this series. Ms. Shostak has created a fascinating group of characters that are delight to follow. The beach descriptions are spot on and make you feel like you’re dipping your toes in the sand or feeling the hot breezes on your face. The plots are fun and just enough suspense to keep you engrossed. Can’t wait to read the next in the series!
October 12, 2025
Friends
I enjoyed another southern beach mystery. The action is well plotted out and the characters are entertaining. Jewel is one-of-a-kind woman successfully working out a new life. From the mid-west to the Florida coast, from raising kids to learning how to make friends her age, and from being a wife to having an absentee husband.
I enjoyed another southern beach mystery. The action is well plotted out and the characters are entertaining. Jewel is one-of-a-kind woman successfully working out a new life. From the mid-west to the Florida coast, from raising kids to learning how to make friends her age, and from being a wife to having an absentee husband.
August 15, 2021
I like this series
I love the beach and beach stories especially those with murder in them. This was a good series and I didn’t figure out who the killer was. Can’t wait to read the next one.
I love the beach and beach stories especially those with murder in them. This was a good series and I didn’t figure out who the killer was. Can’t wait to read the next one.
August 20, 2021
Another GREAT Mystery Beach Read
A mystery for this group of 'older' Southern ladies to help this small town police department solve their second murder. As the plot twists and turns the suspect list grows longer. Join the ladies in their quest to find the murderer.
A mystery for this group of 'older' Southern ladies to help this small town police department solve their second murder. As the plot twists and turns the suspect list grows longer. Join the ladies in their quest to find the murderer.
May 14, 2022
Loved this book! The series is wonderful with a real feel for the East Coast of Florida and Island/small town life. The murder mystery is intriguing and realistic, the characters likable. I’ve already bought the next two books so I can indulge in this wonderful series.
September 30, 2022
Saving turtles
This is a good story about murder and finding things and people you like. Jewel gets involved with her friends trying to figure out what happened with a fake turtle nest.
This is a good story about murder and finding things and people you like. Jewel gets involved with her friends trying to figure out what happened with a fake turtle nest.
November 9, 2023
The Sea Turtle Did It
Amazingly, Jewel, has a very close group v of women friends even though she is new to the island and had never had close friends before. They enjoy solving mysteries as the Midwesterner Jewel is introduced to more people and southern ways.
Amazingly, Jewel, has a very close group v of women friends even though she is new to the island and had never had close friends before. They enjoy solving mysteries as the Midwesterner Jewel is introduced to more people and southern ways.
November 12, 2023
An enjoyable cozy.
This was an enjoyable, cozy mystery even if I did know who the murderer was partway through the book. I like the camaraderie between the women. It’s always good to be surrounded by friends.
This was an enjoyable, cozy mystery even if I did know who the murderer was partway through the book. I like the camaraderie between the women. It’s always good to be surrounded by friends.
December 7, 2023
Cute story about a nice group of meddling friends. Reading these books makes me warm and miss the beach, so they are perfect now that the weather is cold here! I am actually reading them in order and looking forward to seeing what they get into next!
February 28, 2024
Fun cozy mystery series. The first book in the series caught my eye called The Manatee did it. I enjoyed the first book so much I had to read this book the second in the series and enjoyed it just as much. I am looking forward to reading more of this series
March 19, 2024
Great story!
I have enjoyed all of this series that I've read. Having lived on Amelia Island for 30+ years, I recognize so many of the locations in Sophia Island. These characters are so relatable and the plots keep me interested to the end!
I have enjoyed all of this series that I've read. Having lived on Amelia Island for 30+ years, I recognize so many of the locations in Sophia Island. These characters are so relatable and the plots keep me interested to the end!
July 2, 2021
It's nice to enjoy the story and learn something at the same time. I loved all the information about the sea turtle nesting habits. Love the red herrings and great twists.
August 14, 2021
Loved it!
I love this series! I’m from the south and this book is spot on regarding southern women! Can’t wait to read the next one!
I love this series! I’m from the south and this book is spot on regarding southern women! Can’t wait to read the next one!
May 20, 2023
Another fun romp in a fictitious Florida coastal small town.
July 1, 2023
Very quick read. I love the characters in this series.
September 9, 2023
Cozy quick read
I love this author. That is all I have to say, I am always ready to read something she wrote. My best friend
For an afternoon .
I love this author. That is all I have to say, I am always ready to read something she wrote. My best friend
For an afternoon .
November 8, 2023
Who killed Leslie AND her mother and why??? He never thought that someone would recognize him, did he??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
Currently reading
December 3, 2023awful... not completed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews