by T.E. Kinsey
Series: Lady Hardcastle Mystery #6
Genres: Historical, Cozy Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
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.
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 Share on X
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. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
verushka
The laughs attract me to this one, I think. It’s a series I think i should definitely check out.
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!
Lindsi
Looking at this cover, I wouldn’t immediately think it was a mystery. However, I’m glad this series is still enjoyable after 6 books! I’m not sure it’s my cup of tea, but I think the concept is interesting. 🙂
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? ?
Sophia Rose
You’re right! No hints from the covers about the mystery vibe, but they each hint at setting.
No worries, Lindsi! 🙂
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
I love reading cozy mysteries in the fall and winter so I’ll have to keep this series in mind. It sounds like fun!
Sophia Rose
Oh yay, glad to put you onto a new series for your consideration, Suzanne. 🙂
Nadene
This sounds fun. I am intrigued by the comedic spy capers.
Sophia Rose
Same here! Those old-style spy capers are the best, Nadene. 🙂
Debbie S Haupt
What a pair this sounds great Sophia Rose thanks. Can a fan jump around the series or should we start at the beginning?
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. 🙂
Jenea's Book Obsession
I like the sounds of the mystery!
Sophia Rose
Oh yes, its a fun tribute to the old-style spy thrillers, Jenea! 🙂
sjhigbee
Oh this sounds like fun, Kimberly! Thank you for sharing:)
Sophia Rose
Sure thing! Hope you like it if you get the chance. 🙂
Mary Kirkland
While I don’t read a lot of historicals these days I do like the sound of this one. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Thanks for the great review.
Sophia Rose
Oh good! Glad to introduce you to one you may like, Mary. 🙂
Melliane
I’m on a cozy period so it’s nice to see some series to try but too bad it wasn’t a bit more still
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. 🙂