Grave Expectations on Dickens’ Dune By Anna Celeste Burke: Review/Giveaway

Aug 24, 2019 | 2019 Articles, Food Fun, Kathleen Costa, Mysteryrat's Maze

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!

mysteryCuriosity 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

Extra! Extra! Charles Dickens would have been deliciously inspired by these easy-to-follow recipes in the book: Midge’s favorite Amish Tomato Pie (Intriguing…Gotta try this!), Sour Cream Coffee Cake, Earl Grey Doughnuts with Brown Butter Glaze, Rainbow Antipasto Pasta Salad, Barramudi with Pineapple Citrus Salsa, and my absolute favorite…Crème Brülée.

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.

You can use this link to purchase these book from Amazon. If you have ad blocker on you may not see the link:

Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.

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.

84 Comments

  1. This sounds like a wonderful series and thank you for the contest. ckmbeg (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply
    • I forgot to say that I would like a print book if I am lucky enough to be the winner.

      Reply
  2. Sounds interesting. Count me in! Print book please!

    Reply
  3. Great review! I love this series from Anna Celeste Burke and looking forward to the next installment. Thank you for the giveaway.

    Reply
  4. I would love to read this book!

    Reply
  5. This sounds wonderful!

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  6. Sounds interesting I’d love to read it soon. Thank you for the chance print books are my favorite

    Reply
  7. Sounds interesting I’d love to read it soon. Thank you for the chance print books are my favorite to read

    Reply
  8. Grave Expectations sounds captivating and intriguing. Thanks. A print book would be lovely.

    Reply
  9. 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

    Reply
  10. New series for me. Sounds like a fun book and the recipes sound good too. Would like a print copy.
    kozo8989@hotmail.com

    Reply
  11. I love the cover and the storyline. I’d love to add this book to my collection of fun reads.

    Reply
  12. This is a new series to me. Looking forward to reading. Would like a print copy.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  13. Anna Celeste Burke always ensures her readers have a good read. I’m looking forward to reading this latest. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply
  14. I’d love to win a print copy. Thanks for the chance! JL_Minter(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Reply
  15. This sounds so terrific. I want it for the tomato pie recipe alone. Thanks for the introduction to this book.

    Reply
  16. 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

    Reply
  17. 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

    Reply
  18. Looks and sounds great. Would love a print copy!

    Reply
  19. Print copy,please.

    Reply
  20. 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

    Reply
  21. 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.

    Reply
  22. Thanks for the opportunity.

    Reply
  23. Have never read any of your books, but they really sound great. Can’t wait to read them.

    Reply
  24. I’ve read all the books in the series so far and am looking forward to this book, too.

    Reply
  25. ON my TBR read column. Cheers (at) MarjimManor (dot) com

    Reply
  26. Tanks so much for the chance to win! I would love to read this book!

    Reply
  27. Would love a print copy. Thanks.

    Reply
  28. Sounds like a fun read.

    Reply
  29. Love the cover on your book. Would love to read it. Thank you!!

    Reply
  30. 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.

    Reply
  31. It sounds great.Look forward to reading ?it
    Thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  32. It sounds great.Look forward to reading ?it
    Thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  33. 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

    Reply
  34. I would like a print copy please and information the realtor in charge of these cottages ??

    Reply
  35. LOVE LOVE COZIES!!

    Reply
  36. I WOULD LOVE TO REVIEW IT AND I LOVE LOVE COZIES!!

    Reply
  37. Sounds like a really good read. I would love to have a print copy of I win.

    Reply
  38. This sounds like a great series. Cannot wait to read it. Thank you for the giveaway.

    Reply
  39. Sounds like a great series. Cannot wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway.
    patti(dot)s@comcast(dot)net

    Reply
  40. 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.

    Reply
  41. This sounds like a great read. I’d love to win. labyrd@msn.com print please if I win. thank you

    Reply
  42. Sounds good. I would love to read this book
    jwhaley4(at)aol(dot)com

    Reply
  43. Sounds like a great book!
    Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  44. I am a fan of this author and would love to win a print copy! lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  45. I love the way you did the introduction. Sounds like a good story for the series.

    Reply
  46. Love her books! Thanks for the giveaway!!

    Reply
  47. Sounds like a book I’d love to own. I’d like a print copy if I win. Thanks.
    magnoliaheart(at)outlook(dot)com

    Reply
  48. I would love to win the book, it sounds good. I would like an ebook if I win. charlfarm@gmail.com

    Reply
  49. Thanks for the review and giveaway

    Reply
  50. Would love a copy. New job author for me. YES!!

    Reply
  51. 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

    Reply
  52. Dune

    Reply
  53. Me! Pick me! 😉
    janestarcher(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  54. I am looking forward to reading this. I liked her facebook page and have requested the book at my library.

    Reply
  55. This book sounds great. Thanks for the chance. jawdance@yahoo.com I would like an ebook please.

    Reply
  56. 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.

    Reply
  57. E-book

    Reply
  58. I would love a print copy.
    kkat(dot)edwards(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  59. I would love to have a print copy.
    kkat(dot)edwards(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  60. 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

    Reply
  61. Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to win a print copy.
    ezellmarlene(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  62. Sounds great!

    Reply
  63. I would love a print copy! (And that tomato pie sure looks good. )

    Reply
  64. Thanks for the chance. The books sounds wonderful

    Reply
  65. Would love to win a print copy please & also going to investigate further the tomato pie recipe!

    Reply
  66. Would love to win! Thank you for the chance!!

    Reply
  67. Sounds like a fun series! I would take either print or ebook. Thanks for the chance! cgstratman(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Reply
  68. I would love to win, prefer print, but if not ebook ok. Love your books. Tks for the chance…susie s.

    Reply
  69. I like the title. I would like a print copy if I win.

    melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  70. I would love to win a print book please Thank you for the chance SARAHTAYLOR601973(at)YAHOO(dot)COM

    Reply
  71. Such a cute cover – you know it will be a great book – thanks for the chance to win – trwilliams69(at)msn(dot)com

    Reply
  72. sound like a wonderful book can’t wait to read print please

    Reply
  73. Love the series and range of characters always a good read .

    Reply
  74. I would love to live there. Sounds so interesting and fun to read. Thanks for the chance The recipe sounds delicious.

    Reply
  75. 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.

    Reply
  76. Have not read this author, but this book sounds great.

    Reply
  77. We have a winner!

    Reply

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