This was a fun read. I loved the setting, I want to go there, it sounds really beautiful. I liked how the mystery keeps you guessing. And then the romance was fun too.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

This was a fun, light-hearted beach read more suited to fans of romance and women's fiction. I downloaded it as a mystery/thriller, but I was more interested in the romance. The protagonist had no connection to the murdered woman, nor did the reader, so I had trouble caring about who killed Diana, or understanding why Mia would risk so much to solve the crime. As a mystery, I'd give it a 3, and as a romance, a 4, so I'll split the difference with a 3.5 and round up. Thanks to Allison Brennan, MIRA, and NetGalley for the advance copy.

The way the author puts a spin on this who done it and where had me continuing to read page after page not wanting to put this down. What a great read!

Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy of this book.

This is a fantastic beach read. It has a mystery wrapped with a bit of romance. I haven't read any of the authors other books, and am excited to dive into more of her work.

The dialog is fresh and fun and the romance adds just enough to the story to make it fun.

This was the mental escape that this mom of four was needing this Monday! I could not put this book down! I started late last night, and was finding any way to read it. Loved it! Such a good book.

Such a fun read! A murder mystery with a side of romance, this book is the perfect beach read. It takes place on a beautiful tropical island and allows readers to escape into the story. Highly recommend!

📚🏝️ Book Review: "Beach Reads and Deadly Deeds" by Allison Brennan 🌞🔍

Allison Brennan has once again struck gold with "Beach Reads and Deadly Deeds," a captivating blend of mystery, romance, and sun-soaked adventure. Perfectly combining suspense with a hint of romance, this novel is an absolute must-read for those who delight in a literary escape infused with intrigue and charm. 🌟📖

The story introduces us to Mia Crawford, a diligent and responsible book lover whose life revolves around her demanding job and taking care of her grandma. Sent on a luxurious vacation to St. Claire Island, Mia finds herself wrapped up in a mystery straight out of her favorite novels when she stumbles upon a curious book filled with handwritten clues. From here, the adventure takes off, with Mia diving headfirst into a real-life detective story. 🌴🔎

Mia is a wonderfully relatable character for book enthusiasts, her transformation from a cautious accountant to a daring sleuth is both inspiring and entertaining. The enchanting setting of a tropical island adds a lush backdrop to her journey, with each chapter immersing readers in sun-drenched intrigue and suspense. 🏖️📚

The plot unfolds like a good beach read should, with suspenseful twists, delightful banter, and a dash of romance. Jason Mallory, the charming bartender, adds a layer of romantic tension that is as engaging as it is entertaining. While some might find Jason's character somewhat archetypal, his presence provides the perfect romantic escapism, enhancing Mia's storyline with flirty energy and undeniable chemistry. 🍹💞

One of the standout elements of the book is Brennan's ingenious use of literary references, a treat for avid readers who will appreciate the layers this adds to the mystery. Each chapter opens with quotes from well-known mystery authors, skillfully foreshadowing the unfolding drama. 📖🔍

The narrative is fast-paced and engaging, weaving together Mia’s amateur sleuthing, a murder mystery, and a diverse cast of intriguing side characters. While the sheer number of red herrings may momentarily slow the pace, Brennan ensures the reader is continually captivated, with surprises and whodunit clues scattered throughout. 🔅🔦

Overall this was a delightful blend of luxury, mystery, and romance. It's a true page-turner that entertains from start to finish, delivering both humor and heart with its well-crafted characters and engaging plot. Whether on a sandy beach or snug at home, this book offers the perfect getaway. 💼🏝️

It should be noted that I'm a HUGE Allison Brennan fan and have never found any of her books to be less than a 5-star experience with this exceptional summer read, proving once again why her writing is so amazing. This vibrant novel is a testament to her talent, a delightful dance between escapism and mystery that beckons readers into its tropical embrace. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

A fun story about an introvert who feels like anything but a main character being swept away by a murderous plot she accidentally gets involved in. A fun read for homebodies who don't necessarily want to adventure themselves but love to read about them.

This book I could not put down loved it from beginning to end. I would highly recommend!! This isn't like something ie read before.

