The Gator Did It

Southern Beach Mysteries #5

by Kay Dew Shostak

Book five in the Southern Beach Cozy mystery series set on Sophia Island off the Northeast coast of Florida. New to the South and new to living in a beach town, Jewel Mantelle, with their new empty nest, is looking to help her marriage. When her husband inherits an old house in the historic downtown area of an old Florida island she thinks a move is a great idea! Now she's lived there almost a year and her marriage isn't much better, but she's finally feeling at home. However... she's never lived through football season in the South. Football is a whole other thing in the South, Midwestern transplant Jewel Mantelle discovers, and on Sophia Island, they love the Gators. Jewel would be fine with that if her friends only meant the University of Florida football team, but they also seem to love the critters skulking around in the ditches and creeks running through their tiny beach town. At her first ever football party she finds herself front and center for the spectacle of the eccentric Bell Jackson calling the gators behind his huge mansion-and it gives her the creeps. But finding out those very same gators didn't hesitate to take a bite of a Sophia Islander when he fell off his balcony and landed in their domain is even creepier. Did he fall? Was he pushed? Everyone's connected in a small town, and Jewel's lunch bunch friends are all more on edge than usual, afraid their loved ones will be implicated in the death. Admittedly, it's hard to concentrate on solving that mystery with the rash of burglaries hitting the island. When Jewel's own house is targeted, she finds herself confiding in someone with a little more distance from the action-her estranged husband, Craig. In this invitingly cozy beachfront mystery, football might be the safest game on Sophia Island

Genres: Cozy Mystery

328 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2022

About the author

https://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.

Reviews

[Shawn Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered the first book in this series when I was at “The Book Loft” on Amelia Island during a spring break trip. I read “The Manatee Did It” on the beach that week and loved it. I have been excited for each of the following four books as well. I was excited when this came out, and I was happy I was finally able to start it this week. It is another 5-star book in this awesome series. A quick, interesting, enthralling, read about an island that I wouldn’t mind living on. I definitely recommend this book, and the four before it in the series. I am already excited to ready number 6 when it comes out next year!

[Brittani (Book_Byrd) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has become a tradition to read this cozy mystery series in the summer. I love to sit back and revisit these characters.
This one was fun with all the secrets being kept and then revealed. So many people that the murderer could have been, so I definitely didn't see the truth coming at the end.
The ending felt a little abrupt, I would have enjoyed a little more sleuthing, but was still shocking. From a writer standpoint I understand, but from a reader standpoint I'm so torn!
Always have fun with these reads. Can't wait for the next one! Which animal is going to do it next!?

[MARK I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in Souther Beach Mysteries Series

I came across this series from BookBuds and what a great find! I love how the plots of each book in the series would be a very good stand alone book but are even better when as a series. Each character in the book is fully developed and brings you right to the island with it the dishes name but what all of us who have been to Amelia Island clearly recognize. I love this series and can’t wait to read the next book. This is truly a good read. 📕

[Patricia Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't get enough

Such a great read! The story and characters just bring you right into it all. The story keeps flowing keeping you wanting to read more. I must say I never tire of reading any if Kay's work. The only thing I don't like us that the book is finished too quickly for me, I want to keep reading about these characters even when the story has ended. You know they're up to something and I can't wait to find out what's next!

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jewel is learning all about football in the South, most notably the Florida Gators. Jewel and her friends attend a notorious tailgate party only to find out the next morning that the host died after falling from his balcony and being eaten by gators. Jewel and her friends (and the cops) quickly find out that things at the party were not all on the up and up and scandal may run deep on the island. Some of the things Jewel discovers she can't share with her friends as it affects them and those they love, so her somewhat estranged husband becomes a great sounding board. Did the host die of natural causes or was there foul play involved? This is a great quick beach read that will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat.

[Debby Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ms. Shostak’s series! They’re easy to read, fun, with characters that come alive on the pages. I’ve especially enjoyed seeing Jewel’s character grow stronger, not so wish-washy, as she embraces her new friends and her new home. Her relationship with her husband continues to evolve, as well. I’ve enjoyed each book and look forward to reading more!

[Barbara H. Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Riveting Book

Fabulous book in the “Did It” series. Have enjoyed each and every one but I believe “The Gator Did It” is the best. Ms. Shostak makes me want to move to a small town in Florida and be part of this group of ladies. Read them all!!

[Jo Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Kay Dew Shostak’s writing, the cozy mysteries do a wonderful job at weaving community, personal development, and a good mystery - these are hands down my favorite in the Cozy genre after Charlaine Harris.

[Carolyn Reaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gator Did It

I have never been a big mystery book reader but I have enjoyed this series. I love the area that Sophia Island is named for. I can see myself in Jewel so much and have fallen in love with her group of friends!

[Michelle Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kay Dew Shostak does not disappoint!

Once again, leaving me waiting for the next book in the series! Mystery, friendship, and a little romance in the mix-keeps me guessing and guessing incorrectly!!!

[Beth Casas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not my favorite of the Southern Beach Mysteries, but certain progressions with the characters were nice to read.
A big name in the community dies in a most unfortunate way, with signs pointing to foul play, but nothing concrete. The ladies are at it again, looking for clues, interviewing witnesses and other people who are connected. Some BIG surprises are in store for those who have read the other books in this series!!

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW!!! Shocking ending. So many characters I tend to get confused on who they are related to. I am kinda disappointed with Craig, but who knows maybe he’ll grow on me. Happy Reading:)

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. And following the storyline of the group of friends in their efforts to find out who done it. Such a fun read.

[Jean Vogelsong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small Town Florida

Gator Football, the Old Boys Club and Drugs. What else do you need for a good mystery? Add home break-ins, murder, and gators. But the question is who did it.

[Candy Lawless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 star addition to this heartwarming, suspenseful murder mystery series! I love the characters and the setting is wonderful. The ongoing development of the characters in these books is marvelous and the small town feeling of caring sharing and meddling seems so familiar. Keep them coming Please!