Today I am sharing my review of THE BEACH HUT MURDERS as part of the Book Tour. This is book 2 in the CHARITY SHOP DETECTIVE AGENCY SERIES by Peter Boland.
THE BEACH HUT MURDERS
Format – Kindle
Publisher – Joffe Books
Publication Date –
Genre – Crime thriller, mystery and suspense
Author –
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PUT THE KETTLE ON AND DISCOVER AN UTTERLY CHARMING COZY MURDER MYSTERY SET IN A SLEEPY ENGLISH SEASIDE TOWN.
It’s almost summer in Southbourne and the ladies of the Charity Shop Detective Agency are ready for another season of sun, sea and . . . murder.
Amongst the rows of charming brightly painted cabins, an elderly man’s beach hut is set on fire in the middle of the night — while he slept inside.
By day, Fiona, Sue and Daisy volunteer at the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop. But, by night, they investigate crimes. And they’re determined to get to the bottom of this murder.
Malcolm Crainey was an obsessive beach-comber who lovingly decorated his hut with the treasures he found by the sea. Who’d want to kill a harmless old man?
The ladies soon uncover a long list of suspects. From neighbours who hated Malcolm for refusing to swap huts to members of the snobby beach hut association, who took umbrage with Malcom’s quirky cabin decorations.
Then another hut is burnt down in the dead of night. Thankfully there was no one inside this time. But the pressure is on — can Fiona, Sue and Daisy find the culprit before the beach hut murderer strikes again?
Fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Janice Hallett, Simon Brett, Ian Moore and Sarah Yarwood-Lovett will adore this exciting new talent in cozy crime.
READERS ADORE THE BEACH HUT MURDERS BY BESTSELLING PETER BOLAND:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Fast becoming one of my favourite cosy crime series . . . The book contains a lot of wit, and humour, and a whole host of twists and turns.’ Natalie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A rather glorious cosy mystery. . . Deftly drawn, often eccentric and endearing characters populate a pacy and humorous plot . . . A genuine delight.’ Reviewer 266180
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Got me laughing out loud and suspecting almost everyone. If you love cozies, this is a great one!’ Cindi
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A fun plot filled with red herrings, misdirections and creativity that will leave the reader laughing and guessing until the end.’ Sara
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Oh how I loved catching up with these ladies, beautifully written characters . . . Ingenious plot.’ Amanda
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A great summer read! A variety of unique characters with plenty of red herrings. This one deserves 5* from me.’ Anna
THE CHARITY SHOP DETECTIVES
Level-headed Fiona has found a quiet sanctuary volunteering at the local charity shop, Dogs Need Nice Homes. A charity shop that raises money for dogs in need of nice homes. And she’s found firm friendship with the strong-willed Partial Sue (she’s ever so partial to a cup of tea) and the kindly and surprisingly tech-savvy Daisy. Together, these ladies, with Simon Le Bon, Fiona’s scruffy-haired terrier cross, investigate murders as the Charity Shop Detective Agency.
THE SETTING
The lovely coastal town of Southbourne is, on paper, little more than a small suburb hemmed in by Bournemouth to the west and Christchurch to the north. But it’s home to the prettiest avenues lined with gorgeous Georgian homes which lead to a grass-topped cliff standing guard over a sweeping bay of blond sand, soft as Demerara sugar. Some say it’s also home to the best charity shops in the country. The ladies of the Charity Shop Detective Agency maintain that Dogs Need Nice Homes — though musty and more than a little cramped — is certainly number one. Well, they definitely solve the most crimes at least!
ALSO BY PETER BOLAND
THE CHARITY SHOP DETECTIVE AGENCY MYSTERIES
Book 1: THE CHARITY SHOP DETECTIVE AGENCY
Book 2: THE BEACH HUT MURDERS
Review
This is book 2 in the Charity Shop Detective Agency series but they work perfectly as stand alone.
The Beach Huts on the Spit have become much sought after holiday homes, the cost of owning one is out of reach of many people. For Malcolm his beach hut is home and being eccentric he has personalised it with shells and other items. It is loved by some and hated by others but everyone is shocked when it burns down with Malcolm inside. There are no clues and the Charity Shop ladies are tasked with investigating.
This is an intriguing story that keeps the pages turning. Many suspects but little in the way of leads and a bizarre source of the fire has everyone baffled, including the Police.
But the 3 ladies are not ones to give up and keep on with their detective work.
Some very unique larger than life characters. You have to love Bitsy and she is offset brilliantly by the unlikeable Sophie. The book moves along at a steady pace but is very descriptive and I think that detracts from the story quite a bit.
However, a good read and a real shock at the end to make persevering worthwhile.
I organise Book Tours for Joffe Books and a few self-published authors. If you would like to join in the fun you can sign up via the link below or email me at: booksnall.blog@gmail.com for more information. Everyone is welcome to join in and help to share the book love.
https://mailchi.mp/74b299fbb681/bloggersignup
