This was a delightful story for me, full of mystery, silliness and fun. It was impossible to put down once I had started reading it and the author, Kathleen Bridge, had created some lovely characters that I would love to have met. The animals were a great addition to the story.

This was a very amusing and engaging mystery with a great plot.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my own request from the publisher via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

Did Liz kill her ex-boyfriend? If not, then who did?
Murder by the Sea by Kathleen Bridge is a fabulous mystery filled with witty eccentric characters and bits of nostalgic 1960s and 1970s television series and commercials. I found myself transported to the days of watching TVLand with my mom before bed.

Our sleuths
Liz Holt
Liz is our point of view, main character and sleuth. She returned home after ending an abusive relationship and has found a worthy boyfriend. Liz is also a writer with one book out and working on the second.

I like that Liz is brave and relies on her instincts. Liz also loves animals, cooking, and taking care of the family. However, she has to keep reminding herself that she is moving forward and that everything is okay. I presume this lack of confidence comes from her abusive relationship and the following ordeal.

Ryan Stone
Ryan is a private investigator who works mostly for Liz’s dad, who is an attorney. He is a take charge type of guy. This investigation obviously isn’t his first and most likely won’t be his last.

What I like about Ryan is that he is there for his friends and family. He also has a way of sharing his strength and taking care of Liz without making her feel pressured or dismissed. The one thing that I didn’t like about him was that he seemed almost too good to be true.

Betty Lawson
Betty is an older mystery writer who has been writing for a while. She fancies herself, Ms. Marple. She is very tech savvy for her age and carries around an iPad. I love it. Betty thinks things through and keeps things close to the breast until she is sure of what she has.

I like that Betty is funny, serious, smart, and likes to stick her nose in other people’s business. I can respect that. What I don’t care for is that she sometimes comes across as arrogant. Although not as bad as some of the other characters.

Mystery
The mystery is excellent with lots of red herrings and plenty of false leads. I love the way the sleuths work well together, each of them focusing on their specialties. There were lots of people helping find clues and following up on the leads.

4 Stars for Murder by the Sea by Kathleen Bridge
My rating for Murder by the Sea by Kathleen Bridge is four stars. I enjoyed reading the book but at times got lost in the world of Aunt Amelia, which wasn’t a bad thing.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes cozy mystery, especially those with retro pop culture references.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Murder by the Sea by Kathleen Bridge.

Anyways, until next time,
Karen the Baroness
Happy Reading

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.

I read a lot of books, and in this one I thought I recognized the setting, characters and most of the plot, even though I haven't read this author before. The book is very good, well written, but very original it is not.

The new year starts out with the usual bang from the fireworks but mixed in with it is murder and Liz is the prime suspect. In the previous two books we have come to really dislike her ex-boyfriend, Travis and it's no surprise that he is the victim. It should be a happy occasion with a large gathering at the literary masquerade ball - all of the attendees are dressed as literary characters. One person was not invited by Liz and her great Aunt, not in a million years but he found a way in and he should have stayed in New York. Travis has plans that involve getting Liz to do something for him that she won't ever do and that gives her motive as far as the police are concerned. Time for Liz to investigate with the help of her family and friends.
The setting is perfect, a place I would love to visit, to get to spend time with Great Aunt Amelia, a lady who protects her family and friends fiercely. Liz's father, her Grand - Pierre, all of them have her back. They make everyone feel welcome. Sprinkled into the well crafted mystery are references to tv shows and commercials from the 60's and 70's, ones that Great Aunt Amelia had some role in. Not only that but the hotel where everything happens has been around since the 20's and welcomed many a famous person. My two favorite characters have to be Great-Aunt Amelia and her friend, Betty - a writer who was one of the "Carolyn Keene" authors of Nancy Drew - no, she won't tell anybody which books she wrote. She sure knows how to investigate a murder. Then there are all of the wonderful animals - cats, dogs, a foul mouthed bird and even a pelican. This mystery has it all.
This can be read as a stand alone but I would say read them in order so you get the full backstory of the relationship between Liz and her ex, Travis. I am eager to read the next book.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Florida where we get to tag along with Liz as she goes about her life on an island paradise writing novels and getting tangled up with murder. Her ex pops up for this installment which makes you really dislike him before it is all said and done. Things just get more interesting when he is the lucky one to turn up dead making Liz the main suspect. An outside detective tries his best to pin it on her too but with the help of her colorfully eclectic friends, family, and pets they manage to uncover all of the clues just in time to save the day. Though is was a tad touch and go for bit there. This book has a setting that makes you want to move in just full of some of the best characters that feel like your friends. The addition of the wide range of pets is just the cherry on top of the cake. Full of fun, mystery, silliness, good food, and so much more that make it impossible to put down once you get started. An absolute must read for fans of animal cozies. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.

I really enjoyed the story. The Literary Ball for Nre Year's Eve was a fun idea until the death of Travis Osterman. This is Liz's ex and he should not be there. There are many interesting characters staying at the hotel. Those who came from New York to crash the party are a strange lot and anyone of them could be the murderer.

A delightful time once again in Florida. So many fun references to old commercials, book sleuths, and a personal highlight of the Talbot Street Art Fair. Surprised when I learned later it was the one with which I am familiar. Expected it to be one located elsewhere with the same name. The animals are always a fun bonus to the story. Interesting masquerade ball costumes. Clever murder mystery with a surprise ending. I am eager to read the next one.

New Year's Eve Murder Cozy Mystery
This cozy mystery takes place on a Florida coastal island. This is an excellent mystery with plenty of suspects and lots of motivation! The story takes place in an old, historic mansion that is a hotel. They hosted a New Year's Eve Masquerade Party and someone ends up dead while all of the suspects were in costume. The plot is very well done. I had trouble putting this book down once I had started it! This is the third in a series and the first that I have read. It stands alone quite well. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

This is the 3rd installment in this series. Liz Holt is a writer and lives on a barrier island in Florida with her Father and great Aunt Amelia who owns Indialantic by the Sea hotel. It is New Years and the hotel is hosting a literary masquerade ball and suddenly Liz is surprised by her ex showing up and demanding that she support his latest endeavor. A large argument happens and of course it is obvious Travis is the one who will wind up dead. Liz of course is the prime suspect and has to clear her name. There is such a great group of supporting friends and the story moves at a good pace. The mystery is solid and there are lots of suspects so it keeps you guessing until the very end. Recommend.

This is the first book I have read written by Kathleen Bridge, and I am very grateful for this opportunity. I really enjoyed this book, despite the fact that I had not read the two previous entries in the series. The characters are very colourful and I especially like Liz and Amelia. The author made sure that we despised Travis with passion, and its always pleasant to dislike the villain. I will definitely read the previous books, and I look forward to reading the next one. I especially enjoyed the costumed ball and island setting. If you are interested in cozy mysteries, you will love this book.

Murder by the Sea by Kathleen Bridge is the 3rd book in the By the Sea Mystery series, and another great book. Novelist, Liz Holt is now living in her home town of Melbourne Beach, Florida, she had been living in New York, and she's happy to be home and be with family and friends. To ring in the New Year, her family is hosting Florida Writes Literary Masquerade Ball, at their hotel, the Indialantic by the Sea. When her ex comes uninvited, and the two have an argument, Liz becomes the prime suspect when he is found. There are twists and turns around every corner. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. If you love funny cozy mysteries, I strongly recommend this book/series. I am anxiously waiting for the next book in the series. 

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.

As i was to discover, this is the third book in a series by Kathleen Bridge. It took me a while to get into the story and no doubt that is because i hadn't read the previous two books. It took a while to get used to the characters. It is not often that i read cosy mysteries, which made a nice change. Overall, a good book and am hoping to read the first two books in this series soon.

My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review, freely given.

Murder by the Sea by Kathleen Bridge 3 stars

I was excited when I received this ARC from the publisher. I was a big fan of the author's Hamptons Home and Gardens Mystery series. Unfortunately, this book was too confusing for me. I think this is a case of - you need to read the previous books in this series in order to really enjoy it. There were too many characters for me to keep a track of. Liz Holt, is a writer who suffered some kind of trauma in the past. I think she relocates from New York to Florida and lives near her Great Aunt a former character actress on TV. The aunt runs a inn and has a lot of eccentric friends. These individuals populate this mystery. The victim is a Pulitzer Prize winning author,first class jerk and ex boyfriend of Liz Holt. She spends most of the novel trying to find the killer since she is a viable suspect. She has plenty of help from friends and relatives. I like Ms. Bridge's previous books. I just don't think this was my cup of tea.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for this ARC.

Liz and friends are celebrating New Year’s Eve with a masquerade ball. When Liz’s ex-boyfriend shows up at the ball, Liz is surprised and angry with his arrival. Even more surprising is his sudden demise, and Liz is the primary suspect. Fortunately, Liz has some good friends to help sleuth and discover the truth.

This is the third book in the A By the Sea Mystery series by Kathleen Bridge. I recommend reading this series in order. There are a number of characters, and their relationships progress through the series.

This is a highly entertaining cozy mystery. Quirky characters in a fun and light read. I especially enjoyed the masquerade ball of literary characters and the talk of favorite sleuths, including Sherlock Holmes and Nancy Drew. A recommended read for fans of cozy mysteries.

I received a free eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love this series but I don't think this is the best book so far.
It was great to meet again the quirky cast of characters, both human and pets, the setting was great and the mystery kept me guessing till the end.
Even though I liked the book it seemed to me that something was missing and the book did not involved me as the other in the series even if it's a fun read.
Recommended!
I look forward to reading next installment in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

It's New Year's Eve and author Liz Holt is attending a literary masquerade ball at her family's hotel, the Indialantic by the Sea in Melbourne Beach, Florida. But when her nasty Pulitzer Prize-winning ex-boyfriend Travis Osterman surprises her at the ball, Liz is upset and the two have a very public argument. The next day, Travis is found shot dead on the hotel grounds and Liz is the prime suspect.

With the help of her PI boyfriend Ryan, feisty great aunt Amelia and mystery author friend Betty, Liz is determined to clear her name and find Travis' killer. Travis' agent Paula and his new publisher Stevenson Charles both had reasons to be upset with the victim. When Travis' sister Taylor arrives in town, Liz wonders about the state of her relationship with her manipulative brother.

This is the third book in the By the Bay mystery series and the first one that I have read. The mystery seemed rather simplistic and the ending rather rushed.

I received an eARC via Netgalley and Kensington Books Lyrical Underground with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

Liz Holt is a novelist who lives in Florida at an old hotel-turned-boarding-house with her father, a semi-retired attorney, and her aunt Amelia, an ex-actress who owns the place. She's excited to be attending their annual literary ball, or at least she would be if she hadn't discovered that her ex-boyfriend, novelist Travis Ostermann, is there, and he's up to no good.

Liz and Travis broke up when they got into a fight one night that left her with a scar on her face. He wrote a fictionalized account of the evening, and now he's back trying to blackmail Liz into going on a book tour to promote the book. She, of course, wants nothing to do with it, and they have words, which are witnessed by one of the guests. When Travis is discovered murdered, Liz becomes the prime suspect. But she - and her family and friends - know she's innocent. So who killed Travis? While there are plenty of suspects, it won't be easy going, considering no one wants to give information and the press are surrounding them like hawks. It will take Liz and her friends everything they have to ferret out the truth or she'll be writing her next novel in jail...

This is the third book in the series, and I always like to give authors at least three books before I make a final judgment. Here it is: I'm done with this series. After three books we finally get to know what happened to Liz on that fateful evening that permanently scarred her, and it's not dramatic, just an accident after all. Silly me; I was thinking that perhaps Travis pushed her through a sliding glass door or something, but alas, no. Very simple and very ho-hum.

Also, there are just too many characters and the author keeps adding more and more. Why everyone has to 'pair off' is beyond me, and all these characters just bog down the story. Liz also doesn't act like a woman who's not yet thirty. She spends her time with octogenarians and acts just like them. I also didn't understand why she'd go searching for Travis on her own, at night, knowing the type of person he is. She should have at least grabbed her friend Kate to go with her. It's not very smart of her at all.

In the end, the book lost me with all of the characters and too many back stories. One or two is fine, but first you have to invest yourself in the characters, and I can't see anyone liking Susannah, and Liz herself isn't that likable as a protagonist. Unfortunately, while there may be more books in this series, I just don't care for it enough to continue reading. Not a bad series, and many might find it delightful, but it's just not for me.

Murder by the Sea
(A By the Sea Mystery #3)
by Kathleen Bridge

Kindle Edition, 263 pages
Expected publication: May 21st 2019 by Lyrical Underground



Goodreads synopsis:
When a murderer crashes a masquerade ball, it's up to Liz to unmask the killer . . .    
 
It's been quite a year for novelist Liz Holt. She's overcome a lot and is finally feeling at peace with her new life at her family's hotel, the Indialantic by the Sea, on the beautiful barrier island of Melbourne Beach, Florida. She's exactly where she needs to be to ring in the New Year at the Florida Writes Literary Masquerade Ball.
 
But when her ex-boyfriend surprises her at the ball, she can't disguise her anger, and the two engage in a very public argument. Naturally, after her ex is found dead on the hotel grounds, shot through the heart, Liz tops the suspect list. With the help of family and friends, she needs to clear her name before the real killer waltzes away scot-free . . .

***

3 Stars

This is book three in the By The Sea Mystery series.

This is my first foray into the By The Sea series and I thought it was decent. Good. Nice mystery. Nice twists.

The story starts out at a Masquerade Ball. So, since I didn’t know who anyone was anyway, this didn’t particularly bother me. But I can see how it would be difficult to pair costume to character once the real mystery started unfolding.

I had a hard time getting into this one. I didn’t feel it got its sea legs until about three-fourths into the book. I did a lot of re-reading since I seemed to zone out in some of the parts I needed to pay attention to. Once it got going it was good. I liked the characters. I wanted to root for them and I did somewhat.

Text flow was nice and storyline interesting. The mystery wasn’t as complex of some I’d read lately but it really did keep you guessing. I think all the costumes in the beginning made it a bit more difficult to target the real murderer.

Nice story. Decent. A good read to take to the beach one day when you want a quick read.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Fun mystery. I love all the couples, especially Liz and Ryan. Fun story! Very enjoyable! Didn't see the ending coming..

Masquerade balls and New Years Eve just mean trouble, don't they? Liz, who has been happily settled at the Indiatlantic Hotel with her dad and great-aunt Amelia (and love interest Ryan), was looking forward to a nice evening, not an encounter with her vile ex Travis. Nor did she expect to find herself the top suspect when he's shot to death. This is a fun series, with good characters, fine atmospherics, and honestly, enough twists to keep you guessing. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Don't worry if you haven't read the first two as this is fine as a standalone. A classic and entertaining cozy. I'm a fan.