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Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery #2
A Time to Swill
Saloon owner Chloe Jackson is after a murderer with skeletons in the closet--and one on a boat.
BAD TO THE BONE
Chloe loves her new life pouring beers and mixing cocktails at the Sea Glass Saloon in the Florida Panhandle town of Emerald Cove. But on the job, the only exercise she gets is walking from one end of the bar to the other, so in the mornings she loves to run on the beach. On this morning's foggy run, she spots a sailboat washed up on a sandbar. Hearing a cry, she climbs aboard the beached vessel to investigate and finds not only a mewling kitten--but a human skeleton in the cabin.
The skeleton is tied back to Chloe's friend Ralph, whose wife disappeared on a sailboat with three other people twelve years ago. Believing his wife was lost at sea, Ralph remarried. Now he finds himself a murder suspect. Chloe is determined to find out who's been up to some skulduggery, but her sleuthing will lead her into some rough waters and some bone-chilling revelations...
BAD TO THE BONE
Chloe loves her new life pouring beers and mixing cocktails at the Sea Glass Saloon in the Florida Panhandle town of Emerald Cove. But on the job, the only exercise she gets is walking from one end of the bar to the other, so in the mornings she loves to run on the beach. On this morning's foggy run, she spots a sailboat washed up on a sandbar. Hearing a cry, she climbs aboard the beached vessel to investigate and finds not only a mewling kitten--but a human skeleton in the cabin.
The skeleton is tied back to Chloe's friend Ralph, whose wife disappeared on a sailboat with three other people twelve years ago. Believing his wife was lost at sea, Ralph remarried. Now he finds himself a murder suspect. Chloe is determined to find out who's been up to some skulduggery, but her sleuthing will lead her into some rough waters and some bone-chilling revelations...
291 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 6, 2021
57 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Sherry Harris
20 books602 followersSherry Harris is the Agatha Award nominated author of the Sarah Winston Garage Sale mystery series and the Chloe Jackson Sea Glass Saloon mysteries. Sherry is a past president of Sisters in Crime and a member of Mystery Writers of America. Sherry loves books, beaches, bars, and bargain hunting — not necessarily in that order. She is also a patent holding inventor.
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June 24, 2021
A Time to Swill
by Sherry Harris is the second book in the Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon cozy mystery series. The author brings humor, mystery, and beach atmosphere to this novel. The story is largely set in the fictional small town of Emerald Cove on the Florida Panhandle between Panama City and Pensacola.
Chloe Jackson had promised her late friend, Boone, that she would help his grandmother, Vivi, if something happened to him. After spending the summer working with Vivi at the Sea Glass Saloon, Chloe has now moved from Chicago to Emerald Cove. Her first morning back, she decides to run on the beach when she sees a sailboat washed up on a sandbar. After hearing a cry she boards the boat and finds a cat and a skeleton. Who is it and how long have they been adrift at sea? Were they murdered or did they die of natural causes? Chloe is determined to find answers.
Chloe is a protagonist that you can root for and she shows some character growth and added depth as she deals with trust issues and friendships. There is an array of characters, both friendly and antagonists, to keep Chloe and the reader on their toes. Some are eccentric, some are more mundane, but personable small town business owners, and others are secondary and tertiary characters to round out the story. Who has secrets and who is telling lies? Who can be trusted?
The book is well-plotted and intriguing. With mystery, suspense, and the occasional laugh-out-loud moments, this book kept me engaged. There was enough at stake to keep me turning the pages. The pacing allowed for the scenes to progress and flow with effective transitions. As always, this author did a great job of world-building. I got a clear sense of the town and the area around it as well as the people. While the reveal of the antagonist was not a complete surprise, there were plenty of twists and turns to get there. While the main plot is fully resolved, there is also a sub-plot that starts but doesn’t get completely resolved. Hopefully, book three in the series will conclude this thread.
Overall, this was a well-done mystery that was engaging, entertaining and a great second book in this new series. I am looking forward to the next book. I am also a fan of this author’s Sara Winston Garage Sale cozy mystery series. If you enjoy well-done cozy mysteries, then this is an author that I recommend.
Kensington Books and Sherry Harris provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently expected to be July 27, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Chloe Jackson had promised her late friend, Boone, that she would help his grandmother, Vivi, if something happened to him. After spending the summer working with Vivi at the Sea Glass Saloon, Chloe has now moved from Chicago to Emerald Cove. Her first morning back, she decides to run on the beach when she sees a sailboat washed up on a sandbar. After hearing a cry she boards the boat and finds a cat and a skeleton. Who is it and how long have they been adrift at sea? Were they murdered or did they die of natural causes? Chloe is determined to find answers.
Chloe is a protagonist that you can root for and she shows some character growth and added depth as she deals with trust issues and friendships. There is an array of characters, both friendly and antagonists, to keep Chloe and the reader on their toes. Some are eccentric, some are more mundane, but personable small town business owners, and others are secondary and tertiary characters to round out the story. Who has secrets and who is telling lies? Who can be trusted?
The book is well-plotted and intriguing. With mystery, suspense, and the occasional laugh-out-loud moments, this book kept me engaged. There was enough at stake to keep me turning the pages. The pacing allowed for the scenes to progress and flow with effective transitions. As always, this author did a great job of world-building. I got a clear sense of the town and the area around it as well as the people. While the reveal of the antagonist was not a complete surprise, there were plenty of twists and turns to get there. While the main plot is fully resolved, there is also a sub-plot that starts but doesn’t get completely resolved. Hopefully, book three in the series will conclude this thread.
Overall, this was a well-done mystery that was engaging, entertaining and a great second book in this new series. I am looking forward to the next book. I am also a fan of this author’s Sara Winston Garage Sale cozy mystery series. If you enjoy well-done cozy mysteries, then this is an author that I recommend.
Kensington Books and Sherry Harris provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently expected to be July 27, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
July 6, 2021
This is a very good story, although it turned out to be a bit different than I expected. Judging by the cover and the blurb, I expected a light and funny cozy mystery with an inquisitive main character who leads the investigation while working in a seaside bar. And that only partially turned out to be true.
While Chloe does work at a bar and tries to discover what happened years ago on a boat she had found, this book is not your typical cozy mystery. The tone of it is not as light and funny as I expected. I would even say that this book is somewhere on the verge of cozy mystery and more typical suspense. It's not a bad thing, I still enjoyed the story, it just turned out to be something different.
The whole story has a great start. The main character Chloe discovers an abandoned boat while jogging on the beach in the morning. When she gets on the deck to discover the cause of the strange noise, the boat begins to move away from the shore, carried by the waves. On board, Chloe finds a skeleton and a little kitten. And then the mysterious good Samaritan rescues her when the ship begins to burn and disappears before Chloe knows his name.
It was a very promising beginning, so I'm a bit disappointed that it wasn't Chloe who solved the main mystery in the end. At some point, other characters in this book took over. It was of course more probable and realistic, but for that reason I found the ending not that satisfying.
There is also a second plotline related to the will left by the co-owner of the bar where Chloe works. This part seemed to me more typical of cozy mystery and Chloe is involved in solving this problem from beginning to end.
I hadn't read the previous book, but that wasn't much of a problem. Although it would probably make it easier for me to understand what happened before, because the events of the previous book are quite often referenced in this book.
Overall, that's a pretty good story. I liked Chloe and the rest of the characters. And although the book didn’t have the holiday vibes I expected, I quite liked it. I think I will also try other books by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
While Chloe does work at a bar and tries to discover what happened years ago on a boat she had found, this book is not your typical cozy mystery. The tone of it is not as light and funny as I expected. I would even say that this book is somewhere on the verge of cozy mystery and more typical suspense. It's not a bad thing, I still enjoyed the story, it just turned out to be something different.
The whole story has a great start. The main character Chloe discovers an abandoned boat while jogging on the beach in the morning. When she gets on the deck to discover the cause of the strange noise, the boat begins to move away from the shore, carried by the waves. On board, Chloe finds a skeleton and a little kitten. And then the mysterious good Samaritan rescues her when the ship begins to burn and disappears before Chloe knows his name.
It was a very promising beginning, so I'm a bit disappointed that it wasn't Chloe who solved the main mystery in the end. At some point, other characters in this book took over. It was of course more probable and realistic, but for that reason I found the ending not that satisfying.
There is also a second plotline related to the will left by the co-owner of the bar where Chloe works. This part seemed to me more typical of cozy mystery and Chloe is involved in solving this problem from beginning to end.
I hadn't read the previous book, but that wasn't much of a problem. Although it would probably make it easier for me to understand what happened before, because the events of the previous book are quite often referenced in this book.
Overall, that's a pretty good story. I liked Chloe and the rest of the characters. And although the book didn’t have the holiday vibes I expected, I quite liked it. I think I will also try other books by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2021
A Time to Swill by Sherry Harris is the second book in the new cozy Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series. As with most cozy mysteries each book in this series will feature it’s own mystery that is fully solved within the book leaving each to be able to be enjoyed as a standalone if choosing to do so. There is character development that carries over from book to book however for those that enjoy the entire series from the beginning.
Chloe Jackson is a children’s librarian from Chicago who made a promise to her best friend when he enlisted in the military. If anything were to happen to him Chloe promised to head to Emerald Cove in the Florida Panhandle to see to it that his grandmother would be OK after his passing. What Chloe didn’t expect was the feisty Vivi Slidell who runs the Sea Glass Saloon. Being far from the elderly grandma Chloe thought she’d find she wasn’t sure of staying on but a promise is a promise.
Now Chloe is settling into her life in Emerald Cover working with Vivi and has taken up jogging in her time off to get a little exercise before her shifts at Sea Glass Saloon. One morning Chloe comes across a sailboat having run aground and investigates when she hears a noise. Luckily for Chloe the noise was just a kitten but unluckily for Chloe she also stumbles on a skeleton on the abandoned boat that ties back to someone she knows leaving her to figure out the old crime.
The Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series is not overly quirky and humorous but it is good for a few chuckles along the way so of course I had to come back for book two. Chloe is a likable protagonist and I love the setting in the small town by the sea. There was also once again a fun mystery to follow along with and try to solve along with Chloe so again I will look forward to returning to this series in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Chloe Jackson is a children’s librarian from Chicago who made a promise to her best friend when he enlisted in the military. If anything were to happen to him Chloe promised to head to Emerald Cove in the Florida Panhandle to see to it that his grandmother would be OK after his passing. What Chloe didn’t expect was the feisty Vivi Slidell who runs the Sea Glass Saloon. Being far from the elderly grandma Chloe thought she’d find she wasn’t sure of staying on but a promise is a promise.
Now Chloe is settling into her life in Emerald Cover working with Vivi and has taken up jogging in her time off to get a little exercise before her shifts at Sea Glass Saloon. One morning Chloe comes across a sailboat having run aground and investigates when she hears a noise. Luckily for Chloe the noise was just a kitten but unluckily for Chloe she also stumbles on a skeleton on the abandoned boat that ties back to someone she knows leaving her to figure out the old crime.
The Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series is not overly quirky and humorous but it is good for a few chuckles along the way so of course I had to come back for book two. Chloe is a likable protagonist and I love the setting in the small town by the sea. There was also once again a fun mystery to follow along with and try to solve along with Chloe so again I will look forward to returning to this series in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
December 16, 2022
I liked this second book in the Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series. It is a cozy mystery, but I will admit there are a few bits that are a bit more harsh or realistic than a typical cozy (which is part of why I like this series, I like the variety. Chloe is a good protagonist she is realistic, brave but also cautious, and she has some great friends to help her. I liked the dual mysteries in this one - both a present mystery that seems to tie to an unsolved mystery from years before. I think the one thing I don’t like about this series is the current love interest. He’s not bad, but he doesn’t stand a chance against Boone’s memory and I can’t help but wish Boone was present. Overall I gave this one 4.5 stars rounded up for the great mental images of the cat being saved.
June 6, 2021
Sun-drenched beaches and a cold, icy drink were calling my name when I opened this book to page one. The exuberant protagonist, Chloe Jackson, a 28 year old, single bartender is jogging on the beach in Emerald Cove, FL when she spies a sailboat floating in the surf. A strange cry prompts her to splash out and climb aboard; not realizing the boat is moving out with the tide! What she finds on the boat with her is a shocker!
The murder plot is captivating from the get-go. Page one—I was hooked. Curious about Chloe’s anonymous rescuer. Curious about the ghost boat and it’s missing occupants. I wondered if they were dead or alive, and why the Coast Guard hadn’t seen the boat before floating out at sea? If the four occupants were dead, who killed them? Author Harris shows and tells with her usual fantastic writing flair, and answers all my questions, and much more, as the story swiftly progresses. Free your calendar when you plan to read “A Time to Swill” because you will not want to put it down!
I loved that Chloe starts the Spines and Wines Book Club at the Sea Glass Saloon. I super-enjoy the savvy, supporting cast, such as Joaquin, Michael, Vivi, and Ann (her talents and contacts constantly surprise me!). My most favorite appreciation about story is that it has equal amounts of traditional cozy mystery—a gorgeous setting, memorable cast, great humor, and an original, multi-faceted murder mystery. Reading doesn’t get any better than this, y’all. Brava!
I honestly reviewed a mass market arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
The murder plot is captivating from the get-go. Page one—I was hooked. Curious about Chloe’s anonymous rescuer. Curious about the ghost boat and it’s missing occupants. I wondered if they were dead or alive, and why the Coast Guard hadn’t seen the boat before floating out at sea? If the four occupants were dead, who killed them? Author Harris shows and tells with her usual fantastic writing flair, and answers all my questions, and much more, as the story swiftly progresses. Free your calendar when you plan to read “A Time to Swill” because you will not want to put it down!
I loved that Chloe starts the Spines and Wines Book Club at the Sea Glass Saloon. I super-enjoy the savvy, supporting cast, such as Joaquin, Michael, Vivi, and Ann (her talents and contacts constantly surprise me!). My most favorite appreciation about story is that it has equal amounts of traditional cozy mystery—a gorgeous setting, memorable cast, great humor, and an original, multi-faceted murder mystery. Reading doesn’t get any better than this, y’all. Brava!
I honestly reviewed a mass market arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
July 28, 2021
Chloe Jackson has just returned from packing up her life in Chicago and saying her goodbyes to move full time to her new home in Florida. Her first morning back, she is running on the beach near her new home when she sees a ship that has beached itself. Hearing a cry on board, she climbs on board only to get swept out to sea. Before she is rescued, she’s found a skeleton that reopens a disappearance from twelve years ago. With some of her new friends under investigation, she is determined to find out what happened all those years ago and why it is coming to light now. What will she uncover?
The plot teaser just covers a few of the questions the book quickly gives us, and I had a very hard time putting the book down. In fact, I used a lazy Saturday to finish it faster than I originally planned. Meanwhile, there’s a strong sub-plot, not that we need any more reason to be addicted. Everything is resolved satisfactorily by the time we reach the end. Since Chloe doesn’t know her new friends super well yet, this book gives her, and us, a chance to learn more about them, and I love the character development. I might not normally pick up a book set in a bar, but I definitely enjoyed this one, especially the location – right on the beach. That setting may make this the ultimate beach read. Whether you pick up this book while on the beach or not, allow plenty of time to get lost in a great mystery when you pick up this book.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
The plot teaser just covers a few of the questions the book quickly gives us, and I had a very hard time putting the book down. In fact, I used a lazy Saturday to finish it faster than I originally planned. Meanwhile, there’s a strong sub-plot, not that we need any more reason to be addicted. Everything is resolved satisfactorily by the time we reach the end. Since Chloe doesn’t know her new friends super well yet, this book gives her, and us, a chance to learn more about them, and I love the character development. I might not normally pick up a book set in a bar, but I definitely enjoyed this one, especially the location – right on the beach. That setting may make this the ultimate beach read. Whether you pick up this book while on the beach or not, allow plenty of time to get lost in a great mystery when you pick up this book.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
July 9, 2021
Another trip to the Florida Panhandle and the fictitious town of Emerald Cove finds Chloe Jackson in the middle of a crazy situation. Chloe is co owner of the Sea Glass Saloon that her friend Boone left it to her in his will. She works with his grandmother Vivi and bartender Joaquin in the little bar right on the beach. Chloe has just returned from moving the rest of her stuff from Chicago when she sees a stranded sailboat between the sandbars through the early morning fog while on her run. Thinking she hears a baby crying, she calls 911, then swims to the boat only to find a skeleton and a cat along with other interesting finds, like a woman's ring. Then the boat starts moving and she is far from land. She gets rescued hours later but there is quite a mystery to solve and lots of clues that make this an interesting saga with roots from years ago when this sailboat disappeared with four locals aboard who were never found. This is a great mystery to unravel with an appearance from Boone's absent father Steve claiming that Boone changed his will before he died and left his home, boat, and partnership to the Sea Glass to him instead of Chloe. Another task for Chloe and friends to work on. Great characters, lovely setting, interesting mystery to solve and a little hint of romance kept me engaged. I live in nearby Panama City so it is fun to read this series and picture the settings and where the author has planted Emerald Cove. I also appreciated the author mentioning our area as still recovering from Cat 5 Michael in 2018. I am looking forward to reading Book 3.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
August 7, 2022
A great second entry in the Chloe Jackson, Seattle Glass Saloon series. Chloe is out on a run when she hears a cat crying on a boat that seems to have no one aboard except for the skeleton she finds. It turns out that the boat is related to a long ago mystery of four people who disappeared from Emerald Cove. The mystery is quite good and kept me guessing. There's also a side story about Boone's estranged father who has come back to take over half of the Sea Glass Saloon and kick Chloe out of Boone's house. I am really enjoying this series so far and am very excited to jump right into the next one.
May 18, 2021
Chloe Jackson is returning to the Florida panhandle, to the home she inherited. As she's running on the beach, the fog envelops her, and she hears what she thinks is a baby crying.
She discovers a boat washed up on the sand, and the crying is getting louder.
When Chloe boards the boat, she finds the source of the crying, thankful it's a cat, and not a baby.
The cat isn't the only thing Chloe finds, and before she knows it, she's wrapped up in a murder investigation, while fighting for her inheritance when an unexpected visitor shows up.
While I enjoyed the story, I found a few parts dragging a bit, but I still thoroughly enjoyed A Time to Swill.
Thank you for selecting me to read an advanced digital copy of this book.
#ATimetoSwill #NetGalley
She discovers a boat washed up on the sand, and the crying is getting louder.
When Chloe boards the boat, she finds the source of the crying, thankful it's a cat, and not a baby.
The cat isn't the only thing Chloe finds, and before she knows it, she's wrapped up in a murder investigation, while fighting for her inheritance when an unexpected visitor shows up.
While I enjoyed the story, I found a few parts dragging a bit, but I still thoroughly enjoyed A Time to Swill.
Thank you for selecting me to read an advanced digital copy of this book.
#ATimetoSwill #NetGalley
August 14, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Chloe has made the decision to say goodbye to her life in Chicago and has loaded up her car with her important belongings and hit the road back to Emerald Cove and the Sea Glass Saloon. But before she returns to the saloon she does one of her favorite things, a morning run on the beach. The weather is foggy but she needs to get back to her routine. At first, she thinks the fog is playing with her but there is definitely a sailboat right up on a sandbar. She stops, and wonders how it got there but then she hears what sounds like a baby’s cry. She calls 911 and reports her find, drops her key ring, and removes her shoes when she hears another cry. She rushes to the boat but she doesn’t find a baby, she finds a kitten and a . . . human skeleton and realizes the boat has left the sand bar and is on the move.
Her shoes are found by the responders answering her 911 call. An all-out search takes place and she is found by a man in a cigarette boat who drops her near the saloon and takes off before she can even thank him. She does learn that the skeleton could be a woman who disappeared at sea 12 years ago. The wife of her new friend Ralph. He had had his wife declared dead and has remarried. Those things land him on the suspect list. There were other people on that missing sailboat and Chloe believes there is much more to the story that has evolved over those 12 missing years. Why did that sailboat reappear now and still be in pretty good shape? Where are the bodies/skeletons of the other passengers? She decides to look into the history a bit to try to answer those and other questions, but she may be treading water as she tries to tie the clues together.
I really like these characters. Chloe is still mourning the death of her friend Boone and is trying to fulfill his wishes. She and Boone’s grandmother, Vivi are going closer especially when a man arrives in town the could turn both their lives inside out. Joaquin has become a true friend as has his partner Michael. Rhett is also back in the picture, worried about Chloe. All these characters are fresh and unique as is the larger supporting cast that surrounds them. Chloe is still learning about the people of Emerald Cove and she takes some big steps in this story in getting to know them better.
Ms. Harris has treated her readers to a very complex mystery. There is a lot to untangle and a lot of moving parts. The mystery unfolds slowly keeping me intrigued the entire way. I was surprised as that mystery played out.
The author inserts a subplot mystery that is not completed within this story. I was caught up in that one just as much as the main mystery. In fact, when I flipped to the final page, I flipped back and forth a couple of times thinking I had missed its conclusion. I immediately thought, darn that Sherry Harris, she got me hook, line and sinker with a cliffhanger.
I was delighted by the humor in this story too. It breaks up the tense moments. One humorous scene has Chloe joining Joaquin and Micheal one evening. She wants to impress them with her ability to make the perfect martini. She brought all her own ingredients stating with just 3 ingredients what could go wrong? She presents the drinks and they all “take a big sip”
Ick. Maybe martinis were an acquired taste. I looked at Michael and Joaquín. They both had funny expressions on their faces. I wasn’t sure Joaquín had even swallowed his. I tried another sip. “This is awful,” I said. “This is a disgustatini, not a martini. It’s swill.” Michael and Joaquín burst out laughing. “It’s really bad, Chloe,” Michael said. “But I’ll give you points for trying.” “Let’s go in and you can show me what you did,” Joaquín said. “Eat some appetizers first,”
Then there was a little kidding about Chloe’s dislike of oysters . . . before we all learn what went wrong with the martinis. I was giggling until matters turned more serious as they delve into a more important issue.
Since I found Sherry’s Sarah W. Garage Sale Mysteries (which sadly the publisher has ended) she has become one of my favorite authors. Her mysteries make me think and I quickly become invested in her character’s lives. A Time to Swill is a prime example of this. I am truly invested in Chloe’s life. I was shouting internally, “No, don’t rush out to that boat!” It would have been a very short story if she hadn’t. She gets herself into troubling situations and I am all-in for the wild ride she takes us on. I cannot wait for our next adventure.
Chloe has made the decision to say goodbye to her life in Chicago and has loaded up her car with her important belongings and hit the road back to Emerald Cove and the Sea Glass Saloon. But before she returns to the saloon she does one of her favorite things, a morning run on the beach. The weather is foggy but she needs to get back to her routine. At first, she thinks the fog is playing with her but there is definitely a sailboat right up on a sandbar. She stops, and wonders how it got there but then she hears what sounds like a baby’s cry. She calls 911 and reports her find, drops her key ring, and removes her shoes when she hears another cry. She rushes to the boat but she doesn’t find a baby, she finds a kitten and a . . . human skeleton and realizes the boat has left the sand bar and is on the move.
Her shoes are found by the responders answering her 911 call. An all-out search takes place and she is found by a man in a cigarette boat who drops her near the saloon and takes off before she can even thank him. She does learn that the skeleton could be a woman who disappeared at sea 12 years ago. The wife of her new friend Ralph. He had had his wife declared dead and has remarried. Those things land him on the suspect list. There were other people on that missing sailboat and Chloe believes there is much more to the story that has evolved over those 12 missing years. Why did that sailboat reappear now and still be in pretty good shape? Where are the bodies/skeletons of the other passengers? She decides to look into the history a bit to try to answer those and other questions, but she may be treading water as she tries to tie the clues together.
I really like these characters. Chloe is still mourning the death of her friend Boone and is trying to fulfill his wishes. She and Boone’s grandmother, Vivi are going closer especially when a man arrives in town the could turn both their lives inside out. Joaquin has become a true friend as has his partner Michael. Rhett is also back in the picture, worried about Chloe. All these characters are fresh and unique as is the larger supporting cast that surrounds them. Chloe is still learning about the people of Emerald Cove and she takes some big steps in this story in getting to know them better.
Ms. Harris has treated her readers to a very complex mystery. There is a lot to untangle and a lot of moving parts. The mystery unfolds slowly keeping me intrigued the entire way. I was surprised as that mystery played out.
The author inserts a subplot mystery that is not completed within this story. I was caught up in that one just as much as the main mystery. In fact, when I flipped to the final page, I flipped back and forth a couple of times thinking I had missed its conclusion. I immediately thought, darn that Sherry Harris, she got me hook, line and sinker with a cliffhanger.
I was delighted by the humor in this story too. It breaks up the tense moments. One humorous scene has Chloe joining Joaquin and Micheal one evening. She wants to impress them with her ability to make the perfect martini. She brought all her own ingredients stating with just 3 ingredients what could go wrong? She presents the drinks and they all “take a big sip”
Ick. Maybe martinis were an acquired taste. I looked at Michael and Joaquín. They both had funny expressions on their faces. I wasn’t sure Joaquín had even swallowed his. I tried another sip. “This is awful,” I said. “This is a disgustatini, not a martini. It’s swill.” Michael and Joaquín burst out laughing. “It’s really bad, Chloe,” Michael said. “But I’ll give you points for trying.” “Let’s go in and you can show me what you did,” Joaquín said. “Eat some appetizers first,”
Then there was a little kidding about Chloe’s dislike of oysters . . . before we all learn what went wrong with the martinis. I was giggling until matters turned more serious as they delve into a more important issue.
Since I found Sherry’s Sarah W. Garage Sale Mysteries (which sadly the publisher has ended) she has become one of my favorite authors. Her mysteries make me think and I quickly become invested in her character’s lives. A Time to Swill is a prime example of this. I am truly invested in Chloe’s life. I was shouting internally, “No, don’t rush out to that boat!” It would have been a very short story if she hadn’t. She gets herself into troubling situations and I am all-in for the wild ride she takes us on. I cannot wait for our next adventure.
May 3, 2021
This was a 4.5-star review.
A Time to Swill, the second book in the Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series. It is one of my favorite books so far in 2021. This was a fast-paced read for me. The mystery grabs the reader's attention from the very first pages and doesn't let it go until the end. Chloe has returned after packing up her home in Chicago. While on a morning run she discovers a ghost ship run aground on the beach near her home. She boards the boat to rescue a kitten and then is swept out to sea. The mystery deepens when it is discovered that the ghost ship disappeared over a decade ago and has a skeleton aboard. Against the backdrop of this mystery, Boone's father shows up in Emerald Cover claiming that he has a new will in which Boone left his home and his share of the Sea Glass saloon to him.
The characters in this book are growing and maturing at a good pace. We get to see relationships blossom and some secrets revealed. Chloe is a very likable protagonist and I enjoy reading about her adventures. She has a good circle of new friends around her as she settles into her new life. Her relationship with Boone's grandmother Vivi is still in the early stages but heading in the right direction. The author provides plenty of clues, but the mystery has many levels and is complex. It takes the reader on a great adventure and I was surprised at how the mystery surrounding the ghost ship was resolved. I would have given the book a 5-star review if the mystery surrounding Boone's father had been resolved at the end of this book, but I think that will pour over to the next book.
This is a great book and I love this author. She provides me as a reader everything I look for in a cozy mystery and when I pick up a book by her I know I'll be in for a good adventure.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
A Time to Swill, the second book in the Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series. It is one of my favorite books so far in 2021. This was a fast-paced read for me. The mystery grabs the reader's attention from the very first pages and doesn't let it go until the end. Chloe has returned after packing up her home in Chicago. While on a morning run she discovers a ghost ship run aground on the beach near her home. She boards the boat to rescue a kitten and then is swept out to sea. The mystery deepens when it is discovered that the ghost ship disappeared over a decade ago and has a skeleton aboard. Against the backdrop of this mystery, Boone's father shows up in Emerald Cover claiming that he has a new will in which Boone left his home and his share of the Sea Glass saloon to him.
The characters in this book are growing and maturing at a good pace. We get to see relationships blossom and some secrets revealed. Chloe is a very likable protagonist and I enjoy reading about her adventures. She has a good circle of new friends around her as she settles into her new life. Her relationship with Boone's grandmother Vivi is still in the early stages but heading in the right direction. The author provides plenty of clues, but the mystery has many levels and is complex. It takes the reader on a great adventure and I was surprised at how the mystery surrounding the ghost ship was resolved. I would have given the book a 5-star review if the mystery surrounding Boone's father had been resolved at the end of this book, but I think that will pour over to the next book.
This is a great book and I love this author. She provides me as a reader everything I look for in a cozy mystery and when I pick up a book by her I know I'll be in for a good adventure.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
July 29, 2021
The 2 nd book of the series. Chloe came back to Florida to stay. Boone ( her friend that passed) put in his will that Chloe gets his house and part owner of the Sea Glass Bar. Chloe saw a boat ⛵out in the water abandoned and swam out to it. She got to it and found a skeleton and a alive cat. She got stranded on the red boat so she found a Mic and called for help.. A mysterious man found her and said the Governor was trying to find her. Boone father Steve came into Sea Glass Bar told Vivi ( Boone grandma) and Chloe that Boone made a new will before he died and now he owns Sea Glass Bar and Chloe house. It was suspicious. Love these books. If you have ever heard of Destin, Niceville, Crab Shack, Fort Walton Florida then I will like this series. I love in Crestview Florida 30 mins to 1 hour away from these cities. I know some of the places that Sherry writes about.
July 26, 2021
A Time to Swill is the second book in the Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series written by Sherry Harris and it follows the first, 'From Beer to Eternity '.
The reader soon meets the star of the show, children's librarian Chloe Jackson who has waved goodbye to Chicago winters and is living in warmer climes. She promised her late friend Boone that she would help out in Boone's grandma's bar, the Sea Glass Saloon, in Emerald Cove, Florida. Chloe has settled into her new life working with bar owner Vivi Slidell and has taken to spending her early mornings running on the beach. One morning she notices a boat on a sandbar. Climbing aboard, she is shocked to find a skeleton and soon realises the boat is moving with the tide...
I thought this was an excellent, really solid continuation to the series. I enjoyed reading the author's wonderful descriptions of the gorgeous beach setting, and I could almost feel the cool sea breeze. Emerald Cove sounded fabulous with its strong, vibrant touristy vibe. Sherry Harris has created a delightful set of characters; apart from Chloe herself who I found to be intelligent, caring and smart, I also liked Vivi for her spirit and vivacity.
The writing was fast-paced, and the mystery itself was very well executed, with abundant red herrings and twists to sustain my interest. All in all, a brilliant instalment with snippets of humour, and a great layered substory as a cherry topping. I will certainly be returning to Emerald Cove to see what Chloe is getting herself into next. I highly recommend A Time to Swill to those who appreciate well-written cozy mysteries.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
The reader soon meets the star of the show, children's librarian Chloe Jackson who has waved goodbye to Chicago winters and is living in warmer climes. She promised her late friend Boone that she would help out in Boone's grandma's bar, the Sea Glass Saloon, in Emerald Cove, Florida. Chloe has settled into her new life working with bar owner Vivi Slidell and has taken to spending her early mornings running on the beach. One morning she notices a boat on a sandbar. Climbing aboard, she is shocked to find a skeleton and soon realises the boat is moving with the tide...
I thought this was an excellent, really solid continuation to the series. I enjoyed reading the author's wonderful descriptions of the gorgeous beach setting, and I could almost feel the cool sea breeze. Emerald Cove sounded fabulous with its strong, vibrant touristy vibe. Sherry Harris has created a delightful set of characters; apart from Chloe herself who I found to be intelligent, caring and smart, I also liked Vivi for her spirit and vivacity.
The writing was fast-paced, and the mystery itself was very well executed, with abundant red herrings and twists to sustain my interest. All in all, a brilliant instalment with snippets of humour, and a great layered substory as a cherry topping. I will certainly be returning to Emerald Cove to see what Chloe is getting herself into next. I highly recommend A Time to Swill to those who appreciate well-written cozy mysteries.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
May 9, 2021
Wow, just wow, don't know where to begin. As we start book two Chloe has just returned from Chicago with all her possessions to start her new life in Emerald Cove. Before she even returns to the Sea Glass she is pulled into serious danger by finding a ghost ship with what she thinks is a baby on board but during the rush to save, what turns out to be a cat, the ship is swept to sea, she finds a human skeleton, and is rescued after the boat blows up.
This is just the beginning of this story which will keep you turning pages as fast as humanly possible. Turns out the ship she had found herself on went missing 12 years ago with four locals on board and was never heard from again and the person who rescued her takes off before she can thank him or find out who he is. If that's not enough Boone's estranged father shows up with a new will and informs Vivi that he owns half the Sea Glass and the home, boat and share of the bar Chloe thinks is hers.
How this all plays out makes for a compelling story, lots of adventure and a questioning of just about everything we thought we knew. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
This is just the beginning of this story which will keep you turning pages as fast as humanly possible. Turns out the ship she had found herself on went missing 12 years ago with four locals on board and was never heard from again and the person who rescued her takes off before she can thank him or find out who he is. If that's not enough Boone's estranged father shows up with a new will and informs Vivi that he owns half the Sea Glass and the home, boat and share of the bar Chloe thinks is hers.
How this all plays out makes for a compelling story, lots of adventure and a questioning of just about everything we thought we knew. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
June 10, 2021
Getting in late to Emerald Cove after a long drive from Chicago with a carload of her possessions, Chloe Jackson didnt alert anyone to her retun before her early morning run on the beach. As the fog closed in, she heard a baby crying on an adrift sinking boat. Her good samaritan move led to some dangerous moments in the gulf before being rescued hours later. How that shakes out is just the beginning of the adventures for Chloe in the second book in this fabulous cozy series. From well drawn characters to realistic relationships and an intriguing plot, this is an exceptional vicarious pleasure for mystery lovers who wont be making ut to the beach this summer. Highly recommended! Thanks to netgalley and the Kensington Publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review .
July 22, 2021
Chloe has closed the Chicago chapter of her life, her life as a children's librarian and has spent the past several weeks packing her little red VW Beetle for her return trip to Emerald Cove, Florida. Since the death of her friend during his tour in Afghanistan, she has been a 25% owner of his grandmother's beach saloon, The Sea Glass and owner of his beach house and boat. From children's librarian to part owner of a bar, pulling beers and pouring drinks Chloe makes time every morning to run on the beach. Working behind a bar isn't much exercise. On her first morning back, while on her run, her world takes a bizarre twist. In the thick fog she spots a drifting sail boat and thinks she hears a baby crying. Swimming out to rescue the baby she finds it's really a kitten and it's sharing the boat with a woman's skeleton. She returns to dry land with a kitten and a boatload of questions that need answers.
From the first page to the last I was hooked both with the mystery of the skeleton on the ghost ship and the other issues Chloe has to deal with. The biggest one? Will she still have the house and partnership left to her or loose it when the will is contested. The mystery was well crafted and I like the recurring characters, especially Vivi, a lady who is a true Steel Magnolia. The setting of the beach community dealing with tourists, developers and devastating hurricanes is vividly portrayed. While the mystery stands alone there are enough threads to make me eager to see what is in store for Chloe, The Sea Glass and Emerald Cove.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
From the first page to the last I was hooked both with the mystery of the skeleton on the ghost ship and the other issues Chloe has to deal with. The biggest one? Will she still have the house and partnership left to her or loose it when the will is contested. The mystery was well crafted and I like the recurring characters, especially Vivi, a lady who is a true Steel Magnolia. The setting of the beach community dealing with tourists, developers and devastating hurricanes is vividly portrayed. While the mystery stands alone there are enough threads to make me eager to see what is in store for Chloe, The Sea Glass and Emerald Cove.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 14, 2021
In A Time to Swill, Chloe faces several problems, but at least Vivi isn’t one of them. On her first day back and she finds a boat adrift and a skeleton. To top that off, Boone’s father, Steve, has come to town and is claiming the inheritance Boone left for Chloe and Vivi. Slinging cocktails at the Sea Glass Saloon takes a second seat to finding a killer and stopping Steve from getting his greedy hands on the bar and Chloe’s home.
Like all of those in Sherry Harris’ series’, the characters in this story are delightful. They bring fun and excitement to the genre and keep readers coming back again and again. This book is well written, has a fantastic plot, twists that encourage readers to ask questions, even when they know the answers. The Sea Glass Saloon is a typical Floridian-style bar, inviting, filled with characters, with easy access to the beach. The skeleton found on a boat isn’t immediately identified, so the mystery of who and what happened is extended to the end of the book. There is plenty of action, evidence, and suspects with good motives. The killer is identified with help from Chloe and Vivi’s friends, and the motive is neatly wrapped up in a bow. My only complaint about the book is that the question of Steve gaining all of the inheritance belonging to Chloe and Vivi isn’t wrapped up as well as I would have liked.
Readers will have an enjoyable time reading this mystery, figuring out who the culprit is, as well as a pleasant few hours getting to know these characters, solving the murder, and learning how to make the cocktails from the Sea Glass Saloon, even the ones Chloe isn’t good at making. I am thrilled with this new addition to the series and look forward to the next installment. Sherry Harris is at the top of her game, and A Time to Swill is proof positive that she is a master storyteller.
Like all of those in Sherry Harris’ series’, the characters in this story are delightful. They bring fun and excitement to the genre and keep readers coming back again and again. This book is well written, has a fantastic plot, twists that encourage readers to ask questions, even when they know the answers. The Sea Glass Saloon is a typical Floridian-style bar, inviting, filled with characters, with easy access to the beach. The skeleton found on a boat isn’t immediately identified, so the mystery of who and what happened is extended to the end of the book. There is plenty of action, evidence, and suspects with good motives. The killer is identified with help from Chloe and Vivi’s friends, and the motive is neatly wrapped up in a bow. My only complaint about the book is that the question of Steve gaining all of the inheritance belonging to Chloe and Vivi isn’t wrapped up as well as I would have liked.
Readers will have an enjoyable time reading this mystery, figuring out who the culprit is, as well as a pleasant few hours getting to know these characters, solving the murder, and learning how to make the cocktails from the Sea Glass Saloon, even the ones Chloe isn’t good at making. I am thrilled with this new addition to the series and look forward to the next installment. Sherry Harris is at the top of her game, and A Time to Swill is proof positive that she is a master storyteller.
June 24, 2021
A Time to Swill by Sherry Harris the 2nd instalment in the "Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery" series. What can I say other than I loved it even more than the first book! I read it in one day, couldn’t put it down.
Saloon owner Chloe Jackson is after a murderer with skeletons in the closet--and one on a boat.
I found myself engrossed in the story and I loved the setting of Emerald Cove, Florida panhandle. The way the author described it really makes me want to visit Florida, I could picture myself on the beach deck outside the Seaglass with a drink and good book.
The protagonist Chloe is a very likeable, and I like that she has insecurities like most of us woman of certain size or build, but at the same time she’s confident except when she likes someone. The characters are well-developed and we are starting to see new layers to them.
The mystery had just enough suspects, red herrings, and twists and turns to keep you guessing till the end. I found it to be a fun fast read. I am looking forward to seeing what is next for her, especially in her relationships with Vivi and Rhett aka Rip.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN
Saloon owner Chloe Jackson is after a murderer with skeletons in the closet--and one on a boat.
I found myself engrossed in the story and I loved the setting of Emerald Cove, Florida panhandle. The way the author described it really makes me want to visit Florida, I could picture myself on the beach deck outside the Seaglass with a drink and good book.
The protagonist Chloe is a very likeable, and I like that she has insecurities like most of us woman of certain size or build, but at the same time she’s confident except when she likes someone. The characters are well-developed and we are starting to see new layers to them.
The mystery had just enough suspects, red herrings, and twists and turns to keep you guessing till the end. I found it to be a fun fast read. I am looking forward to seeing what is next for her, especially in her relationships with Vivi and Rhett aka Rip.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN
July 9, 2021
I am excited to be back to the Florida Panhandle in the 2nd book of the Sea Glass Saloon Mysteries. Things are happening once again in Emerald Cove with the discovery of a ghost ship partially hidden in the Fog..You are engaged in the story right from the start and the pages seem to fly by as you don't want to stop reading...it is that good!
Another great mystery; . I really love the characters and the author's beach town ambiance is so well done. you can imagine yourself running down the beach.
This book finds Chloe has made a final move from Chicago to Emerald Cove It is a permanent move or will situations prove otherwise?
Thanks to Kensington Books. NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. The review is my unbiased honest opinion.
Book releases on July 27, 2022.
Another great mystery; . I really love the characters and the author's beach town ambiance is so well done. you can imagine yourself running down the beach.
This book finds Chloe has made a final move from Chicago to Emerald Cove It is a permanent move or will situations prove otherwise?
Thanks to Kensington Books. NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. The review is my unbiased honest opinion.
Book releases on July 27, 2022.
July 23, 2021
Out for a jog one early morning Chloe hears a baby crying in an abandoned boat and rushes to the rescue. She is the one who ultimately needs rescued and finds herself involved in an old mystery involving four people lost at sea..
This story did a great job making me suspicious of many of the characters yet I never would have guessed the ending. The characters are interesting and I look forward to learning more about them in future Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series books. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
This story did a great job making me suspicious of many of the characters yet I never would have guessed the ending. The characters are interesting and I look forward to learning more about them in future Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series books. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 28, 2021
Florida, the beach and a bar. Sounds like a perfect setting for a run of the mill cozy. Except this is anything but. Yes, there is fun in the sun, murder and good relationships. There is also suspense, fully developed characters and realistic clashes between recurring characters without one being the good guy and one the bad guy.
Chloe is a newly transplanted New Englander who recently found herself the half-owner of a bar in Florida when her best friend dies in Afghanistan. There is the typical culture clash that one would expect. I really liked Chloe. She’s trying to establish herself in a very different clime than she is used to and to make new friends while grieving for someone she was very close to and turn her life in a new direction. She is a very believable character as are the other people around her. Not everyone welcomed her with open arms, particularly her best friend’s mother who doesn’t expect to have to share her business and life with this interloper.
Well plotted and well imagined, it is also well written and will keep mystery readers happy with a blend of suspense, humor, believable characters and surprises, not to mention a great locale. I will be back to this destination on my next vacation.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Chloe is a newly transplanted New Englander who recently found herself the half-owner of a bar in Florida when her best friend dies in Afghanistan. There is the typical culture clash that one would expect. I really liked Chloe. She’s trying to establish herself in a very different clime than she is used to and to make new friends while grieving for someone she was very close to and turn her life in a new direction. She is a very believable character as are the other people around her. Not everyone welcomed her with open arms, particularly her best friend’s mother who doesn’t expect to have to share her business and life with this interloper.
Well plotted and well imagined, it is also well written and will keep mystery readers happy with a blend of suspense, humor, believable characters and surprises, not to mention a great locale. I will be back to this destination on my next vacation.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
September 12, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- Super enjoyable cozy mystery!
I enjoyed this one quite a bit. It stood up well as a standalone. It was well written and well paced. The plot (at times) was a little all over the place, but was still engaging. The setting was fun, and I found all the characters likable. That said, the ending was a bit of a letdown. The solving of the mystery lacked any genuine excitement and we are also left hanging with no real resolution to the secondary storyline concerning Boone's will. Perhaps the author will give us a resolution in the next book. 🤷🏻♀️ Overall, though, I found it enjoyable enough that I will definitely keep my eyes open for the next book in this series. 👍🏻
**ARC Via NetGalley**
I enjoyed this one quite a bit. It stood up well as a standalone. It was well written and well paced. The plot (at times) was a little all over the place, but was still engaging. The setting was fun, and I found all the characters likable. That said, the ending was a bit of a letdown. The solving of the mystery lacked any genuine excitement and we are also left hanging with no real resolution to the secondary storyline concerning Boone's will. Perhaps the author will give us a resolution in the next book. 🤷🏻♀️ Overall, though, I found it enjoyable enough that I will definitely keep my eyes open for the next book in this series. 👍🏻
**ARC Via NetGalley**
January 1, 2022
I forgot how much I love cozies by Sherry Harris! I was hooked from the beginning. Great story, great mystery. I loved that this mystery went back a decade. Looking forward to book 3!
