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Southern Beach Mysteries #3
The Shrimp Did It
Jewel and Craig Mantelle made it through their kids' first visit to their island home, a fixer-upper inherited from Craig's long-lost aunt, but it didn't go as smoothly as Jewel had planned. Craig is now back in South Florida, not answering her calls, and she is alone, sweating it out in the old house without air conditioning. The one bright spot in her week is lunch and island gossip with her new friends.
At the top of the lunch bunch's list is the fact that, once again, the Sophia Island Shrimp Festival was a hit. Thousands attended to eat shrimp, shop, and watch pirate reenactors come ashore, but this year's temperatures were warmer than ever. The festival committee is happy that the busy, hot weekend is over and that everyone came through unscathed.
Or so it seems.
When they aren't searching out the details of Jewel's disintegrating marriage, the lunch bunch is discussing the death of one of the Shrimp Festival board members. It's not much for conversation-everyone assumes Amanda Raines died of natural causes-until her novelist son comes to town, acting as if one of his bestselling thrillers has come to life.
Timothy Raines says his mother embezzled money from the festival and that a man is involved. And that's not even the craziest thing about the case.
From poisoned muffins to gaslighting spouses, Jewel and her friends must put on their sleuthing caps and get to the bottom of the rotten affair snaking its way through Sophia Island's community.
At the top of the lunch bunch's list is the fact that, once again, the Sophia Island Shrimp Festival was a hit. Thousands attended to eat shrimp, shop, and watch pirate reenactors come ashore, but this year's temperatures were warmer than ever. The festival committee is happy that the busy, hot weekend is over and that everyone came through unscathed.
Or so it seems.
When they aren't searching out the details of Jewel's disintegrating marriage, the lunch bunch is discussing the death of one of the Shrimp Festival board members. It's not much for conversation-everyone assumes Amanda Raines died of natural causes-until her novelist son comes to town, acting as if one of his bestselling thrillers has come to life.
Timothy Raines says his mother embezzled money from the festival and that a man is involved. And that's not even the craziest thing about the case.
From poisoned muffins to gaslighting spouses, Jewel and her friends must put on their sleuthing caps and get to the bottom of the rotten affair snaking its way through Sophia Island's community.
- GenresFiction
350 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2020
178 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Kay Dew Shostak
23 books100 followershttps://www.facebook.com/kay.shostak
“A new voice in Southern Fiction” is how a recent reviewer labels Kay Dew Shostak’s debut novel, "Next Stop, Chancey".
After being raised in a small-town in Tennessee, Kay lived around the country in a variety of settings. Taking a look at the familiar and loved from new perspectives led Kay to see, and then write about, the absurd, the beautiful, and the funny in her South.
After publishing several stories in compilation books and spending a few years in journalism, Kay wandered into writing fiction and found it hard to leave. She currently is working on the fourth book in the Chancey series and living in Fernandina Beach, Florida with her husband.
“A new voice in Southern Fiction” is how a recent reviewer labels Kay Dew Shostak’s debut novel, "Next Stop, Chancey".
After being raised in a small-town in Tennessee, Kay lived around the country in a variety of settings. Taking a look at the familiar and loved from new perspectives led Kay to see, and then write about, the absurd, the beautiful, and the funny in her South.
After publishing several stories in compilation books and spending a few years in journalism, Kay wandered into writing fiction and found it hard to leave. She currently is working on the fourth book in the Chancey series and living in Fernandina Beach, Florida with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 29, 2020
This is the book for you
If you are looking for a great clean read filled with humor and a little mystery, set in a small beach town along with troubled marriages and quirky characters, this is the book for you!! I can't wait for the next one..
If you are looking for a great clean read filled with humor and a little mystery, set in a small beach town along with troubled marriages and quirky characters, this is the book for you!! I can't wait for the next one..
May 15, 2024
Another adorable, easy to read cozy little mystery by my fave local Amelia Island author. :)
January 27, 2021
This was such an enjoyable read! I jumped right in after reading the Sea Turtle Did It because I wanted to be with the characters more.
At first I was a little sad that Jewel didn't get to stumble upon the actual murder victim in this one, but it left more to the mystery behind it.
Throughout this book I was constantly trying to guess who dunnit', but when you zero in on one person you start suspecting another and still another until the real killer is revealed. I was very entertained throughout the book.
I can't wait for the 4th book!
At first I was a little sad that Jewel didn't get to stumble upon the actual murder victim in this one, but it left more to the mystery behind it.
Throughout this book I was constantly trying to guess who dunnit', but when you zero in on one person you start suspecting another and still another until the real killer is revealed. I was very entertained throughout the book.
I can't wait for the 4th book!
November 10, 2020
Best Ending Yet!
Jewel’s home is becoming a real home with visitors, house guests and a much cooler environment. It’s not a main focal point of the book but people love to confide in Jewel she is becoming an integral pat of Sophia Island. This mystery twist and turns and keeps you on your toes. If the end of this book is any indication of how the next few will go I am beyond excited.
Jewel’s home is becoming a real home with visitors, house guests and a much cooler environment. It’s not a main focal point of the book but people love to confide in Jewel she is becoming an integral pat of Sophia Island. This mystery twist and turns and keeps you on your toes. If the end of this book is any indication of how the next few will go I am beyond excited.
April 15, 2024
I’m not sure why, but I had a harder time getting really into this book than the first two.
Installment three centers around The Shrimp Festival held over Memorial Day weekend. Jewel wasn’t really involved, because Craig had come home and they had hosted all of their children and their grandchild in their home for the first time! It hadn’t gone nearly as planned and Jewel is heartsick. But, of course, a murder is soon discovered to help take her mind off her heart.
Mysteries abound around the death of Amanda Raines. Accusations of an affair with a married man and stealing funds from The Shrimp Festival swirl around town. An unlikely confession from a woman in town and Amanda’s suspiciously behaving writer son inviting himself to move in with Jewel and Eden just throws a little more craziness into Jewel’s already tumultuous life! And did I mention that Craig wants a divorce, but he’s kind heartedly sent a man over to install central air into the mansion for Jewel because he knows how uncomfortable it is in the house? What in the mess with a sister’s head is he up to?? Grab an umbrella and jump in because the storm clouds move in every day in Florida and it’s best to be prepared for a little chaos!
Installment three centers around The Shrimp Festival held over Memorial Day weekend. Jewel wasn’t really involved, because Craig had come home and they had hosted all of their children and their grandchild in their home for the first time! It hadn’t gone nearly as planned and Jewel is heartsick. But, of course, a murder is soon discovered to help take her mind off her heart.
Mysteries abound around the death of Amanda Raines. Accusations of an affair with a married man and stealing funds from The Shrimp Festival swirl around town. An unlikely confession from a woman in town and Amanda’s suspiciously behaving writer son inviting himself to move in with Jewel and Eden just throws a little more craziness into Jewel’s already tumultuous life! And did I mention that Craig wants a divorce, but he’s kind heartedly sent a man over to install central air into the mansion for Jewel because he knows how uncomfortable it is in the house? What in the mess with a sister’s head is he up to?? Grab an umbrella and jump in because the storm clouds move in every day in Florida and it’s best to be prepared for a little chaos!
April 21, 2024
I have read Ms. Shostak’s first two books in this series and enjoyed them tremendously. This one was no different. The author has a wide variety of quirky, fun characters that keep the storyline moving. The plot is, sometimes, convoluted, to follow but makes you determined to keep reading. The setting descriptions are spot on and one can feel the humidity and warm breezes. My only slight complaint is wishing that the main character would grow a spine. At times, it made me twitchy at how easily she let folks walk all over her. However, I can’t wait to read her next book in the series..…..and see how things progress……
January 8, 2022
The killer is who?
This is a new author for me and I like the way she has subplots going during the main story. She takes the reader down a road where the reader is sure of the conclusion.Then a twist is thrown in that the reader doesn't even realize will bring a totally different ending. I'm hooked.
This is a new author for me and I like the way she has subplots going during the main story. She takes the reader down a road where the reader is sure of the conclusion.Then a twist is thrown in that the reader doesn't even realize will bring a totally different ending. I'm hooked.
May 28, 2022
Such a fun read. Lots of subplot a good murder mystery with suspense enough to keep it lively and the reader engaged. Great characters snd the authentic southern small town feel is so realistic, the Florida vibe so familiar. All in all a fun and satisfying read. This series just keeps getting better.
July 22, 2023
Reading these books is so nostalgic as they are set in a fictional version of one of my favorite places. Plus, I'm a huge fan of mysteries and these stories keep me guessing until the end. I love Kay Dew Shostak's characters and wish I could see some of the shenanigans that the women get into while trying to solve an unexpected murder. A cute beach read that could also be read all year long.
May 5, 2021
Very disappointed! Amber, the real estate agent, was married to Mark with kids moving back to the farm in the prior book. In this book in Chapter 24, Abbie, the lawyer, is married to Mark with kids and living on the farm. So sloppy; I couldn't finish.
Read
July 2, 2021Another great read. I've always wanted to attend a Shrimp Festival (or Oyster) in Florida. Guess I will have to add it to my bucket list. I can feel the heat and humidity as I read. The food also makes my mouth water. I can't wait for the next book.
August 14, 2021
A Fun Beach Read
This light mystery has more suspects with more twists than I thought possible. Fun to read with all the feeling of small town gossip fanning the flames of this light-hearted who-dun-it. Cant wait to read the other 3in the series.
This light mystery has more suspects with more twists than I thought possible. Fun to read with all the feeling of small town gossip fanning the flames of this light-hearted who-dun-it. Cant wait to read the other 3in the series.
August 16, 2021
Another good one
I can’t imagine living in Florida without air conditioning. This was a great story and one that ending was one that I didn’t see coming. I thought Timothy Raines was involved with his mother’s death. Can’t wait for the next one
I can’t imagine living in Florida without air conditioning. This was a great story and one that ending was one that I didn’t see coming. I thought Timothy Raines was involved with his mother’s death. Can’t wait for the next one
March 5, 2022
I think this series keeps getting better!! I really liked this one. Jewel seems to be coming out of her shell and finding out what she wants in life. Could there be a love interest in the future??? Hoping to find out . Happy Reading:)
July 20, 2022
Kept me guessing
She really pulls you into the story and you are in the town with the characters. Sometimes you think you know what happened and who did it, but then there's a twist!
She really pulls you into the story and you are in the town with the characters. Sometimes you think you know what happened and who did it, but then there's a twist!
June 28, 2021
Just another adventure in my favorite series. What I love about this series: interesting, fun, clean reads!
November 8, 2023
Who killed Amanda and why??? He gets them to think that they did it??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
May 22, 2024
Golden girls meets murder she wrote!
So good! Laughed out loud at a few parts. Kept me on my seat until end. Ready for the next book!
So good! Laughed out loud at a few parts. Kept me on my seat until end. Ready for the next book!
December 29, 2024
Love FLORIDA books
Love the descriptions of the town and the characters in these books. Small towns in Florida are wonderful and I would live in one
Love the descriptions of the town and the characters in these books. Small towns in Florida are wonderful and I would live in one
October 20, 2022
🔻 Genre: Cozy mystery.
👁 Point of view: First person. Present tense.
🖊 My review: This is a fun, lighthearted novel, and I enjoy the clean language and descriptive scenes. The jury is still out on how much or little I like the present tense format, though.
🔥 Dénouement: Pleasant.
🔲 Excerpts :
🖋 The writing style: Clean, descriptive, light.
🗝 What I learned: These types of novels are nice summertime reads.
💫 What I like best: The ending and its fun aspect.
📌 Would I read this again? No, but I would read others by Kay Dew Shostak.
🤔 My rating 🌟🌟🌟
◼️ Fun fact: Reading this led me to researching Amelia Island (it was named for the daughter of George II).
🏮Media form: Kindle Unlimited version.
👁 Point of view: First person. Present tense.
🖊 My review: This is a fun, lighthearted novel, and I enjoy the clean language and descriptive scenes. The jury is still out on how much or little I like the present tense format, though.
🔥 Dénouement: Pleasant.
🔲 Excerpts :
🔸 Seeing the waitress coming our way with our food, I say quickly, “He picked up the boys from the airport Thursday night on his way in and dropped them off at the airport on his way back out of town Monday evening.”
🔸 My mind swirls as he unscrews the wine and pours our glasses half full. I pick mine up. “Don’t stop pouring there. I’ve got a feeling I’m going to need way more than that. And since I’m sure I can’t get out of it—here’s to the Shrimp Festival!”
🖋 The writing style: Clean, descriptive, light.
🗝 What I learned: These types of novels are nice summertime reads.
💫 What I like best: The ending and its fun aspect.
📌 Would I read this again? No, but I would read others by Kay Dew Shostak.
🤔 My rating 🌟🌟🌟
◼️ Fun fact: Reading this led me to researching Amelia Island (it was named for the daughter of George II).
🏮Media form: Kindle Unlimited version.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews