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By the Sea #6
The Seaside Murder Before Christmas
Make room for some old-fashioned traditions and sleuthing as Sophie and Esther race to solve the mystery before this Christmas becomes someone's last chapter
This year, Christmas in Esther and Sophie's beach town is anything but jolly.
Despite enjoying the Parade of Lights, cutting fresh Christmas trees, and eating delicious treats, murder has darkened the Christmas spirit in Necanicum.
With all the strange goings on, Sophie and Esther take seasonal jobs at the newest business in town: a books and bakery shop. But when someone starts killing the competition at another bookstore, the girls know they must find answers before Santa comes to town.
Was it the bad boy baker with the wrench in the library? Or was it the new school principal with the Christmas cookies by the fire?
.
This year, Christmas in Esther and Sophie's beach town is anything but jolly.
Despite enjoying the Parade of Lights, cutting fresh Christmas trees, and eating delicious treats, murder has darkened the Christmas spirit in Necanicum.
With all the strange goings on, Sophie and Esther take seasonal jobs at the newest business in town: a books and bakery shop. But when someone starts killing the competition at another bookstore, the girls know they must find answers before Santa comes to town.
Was it the bad boy baker with the wrench in the library? Or was it the new school principal with the Christmas cookies by the fire?
.
- GenresCozy Mystery
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2022
26 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Symonds
15 books364 followersIf you enjoyed Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club, Agatha Christie’s Murder is Announced or The Secret Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams, you won’t be able to put down The BALEFIRE BAY COZY MYSTERIES, culinary cozy mysteries, with a taste of romance.
Shannon Symonds writes in an old house by the sea and in the Utah desert. She is the proud mother of six children and Nana to 18. She loves her Savior, time with her family, laughter, a good mystery, walking the beach, clamming, and bonfires.
Shannon began writing to share her lived experience and unique perspective as a witness of the strength of survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence. Shannon believes that if we could see the world through her eyes, we would share her deep love and respect for survivors and recognize their strength, resilience, and capacity.
Shannon worked for over 15 years as a certified advocate, serving survivors alongside law enforcement. Currently, she is a full-time author and loves volunteering for other causes she is ridiculously passionate about.
Shannon has been an author since 2014. She has written 9 books, 263 articles for Deseret Digital Media (which were periodically syndicated), and blogged for Hilary Weeks’ Billion Clicks project.
Shannon published her first book, “Safe House,” with Cedar Fort Publishing in 2017. In 2023, she was nominated for the Latter-day Saints in Publishing, Media & the Arts Praiseworthy Award. In 2021, she was awarded the Author to Watch Award for her “By the Sea” Cozy Mystery YA series. In addition, her debut novel was a Whitney Award nominee in 2017.
Her first cozy mystery, “Murder Takes a Selfie,” was sold at Costco (who knew having one’s book in a big-box store would be the mark of success?). Her books continue to be available at Deseret Book, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Cedar For, Spotify, and her favorite beach town bookstores.
Shannon received the Davis County Child Abuse Prevention Award, the Oregon Trial Lawyers Public Justice Award 2002 for the Tiffany Alvera case that changed housing for victims nationally, and the 2002 Star Advocate Commendation from the Oregon Department of Justice.
Shannon Symonds writes in an old house by the sea and in the Utah desert. She is the proud mother of six children and Nana to 18. She loves her Savior, time with her family, laughter, a good mystery, walking the beach, clamming, and bonfires.
Shannon began writing to share her lived experience and unique perspective as a witness of the strength of survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence. Shannon believes that if we could see the world through her eyes, we would share her deep love and respect for survivors and recognize their strength, resilience, and capacity.
Shannon worked for over 15 years as a certified advocate, serving survivors alongside law enforcement. Currently, she is a full-time author and loves volunteering for other causes she is ridiculously passionate about.
Shannon has been an author since 2014. She has written 9 books, 263 articles for Deseret Digital Media (which were periodically syndicated), and blogged for Hilary Weeks’ Billion Clicks project.
Shannon published her first book, “Safe House,” with Cedar Fort Publishing in 2017. In 2023, she was nominated for the Latter-day Saints in Publishing, Media & the Arts Praiseworthy Award. In 2021, she was awarded the Author to Watch Award for her “By the Sea” Cozy Mystery YA series. In addition, her debut novel was a Whitney Award nominee in 2017.
