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Charlotte Gibson Mysteries #3
Beachside Bullet
Charlie is taking the plunge to become a private investigator, and her first official case is a doozy. When three of Zoe’s coworkers are shot in a brazen mid-day attack, Charlie is initially content to let the police deal with it. But when it becomes obvious the detective in charge has the IQ of a box of crayons, she decides to step in to ensure the killer is found.
What appears at first glance to be a random attack quickly becomes more than that, and before she knows it Charlie finds herself scouring the island for a murderer, with the help of Dot and Rosie, of course.
In case hunting down a shooter wasn’t enough, Charlie quickly nets herself another customer in the form of her eight-year-old neighbor. And of course, Charlie isn’t expecting Jake to take the news of her new career very well. Luckily, Charlie isn’t especially worried about his opinion, especially when she has so much on her plate.
Is Charlie about to make a splash in her new career, or will she quickly find herself drowning, instead?
What appears at first glance to be a random attack quickly becomes more than that, and before she knows it Charlie finds herself scouring the island for a murderer, with the help of Dot and Rosie, of course.
In case hunting down a shooter wasn’t enough, Charlie quickly nets herself another customer in the form of her eight-year-old neighbor. And of course, Charlie isn’t expecting Jake to take the news of her new career very well. Luckily, Charlie isn’t especially worried about his opinion, especially when she has so much on her plate.
Is Charlie about to make a splash in her new career, or will she quickly find herself drowning, instead?
290 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2021
1174 people are currently reading
728 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
March 8, 2024
The author is finding her groove with this series with the right mix of business and pleasure, and mystery and humor.
Charlie is gaining ground in learning to be a private detective, gaining skills and knowledge from friends of all ages. I liked that both cases she was working on were connected to her in a semi-personal way. This third book displays more elements of Hawaiian culture and the current references give this a true present-day feel. Charlie's mom brings her own special mom style, cringeworthy for Charlie, but entertaining and chuckle-worthy for everyone else.
A light and fun mystery with quirky, appealing characters and amusement and laughs along the way.
Charlie is gaining ground in learning to be a private detective, gaining skills and knowledge from friends of all ages. I liked that both cases she was working on were connected to her in a semi-personal way. This third book displays more elements of Hawaiian culture and the current references give this a true present-day feel. Charlie's mom brings her own special mom style, cringeworthy for Charlie, but entertaining and chuckle-worthy for everyone else.
A light and fun mystery with quirky, appealing characters and amusement and laughs along the way.
August 5, 2025
This was cute, funny cozy mystery. Charlie and her friend Zoe and all the side characters are out to solve another murder. Zoe is nearly killed in a shooting at the beach that kills two other doctors and Charlie is determined to find the killer. She has help from her two elderly friends in their 70's (a former spy, hacker and librarian) who are always up for some trouble.
Charlie is now working toward being an actual P.I. by working as an investigator for another female P.I. Her 8 yr old neighbor hires her to see who is stealing cash from her father's work as they are trying to blame the dad. Her ongoing flirtation with hot cop Jake continues as a kind of friendship but again this is cozy so not even a kiss is involved.
I am finding this series is a lot like Riley Thorn/Lucy Score without the romance. Both have a lot of older retired folks as main/side characters. Charlie is smart, snarky with a mystery that holds your attention and lots of humor. Riley is psychic but Charlie is not, they both have dogs, they both have posse of old folks helping or getting in their way and quirky humor. Riley gets her hot guy but Charlie so far has no romance.
Charlie is now working toward being an actual P.I. by working as an investigator for another female P.I. Her 8 yr old neighbor hires her to see who is stealing cash from her father's work as they are trying to blame the dad. Her ongoing flirtation with hot cop Jake continues as a kind of friendship but again this is cozy so not even a kiss is involved.
I am finding this series is a lot like Riley Thorn/Lucy Score without the romance. Both have a lot of older retired folks as main/side characters. Charlie is smart, snarky with a mystery that holds your attention and lots of humor. Riley is psychic but Charlie is not, they both have dogs, they both have posse of old folks helping or getting in their way and quirky humor. Riley gets her hot guy but Charlie so far has no romance.
March 30, 2022
Each one is better than the last. These are fun mysteries with a great mixing of generations and personalities!
November 30, 2021
A new author for me but oh man! I loved this book. Delightfully snarky. I love everything about this book.
Rosie, Zoe, and Dot are incredible friends. I honestly wish I had friends like them. I wish they were real period. Charlie is so relatable and funny!
I ended up laughing so hard at this group's antics. Honestly, this book couldn't have came into my life at a better time. I really needed the laughs.
The scene in the hardware store gave me such great big belly laughs that my husband wanted to know why I was laughing. I told him what was going on and he laughed to.
Since receiving this book, I happily found that book number one was on my tbr list so I also read that one. Now I just need book two.
These books are just a huge joy! I cannot wait to see what happens next! Thank you to the author for writing such incredible books. You made my Thanksgiving weekend so much easier to bear.
I highly highly highly highly highly recommend these books!
Rosie, Zoe, and Dot are incredible friends. I honestly wish I had friends like them. I wish they were real period. Charlie is so relatable and funny!
I ended up laughing so hard at this group's antics. Honestly, this book couldn't have came into my life at a better time. I really needed the laughs.
The scene in the hardware store gave me such great big belly laughs that my husband wanted to know why I was laughing. I told him what was going on and he laughed to.
Since receiving this book, I happily found that book number one was on my tbr list so I also read that one. Now I just need book two.
These books are just a huge joy! I cannot wait to see what happens next! Thank you to the author for writing such incredible books. You made my Thanksgiving weekend so much easier to bear.
I highly highly highly highly highly recommend these books!
July 12, 2024
I love this series! Charlie is a wonderful heroine and I love her supporting group of friends. Yeah, it's similar to the Fortune Redding Series but that is the style of cozy I like the best. I like how she has made a decision on the direction of her life and is moving forward. The slow burn attraction with the hot cop, Jake, is a bonus.
Charlie has had quite a bit of success with the investigating thing and has decided to formally become a private investigator, while keeping her job at the ice cream shop, in case the PI gig doesn't work out. Her first case is a doozie. Her bestie, Zoe an ER doctor, is involved in a shooting that leaves two dead. Charlie is going to look for the killer just because Zoe was involved, but she gets hired so this is her first official case.
Another case is brought to her by her 8-year-old neighbor whose dad is suspected of stealing from the hardware shop where he works.
Charlie has had quite a bit of success with the investigating thing and has decided to formally become a private investigator, while keeping her job at the ice cream shop, in case the PI gig doesn't work out. Her first case is a doozie. Her bestie, Zoe an ER doctor, is involved in a shooting that leaves two dead. Charlie is going to look for the killer just because Zoe was involved, but she gets hired so this is her first official case.
Another case is brought to her by her 8-year-old neighbor whose dad is suspected of stealing from the hardware shop where he works.
November 21, 2021
Beachside Bullet is the third book in the Charlotte Gibson Mystery Series.
This is a fantastic mystery series with great characters, a well-developed plot and surprises along the way.
Charlie (Charlotte) is getting ready to launch her career as a private investigator when her BFF Zoe coworkers are shot in the middle of the day. Charlie definitely thinks this is out of her league until she interacts with the detective on the case. So, she decides to investigate with the help of Dot and Rosie who are anything but secondary characters. These two characters are so fantastic and keep me laughing during the whole book.
As if this wasn't enough, Charlie's young neighbor wants to hire her too.
I really LOVED this book; it was perfectly paced with a mystery that will leave you guessing until the very end. Highly recommend this entire series!
This is a fantastic mystery series with great characters, a well-developed plot and surprises along the way.
Charlie (Charlotte) is getting ready to launch her career as a private investigator when her BFF Zoe coworkers are shot in the middle of the day. Charlie definitely thinks this is out of her league until she interacts with the detective on the case. So, she decides to investigate with the help of Dot and Rosie who are anything but secondary characters. These two characters are so fantastic and keep me laughing during the whole book.
As if this wasn't enough, Charlie's young neighbor wants to hire her too.
I really LOVED this book; it was perfectly paced with a mystery that will leave you guessing until the very end. Highly recommend this entire series!
March 28, 2022
Love the characters in this series. I really like these books. Fun to read, and engaging.
August 25, 2022
I'm really enjoying this series, there are times they make me actually laugh out loud.
May 31, 2023
Another terrific book in this series. Wonderful characters, funny dialogue and great narrator. Looking forward to the next book.
August 28, 2023
If you like Janet Evanovich books with Stephanie Plum is it? You will like this book.
September 8, 2025
mwah, drags a lot and the story of the shop takes too much space. Not the same quality as the first 2 books in the serie. I will continue but i hope they become a bit better.
June 13, 2024
I think Dot and Rosie are a hoot! I like the Charlie has them backing her up. This one was nice in the sense that Jake was not the detective in charge of the case so he and Charlie could spend less time bickering.
Young neighbor Franny was precious. Laughed out loud when Dot predicted she would grow up to be a serial killer or president. It is great she has Charlie, Zoe, Rosie, and Dot in her life. Her dad needs the help LOL.
There were a few consistency issues
- Husband/fiance
- Vesper/Jesper
- Retreading conversations as if they had not already happened
Mom - what can I say about Charlie’s mom. She obviously loves her daughter but she is a bit much.
Oh the mystery! So… there were a couple in this, the main one and then Franny’s. With the main one, the author did a great job confusing me on the motive and culprit. I liked that. For Franny’s, really cool how it was solved.
This series so far has been really fun reads, a little raunchy, but fun..
I think I want to be a combination of good-natured-awesome-doctor Zoe, ex-librarian-gamer-tech-wiz Dot and ex-KGB-agent Rosie when I grow up.
Happy Reading!
Young neighbor Franny was precious. Laughed out loud when Dot predicted she would grow up to be a serial killer or president. It is great she has Charlie, Zoe, Rosie, and Dot in her life. Her dad needs the help LOL.
There were a few consistency issues
- Husband/fiance
- Vesper/Jesper
- Retreading conversations as if they had not already happened
Mom - what can I say about Charlie’s mom. She obviously loves her daughter but she is a bit much.
Oh the mystery! So… there were a couple in this, the main one and then Franny’s. With the main one, the author did a great job confusing me on the motive and culprit. I liked that. For Franny’s, really cool how it was solved.
This series so far has been really fun reads, a little raunchy, but fun..
I think I want to be a combination of good-natured-awesome-doctor Zoe, ex-librarian-gamer-tech-wiz Dot and ex-KGB-agent Rosie when I grow up.
Happy Reading!
April 23, 2025
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; APRIL 19, 2025
Narrator: Khristine Hvam
I'm finding this series cheerful, light and utterly forgettable as soon I finish. It's hard for me to remember the details of the murder mystery from book to book. >i>But it's set in Hawaii and that's enough for it to make it to my TBR list.
I actually find Toby Neal's Paradise Crime series much better because it's not a cozy but set in Hawaii, too, and the protagonist, Lei Texeira, is a cop. What spoils this series for me is the awful narrator who speaks as if she's got marbles in her mouth and a cold blocking her nose! And that "Hawaiian" accent! I am sure 90% of Hawaii's residents speak with a regular American accent, not as if they came off the set of the 1950s South Pacific movie.
But back to Charlie Gibson. I will go on to the 4th book and this time I will really, really try to get the details to stick. The old biddies aren't as annoying I feared and even Charlotte herself is likeable. So is her hottie detective, Jake.
Narrator: Khristine Hvam
I'm finding this series cheerful, light and utterly forgettable as soon I finish. It's hard for me to remember the details of the murder mystery from book to book. >i>But it's set in Hawaii and that's enough for it to make it to my TBR list.
I actually find Toby Neal's Paradise Crime series much better because it's not a cozy but set in Hawaii, too, and the protagonist, Lei Texeira, is a cop. What spoils this series for me is the awful narrator who speaks as if she's got marbles in her mouth and a cold blocking her nose! And that "Hawaiian" accent! I am sure 90% of Hawaii's residents speak with a regular American accent, not as if they came off the set of the 1950s South Pacific movie.
But back to Charlie Gibson. I will go on to the 4th book and this time I will really, really try to get the details to stick. The old biddies aren't as annoying I feared and even Charlotte herself is likeable. So is her hottie detective, Jake.
January 4, 2022
This book is part of a series. I did not realize that when I started reading it. Charlie Gibson is an aspiring private investigator in training who apparently has solved a couple of murder cases in previous books. She actually takes on two cases in this story and is paid an entire candy bar for one of the cases. Her sidekicks are two older ladies- one a former spy. The dynamics of this trio are similar to that in the Miss Fortune series by Jana DeLeon. I so enjoyed Charlie's character. She is smart and witty, and I actually laughed a good bit while reading. The book is a fun and easy read. There is also a hint of a possible romance brewing between Charlie and a good looking neighbor- who is a cop. However, that is not a huge storyline, so I liked that. I rarely give 5 stars to a book that is such a light read, but I enjoyed this book so much.
November 5, 2022
Charlie is on her first case as a legit PI, a case involving the shooting of three colleagues of Zoe. Who would want to shoot three seemingly nice doctors, one of whom only had months to live? Soon, 8 year old Frannie also hires Charlie to clear her father of suspicion on theft charges at his place of employment. With her sleuthing partners, Dot and Rosie along for the ride, Charlie sets out to investigate and solve both mysteries before another murder occurs.
This was a fun book, it’s nice to see Charlie maturing and finding her niche as an adult. The relationships between the characters are funny, heartwarming and endearing. Can’t wait to see where, if, things go with Jake and Charlie :)
This was a fun book, it’s nice to see Charlie maturing and finding her niche as an adult. The relationships between the characters are funny, heartwarming and endearing. Can’t wait to see where, if, things go with Jake and Charlie :)
February 3, 2023
Start to a PI career
Since Charlie seems to have a knack for solving mysteries, she has decided to become a private investigator. When Zoe and her doctor friends are shot at and two of Zoe’s colleagues are killed, Charlie finds herself on the case. Although the hospital isn’t her first client. At the same time she is “hired” by her young neighbor to solve a hardware store theft and prove that Franny’s dad is innocent. Who could say no to a cute 8 year old and a Mars bar? In addition to the main plot points, I enjoyed the character development, particularly the “friendship” between Charlie and Jake. This series continues to draw me in and I look forward to the next Hawaiian adventure.
Since Charlie seems to have a knack for solving mysteries, she has decided to become a private investigator. When Zoe and her doctor friends are shot at and two of Zoe’s colleagues are killed, Charlie finds herself on the case. Although the hospital isn’t her first client. At the same time she is “hired” by her young neighbor to solve a hardware store theft and prove that Franny’s dad is innocent. Who could say no to a cute 8 year old and a Mars bar? In addition to the main plot points, I enjoyed the character development, particularly the “friendship” between Charlie and Jake. This series continues to draw me in and I look forward to the next Hawaiian adventure.
March 29, 2024
Maybe not the coziest murder, a little darker and not for everyone, a little heavy.
The book contains two of my pet peeves, the obvious love interest is being called annoying without reason, and the mother is extreme in pushing daughter to find a man and get pregnant.
There’s action and fun sidekicks but the MC is a little annoying to me, she doesn’t take anything seriously and for someone who’s be tasered in every book should start to take a few things seriously but no.
The book contains two of my pet peeves, the obvious love interest is being called annoying without reason, and the mother is extreme in pushing daughter to find a man and get pregnant.
There’s action and fun sidekicks but the MC is a little annoying to me, she doesn’t take anything seriously and for someone who’s be tasered in every book should start to take a few things seriously but no.
October 23, 2024
Taking this down to a three for two reasons. The first reason is Charlies's comment that sea gulls are common in Hawaii--not, so unless they are being imported to Maui. The second is that the dead victim mysteriously gets married after C 11. These discrepancies tore me out of the story, making me wary the rest of the novel.
On the other hand, Charlie Gibson is the next best smart walking disaster since Evanovich's Stephanie Plum.
On the other hand, Charlie Gibson is the next best smart walking disaster since Evanovich's Stephanie Plum.
May 4, 2025
A great mystery series with a side of humor! This series is quickly moving up into my top 5 of favorites! I love everything about all of these books. The characters are likeable (well except for Charlie's mom. She is a bit much in the mom department), funny, and most of all, loyal. If you need a pick up in your life, then grab the first book in this series and lose yourself in the beautiful Hawaiian Islands.
June 11, 2025
Best series ever if you love fun, detective stories
This is the 3rd book I've read in this series, and it just keeps getting better and better. I love the characters, and I love that it's set in Hawaii. Each mystery is well developed, and the storyline is well explained as the plot develops. I can't wait to read the next book, and I look forward to getting a deeper look into the main characters. Definitely a 5 out of 5!
This is the 3rd book I've read in this series, and it just keeps getting better and better. I love the characters, and I love that it's set in Hawaii. Each mystery is well developed, and the storyline is well explained as the plot develops. I can't wait to read the next book, and I look forward to getting a deeper look into the main characters. Definitely a 5 out of 5!
November 18, 2025
I love the series and the humor, buuut- I feel like this book had a lot of commentary on body weight and sizes (overweight ones only). I believe there were 3-4 instances where the Charlie commented chairs creaking and struggling, never workout, huge size ect. Charlie herself doesn’t even workout and has ice cream for breakfast almost daily, I don’t think homegirl is a size 00, when she’s struggling to climb up a hill 🙄
May 15, 2022
Fun..
These are fun. But if you read them in order and you are like me you will be distracted and annoyed that in books 1 & 2 Vesper is Jesper, her name randomly changed and the author and editor didn't notice. Also, book 3 starts with Graham being the victims fiancé and all of a sudden he's her husband.. silly mistakes but distracting as hell.
These are fun. But if you read them in order and you are like me you will be distracted and annoyed that in books 1 & 2 Vesper is Jesper, her name randomly changed and the author and editor didn't notice. Also, book 3 starts with Graham being the victims fiancé and all of a sudden he's her husband.. silly mistakes but distracting as hell.
July 5, 2022
A PI in Paradise
Charlie Gibson decides to become a Private Investigator and gets a supervising PI to qualify. Her first official cases are theft at a hardware store and the murder of two doctors on the beach. Dot and Rosie are along for the ride. A laugh out loud story with great characters.
Charlie Gibson decides to become a Private Investigator and gets a supervising PI to qualify. Her first official cases are theft at a hardware store and the murder of two doctors on the beach. Dot and Rosie are along for the ride. A laugh out loud story with great characters.
November 15, 2022
Refreshing set of characters
I love these books so far. I love that the main character is independent and strong and while there is the typical "hot guy" in the story, there is far more action and humor than there is romance and damsel in distress nonsense. Keep it up! Love this series.
I love these books so far. I love that the main character is independent and strong and while there is the typical "hot guy" in the story, there is far more action and humor than there is romance and damsel in distress nonsense. Keep it up! Love this series.
March 19, 2023
The LOVE of Money leads to murder
When the ball is thrown in Charlie's court because an innocent woman that was soon to die, is murdered due to greed and the want of fame she cannot turn her back on her friends. Charlie is beginning to like Jake but she keeps talking herself out of it. Soon she will become a fully licensed PI. Excellent read
When the ball is thrown in Charlie's court because an innocent woman that was soon to die, is murdered due to greed and the want of fame she cannot turn her back on her friends. Charlie is beginning to like Jake but she keeps talking herself out of it. Soon she will become a fully licensed PI. Excellent read
February 5, 2024
I loved the book and the story. I was glad it wasn't the fiance and just the friend. I am glad that Charlie's life is finally coming together and that she has the support of her friends Zoey, Dottie and Rosie. I think Dottie and Rosie would be a riot to hang out with. I love the way that people underestimate them. excited to read the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2025
Fun read
The books in this series are so fun to read. Charlie and the old ladies make a great detective team. There is one issue I have with this book. Charlie refers to Graham as Alanna's fiance, then her husband, back to fiance. It get confusing sometimes. I think this is an editing issue. The book is still a great, quick read.
The books in this series are so fun to read. Charlie and the old ladies make a great detective team. There is one issue I have with this book. Charlie refers to Graham as Alanna's fiance, then her husband, back to fiance. It get confusing sometimes. I think this is an editing issue. The book is still a great, quick read.
December 3, 2021
Charlie gets her PI license
Another entertaining story about Charlie and her friends Zoe. Zoe a doctor, was with four other doctors, when a gun man came and shot at them, killing two of the doctors. Charlie definitely needs to find the killer. Entertaining reading.
Another entertaining story about Charlie and her friends Zoe. Zoe a doctor, was with four other doctors, when a gun man came and shot at them, killing two of the doctors. Charlie definitely needs to find the killer. Entertaining reading.
August 16, 2022
Good read
Good read with great characters but I do wish the author would check her facts. For example there are no seagulls in Maui. Unfortunately for me these sorts of discrepancies do matter but for all that I am looking forward to the next in the series.
Good read with great characters but I do wish the author would check her facts. For example there are no seagulls in Maui. Unfortunately for me these sorts of discrepancies do matter but for all that I am looking forward to the next in the series.
September 16, 2023
Cute murder mystery read. This was a first with this author and I will be looking for the others. If you enjoy quick reads that are great for the beach or a road trip I recommend this one. Love a murder mystery but also love one with a main character who has something to prove.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews