If you like a cozy mystery then this novel is a good choice. I was able to read it there NetGalley and it was fun to read. Set in post World War II sea side town in the UK the setting descriptions, characters and events were entertaining. Could this be a series on Netflix?

Listen, if you like cozy mysteries I don't know why you wouldn't like this. If you like the small elements of magical realism and wonder found in Jess Kidd's other books, you will probably be disappointed by this book. I fall into the second camp and I am so disappointed! Nora Breen is a fine and interesting character, she almost felt familiar to me like she could have been a side character in Things in Jars maybe, and the cast of characters had potential as well as the off-kilter sort of setting but where was the supernatural??? A fine book but not what I wanted or expected.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a free copy in exchange for this honest review.

Just finished Murder at Gull’s Nest by Jess Kidd and I’m absolutely hooked!
This first installment of a new cozy crime series is everything I adore — witty, atmospheric, and brimming with eccentric characters. Set against the nostalgic backdrop of a crumbling 1950s British seaside town, the novel introduces us to Nora Breen, a former nun with sharp instincts, a quiet grit, and secrets of her own.

When a guest at the dilapidated Gull’s Nest guesthouse turns up dead, Nora finds herself unraveling a wickedly tangled mystery where every lodger has something to hide. Jess Kidd’s writing sparkles — clever, layered, full of dark humor and heart. The plot is fiendish, the twists unexpected, and the sense of place absolutely transporting.

Fans of Foyle’s War, Midsomer Murders, and classic golden-age mysteries will fall in love with this one.
A warm, clever, and delightfully wicked mystery that promises an addictive new series. I already can’t wait for the next visit to Gull’s Nest!

Highly recommended if you love smart mysteries with big heart and a twist of dark charm.

Look at how wonderful this cover is!! Perfect for a cozy mystery!! Murder at Gulls Nest was entertaining enough for me to finish listening to the audio, but it lost me a bit in the mushy middle. Nora is a great amateur detective and I enjoyed following along as she looked around for evidence of her missing friend. There were a few too many characters in the story to easily follow along and I mixed up a few for most of the story. I am interested to try a second installment in the Nora Breen Investigates series but if the next doesn't work for me, I'll have to abandon any future books.

Murder at Gulls Nest is out now. Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for my advanced e-arc, even though I ended up listening to the audio after publication.

I love a good cozy mystery so I was excited to try this new series. Unfortunately I couldn't connect with the writing style.

I was really excited to get an ARC of "Murder at Gulls Nest," the first book in the Nora Breen Investigates series, and it delivered a truly unique and atmospheric cozy mystery. The premise instantly grabbed me: a former nun, Nora Breen, leaves her vows to investigate the sudden disappearance of her dependable pen pal, Frieda. Her search leads her to the charming, if slightly peculiar, Gulls Nest hotel in the seaside town of Gore-on-Sea in 1954 Kent.

Jess Kidd does a fantastic job of building a distinctive atmosphere. Gore-on-Sea feels wonderfully evocative, a place striving for fresh air and relaxed constraints, yet clearly holding its own secrets. Nora herself is a fascinating protagonist. Her past as a novice, her quiet observational skills, and her slightly naive but determined approach to "prying" into others' lives make her a very endearing and unconventional sleuth. She's navigating a new world outside the convent, and her hidden identity adds an extra layer of intrigue as she interacts with the eccentric guests at Gulls Nest.

The mystery really ramps up when a series of bizarre murders rattles the hotel's occupants. This isn't just a disappearance anymore; it's a full-blown whodunit with a touch of the unsettling. The puzzle is cleverly constructed, and Kidd throws in enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. The tension steadily builds as Nora starts to wonder if a dark past, perhaps not just Frieda's, can ever truly be left behind in a place like Gulls Nest.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the unique character of Nora and the wonderfully atmospheric setting, there were just a few moments where the pacing felt a little more gentle than I might have expected given the escalating stakes. However, this is a minor point in what is otherwise a captivating and refreshingly different cozy mystery. It’s a strong start to a series, and I'm definitely looking forward to Nora Breen's next investigation.

★★★★☆

#MurderAtGullsNest #JessKidd #NoraBreenInvestigates #CozyMystery #BookReview #Bookstagram #ARC #FormerNun #SeasideMystery #HistoricalMystery #Kent #Whodunnit #NewSeries

3.5 stars

A solid start to a series that sits a bit more substantial than a cozy (which is suggested by the cover design). There are elements of classic Agatha Christie and hints of something like Alan Bradley’s Flavia de Luce series. Perhaps a bit drawn out in places and more red herrings than necessary, but generally well-paced and satisfying.

I received an advance release copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

This novel was the best kind of surprise! I wasn't expecting to love it so much, be so very excited to recommend it to many readers and left eagerly anticipating all the future books in this series. It is utterly delightful: charming, fun and unique. Nora Breen, a former nun come to a seaside town to investigate the disappearance of her friend, is such a layered protagonist that I'd follow into any story. The setting is immersive, and I especially loved Nora's developing and complicated relationship with the detective. My one (very) minor disappointment was that I guessed the resolution of the mystery before it happened, but getting to the resolution was so enjoyable that I didn't care much. I switched back and forth from the print to the audiobook version, and Siobhan McSweeney may be the most perfectly matched narrator for a book I've ever heard. Thank you so much to Netgalley and Atria Books for the advanced copy-- I will be highly recommending this to many others and certain to read the entire series as they are released!

I believe every town needs a least one or perhaps a dozen Nora Beens.
Nora, a former nun, leaves her convent in search of a former friend and nun, Freida, in a village entitled Gore-on-Sea. (appropriately named)

Hoping for the best, Nora undertakes finding her friend an in the meantime gets embroiled in seaside resort of sorts, a bevy of interesting boarders, and an extremely strange young girl. As things heat up (ie perhaps murder of a few), Nora places herself in harm's way and becomes a wannabe detective with perseverance, stubbornness, and staying the course. She becomes the side kick to the local detective and dogs both him and those Nora suspects are not telling the truth.

I so enjoyed her spirit, her sense of adventure, and she did provide a number of smiles from this reader. Happy to know that Nora will once again strut her stuff in the next book of the series.

In Murder at Gulls Nest, a former nun travels to idyllic coastal town to investigate what happened to her friend who mysteriously disappeared. As she investigates more bodies pile up, and all of her friends fall under the line of fire.

This one had a slower start and is definitely more character driven than action packed. While it falls under the cozy mystery umbrella, there are some unexpectedly dark and heavy themes woven into the story, and I’d recommend checking the trigger warnings before starting. The contrast between the charming coastal setting and the older case of amateur sleuths with the darker subject matter gave it a unique edge compared to more traditional cozy mysteries. I really appreciate stories that focus on older characters, especially the ones who are overlooked or underestimated, taking center stage in solving the crime. It seems like the author may be setting things up for a series and I’m curious to see where it can go. A few storylines were left open ended and I can easily see them carrying over to a second book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this e-ARC that I chose to read and review

Murder at Gulls Nest by Jess Kidd is the first installment in a new series. While I initially found it a bit difficult to get into—largely due to the extensive time spent introducing a wide cast of characters—that groundwork ultimately paid off. Once the plot gained momentum, the rich character development enhanced the overall experience. The mystery itself was engaging, and I’m looking forward to reading the next books in the series.

Murder at Gull’s Nest is a wonderfully atmospheric mystery that blends classic whodunit charm with Jess Kidd’s trademark wit and lyrical prose. Set in a moody coastal village, the story offers an engaging mix of eccentric characters, buried secrets, and a mystery that unfolds with both humor and heart.

The protagonist is sharp and relatable, and Kidd brings the setting to life with vivid descriptions that make the seaside town feel like a character of its own. The plot is layered and cleverly constructed, with enough red herrings and twists to keep things interesting without feeling overly convoluted.

What really stood out was the tone—there’s a cozy feel to the mystery, yet it never shies away from darker themes. Jess Kidd’s writing style is elegant and often tinged with whimsy, which gives the story a unique flavor compared to more traditional mysteries.

I gave it 4 stars because while the pacing lagged slightly in a few spots, overall, it was a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable read. If you like character-driven mysteries with a touch of the gothic and a dash of humor, Murder at Gull’s Nest will not disappoint.

I have not read any of Kidd's previous novels but I found this little mystery to be fun and funny. The setting of the seaside town was well done, and the 'investigation' by the nun seemed realistic. I would be happy to read on in this series.

Colleen Chi-Girl at Goodreads
5 SOLID 🌟 for Murder at Gull's Nest (Nora Breen Investigates, #1): *** SEQUEL COMING!!! ***
2025, audio, crime-mysteries, england, feminism, historical-fiction, kindle, netgalley, read, thrillers, women-centered

Jess Kidd’s success is not only due to her art of perfecting a compelling story, but it's in her written word, which is powerful, poetic, heartfelt, no-nonsense, interesting, humorous, and it flows so well that you forget you’re reading and not living the story.

This goes down as one of my favorites in 2025. The narrator was a perfect choice for the sassy, smart, FMC. Bravo Siobhan McSweeney.

Set in 1954, in a seaside town in England featuring a middle age, recently former-nun, Norma Breen, as the main character. Norma is a hoot of a character and we learn so much about her and all the other characters, that you fall in love with them, or you are at the least highly interested in the characters, which is another Jess Kidd trademark.

Norma decides to leave the convent because her pen-pal and good friend, Frieda, who she knows from the convent, suddenly goes missing. Norma goes straight to Frieda’s boarding house to do some sleuthing, but without letting any of the guests, employees, or the owner know of her real purpose of why she’s there. It's one of those books that you don't want to put down and is full of humor, as well as seriousness, in this wonderful thriller.

Note: I began reading this as a Kindle Arc and bought the Audible audiobook as well, so I could savor it. Thank you to Jess Kidd, NetGalley, and the publisher for the Kindle ARC. Sheer joy.

Publisher Blurb:
"I believe every one of us at Gulls Nest is concealing some kind of secret.
A seaside town, a place of fresh air and relaxed constraints, is the perfect place for a new start. Nora hides her identity and pries into the lives of her fellow guests. But when a series of bizarre murders rattles the occupants of Gulls Nest it’s time to ask if a dark past can ever really be left behind."

Set in 1954, MURDER AT GULLS NEST is a cozy mystery led by the amusing amateur sleuth Nora Breen. Nora, a nun who left the order, comes to the coastal Gull's Nest Boarding House to investigate why her close friend has stopped writing to her. Nora, with her quiet and observant nature, is a character you can't help but root for in her investigation, especially when a body or two show up. The story is a solid mystery, where every character has a possible motive for murder, and that includes some surprising twists along the way.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review. I also want to extend my gratitude to Jess Kidd for this captivating read; I'm definitely looking forward to exploring your other books!

This is a great mystery. It has everything: great characters, interesting plot and setting, lively dialogue. The heroine Nora has left the convent after 30 years and is searching for her friend, a former novice who has stopped communicating with her. Nora goes to the last place Frieda lived -- Gulls Nest. There she meets the great cast of characters created by this wonderful author. I hope this is the first in a series featuring Nora Breen. Thanks for NetGalley for this great book.

I read this book on a trip to England, so I loved the setting and descriptions very much. It's a cozy mystery - no doubt. Kidd offers outstanding character development and some of it is very predictable - which is what makes it a cozy murder. The right book for those times when you just need a good, easy read delivered by an accomplished writer.

Very much recommend Murder at Gull's Nest for anyone who enjoys an atmospheric cozy-ish mystery with a complex, unconventional protagonist unraveling it all.

Nora Breen is at times pensive and thoughtful like you'd imagine a former nun, but with flashes of impetuousness almost like a teenager experiencing the world for the first time. She's middle-aged, but she's also rediscovering society and herself. From the blurb and the first few chapters, I worried she would be bland-- very much not so! I really enjoyed her character growth, and her scenes with Gulls Nest's myriad odd inhabitants and their neighbors really shine.

It's a slow mystery, the first half really spent on building the characters and the setting. But once I hit the halfway mark, it suddenly became very hard to stop reading. As the pace picked up, I was thankful for the time Kidd spent building the structure of the novel.

The conclusion isn't the neatest, but neither is life. It's fitting that we don't quite figure everything out. Nora certainly hasn't got everything figured out on a personal level, and I'm hoping Kidd decides to keep following her adventures.

Readers will so enjoy meeting Nora Breen, the former nun, who serves as the amateur investigator in this 1950s set novel. Formerly Sister Agnes, she has left the convent after many years to take up residence at Gulls Nest. Nora has chosen this location because someone close to her, who had been living there, is missing. Did Frieda meet with foul play? Nora fears so as Frieda had promised to write weekly and her letters have stopped.

At Gulls Nest Nora meets quite an assortment of characters. There is the woman who owns the boarding house and her daughter, Dinah, who does not speak. The reader never knows where she will be found. There are also the housekeeper (an awful cook) and Rose, who both work there, and then, of course, the boarders. These include a couple Teddy and Stella, a puppeteer and performer called Professor Poppy, the mysterious Karel, and others. On the side of the law is Rideout who engages in much verbal play with Nora.

The story becomes more intricate when someone is found murdered. This is not Frieda but, no spoiler, so I won't say who. What else will happen? Will order be restored?

Nora is outspoken and sometimes brash (she throws a shoe at an unresponsive officer in the police station). She is also determined, bright and a keen observer with whom I loved spending time.

This is a terrific mystery and one that it is easy to recommend. I eagerly await Nora and Rideout's next appearance.

Kirkus Reviews notes: "A delightful series kickoff in a cozy community primed for more murder."

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Murder at Gulls Nest is a delightful murder mystery! Nora Breen is a former nun searching for answers to her former novice's sudden disappearance. She finds plenty more mystery as well as murder at Gulls Nest hotel. The characters are well-written and the plot is engaging. I can't wait for the next installment with Nora Breen! Thank you to Jess Kidd, NetGalley, and Atria Books for the gifted eARC.