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Seaview Cottages #4

A Fairway to Arms in Hemingway Hills

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When there's big trouble at the swanky Blue Haven Resort & Spa, it's time to go for the G.O.L.D.

Even though the police are on it in droves, one of Marty Monroe's old contacts at the resort begs the Grand Old Lady Detective [G.O.L.D.] agency for help. There's been a serious mishap on the golf course at the exclusive Hemingway Hills Country Club, and she's scared. During a brazen heist, someone steals a cache of arms from the guards who patrol the exclusive private enclave. A man is found dead on the fairway, but it's not clear if he was in on the heist or not. When the members of G.O.L.D. learn the identity of the murdered man, how can they say no to the request to investigate another dangerous crime?

Grab your copy of book 4 in the delightful Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery series by USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Anna Celeste Burke. Join G.O.L.D. and Charly's Angels as they try to unravel the mystery.

Absolutely delicious recipes included.

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2021

112 people are currently reading
101 people want to read

About the author

Anna Celeste Burke

52 books1,169 followers
Anna Celeste Burke is an awarding-winning, USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling author!
Welcome! Join me, snooping into life's mysteries with fun, fiction, and food--California style!

Life is an extravaganza and so unpredictable! Figuring out how to hang tough and make the most of the wild ride is the challenge.

On my way to Oahu to join the rock musician and high school drop-out I married in Tijuana, I was nabbed by the police as a runaway. When the police let me go and the rock band broke up, my husband and I had to find another way to survive. Our next stop: Disney World where we trained to be chefs, courtesy of the Walt Disney World University.

A GED for my husband, and many more years of education eventually landed us in academia—with Ph.D.s from the University of Michigan we took professor jobs with U of M’s longstanding football rival, The Ohio State University.

Retired now from my role as a professor in social work and behavioral science, I have picked up a long-time interest in writing fiction. In my professional career I wrote and published widely as a scholar, with more than forty manuscripts of varying lengths on my vita. I also carried out hundreds of training, consulting and speaking engagements on a number of gloriously nerdy topics.

So what on earth does a research scientist have in common with a mystery writer? As avid fans of the mystery genre will tell you at the core of any good mystery is a passionate search for the truth. Discovering the truth involves finding and assembling pieces of complex puzzles in order to solve seemingly intractable problems—scientist and sleuth are cut from the same cloth!

Still married to the same sweet guy, I live with my husband in one of the seven desert resort cities in the Palm Springs area. In addition to reading and writing mysteries I enjoy painting, hiking, hanging out with my handsome husband and tending to my Siamese cats.

The Sonoran Desert is a beautiful setting to ponder life’s mysteries, by the surrounding mountains and the bountiful delights of the desert resort communities. I hope you enjoy reading the books in my three cozy mystery series: The Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery Series, The Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery Series, and the Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery Series. Cheers! Anna

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5 stars
141 (68%)
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45 (21%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,460 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2021
I was so happy to see this book publish. I do love visiting with the G.O.L.D. ladies and Charly's Angels. This time Miriam, Marty, Charly, Neely and Midge agree to help out a friend of Marty's who works at the Hemingway Hills Country Club. It turns out to be more than just a routine case for the ladies and then need to enlist the help of an old friend of Charly's as well as handsome detective, Hank. Murder, arson, arms theft and attempted kidnapping keep the ladies busy. A clever plot that zipped along with some well placed twists that kept me totally in the dark. I absolutely loved the new character, Alice. She is a charmer and I would love to see more of her in the series.
Profile Image for Allyson Abu-Hajar.
605 reviews37 followers
March 6, 2021
The ladies of G.O.L.D at Marty's insistence that they all meet Marty's friend, Jody, who is concerned about her husband getting blamed for a break-in at a resort. While talking with Jody and her husband, Ralph, they stumble upon a dead body, whom Charly recognizes and witnessed his death a decade ago.

Miriam approaches a young girl, Alice, who is with her nanny, Sandra Day and learns that Alice, who is eight, has quite a bit to share about the dead man. A dead man, who Charly knows by one name, and Alice knows him by another. What's more alarming, is Alice gives an envelop addressed to Charly, over to Miriam.

