Elaine Viets kicks off a wildly entertaining new mystery series with Sex and Death on the Beach, a fast-paced, sun-drenched whodunit packed with quirky characters, sharp humor, and plenty of South Florida flavor.

When the body of former adult film star Sammie Lant is unearthed near the pool of Norah McCarthy’s apartment complex, it doesn’t take long for suspicion to land squarely on Norah. After all, she had a very public falling-out with Sammie just before she disappeared. But when more remains surface—ones tied to Norah’s own painful past—it becomes clear this case is bigger than one crime of passion. With the police closing in and secrets rising to the surface, Norah is determined to find out who’s really behind the deaths, even if it means confronting the darker side of paradise.

Viets blends breezy, beach-town charm with a noirish edge, making this mystery equal parts fun and sinister. Norah is a sharp, snarky protagonist who refuses to be a damsel in distress, and the supporting cast—filled with oddball neighbors, shady suspects, and South Florida’s signature brand of eccentricity—keeps the energy high. The result is a rompy, twist-filled ride with just the right amount of danger and dark humor.

Sex and Death on the Beach is an addictive, sun-soaked mystery that proves paradise isn’t always what it seems. If you like your thrillers with a side of scandal and a splash of humor, this is one you don’t want to miss.

#SexandDeathontheBeach #NetGalley is the first in a new series by a long time favorite author.
Norah has inherited the Floradora, an apartment complex in Florida that was previously owned by her grandmother.
During pool repairs, the plumbers discover a body buried deep into the ground and soon the community is gossiping about who it is.
It seems the body belongs to Sammie Lant, a porn star who has a questionable history.
Norah is the last person to be seen arguing with the victim and now she needs to prove her innocence.
The tenants of the Floradora are a unique bunch, and their colorful personalities bring them to life.
I really liked this book and I'm looking forward to reading more.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Severn House for the eARC.
Norah McCarthy owns the Florodora, an apartment complex in Florida. When a wannabe tenant's body is found on the property, Norah becomes the no. 1 suspect, because she was seen arguing with the woman (an adult film star).
The description of the tenants was fun, they are a quirky lot. I also enjoyed the strange Floridian misdemeanors committed by it's citizens, quite funny.
Otherwise I found it a quick, enjoyable read.
3.5 stars