Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of MURDER AT GULLS NEST (Book 1 of the Nora Breen Investigates series) by Jess Kidd in exchange for an honest review. Nora Breen always knew her calling was one of poverty and service; she always expected to become a nun, and she did. During her time with the sisters, Nora and the other sisters became fond of a novice named Frieda, who was the embodiment of joy and mischief and completely unsuited to the life of a nun. Nora remains in contact with Frieda even after she leaves the cloistered life and becomes concerned when Frieda’s correspondence suddenly ends after her last letter indicated that she believed everyone at her boarding house had secrets and that she intended to discover them all. When Nora cannot get anyone to check in on Frieda, Nora makes the decision to leave the nuns. As a new civilian with limited funds, Nora makes her way to Gulls Nest, the boarding house of Frieda’s last address, at Gore-on-Sea. Truly, it seems like the boarders do have secrets, and a series mysterious deaths after Nora arrives confirm Nora’s suspicion that Frieda also met with a nasty end. Can Nora find out what happened to Frieda, identify the killer, and stop the murderer before Gulls Nest only houses the memories of murders?

This was an interesting book. I recommend it to readers interested in historical murder mysteries featuring late in life new beginnings in bad circumstances.

I was a bit split on this one. I loved the characters and the setting, but guessed the murderer pretty early on and found Nora's backstory a bit unbelievable. I'm chalking that up to it being the first book in a new series, and am guessing we'll learn more as the series goes on that will help it make sense.

I really enjoyed all of the supporting characters and hope they feature in future books as I'd love to learn more about each of their stories.

Jess Kidd’s latest novel, Murder at Gull’s Nest, is a delightful cozy mystery. This book is a departure from her usual magical realism. I enjoyed Ms. Kidd's usual writing style in a different genre.

From the start to the finish I was invested in this story. I loved the main character, Nora Breen. The former nun and nurse is interesting, complex, and unexpected.

While searching for her missing friend, Frieda, Nora introduces readers to all the quirky and mysterious characters in the small seaside town. Most interesting is the devilish Inspector Rideout. Nora and Rideout’s banter is fun. Watching their relationship turn from adversarial to respectful to potentially more was very fun.

As the story moves along, more residents at Gulls Nest meet their end, and Nora and Rideout disagree repeatedly as to whether the deaths are accidental or plotted.

“Frieda was inquisitive, Nora asks questions, what’s the difference? In a house like Gulls Nest, curiosity might prove fatal.”

Ms. Kidd’s writing is delightful. There are plenty of delicious, descriptive details and red herrings. The plot arc is good and the tension build and pacing are excellent. I’m looking forward to a future book featuring Breen and Rideout!

This book, unfortunately, was such a let down for me. I went into it expecting this fun, light-hearted cozy mystery, but that is not what I got. I usually love the characters in a cozy mystery, but this book started so quickly that I didn’t get a chance to connect to these characters at all. I kept checking Google to make sure I didn’t start in the middle of the series because this book skipped a lot of build up and background in the beginning. I really struggled to keep the characters separate from each other which hindered my enjoyment of the book. The mystery was okay and held my attention. I do think there were some areas where suspense could have been built a little better, especially the ending. I also was not expecting some of the heavier themes in the book to be present in a cozy mystery (i.e. rape, infidelity). While okay to include in the book, I would have liked a more fleshed out discussion in the book as opposed to just glossing over it. Overall, it was a quick read but I don’t think I will be continuing in the series.

Murder at Gulls Nest is set in a small village in post-WW2 Kent. Nora Breen leaves her convent after she stops hearing from her former novice, Freida, and travels to the small village where she had been staying. The boardinghouse is filled with an interesting cast of characters and shortly after her arrival there are a series of murders. This cozy mystery was so much fun. I loved the setting, characters, and the time period. The mystery itself was fine but will definitely read more in this series to be back at Gore-on-Sea with Nora. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced digital copy. 4 stars

Nora Breen receives letters from a former novitiate regularly. When they stop, she asks to be released from her vows to investigate. Nora arrives at Gulls Nest, a charming hotel in Gore-on-Sea in Kent that had been mentioned in the letters. For many, the town is the perfect place for a new start. Nora hides who she is and pries into the lives of those at the hotel. When the murders start, it soon feels like the past can't be escaped after all.