I enjoy reading anything that Brennan writes, so when I saw this ARC on Netgalley, I couldn’t wait to read it. It didn’t disappoint, it has plenty of mystery and romance with some great character development. It was a perfect mix of suspense, action and romance with a tropical setting, what else could you ask for. It is a great beach read and the perfect book to take on a vacation. I highly recommend this book especially if you are into mysteries that have great characters, plenty of red herrings and a beautiful tropical island. What I especially enjoyed that Brennan did was open up each chapter with quotes from other mystery authors that gave you clues for what was about to happen. Mia is an overworked accountant who is about to become a partner in her company. Her bosses book a vacation for her before she moves up. Mia is a booklover and especially loves mysteries. She decides to try to solve the mystery of the missing guest that is eventually found murdered. What she didn’t realize was how dangerous it can be to solve a murder when it isn’t just in a book. Thank you to Netgalley and MIRA Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A fun, summer mystery that more than lives up to its captivating premise: a sun-dappled mystery, a risk-averse bibliophile gets in over her head when strange notes in a book draw her into a real-life investigation.

I adore a bookish main character, and what fun for book girlies everywhere to imagine themselves being swept into a real-world plotline similar to their favorite kinds of books. The writing is fresh and fun, and I just adored the summer setting. Beach Reads and Deadly Deeds by Allison Brennan is the ultimate vacation beach read!

Allison Brennan is a must read for me. This book was a little different from her usual books but I liked it. Mia loves books and spends all her free time reading. When there is a murder while Mia is on vacation she tries to solve it from notes written in a book. Then there is a spunky teen and a hunky bartender to help her out. I also enjoyed the quotes from some of my favorite authors. If you love a lighthearted mystery with romance this books for you.

Give me all the stories taking place in posh resorts! I'm here for it. This was no exception. I loved the setting and the setup of this novel. There's mystery and suspense and prominent characters to learn about. Overall, it's worth a read. Plus, that cover! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Who doesn’t want to be forced into a luxurious vacation from work before getting a promotion? Mia Crawford is doing just that. And she is sent to paradise, the perfect place to read a few books, find a few single men and get a great tan in the process. But when a single woman went missing in connection with this resort just a week before, Mia has a hard time relaxing, as a single woman herself. Instead, she finds clues and tries to solve the mystery herself…

I love the idea of this book and it was a great beach read but I did find myself having a hard time connecting to the FMC, especially in the beginning, which is weird because we’re a lot alike (minus the single thing). But the imagery, the banter between her and other characters and the plot were all solid. What an ending!

Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing, Allison Brennan and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions stated here are my own.

Thank you Netgalley and MIRA for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

If you love a good murder mystery with a side of romance, “Beach Reads and Deadly Deeds” by Allison Brennan delivers the perfect mix of suspense, intrigue, and tropical escapism, similar to “White Lotus.” This lighthearted yet engaging mystery follows Mia Crawford, a responsible and overworked accountant who is reluctantly sent on an all-expenses-paid vacation to the exclusive St. Claire Island. However, what starts as a forced getaway quickly turns into a real-life detective case when Mia stumbles upon a cryptic book filled with handwritten clues—potentially linked to a missing woman.

Mia considers herself a modern-day Nancy Drew, and when she learns that a woman recently disappeared from the island, she can't resist playing detective. Armed with the mysterious book she found in the resort gift shop’s lost and found, she starts piecing together the clues hidden within its pages. Along the way, she meets the island’s charming bartender, Jason Mallory, who offers both a welcome distraction and a potential partner in crime-solving. Their romance is a slow burn, filled with flirtation and undeniable chemistry, though I did find Jason a little too perfect; I wish he had some more flaws instead of being the stereotypical adventurous love interest, though he does provide some excellent escapism.

Brennan skillfully balances multiple subplots, weaving together Mia’s amateur sleuthing, a second murder that shakes the island, and a cast of colorful side characters. While the sheer number of characters and red herrings can slow the pacing at times, the mystery remains engaging. Some twists—such as the truth about CeeCee—are easy to predict, while others, like the killer’s identity, come as genuine surprises. The book also features a refreshing and supportive female friendship between Mia and Brie through the subplot involving Brie’s father, which adds depth to the story.

One particularly fun aspect of the book is how Brennan incorporates real-life authors as clues within the story, making it a treat for book lovers. Though the mystery sometimes takes a backseat to the romance and island drama, the book maintains a lighthearted, escapist tone—perfect for fans who enjoy a mix of sun-soaked luxury and unexpected danger.

