Every time I read one of Boo Walker’s books, I think it’s his best one yet—until I read the next one. He is truly a gifted storyteller. Once I started this book, I nearly read it straight through, picking it back up the next morning and then unable to put it down until I turned the last page.
The story follows Catherine Thomas, a medical illustrator and recluse, who meets Dr. Frank Overbrook while illustrating his book. In a moment of impulsiveness, she agrees to marry him after knowing him for a very short time. Having never even been on a date and rarely venturing out of her Chicago apartment, it was completely unlike Catherine to accept Dr. Overbrook’s proposal and relocate to a small island in Florida, where he would take over the practice of an old medical school friend.
Upon their arrival on the island, Frank and Catherine are warmly greeted at a lobster boil hosted by the local residents, who prove to be an intriguing group. The next morning, however, Catherine wakes to discover that Frank is missing. It comes as a shock to the island's inhabitants when a dead body is found on the beach, identified as Frank.
The case is assigned to Detective Quentin Jones, who quickly determines that Frank was murdered. The island is home to a fascinating cast of characters, all of whom were present at the welcome party the night before. As Detective Jones—who generally goes by "Jones"—begins to interview each resident, astonishing long-held secrets begin to surface. This story takes readers on a wild ride as Jones digs deeper and reveals more about the residents of the island.
I couldn’t put this book down until the very last page. I also recommend that once you finish reading, you continue on to the fascinating Author’s Notes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
that is identified as Frank.
The case is given to Detective Quentin Jones when it is determined Frank was murdered. There is an interesting cast of characters who reside on the island, and all of them were at the welcome party the night before. As Detective Jones, who generally goes by “Jones,” begins to interview each island resident, some astonishing long-held secrets come to light. This story takes the reader on a wild ride as Jones digs deeper and more is revealed about the residents of the island.
I could not put this book down until the last page was turned. I also suggest when the last page is turned, continue reading the fascinating Author’s Notes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

The story starts off strong introducing the main couple of the story as they move to a small island with a very close-knit community. After the husband is found murdered the morning after their welcome party, the small town is turned upside down by a detective determined to find the truth of what happened. However, the community isn't quick to turn on each other or reveal any secrets of others. Character building to learn about each character slowly through the book was written well all the way to the end.

You get to see from each characters point of view at some point, but sometimes its hard to tell when it switches so you have to be reading closely. I felt the story bounced a lot in chapters due to this. I found myself going back to reread to try and see if I missed anything. There was even a point when a name was mentioned but I think it was an error because it did not follow the context and there was never another mention of them. I agree with other reviews about the ending how it was unexpected. Did not see it coming! I don't think it was a stretch like others say, I think based on all of the characters the story ending makes sense.

Overall I think it was a good murder mystery for those that want something a bit different. The story highlights you never know what happens behind closed doors and things aren't always as they seem.

Small town murder mystery vibes where the newcomers are pit against the locals who all have secrets they would kill to keep.

On a tiny island off Paradiso, Florida, in 1970, neighbors gather to toast two new arrivals: shy Catherine and her taciturn husband, Dr. Frank Overbrook, who is taking over an old friend’s medical practice. It’s an intimate welcoming for the newlyweds, who have abandoned city life for swaying palms and an ocean breeze. But the morning after is anything but peaceful when Frank is found dead on the beach.

Detective Quentin Jones has his eyes on the island’s residents and the welcome party’s guest list. There’s the retiring doctor and host, as well as his nurse. Volatile marrieds Miriam and her husband, David, constantly at each other’s throats. The Carters, a strangely antisocial young couple. And Sylvie, a blind sculptor to whom Quentin lost his heart years ago.

But which one is a murderer? As the investigation unravels a close-knit group of friends, secrets are exposed—and more than one of them is worth killing for.

Loved it. Will recommend to others.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I like it when a book starts right away, no wasting time just hooks you. Really strong start. Although maybe because of that, the rest of it felt slow. But I must say I was not a fan of the writing style, though I can’t put my finger on why. Sometimes it was “cringe” like the author was trying too hard.
Did not enjoy Quentin Jones or Sylvie. Miriam I did like, same with Catherine.
There was a twist I enjoyed at the end but still, wasn’t enough to make up for the rest.

Murder Strikes..
Murder strikes a Floridian paradise in this twisting whodunit. As good friends and neighbours gather beachside, something heinous is afoot and a body on the beach the following morning brings Detective Quentin Jones to the scene. As the investigation progresses it soon becomes clear that suspects may well be numerous among this seemingly friendly group of people and, certainly, secrets will out. A solid mystery in traditional vein with a deftly drawn cast, a well imagined backdrop, a nicely paced plot and twists aplenty. Engaging and compelling.

I thought this murder mystery set in 1970s Florida had an interesting premise with plenty of twists, but the pacing was a bit slow for me at times. While I enjoyed the characters and the way the mystery unfolded, it didn't quite have the intensity I was hoping for, though the ending did deliver a satisfying reveal.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC. I was excited to see a new Boo Walker novel being released, but I was kind of let down. It was an ok mystery just nothing spectacular and not the typical style of writing I have enjoyed from him.

Reading this book just made me appreciate the talent that Boo Walker has with the written word. The beginning was different for me but I soon got into the story. And what a story/mystery it is! As I read I would think I know who did it, Glenna! And then a few chapters later I was no, it’s got to be Catherine the widow. I am surprised to say, “I did not see that coming”! It’s a good old fashioned murder mystery and I loved it. My favorite character is Quentin Jones, the detective, and I can see some more books involving him. Hint hint. For those of us who read the author’s notes, gosh that was just as good as the book! In my heart I know Peggy is proud of Boo and her daughters. What a tribute!

The history of this story and its journey to publication was, for me, as interesting as the narrative! I couldn’t tell where one writer had finished and another had taken over. I was wrapped up in a story about radical changes and characters who were able to turn their lives on a dime when the opportunity presented itself. I liked how the authors led readers to question motives and intent and I enjoyed a great mystery. I couldn’t predict the killer.

I was gifted this copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

I found this a bit difficult to get into and I didn't fully believe the way the story unfolded, it seemed a bit odd.

I give this book 3 stars—it’s decent, but it lacked the intensity I expect from a mystery/thriller. While the 1970s Florida setting provided a unique and intriguing backdrop, the story felt slower than anticipated. The murder mystery kicks off quickly, but the pacing never really picked up, leaving me wanting more suspense and excitement. The characters were diverse and added some depth, but the overall tension didn’t keep me on the edge of my seat as I had hoped. It’s a quick read, but it didn’t fully satisfy my craving for a gripping, fast-paced thriller.

I absolutely love this author. He is one of those ones that I just pick up no matter what. His books never disappoint. This one follows a murder mystery in Florida. The characters are enjoyable and personable. The scenery transports you right into the story.

This book may be your average murder mystery, but it’s still a great book! The way the characters were so well written, you feel as though you have known them your entire life.

I love the mystery aspect in this book and the twists and turns are absolutely crazy. I couldn’t put this book down and was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I didn’t want it to end. There were so many secrets and if you think you can predict how it will end, you would be very wrong.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boo Walker, Peggy Shainberg and Lake Union Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this before publication. I highly recommend this book to everyone and am on my way to amazon to purchase a physical copy as a trophy!

On a quiet Florida island in 1970, newlyweds Catherine and Dr. Frank Overbrook are warmly welcomed by their neighbors at a small gathering. But their fresh start takes a dark turn when Frank is found dead the next morning. Detective Quentin Jones steps in to investigate, uncovering secrets among the party guests—from a retiring doctor and his nurse to a fiery couple, a reclusive young pair, and a blind sculptor from Quentin’s past. Everyone seems to be hiding something.

The book’s writing is smooth and easy to follow, and the story feels like a nod to Agatha Christie, where everyone’s a suspect and the detective is piecing things together alongside the reader. While the pace is slow at times and some characters’ suspicious behavior feels unnecessary, the short length keeps it from dragging too much. The big reveal in the final chapters ties things together in a satisfying way.

Overall, it’s a cozy and intriguing seaside mystery, perfect for fans of twisty investigations.

Another solid Boo Walker read.

It is fun to see how the writing changes depending on who Walker writes with. This one kept me interested the whole book and while I tried to savor it, I just wanted to keep reading.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The book was 30 years too late. While this kind of story, whodunnit, Agatha Christie style, was popular in the past, they aren't stimulating enough as today's thrillers.
The writing was great, it definitely made the book easier to read. But the story was dragging a lot, and some characters were just thought of as shady for the sake of it.
Namely, the doctor and his nurse. Looking back after finishing the book, some comments and scenes were blown out of proportion over nothing substantial. They were just background noise to fill the empty parts.
I couldn't for the life me like Jones as a character. He was intolerable to me. From the repetitive mention of his reputation as a "killer-finder", to his relationship with one of the suspects, it was all too much.
The funny part is, he wasn't really the genius detective he was presented to be, but the how is for you guys to find out.
I really wanted to like the book, but it was just super underwhelming for me.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

This was a mystery/thriller set in the 1970's, which I thought was a super cool time period (due to the atmosphere built into that period) to set this type of book. And it happens in Florida...and we all know how much weird stuff happens in Florida, so that was super fitting.

Unfortunately, I didn't find this to be all that exciting or interesting. You are thrown right into the meat of the story (the murder mystery) right away, but I still felt like it was quite slow. I prefer my mystery/thriller reads to be interesting and engrossing the entire time, I want to be kept on the edge of my seat.

This was pretty okay, not bad, but not amazing, so I didn't find it to be super satisfying the way I like for this kind of book to be.

There was an interesting and diverse cast of characters which I think did add to the atmosphere of this book, but I just wanted more from it. But it is pretty short, so you could probably knock it out in a day if you wanted to!

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the eARC.
It's1970 in Paradiso, Florida and the2 main characters, Catherine and Detective Jones, are involved in a murder case that changes their lives forever.
The mystery is almost impossible to solve, until one of the small group of Islanders confesses. But is that the truth?
At first I had a hard time getting into it, but I'm glad I kept going, because I ended up really liking the book.

I really enjoy a good mystery. This one kept me guessing until almost the end. The book is well written and reminds me of an Agatha Christie novel.

Set in 1970s Florida, with several interesting characters which all knew (or not) the murdered doctor.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc. This is my honest opinion. I absolutely recommend this book.