Nora has a strong connection with Frieda, the novitiate who wrote to her weekly since leaving. The hotel residents have their secrets and seem somewhat amiable enough at first. There's the married couple Stella and Theo, Professor Poppy who has ailing health, photographer Karel, and the former naval cook Bill who is romancing the hotel's owner while disdaining her wild and mute daughter Dinah. The town itself has its characters, in the form of the Ladd family who owns the carnival and a lot of property, the neighboring pastor who likes rabbits more than people, the photographer, and the police officers. Nora asks her questions like the detective novels she favored, barreling through to discover more about others without revealing much about herself. Her sheer proximity to the hotel means that she's present when the body is found, and she is sure that the death is linked to Frieda going missing.

While there is murder and the threat of danger hanging over the residents in the hotel, it feels more cozy of a mystery. It's not high tension and the death by poisoning means there isn't the intense death that bloody attacks leave in their wake. Nora asks a lot of her fellow residents, the owner, the housekeeper and maid, and even Dinah through drawings and notes. She looks for clues not just for Frieda's disappearance, but for the murderer, sure that they're linked. Along the way, she recalls her own early history, and we see the traumas that occurred in her life prior to becoming a nun. While the first half started off slowly as we got to know Nora and her fellow tenants, the second half picked up speed and really drew me in. The postwar era is full of people recovering from various kinds of trauma, trying to connect and find their place in the world. As much as Nora isn't sure she belongs in Kent, this would be the great start of a series of novels investigating the countryside.

I wanted to love this book. The set up of a former nun solving a mystery delighted me. And initially it is intriguing and heartfelt and funny, particularly in the interactions between our former nun and the actual investigator. But the mystery gets dragged out and the pace becomes uneven. Then there’s a rush to the finish that feels very sudden. I think a lot of the problem for me was pacing, not so much the plot. I finished the book and thought “OK. That’s fine.“ Meh.

With "Murder at Gulls Nest," Jess Kidd has created a spellbinding mystery that showcases her talent for blending atmospheric settings, and eccentric characters into an irresistible narrative.

Set in a remote coastal village, the novel introduces us to Nora, a former nun, whose sharp wit and haunted past makes her an unlikely detective. She travels in search of a lost friend, but hen a body is discovered at the run-down Gulls Nest board house, her investigation peels back layers of the town's secrets with delicious precision.

Kidd's ability to infuse even the darkest scenes with flashes of humor creates a reading experience that's both unsettling and oddly comforting. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, and her descriptions of the windswept seaside setting are so vivid you can almost taste the salt in the air.

I liked the characters, the details, and the sense of place, but the mystery was just ok, I think. I’ve usually write reviews right after I finish something, but in this case I wasn’t sure what I wanted to say. I really like Jess Kidd’s writing, and I will definitely read more in the series, but there were things unresolved here that I would like to have seen resolved. Some of the arcs I can see continuing into further books in the series, but some of them seem as though they are unlikely to be revisited. I a, definitely writing myself into my true opinion here! I think some of how I feel about this book will depend on what happens in the next, and I don’t love that as a reader. 3.75 stars

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Atria Books. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Mystery Thriller
Spice Level: No spice on the page
Language: Minimal swearing
Representation: Gay side characters

MURDER AT GULLS NEST instantly caught me with the middle-aged, former nun as the amateur sleuth.

This is set post WWII, and I feel like this is a time where Europe dramatically changed, and is great for a mystery setting.

Nora is so nuanced, and I loved how she's figuring out life again. As the story progresses we learn more about her past and what brought her to this moment to investigate what happened to her friend, a younger postulate.

The detective made me laugh—everything from the detail of his jacket, his conversations with Nora, and how he changes. All the other characters living at Gulls Nest house are intriguing and harbor secrets. And the puppets are automatically creepy! Add the odd child to the mix, and you're in for a socially awkward adventure.

I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery, and think other mystery readers will love it too.

Happy reading!

PS—There might be a slow burn romance starting.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when your penpal stops writing you back, then this book is for you! A nun shows up in a 1950s British seaside town full of oddball characters looking for her lost friend, and before you can count to 10 she has her nose in everyone’s business.

Nora is a delightful main character—adroit, observant, warm, and patient, with a wry sense of humor. I loved how she was able to find a way to connect with just about anyone. It felt really sweet amidst the multiple murders darkening the rest of the plot 🙈 Getting to know everyone and their backstories was a delight. Kidd certainly populated this town with lots of kooky characters, and I adored it.

Now, I’m definitely the WORST at figuring out mysteries, so take this as you will. I found the mystery quite fun, and only had some vague suspicions around the last quarter of the book. I’m not sure I completely buy the motive, but hey, I’m always down for a bit of chaos! If you’re looking for a sweet but page-turning read to distract you in these harrowing times, look no further.

Murder at Gulls Nest by Jess Kidd--A well-plotted mystery that feels like a classic Agatha Christie mystery to me. Former nun Nora has left her monastery after 30 years of service to try to find out what happened to a former novice & friend. She arrives at the Gulls Nest boarding house where her friend had been living in Kent by the sea and sets to unraveling the secrets of the other residents. I liked the post-WWII setting and Nora's personality. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

Murder at Gulls Nest is the beginning of a new series by Jess Kidd.

"A former nun, Frieda, stops writing so Nora asked to be released from her vows to find out what's happened. She arrives at Gulls Nest, a hotel in Gore-on-Sea where Frieda had been staying. Nora pries into the lives of the other guests. When a series of bizarre murders happens at the hotel, she wonders if the past can ever be left behind."

This is an interesting character from Kidd - Nora, who's been a nun for 30 years - who sets out to solve a disappearance. Nora has her own dark secret. She's determined to find out what happened to her friend and uses her years as a nun to her advantage. No one see her coming. There are some funny moments with the desk sergeant. The story is set right after WW II - no technology to solve a crime and just basic forensics.
This is a slow-burn mystery and the reveal is not until the end. There's a setup for future books and even a moment when Nora sort of breaks the Fourth Wall.

Good for fans of slow-burn mysteries.

MURDER AT GULLS NEST (NORA BREEN INVESTIGATES #1)
BY: JESS KIDD

About 4.5 Stars!

I absolutely love Author Jess Kidd's novels of which I can say I've read every single one, thus far. Anybody that's familiar with Jess Kidd would probably agree with me that she's not capable of writing anything less than stellar. I did love this but found it to be quite a change in style which is wide ranging and unique. My two favorites are "THINGS IN JARS," and, "THE NIGHT SHIP." This newest offering by her called, "MURDER AT GULL'S NEST," looks like it's going to be a series. Which I'm quite taken by surprise to be honest. It's not that this wasn't a compelling and riveting reading experience, because I enjoyed every minute reading this, as with her back list. It's not that this didn't have closure since it absolutely did. Nora Breen is a naturally inquisitive, eccentric or quirky character that I enjoyed. She's been a nun for the past thirty years who was trained as a nurse who was released from her vows at the Monastery to look into another former Nun's who stayed at Gull's Nest boardinghouse, before her. Her name was Frieda, who stopped writing to Nora which Nora thought was out of character for her to stop keeping in touch with writing letters to Nora. Somehow Nora was right to be concerned as she almost seemed to have a sixth sense that something was very unusual for Frieda to stop writing to Nora. She had made an agreement when she left the Monastery that she would be writing to Nora on a regular basis and her letters stopped.

Frieda had a heart and Lung condition which she was under Doctor's orders to take a rest cure at Gull's Nest which is a seacoast area that is practically a character itself. When Nora arrives there she is given Frieda's Sea view room to stay in. Nora doesn't disclose that she's there to find her friend who some of the other members of the boardinghouse say that Frieda left late at night and was stepping out with a married man. Once Nora arrives at Gulf's Nest she is given a long list of rules, and She meets the owner named Helena Wells, and the cook Irene Rawlings. Helena Wells has an eight year old daughter named, Dinah who is non verbal but intelligent which Nora finds a way to communicate with her by getting Dinah a notebook and colored pencils. Nora learns about the connection between Mrs. Rawlings and Mrs. Wells. Mrs. Rawlings is a horrible cook who serves dinner for all of the boarders out of a tureen. I have to admit that the food would be something that I would definitely not eat if it was me staying there.