With a satisfying conclusion that ties up all loose ends, “Beach Reads and Deadly Deeds” is an enjoyable and easy-to-devour mystery. Whether you’re lounging on a beach or curled up at home, this book makes for a perfect getaway read.

Mia needs a break. She loves books. She spends much time reading. This talented author has written a page turner with realistic characters who keep the story moving quickly. The main character is intriguing. Curl up in a comfy chair for an afternoon of entertainment. You won’t be sorry. Living on an island for a week…fun and mysterious…murder and mayhem…Thanks Netgalley

really fun murder mystery with a unique and effective protagonist and an assortment of interesting side characters. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

I love Allison Brennan, she usually writes very serious suspense books with a touch of romance. This book, Beach Reads and Deadly Deeds has suspense but very light hearted suspense and definitely has romance!! Mia Crawford has been sent on a vacation to a privately owned island, St.Claire as a bonus for all her hard work and for making partner at the Financial planning company where she works. Mia would much rather have had the bonus than the trip. She was raised by her grandmother who believed in having fun and enjoying life and paying the bills later. Consequently Mia grew up to be extremely responsible and believed she had to work hard constantly and enjoy life later maybe in retirement. That's the whole,reason her boss sent her on an all paid vacation to this remote tropical island. On the ferry ride to the island she discovers that a woman has disappeared from the island a few days ago. She's an avid reader and she finished her book on the plane so she goes to the gift shop to see if she can find a book.As she's browsing she discovers that you can leave a book and take another book so she grabs one that catches her eye. When she gets back to her room she discovers that the book was written in. At first she's just angry because someone defaced this book but the longer she looks through it and she realizes that maybe this book belonged to the woman who is missing as the doodles and numbers seem to be written in code, clues to something and Mia thinks she can discover what happened to her. In Mia's quest to find answers she meets an extremely handsome bartender , Jason Mallory and he seems to be able to distract her from finding answers. As the week progresses theres another murder and other things that Mia gets pulled into along the way.I think this was a great story and I loved the way Ms. Brennan used other current authors names as clues and pulled them into the story was fantastic!! This story was fast paced And kept me guessing who was the murderer!! I couldn't wait til the end to see if Mia and the bunny I want to bartender got together!!! I loved this book! I want to thank Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing / Mira for this copy of Beach Reads and Deadly Deeds for my honest review.

Beach Reads and Deadly Deeds is a standalone novel written by Allison Brennan.

*Remote island
*Mysterious death
*Hidden identity

Mia considers herself as a grownup Nancy Drew or Veronica Mars, when in fact she is a lonely accountant being forced into a vacation where her only goal is to hook up with the first single guy she can find. Enter Jason, the island bartender, who is YUMMY!

Her vacation gets interrupted by a mysterious death and Mia thinks she can solve the murder due to some handwritten clues she found in a book left in the lost and found in the resort gift shop. A little over the top at times, but overall it was a great story!

The way that the author included other current book author names into the story as clues was fantastic!!

No OM/OW drama, six month separation in the third act. Ends with a HFN.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: Mia (FMC) & Jason (MMC)

Mia Crawford has been sent on a luxury resort vacation by her bosses at the accounting firm where she's just been promoted to partner. The trip is an acknowledgement of all of the hard work that Mia has done on behalf of the firm -- to the extent that it's the first vacation she's taken in years. She actually didn't want to go on this one, either, but her bosses insisted. Once she reaches the island, Mia is disturbed to learn that another woman recently disappeared from the island. An avid reader, Mia is browsing in the gift shop at the resort when she discovers guests can leave unwanted books on a "free" table for other guests to take. Browsing through, she finds an interesting book and takes it. As she's reading, she notices that someone has written in the book in what appears to be a code. As Mia tries to figure it out, she soon realizes the missing woman must have owned the book, and the notes are tied to the woman's blackmailing efforts. When the book disappears from her room, Mia knows she's on the right track and begins to investigate the disappearance. As a complication, there is a hunky bartender who is distracting Mia in many exciting ways.

I enjoyed all of the literary references strewn throughout the book, as Mia is an avid reader. The story was fast-paced and kept me guessing until the end as to who the murderer was (although the "real" identity of the hunky bartender was pretty obvious from the start!).