The G.O.L.D. seek out to find the murderer of formerly deceased Lowell Kavanaugh; now deceased Neil Armstrong among solving a fire set to cover weapons stolen, while making sure Alice is protected, as she becomes the star witness.

I enjoyed this story, especially a precocious child, who provides clues. There were several mysteries that unfolded, and hidden secrets. Along with Joe and Carl taking on a thug. One character, whose credentials surprised everyone!
Profile Image for Michele.
1,852 reviews63 followers
March 2, 2021
You just have to love the GOLD seniors and their sidekicks the Angels! Dominoe is a dog after my own heart. These seniors always manage to solve the darndest mysteries--not without a lot of confusion.

And let's not forget that in addition to their skill as investigators--they can cook and BAKE!! Oh can they bake--You will find yourself drooling for some of the recipes in this book. The men in their lives manage to get them to bake and cook and these women love it!!

This novel has a lot of twists and turns which you will not expect--Nor will you expect who the bad guys really are!
Profile Image for Donna.
Author 7 books33 followers
February 28, 2021
Miriam, G.O.L.D., and Charly's Angels are back and involved in a case with far-reaching implications. What starts as a simple request to help Marty's friend turns into so much more than anyone expected. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing as the drama unfolded. Alice was a delight and I hope to see more of her and Sandra in future books. If you're looking for an entertaining cozy mystery with likable characters and an engaging plot, look no further. This can be read as a standalone but is so much better if you read the entire series.
338 reviews4 followers
March 6, 2021
I love this cozy mystery series!

Things I liked about this book:
1) The wonderful and interesting characters, friendships, relationships, and series storyline.
a. The backstory of each of the G.O.L.D. ladies is so imaginative. They each have very strong personalities and skill sets. I like that they work so well together to solve mysteries.
b. Other characters in their community are just what I would expect living in a retirement community. Charly’s angels are such a boon to the G.O.L.D. ladies.
c. The local law enforcement characters are so varied. Some are more professional and more intelligent than others. They are interesting characters and believable to boot.
d. The furry characters are marvelous as well! Especially Domino, who in this book is quite a hoot. She has personality in spades.
e. A remarkable new character introduced in this story is an eight-year-old girl, Alice, who was describe in one scene of the book as follows… “What a blend of contrasts she was—quasi-adult one minute and all kid the next.”
2) The added romance between Miriam and Hank gives this story that special something extra I’ve come to expect from this author.
3) A well-written story penned by a master storyteller. Ms. Burke pulls me in from page one in every one of her stories and keeps me glued to the story until the final page. I currently read books from her five cozy mystery series as soon as I hear about them. They all differ and yet are all sooooo good I cannot really pick a favorite. Why bother picking. It is like I can have my cake and eat it too.
4) This is an entertaining, engaging, and clean read.
5) This title is included in the Kindle Unlimited Library.
6) I would love to be an accomplished baker such as Miriam Webster’s character. The recipes included in this book:
a. Morning Glory Muffins
b. Greek Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette
c. White Bean and Sausage Soup
d. Baklava
e. Pecan Pie Muffins
f. Mixed Apple Slab Pie
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
March 8, 2021
From witty to twisted to romantic and more, this mystery has action and puzzles to solve for all.
You can read this as a stand alone or enjoy it as part of a mesmerizing series.

No typical retirement years for this group of friends even if they live in a nicer community.
They are not satisfied to play golf several times a week or knit poolside. However there is baking going on.
When the morning begins with blares of emergency vehicle sirens and phones ringing, you know it is not going to be a typical day. A fire at the golf course is cause for alarm, especially after a major burglary there only days before. Although the police are diligent and well trained, sometimes there is no substitution for experience and people with fewer rules and procedures to adhere to.
Add in a personal connection to what is happening and the G.O.L.D. team can't stay out of things.

From the book's title to chapter headings, this book shows how well read and witty the author is.
However the story itself is not stuffy or proper. Tragic events such as are seen in today's headlines give the plot a relevant feel. Although on the surface, the criminals seem quite amateur and almost cartoonish, the roots of crime run deep and spread far and wide.
Clues in these related cases are also buried, some deeper than others, and calling in help from Charly's past is required. She can not tell us much about her classified past, but she always knows who to call.
An amazing young girl and adorable animal antics provide an innocent factor as well as additional means to show how deep and dark the criminal plot runs. This is not a "fluffy" cozy. It is well thought out and enjoyable.



Profile Image for Catherine.
486 reviews
March 3, 2021
Resorting to Murder

Yay! The ladies of G.O.L.D. are back. Not to mention faithful Domino, Miriam's Dalmatian, Hank her detective boyfriend plus Charly's Angels, Joe & Carl.
Precocious 8 year old Alice & her devoted nanny, Sandra find find Neil Armstrong, anolder British man they've become acquainted with, sitting on a bench overlooking the Pacific Ocean. When the ladies on their walk happen into the area, not only is the man dead, but he turns out to be Charly's wayward husband. Trouble is, Charly thought he died many years ago. Looks like he's still causing trouble as they investigate why he was recording when & what ships were passing by his lookout. Plus trying to protect a perceptive & smart Alice, the daughter of a very wealthy businessman who may be buying a shipping company Lowell has been tracking. When Charly calls in a friend from her former secretive life, the stakes get much higher. With each lady using their particular skillset, can the G.O.L.D. Ladies along with Detective Hank figure out figure out what Lowell was involved in & whose side was he on?
I've noticed a number of cozy mystery authors are drawing from events of the past several years for plot points. It will be interesting to see if this becomes a trend.
1,588 reviews15 followers
March 5, 2021
This book is an in-depth cozy mystery with a lot of characters and a complex plot. A group of senior citizens with some serious skill sets and a history of solving mysteries are called in to help out a friend in a neighboring community. They discover a burned out building, stolen weapons, a dead body, a gifted 8 year old with a talented nanny and a whole lot of mystery to unravel. More bodies and clues begin to pile up

This book is the 4th in a series but you don't need to have read previous books to enjoy this one. The author makes it easier on the new reader by providing a description of the characters at the beginning of the book. She also does a good job in describing them well within the story so the reader feels comfortable getting to know them.

The book is well written and the plot is much deeper and interesting than most cozy mysteries. I recommend this book for all readers
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
3,146 reviews132 followers
March 6, 2021
"You can never tell what’s around the next corner. The end of something is often the start of something new."

Miriam and the G.O.L.D with the help of Charly's Angels are back in a wild romp of a tale that feels a bit like it might be coming from the recent headlines rather than the pen of a cosy mystery writer. But that won't stop them from getting involved solving another murder that might involve weapons, DHS, and Charly's past as well as Miriam's future.

How does she do it? How can Anna Celeste Burke keep all her mysteries new and fresh in a world that has such a short attention span? You introduce an 8-going-on-30 year old character, a few red herrings, and lots of references to Ernest Hemingway, and then, top it off with mouth watering recipes. And a grand time will be had by anyone picking up this book or any of Dr.Burke's book for the first time or any time! Highly Recommended 5/5
559 reviews12 followers
March 3, 2021
The G.O.L.D team and Charly's angels get into another murder mystery as they try to help a friend. The characters will lead you along as they follow the clues. Very intriguing story that will keep you on the edge of yoyr seat
156 reviews4 followers
February 28, 2021
Great Mystery

It's nice to have the Seaview Cottage gang back. Alice and Sandra are a great addition. I hope to read about them in the future.
Profile Image for Carolyn G. Manuel.
1,070 reviews
March 6, 2021
Mysteries On Top of Mysteries

Miriam Webster and Hank Miller are seriously dating and getting much closer. The a series of murders and crimes lead to their newest puzzling situation. When Charly’s supposedly dead husband is the first to die it becomes a national security matter. Another great mystery. Recommend series. Can’t wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,420 reviews12 followers
March 10, 2021
I had to buy this when it was released and am glad I did, it was as good a read as the others in the series.

