Smile Beach Murder by Alicia Bessette
Series Name: Outer Banks Bookshop Mystery #1
Genre: Cozy
Release: May 10, 2022
From author Alicia Bessette comes an all-new mystery series featuring Callie Padget, a former reporter turned bookshop clerk in the Outer Banks who is pulled into a deadly web of secrets when a mysterious fall at a lighthouse echoes a tragedy from her past.
When Callie is laid off from her reporting job, she returns to her hometown of Cattail Island and lands a gig at the local bookstore—the same one where she found comfort after her mother died.
In fact, the anniversary of her mother’s infamous death is approaching. Years ago, Teri Padget tumbled from the top of the lighthouse. As islanders are once again gossiping about the tragedy, devastating news strikes: the lighthouse has claimed another victim. Eva Meeks, of Meeks Hardware.
The police are calling it suicide, but Callie does not believe Eva jumped any more than she believes her mother did—especially because Callie knows that before her death, Eva had dug up a long-forgotten treasure hunt that could have put a target on Eva’s back.
In Callie’s search for answers, she enlists the help of some beloved books and several new friends, including the handsome local martial art’s instructor, Toby Dodge. But when another death rocks Cattail Island, Callie must face her fears alone. As she earns enemies in pursuit of the truth, Callie knows she will either uncover the killer or become a victim herself.
Dru’s Short Musing:
This was a well-executed drama that I could not put down, quickly becoming a page-turner. I was immediately immersed in all aspect from the introduction of Callie till the end when the killer’s identity was revealed. The author knows how to pull a story together with a great multi-plot tale where the protagonist had to prove that a suicide was not, but instead a murder. The ins and outs of Callie trying to decipher every clue she picked up would eventually lead to someone not liking her involved in this business. I liked her determination to right a wrong and, in the process, crossed a journey she needed to come to grip with. With visually descriptive narrative, engaging dialogue, and a small-town feel, I was enraptured with the whole scenario. There were a few surprises in store for this reader, but it all worked out when the killer was apprehended. Overall, this was a delightfully enjoyable whodunit and I look forward to more adventures with Callie and Toby.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.