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Southern Beach Mysteries #4
The Shark Did It
It’s August on Sophia Island, and that means hurricane season is in full swing. Everyone keeps telling Northern newcomer Jewel Mantelle not to worry—yet. They’ll tell her when it’s time to worry. Against their advice, she’s been staying up late watching The Weather Channel, and when the latest storm gets a name, well, she decides it’s time to worry!
Suddenly, though, there are more important things than Category 3 storms to fret about. Things much closer to her home in the heart of Sophia Beach’s historic district.
Jewel’s husband, Craig, is still working out of town, but Officer Charlie Greyson is closer to Jewel than ever. He’s left his wife and moved into Jewel’s neighborhood, where they seem to often run into each other. Too often for some folks’ liking. Especially his embittered wife.
And Jewel’s not the only one on Sophia Island dealing with romantic drama. The summer heat has caused local barista and free spirit Eden Church’s longtime relationship with police officer Aiden Bryant to boil over and possibly out. It’s become volatile to the point of concern, but all the plans and fights and other worries come to a screeching halt when Eden goes missing… days before Hurricane Lewis is scheduled to make landfall.
Suddenly, though, there are more important things than Category 3 storms to fret about. Things much closer to her home in the heart of Sophia Beach’s historic district.
Jewel’s husband, Craig, is still working out of town, but Officer Charlie Greyson is closer to Jewel than ever. He’s left his wife and moved into Jewel’s neighborhood, where they seem to often run into each other. Too often for some folks’ liking. Especially his embittered wife.
And Jewel’s not the only one on Sophia Island dealing with romantic drama. The summer heat has caused local barista and free spirit Eden Church’s longtime relationship with police officer Aiden Bryant to boil over and possibly out. It’s become volatile to the point of concern, but all the plans and fights and other worries come to a screeching halt when Eden goes missing… days before Hurricane Lewis is scheduled to make landfall.
- GenresCozy Mystery
145 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2021
77 people are currently reading
88 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 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 29, 2021
Just finished another great book "The Shark did It" by Kay Dew Shostak! Loved spending time with old friends (Jewel, Annie, Cherry, etc) and meeting new friends! Author writes in a way you feel you are one of the characters and part of the story and that you are right there in Sophia Island with them. Love how the characters can show such love & empathy to the other characters (the ones doing the crime & the ones effected by the crime). Hate when the book is finished and can not wait for the next book in the series to continue my journey with these friends. Will miss them till next year when new book is released!!
June 11, 2022
Another cozy installment to this mystery series. I always love reading these in the summer months. I really enjoyed all the new places Jewel got to go in this book, like up to South Georgia. I wasn't expecting those Easter eggs of places. I love that I've been to them and know exactly where Jewel is even with the name changes.
I did find this one to be a tad bit more predictable than others. I connected some dots way before the characters did, but was happy with the ending and how it wrapped up because I wasn't able to guess everything.
I'm so excited for more!
I did find this one to be a tad bit more predictable than others. I connected some dots way before the characters did, but was happy with the ending and how it wrapped up because I wasn't able to guess everything.
I'm so excited for more!
July 24, 2022
Fun Series
Discovered & binge-read this series. As I neared the end of #4 was feeling bereft, so I was delighted that there will be a #5 this year.
The writing is excellent, the plots are good, the characters are A+, & the humor is spot on. They capture the essence of southern culture & humor (bless their hearts) & evoke the atmosphere of Amelia Island (the real Sophia).
Fun to read. Try them, Yankee or Belle, you’ll like them.
Discovered & binge-read this series. As I neared the end of #4 was feeling bereft, so I was delighted that there will be a #5 this year.
The writing is excellent, the plots are good, the characters are A+, & the humor is spot on. They capture the essence of southern culture & humor (bless their hearts) & evoke the atmosphere of Amelia Island (the real Sophia).
Fun to read. Try them, Yankee or Belle, you’ll like them.
June 17, 2023
Exceptional southern mystery series!
Just read books 1 thru 4 back to back because I can't get enough of these stories. Love the characters - and the town itself is a character all on it's own. The main characters are older, which I love and can relate to. And being a Florida resident myself, I love the whole Florida, southern feel. She has captured the wonderful, quirky, humid essence of this place. The mysteries are so good, I can't wait to read the next book!
Just read books 1 thru 4 back to back because I can't get enough of these stories. Love the characters - and the town itself is a character all on it's own. The main characters are older, which I love and can relate to. And being a Florida resident myself, I love the whole Florida, southern feel. She has captured the wonderful, quirky, humid essence of this place. The mysteries are so good, I can't wait to read the next book!
September 13, 2021
Books to Look Forward To
As usual, Ms Shostak has given us an enjoyable read. Her characters are likable and believable, her plots are twisted enough that you don’t know where it’s going until you get there. Cant wait for next book.
As usual, Ms Shostak has given us an enjoyable read. Her characters are likable and believable, her plots are twisted enough that you don’t know where it’s going until you get there. Cant wait for next book.
March 27, 2022
As with the previous 3 books, the fourth again hits my favorites. The Shark Did It changes course just a bit with the storyline but be prepared to be just as in-the-pages as the other 3 books. A great weekend read..... can't wait to get my hands on the gator!
November 4, 2022
Yet another great mystery by Kay Shostak. Having lived near the island for only seven years, I had a blast figuring out the sites where the story takes place. Thanks for another fun read. Can’t wait for book # five.
September 30, 2021
Love it!
Always love Kay’s books. They are good and clean and are great reads! I can hardly wait for the next one!
Always love Kay’s books. They are good and clean and are great reads! I can hardly wait for the next one!
February 7, 2022
Loved This One
I think the fact that is one hits closer to home being a main character had a huge impact. As always the thought dialog and setting is very well conveyed.
I think the fact that is one hits closer to home being a main character had a huge impact. As always the thought dialog and setting is very well conveyed.
March 19, 2022
This was a good story. Heart felt. Looking forward to the next book . Happy Reading :)
September 11, 2023
I loved this book
I felt very emotional at the end of the book with all the couples dancing. Did Jewel and Charlie get together? Tune in in book 5..
I felt very emotional at the end of the book with all the couples dancing. Did Jewel and Charlie get together? Tune in in book 5..
November 8, 2023
Where is Eden??? Tiburon is Spanish for shark??? The tattoo did not cause his death??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
February 16, 2025
Keeps you guessing.
A well written mystery that keeps you on your toes wondering if she'd be found alive but thinking the worst. A good read
A well written mystery that keeps you on your toes wondering if she'd be found alive but thinking the worst. A good read
April 7, 2025
I figured out the mystery of this one pretty quickly, but was still my favorite of the series so far! I just loved it and the character development throughout
May 9, 2024
Eden and her boyfriend's relationship is on the rocks. When Eden and Aiden disappear right before a hurricane is about to hit, everyone assumes they ran off together until Aiden turns up and has no idea where Eden is. Will the citizens of Sophia Island be able to find Eden before the storm hits? A fun addition to the Southern Beach mysteries that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a fabulous beach read.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews