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smargopittman's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is the best mystery book I’ve read in a long time!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Murder
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Kidnapping, Grief, and Stalking
jemau11's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
By far the best part of this book was the setting. The descriptions of Cattail Island were so specific and natural that I was surprised to read that the author made it up. I liked the writing style for the most part, but unfortunately the main character felt flat. Her motivations were a little muddled and some of the things she did were ridiculous. There were also a few too many red herrings that went nowhere. Not a bad beach read, but I don’t think I’ll continue with the sequels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Suicide
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Ableism
n00biez's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.75
The writing style was underdeveloped. I enjoy strong description as a reader and this book had few, and the descriptions that they did include weren’t enjoyable. The weirdest parts were when the main character “debriefed” other characters on the happenings of the mystery within a paragraph. This happened more than four times. The most disappointing character was Toby. I’m glad the main character had some sort of romance but he ended up being so cringey I would have honestly walked out several times if I witnessed some of the things Callie saw. The whole bit about his tattoo gave me the ick. And the martial arts?? Why? I wasn’t sure what the actual mystery was until 90% through the book because the details meant to throw you off the trail were just so random. Won’t be reading the second book of this duo.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Suicide
seawarrior's review against another edition
4.0
Smile Beach Murder is an entertaining mystery with just the right amount of emotional heft. I enjoyed getting to know Callie and her neighbors on Cattail Island, and found the secrets she uncovered riveting. Bender imbues the story with culture and history for the characters and their island, making it a place it feels like you could touch on an Outer Banks map. Thanks to this, Callie's sometimes aimless investigations never felt pointless or dull. I accidentally read the sequel to this book, Murder On Mustang Beach, first, so I already know it's just as engaging. I look forward to reading future installments in the series and learning more about Cattail!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
bookswithsara8's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Alcoholism, Suicide, and Murder
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