Reviewed by Reader Views
When Jack Tyne, “an unfaithful husband, inadequate father, unscrupulous con man,” and newly appointed president of the Junior and Kids division at Mermaid Swimwear is found murdered, his wife is framed for the crime. And guess who is in the middle of it all, ready to sniff out the truth behind the gruesome murder? It’s none other than the self-appointed detective Holly Schlivnik. With the help of her best pal, workmate, and trusty sidekick Queenie, Holly embarks on an unauthorized investigation that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of intrigue, suspense, and laughter. Will Holly succeed in bringing the vicious killer to justice, or will the killer manage to silence her once and for all this time around? “Death by Surfboard” is the third installment in the Holly Swimsuit Mystery series by award-winning author and Southern California resident Susie Black. Like the second book in the series, Black’s writing style effortlessly creates tantalizing conflict and tension through the tangled web of clues and suspects, which creates the story’s twists and turns, making it hard for readers to put down the book. The lighthearted tone and the witty style also made it easy for me to read through the gruesome crime scenes in the book with ease. The author’s knack for writing about heavy topics in a light tone is unmatched. The storyline is easy to follow from scene to scene, and it is beautifully executed from beginning to end. Although I suspected who the killer was from the beginning of the story, I was still surprised when the truth of the murder was revealed by the end. This goes to show how talented Black is at creating suspense-infused tales with intriguing endings. In my opinion, the characters in “Death by Surfboard” are undoubtedly one of the book’s greatest strengths. Holly Schlivnik shines as the protagonist with a clear and strong character arc that is insanely inspiring. Her relentless pursuit of justice is admirable, and her quirky personality is both refreshing and relatable, making her a highly engaging character. I love the dynamic relationship between Holly and Queenie. It is a fun and heartwarming relationship, portraying a friendship that is both realistic and endearing, adding depth to the whole story. I also enjoyed the dialogue between the characters. I found it flawlessly natural, infused with wit and charm that brings each individual character to life. This is a must-read for fans of murder mysteries and crime thrillers. I give this book five out of five stars for its masterful execution of plot, relatable characters, and captivating writing style. From start to finish, this novel kept me engaged and invested. If you’re seeking another riveting mystery that will keep your eyes glued to the book until the last page, look no further than “Death by Surfboard” by Susie Black.
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Loved Death by Surfboard!