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Evie Parker Mystery #5
Murder at the Seaside Hotel
1920’s lighthearted cozy mystery
An invitation from a hotel owner to stay at his new seaside hotel provides Evie, Countess of Woodridge, with the perfect opportunity to fulfill her maid’s dream of vacationing by the seaside.
However, the prospect of spending an entire week strolling along the pier makes Evie realize she is no longer cut out for a life of leisure. Clearly, she is missing the exhilaration she experienced during the last few murder cases she had become involved in.
When a young woman dies right outside their hotel, Evie finds the perfect opportunity to distract herself. The local police think it is suicide. Evie has other ideas…
Assisted by her bodyguard, Tom Winchester, and her maid, Caro, Evie works her way from one clue to the next until she is able to prove there is a case worth looking into.
Squeaky clean lighthearted cozy mystery set in the 1920s
An invitation from a hotel owner to stay at his new seaside hotel provides Evie, Countess of Woodridge, with the perfect opportunity to fulfill her maid’s dream of vacationing by the seaside.
However, the prospect of spending an entire week strolling along the pier makes Evie realize she is no longer cut out for a life of leisure. Clearly, she is missing the exhilaration she experienced during the last few murder cases she had become involved in.
When a young woman dies right outside their hotel, Evie finds the perfect opportunity to distract herself. The local police think it is suicide. Evie has other ideas…
Assisted by her bodyguard, Tom Winchester, and her maid, Caro, Evie works her way from one clue to the next until she is able to prove there is a case worth looking into.
Squeaky clean lighthearted cozy mystery set in the 1920s
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2019
672 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Sonia Parin
120 books198 followersI write Cozy Mysteries: humorous historical (1920s), contemporary and paranormal.
All my books provide a 'clean' read - no swearing and no graphic violence.
These fun cozy mysteries are intended to provide lighthearted entertainment for those who enjoy quirky characters and humorous tales.
All my books provide a 'clean' read - no swearing and no graphic violence.
These fun cozy mysteries are intended to provide lighthearted entertainment for those who enjoy quirky characters and humorous tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 18, 2024
This cozy historical mystery is excellent. I have grown fond of the characters and the writing style throughout the series.
October 13, 2024
Audiobook
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2019
Another good read
Evie is invited to stay for a week at a new hotel in Worthing, accepting the offer because she knows that Caro has always dreamt of going to the seaside they find themselves in the midst of another mystery.
Why did a young maid throw herself from a balcony and end her life? Why... did the couple in the room not ask to change rooms? Why do the police fail to investigate? and why has the body been cremated so quickly? BUT most of all where was the missing maid from midday until 5pm?
For Evie it's intrigue and needs resolving, when the local police refuse to consider anything except suicide Evie calls up Inspector O'Neill and with the assistance of Tom, Caro and Edmonds the enquiries begin.
What's happened becomes rather easy to guess but the who and why take a bit more thought.
Irritated by the frequent references to sidewalk.. it's a pavement, a tuxedo.. but not in England where it's evening dress, dinner jacket or DJ, the last two may not be historically accurate for the period but the first is, and it was the English maid who used the word which is why it stood out glaringly, and it's chaise longue not chaise lounge! (Most of the books maintain this error) With a bit of editing this could easily be resolved.
Looking forward to the next book where I hope we finally meet Toodles.
Evie is invited to stay for a week at a new hotel in Worthing, accepting the offer because she knows that Caro has always dreamt of going to the seaside they find themselves in the midst of another mystery.
Why did a young maid throw herself from a balcony and end her life? Why... did the couple in the room not ask to change rooms? Why do the police fail to investigate? and why has the body been cremated so quickly? BUT most of all where was the missing maid from midday until 5pm?
For Evie it's intrigue and needs resolving, when the local police refuse to consider anything except suicide Evie calls up Inspector O'Neill and with the assistance of Tom, Caro and Edmonds the enquiries begin.
What's happened becomes rather easy to guess but the who and why take a bit more thought.
Irritated by the frequent references to sidewalk.. it's a pavement, a tuxedo.. but not in England where it's evening dress, dinner jacket or DJ, the last two may not be historically accurate for the period but the first is, and it was the English maid who used the word which is why it stood out glaringly, and it's chaise longue not chaise lounge! (Most of the books maintain this error) With a bit of editing this could easily be resolved.
Looking forward to the next book where I hope we finally meet Toodles.
August 20, 2019
Boredom and murder
Awesome. Terrific storyline and probably my favourite of the series. Although it might be beat in the future book when Evie finds out the truth about Tom. Wonderfully planned and executed plot that shows what a bit of boredom, a bit of inequity and a whole lot of gut feeling can do in righting a perceived wrong.
She has arrived at the seaside with Tom, her maid and her driver only to have a maid jump out of one of the balconies. However when the police write it off as suicide without even questioning anyone her hackles are raised. Plus she has a gnawing doubt about the suicide. Now the four of them go into investigative mode (although Tom still thinks it was suicide). However the more they find out (especially when she has her man of business) the more they think it is more nefarious then just suicide. Now the Inspector from Scotland Yard is pulled into their case. Can they find out how the maid died?
Awesome. Terrific storyline and probably my favourite of the series. Although it might be beat in the future book when Evie finds out the truth about Tom. Wonderfully planned and executed plot that shows what a bit of boredom, a bit of inequity and a whole lot of gut feeling can do in righting a perceived wrong.
She has arrived at the seaside with Tom, her maid and her driver only to have a maid jump out of one of the balconies. However when the police write it off as suicide without even questioning anyone her hackles are raised. Plus she has a gnawing doubt about the suicide. Now the four of them go into investigative mode (although Tom still thinks it was suicide). However the more they find out (especially when she has her man of business) the more they think it is more nefarious then just suicide. Now the Inspector from Scotland Yard is pulled into their case. Can they find out how the maid died?
August 4, 2019
Cute, funny cozy mystery,
Evie, her maid Caro, Tom, and her chauffeur Edmund are at the beach for a week's holiday. First walk on the beach, seagulls attack the cherries decorating Evie's straw hat!! This sets the tone and the funniness continues as Evie tries to detect a murder when a maid falls from a balcony. They all create wild scenarios and bizarre leads and, surprisingly, it seems they are on to something. Story races to a great conclusion! Enjoyable, entertaining, cozy read!
Evie, her maid Caro, Tom, and her chauffeur Edmund are at the beach for a week's holiday. First walk on the beach, seagulls attack the cherries decorating Evie's straw hat!! This sets the tone and the funniness continues as Evie tries to detect a murder when a maid falls from a balcony. They all create wild scenarios and bizarre leads and, surprisingly, it seems they are on to something. Story races to a great conclusion! Enjoyable, entertaining, cozy read!
August 6, 2019
Great
A seaside murder and the gang is all there to trap the killer. I love that the author brought in Inspector O'Neill from the Violet Carlye series. (A must read if you haven't already read). Great page turner
A seaside murder and the gang is all there to trap the killer. I love that the author brought in Inspector O'Neill from the Violet Carlye series. (A must read if you haven't already read). Great page turner
August 4, 2019
Enjoyed it
I love Evie and Tom's adventures. The mystery is entertaining and so are the characters. I always look forward to the next book.
I love Evie and Tom's adventures. The mystery is entertaining and so are the characters. I always look forward to the next book.
September 2, 2019
Never a disapointment.
Love each these books. A.ways an
U nknow n mystery. A nd they always get to the rignt answer. Bravo
Love each these books. A.ways an
U nknow n mystery. A nd they always get to the rignt answer. Bravo
October 29, 2019
Loved it
A great cozy mystery with Evie once again coming up with many different theories in the course of her investigations.
A great cozy mystery with Evie once again coming up with many different theories in the course of her investigations.
March 10, 2023
Oh. My. Lanta. This book was SOOOOOO slow. I'd estimate that half the book is just Evie coming up with wild theories about the death of a maid in a seaside hotel. And we're never really given a reason she's so involved other than the fact that the police never interviewed her (seemed like this was tongue-in-cheek) and that she didn't like that the police weren't giving this maid respect. We never really do find out why the police didn't look into the death but luckily Evie has an old friend (Inspector O'Neill) who is willing to come down and take a look. Also involved? Evie's maid, chauffeur, and "good friend," Tom.
June 18, 2022
So disappointing !
Reading this book is like sitting at a table with 2 people talking about nothing and feeling distressed by boredom.
No investigation, but only ridiculous chat between the protagonist and her bodyguard.
The whole book is based on assumptions made out of thin air.
No landscapes or seasonal description. The book is set at a seaside hotel, but there's no summer vibe, i think it's the most boring cozy mystery i've read in the last 10 years ... I wonder if the other enthusiastic reviews are true or fake.
A NONSENSE BOOK !
Reading this book is like sitting at a table with 2 people talking about nothing and feeling distressed by boredom.
No investigation, but only ridiculous chat between the protagonist and her bodyguard.
The whole book is based on assumptions made out of thin air.
No landscapes or seasonal description. The book is set at a seaside hotel, but there's no summer vibe, i think it's the most boring cozy mystery i've read in the last 10 years ... I wonder if the other enthusiastic reviews are true or fake.
A NONSENSE BOOK !
May 2, 2021
Seaside Suicide?
Wow a very interesting mystery! Evie gifts her maid Caro with a seaside vacation celebrating the tenth anniversary of her employment. Having a room with a view, walking along the seaside pier, meals in fancy restaurants, Caro and Edmond the chauffeur are having a great vacation. Well except for the pesky incident when a body falls from the balcony of their hotel. Evie her bodyguard Tom, Caro and Edmond investigate. No spoilers but I didn't figure it out.
Wow a very interesting mystery! Evie gifts her maid Caro with a seaside vacation celebrating the tenth anniversary of her employment. Having a room with a view, walking along the seaside pier, meals in fancy restaurants, Caro and Edmond the chauffeur are having a great vacation. Well except for the pesky incident when a body falls from the balcony of their hotel. Evie her bodyguard Tom, Caro and Edmond investigate. No spoilers but I didn't figure it out.
November 28, 2023
I realize this is supposed to be a "clean" cozy mystery series, but this book in the series was boring. First, by setting the book at a seaside hotel, you cut out half the characters that make the book fun. Second, the plot was just terrible. The mystery seemed forced, and Evie and Tom were just annoying. Tom seems to have lost his personality - every time Evie said something stupid, Tom just went along with it. I'm sorry, but this one was just not good.
October 1, 2020
Another great mystery by Sonia Parin
This story seemed to be more fun than the last one, but then I find each one better than the last. I love the relationship between Evie and Caro. They are becoming an unstoppable investigating team, along with Tom and Edmond. Can't wait to start the next book in the series.
This story seemed to be more fun than the last one, but then I find each one better than the last. I love the relationship between Evie and Caro. They are becoming an unstoppable investigating team, along with Tom and Edmond. Can't wait to start the next book in the series.
March 15, 2021
I like Sonia Parin. Her books are not only mysteries, but also warm and funny. A person could almost see themselves among her friends and acquaintances.
Evie seems almost to stumble onto murders. And once she finds out the situation is not the way it should be, she figures out why and resolves to correct the situation.
Evie seems almost to stumble onto murders. And once she finds out the situation is not the way it should be, she figures out why and resolves to correct the situation.
October 7, 2024
It was very obvious from the start what the crime was likely to be. Tom was insufferable throughout the whole book. I don't fully understand why Sonia Parin felt he was necessary honestly. The audiobook version makes this even worse because the reader decided to try to do a 1920s Boston male accent for Tom and whew did she miss. It's awful (no offense to the reader who was clearly trying her best.)
February 3, 2021
Yet another thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery-murder. The main characters are fun to read about and endearing. The plot is straightforward and easily followed. The ending very satisfactory. I highly recommend all the books of this series, I have read, so far.
June 28, 2020
I’ve read all of the books prior to this one . Just could not get into this. I was bored and jumped all the way to the end just to finis. It really drags and I found it very disappointing.
July 20, 2020
Fun quick read! Evie and her friends are clever and enjoyable!
February 10, 2021
A romping good read! Enjoyable and fun to see the sr ants in on things.
June 15, 2021
Beach read
Fun historical beach mystery. Light reading. The typical rich woman with servants stumbling onto another mystery. I love these for lunch time read at work
Fun historical beach mystery. Light reading. The typical rich woman with servants stumbling onto another mystery. I love these for lunch time read at work
September 23, 2022
pretty good
A nice easy read. This was a nice cozy historical mystery. Evie Parker does come off as tad bit annoying.
A nice easy read. This was a nice cozy historical mystery. Evie Parker does come off as tad bit annoying.
June 3, 2023
There are a few continuity errors, but Sonia Parin's books are still an easy read. Now on to the next.
July 1, 2023
A great fun series to listen to
October 8, 2024
Great read
Each book in this series has been very interesting and different from the others, b but all well written and with great characters and mystery!
Each book in this series has been very interesting and different from the others, b but all well written and with great characters and mystery!
March 16, 2025
This was a delightful little English murder mystery. I had guessed the murder by mid book but it was still easy and fun to listen to.
March 6, 2020
Loving these books set in the 20's. Sonia has done a great job writing these my friend Debbie and I love them, Cant wait for more.
November 27, 2019
Evie Parker takes her maid to the seaside to celebrate her 10-year employment.
Upon returning to the hotel after having a late lunch, they discover a large crowd blocking the hotel entrance. Apparently one of the maids had fallen over a balcony and died.
When the local police refuse to give Evie any answers, she determines that the maid was murdered and a simple suicide as the police suggest.
This is another fun mystery in this series, I found it to be mostly entertaining.
This one is my least favorite to date. Evie Parker has been a strong character throughout the series. I expected the same in this one. I did not expect her to be a shallow Debutante that had fainting spells, or can barely remain standing just because she remembered something or came up with a new idea.
I struggled with the 4 star rating I gave this one. It was very nearly only 3 stars.
Upon returning to the hotel after having a late lunch, they discover a large crowd blocking the hotel entrance. Apparently one of the maids had fallen over a balcony and died.
When the local police refuse to give Evie any answers, she determines that the maid was murdered and a simple suicide as the police suggest.
This is another fun mystery in this series, I found it to be mostly entertaining.
This one is my least favorite to date. Evie Parker has been a strong character throughout the series. I expected the same in this one. I did not expect her to be a shallow Debutante that had fainting spells, or can barely remain standing just because she remembered something or came up with a new idea.
I struggled with the 4 star rating I gave this one. It was very nearly only 3 stars.
September 6, 2019
More?
If you like cozy mysteries this series has it all, except a final book. What is the true identity of the chauffer? Does the ladies maid fall in love and leave for a different kind of life? does Evie's Grandmother visit? I feel that the series hasn't ended, yet it seems to be packaged as a five book series with this as the final book. Otherwise as a cozy mystery it has interesting characters, good dialogue, castles and manor houses and British gentry. The setting is the 1920's between the two great wars in the English countryside. An easy and enjoyable read.
If you like cozy mysteries this series has it all, except a final book. What is the true identity of the chauffer? Does the ladies maid fall in love and leave for a different kind of life? does Evie's Grandmother visit? I feel that the series hasn't ended, yet it seems to be packaged as a five book series with this as the final book. Otherwise as a cozy mystery it has interesting characters, good dialogue, castles and manor houses and British gentry. The setting is the 1920's between the two great wars in the English countryside. An easy and enjoyable read.
August 16, 2019
This was a lot of fun to read. Countess Evie and her cohorts band together (and that's no fooling) to determine the truth surrounding the death of a maid from the hotel where they are all staying. It's a romp through the English countryside, with everyone, upstairs and downstairs, putting their heads together to solve the case. And they do, with a little help from Inspector O'Neill.
A clever series with clever, well-rounded characters. Looking forward to the next.
A clever series with clever, well-rounded characters. Looking forward to the next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews