Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC.
This is such an enjoyable and atmospheric read, set shortly after the War. The main character, Nora Breen, has just left her convent after 30 years of her there as a nun and nurse. Her leaving is due to her missing friend Frieda who left the convent some time ago, after promising to keep in touch and faithfully writing to Nora, then inexplicably stopping. Nora has a nasty feeling something is amiss.
She ends up renting a room in the same boarding house
as Frieda did before suddenly disappearing.
You can hear the sea and the gulls and feel the tension rising as the story continues, such is the great writing.
Every character is well-drawn and the chemistry between Nora and Inspector Rideout is charming. It'll be interesting to read about their future entanglements!

Murder At Gulls Nest had such an interesting plot. Nora Breen has been a nun for many years. When a novice, Frieda is forced to leave, due to her poor health, Nora looks forward to her weekly letters. When they stop coming, Nora decides to follow Frieda, leaving the life she knows behind.
She rents a room at Gulls Nest, the place where Frieda stayed. A unique mix of characters, and Nora is sure that at least one of these people know something about Frieda’s sudden departure.
I have never been a nun or played one on TV, but I liked how Nora was able to acclimate to a much different world than the one she left when she entered the convent. I suppose some would call her Nosy Nora, but she managed to uncover quite a few secrets and lies (and what happened to Frieda). A great start to what might be a new cozy mystery series? Two other standout characters to me, Dinah and Inspector Rideout👍

I really enjoyed this mystery/thriller. I did find it a bit predictable, but I love a whodunnit with an isolated/cozy setting. I really enjoyed the main character, Nora. This was full of suspense, and I also enjoyed the time period it was set in.

Nora comes to a small town to find her missing friend. There are lots of characters and several plot lines, but I had a hard time caring about what happened for some reason. I couldn’t quite get into it.

Thank you #Atria Books and #NetGalley for providing this #ARC Advance Reading Copy. Expected publication date is April 8, 2025.

4 Stars • Murder at Gulls Nest by Jess Kidd is a cozy mystery set in 1954. The story follows Nora Breen, a former nun who leaves her convent to investigate the sudden disappearance of her pen pal, Frieda. Nora travels to Gulls Nest, a charming hotel in the seaside town of Gore-on-Sea, Kent. Disguising her identity, she begins to pry into the lives of the hotel's guests, each of whom seems to be hiding a secret. As bizarre murders start to occur, Nora must confront the possibility that a dark past can never truly be left
behind

#MurderAtGullsNest #JessKidd
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This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Jess Kidd never fails her writing drew me in from the first pages.The characters came alive there were surprises,twists and turns enjoyed from beginning to end.# netgalley #atriabooks

This talented author has written a cannot put down novel. Realistic characters keep the story moving quickly. Red herrings…surprises…thanks Netgalley.

This was so fun! Jess Kidd is a new to me author, and I am so thankful to have had to opportunity to read this in advance! I really loved the main character, Nora Breen. I really enjoyed that this story involved nuns, Ireland and England, and a historical time setting! All yes-es from me! The physical setting description was great, and I really felt like I was there by the sea at Gull's Nest. I am definitely looking forward to reading more Nora Breen mysteries!

I’ve admired Jess Kidd’s talent since her first book, and her latest offering did not disappoint. Though a departure from her usual style, it was just as captivating, drawing me in with its unique premise and compelling characters. Nora Breen, a former nun stepping into a new life, instantly won my heart with her resilience and quiet strength. Set in a 1950s seaside town, the vivid atmosphere and richly drawn characters kept me intrigued, each with their own secrets and regrets. Kidd’s sharp observations and witty dialogue made the story both engaging and heartfelt. If there’s a sequel, I’ll eagerly follow Nora’s journey.