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Retired Detectives Club #3
Death on the Beach
Did she jump—or was she pushed? The Retired Detectives have a theory. Now they just need the evidence� The brand-new Shimmering Sands retirement community is a beachfront paradise—until realtor Jessie Beckton plunges to her death from the penthouse suite she’s selling. When the cops rule out foul play, the Retired Detectives agree to step in. They’re certain Jessie was murdered—but how can they prove it when the apartment was locked from the inside? As the gang pursue their investigation, a host of potential suspects emerge who all have secrets to hide. But just as they seem to be closing in on a culprit, a shocking second murder sends them back to square one. Meanwhile, former CSI Lizzie’s marriage to ex-DCI Philip suffers a fateful blow. And their partners in crime-solving, Rick and Moira, find their new romance tested when a mystery woman from Rick’s past appears—with a child in tow. The team must put aside their differences and join forces with a former adversary if they’re to solve the case. But in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, can they lure the killer into the open before one of them pays the ultimate price?
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2023
572 people are currently reading
3,359 people want to read
About the author
Steph Broadribb
13books309followersSteph Broadribb was born in Birmingham and grew up in Buckinghamshire. A prolific reader, she adored crime fiction from the moment she first read Sherlock Holmes as a child. She’s worked in the UK and the US, has an MA in Creative Writing (Crime Fiction) and trained as a bounty hunter in California.
Her latest novel is DEATH IN THE SUNSHINE - the first book in her new Retired Detectives Club series featuring four recent retirees living in a luxury 55+ resort community in Florida, USA.
Her other novels include the Lori Anderson bounty-hunter series and the Starke/Bell psychological police-procedural books (writing as Stephanie Marland). Her books have been shortlisted for the eDunnit eBook of the Year Award, the ITW Best First Novel Award, the Dead Good Reader Awards for Fearless Female Character and Most Exceptional Debut, and longlisted for the Guardian Not The Booker Prize.
She provides coaching for new crime writers via .
You can find out more about Steph at , and get in touch via Facebook (@CrimeThrillerGirl) and Twitter (@crimethrillgirl).
Her latest novel is DEATH IN THE SUNSHINE - the first book in her new Retired Detectives Club series featuring four recent retirees living in a luxury 55+ resort community in Florida, USA.
Her other novels include the Lori Anderson bounty-hunter series and the Starke/Bell psychological police-procedural books (writing as Stephanie Marland). Her books have been shortlisted for the eDunnit eBook of the Year Award, the ITW Best First Novel Award, the Dead Good Reader Awards for Fearless Female Character and Most Exceptional Debut, and longlisted for the Guardian Not The Booker Prize.
She provides coaching for new crime writers via .
You can find out more about Steph at , and get in touch via Facebook (@CrimeThrillerGirl) and Twitter (@crimethrillgirl).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
May 17, 2023
Death on the beach is the 3rd book in the Retired Detective Club. I really enjoyed this story, The people who are in the club are Moira Flynn, a retired undercover agent, Rick Denver, ex-DEA agent, Phillip Sweetman, a British ex-detective chief inspector and Lizzie Sweetman, British ex CSI. They are husband and wife. They all are retired detectives that solves crimes in age-controlled communities called Retired Detective Club. They all live in a retirement community called The Homestead.
Jessie Beckton is a real estate agent who works for Sindee McGillis at Beachseekers. It is her first showing at a new apartment in the Surf-Sand Visa building at Shimmering Sands Resort. She was quite excited about it. Two people come in and are surprised to see Jessie. They approach her and put her over the railing on the balcony. it is reported as a suicide.
Rick gets a phone call from Jim Beckton about the death of his daughter, Jessie. He would like them to take his case as he does not believe she committed suicide. They live at Shimming Sands resort. They take the case and arrive at the resort. After meeting Jim and his wife, Doreen, Lizzie goes to where Jessie fell to determine if it was suicide or murder. She decides that it was murder. There are other characters in the story that contribute to the story. This is where the story takes the reader on a wonderful adventure to find out who and why Jessie was murdered. There is so much to tell in this story that it is impossible to put it all on paper. The climax is very exciting and the reader does not know who killed her and also Sindee until the end.
There is a second ending with Moira deciding if she will go back to England to head up a special unit. She was called and asked back because she sent material about her late boss, DS Harry George. This is another story in itself. She must decide to go back to her old life or will she stay with her friends.
I liked the series so much that I plan to go back and read books one and two.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas-Mercer for this ARC.
Jessie Beckton is a real estate agent who works for Sindee McGillis at Beachseekers. It is her first showing at a new apartment in the Surf-Sand Visa building at Shimmering Sands Resort. She was quite excited about it. Two people come in and are surprised to see Jessie. They approach her and put her over the railing on the balcony. it is reported as a suicide.
Rick gets a phone call from Jim Beckton about the death of his daughter, Jessie. He would like them to take his case as he does not believe she committed suicide. They live at Shimming Sands resort. They take the case and arrive at the resort. After meeting Jim and his wife, Doreen, Lizzie goes to where Jessie fell to determine if it was suicide or murder. She decides that it was murder. There are other characters in the story that contribute to the story. This is where the story takes the reader on a wonderful adventure to find out who and why Jessie was murdered. There is so much to tell in this story that it is impossible to put it all on paper. The climax is very exciting and the reader does not know who killed her and also Sindee until the end.
There is a second ending with Moira deciding if she will go back to England to head up a special unit. She was called and asked back because she sent material about her late boss, DS Harry George. This is another story in itself. She must decide to go back to her old life or will she stay with her friends.
I liked the series so much that I plan to go back and read books one and two.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas-Mercer for this ARC.
August 13, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Moira, Rick, Lizze, and Phillip are retired in a retirement community in Florida. They receive a phone � call to come to St Petersburg Beach 🌴 to investigate the death of the daughter of a couple 💑. They travel to St Petersburg Beach 🌴 and accept the case. There is another murder, Phillip has a here attack, and they put together a plan for the investigation. The investigation leads to a plan to trap the killer and Moira gets involved with the killer leading to an arrest. I would highly recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀💘🏡
Moira, Rick, Lizze, and Phillip are retired in a retirement community in Florida. They receive a phone � call to come to St Petersburg Beach 🌴 to investigate the death of the daughter of a couple 💑. They travel to St Petersburg Beach 🌴 and accept the case. There is another murder, Phillip has a here attack, and they put together a plan for the investigation. The investigation leads to a plan to trap the killer and Moira gets involved with the killer leading to an arrest. I would highly recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀💘🏡
August 7, 2023
I won this book in a ŷ giveaway! Thank you ŷ.
This is the 3rd of a series. I read the first book and was easily able to skip to the 3rd book. It is an enjoyable mystery series. I look forward to more in this series.
This is the 3rd of a series. I read the first book and was easily able to skip to the 3rd book. It is an enjoyable mystery series. I look forward to more in this series.
July 29, 2023
I love these books. Fun adventures, interpersonal relationships, murders to solve, corruption to get rid of and killers to catch. Phillip is his usual curly self, even in the midst of a health crisis, he just cannot let go of his pompousness. The retired detectives are asked to investigate the death of a real estate agent who is alleged to have committed suicide. With a second death, the detectives are sure the deaths are no accidents or suicides. Moira has a decision to make regarding the evidence in her closet; Rick has a surprise visit from a young woman and a baby!! How will that affect his relationship with Moira?
July 31, 2023
I’m Finished With This Series - No More
While a bit tedious, the first two novels in this series were enjoyable enough and I had the patience for the character development and back stories. But enough is enough - the dialog isn’t very good and is absolutely atrocious when it comes to the American characters. The author seems to think that every American uses the word ‘real� to anytime ‘very�, ‘quite�, ‘total�, ‘totally� or dozens of other words could be used and that the only way to convey that a character is American is to have them use the term ‘real� incessantly. (The author uses ‘real� in this way about 47 times out of the 53-ish times it was used, excluding ‘really� and it’s use in ‘real-estate�.) Also, I doubt many redneck ex-military Americans purchase get-rich-quick books with titles expressing how to make a million ‘pounds� rather than ‘dollars�. That none of the main characters seem to notice that one of their team, who’s had medical issues, is sweating profusely (in full on AC) is also absurd. Finally, the narrator seems to think that every American speaks as though they’ve just had a stroke.
No more for me, thank you.
While a bit tedious, the first two novels in this series were enjoyable enough and I had the patience for the character development and back stories. But enough is enough - the dialog isn’t very good and is absolutely atrocious when it comes to the American characters. The author seems to think that every American uses the word ‘real� to anytime ‘very�, ‘quite�, ‘total�, ‘totally� or dozens of other words could be used and that the only way to convey that a character is American is to have them use the term ‘real� incessantly. (The author uses ‘real� in this way about 47 times out of the 53-ish times it was used, excluding ‘really� and it’s use in ‘real-estate�.) Also, I doubt many redneck ex-military Americans purchase get-rich-quick books with titles expressing how to make a million ‘pounds� rather than ‘dollars�. That none of the main characters seem to notice that one of their team, who’s had medical issues, is sweating profusely (in full on AC) is also absurd. Finally, the narrator seems to think that every American speaks as though they’ve just had a stroke.
No more for me, thank you.
August 25, 2023
Please get a better editor
I really enjoy the story lines in these books, and the characters are fun, but the butchering of American speech is distracting. No one over the age of 12 says "for sure" with the frequency of the retired DEA officer, Rick. I'm pretty sure Floridians don't say y'all with the regularity of Broadribb's characters, if they use the word at all. These and other conversational fails occasionally make it difficult to keep reading an otherwise delightful book.
I really enjoy the story lines in these books, and the characters are fun, but the butchering of American speech is distracting. No one over the age of 12 says "for sure" with the frequency of the retired DEA officer, Rick. I'm pretty sure Floridians don't say y'all with the regularity of Broadribb's characters, if they use the word at all. These and other conversational fails occasionally make it difficult to keep reading an otherwise delightful book.
August 29, 2023
I love this series and this is another gripping and entertaining story. A solid mystery that kept me hooked and guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 28, 2023
Another great read from this author. As always a lot of action and unlike other books, it is not easy to figure out who did it. From the ending it looks like this series will continue, so can't wait for the next one
September 24, 2023
The ending is a cop out. I don’t like when authors can’t decide on a solid ending. This mystery series had an increasingly slowed pace as each book progressed. By the 3rd book, I was really just reading to see how the ending turned out. Being left to decide for myself was a let down. Not sure I will read any more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2023
Honestly I was drawn to this thanks to Richard Osman and his entertaining set of books with a similar premise. Was this as good? No. Was it entertaining? Absolutely.
A good read which at first I feared was a little predictable but not at all! Kudos to the author for keeping me guessing. I haven’t read any of the other books in this series and I feel like perhaps I should have done to understand motivations a little as there’s a bit going on for the characters in the background but it is standalone as a book.
The Retired Detectives Club consists of four ex police, Moira, Rick, Lizzie and Phillip, who all live in a retirement community in Florida, and have come out of retirement to band together and solve crimes. In Death on the beach they are asked by a grieving family to solve the so-called suicide of their beautiful young daughter. The sleuths realise quite quickly this was murder and then our story begins.
I didn’t love the use of the third person present tense and the way that switched back and forth between past tense - it was jarring for the reader honestly.
Enjoyable with twists toward the end. I’d read more!
Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
A good read which at first I feared was a little predictable but not at all! Kudos to the author for keeping me guessing. I haven’t read any of the other books in this series and I feel like perhaps I should have done to understand motivations a little as there’s a bit going on for the characters in the background but it is standalone as a book.
The Retired Detectives Club consists of four ex police, Moira, Rick, Lizzie and Phillip, who all live in a retirement community in Florida, and have come out of retirement to band together and solve crimes. In Death on the beach they are asked by a grieving family to solve the so-called suicide of their beautiful young daughter. The sleuths realise quite quickly this was murder and then our story begins.
I didn’t love the use of the third person present tense and the way that switched back and forth between past tense - it was jarring for the reader honestly.
Enjoyable with twists toward the end. I’d read more!
Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 4, 2023
Amature writing and boring reveal.
Why 4 ex-detectives all notice and choose to ignore the very obvious warning signs one of them is leading up to having a heart attack is beyond me. Even the wife who KNOWS he's at risk, thinks to herself, hmmm he's sleeping a lot and acting very unusual... I'm sure he's fine...?!? Make it make sense.
You have to get through the bad to appreciate the good
Why 4 ex-detectives all notice and choose to ignore the very obvious warning signs one of them is leading up to having a heart attack is beyond me. Even the wife who KNOWS he's at risk, thinks to herself, hmmm he's sleeping a lot and acting very unusual... I'm sure he's fine...?!? Make it make sense.
You have to get through the bad to appreciate the good
Read
January 7, 2024For the storyline and characters
I only give this book the 4th star because I love the storyline and the characters in the books. But it is written by a British writer who doesn't fully understand the American English language. The number of time she uses the expression "for sure" in the books is ridiculous. Nobody talks like that. I guess some more time in the US might benefit the language.
I only give this book the 4th star because I love the storyline and the characters in the books. But it is written by a British writer who doesn't fully understand the American English language. The number of time she uses the expression "for sure" in the books is ridiculous. Nobody talks like that. I guess some more time in the US might benefit the language.
August 11, 2023
"Death On The Beach" is book #3 in the "Retired Detectives Club" series by Steph Broadribb.
"Did she jump—or was she pushed? The Retired Detectives have a theory. Now they just need the evidence�
The brand-new Shimmering Sands retirement community is a beachfront paradise—until realtor Jessie Beckton plunges to her death from the penthouse suite she’s selling. When the cops rule out foul play, the Retired Detectives agree to step in. They’re certain Jessie was murdered—but how can they prove it when the apartment was locked from the inside?
As the gang pursue their investigation, a host of potential suspects emerge who all have secrets to hide. But just as they seem to be closing in on a culprit, a shocking second murder sends them back to square one.
Meanwhile, former CSI Lizzie’s marriage to ex-DCI Philip suffers a fateful blow. And their partners in crime-solving, Rick and Moira, find their new romance tested when a mystery woman from Rick’s past appears—with a child in tow.
The team must put aside their differences and join forces with a former adversary if they’re to solve the case. But in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, can they lure the killer into the open before one of them pays the ultimate price?"
My thoughts:
As with the previous two books in this series, the various chapters are told from the different perspectives of the four retirees. This gives the reader the opportunity to get to know each of the characters a bit more and see how they work or what their inner thoughts are of the others or situations they are in. It can be very insightful.
Personally, I find Phillip quite annoying but I suspect that is intentional. Lizzie is smart and caring but how she puts up with Phillip I'll never know!
We learn a lot more about Rick in this book as a part of his past has come to light. He has some explaining to do - not only to the woman and child who show up at his door but also to Moira.
Of the four seniors, Moira is my favorite. Her past is incredibly complex and she had to literally create a new identity when she moved to Florida from London. The time to confront that past and clear the slate may well have come - but at what cost? Her new found relationship with Rick seems to be on hold. They are barely talking other than for the case the team is working on.
The case involving the death of the young realtor should never have been ruled a suicide - that was clear from the start. The team questions friends, co-workers, building employees and others to get to the truth but it just isn't adding up. The second death throws a whole new angle on the case and they soon find themselves reluctantly working with someone that has been a thorn in their side in previous cases.
Potential suspects and alibis aren't clear cut so a dangerous trap is set - putting one of the team members at risk in a dramatic reveal and takedown.
Over the remaining pages, there are a couple of debriefs as to the motive for the killings. There are also passages that give a slight preview of what may be to come for the various seniors - and one with a choice to make that could change the rest of their life!
An interesting read!
"Did she jump—or was she pushed? The Retired Detectives have a theory. Now they just need the evidence�
The brand-new Shimmering Sands retirement community is a beachfront paradise—until realtor Jessie Beckton plunges to her death from the penthouse suite she’s selling. When the cops rule out foul play, the Retired Detectives agree to step in. They’re certain Jessie was murdered—but how can they prove it when the apartment was locked from the inside?
As the gang pursue their investigation, a host of potential suspects emerge who all have secrets to hide. But just as they seem to be closing in on a culprit, a shocking second murder sends them back to square one.
Meanwhile, former CSI Lizzie’s marriage to ex-DCI Philip suffers a fateful blow. And their partners in crime-solving, Rick and Moira, find their new romance tested when a mystery woman from Rick’s past appears—with a child in tow.
The team must put aside their differences and join forces with a former adversary if they’re to solve the case. But in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, can they lure the killer into the open before one of them pays the ultimate price?"
My thoughts:
As with the previous two books in this series, the various chapters are told from the different perspectives of the four retirees. This gives the reader the opportunity to get to know each of the characters a bit more and see how they work or what their inner thoughts are of the others or situations they are in. It can be very insightful.
Personally, I find Phillip quite annoying but I suspect that is intentional. Lizzie is smart and caring but how she puts up with Phillip I'll never know!
We learn a lot more about Rick in this book as a part of his past has come to light. He has some explaining to do - not only to the woman and child who show up at his door but also to Moira.
Of the four seniors, Moira is my favorite. Her past is incredibly complex and she had to literally create a new identity when she moved to Florida from London. The time to confront that past and clear the slate may well have come - but at what cost? Her new found relationship with Rick seems to be on hold. They are barely talking other than for the case the team is working on.
The case involving the death of the young realtor should never have been ruled a suicide - that was clear from the start. The team questions friends, co-workers, building employees and others to get to the truth but it just isn't adding up. The second death throws a whole new angle on the case and they soon find themselves reluctantly working with someone that has been a thorn in their side in previous cases.
Potential suspects and alibis aren't clear cut so a dangerous trap is set - putting one of the team members at risk in a dramatic reveal and takedown.
Over the remaining pages, there are a couple of debriefs as to the motive for the killings. There are also passages that give a slight preview of what may be to come for the various seniors - and one with a choice to make that could change the rest of their life!
An interesting read!
June 1, 2023
Das ist jetzt für mich der zweite Fall, bei denen ich die „retired detectives� begleite, und ich hatte mich hierauf schon sehr gefreut. Gleich vorab: Hat wieder Spaß gemacht, dabei zu sein!
Der Club der Detektive im Ruhestand, das sind Lizzie, ehemalige Spurensicherungs- und Tatortspezialistin, ihr Gatte Philipp, ex-Chefermittler, und ihre Freunde Rick und Moira, ebenfalls frühere hochkarätige Ermittler. Zusammengefunden hat sich das Team in einer Seniorenwohnanlage in Florida � allerdings sind die 4 weit entfernt davon, in Ruhe ihre Rentnerdasein zu genießen.
Im aktuellen Fall nun werden die Detektive von den Eltern der verstorbenen Jessie Beckton engagiert. Jessie ist von einer Penthouse-Dachterrasse gestürzt. Die lokale Polizei hat den Fall als Selbstmord abgetan, was die Eltern aber nicht glauben. Und tatsächlich deutet alles auf Mord hin � die Frage ist nur, wie können die 4 Ermittler das beweisen? Es wird spannend�..!
Der Charme des Buches, bzw. der Serie, wird natürlich von dem originellem Ermittlerteam bestritten. 4 Oldies, die es immer noch draufhaben und mittlerweile auch von den lokalen Behörden geachtet (und gefürchtet) werden, das ist natürlich cool. Die 4 passen gut zusammen, sind eine super Truppe, und nehmen die Fälle aus purem Enthusiasmus und Wahrheitsliebe an. Geld brauchen sie nicht mehr zu verdienen, ihnen geht es darum, den Leuten zu helfen und Verbrechen aufzuklären. Sehr sympathisch.
Dieses Mal haben wir auch noch ein paar ernstere Untertöne dabei. Wir kommen den vieren auch privat etwas näher: Zwischen Rick und Moira haben sich gerade ein paar zarte romantische Bande entwickelt, als Estelle die Szene betritt � Ricks Tochter samt Baby, die Rick schon seit ein paar Jahren nicht mehr gesehen hat. Rick und Estelle haben so einiges aufzuarbeiten, und das war ein sehr interessanter Nebenschauplatz.
Aber auch Moira hat eine Vergangenheit, die sie immer wieder einholt. Wer die Serie schon etwas länger verfolgt, weiß, dass sie, die ehemaliger Londoner Polizistin, in Florida in ihrem mehr oder weniger selbstgewähltem und selbstgestaltetem Zeugenschutzprogramm lebt, und auch Moira wird erneut mit alten Geschichten konfrontiert. Ebenfalls eine sehr interessante Sidestory, mit einem fiesen Cliffhanger � jetzt will ich natürlich wissen, wie es mit Moira weitergeht und muss aufs nächste Buch warten.
Die Kapitel sind abwechselnd mit den Namen der 4 Ermittler betitelt, wir sind also abwechselnd immer ganz nah bei den verschiedenen Protagonisten dran. Wir haben hier aber keine abwechselnden Ich-Perspektiven, sondern immer einen auktorialen Erzähler, und das fand ich auch sehr gut bei der Anzahl der Hauptfiguren.
Flüssig geschrieben, viel Action, viele Dialoge, viel Witz, aber auch wie gesagt, einige ernstere Untertöne � der Mix hat mir sehr gut gefallen.
Ich fand es erneut klasse. Könnte ich mir als Serie super gut vorstellen, das wäre eine Verfilmung wert 😊, und ich freue mich schon auf den nächsten Teil!
Vielen Dank an Netgalley und den Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar!
Der Club der Detektive im Ruhestand, das sind Lizzie, ehemalige Spurensicherungs- und Tatortspezialistin, ihr Gatte Philipp, ex-Chefermittler, und ihre Freunde Rick und Moira, ebenfalls frühere hochkarätige Ermittler. Zusammengefunden hat sich das Team in einer Seniorenwohnanlage in Florida � allerdings sind die 4 weit entfernt davon, in Ruhe ihre Rentnerdasein zu genießen.
Im aktuellen Fall nun werden die Detektive von den Eltern der verstorbenen Jessie Beckton engagiert. Jessie ist von einer Penthouse-Dachterrasse gestürzt. Die lokale Polizei hat den Fall als Selbstmord abgetan, was die Eltern aber nicht glauben. Und tatsächlich deutet alles auf Mord hin � die Frage ist nur, wie können die 4 Ermittler das beweisen? Es wird spannend�..!
Der Charme des Buches, bzw. der Serie, wird natürlich von dem originellem Ermittlerteam bestritten. 4 Oldies, die es immer noch draufhaben und mittlerweile auch von den lokalen Behörden geachtet (und gefürchtet) werden, das ist natürlich cool. Die 4 passen gut zusammen, sind eine super Truppe, und nehmen die Fälle aus purem Enthusiasmus und Wahrheitsliebe an. Geld brauchen sie nicht mehr zu verdienen, ihnen geht es darum, den Leuten zu helfen und Verbrechen aufzuklären. Sehr sympathisch.
Dieses Mal haben wir auch noch ein paar ernstere Untertöne dabei. Wir kommen den vieren auch privat etwas näher: Zwischen Rick und Moira haben sich gerade ein paar zarte romantische Bande entwickelt, als Estelle die Szene betritt � Ricks Tochter samt Baby, die Rick schon seit ein paar Jahren nicht mehr gesehen hat. Rick und Estelle haben so einiges aufzuarbeiten, und das war ein sehr interessanter Nebenschauplatz.
Aber auch Moira hat eine Vergangenheit, die sie immer wieder einholt. Wer die Serie schon etwas länger verfolgt, weiß, dass sie, die ehemaliger Londoner Polizistin, in Florida in ihrem mehr oder weniger selbstgewähltem und selbstgestaltetem Zeugenschutzprogramm lebt, und auch Moira wird erneut mit alten Geschichten konfrontiert. Ebenfalls eine sehr interessante Sidestory, mit einem fiesen Cliffhanger � jetzt will ich natürlich wissen, wie es mit Moira weitergeht und muss aufs nächste Buch warten.
Die Kapitel sind abwechselnd mit den Namen der 4 Ermittler betitelt, wir sind also abwechselnd immer ganz nah bei den verschiedenen Protagonisten dran. Wir haben hier aber keine abwechselnden Ich-Perspektiven, sondern immer einen auktorialen Erzähler, und das fand ich auch sehr gut bei der Anzahl der Hauptfiguren.
Flüssig geschrieben, viel Action, viele Dialoge, viel Witz, aber auch wie gesagt, einige ernstere Untertöne � der Mix hat mir sehr gut gefallen.
Ich fand es erneut klasse. Könnte ich mir als Serie super gut vorstellen, das wäre eine Verfilmung wert 😊, und ich freue mich schon auf den nächsten Teil!
Vielen Dank an Netgalley und den Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar!
Read
April 24, 2024Book three of the Retired Detective’s Club, has the same sort of interesting storyline as the previous two. For those unfamiliar with the series, a group of retired detectives as the name implies, try to solve murders that police had deemed accidental, and not worthy of pursuing. There are four in the group, each with their own sort of back story, but working well together to solve crimes. The four include Moira. who was a former DCI. Rick is a former DEA Agent. The last two are a married couple, Lizzie who was part of the CSI, and her husband Phillip a DCI who suffered from heart issues, forcing his premature retirement.
The group looks into the death of Jessie Beckton, a real estate agent, who was trying to sell the penthouse suite at the Shimmering Sands Retirement Community. As the book opens, she meets who she thinks may be prospective clients. Instead they lead her to the balcony, and then throw her headfirst to the ground, killing her instantly. Police enter the scene, deciding that she this was a suicide.
Rick is contacted by the father of the dead girl, asking him to look into the case, while police refuse to investigate any further. When the group goes to the penthouse suite and analyze the situation, they quickly conclude this was far from Jessie diving off the balcony to kill herself. They decide that the way she landed, meant she went head-first, which would not be possible if she tried to kill herself.
It is not long before the four start looking into the dead girl’s life, and there are definitely a most interesting cast of characters, who had some sort of connection to Jessie. Former boyfriend of Jessie, Josh Stratton, is at the top of the list. It seems that he tried to control her life, and had just broken up with her a week or so before. He was not the most sociable person, Jessie glad to be free from him. There was also Carl Fossway, who worked at the gym that Jessie was associated with. She liked him and it seemed the two might have a chance together, but there was Belinda Fossway, Carl’s wife, who knew the two were dating, even though Carl told Jessie they were separated. She threatened Jessie at one time.
There are many more who Jessie knew, but did they have motive for murder? Then a second death occurs at Shimmering Sands, in the same penthouse suite Jessie died in. The retired detective’s club and some of the suspects, decide to meet in the suite, to figure out what actually happened to Jessie. Sindie McGillis was Jessie’s boss. When the suite is entered, Sindie is lying dead, from multiple stab wounds. It is most fascinating how there are so many potential suspects, leading to the big reveal. There are other story lines involving Lizzie and Phillip and marital issues, along with Moira, pondering if she should return to England to go back to a previous job, or stay where she is. It makes for a great read, making us anticipate where the series goes from here.
The group looks into the death of Jessie Beckton, a real estate agent, who was trying to sell the penthouse suite at the Shimmering Sands Retirement Community. As the book opens, she meets who she thinks may be prospective clients. Instead they lead her to the balcony, and then throw her headfirst to the ground, killing her instantly. Police enter the scene, deciding that she this was a suicide.
Rick is contacted by the father of the dead girl, asking him to look into the case, while police refuse to investigate any further. When the group goes to the penthouse suite and analyze the situation, they quickly conclude this was far from Jessie diving off the balcony to kill herself. They decide that the way she landed, meant she went head-first, which would not be possible if she tried to kill herself.
It is not long before the four start looking into the dead girl’s life, and there are definitely a most interesting cast of characters, who had some sort of connection to Jessie. Former boyfriend of Jessie, Josh Stratton, is at the top of the list. It seems that he tried to control her life, and had just broken up with her a week or so before. He was not the most sociable person, Jessie glad to be free from him. There was also Carl Fossway, who worked at the gym that Jessie was associated with. She liked him and it seemed the two might have a chance together, but there was Belinda Fossway, Carl’s wife, who knew the two were dating, even though Carl told Jessie they were separated. She threatened Jessie at one time.
There are many more who Jessie knew, but did they have motive for murder? Then a second death occurs at Shimmering Sands, in the same penthouse suite Jessie died in. The retired detective’s club and some of the suspects, decide to meet in the suite, to figure out what actually happened to Jessie. Sindie McGillis was Jessie’s boss. When the suite is entered, Sindie is lying dead, from multiple stab wounds. It is most fascinating how there are so many potential suspects, leading to the big reveal. There are other story lines involving Lizzie and Phillip and marital issues, along with Moira, pondering if she should return to England to go back to a previous job, or stay where she is. It makes for a great read, making us anticipate where the series goes from here.
July 16, 2023
Death on the Beach is the third book in the Retired Detectives Club series, and it sees the team travelling to another retirement village thanks to their reputation. When realtor Jessie Beckton falls to her death from an 8th floor apartment she is trying to sell it is initially ruled a suicide her parents contact the retired detectives to do their own investigation as they do not believe their daughter would end her own life. As ever they are met with resistance in their investigations, and they find they have more than one potential suspect. When Jessie’s boss is later killed they are left stumped as to who is behind the killings and what their motives are.
Rick, Moira, Liz and Phillip are back doing what they love to do most, investigating a murder and trying to solve a case that the police failed to do. After events in the second book, Liz and Phillip do seem to have their marriage back on track however there is clearly something going on with Phillip that he is hiding from his wife as he is being a little bit more disagreeable and controlling that usual. Rick and Moira are also now in a relationship however this seems to have hit a bump when Rick gets a visit from a woman that Moira knows nothing about. With distractions in their personal lives, you do have to wonder if their minds are truly on the case and if maybe they are looking for something that is just not there.
It was interesting to learn more about both Moira & Rick and the things that had happened in their past as clearly events that had led Moira to move to Florida were still affecting her and her ability to trust people. I liked the fact that Phillips adversary from the police department also made an appearance and between the investigation and his health saw him burying the hatchet temporarily and working together to solve the case.
I am beginning to think that retirement homes in Florida are a dangerous place to be and the people who run them seem to be a little bit controlling as they don’t want people to know how they are run. It could just be that they don’t want to answer questions of people who do not have actual authority to snoop around but that aside if I was considering moving to somewhere like that I would want to know that everything was run correctly and that I would be safe. I would recommend that these books are read in order as some events and interactions will make more sense if you do. If you like a cosy crime then this series may be for you and I am looking forward to see what decisions the team come to and if they will get involved im more cases
Rick, Moira, Liz and Phillip are back doing what they love to do most, investigating a murder and trying to solve a case that the police failed to do. After events in the second book, Liz and Phillip do seem to have their marriage back on track however there is clearly something going on with Phillip that he is hiding from his wife as he is being a little bit more disagreeable and controlling that usual. Rick and Moira are also now in a relationship however this seems to have hit a bump when Rick gets a visit from a woman that Moira knows nothing about. With distractions in their personal lives, you do have to wonder if their minds are truly on the case and if maybe they are looking for something that is just not there.
It was interesting to learn more about both Moira & Rick and the things that had happened in their past as clearly events that had led Moira to move to Florida were still affecting her and her ability to trust people. I liked the fact that Phillips adversary from the police department also made an appearance and between the investigation and his health saw him burying the hatchet temporarily and working together to solve the case.
I am beginning to think that retirement homes in Florida are a dangerous place to be and the people who run them seem to be a little bit controlling as they don’t want people to know how they are run. It could just be that they don’t want to answer questions of people who do not have actual authority to snoop around but that aside if I was considering moving to somewhere like that I would want to know that everything was run correctly and that I would be safe. I would recommend that these books are read in order as some events and interactions will make more sense if you do. If you like a cosy crime then this series may be for you and I am looking forward to see what decisions the team come to and if they will get involved im more cases
December 14, 2023
The retired detectives are on another case. The parents of a young woman killed by a fall from a luxury penthouse get in touch with the team because they do not believe their daughter committed suicide even though the local police and the coroner came to that verdict. Lizzie agrees that it was murder before she even seen the penthouse. Her husband, Philip, is equally keen to start a new investigation, if only he could shake off the nausea, fever and chest pains that keep troubling him. Moira and Rick’s relationship is still ongoing, despite Moira’s refusal for them to go public. Then there’s a knock at Rick’s door and Moira opens it to find a hostile young woman holding a child standing there. She leaves Rick and his mystery guests to it. However, they don’t talk about it and the tension between the two of them keeps growing as their investigation progresses.
The case presents a number of possible killers and motives that the team has to work through. They can’t approach local law enforcement as they are not police themselves and because they are highly critical of the sloppy job done by the initial investigation. Then the unexpected happens and they are approached by their arch nemesis, James Golding. It’s his nephew who has been the junior partner in the local detective team and he, Chester, has never been happy with how it was handled. Now combining their investigations so far and the intel from the police, they are really getting somewhere. But not before one of the team faces a life threatening situation and someone else loses their life.
The book ends with one of the core team not knowing whether to step back into the past or move forward into the future. The next book will reveal the decision. It’s nicely set up and I shall be keen to find out what happens next.
The case presents a number of possible killers and motives that the team has to work through. They can’t approach local law enforcement as they are not police themselves and because they are highly critical of the sloppy job done by the initial investigation. Then the unexpected happens and they are approached by their arch nemesis, James Golding. It’s his nephew who has been the junior partner in the local detective team and he, Chester, has never been happy with how it was handled. Now combining their investigations so far and the intel from the police, they are really getting somewhere. But not before one of the team faces a life threatening situation and someone else loses their life.
The book ends with one of the core team not knowing whether to step back into the past or move forward into the future. The next book will reveal the decision. It’s nicely set up and I shall be keen to find out what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of Death on the Beach, the third novel to feature a foursome of retired detectives carrying out investigations ignored by the Florida Police.
The retired detectives are asked to investigate the death of twenty three year old realtor Jessie Beckton who fell to her death from an eighth story penthouse at the Shimmering Sands Retirement Community. The police close the case as a suicide and her parents insist that she was murdered. Moira, Rick, Lizzie and Philip quickly agree with the parents and start investigating.
I have not read the previous novels in the series and picked Death on the Beach to try a new series. It was perhaps not my best idea as I didn’t connect with the characters, despite being much the same age as them, and should have probably read its predecessors first.
The novel is told from each of the retired detectives� points of view as they split up to investigate any and all leads they uncover. This seems to consist of picking the mostly likely suspects then investigating their alibis to eliminate them. It seems to lack the rigour I would have expected from former law enforcement personnel.
This is a well put together novel with several incidents and an equal balance between plotting and characterisation. There are several suspects, but with no obvious motive they all need investigation and all the characters have some kind of event that upsets the equilibrium of their lives. Unfortunately I found the novel lacked tension and was too facile for my tastes. It simply didn’t hold my attention.
Death on the Beach is not for me.
The retired detectives are asked to investigate the death of twenty three year old realtor Jessie Beckton who fell to her death from an eighth story penthouse at the Shimmering Sands Retirement Community. The police close the case as a suicide and her parents insist that she was murdered. Moira, Rick, Lizzie and Philip quickly agree with the parents and start investigating.
I have not read the previous novels in the series and picked Death on the Beach to try a new series. It was perhaps not my best idea as I didn’t connect with the characters, despite being much the same age as them, and should have probably read its predecessors first.
The novel is told from each of the retired detectives� points of view as they split up to investigate any and all leads they uncover. This seems to consist of picking the mostly likely suspects then investigating their alibis to eliminate them. It seems to lack the rigour I would have expected from former law enforcement personnel.
This is a well put together novel with several incidents and an equal balance between plotting and characterisation. There are several suspects, but with no obvious motive they all need investigation and all the characters have some kind of event that upsets the equilibrium of their lives. Unfortunately I found the novel lacked tension and was too facile for my tastes. It simply didn’t hold my attention.
Death on the Beach is not for me.
June 6, 2023
For fans of Richard Osman's Thursday murder club, this is another series for you!
Luxury retirement condos in Florida - a realtor falls off a penthouse balcony in advance of an open house. Or was she pushed?
The senior investigating detective assigned to the case immediately writes it off as a suicide. The other is - silent.
The retired protagonists are asked by the deceased realtor's parents to investigate. Lizzie, the former forensic specialist, deduces that the trajectory of the body indicates the victim was pushed. The foursome then interviews colleagues at the real estate agency as well as the employees & owners of the building.
The building's schematics and access points are kept secret from the quartet (proprietary info), but they have outside resources to assist, including the junior investigating officer.
In the midst of their sleuthing, the realtor's boss is murdered...in the same apartment...
There are a few side stories:
A relationship ensues between 2 of the retirees, Rick & Moira
Flashbacks of Moira's previous career in the UK & what led to her early Florida retirement
Rick's estranged daughter & granddaughter that no one knew about suddenly appear on his doorstep
Philip's health issues alluded to in previous novels
The ending is predictable, but no less enjoyable because of it. A solid contribution to a summer easy breezy whodunnit series.
Thank you to the publisher, Thomas & Mercer, and net galley for an advance reading copy of this novel. It will be released on July 27th, 2023.
Luxury retirement condos in Florida - a realtor falls off a penthouse balcony in advance of an open house. Or was she pushed?
The senior investigating detective assigned to the case immediately writes it off as a suicide. The other is - silent.
The retired protagonists are asked by the deceased realtor's parents to investigate. Lizzie, the former forensic specialist, deduces that the trajectory of the body indicates the victim was pushed. The foursome then interviews colleagues at the real estate agency as well as the employees & owners of the building.
The building's schematics and access points are kept secret from the quartet (proprietary info), but they have outside resources to assist, including the junior investigating officer.
In the midst of their sleuthing, the realtor's boss is murdered...in the same apartment...
There are a few side stories:
A relationship ensues between 2 of the retirees, Rick & Moira
Flashbacks of Moira's previous career in the UK & what led to her early Florida retirement
Rick's estranged daughter & granddaughter that no one knew about suddenly appear on his doorstep
Philip's health issues alluded to in previous novels
The ending is predictable, but no less enjoyable because of it. A solid contribution to a summer easy breezy whodunnit series.
Thank you to the publisher, Thomas & Mercer, and net galley for an advance reading copy of this novel. It will be released on July 27th, 2023.
April 15, 2023
Rick, Moira, Philip and Lizzie are known as the Retired Detectives Club and their recent investigative successes have made them locally famous. So it is no surprise that Jim and Doreen Beckton contact them for help. Their daughter Jessie, a realtor, fell from a penthouse balcony while she was preparing for an open house. The police ruled it a suicide but her parents are sure she was killed. The detectives have problems of their own. Lizzie is worried about Philip’s heath, Rick has family problems and Moira has to make a difficult decision about her future. However, they sympathize with the grieving Becktons and drive to Tampa and the Shimmering Sands resort. Shimmering Sands and their home base, The Homestead, have much in common. A fitness and spa center, individual villas, a beach restaurant - classic Florida retirement community amenities. And among the palm trees and pools lurks a murderer. A second death finally leads to an exciting conclusion and an ending that it is real cliffhanger.
Death on the Beach, with a cast of mature characters and a fast-paced plot is a fun read. Stephanie Broadribb describes Florida retirement communities perfectly. After that last chapter, I can’t wait for the next in this series! 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Steph Broadribb for this ARC.
Death on the Beach, with a cast of mature characters and a fast-paced plot is a fun read. Stephanie Broadribb describes Florida retirement communities perfectly. After that last chapter, I can’t wait for the next in this series! 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Steph Broadribb for this ARC.
April 23, 2023
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the eARC.
This is the third novel in the Retired Detectives Club, featuring the retired investigators Moira, Rick, Lizzie and Philip as they try to solve murders the police has not been able to solve. This novel definitely fits in the "cozy crime" category, featuring elder people who use their wit and understanding of society to render justice to the victim and their family. The characters were interesting, the plot points solid and coherent and the writing good, even though I would have preffered slightly longer chapters.
My main criticism probably stems from the fact that I had not read the first two books in the series, but jumped straight to the third book. I normally like cozy crime, but here I missed some base for the story. It is mentioned several times that they don't have a PI license, so why does everyone talk to them? If my family member had been murdered, I wouldn't have spoken to anyone without credentials. Also, what evidence could they find that would stand up in court? I know that this is fiction, but I would have needed more justification for the investigation to seem realistic to me. If you're an avid reader of the series, you might disagree with my point though,
The conclusion was satisfying and interesting. All in all, I give this book a strong three stars, close to a four.
This is the third novel in the Retired Detectives Club, featuring the retired investigators Moira, Rick, Lizzie and Philip as they try to solve murders the police has not been able to solve. This novel definitely fits in the "cozy crime" category, featuring elder people who use their wit and understanding of society to render justice to the victim and their family. The characters were interesting, the plot points solid and coherent and the writing good, even though I would have preffered slightly longer chapters.
My main criticism probably stems from the fact that I had not read the first two books in the series, but jumped straight to the third book. I normally like cozy crime, but here I missed some base for the story. It is mentioned several times that they don't have a PI license, so why does everyone talk to them? If my family member had been murdered, I wouldn't have spoken to anyone without credentials. Also, what evidence could they find that would stand up in court? I know that this is fiction, but I would have needed more justification for the investigation to seem realistic to me. If you're an avid reader of the series, you might disagree with my point though,
The conclusion was satisfying and interesting. All in all, I give this book a strong three stars, close to a four.
August 17, 2023
Thank you to Thomas and Mercer and GoodReads for the free Kindle edition of this book! | 3.5 stars
I am notorious for starting series midway through and being confused about who the characters are and what's going on. Oops. Fully on me. HOWEVER, I received this book as a giveaway and wanted to read immediately, so I jumped right in, and I had no issues picking up with what was going on. Catch me on my way to read books 1 and 2 in the series now!
When Jessi Beckton falls from the penthouse balcony of the property she is showing as a real estate agent, her parents don't buy the police's ruling that her death was a suicide. They call in the retired detectives to investigate what really happened here. The group of four will have to not only unpack the case, but also their personal lives, to find justice.
Crime investigation novels are a hit or a miss for me, but I really enjoyed this one. It's the perfect balance of investigation and procedure mixed with real time drama from the characters' own lives. It almost felt like a Florida version of Blue Bloods, one of my favorite shows of all time.
It's a pretty simple read and a good one for a setting like the beach (duh, look at the title). There's not a ton of substance, but in this case it works as something quick and fun. I think I will clearly have a better understanding of the characters' backstories, nuances, and motives once I read from the beginning, so I look forward to checking out the others!
I am notorious for starting series midway through and being confused about who the characters are and what's going on. Oops. Fully on me. HOWEVER, I received this book as a giveaway and wanted to read immediately, so I jumped right in, and I had no issues picking up with what was going on. Catch me on my way to read books 1 and 2 in the series now!
When Jessi Beckton falls from the penthouse balcony of the property she is showing as a real estate agent, her parents don't buy the police's ruling that her death was a suicide. They call in the retired detectives to investigate what really happened here. The group of four will have to not only unpack the case, but also their personal lives, to find justice.
Crime investigation novels are a hit or a miss for me, but I really enjoyed this one. It's the perfect balance of investigation and procedure mixed with real time drama from the characters' own lives. It almost felt like a Florida version of Blue Bloods, one of my favorite shows of all time.
It's a pretty simple read and a good one for a setting like the beach (duh, look at the title). There's not a ton of substance, but in this case it works as something quick and fun. I think I will clearly have a better understanding of the characters' backstories, nuances, and motives once I read from the beginning, so I look forward to checking out the others!
July 26, 2023
Death on the beach is the third title in The Retired Detectives Club series and I think it’s the best one yet each book improves on the previous one.
Jessie falls to her death from a penthouse suite and the death is ruled suicide, her parents don’t believe this and can’t accept it so ask for the retired detectives help.
Rick , Moira , Lizzie and Philip makes up the retired detective club they are former police officers and Lizzie is a former CSI worker who are not quite ready to full embrace retirement .
I like the dynamic between the characters and I felt invested in them . The setting is in a warm and sunny place and that always helps to lift the mood for me too .
Although it’s not a full on hard hitting crime series I wouldn’t put the series in a cosy mystery genre either it’s somewhere in between.
The writing is easy to read and like the chapters being a single persons narrative, at the beginning of the series I have found it difficult to get along with but now it’s what makes the series for me.
In each chapter we learn more personal information about the individual and realise this is what makes them who they are .
This story left us with a cliff hanger and I can’t wait to read in the book in the series .
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK.
Jessie falls to her death from a penthouse suite and the death is ruled suicide, her parents don’t believe this and can’t accept it so ask for the retired detectives help.
Rick , Moira , Lizzie and Philip makes up the retired detective club they are former police officers and Lizzie is a former CSI worker who are not quite ready to full embrace retirement .
I like the dynamic between the characters and I felt invested in them . The setting is in a warm and sunny place and that always helps to lift the mood for me too .
Although it’s not a full on hard hitting crime series I wouldn’t put the series in a cosy mystery genre either it’s somewhere in between.
The writing is easy to read and like the chapters being a single persons narrative, at the beginning of the series I have found it difficult to get along with but now it’s what makes the series for me.
In each chapter we learn more personal information about the individual and realise this is what makes them who they are .
This story left us with a cliff hanger and I can’t wait to read in the book in the series .
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK.
June 12, 2023
Death on the Beach by Steph Broadribb
First, let me say that before this book is published, there are some inconsistencies that need to be looked into.
That said, I have read the first two books in this series and think that in order to become more familiar with the four retired detectives, as well as the history of their getting together in Florida to solve crimes, you should probably not read this first. A realtor showing a high rise falls from the ledge and dies. Her death is ruled a suicide but the four detectives ( two couples) decide to look into her death more formally. Especially when another person from her company turns up deceased as well. The plot is awesome and the characters are well developed, likable, and very by the book. As a police procedural, it is exactly what you would expect. The only thing that I have an issue with are the five or six inconsistencies that show up periodically throughout the book.
4 out of 5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley as well s the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
First, let me say that before this book is published, there are some inconsistencies that need to be looked into.
That said, I have read the first two books in this series and think that in order to become more familiar with the four retired detectives, as well as the history of their getting together in Florida to solve crimes, you should probably not read this first. A realtor showing a high rise falls from the ledge and dies. Her death is ruled a suicide but the four detectives ( two couples) decide to look into her death more formally. Especially when another person from her company turns up deceased as well. The plot is awesome and the characters are well developed, likable, and very by the book. As a police procedural, it is exactly what you would expect. The only thing that I have an issue with are the five or six inconsistencies that show up periodically throughout the book.
4 out of 5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley as well s the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
July 17, 2023
Another story for the Retired Detectives Club! I love this crew of retired police that investigate crimes. They are back but headed to the beach this time.
I thought this was a good mystery. I wasn't sure who the killer was until pretty close to the reveal so good on the author. These folks are not private investigators but still investigate crimes. Not sure how much that would actually work in the real world, but this is fiction, right? The mix of character's lives stories and them working the case was a good balance. Each character has their own stuff going on in life (except maybe Lizzie, her thing is Philip's thing). We did get a setup for another book especially with Moira's character's storyline.
I liked the book. I'm giving 3.5 stars. As I've mentioned in my reviews for the past stories in this series, I feel like sometimes the characters seem immature for their ages. Like when Philip is being his usual, commanding self, Moira tends to have immature thoughts such as (paraphrasing) how dare he act like the boss of this group?
Overall it was enjoyable as are the others in the series!
I thought this was a good mystery. I wasn't sure who the killer was until pretty close to the reveal so good on the author. These folks are not private investigators but still investigate crimes. Not sure how much that would actually work in the real world, but this is fiction, right? The mix of character's lives stories and them working the case was a good balance. Each character has their own stuff going on in life (except maybe Lizzie, her thing is Philip's thing). We did get a setup for another book especially with Moira's character's storyline.
I liked the book. I'm giving 3.5 stars. As I've mentioned in my reviews for the past stories in this series, I feel like sometimes the characters seem immature for their ages. Like when Philip is being his usual, commanding self, Moira tends to have immature thoughts such as (paraphrasing) how dare he act like the boss of this group?
Overall it was enjoyable as are the others in the series!
July 28, 2023
Getting to know the background of the continuing characters from the previous two books have made this an even more enjoyable police procedural. Of course, the police are all retired and former law enforcement and are using their investigative skills to solve crimes. Jessie Beckton is young and successful when her life ends in tragedy. Her death is listed as suicide, but her parents know that she would never have committed suicide. The Retired Detectives Club has a new case. Moira and Rick have become close and along with Lizzie and Phillip are eager to begin. They search through what little evidence was in the file as the detective was eager to close the case. Lizzie immediately sees evidence that Jessie was murdered as they begin to question those who knew her. Her abusive ex, those involved in the sometimes-ruthless world real estate and a building manager who isn’t able to provide them with any information about the hotel or security. When another woman is murdered, it is more imperative than ever that the club find the killer before another life is lost. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
August 6, 2023
We reach the 3rd book in the series and the gangs all back. 4 senior ex police force/ detectives solving crimes. Unlike the first 2 books this one takes place away from their retirement community and at a new retirement community beach resort in Tampa that also features hotel stays as well as residences. ( i assume they needed to go elsewhere to keep it interesting) Not only do we get 1 murder to solve we get 2. The story takes off and some of the other sub characters do show up which is nice and some new people are introduced keeping fresh. Good to learn about other people the main 4 are connected to. However i was just not as engaged in this plot and story line as i was with the other 2. Some things seemed to just drag on. I did think i knew who did it and i was wrong but by then end of the book i was just kinda glad i was done. I would give it a 3.5*. id still recommend it to those who are reading the series and i am still looking forward to the next installment and what happens next in their lives.
July 24, 2023
Book Review: Death on the Beach (Retired Detectives Club #3) by Steph Broadribb
Publish Date 7/27/23 by Thomas & Mercer
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read this cozy mystery prior to publication in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the book and its characters. This is another situation where I haven’t read #1 or #2, but read this independently and it was just great. The main characters that make up the Retired Detectives Club are Moira Flynn, a retired undercover agent, Rick Denver, ex-DEA agent, and husband and wife Phillip Sweetman (a British ex-detective chief inspector )and Lizzie Sweetman (British ex CSI). They all live in a retirement community called The Homestead in Florida and being slightly bored with retirement, join together to solve crimes.
Jessie Beckton is a local real estate at Beachseekers. Her boss is Sindee McGillis. Sindee was supposed to be showing a penthouse apartment at Shimmering Sands Resort but asked Jessie to go in her place as something had come up. Jessie is excited about the opportunity � her first to show such a luxury property.
When Jessie’s body is found below the balcony, the local police decide that it was a suicide as she had ostensibly been there alone. Jessie’s father, Jim, isn’t buying that and wants someone outside of the local police who he felt prejudged the situation to investigate what happened. Once on the scene, it becomes clear that this was no suicide and they need to figure out what happened and why the police were so quick to write this off as a suicide.
What I liked: Good pace. A few speed bumps for the characters that leave them distracted but still intent on working together to figure this out. Multiple suspects that must be eliminated and one surprise suspect.
July 25, 2023
When realtor Jessie Beckton falls to her death from an 8th floor apartment she is trying to sell it is initially ruled as a suicide. However, her parents can’t believe she would take her own life and hire the Retired Detectives Club to investigate.
This is my first outing with this band of retired investigators, and it was clear it would have helped if I had read the two previous stories so that the characters bedded in more easily. However, all in all, I enjoyed the story. The characterisation was good, and the plot had plenty of twists to keep Moira, Rick, Lizzie and Philip occupied. A slight departure from my usual reads but interesting and entertaining, nevertheless.
My thanks to Steph Broadribb, Amazon and Netgalley for an ARC of Death on the Beach in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first outing with this band of retired investigators, and it was clear it would have helped if I had read the two previous stories so that the characters bedded in more easily. However, all in all, I enjoyed the story. The characterisation was good, and the plot had plenty of twists to keep Moira, Rick, Lizzie and Philip occupied. A slight departure from my usual reads but interesting and entertaining, nevertheless.
My thanks to Steph Broadribb, Amazon and Netgalley for an ARC of Death on the Beach in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2023
Good plot but quality not up to the first two books
I’ve looked so forward to this book coming out, and the plot is really good and promises to continue to be intriguing, but idk if this book had different editors or what. Too many times, when American-born characters are speaking, their lingo is wrong, such as saying ‘garden� for back yard, or asking someone if they got an ‘SMS� instead of getting a text, or saying they’re ‘keen� to do something. And contradictory voice - a character might be a hardened criminal, but speaking like they’re a teen. It’s very distracting, kind of like reading along and tripping and needing to double back for clarity. Please, go back to your old editors or way of editing - I’m looking forward to the next book being more like books 1 & 2. This one was a bit “golly gee whillikers� for my taste.
I’ve looked so forward to this book coming out, and the plot is really good and promises to continue to be intriguing, but idk if this book had different editors or what. Too many times, when American-born characters are speaking, their lingo is wrong, such as saying ‘garden� for back yard, or asking someone if they got an ‘SMS� instead of getting a text, or saying they’re ‘keen� to do something. And contradictory voice - a character might be a hardened criminal, but speaking like they’re a teen. It’s very distracting, kind of like reading along and tripping and needing to double back for clarity. Please, go back to your old editors or way of editing - I’m looking forward to the next book being more like books 1 & 2. This one was a bit “golly gee whillikers� for my taste.
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