Surf And Sand: The Girl In The Seaside Hotel - Softcover

Edwards, W.B.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 179666832X ISBN 13: 9781796668322

Publisher: Independently published, 2019

Synopsis

During the historic summer of 1959, a young girl named Mary Nell Morgan finds herself obsessed with solving a mystery that occurred 21 years earlier in the beachside hotel where she lives. Along the way she learns about the ocean, the hotel's history, and a few things about love and friendship. After her brother's girlfriend vanishes under eerily similar circumstances to the cold case, the original detective returns, and Nell works to help him solve both of the mysteries.
Originally published in 2019, the author thoroughly revised this work in 2023.

About this title

Review

"A mystery/coming-of-age tale with well-developed characters and appealing historical settings...Edwards effectively assembles a number of intriguing elements in this mystery novel. Nell is an engaging character who's thoughtful, a reader, athletic, and resourceful, and these qualities not only help her sleuthing, but also help her grow as a person. The historical settings are intriguing, as well, whether it's 1938 with its Hollywood glamour and sleaze, or 1959, as California surfing gains popularity...The parallel mysteries are compelling, with fine red herrings to keep readers guessing..." ----Kirkus Reviews
From a June 2019 Publisher's Weekly Booklife Prize Critic's report:...Plot: The plot....is engaging, and the final twist is satisfying to read. The story's twist...appears fairly late in the book, and isn't affirmed until the very last chapter of the novel. Prose/Style: The dialogue reads very realistically - especially the exchanges between the children, Lonnie and Nell. Edwards is clearly attuned to (his) characters' voices. Originality: This is a general story line that many fans of the thriller/mystery genre will recognize.

A Reader's Favorite 5 Star Review!
by Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers' Favorite
"The most difficult decision to make...is whether one most appreciates the beautiful, literary writing of this excellent author, or if one is even more intrigued by the incredibly subtle mystery embedded in this captivating story...Surf And Sand is for those who immerse themselves close to drowning in their reading, and worship the invigorating breath they take upon resurfacing."

Edition details

• Publisher: Independently published
• Publication date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 179666832X
• ISBN 13: 9781796668322
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 344