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The Island Expats: Book 1: New Beginnings
"A riveting, charming book with exceptional and distinctive characters." Readers Favorite
A chance meeting. A Mediterranean island. A dead body.
When damaged ex-detective Matt Elliott stops to help a stranger in the drizzly English weather it’s the catalyst for changes in his life he could never have imagined.
Elena Lacey accepts Matt’s help and her safe, predictable future is thrown upside down.
Neither of them know what new beginnings are signalled on the beautiful island of Souvia, especially their association with a crime borne out of passion, revenge, and jealousy.
New Beginnings is the first novella in The Island Expat series. A two-hour cozy mystery read with a touch of romance, set on the fictional Mediterranean island of Souvia.
A chance meeting. A Mediterranean island. A dead body.
When damaged ex-detective Matt Elliott stops to help a stranger in the drizzly English weather it’s the catalyst for changes in his life he could never have imagined.
Elena Lacey accepts Matt’s help and her safe, predictable future is thrown upside down.
Neither of them know what new beginnings are signalled on the beautiful island of Souvia, especially their association with a crime borne out of passion, revenge, and jealousy.
New Beginnings is the first novella in The Island Expat series. A two-hour cozy mystery read with a touch of romance, set on the fictional Mediterranean island of Souvia.
112 pages, Paperback
Published April 14, 2021
About the author
Deb McEwan
130 books59 followersFollowing a career of over thirty years in the British Army, Deb and her husband moved to Cyprus to become weather refugees.
Deb loves spending time with her husband Allan and rescue dog Sandy. She also loves writing, keeping fit, and socialising, and does her best to avoid housework.
She’s written children's books about Jason the penguin and Barry the reindeer and young adult/adult books about dogs, the afterlife, soldiers, and netball players.
The first book in the Unlikely Soldiers series is set in nineteen-seventies Britain. The second covers the early eighties and includes the Falklands War, service in Northern Ireland and (the former) West Germany. 'Friends and Revenge' is the third in the series, and takes a sinister turn of events.
'Court Out (A Netball Girls' Drama)' is Deb's latest standalone novel. Using netball as an escape from her miserable home life, Marsha Lawson is desperate to keep the past buried and to forge a brighter future. But she’s not the only one with secrets. When two players want revenge, a tsunami of emotions is released at a tournament, leaving destruction in its wake. As the wave starts spreading throughout the team, can Marsha and the others escape its deadly grasp, or will their emotional baggage pull them under,
with devastating consequences for their families and team-mates?
The Afterlife series was inspired by ants. Deb was in the garden contemplating whether to squash an irritating ant or to let it live. She wondered whether anyone up there decides the same about us and thus the series was born.
‘The Island Dog Squad’ is a series of novellas inspired by the rescue dog Deb and Allan adopted this March. The real Sandy is a sensitive soul, not quite like her fictional namesake, and the other characters are based on Sandy’s real-life mates.
For more information visit www.debmcewansbooksandblogs.com.
Deb loves spending time with her husband Allan and rescue dog Sandy. She also loves writing, keeping fit, and socialising, and does her best to avoid housework.
She’s written children's books about Jason the penguin and Barry the reindeer and young adult/adult books about dogs, the afterlife, soldiers, and netball players.
The first book in the Unlikely Soldiers series is set in nineteen-seventies Britain. The second covers the early eighties and includes the Falklands War, service in Northern Ireland and (the former) West Germany. 'Friends and Revenge' is the third in the series, and takes a sinister turn of events.
'Court Out (A Netball Girls' Drama)' is Deb's latest standalone novel. Using netball as an escape from her miserable home life, Marsha Lawson is desperate to keep the past buried and to forge a brighter future. But she’s not the only one with secrets. When two players want revenge, a tsunami of emotions is released at a tournament, leaving destruction in its wake. As the wave starts spreading throughout the team, can Marsha and the others escape its deadly grasp, or will their emotional baggage pull them under,
with devastating consequences for their families and team-mates?
The Afterlife series was inspired by ants. Deb was in the garden contemplating whether to squash an irritating ant or to let it live. She wondered whether anyone up there decides the same about us and thus the series was born.
‘The Island Dog Squad’ is a series of novellas inspired by the rescue dog Deb and Allan adopted this March. The real Sandy is a sensitive soul, not quite like her fictional namesake, and the other characters are based on Sandy’s real-life mates.
For more information visit www.debmcewansbooksandblogs.com.
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July 27, 2021New Beginnings by Deb McEwan, the first book in The Island Expats series, is a well-written and very entertaining cosy mystery.
I loved reading this book because it had a great plot, well-written story and nicely developed characterisation. This book had everything I expected when I started reading it and successfully delivered on the promise it made - a fun-filled Mediterranean Island cosy mystery.
I liked the characters and was able to connect to most of them, including the side characters. I would definitely recommend this book to all cosy mystery readers.
You can also read this review on thereadingbud.com/blog
I loved reading this book because it had a great plot, well-written story and nicely developed characterisation. This book had everything I expected when I started reading it and successfully delivered on the promise it made - a fun-filled Mediterranean Island cosy mystery.
I liked the characters and was able to connect to most of them, including the side characters. I would definitely recommend this book to all cosy mystery readers.
You can also read this review on thereadingbud.com/blog
October 20, 2021
I received a free ARC of this ebook from BookSirens and am leaving my review voluntarily.
I picked this cozy mystery for a light-hearted and enjoyable read. I have read very few such mysteries but I when I do pick them, it's mostly for the idyllic locations and low-key emotions typical of this genre. This book doesn't disappoint. It's a well-paced story with the first half sketching out the characters and establishing their dynamics. Following this, the crime occurs somewhere in the middle of the book and now we await the resolution. But I like how the author didn't rush into too many clever-looking details or overly dramatic twists. This is what I mean by well-paced: I found a smooth, steady experience reading this story throughout. Surprisingly, it managed to keep my interest level up despite the lack of anything too theatrical.
I liked the characters' simplicity and their motivations were easy to relate to. The central duo is a mature couple whose brushes with romance were also well-done. Overall, the only reason I would perhaps not rate it 5 stars would be because the actual crime could've been built up a bit more. It seemed almost too simple, even for a cozy mystery. I quite liked reading this and would go back for more mysteries from the series.
I picked this cozy mystery for a light-hearted and enjoyable read. I have read very few such mysteries but I when I do pick them, it's mostly for the idyllic locations and low-key emotions typical of this genre. This book doesn't disappoint. It's a well-paced story with the first half sketching out the characters and establishing their dynamics. Following this, the crime occurs somewhere in the middle of the book and now we await the resolution. But I like how the author didn't rush into too many clever-looking details or overly dramatic twists. This is what I mean by well-paced: I found a smooth, steady experience reading this story throughout. Surprisingly, it managed to keep my interest level up despite the lack of anything too theatrical.
I liked the characters' simplicity and their motivations were easy to relate to. The central duo is a mature couple whose brushes with romance were also well-done. Overall, the only reason I would perhaps not rate it 5 stars would be because the actual crime could've been built up a bit more. It seemed almost too simple, even for a cozy mystery. I quite liked reading this and would go back for more mysteries from the series.
June 6, 2021
This Novella is a really engaging and quick read. To met this reads like a cosy mystery and the mystery itself was entertaining, if a little easy to put together.
The story centres around Elena and Matt and their new romance after a chance meeting. Matt and ex cop travels to see Elena on her Mediterranean island and promptly finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation after discovering a dead body.
For a short novella this book packs a punch. There are multiple story lines that converge in a really satisfying ending. I would have like more time to explore the character of Matt who has a really compelling back story, that being said I am aware that this the first novel in a new series so hopefully that is something McEwan will follow up on in the next instalment.
If you are looking for a quick entertaining read this novel is perfect.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story centres around Elena and Matt and their new romance after a chance meeting. Matt and ex cop travels to see Elena on her Mediterranean island and promptly finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation after discovering a dead body.
For a short novella this book packs a punch. There are multiple story lines that converge in a really satisfying ending. I would have like more time to explore the character of Matt who has a really compelling back story, that being said I am aware that this the first novel in a new series so hopefully that is something McEwan will follow up on in the next instalment.
If you are looking for a quick entertaining read this novel is perfect.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 9, 2021
A well written short novel set on the Greek island of Souvia. It is the beginning of a series, as you would expect from the title "New Beginnings", but is entirely complete in itself. The plot hangs together well and the characters are not only empathetic but they are actually more mature. If you prefer your characters to be a little past their twenties then you will like Matt and Elena as much as I do.
There is, naturally given the type of book, a murder with the normal run of suspects. Matt is an ex member of the UK CID, and as the victim is a UK citizen he is asked to help the police, considering the UK connection. Elena's cousin George is the appropriate officer of the local police, and of course the whole matter is drawn to a satisfactory conclusion by their joint efforts.
If there is a little too much of the foreboding "had he but known" kind of phrasing, it is easy to forgive in the general ease of reading the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is, naturally given the type of book, a murder with the normal run of suspects. Matt is an ex member of the UK CID, and as the victim is a UK citizen he is asked to help the police, considering the UK connection. Elena's cousin George is the appropriate officer of the local police, and of course the whole matter is drawn to a satisfactory conclusion by their joint efforts.
If there is a little too much of the foreboding "had he but known" kind of phrasing, it is easy to forgive in the general ease of reading the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 16, 2021
My rating is actually a 3 1/2 stars. This book was a quick read and a cozy mystery. I like the main characters, and the mystery was interesting with some twists. What I didn’t like was the foreshadowing sentences, which seemed to make it obvious what would happen next. I would read more books about these characters to see how their lives together progress. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 10, 2021
Best lace to vacation?
Made me want to travel to Greece and find a perfect island but not this sort of incident. Fun read and delightful new hero and heroine.
Made me want to travel to Greece and find a perfect island but not this sort of incident. Fun read and delightful new hero and heroine.
August 29, 2021
Escapism
Although murder was involved, this book proved a fast and easy read. From London to a Greek Island a perfect Sunday read.
Although murder was involved, this book proved a fast and easy read. From London to a Greek Island a perfect Sunday read.
March 4, 2022
thanks to Book Sirens and author for this ARC
I've actually come a little late to this series, I believe the 4th book is due for publication shortly so I chose to read this, the first in series.
This is a short book, the first part is, of course, an introduction to the characters, how they meet, how their romance blossoms and how they end up together living on a Mediterranean island.
Second part is concerned with the crime, attempted crimes and the solving thereof!
Being short, the story moves along at quite a pace, which prevents interest flagging and keeps the pages turning.
It is a cozy but not a slapstick funny one which might make a difference to some readers.
Well written, interesting and diverse characters, easy to read and satisfying story, I shall read more!
I've actually come a little late to this series, I believe the 4th book is due for publication shortly so I chose to read this, the first in series.
This is a short book, the first part is, of course, an introduction to the characters, how they meet, how their romance blossoms and how they end up together living on a Mediterranean island.
Second part is concerned with the crime, attempted crimes and the solving thereof!
Being short, the story moves along at quite a pace, which prevents interest flagging and keeps the pages turning.
It is a cozy but not a slapstick funny one which might make a difference to some readers.
Well written, interesting and diverse characters, easy to read and satisfying story, I shall read more!
June 3, 2022
New Beginnings is the sort of book that makes good light holiday reading. There is nothing that will tax you in Deb McEwan’s cozy murder mystery novella but the island setting and the likeable characters combine to provide an easy read that a reader can fly through and easily put down and pick up again without losing the thread.
Matt is a retired police officer, who finds himself falling in love and having a serious relationship with Elena, a hotel owner from the fictional island of Souvia. On a visit to see her to gauge what life would be like for him on the island, and play a bit of golf with some old colleagues and friends, a man dies in suspicious circumstances and Matt becomes involved in the local investigation.
McEwan guides you through the discovery of who is responsible for the murder and also gives you an insight into some of the island’s occupants. The plot has some twists and turns, but nothing too complicated and there is a variety of characters who are credible and brought alive through some well-written dialogue. I raced through it.
As the opening book in a series, it is quite a strong beginning and I would definitely read more of The Island Expats.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Matt is a retired police officer, who finds himself falling in love and having a serious relationship with Elena, a hotel owner from the fictional island of Souvia. On a visit to see her to gauge what life would be like for him on the island, and play a bit of golf with some old colleagues and friends, a man dies in suspicious circumstances and Matt becomes involved in the local investigation.
McEwan guides you through the discovery of who is responsible for the murder and also gives you an insight into some of the island’s occupants. The plot has some twists and turns, but nothing too complicated and there is a variety of characters who are credible and brought alive through some well-written dialogue. I raced through it.
As the opening book in a series, it is quite a strong beginning and I would definitely read more of The Island Expats.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 9, 2022
This booklet has everything you’re looking for in a mystery, a beautiful island, an affair, romance, jealousy, revenge, and of course a murder. However, like all nicely written mysteries, you won’t know who has done it until the very end. Cleverly written, and the outcome is difficult to predict. One downside is the title. I must admit, I didn’t understand the title, but then again, I was distracted and it took me much longer to finish it. so perhaps I missed that part. Overall, when I continued with the reading, I finished it fairly quickly and got caught up in the suspense of it all. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 2, 2022
Not my normal genre, but a well written short novel. Good for light holiday reading and I will continue to read the series.
I received this as a free book to give my honest opinion
I received this as a free book to give my honest opinion
March 31, 2022
A really nice, easy read. Matt is a retired police detective who has had a chance at a new life with Elena. This is a well written novella, mainly set on the island of Souvia, with good plotting, interesting characters and set in sunny climes, it’s a cosy Murder mystery. It is the first in the series and I’m already looking forward to a slightly longer story and to see where Matt & Elenas story goes next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 20, 2022
A very good beginning of a series!
Had I not read the fifth book first (by accident) I think I would have given five stars. Now I know it will become even better.
The plot is interesting and I couldn’t guess who did it before the end. That’s a good thing. I guess it could be even more mysterious, but to me the book is as much an introduction as a murder mystery and I think the story is really well balanced.
The main characters are being molded before our eyes and so is their relationship. They are interesting and though we don’t know them well yet, they stand out as the persons they are.
Now I’ll move on to the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Had I not read the fifth book first (by accident) I think I would have given five stars. Now I know it will become even better.
The plot is interesting and I couldn’t guess who did it before the end. That’s a good thing. I guess it could be even more mysterious, but to me the book is as much an introduction as a murder mystery and I think the story is really well balanced.
The main characters are being molded before our eyes and so is their relationship. They are interesting and though we don’t know them well yet, they stand out as the persons they are.
Now I’ll move on to the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 19, 2021
Book 29 of my Goodreads Challenge 2021
Five sun~kissed stars for this short novella with a stunning cover that invites you inside.
What can I say about this delicious crime novella with a touch of romance? Well first and foremost the cover is stunning. The colours remind you so much of a wonderful Mediterranean holiday. It made me long to stroll through the archway, sit under a shady tree with a tall cool drink and dip between the pages of the story.
Oh boy when I did, I was hooked. We are thrown straight into the dreadful nightmare of ex-detective Matt Elliott
‘Matt woke up in a sweat and felt the panic invade his whole body. The image in his mind was as clear as the day it had happened, some two years before’
I really felt for the guy, so much trauma but such a kind caring man. What I loved most was his commitment to the local dog shelter, especially his connection with Jenny
‘the Golden Retriever/Border Collie/Heinz 57 cross-breed’
Early in the story we find ourselves amid the typical British weather, cold, wet and miserable. It is at this time that Matt’s life takes a turn for the better, as he meets the delectable business savvy Elena Lacey.
Things happen fast and soon Matt, and some of his cop buddies are off on a long weekend of golfing to the beautiful Mediterranean Island of Souvia. Matt will also be joining Elena for a few days after the guys return to the UK.
So much is packed into this wonderful story even though it really is a quick read. There are plenty of juicy bits especially a crime borne out of passion, revenge, and jealousy.
What are you waiting for, let the cover entice you in and lose yourself for a while on the fictional Island of Souvia. Happy Reading :-)
Five sun~kissed stars for this short novella with a stunning cover that invites you inside.
What can I say about this delicious crime novella with a touch of romance? Well first and foremost the cover is stunning. The colours remind you so much of a wonderful Mediterranean holiday. It made me long to stroll through the archway, sit under a shady tree with a tall cool drink and dip between the pages of the story.
Oh boy when I did, I was hooked. We are thrown straight into the dreadful nightmare of ex-detective Matt Elliott
‘Matt woke up in a sweat and felt the panic invade his whole body. The image in his mind was as clear as the day it had happened, some two years before’
I really felt for the guy, so much trauma but such a kind caring man. What I loved most was his commitment to the local dog shelter, especially his connection with Jenny
‘the Golden Retriever/Border Collie/Heinz 57 cross-breed’
Early in the story we find ourselves amid the typical British weather, cold, wet and miserable. It is at this time that Matt’s life takes a turn for the better, as he meets the delectable business savvy Elena Lacey.
Things happen fast and soon Matt, and some of his cop buddies are off on a long weekend of golfing to the beautiful Mediterranean Island of Souvia. Matt will also be joining Elena for a few days after the guys return to the UK.
So much is packed into this wonderful story even though it really is a quick read. There are plenty of juicy bits especially a crime borne out of passion, revenge, and jealousy.
What are you waiting for, let the cover entice you in and lose yourself for a while on the fictional Island of Souvia. Happy Reading :-)
Read
March 17, 2022This was a short mystery that faced the challenge of setting up a series of books. As a result there was a lot of introduction of the key players , and set up of the small island environment where the key events take place. Things resolved quickly and we’re not necessarily solved by the character expected which was an interesting twist but I found there was not enough red herrings and the backstory for the person “who done it” was not teased out over the book, but only became clear at the end. A light read, and I will likely try another. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 3, 2021
The story revolves around the lives of Matt Elliott, a retired detective and Elena Lacey, a hotel owner at Souvia Island who meet accidently one day in England and fall in love with each other. When Matt, with his two ex-detective friends flies to Souvia Island to meet Elena, they find a dead body at the island while playing golf and then they are in the middle of the murder mystery.
The story is well plotted and well written with a mix of a little romance and cozy mystery and its commendable on part of the author to have managed both the genres very well at the same time without spoiling the experience of reading. In the novella, there are multiple storylines, but the author has managed to tie all the loose ends very well in the end. Also, multiple twists and turns make it an intriguing read.
However, the establishment of relationship between various characters wasn’t up to the mark making it a bit confusing to read and The first half of the novella has a few superfluous events and it picked up pace only in the second half.
Overall, it was a quick and enjoyable read. Every mystery and thriller lover should give this book a try, however, I won’t recommend it to beginners as the relationship between characters may get a bit complicated for them to understand.
*I received a free Kindle copy of the book from Booksirens in exchange of an honest and unbiased review.*
The story is well plotted and well written with a mix of a little romance and cozy mystery and its commendable on part of the author to have managed both the genres very well at the same time without spoiling the experience of reading. In the novella, there are multiple storylines, but the author has managed to tie all the loose ends very well in the end. Also, multiple twists and turns make it an intriguing read.
However, the establishment of relationship between various characters wasn’t up to the mark making it a bit confusing to read and The first half of the novella has a few superfluous events and it picked up pace only in the second half.
Overall, it was a quick and enjoyable read. Every mystery and thriller lover should give this book a try, however, I won’t recommend it to beginners as the relationship between characters may get a bit complicated for them to understand.
*I received a free Kindle copy of the book from Booksirens in exchange of an honest and unbiased review.*
February 16, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to both Deb McEwan and BookSirens for the opportunity.
It’s so refreshing to read a book about older characters and the two main characters in this are instantly likeable largely I felt for this reason to begin with.
The story starts slowly at a nice steady meander. It wasn’t too slow though and it gave a great chance to let the characters to develop.
Matt and Elena’s relationship is sweet and coy and all that you want for a budding relationship. If not a bit fast… but who can say no to love!
The move into the crime element of the book was almost quite fast and unexpected but completely believable in its development. The only bit for me that left it a little lacking was the speed at which it was solved and the book ended. I felt the plot could have been easily built on and extended by probably 50 pages comfortably. A great read but a little rushed at the end which stopped me giving it a full 5 stars.
It’s so refreshing to read a book about older characters and the two main characters in this are instantly likeable largely I felt for this reason to begin with.
The story starts slowly at a nice steady meander. It wasn’t too slow though and it gave a great chance to let the characters to develop.
Matt and Elena’s relationship is sweet and coy and all that you want for a budding relationship. If not a bit fast… but who can say no to love!
The move into the crime element of the book was almost quite fast and unexpected but completely believable in its development. The only bit for me that left it a little lacking was the speed at which it was solved and the book ended. I felt the plot could have been easily built on and extended by probably 50 pages comfortably. A great read but a little rushed at the end which stopped me giving it a full 5 stars.
July 11, 2021
Retired detective Matt Elliott finally wants to overcome his horrors and nightmares of life as a detective and by a chance of meeting meets Elena Lacey on the island of #souvia and the retired detective chances upon a dead body.
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This is the book #1 in Island Expats series and this novella had me hooked for the passionate description of the characters and their back stories which has so many stories hidden behind them which the author discloses us you move ahead in the story. This is just 100 pages and I recommend you this book if you are looking for some detective fun but not too detailed.
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I loved how in just 100 pages the author was able to build up an atmosphere, start an investigation and comes to a real exciting end.
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It's fast-paced,holds your attention and I look forward to reading the book #2.
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Thanks to booksirens for the free ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
.
This is the book #1 in Island Expats series and this novella had me hooked for the passionate description of the characters and their back stories which has so many stories hidden behind them which the author discloses us you move ahead in the story. This is just 100 pages and I recommend you this book if you are looking for some detective fun but not too detailed.
.
I loved how in just 100 pages the author was able to build up an atmosphere, start an investigation and comes to a real exciting end.
.
It's fast-paced,holds your attention and I look forward to reading the book #2.
.
Thanks to booksirens for the free ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 26, 2021
A simple cozy murder mystery.....
This is a cozy murder mystery with a little bit of romance thrown in. This for me proved a relatively quick read that had a relatively simple story line and plot.
Very sadly I feel I couldn't rate it 5 stars as I found the story didn't really grab me and I didn't really connect with the characters. I found everything to be a little too simple and maybe slightly predictable and obvious.
Otherwise, the cover is absolutely stunning and that alone had me imagining a get away to a beautiful sunny island somewhere in the Mediterramean Sea. The book itself though is nice and a good read if you are looking for something not too complicated and lighthearted.
Thank you to the author, Deb McEwan, and BookSirens for a free copy of this book. I received an advance copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a cozy murder mystery with a little bit of romance thrown in. This for me proved a relatively quick read that had a relatively simple story line and plot.
Very sadly I feel I couldn't rate it 5 stars as I found the story didn't really grab me and I didn't really connect with the characters. I found everything to be a little too simple and maybe slightly predictable and obvious.
Otherwise, the cover is absolutely stunning and that alone had me imagining a get away to a beautiful sunny island somewhere in the Mediterramean Sea. The book itself though is nice and a good read if you are looking for something not too complicated and lighthearted.
Thank you to the author, Deb McEwan, and BookSirens for a free copy of this book. I received an advance copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 8, 2021
Matt Elliott retired British detective, a rainy day, chance meeting with Elena Lacey and we have a recipe for intrigue, mystery, romance and murder. This is the first book in the expat Mediterranean island series .
I enjoyed this book, it was something different, it felt very real. The characters felt like they would be people you meet in the local pub. It was set on a fictional island Souvia and it almost that you were there with them.
Then we meet other members of Elena’s family and particularly her cousin the DCI and from there we lead into….. I guess you’ll have to read to find out more.
I enjoyed this book, it was something different, it felt very real. The characters felt like they would be people you meet in the local pub. It was set on a fictional island Souvia and it almost that you were there with them.
Then we meet other members of Elena’s family and particularly her cousin the DCI and from there we lead into….. I guess you’ll have to read to find out more.
August 11, 2021
Actually, it is a 3.5 star. I really liked the book as it combines two favourite genres, but -as I never have enough reading ;) - it was a bit too short. The narrative was good, the characters interesting, and the plot believable. However, being Greek myself, the island reality wasn't really believable but excusable as fictional. I would have fancied it a bit more rough on the edges, as it was a bit too neat for my taste but all in all it was an enjoyable couple of hours reading and I will certainly read more books in the same series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 8, 2021
New Beginnings is Book 1 in The Island Expats by Deb McEwan. Matt Elliott is recovering from a train accident that happened two years ago. He and cop friends Bob and Keith are flying to Souvia for a golfing trip. They were not planning on discovering s murder. Deb McEwan weaves several stories around characters in this novella. There is murder, an affair, poisonings, all around mayhem. A lot is packed in this book and I enjoyed every minute. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
June 22, 2021
I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
Wow! I love how this author writes! A new series to get yourself lost in. Romance, mystery, suspense, mayhem and so much more. WOW! So satisfying. It really packs a punch. This engaging, beautifully written, quick read pulls you in and you can't stop reading until there is no more. You really don't want to miss this one guys. You will be sorry if you do.
Wow! I love how this author writes! A new series to get yourself lost in. Romance, mystery, suspense, mayhem and so much more. WOW! So satisfying. It really packs a punch. This engaging, beautifully written, quick read pulls you in and you can't stop reading until there is no more. You really don't want to miss this one guys. You will be sorry if you do.
June 30, 2021
Deb McEwan wrote a great first of a series book when she wrote The Island Expats: New Beginnings. I read it in one sitting. She combined a great plot with memorable characters and just the right amount of cozy and romance. (I tend to prefer only a little of each). I wish I could say more, but I might give away whodunnit!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
July 2, 2021
This is a lovely, light, summer read that contains everything. Sun, sea, romance, murder, mystery. There’s even a cute dog thrown in for good measure. The storyline, whilst lighthearted, is exciting enough to keep you reading. I finished this book in two sessions, thoroughly enjoyed it and will certainly be reading the rest of the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 6, 2021
The first novel in a mystery series set on a fictional Mediterranean island. The story was entertaining and introduced the main characters, but the mystery was not very complex and easily solved. Furthermore, the murderer's motivation made zero sense. This book is best suited for those who like their mysteries more soap opera than Sherlock Holmes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 11, 2021
I liked this book. It's short, easily read in a couple hours, and a good introduction to the authors new series. I'll be looking for the next to come.
I tend to read a lot of mystery themes - this one was a little easier to figure out than my usual, but still took a while, and was fun to do. If you like a light read, with a bit of intrigue - this could be for you :)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I tend to read a lot of mystery themes - this one was a little easier to figure out than my usual, but still took a while, and was fun to do. If you like a light read, with a bit of intrigue - this could be for you :)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 2, 2021
3 stars
While this book is a lovely introduction to the series. I felt like a lot was rushed in the actual 'mystery' and 'detective' aspects. More pages or twists might have upped it a bit.
However, the way it was written made for a quick and easy read, that was engaging from beginning to end. The characters were easy to get to know and the world was clearly set up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While this book is a lovely introduction to the series. I felt like a lot was rushed in the actual 'mystery' and 'detective' aspects. More pages or twists might have upped it a bit.
However, the way it was written made for a quick and easy read, that was engaging from beginning to end. The characters were easy to get to know and the world was clearly set up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 19, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed the romance intermingled within this mystery murder. Quick, fun read that keeps the pages turning until you find out who did it. Great characters. Can't wait to read book two.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions in this review are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions in this review are my own.
July 26, 2021
I really enjoyed the quick pace of this book. The murder mystery being solved quickly with a twist. I’m looking forward to the other books in the series.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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