I love this series. With each book you get to know the characters in more depth. This is a wonderful series!

Maggie Blackburn returns with the second volume in her Beach Reads mystery series, "Once Upon a Seaside Murder," delivering a festive whodunit set against the backdrop of the charming Brigid's Island, NC. As the holidays approach, bookstore owner Summer Merriwether finds herself entangled in a web of family secrets and a decades-old murder mystery, turning her Christmas cheer into a sleuthing adventure.

The novel kicks off with the picturesque setting of Brigid's Island, where the Beach Reads bookstore is gearing up for the holiday season. Blackburn excels in creating a cozy atmosphere, drawing readers into the small-town charm and the festive spirit that permeates the narrative. Summer Merriwether's character continues to be a delightful and relatable protagonist, and her journey into her late mother's past adds a layer of depth to the story.

The plot takes an intriguing turn when a cozy mystery panel discussion at the local library reveals a startling connection between a bestselling author and a real murder that shook Brigid's Island decades ago. Blackburn skillfully weaves together the threads of the past and the present, unraveling a dark secret about Summer's mother, Hildy, and her fascination with the unsolved crime. The author cleverly blends the elements of a cozy mystery with a touch of family drama, creating a narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

The supporting characters, including members of Hildy's book club, add both humor and heart to the story. The camaraderie among the book club members and their determination to uncover the truth contribute to the overall charm of the novel. The incorporation of the long-lost biological family's involvement in the crime adds a compelling layer to the mystery, intertwining personal and investigative elements.

Blackburn's writing style is engaging and well-paced, making "Once Upon a Seaside Murder" an easy and enjoyable read. The holiday theme enhances the festive mood, and the author's attention to detail creates a vivid backdrop for the unfolding mystery. The novel successfully blends elements of suspense, family dynamics, and a touch of holiday magic.

While the plot is engaging and the resolution satisfying, some readers might find certain elements of the mystery predictable. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the novel.

In conclusion, "Once Upon a Seaside Murder" is a four-star festive delight that seamlessly combines the warmth of the holidays with a compelling mystery. Maggie Blackburn's ability to create an immersive small-town setting, coupled with a well-crafted plot and endearing characters, makes this a perfect read for cozy mystery enthusiasts looking to unwrap a captivating Christmas tale. Get ready to cozy up with a cup of cocoa and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Brigid's Island.

Once Upon A Seaside Murder is the second book in the Beach Reads mystery series by Maggie Blackburn. Summer has inherited her mom’s bookstore (that specializes in Beach Reads, hence the series title) and after hosting a cozy mystery writer’s event one of the authors gets kidnapped. Summer and her family and friends race to find her.

When I requested this book from NetGalley I did not realize it was the second book in a series, but I do not think reading the first book is strictly required to understand this one.

This book was an okay way to pass some time, a quick read in an interesting setting and town. I was not a fan of the heroine, Summer Merriweather, at the start of the book (she’s a bit stuck up) but the events during the book made her change to a more likable character. The overall mystery was meh to me, she went to a lot of trouble for someone she barely knows or likes. I might read the next book in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc I received in exchange for my honest review?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in the Beach Reads cozy mystery series. Summer is still coming to terms with the murder of her mother and having recently found her birth father's family. We learn more about the characters and even get a glimpse at Summer's ex, Cash.

What I like about this series is that Summer has long been a 'literary snob' and we see that change as she reads more books that her mother stocked in the store. It's refreshing to see a character change in that way, all while defending the romance genre to the reader.

A fun cozy. A bit too formulaic for my tastes (but such is the nature of the beast, I suppose?). Alas, overall an easy, pleasant read that kept my interest.

The characters were well-developed, and I found myself invested in their lives. The plot was well thought out and had enough twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat. I appreciated the attention to detail, and the author did a great job of creating a vivid world that was easy to picture in my mind.
The themes explored in the book were thought-provoking and gave me a lot to consider. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story with well-developed characters.
Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with this book and would definitely read it again. It was a great addition to my reading collection, and I can't wait to see what else this author has in store.

Once Upon a Seaside Murder by Maggie Blackburn is the 2nd story in the Beach Reads series.

I enjoyed this book more than the first especially since it delved into a murder that was rather different from most other cozy mysteries: a cold case.

The story was well-written and wove a fun tale about a family full of secrets and an old, unsolved murder. I really liked that take on the mystery.

Side notes:
* I'm glad there's going to be another book because I have so many questions! Ok fine. So many things I just want to know!
* I like the set up for a slow-burn cozy romance

The next installment is slated for publication in Feb 2024. I can't wait to read it!

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I really loved this book in a new to my series and author. I can't wait to read the next one. The characters and location really add to the plot. This book keeps you guessing until the end

This one was not for me.
Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Adorable little cozy mystery Who is for anyone who loves books, bookstores, or the ocean, that will keep you entertained and intrigued until the very end. I loved trying to guess the plot in the story in the culprit and overall had a great time reading it I would highly recommend this if you’re into cozy mysteries of any sort and want a quick escape from the real world.

A mystery with books involved? Yes please!

Thank you #NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for giving me the opportunity to read this.

This is just an okay mystery. The problem is that Summer just isn't likeable, which is a problem because we spend a lot of time dissecting how she feels about things. Then there's the addition of about a million characters which makes this difficult to follow. An improvement over the first but still not sure if I will continue with this series..

I loved loved this story! It was so easy to get swept away with these characters and their world. I had to find out who did it!

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

35 years ago on Brigid's Island a murder happened and it still hasn't been solved. Summer Merriweather has invited a mystery author panel t her store and it includes an author who has written about the unsolved crime. The author is threatened and then disappears and Summer feels that she has to find her guest before something bad happens to her. Could the long ago murder be tied to her new found family?

This book was very intriguing. Tying the past with her future brought depth to the character as well as generating a great deal of interest to the back story.

Looking forward to more.

The setting and supporting characters are intriguing but the main character not so much. Summer, the main character, could benefit from a very good therapist before book number three. I also find it odd that the main character of a cozy mystery hates cozy mysteries. The mystery is interesting, but at the same time feels like a bit of a stretch. Summer was better in book two than in book three. I am going to cross my fingers for a therapist and more relaxed Summer in the next installment.

This book was okay, I really didn;t connect with Summer as a character and there was a few things that didn't make sense. I can't say I would recommend this book

Beachreads is the bookstore and Summer is the proprietor.

Summer goes to a reading at the local library for a book that is about a murder from decades earlier in their seaside town in N.C.

She discovers that her mother was also deeply engrossed in the murder. It begins to look like her disappeared father may have been involved.

It is the christmas season and Summer has a mystery to solve

I enjoyed this book! It was fun getting to know these characters better, and the mystery was a bit convoluted (IMHO), so I didn't really see it coming!! This is book #2 in this series, I am really hoping for more!!

My rating: 1 of 5 stars, Did Not Finish, I'd give it Zero stars if I could.

Book 2 in the series.

I didn't finish the first book in the series, but I thought I'd give it a second chance.

Unfortunately, the main character is still condescending, rude, and absolutely unlikable, and adding a bunch of new characters doesn't help me get past that.

It's too bad, because the idea should have been fun. But I read to have a good time, not be talked down to by the main character.

Glad to see these characters again. I enjoy reading about summer’s adventures. It was a quick, fun read. A great installment in the series and a good cozy!