by Kathleen Costa
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of Grave Expectations on Dickens’ Dune (you can choose ebook or print), and a link to purchase it from Amazon.
With a View of the Sea and Murder!
Miriam Webster, she’s aware of the dictionary joke, is a widow whose husband left her to struggle with money issues, however, the silver lining was her moving to Seaview Cottages, an active adult community on the picturesque central coast of California often referred to as the American Riviera. Her husband had already purchased a residence, and with her not-quite-fifty-five dilemma managed, she makes the Hemingway Cottage her own. The community is cleverly designed in circles of cottages christened with names of artists, writers, and personalities from theater and movies, and populated with an eclectic group of senior citizens, singles to couples, level-headed to quirky and, of course, a few four-legged companions or rescuers, how ever it turns out. Her brief time at Seaview has provided several marvelous friends and a possible romance, but it’s the suspicious deaths that facilitated her founding the G.O.L.D. team (Grand Old Lady Detectives).
Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery series
A Body on Fitzgerald’s Bluff (2018)
The Murder of Shakespeare’s Ghost (March 2019)
Grave Expectations on Dickens’ Dune (May, 2019)
A Fairway to Arms at Hemingway Hills (Coming soon)
Grave Expectations on Dickens’ Dune earns 5/5 Cold Case Conundrums…Clever and Engaging!
Curiosity has said to have “killed the cat,” so, why not take a dog with you! Miriam and her Dalmatian Domino (case-in-point for Burke’s cleverness) goes exploring on the dunes, which aren’t really dunes, to see if she can locate the hidden grave of Allen Rogow, ex-husband of current client of the G.O.L.D team Judith Rogow. In the early 80s, after returning from Vietnam, Judith’s ex-husband disappeared, but a recent deathbed confession revealing he may have been murdered and buried somewhere on Dickens’ Dune makes this cold case…hot! Hence, Miriam’s ill-conceived trek out on the dunes, and the suspicious man watching her, footsteps on the rocks, and Domino’s uneasiness has given her great pause about this investigation. What has she gotten into? They learn Allen had made a promise to take to his grave a secret, a promise he kept, but what personal perils are still lurking now that Allen’s death is being closely scrutinized.
“Vengeance and retribution require a long time; it is the rule.”
—A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
—Ch. 17 Grave Expectations on Dickens’s Dune by Anna Celeste Burke
I am a big fan of Anna Celeste Burke’s writing style and creativity, so I’m in for any book she pens. But, this Seaview Cottage Mystery series may have become an all-time top favorite. I am greatly entertained by her writing style from the first-person perspective of Miriam Webster sharing her insights and inner feelings along with descriptive language of the setting and characters, humor, and dialogue that does well to illustrate the various personalities. But, more importantly, it’s her clever mystery, contemporary themes, wonderful mature characters, a bit of romance, and incorporating links to Charles Dickens’ work with quotes always having a direct meaning that kept me totally engaged. A war? The government? The mob? Who can be trusted? It was only the lateness of the hour that forced me to put down this page-turner. Newbies can easily join in with book three and using the brief bios in the Cast of Character list keeps everyone informed, but the first two books are so clever, you don’t want to miss them. Check out my KRL review for those books at KRL March 30, 2019 issue Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery Series.
Fresh tomato pie on grey wooden background
Coming Soon! Book four, A Fairway to Arms at Hemingway Hills, has the G.O.L.D. team compelled to check into the trouble at The Blue Haven Resort and Spa. A mishap on the golf course at the exclusive Hemingway Hills Country Club reveals a dead body, a heist, and a cache of arms.
Be a Big Anna Celeste Burke Fan!
“Snooping into life’s mysteries with fun, fiction, & food…California style!”
Anna Celeste Burke is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of five series that are personal favorites. Her engaging five-book Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery series will add book six, A Dead Nephew, this year. The three-book Corsario Cove Mystery will also add one more, Radical Regatta, as a standalone in November, but it will be part of a limited edition Summer Snoops Unleashed: 14 Furr-ocious Mysteries and Cozy Crimes releasing on July 23. Her seven-book Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery series is a top favorite (I love Georgie!), and along with the three-book Seaview Cottages Cozy Mystery series, she started a fun Calla Lily Mystery series with Lily’s Homecoming: Under Fire released this past January, book two A Tangle in the Vines to release in September, and Fall’s Killer Vintage is highly anticipated.
Facebook – Anna Celeste Burke
Website – Desert Cities Mystery/Anna Celeste Burke
Twitter – aburke59
To enter to win an ebook or print copy of Grave Expectations on Dickens’ Dune, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, with the subject line “dune,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen August 31, 2019. Only US entries. If entering via comment please include your email address. If entering via email please include your mailing address (so we have it if you win, it will not be used for any other purpose). BE SURE TO MENTION IF YOU WANT PRINT OR EBOOK. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.
Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. Also check our our new mystery podcast! A new episode goes up this week.
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Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.
This sounds like a wonderful series and thank you for the contest. ckmbeg (at) gmail (dot) com
I forgot to say that I would like a print book if I am lucky enough to be the winner.
Sounds interesting. Count me in! Print book please!
Great review! I love this series from Anna Celeste Burke and looking forward to the next installment. Thank you for the giveaway.
I would love to read this book!
This sounds wonderful!
Sounds interesting I’d love to read it soon. Thank you for the chance print books are my favorite
Sounds interesting I’d love to read it soon. Thank you for the chance print books are my favorite to read
Grave Expectations sounds captivating and intriguing. Thanks. A print book would be lovely.
Looks like a fun read. I would like a print copy if I am chosen. Thank you so much for this chance. pgenest57(at)aol(dot)com
New series for me. Sounds like a fun book and the recipes sound good too. Would like a print copy.
kozo8989@hotmail.com
I love the cover and the storyline. I’d love to add this book to my collection of fun reads.
This is a new series to me. Looking forward to reading. Would like a print copy.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Anna Celeste Burke always ensures her readers have a good read. I’m looking forward to reading this latest. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com
I’d love to win a print copy. Thanks for the chance! JL_Minter(at)hotmail(dot)com
This sounds so terrific. I want it for the tomato pie recipe alone. Thanks for the introduction to this book.
Sounds like a fun place to live.
Love that the cottages have
names. I would like a
print copy, please.
thanks for the offer.
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
This is absolutely wonderful–I am so grateful that you featured Grave Expectations on Dickens’ Dune. It’s fun series to write and set in a gorgeous part of the California central coast. Your kind words about the book are a blessing! I can’t wait to write the next book in the series–A Fairway to Arms in Hemingway Hills. Thank you KRL and thank you Kathleen for the cleverly written post. xx
Looks and sounds great. Would love a print copy!
Print copy,please.
This book sounds like a wonderful read and so much fun. I would love to live in a cottage with a name. A print copy would be great. Thanks for the chance. karengreen1121 (at) gmail (dot) com
I came across this series and loved it. I can’t remember where but it had to be either BookBud or Amazon. I would love to have a e-book.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Have never read any of your books, but they really sound great. Can’t wait to read them.
I’ve read all the books in the series so far and am looking forward to this book, too.
ON my TBR read column. Cheers (at) MarjimManor (dot) com
Tanks so much for the chance to win! I would love to read this book!
Would love a print copy. Thanks.
Sounds like a fun read.
I would love to win an ebook please! Thank you for the chance. ajhager@hotmail.com
Love the cover on your book. Would love to read it. Thank you!!
Receipe list has my mouth watering. Just an added bonus. I have read some of her books and all are easily 4 and 5 stars.
Please enter me for a print book. Such a rare treat these days.
It sounds great.Look forward to reading ?it
Thanks for the giveaway.
It sounds great.Look forward to reading ?it
Thanks for the giveaway.
What a wonderful prize that is!
I would love to live in a place like this.
I would love a printed copy, but would be just as happy with an “E Book’
nancikatz(at)aol(dot)com
I would like a print copy please and information the realtor in charge of these cottages ??
THanking you for the contest and this interesting article! quackers502000@yahoo.com
LOVE LOVE COZIES!!
I WOULD LOVE TO REVIEW IT AND I LOVE LOVE COZIES!!
Sounds like a really good read. I would love to have a print copy of I win.
This sounds like a great series. Cannot wait to read it. Thank you for the giveaway.
Sounds like a great series. Cannot wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway.
patti(dot)s@comcast(dot)net
I love this series so much. The setting is wonderful and the G.O.L.D gang always makes me smile. Also, I love that there are animals included in the story line. Can’t wait to read the next one.
This sounds like a great read. I’d love to win. labyrd@msn.com print please if I win. thank you
Sounds good. I would love to read this book
jwhaley4(at)aol(dot)com
Sounds like a great book!
Thanks for the chance!
I am a fan of this author and would love to win a print copy! lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com
I love the way you did the introduction. Sounds like a good story for the series.
Love her books! Thanks for the giveaway!!
Sounds like a book I’d love to own. I’d like a print copy if I win. Thanks.
magnoliaheart(at)outlook(dot)com
I would love to win the book, it sounds good. I would like an ebook if I win. charlfarm@gmail.com
Thanks for the review and giveaway
Would love a copy. New job author for me. YES!!
I have the eBook but would love the print copy. I miss the feel of “real” books! This is a great series – thank you for the giveaway.
teddi1961(at)arcemont(dot)com
Dune
Me! Pick me! 😉
janestarcher(at)gmail(dot)com
I am looking forward to reading this. I liked her facebook page and have requested the book at my library.
This book sounds great. Thanks for the chance. jawdance@yahoo.com I would like an ebook please.
Print please
Oh but this sounds like a book that would be hard to put down. A new to me author and I would love to give a try.
E-book
I would love to win!!
treat.charity@gmail.com
I would love to win a print copy!!
treat.charity@gmail.com
I would love a print copy.
kkat(dot)edwards(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to have a print copy.
kkat(dot)edwards(at)gmail(dot)com
I love her books and have been a fan this author for a long time – it is so hard to put her books down – would love a book from her would be awesome. mpmccray@tds.net
Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to win a print copy.
ezellmarlene(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds great!
I would love a print copy! (And that tomato pie sure looks good. )
Thanks for the chance. The books sounds wonderful
Would love to win a print copy please & also going to investigate further the tomato pie recipe!
Would love to win! Thank you for the chance!!
I would love to read a print book.
Sounds like a fun series! I would take either print or ebook. Thanks for the chance! cgstratman(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would love to win, prefer print, but if not ebook ok. Love your books. Tks for the chance…susie s.
I forgot…bwshively@verizon.net
I like the title. I would like a print copy if I win.
melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to win a print book please Thank you for the chance SARAHTAYLOR601973(at)YAHOO(dot)COM
Such a cute cover – you know it will be a great book – thanks for the chance to win – trwilliams69(at)msn(dot)com
sound like a wonderful book can’t wait to read print please
Love the series and range of characters always a good read .
I would love to live there. Sounds so interesting and fun to read. Thanks for the chance The recipe sounds delicious.
I would love to live there. Sounds so interesting and fun to read. Thanks for the chance The recipe sounds delicious. I want to make it soon.
Have not read this author, but this book sounds great.
We have a winner!