Miriam and the GOLD group are helping a friend get her husband out of a spot of trouble, when they are drawn into a murder! This time it's the ex of a member of the team, and it gets worse as time goes on.

Stand alone cozy mystery stories, best read in order as the group dynamics flow from book to book. I'm looking forward to the next one now.
958 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2021
G.O.L.D. strikes again

G.O.L.D. and Charly's angels are at it again. What starts out as a weapon heist and arson turns into something much bigger. Great story with interesting characters a fun read.
490 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2021
The G.O.L.D.s win again

If you like mature, intelligent protagonists then this series is for you! The characters are well developed and interesting, and the plots are always cleverly constructed. This is #4 in the series about the Grand Old Lady Detective (GOLD) agency and I highly recommend the whole series.
4,417 reviews43 followers
March 7, 2021
Alice and Domino do great jobs, don’t they??? I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
Profile Image for RO G'ma.
1,061 reviews43 followers
May 10, 2021
A Fairway to Arms in Hemingway Hills is the fourth book in Anna Celeste Burke’s Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery series. This book is a quick and easy read, involving an intriguing mystery. The storyline is well plotted, and the likable characters are well developed. Red herrings, plus twists and turns, are abundant. As always, Ms. Burke has given readers a clean read with delightful, three-dimensional characters and vivid descriptions that made me feel like I was involved with the action along with the characters. I recommend this series to readers who enjoy well-crafted whodunits.

Miriam Webster, Charly Parker, Marty Monroe, Midge Gaylord, and Neely Conrad, who all reside in the Seaview Cottages community, recently banded together as the “Grand Old Lady Detectives” (a/k/a G.O.L.D.), and Carl Rodgers and Joe Torrance, who also live in the community, have dubbed themselves as Charly’s Angels and help with investigations. One of Marty’s friends, Jody Emerson, and her husband, Ralph, have asked for G.O.L.D.’s help as mayhem has broken out in the Hemmingway Hills community. When the seniors arrive, they learn that a small arsenal of firearms has been stolen from the locker room that the guards responsible for patrolling the exclusive community use, an arsonist has paid a visit to the guardhouse, and then after they arrive, a body is discovered. And, if that’s not enough to keep the sleuths busy, Charly recognizes the man who was found in Hemingway Fairway as someone whose death she witnessed a decade ago.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Bonnie Dale Keck.
4,677 reviews58 followers
March 11, 2021
Kindle unlimited but 1 of my bought ones, I buy all her books, series, collections

Some issues, sending her list on her Facebook group, guess in rush to get book out with the world in bit of issue, that the normally astute 2 editors missed them, plus no ARC so no chance for me or anyone to catch them, though they will be caught and updated, as it is rare to see issues, and they were minor ones.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,209 reviews61 followers
March 16, 2021
A Fairway to Arms in Hemingway Hills earns 5/5 Jr. Detectives...Engaging Gem!

Marty’s frantic call, well more of a demand, was punctuated by sirens, firetrucks, and smoke billowing from a fire engulfing buildings leading to Hemingway Hills golf course. Marty’s friend is desperate for the G.O.L.D. girls (Grand Old Lady Detectives) to look further into the fire that seems to cover up a theft and may implicate her husband. It gets worse when Miriam comes upon a charming, yet precocious, eight-year-old, her nanny, and an old man sitting on a bench...dead. The young girl is quite the junior detective eager to be in the “official police report” as a witness, especially since she has a letter the victim asked her to deliver to his friend and, if not, to the police. But, one of Miriam’s friends is shocked to see she recognizes the dead man and the husband has some connections that makes him a major suspect.

