Death Beside the Seaside by T.E. Kinsey

October 23rd, 2019 Kimberly Guest Post, Review 18 Comments

23rd Oct
Death Beside the Seaside by T.E. Kinsey
Death Beside the Seaside
by T.E. Kinsey
Series: Lady Hardcastle Mystery #6
Genres: Historical, Cozy Mystery
Source: Publisher
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Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

July 1910. Lady Hardcastle and her tireless sidekick Flo have finally embarked on a long-overdue seaside break. But just as they’re wavering between ice creams and donkey rides, their fellow guests start to go missing—and the duo find themselves with a hysterical hotel manager and a case to solve.

The first to disappear is Dr Goddard, a scientist doing something terribly top-secret for the government. Gone too are his strongbox and its mysterious contents. By the time Lady Hardcastle has questioned the horde of international guests, her number-one suspect has been dispatched in grisly circumstances—and then the others start vanishing too.

As the case begins to look like a matter of national security, Lady Hardcastle takes advice from her brother in the secret service. But could there be an even more personal connection at play? To solve the case, Lady Hardcastle may face a shocking discovery of her own.

historical mystery Book Series friends

Please welcome Sophia Rose to the blog as she shares her thoughts on Death Beside the Seaside by T.E. Kinsey, the sixth novel in the Lady Hardcastle cozy historical mystery series.

Sophia Rose’s Review

I have a grand time with this historical cozy mystery series set in rural Edwardian England with a clever and quirky Lady Hardcastle and her intrepid Welsh maid once a circus knife thrower, Florence Armstrong, both former spies now retired.  Lots of fun wisecracks, intriguing historical details, engaging characters and settings that make the reader feel amused and engaged each time.

Death Beside the Seaside is the sixth Lady Hardcastle mystery that can be read out of order since each mystery is self-contained in each book, though there is a mild series build in character background development.

The latest adventure takes them from their village of Little Cotterell to the seaside where they hope to promenade along the boardwalk and pier, enjoy ice cream, the musicals at the theater, donkey rides on the beach and excursions about the local seaside town.  But, not long after their arrival at the hotel recommended by a neighbor, they spot an intriguing international group of guests shortly before one goes missing as well as his mysterious locked box.  Then the poor hotel manager is begging them to find out what goes on in his quiet, respectable establishment when a murder happens.  There is no way Emily and Flo won’t jump at the chance to be on the hunt now.

These are generally light and rompish, a little over the top, and a few good twists for the mystery.  Death Beside the Seaside took that to an extreme giving winks to the old-style comedic spy capers and mysteries that invite the reader or movie-watcher to laugh at the antics that go with the excitement.

Lady Emily Hardcastle and Flo ignore her brother’s admonishment to stay out of it and do a great job hunting down clues and villains while getting in their holiday.  I had a few laughs, but not a lot of surprise over the unfolding events.  I think other installments in the series have had a sharper edge to keep my focus more, but I wouldn’t say I was disappointed, either.  I look forward to their next caper and I would recommend these who like a historical setting with their cozy mystery.

Death Beside the Seaside by T.E. Kinsey delivered old-style comedic spy capers and mysteries that invite the reader along for the excitement. #CozyMystery #Historical Click To Tweet
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

18 Responses to “Death Beside the Seaside by T.E. Kinsey”

    • Sophia Rose

      They are quite the pair and like to sharpen their wit against each other. 🙂 Hope you like it if you get the chance, Verushka!

    • Sophia Rose

      You’re right! No hints from the covers about the mystery vibe, but they each hint at setting.

      No worries, Lindsi! 🙂

    • Sophia Rose

      I had no trouble starting at book three and bouncing around to other books in whatever order so you’d probably do okay if one takes your fancy first. 🙂

    • Sophia Rose

      Oh fun! Glad you’re in a cozy mood, Melliane. There are some really good ones out there. I have a good time with these even if this one got a bit too light at moments. 🙂