July 11, 2021
Chloe wasn't sure about Emerald Cove and the Sea Glass Saloon when she promised her friend Boone she would care for it and his grandmother but she's loving it. Then she goes out for a run one morning and finds a sailboat- with a cat and a skeleton on board. Unwisely, perhaps, she hops aboard, is swept out to sea, and then is rescued by a mysterious man. Turns out the sailboat is connected to her friend Ralph, who's a suspect now in the murder of his wife. But what happened to the three people she was with. Of course Chloe's going to investigate- when she's not involved in defending her inheritance from Boone's wayward father. This has good characters and a fun setting. It's the second in the series but perfectly enjoyable as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good twisty cozy mystery.
June 22, 2021
I loved this suspenseful air of Sherry Harris' new mystery, A Time To Swill--the second in her Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series. As with all of her books, the characters are very appealing--except for the villains, of course. Chloe finds a ghost ship while she is out jogging; hearing the cries of a baby, she jumps aboard for a rescue---now the trouble and the mystery begin. The plot is well woven, with clever twists and good pacing. The character relationships are changing, expanding, as they become more dependent on one another---it is this real life quality that draws me into their fictitious lives and makes me care about what happens to them. I can hardly wait to read more of this series!
Thank you to #Kensington, the publisher; #ATimeToSwill #NetGalley for granting my request for an ARC of this book. My opinions are my own--in no way influenced by this. I review books I enjoy so that my friends and followers can enjoy them, too.
Thank you to #Kensington, the publisher; #ATimeToSwill #NetGalley for granting my request for an ARC of this book. My opinions are my own--in no way influenced by this. I review books I enjoy so that my friends and followers can enjoy them, too.
June 7, 2021
A Time to Swill by Sherry Harris is the second book in the Chloe Jackson, Seaglass Saloon Mystery series. I really enjoyed this book. The murder mystery is quite interesting and Chloe Jackson's efforts to solve it were fun to follow. I like the characters in this series and I have to say Ms. Harris writes a great pain-in-the-neck villain in Steve Kincheloe. After having read the first book in the series, From Beer to Eternity, and meeting Rhett "Rip" Barnett in that story I prefer him as Rhett and not Rip. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
February 14, 2023
A Time To Swill is the second in the Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series. I read the first one not long before this and was eager for the next. Unfortunately, while I loved the first one A Time To Swill went bottoms up.
After the events of the previous book Chloe is now settling down to her new life in the Florida Panhandle. She's still slowly making friends and getting to know everyone. One early morning while out jogging along the beach Chloe sees something through the fog. It's a sailboat, washed up on a sandbar. Her first reaction is to call the police but when she hears a cry she hops aboard. There she finds a kitten and a skeleton. A mystery ensues when the ship and possibly the remains are connected to Ralph, who remarried after his wife disappeared twelve years ago.
I loved the beginning. It was unusual, creepy, and fun. The mystery seemed very promising. After the beginning though things begin to feel scattered and much of the focus of the mystery is lost. A side story develops that is interesting but that too doesn't receive proper attention. There is an overall awkward feeling.
Too many things were happening that weren't interesting enough and felt out of place or unnecessary. The oyster bit, while slightly funny, was silly. Also Rhett receives a new name. It comes as a nickname but the whole thing is odd. It's hard to get a handle on him as a character or his place in the series. He seems very nice. Too nice really because he gets unfair treatment from Chloe.
There isn't much lead up to the mystery being solved. Chloe doesn't even seem to do much. I appreciate that the series isn't typical but the main character needs to up her instincts.
After the events of the previous book Chloe is now settling down to her new life in the Florida Panhandle. She's still slowly making friends and getting to know everyone. One early morning while out jogging along the beach Chloe sees something through the fog. It's a sailboat, washed up on a sandbar. Her first reaction is to call the police but when she hears a cry she hops aboard. There she finds a kitten and a skeleton. A mystery ensues when the ship and possibly the remains are connected to Ralph, who remarried after his wife disappeared twelve years ago.
I loved the beginning. It was unusual, creepy, and fun. The mystery seemed very promising. After the beginning though things begin to feel scattered and much of the focus of the mystery is lost. A side story develops that is interesting but that too doesn't receive proper attention. There is an overall awkward feeling.
Too many things were happening that weren't interesting enough and felt out of place or unnecessary. The oyster bit, while slightly funny, was silly. Also Rhett receives a new name. It comes as a nickname but the whole thing is odd. It's hard to get a handle on him as a character or his place in the series. He seems very nice. Too nice really because he gets unfair treatment from Chloe.
There isn't much lead up to the mystery being solved. Chloe doesn't even seem to do much. I appreciate that the series isn't typical but the main character needs to up her instincts.
September 26, 2021
Oh, Chloe...the poor girl can't catch a break. In the second installment of this fine new series, Chloe returns from packing up the rest of her belongings in Chicago to make a go of setting up roots in Emerald Cove. Of course, there are complications with this plan. A ghost ship, a corpse, a possible threat to her new home and new job. What I adore about Harris' novels (in this series and her Sarah Winston Garage Sale series) is that she manages to throw extra mini-mysteries into each story, so it's not just the murder that needs to be solved. These extras complicate and distract the heroine as well as the reader, to keep everyone on their toes, until the oh, so satisfying conclusion!
August 3, 2021
Not bad. Props for the final mystery being solved by fixer Ann and the deputy and not some random looky-loo like Chloe who really has no business being there. She has a tangential involvement and that's just fine. I also like Chloe, Joaquin and Vivi. This is a series I'll keep my eye on.
April 6, 2024
Mi ero dimenticata di questa serie... Peccato, perché questo libro mi è proprio piaciuto. C'è tanta carne sul fuoco, come si suol dire: una barca che riappare dopo 12 anni con un scheletro (e un gatto che non si sa dove è sbucato fuori: questo resta un mistero), un personaggio che vuole impadronirsi dei beni ereditati dalla protagonista e dei contrabbandieri all'opera (di cui avevamo avuto un assaggio, se ben ricordo, nel libro precedente). Alla fine si risolve tutto, sebbene avrei preferito sapere con certezza che l'uomo che cerca di fregare la protagonista finisca in prigione. Ora non mi resta che non aspettare anni a leggere il libro successivo, visto che è già sul mio ereader...
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