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Longboat Key #1
Hidden in the Keys Book 1
Julia Masterson has high hopes for a new beginning. Her husband, Frank, had promised to dedicate the rest of his life making their marriage work. Both newly retired, in their little beach cottage in Longboat Key, Florida, everything started out just as she imagined.
Until he didn’t come home that night. Or the next.
What began as romantic walks on the beach has quickly become a desperate search to find her missing husband. When local detective Brody Barker steps onto the scene, he’s determined to solve the case quickly and move on. But every lead is a dead-end.
The closer Julia gets to finding out the truth, the further away she gets from wanting to know the answers.
And just as the faith in her marriage starts to crumble, Brody realizes he is the only thing standing in the way of her and disaster.
This beachside mystery romance is full of secrets, truths and unforeseen love that will keep you curious and wanting more.
Until he didn’t come home that night. Or the next.
What began as romantic walks on the beach has quickly become a desperate search to find her missing husband. When local detective Brody Barker steps onto the scene, he’s determined to solve the case quickly and move on. But every lead is a dead-end.
The closer Julia gets to finding out the truth, the further away she gets from wanting to know the answers.
And just as the faith in her marriage starts to crumble, Brody realizes he is the only thing standing in the way of her and disaster.
This beachside mystery romance is full of secrets, truths and unforeseen love that will keep you curious and wanting more.
77 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2021
2054 people are currently reading
1845 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
February 26, 2022
This was a childish annoying book. Start with the premise of a woman who studied accounting (and supposedly was good at it) then spends 25 years married to a man who locks her in a room without supper if she dares to look at anything in his office. Then that man disappears and she lets two of his children bully her. Then she gets drunk and can't handle a visit from the police. But hey - she teaches raiku so she can find peace - except she can't. Okay - all of that is annoying, but then comes the clincher. The detective who suspects her of killing her husband is so taken in by her physical beauty that he spends time hugging, cuddling and holding her hand - and when he's not doing that he alternates between thinking about her as a black widow and daydreaming about having sex with her. Like I said - childish nonsense. Any actual story hidden in there simply isn't worth finding because the characters are whiny, stupid and unlikeable. This is the kind of book that gives "cozy mysteries" a bad reputation.
September 25, 2021
Pretty good writing. Liked the story but…..
This is a ‘to be continued’ book written over 6 separate books. $.99 each.
I feel like I’ve been tricked.
This is a ‘to be continued’ book written over 6 separate books. $.99 each.
I feel like I’ve been tricked.
August 20, 2021
This is the first in the Longboat Key series and also my first time reading something by Ms. Parker, so I wasn't sure what to expect. But I can tell you I was very pleasantly surprised. The story was well-written and pulled me in right from the beginning and I was engrossed all the way through. The mystery and intrigue really had me turning the pages, anxious to see what happens next. Frank and Julia have retired to the Keys, and are hopeful they can get their marriage back on track. But then Frank disappears and Julia is the number 1 suspect. This was a really enjoyable and captivating read, and I enjoyed it very much. It does end in a cliffhanger, so you'll want to make sure to pick up book 2 as well. I know I'm looking forward to it!
I received a complimentary advanced reader's copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received a complimentary advanced reader's copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
November 17, 2021
I really wanted to like this book, but it's not actually a "book". It's a few chapters, cut off, and then you are expected to buy the next five "books" to get to the conclusion.
I live in the Florida Keys. I looked at the name of the book and thought it was actually about the Florida Keys. But Longboat Key is not in what we consider the "Keys", which are at the southern tip of the state. No, Longboat Key is over on the west coast of Florida near Sarasota. I guess I didn't notice the name of the series when I downloaded the book. I only saw "Hidden in the Keys".
Sorry, Ms. Parker, you do have a talent for writing, but I just can't read any more of this series. Like I said, I really wanted to like this book.
I live in the Florida Keys. I looked at the name of the book and thought it was actually about the Florida Keys. But Longboat Key is not in what we consider the "Keys", which are at the southern tip of the state. No, Longboat Key is over on the west coast of Florida near Sarasota. I guess I didn't notice the name of the series when I downloaded the book. I only saw "Hidden in the Keys".
Sorry, Ms. Parker, you do have a talent for writing, but I just can't read any more of this series. Like I said, I really wanted to like this book.