Her first cozy mystery, “Murder Takes a Selfie,” was sold at Costco (who knew having one’s book in a big-box store would be the mark of success?). Her books continue to be available at Deseret Book, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Cedar For, Spotify, and her favorite beach town bookstores.
Shannon received the Davis County Child Abuse Prevention Award, the Oregon Trial Lawyers Public Justice Award 2002 for the Tiffany Alvera case that changed housing for victims nationally, and the 2002 Star Advocate Commendation from the Oregon Department of Justice.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 28, 2022
This book series just keeps getting better and better. It’s so fun to have characters like Esther and Sophie that you get to see over and over in a book series. I love “getting to know” them more and more as the series goes along.
In this one Esther and Sophie get jobs at a new book store in Necanicum. It was fun how they got to work together. These two are their normal curious selves. They’re able to notice things that just don’t add up. I loved the mystery portion of this book!
And weaved in with that are the parts where Esther is growing and changing as a person. There were some seriously good parts that way in this one. I’ll be honest and say part of it brought me to tears. For me that’s the mark of a really good book, feeling all of the feelings.
There is such a great cast of characters in this one. I loved getting to see Nephi, Parker, Paisley and the gang all again. And Esther’s Mom, Pappa J, and Grandma Mable too.
I can’t wait to see what mischief finds Esther, Sophie and their friends next!
In this one Esther and Sophie get jobs at a new book store in Necanicum. It was fun how they got to work together. These two are their normal curious selves. They’re able to notice things that just don’t add up. I loved the mystery portion of this book!
And weaved in with that are the parts where Esther is growing and changing as a person. There were some seriously good parts that way in this one. I’ll be honest and say part of it brought me to tears. For me that’s the mark of a really good book, feeling all of the feelings.
There is such a great cast of characters in this one. I loved getting to see Nephi, Parker, Paisley and the gang all again. And Esther’s Mom, Pappa J, and Grandma Mable too.
I can’t wait to see what mischief finds Esther, Sophie and their friends next!
November 28, 2022
Merry Christmas, from Cozy by the Sea Mysteries
All I can say is that these kids are growing up faster every book! Esther, Sophie, Parker and Nephi start the action by getting after-school jobs at a new bookstore and coffeeshop that are opening in their town. As always when Esther and Sopie are involved, there is at least one dead body to create a puzzle for the best friends to solve. We also get a peek at the town's Christmas traditions, as well as those of the family, that bind people together as a community.
The girls, especially Esther, are becoming more confident. She is learning to think about her feelings about people or situations, and to learn more about the causes and effects of them.
The adults in the town are learning and growing also. The local law enforcement are learning to listen when Esther points out a clue or says she thinks something is 'off' about a newcomer to the town. They no longer keep trying to blame her for the crime because she happens to be the one reporting it.
As always, these are clean, fun cozy mysteries that I have recommended to readers in my family from about age ten or twelve, clear up to adults in their nineties. I will say, although each book stands alone, they are most enjoyable when read in order so that you can see the character relationships develop, grow and strengthen.
I am off to let my sister know that there is another great 'cozy by the sea' mystery book out just in time to be a Christmas present for her grandkids.
I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
All I can say is that these kids are growing up faster every book! Esther, Sophie, Parker and Nephi start the action by getting after-school jobs at a new bookstore and coffeeshop that are opening in their town. As always when Esther and Sopie are involved, there is at least one dead body to create a puzzle for the best friends to solve. We also get a peek at the town's Christmas traditions, as well as those of the family, that bind people together as a community.
The girls, especially Esther, are becoming more confident. She is learning to think about her feelings about people or situations, and to learn more about the causes and effects of them.
The adults in the town are learning and growing also. The local law enforcement are learning to listen when Esther points out a clue or says she thinks something is 'off' about a newcomer to the town. They no longer keep trying to blame her for the crime because she happens to be the one reporting it.
As always, these are clean, fun cozy mysteries that I have recommended to readers in my family from about age ten or twelve, clear up to adults in their nineties. I will say, although each book stands alone, they are most enjoyable when read in order so that you can see the character relationships develop, grow and strengthen.
I am off to let my sister know that there is another great 'cozy by the sea' mystery book out just in time to be a Christmas present for her grandkids.
I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
November 28, 2022
This is a fun Christmas-themed, YA Cozy Mystery! Sophie and her friends are at it again as they find themselves in the middle of another murder mystery. This one is centered around a new book store and bakery in town where the teens get their first jobs.
This was a fun whodunnit with some great twists and turns. Once again, we have great characters, laughs, and deeper lessons learned while this group of teens works behind the scenes to solve the mystery. The ending was so good and so sweet, I teared up. It is a truly sweet and cozy Christmas read.
Shannon also really nails so many of the emotions and things that come with a difficult parent relationship. As a child of an addict I found myself wishing I would have had books like this to read when I was younger. The way she works this in is done so well, not too heavy, but it is so relatable. The world needs these kinds of books! ♥️
I still need to be go back and read the first four books so I can get to know these characters’ backstories and see what other mysteries they’ve solved, but they are enjoyable as stand-alones. I am looking forward to reading and gushing about all of them with my daughter who loves Nancy Drew!
This was a fun whodunnit with some great twists and turns. Once again, we have great characters, laughs, and deeper lessons learned while this group of teens works behind the scenes to solve the mystery. The ending was so good and so sweet, I teared up. It is a truly sweet and cozy Christmas read.
Shannon also really nails so many of the emotions and things that come with a difficult parent relationship. As a child of an addict I found myself wishing I would have had books like this to read when I was younger. The way she works this in is done so well, not too heavy, but it is so relatable. The world needs these kinds of books! ♥️
I still need to be go back and read the first four books so I can get to know these characters’ backstories and see what other mysteries they’ve solved, but they are enjoyable as stand-alones. I am looking forward to reading and gushing about all of them with my daughter who loves Nancy Drew!
November 29, 2022
Loved this book as well as the prior books. While part of a series, each book is a story with no cliffhangers at the end. Trouble always finds Esther, Sophie and the group!!! It's fun to try and figure out who done it and why. I especially loved the ending of this book, so heartwarming.
I was given an advanced copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was given an advanced copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 27, 2022
Esther and Sophie are not doing so great for Christmas. Unfortunately there’s a murder in their hometown. What happened and will it be solved in time. Humour and intrigue in one story.
December 20, 2022
Book six in the By the Sea Cozy Mystery Series was such a fun read. I don't usually read Christmas stories with mysteries, and it was a fun addition to my Christmas reading this year.
Loved being back with Esther and Sophie, especially at Christmas time AND in a bookstore setting. Things happen, death unfortunately a part of that, and Esther and Sophie of course find themselves in the midst of the questioning and mystery.
Watching the story come together weaving in the wonderful characters of Necanicum, and introducing a few new ones as well, you are pulled in. You care for each character and want to see how the story brings everything together. At least that was definitely the experience I had, and I think many other readers will as well! You can't help but love Esther, Sophie, their friends and family. You just want to be friends with them all, especially when it comes to the support, they give one another and how they help each other become better people.
Great plot, great characters, fun twists and turns just like the rest of the series and lots of adventures. If you haven't picked up this series do so. Delightful, intriguing YA mysteries with morals and heart. Plus, you don't necessarily need to read them in order if you want to snag this Christmas book up and read right now. Though I do recommend reading the whole series because it is quite enjoyable.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. A review was not required, and all opinions are my own.
Loved being back with Esther and Sophie, especially at Christmas time AND in a bookstore setting. Things happen, death unfortunately a part of that, and Esther and Sophie of course find themselves in the midst of the questioning and mystery.
Watching the story come together weaving in the wonderful characters of Necanicum, and introducing a few new ones as well, you are pulled in. You care for each character and want to see how the story brings everything together. At least that was definitely the experience I had, and I think many other readers will as well! You can't help but love Esther, Sophie, their friends and family. You just want to be friends with them all, especially when it comes to the support, they give one another and how they help each other become better people.
Great plot, great characters, fun twists and turns just like the rest of the series and lots of adventures. If you haven't picked up this series do so. Delightful, intriguing YA mysteries with morals and heart. Plus, you don't necessarily need to read them in order if you want to snag this Christmas book up and read right now. Though I do recommend reading the whole series because it is quite enjoyable.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. A review was not required, and all opinions are my own.
October 18, 2023
The cozey murder mystery that can show us love is really what it's all about. An array of vibrant, colorful and quirky characters that draw you in during the first chapter not letting you go but of course this wouldn't be a mystery without a deadly schemer hidden right infrount of them wich brings us to the enticing intrigue of not just one mystery but many to unfold through little clues of, lies, betrayals, secrets and Christmas missions, a cozey that won't let you go once you've started reading until you've reached its unexpected and climatic conclusion Acquire " The Seaside Murder Before Christmas " today so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat
PS
To Shannon Symonds
Thank you for the gift of sanity through your wonderful works of mystery mayhem and murder. ☺️
PS
To Shannon Symonds
Thank you for the gift of sanity through your wonderful works of mystery mayhem and murder. ☺️
December 29, 2023
What a wonderful Christmas story! Fascinating characters from all walks of life, a murder that the Sheriff declares is an accident, and two amateur sleuths determined to prove him wrong and solve the crime! Esther and Sophie are longtime best friends who live to solve puzzles, including murders. With a long list of possible suspects, they have a lot of whittling to do, and it’s so much fun to watch them and their friends get to the bottom of the strange happenings. With a delightfully happy ending, you are sure to love this Christmas story!
December 2, 2022
Merry Christmas
I totally loved this book! Mystery, Esther, Sophie and the gang. The spirit of forgiveness and giving, love family and friends. Miss Symonds has written another fantastic book in this series, my personal favorite. I love this group of kids, their families, and this awesome seaside town where mysteries to be solved, fun to be had and new friendships are always there waiting to read about.
I totally loved this book! Mystery, Esther, Sophie and the gang. The spirit of forgiveness and giving, love family and friends. Miss Symonds has written another fantastic book in this series, my personal favorite. I love this group of kids, their families, and this awesome seaside town where mysteries to be solved, fun to be had and new friendships are always there waiting to read about.
December 6, 2022
I have never read anything by Sharon Symonds before, this was fantastic! Esther and her friend Sophie are amateur sleuths. When someone falls to her death at a bookstore; Esther and Sophie are intrigued. And when someone is almost killed at the bookstore where they work; they have their list of suspects. Everyone seems to have a motive. OMG love the plot, fantastic setting, and the characters are so complex and so real. I can't wait to read more from Sharon Symonds!!
November 1, 2025
A cozy Christmas mystery with charming small town vibes and just the right sprinkle of holiday magic. Between twinkling lights, festive treats, and the bustle of a seaside town preparing for Christmas, darkness still finds its way in, and Sophie and Esther are determined to uncover the truth before someone else ends up on the naughty list for good. Warm, witty, and delightfully suspenseful, this one wraps cozy feels and mystery into the perfect seasonal read.
June 3, 2025
Did not see this coming..... The story is written for younger adults of 11 years old and up....... and I don't quite qualify for that age group:-) However, the book is well written and is sure to fan the flame of loving a good mystery. The characters will be recognisable and are fun and the writing style is easy going, no hard twists, but surely not predictable.
November 17, 2025
Page turner, rare books, forgery ring, and murder!
The author is an incredible storyteller. She shares with you a story of the aftermath of abuse, the healing and the ultimate need to forgive so you can heal and move forward. She threw in some mystery, forgery and murder to keep you completely enthralled with the book. I would give it 5+ and more, it's that good!
The author is an incredible storyteller. She shares with you a story of the aftermath of abuse, the healing and the ultimate need to forgive so you can heal and move forward. She threw in some mystery, forgery and murder to keep you completely enthralled with the book. I would give it 5+ and more, it's that good!
December 30, 2025
Forgiveness and Strength
Esther has lived through some serious difficulties in her life. Can she forgive her father? Can she solve a murder and prevent another? Esther finds inner strength and peace with the help of friends and family. Excellent story of the power of forgiveness and of community.
Esther has lived through some serious difficulties in her life. Can she forgive her father? Can she solve a murder and prevent another? Esther finds inner strength and peace with the help of friends and family. Excellent story of the power of forgiveness and of community.
August 12, 2023
What a fun book! Esther and Sophie can’t seem to stay out of the middle when things go wrong. You glide right through this book getting plenty of laughs as a great mystery is solved.
Can’t wait to read more books by this author, Shannon Symonds!
Can’t wait to read more books by this author, Shannon Symonds!
November 20, 2025
a topsy turvy mystery
The author has a lot of great characters that weave a wonderful story together. I enjoyed her descriptive writing style especially about where she set the novel at a beach.
The author has a lot of great characters that weave a wonderful story together. I enjoyed her descriptive writing style especially about where she set the novel at a beach.
March 7, 2023
Who killed Hazel and why?? Recreating old books and rare documents??? Esther will figure things out though, won't she??? I enjoyed the story and recommend this book.
April 2, 2023
I enjoyed Sophie and Esther as they tried to solve the mystery fast. There were clues but they definitely did not point to the outcome. It was a great book and I loved Sophie and Esther.
December 11, 2023
My first book by this author and it's addicting! I can't wait to read the rest of the series! I wholeheartedly recommend.
December 21, 2023
This was such a great book! The author did a terrific job!
April 4, 2023
This is an engaging and intriguing story with humor and some dramatically touching moments that are heartfelt. As always, these are harmlessly clean, often fun cozy mysteries that I would recommend to readers from about age ten or so, clear up to adults in their nineties. I would say that although each book stands alone, they are most enjoyable when read in order so that you can see the character relationships develop, grow and strengthen.
All I know to say with this book is that these kids are growing up faster and faster with every book! Esther, Sophie, Parker and Nephi start the story out by acquiring after-school jobs at a new bookstore/coffeeshop that has just opened in their town. As always when Esther and Sopie are involved, there is at least one dead body to create a puzzle for the best friends to solve. I especially love the whole Christmas element added into the story this time making it a festive book to review also. I recommend the series to all ages but I recommend for a standalone for a holiday read.
I received this book as an ARC and am leaving my review voluntarily
All I know to say with this book is that these kids are growing up faster and faster with every book! Esther, Sophie, Parker and Nephi start the story out by acquiring after-school jobs at a new bookstore/coffeeshop that has just opened in their town. As always when Esther and Sopie are involved, there is at least one dead body to create a puzzle for the best friends to solve. I especially love the whole Christmas element added into the story this time making it a festive book to review also. I recommend the series to all ages but I recommend for a standalone for a holiday read.
I received this book as an ARC and am leaving my review voluntarily
December 9, 2022
Esther and Sophie are best friends who get their first jobs together at the new bookstore in town. It is the perfect job for them due to their intense love of books. Unfortunately, a murder and an attempted murder spoil their peace and their sleuthing skills jump to he forefront. The girls along with their close group of friends, who call themselves the Bacon Gang, are determined to solve this mystery before Christmas. The mystery is the central part of the book, but it is so much more. It’s a story of friendship and family and forgiveness. This story was so well woven and so touching by the end that I found myself in tears. The ending so touchingly reminded us that the best part of Christmas is not about what we get but about how we touch the lives of others. I loved this book and am looking forward to reading more by this author!
November 18, 2025
A new job in a bookstore brings them together , a murder sends them on a new path solve this with a whole lotta sleuthing friends before a Christmas party that’s meant to be wholeheartedly enjoyed by those in the community as well as employed at the store. Who could ask for more ….Except for the deceased of course but it’s par for the course I fear when Ivy the sleuth happens to be near. A great holiday or indeed anytime read ,it’s not just about Christmas! A quality piece of writing , it’s cosy ,its inviting and it’s fun . With the odd pun spun . It also has friendship and love . Perfection once more by Shannon Symonds whose writing I adore . Encore !
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May 27, 2023
A must read ya Christmas themed murder mystery. Plenty of suspense, drama in this who dun it. Likable characters and plenty of secrets. I really enjoyed and can’t wait to read more of the series. *I was given a copy and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
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January 4, 2023I am the author. I wrote this book as a standalone and also the sixth and last book in this series. Watch for my new series! The first in the series is slated to release in April of 2023.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews