The Seaside Murders by Helena Dixon ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

A pretty seaside town, a body on the beach, and a boatload of clues. Can super-sleuth Miss Jane Treen solve the mystery?

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

April 2025; Bookouture; 9781836181354
audio, ebook (308 pages); cozy mystery

It was just last month that book 1 of the Secret Detective Agency came out and we already have book 2. If you are a reader who hates to wait for the next book in the series, then you should pick up this series.

If you read my review of The Secret Detective Agency, then you know that I was kind of on the fence about this series. Since I often feel that way about book 1 in a cozy mystery series, I wanted to give book 2 a chance. I can say that I enjoyed  The Seaside Murders much more.

I think it was because the two main characters Jane Treen and Arthur Cilento weren't constantly thinking about how annoyed they were with each other. They were more friendly with each other and a little more considerate. However, the pendulum might be swinging the other direction and there are hints that there may be a love interest brewing. I'm not sure I want that either. I read a few cozies with married or dating people and I enjoy them, but I also like when they are just partners. I feel like that would be more what I want to see with these two. 

In this book, there is not only the murder of an Italian POW to solve but also a major black market ring to bust. The mysteries are good and kept me engaged. 

If you read the first book, we got glimpses into Arthur Cilento's life as the murder took place in his hometown. In the second book, we get more of Jane Treen's past as the seaside town happens to be where she grew up. I liked getting to know them through the other characters in the book.

I mentioned in my previous review that I was looking for a WWII cozy mystery to replace one that is ending this summer. If you are also reading Ashley Weaver's Electra McDonnell series, then I think you will enjoy this series. 

Buy The Seaside Murders at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

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