G.O.L.D. girls are on the case in Anna Celeste Burke fourth book in her Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery. The clever mystery, filled with twist and turns to spike my Sherlock meter, entangles more than a few friends as secrets and classified identities are disclosed and poor judgments and bribes revealed; no wonder murder resulted. Some events seem ripped from the headlines added for me an enjoyable realism. The core set of women of a “certain age” are, for me, easy to identify with along with some vicarious involvement with Miriam’s “I” perspective. The delightful young detective-in-training should earn honorary membership in the G.O.L.D. group. Anna’s writing style always includes just the right amount of humor—witty banter and quirky cheek—mixed with peril and tangles with criminals and law enforcement alike making this a fun page-turner. Cozy fans who enjoy a bit of an edge to their entertainment should not miss this gem!

Organization of a story is often overlooked as a key entertainment element, but with Anna’s style it is well worth mentioning since it illustrates her creativity...with which she has in spades! For newbies or regulars needing a refresher, a Cast of Characters is provided to introduce connections along with employment and relationships, however, a disclaimer is included for those who prefer to let the characters introduce themselves in the story. My favorite element is the introduction to each chapter. Along with a clever title, a quote from one of Ernest Hemingway’s stories (some linked to Goodreads) is included offering clever insights into the story...can you figure out the meaning behind her madness...LOL?

Ernest Hemingway or Arnold Palmer would have been inspired by these easy-to-follow mouthwatering recipes: Morning Glory Muffins, Greek Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette, White Bean and Sausage Soup, Baklava, Pecan Pie Muffins (my favorite!), and Mixed Apple Slab Pie. I would love an Anna Celeste Burke cookbook that compiles all the marvelous recipes into one resource. She has the credentials being a trained chef...just saying.
4,519 reviews38 followers
June 27, 2021
I simply love the books in this series - the older, personable sleuths, the dogs, the quotes, recipes and more. These mysteries always have so many possibilities that I can never figure out the solution (which is a plus for me). The mystery begins with an arson and a body not in the fire. It moves on from there at break neck speed. Alice, the daughter, nearly steals the spotlight. What a wonderful child. I feel like I would recognize and love any of these characters I might be fortunate enough to meet. This was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
272 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2021
The Grand Old Lady Detective [G.O.L.D.] are ask by a friend of one member to help out in a personal matter. It turns out that the "personal" matter is all but personal and a very deadly game.

A supposedly dead husband shows up again and this time he is dead for good.

Lots of action, intrigue and suspense.
169 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2021
Best yet

Like I keep saying, this series just gets better and better. This segment has the GOLD ladies start by helping a friend and ends with a little girl's dad marrying her beloved nanny, an undercover agent who helps stop a terrorist plot. More twists than a tray of crullers. Read it and love it! And then there are the recipes...
Profile Image for Jennifer Cagle.
778 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2021
Excellent cozy mystery!

This was as close to perfect a cozy mystery can get. Full of action and romance it is a real page turner. I've enjoyed the whole series! I've really gotten to like Miriam and her friends. Its so exciting that Miriam gets engaged!
7 reviews
November 15, 2021
Murder and intrigue

A band of “ retired” ladies join together to help solve a problem a friend is having. Murder, conspiracy and mysterious clues keep them hopping. A fun, quick and entertaining read … with recipes thrown in for good measure!
83 reviews
November 28, 2021
More fun with Domino

Fast paced and fun. Always a twist or several along the way. Every book I read in this series brings beautiful images. I would love to live in Seaview Cottages.
Profile Image for Celest.
716 reviews8 followers
May 8, 2022
I Love This Series, I Hope There Will Be More.

So much intrigue in this story that it kept me guessing throughout the entire episode. I'm sorry that its over. I'm going to miss the GOLD group. Now I'm on to a new adventure. Happy reading all.
77 reviews
March 27, 2021
Another winner, series keeps getting better. The story was more complex than previous stories but very in tune with today’s concerns.

Looking forward to the next story.
30 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2022
another good book

Once again Anna Celeste Burke writes a good adventure for the G.O.L.D. And Charly’s Angels. The characters have really good interactions and fun adventures.
9 reviews
December 21, 2023
Liked the book

This was a different plot than most mysteries. Liked the characters too. The storyline did not depend on sex or unnecessary violence to be interesting.
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