April 14, 2025
Unsure why this is broken up into 6 separate parts, but it will make for some short quick reads with cliffhangers at the end of each.
Writing is a bit rudimentary, but it’s easy to fly through. A missing abusive husband and a detective with the hots for the suspect? This is messy and I’ll keep going even if Julia is a bit annoying 💀
Writing is a bit rudimentary, but it’s easy to fly through. A missing abusive husband and a detective with the hots for the suspect? This is messy and I’ll keep going even if Julia is a bit annoying 💀
June 19, 2023
Wow! Favorite Island Mystery Ever!
Where to begin? I was looking up "island mysteries" in the Kindle Store, and something about the cover art intrigued me enough to read this book. From the Jersey Shore to the Pacific, I'm stunned by this book. Poor Julia! Who is Frank, really? How on earth can he secretly provide for five known families? Leading a double life is child's play compared to what he's done! How did Frank come by the gold bars? Where did he go? What do Frank's two daughters know and not know about the dad they supposedly love? Why on earth do they hate Julia? I have so many questions! Will I be reading the rest of the books in the Longboat Key series? Absolutely!
Where to begin? I was looking up "island mysteries" in the Kindle Store, and something about the cover art intrigued me enough to read this book. From the Jersey Shore to the Pacific, I'm stunned by this book. Poor Julia! Who is Frank, really? How on earth can he secretly provide for five known families? Leading a double life is child's play compared to what he's done! How did Frank come by the gold bars? Where did he go? What do Frank's two daughters know and not know about the dad they supposedly love? Why on earth do they hate Julia? I have so many questions! Will I be reading the rest of the books in the Longboat Key series? Absolutely!
March 8, 2023
Where is the rest of the book
This was a decent start to a novel, but the cliffhanger ending did not make me buy the next book. It made me realize that I am not invested in any of these characters enough to continue. I believe the basic storyline would be interesting, but it is not well developed. I just finally hear a little of how Julia ended up married to Frank and am dumbfounded about how she stayed married for 25 years. Julia needs more backstory. I don't like the new trend where authors make a series out of what could be one complete novel.
This was a decent start to a novel, but the cliffhanger ending did not make me buy the next book. It made me realize that I am not invested in any of these characters enough to continue. I believe the basic storyline would be interesting, but it is not well developed. I just finally hear a little of how Julia ended up married to Frank and am dumbfounded about how she stayed married for 25 years. Julia needs more backstory. I don't like the new trend where authors make a series out of what could be one complete novel.
July 11, 2022
I liked the book but the detective should have been more professional. Why was he lusting over a married woman? Even though her husband is missing she was still a suspect why would you hold or caress the hair of a suspect??? Even though she was emotional he still should have been neutral. I’m excited to see exactly what the 4 families are, and to be honest frank sounds abusive and she was scared of him. Who gets upset at finding out about children when she should have been told that even before she married the man? To lock a woman in a room until she behaves to be sounds controlling but I guess as long as he was giving her a allowance she was fine. To me they sounded well off I could see how he could sneak the gold because that could have been put in a briefcase. Knowing me and most women wouldn’t she get curious and want to look? I know myself if he was that angry about her going in his office I would have had to go when he wasn’t there. Was she not concerned about what he did and where he went on his business trips??? I feel for her sounds like she just wanted out but because he did not believe in divorce she was stuck. Is he a polygamist? Did someone kill him? Does she know more than she is putting on? Will he be dead and her and the detective fall in love? So many questions….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2024
Anniversary Absence Turns Alarming!
Julie Matterson's serene retirement life on Longboat Key Island is shattered when her husband, Frank, vanishes without a trace just before their silver anniversary — an unprecedented absence in their 25-year union. As Detective Brody Barker and Officer Klein delve into Frank's disappearance, they confront a facade of normalcy.
Despite initial suspicions cast towards Julie, Detective Brody's intuition guides him to a clandestine investigation within Frank's private office — a space Julie never ventured into.
Amidst the discovery of hidden gold and perplexing files, the depth of Frank's secrets begins to surface, hinting at lives entangled in a deceptive philanthropy. With answers lying just beyond reach, "Hidden in the Keys" leaves readers eagerly anticipating the revelations of Book 2 in the Longboat Key Series.
Review by SRD
#HiddenInTheKeys
#LongboatKeySeries
#MysteryNovel
#DetectiveStory
#SuspenseThriller
#BookReview
#Whodunit
#DisappearanceMystery
#readingchallenge
#readingcommunity
#readingisfun
#booklovers
#LinkedInfamily
Julie Matterson's serene retirement life on Longboat Key Island is shattered when her husband, Frank, vanishes without a trace just before their silver anniversary — an unprecedented absence in their 25-year union. As Detective Brody Barker and Officer Klein delve into Frank's disappearance, they confront a facade of normalcy.
Despite initial suspicions cast towards Julie, Detective Brody's intuition guides him to a clandestine investigation within Frank's private office — a space Julie never ventured into.
Amidst the discovery of hidden gold and perplexing files, the depth of Frank's secrets begins to surface, hinting at lives entangled in a deceptive philanthropy. With answers lying just beyond reach, "Hidden in the Keys" leaves readers eagerly anticipating the revelations of Book 2 in the Longboat Key Series.
Review by SRD
#HiddenInTheKeys
#LongboatKeySeries
#MysteryNovel
#DetectiveStory
#SuspenseThriller
#BookReview
#Whodunit
#DisappearanceMystery
#readingchallenge
#readingcommunity
#readingisfun
#booklovers
#LinkedInfamily
August 19, 2021
Frank and Julia retire to the Keys, intending on trying to put their marriage back together and spending more time together. Then Frank disappears for several days - something he was known for regularly. It does not feel right to her that he misses their 25th wedding anniversary though so she calls his daughters and they file missing person reports. Detective Brody automatically figures she is involved but he keeps digging.
The characters have great backstories and the local is very visual. The storyline sucks you in right from the beginning and you can not wait to see what else Frank was involved with secretly. A whole new world is opening up for Julia but not sure she is ready to find out what it entails.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters have great backstories and the local is very visual. The storyline sucks you in right from the beginning and you can not wait to see what else Frank was involved with secretly. A whole new world is opening up for Julia but not sure she is ready to find out what it entails.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2021
What a great start to a series. Julia and Frank are a newly retired. They’ve moved to Longboat Key, Florida into a wonderful cottage prepared to recommit to their relationship. Until Frank disappears. No word from him and he has missed their wedding anniversary. Julia calls his daughters to see if they’ve heard from him and they report him missing. Enter Brody, the detective sent to investigate his disappearance and see if Julia is involved. Is she the culprit or a woman looking for her missing husband? And who is Frank really? I look forward to the next installment in the series. The cliffhanger has me wanting more!
I received a copy of this book for Booksprout. It did not impact my review.
I received a copy of this book for Booksprout. It did not impact my review.
August 11, 2021
A great start to a new mystery series by Sage Parker.
Julia and Frank have finally retired to the Keys and although Julia is hopeful that Frank will now be spending more time with her, that’s not the case. To make matters worse Frank has been gone for days with no communication and has actually missed their 25th wedding anniversary. As the detective assigned to the case investigates, he can’t help wondering if Julia is a black widow or is something else going on. Looking forward to reading the next book! Thank you to the author for an arc of this book the review and comments are my honest opinion.
Julia and Frank have finally retired to the Keys and although Julia is hopeful that Frank will now be spending more time with her, that’s not the case. To make matters worse Frank has been gone for days with no communication and has actually missed their 25th wedding anniversary. As the detective assigned to the case investigates, he can’t help wondering if Julia is a black widow or is something else going on. Looking forward to reading the next book! Thank you to the author for an arc of this book the review and comments are my honest opinion.
August 13, 2021
Frank and Julia retire to the Florida Keys, or Julia thought they had. Julia is planning a surprise dinner for their 25th Anniversary but Frank doesn’t show up! It wasn’t unusual for him to be gone for days with work but he had never missed an anniversary with Julia. Now Julia has a bad feeling and after calling Frank’s daughters and talking to them, Julia is the number 1 suspect in the disappearance of her husband. In walks police detective, Brody investigating Frank’s disappearance. What will he uncover? Book 1 is a great beginning of the mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2021
Julia Masterson is married to Frank Masterson.
Frank over the years, has been away for days at a time, which his says is for business.
Julia was planning a surprise evening for their 25th wedding anniversary. However Frank
left on one of his trips and had come come home. He was missing or a week and she was
going to report him missing, but decided to call his children instead to see if they had seen
their father.
