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Smile Beach Murder

by Alicia Bessette

A lighthouse mystery tied to an island’s past

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AlbakiReads Editorial

A lighthouse mystery tied to an island’s past

In Cattail Island, a second fatal fall from the lighthouse brings former reporter and bookstore clerk Callie Padget back to questions surrounding her mother’s death there years earlier. When Eva Meeks dies and police call it suicide, Callie suspects otherwise, especially after learning Eva had uncovered an old treasure hunt. The investigation links the island’s present-day secrets to Callie’s personal history, while her work at the local bookstore and her new allies—including martial arts instructor Toby Dodge—place the mystery within the community she has returned to. Alicia Bessette’s series opener combines a women-sleuth investigation with a coastal-island setting and a case whose stakes grow as Callie pursues answers.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers who enjoy mysteries led by a former reporter turned amateur investigator.
  • Readers interested in small-island settings, local secrets, and bookstore connections.
  • Readers drawn to mysteries that connect a present-day case with a protagonist’s family history.

Themes

Grief and family historySmall-community secretsTreasure hunts and hidden motivesAmateur investigation

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

From author Alicia Bessette comes an all-new mystery series featuring Callie Padget, a former reporter turned bookshop clerk in the Outer Banks who is pulled into a deadly web of secrets when a mysterious fall at a lighthouse echoes a tragedy from her past.

When Callie is laid off from her reporting job, she returns to her hometown of Cattail Island and lands a gig at the local bookstore--the same one where she found comfort after her mother died.

In fact, the anniversary of her mother's infamous death is approaching. Years ago, Teri Padget tumbled from the top of the lighthouse. As islanders are once again gossiping about the tragedy, devastating news strikes: the lighthouse has claimed another victim. Eva Meeks, of Meeks Hardware.

The police are calling it suicide, but Callie does not believe Eva jumped any more than she believes her mother did--especially because Callie knows that before her death, Eva had dug up a long-forgotten treasure hunt that could have put a target on Eva's back.

In Callie's search for answers, she enlists the help of some beloved books and several new friends, including the handsome local martial arts instructor, Toby Dodge. But when another death rocks Cattail Island, Callie must face her fears alone. As she earns enemies in pursuit of the truth, Callie knows she will either uncover the killer or become a victim herself.

Mystery Writers of America's Lilian Jackson Braun Memorial Award nominee
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Customer reviews

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Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.