The night during dinnertime Nora tries to find out as much as she can about the other boarders by interrogating them. She also asks them all questions about Frieda. The next day she goes straight to the Police Station to put in a missing person's report about Frieda. At first she runs into a conflict with the Detective Inspector in charge, but soon they become friends which I think sets this up nicely for a series. I can see them working well together in future installments in this series. This being the first one obviously can be read as a standalone. There are a few murders that take place in this one, but I won't say anymore than that since it would be a spoiler to say too much, but believe me I have left out the majority of this cozy mystery which I think will be a huge success with those who like that genre. You'll love the area, and I really enjoyed this, and will definitely look forward to the next one of these in the series. You'll love the character Nora Breen who is a likable character. To be fully honest I'm a huge Jess Kidd fan, and part of me feels like one of the greatest thing I loved about her is that she has written distinctly different & Original novels which part of me is going to miss, quite a bit. "THINGS IN JARS," was my Introduction to her, which I didn't think Id like, but it blew me away with its uniqueness. As I said I loved "THE NIGHT SHIP," which I loved because by then I had read her entire back list, but as much as this is well written, I admire her for surprising me with something unlike any of her novels, and I hope that she continues to do so. That's not to say I'm already looking forward to her next novel in this series because I absolutely am. I'm just being honest that I feel disappointed that she is going to write more predictably which is her choice, but I would prefer her to go back to her innovative, talented standalone novels. I can even understand her reasons for writing series. I can't help but feel that this was fantastic, but I guess I'll have to wait and see. Maybe I'm being too unreasonable by feeling like I'm less excited since I feel this one was enough.

Publication Date: April 8, 2025! AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE NOW! A COZY MURDER MYSTERY WHICH THIS IS THE FIRST IN THE SERIES!

Thank you to Net Galley, Jess Kidd and Atria Books for generously providing me with my wonderful ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always

#MurderatGullsNext #JessKidd #AtriaBooks #NetGalley

I thoroughly enjoyed reading an ARC of Murder at Gulls Nest by Jess Kidd. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity; my review reflects my honest opinion. Nora Breen, formerly Sister Agnes of Christ, spent over thirty years in a Carmelite monastery serving God; she was also the monastery's nurse. She became very close to a young
postulant, Frieda Brogan. Frieda was full of faith and a bit of mischief, much to the Mother Superior's chagrin. Frieda had severe breathing issues worsened from life in the closed up, dusty and dank monastery; she had to leave the order and live in an area more conducive to her health, thus her move to Gore-on -Sea and Gulls Nest boarding house. Frieda promised that she would write to her good friend Sister Agnes weekly. She fulfilled her promise for months, however the letters abruptly stopped coming. Sister Agnes knew something was very wrong so she left the convent with only a small stipend, a raincoat, 2 dresses and a used pair of shoes, and resumed her life as Nora Breen. Upon arriving at Gulls Nest she meets an eclectic group of residents, including the beautiful and ethereal owner Helena Wells and her eight year old daughter Dinah. The housekeeper Irene Rawlings is far from welcoming or friendly. Slowly and without revealing why she has come to Gulls Nest, she begins to become acquainted with the other residents, and learn a bit about Frieda's time as a resident. Shortly after Nora's arrival two residents die under suspicious circumstances. Nora is convinced she can help the local constabulary, specifically Detective Inspector Rideout,who very reluctantly accepts her assistance. As well as Nora seeking to find Frieda or where she had gone, it appeared that all of the the residents had their own secrets and demons. The author created several intriguing sub-plots that just enhanced the storyline. Murder at Gulls Nest is a very engaging, fast-paced and well crafted suspense novel. I am hopeful that we might even meet Nora and Inspector Rideout in the future - perhaps a series? 4 stars.

Murder at Gulls Nest by Jess Kidd is a well written cozy mystery story.
I really enjoyed this book, loved the writing style and plot.
The characters were engaging and very entertaining.
An easy read which kept me guessing. I would highly recommend.

Well-crafted murder mystery with an interesting amateur detective. Kept me guessing until the end.
I really hope it is the start of a series, because I would love to see more like this.
Highly Recommend.

I enjoyed this new cozy mystery series following Nora, an ex-nun who travels to a small seaside town to find out what happened to her friend, who had abruptly broken contact with Nora. The other characters were intriguing, and the little town cute, and there was no end to possible suspects. I did feel that it was a bit long - I think 30-50 pages could have been edited out with no problem, and moved the story along a little more quickly. I'll definitely watch what comes next for Nora (and hopefully Rideout will join as well?) Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the advance digital copy!

First of all, I love a good British mystery! Nora Breen left her convent to find a missing friend who had been staying at Gull’s Nest. Once there, a string of mysterious deaths begin, and Nora begins to unravel the connections that ties everything together. Along the way, she begins to develop a friendship (maybe more?) with Inspector . I’d love to see these 2 work together to solve more crimes!!

What a fun and entertaining book! Well written, cleverly plotted, interesting characters, and so many red herrings that it was hard to figure out who was the killer. The descriptions were well done and the prose so many books in this genre are not well
Written however this one was a delight to read. I look forward to the next in the series!