The next morning, Detectives arrived at her house - as his children reported him missing.
Detector Brody and officer Klein are assigned to the case.
Through investigation, information is learned that Julia knew nothing about.
What will book #2 reveal?
Frank over the years, has been away for days at a time, which his says is for business.
Julia was planning a surprise evening for their 25th wedding anniversary. However Frank
left on one of his trips and had come come home. He was missing or a week and she was
going to report him missing, but decided to call his children instead to see if they had seen
their father.
The next morning, Detectives arrived at her house - as his children reported him missing.
Detector Brody and officer Klein are assigned to the case.
Through investigation, information is learned that Julia knew nothing about.
What will book #2 reveal?
August 18, 2021
Missing Husband
The story drew me into the disappearance of Frank Masterson . The order how the police handles the case from the beginning was a little off for me . I would think they look into phone records , financial information and check local ubers to see who pick Frank where they dropped him off . The story gets better from there and reader's get a better understanding of Frank's character it also explains Julia's actions why she never reported him missing ... Frank's a controlling monster and Julia's most likely scared of the repercussions of her actions . I can't wait to what to see what Brody and Julia discover .
The story drew me into the disappearance of Frank Masterson . The order how the police handles the case from the beginning was a little off for me . I would think they look into phone records , financial information and check local ubers to see who pick Frank where they dropped him off . The story gets better from there and reader's get a better understanding of Frank's character it also explains Julia's actions why she never reported him missing ... Frank's a controlling monster and Julia's most likely scared of the repercussions of her actions . I can't wait to what to see what Brody and Julia discover .
October 17, 2021
I read the Prequel to this book first which there is no where you can do a review for it.it lays the ground work for the series to come. Book one starts with Julia as a college student, mostly a loner as her mother died with cancer & they had no friends or family as her family disowned her mother when she became pregnant & would give up her child so she raised Julia alone. Her mother died when she was in high school. Every time she made an achievement or graduated she went to her mother's grave to share it with because she had no one else. Then in her senior year the had Frank to teach some account course that Julia was taking & although he was 10 years her senior as the say the rest is history. It was a whirlwind courtship.
August 9, 2021
This was a great start to a new series by Sage Parker. I am already loving the characters of Julia and Brody and you can feel the intensity between them. A mystery is unravelling when Julia's husband is reported as missing and Brody is the detective who is sent to investigate his disappearance and also whether Julia has a hand in any foul play. Ms Parker is very clever in the intriguing clues that Julia and Brody have stumble upon in their quest to find any sign of Julia's husband, Frank. Cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
August 9, 2021
I just finished reading Hidden in the Keys book 1 and I cannot wait until the next one! This was one of the biggest cliffhangers I’ve ever read. I want more...I certainly didn’t want the book to end. The characters were so well written and the storyline was great. Once you start the book you don’t want to put it down. There is so much mystery and what the hecks going on that you want more than what the author left you with. I cannot wait until the next book in the series.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2021
The disappearing spouse
After finally retiring Julia and Frank head to the Keys supposedly to spend more time together and revive their 25-year marriage. Nope. Not going to happen since he simply disappears without a trace. Not even his daughters have heard from him. After his daughter contacts the police and files the report, detective Brody wonders why Julia hadn’t reported him missing. Where is he? What has he done? Can’t wait for the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After finally retiring Julia and Frank head to the Keys supposedly to spend more time together and revive their 25-year marriage. Nope. Not going to happen since he simply disappears without a trace. Not even his daughters have heard from him. After his daughter contacts the police and files the report, detective Brody wonders why Julia hadn’t reported him missing. Where is he? What has he done? Can’t wait for the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2021
This is the opening book to a mystery/romance storyline…as such, it needed to be able to catch the attention of the reader…or they might choose to not continue. This did just that and I’m ready for the next installment!
Foul play or murder of the main character’s husband? The detective isn’t sure and joins the wife to uncover answers. Unsure of what they’ll find, they find several surprises…but we’ll have to wait for the next release to see where they lead to; if they do!
I have received a free ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Foul play or murder of the main character’s husband? The detective isn’t sure and joins the wife to uncover answers. Unsure of what they’ll find, they find several surprises…but we’ll have to wait for the next release to see where they lead to; if they do!
I have received a free ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2022
This book overall had a good story but it just ended without a conclusion. One minute you are reading and the next minute the rate this book shows up. I went back to see if I missed a chapter but no just dead stop in the middle of the the story. If this wasn’t a kindle free book I would have been livid. I did download the next one because it’s free. There are six books in this series. I suspect it could have been one well written book instead of six small books all telling the same story. If you want light and easy to read and kindle unlimited then it’s ok.
August 10, 2021
Julia’s husband Frank is missing. He did so on occasion but this was the first time he missed their anniversary. She calls his daughters who file a police report and Julia is the main suspect. Love Sage Parker’s books and this one is no different. In this first book of the series she sets the stage for what is to come. This looks like it is going to be a great series. Can’t wait for the next book.
I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 10, 2021
What a great start to a new series. I liked the drama, mystery, and questions that quickly pulled me into the book and just as quickly had me turning the pages. I liked Julia, the main character whose life has been turned upside down. I thought it was great that the story ended with a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see what happens next in the series. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
August 12, 2021
What a great start to a new series! You'll love getting to know the characters as they interact together to solve a mystery. You'll want to read this series in order as the next book picks up where the previous one left off. The story is well written, has action, adventure and drama that keep you turning the pages to find out what happens.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2021
Such a great start to what seems to be a great suspenseful mystery. Sage Parkers book one of her series, Hidden in the Keys has me sitting at the edge of my seat. Julia and Frank's story has me begging for more. I cannot wait to see what secrets and lies will be revealed in book two. So much going on and I cannot wait to see what happens next. Truly a page turner. I received this book as an ARC reader and my review is my own.
September 12, 2021
Chapter book --- Beware!
Chapter book of 56 pages that leaves reader hanging! I have encountered this before and dislike it immensely! I think it is cheating! Now, I check and ,if it is a chapter book, I wait until all the chapters have been published and I can read the complete novel. I also only read if the chapters are offered by Kindle Unlimited as it becomes entirely too expensive. Just issuing a warning.
Chapter book of 56 pages that leaves reader hanging! I have encountered this before and dislike it immensely! I think it is cheating! Now, I check and ,if it is a chapter book, I wait until all the chapters have been published and I can read the complete novel. I also only read if the chapters are offered by Kindle Unlimited as it becomes entirely too expensive. Just issuing a warning.
November 17, 2021
Surprises
This book is full of surprises. Julia begins to worry when after a week, her husband has not returned from a trip. His daughters do not know where he is and call the police. This story is very interesting. However another book or book must be bought to find out more of the story. I wouldn't have bought this book if I had known. This is why I gave this book only 1 star.
This book is full of surprises. Julia begins to worry when after a week, her husband has not returned from a trip. His daughters do not know where he is and call the police. This story is very interesting. However another book or book must be bought to find out more of the story. I wouldn't have bought this book if I had known. This is why I gave this book only 1 star.
July 27, 2022
What a disappointing read?
This book is a mystery that does not give an ending! How awful or desperate is the author that she will sell more books this way? I will not bother to buy any additional books by her. This read was a total waste of time. Imagine a woman whose husband disappears and the detective is more interested in having sex with her than trying to solve the case? What a pity!
This book is a mystery that does not give an ending! How awful or desperate is the author that she will sell more books this way? I will not bother to buy any additional books by her. This read was a total waste of time. Imagine a woman whose husband disappears and the detective is more interested in having sex with her than trying to solve the case? What a pity!
September 8, 2022
This is the first book in the series. It is quite short, and continues with the next book. While I am enjoying the story, it doesn’t really end with this book. You have to read the next book to know what happens. I don’t really like when authors require multiple purchases to read what is actually one book. Fortunately, I did not pay for these individually as they are included with my Kindle unlimited subscription. If this were not the case, I would be quite annoyed.
May 10, 2024
I thought this had a great idea…but then the book was over??? I got this for free from Kindle unlimited so I know I should temper expectations but seriously, 77 pages? That is not a ‘book 1’. That is the first part of a book. I figured I’d give ‘book 2’ a chance but it was the same thing. Not nearly long enough to be called a book and cuts off with no explanation or resolution. I got annoyed and won’t be finishing the series- I mean, the rest of the 1 novel it should be.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews