Smile Beach Murder is the brand new (May '22) release from writer and Outer Banks resident Alicia Bessette. The first in her 'Outer Banks Bookshop Mystery' series, Smile Beach Murder is a cozy mystery set on Cattail Island, a fictional Outer Banks island with all the genuine OBX vibe our readers want.
Callie Padget is a former reporter turned bookshop clerk on 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.
We were thrilled to be able to help introduce Smile Beach Murder to the world at a First Friday launch party and again at a ticketed event featuring Alicia. We've read the book and give it two thumbs up and will be making it one of our top recommendations of the summer- especially to our annual visitors who ask us, as soon as they walk in the door, for 'any new Outer Banks books!' We are happy to say the answer is YES and at the top of the list is Smile Beach Murder. Alicia has signed stock for us and we are very pleased to offer autographed editions.
