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Jemima Jago Mystery #1
A Death at Seascape House
With its sweeping sandy beaches and rolling emerald hills, the island of St. Morwenna is an idyllic escape. But behind the perfectly pruned primroses and neighborly smiles a killer lies in wait…
When librarian Jemima Jago is offered the opportunity to catalogue Cornwall’s largest collection of antique shipwreck records it is a dream come true. The only problem? The collection is housed on the island of St. Morwenna, the childhood home she left years ago and vowed never to return to.
Shortly after Jem arrives back in town, island busybody and notorious grump Edith Reddy is found dead, with duct tape clamped over her mouth and nose. Jem, caught seemingly red-handed at the scene of the crime, mistakenly becomes the police’s number one suspect. The handsome Sergeant Hackman in particular can’t seem to leave Jem alone…
Jem must take matters into her own hands if she wants to clear her name. Snooping around Edith’s once-grand home, she is struck by the mess before her. The bedroom is completely ransacked and in the living room all the photographs have been removed from their frames. Was Edith’s death simply a break-in gone wrong, or is there more to the mystery that the police are missing?
Jem has a sharp eye for a clue and she soon realizes that many of the island’s eccentric residents had reason for wanting Edith out of the way. Could Declan, the curious café owner, or Bart, the fishy ferryman have killed Edith? Jem won’t rest until she uncovers the truth, but doing so will put her right in the killer’s line of sight…
A totally charming cozy mystery from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Emma Jameson. Brimming with intrigue and warm humor, fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands will love A Death at Seascape House.
When librarian Jemima Jago is offered the opportunity to catalogue Cornwall’s largest collection of antique shipwreck records it is a dream come true. The only problem? The collection is housed on the island of St. Morwenna, the childhood home she left years ago and vowed never to return to.
Shortly after Jem arrives back in town, island busybody and notorious grump Edith Reddy is found dead, with duct tape clamped over her mouth and nose. Jem, caught seemingly red-handed at the scene of the crime, mistakenly becomes the police’s number one suspect. The handsome Sergeant Hackman in particular can’t seem to leave Jem alone…
Jem must take matters into her own hands if she wants to clear her name. Snooping around Edith’s once-grand home, she is struck by the mess before her. The bedroom is completely ransacked and in the living room all the photographs have been removed from their frames. Was Edith’s death simply a break-in gone wrong, or is there more to the mystery that the police are missing?
Jem has a sharp eye for a clue and she soon realizes that many of the island’s eccentric residents had reason for wanting Edith out of the way. Could Declan, the curious café owner, or Bart, the fishy ferryman have killed Edith? Jem won’t rest until she uncovers the truth, but doing so will put her right in the killer’s line of sight…
A totally charming cozy mystery from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Emma Jameson. Brimming with intrigue and warm humor, fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands will love A Death at Seascape House.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
April 29, 2021
This was an entertaining cosy mystery with all the customary events and characters. We meet Jem, the beautiful, intelligent but misunderstood main character. Then there is the arrogant and biased Chief of Police, a dead body or two and (oh no) the setting up of a prospective love triangle for future books in the series.
Despite some rather weak dialogue, the story moves at a steady pace and the mystery is interesting. There are clues enough to recognise who the murder probably is and everything ties up neatly. An enjoyable but not especially memorable read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Despite some rather weak dialogue, the story moves at a steady pace and the mystery is interesting. There are clues enough to recognise who the murder probably is and everything ties up neatly. An enjoyable but not especially memorable read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 27, 2021
Review published in: https://diagnosisbookaholic.blogspot....
3,5 ⭐️
A death at Seascape House is the first installment in a new cozy mysteries series. I’m always up for a good cozy murder mystery and if the amateur sleuth is a librarian even better! I love where there’s book talk in a story.
I must confess that it took me a while to connect with the story and its characters. At first they were all quite unpleasant and could not understand Jem’s passiveness to all the islanders attacks, especially when all their beef with her was because of something that happened 20 years ago when she was a teen.
With everyone thinking her guilty of her arch nemesis’ murder Jem takes upon herself to find the truth along some old and new friends. For someone who claimed to be quite reserved with strangers she sure was very chatty with people she had just met! 😅 I loved how Micki felt like a closer friend than the ones she knew from her childhood.
The pace picked up halfway through when revelations started coming to light and we’re finally explained what happened during her time in St. Morwenna 20 years before.
The setting was lovely and the close knit community very well portrayed. As the story progressed Jem became less bratty so I could finally warm up to her. I also loved how she managed to rekindle her friendship with Pauley and I’m curious to see where that hint about a love triangle will go.
After a bit of a slow start, A death at Seascape House turned out into an enjoyable cozy mystery, with characters that will grow on you and the promise of interesting things to happen in future installments.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
3,5 ⭐️
A death at Seascape House is the first installment in a new cozy mysteries series. I’m always up for a good cozy murder mystery and if the amateur sleuth is a librarian even better! I love where there’s book talk in a story.
I must confess that it took me a while to connect with the story and its characters. At first they were all quite unpleasant and could not understand Jem’s passiveness to all the islanders attacks, especially when all their beef with her was because of something that happened 20 years ago when she was a teen.
With everyone thinking her guilty of her arch nemesis’ murder Jem takes upon herself to find the truth along some old and new friends. For someone who claimed to be quite reserved with strangers she sure was very chatty with people she had just met! 😅 I loved how Micki felt like a closer friend than the ones she knew from her childhood.
The pace picked up halfway through when revelations started coming to light and we’re finally explained what happened during her time in St. Morwenna 20 years before.
The setting was lovely and the close knit community very well portrayed. As the story progressed Jem became less bratty so I could finally warm up to her. I also loved how she managed to rekindle her friendship with Pauley and I’m curious to see where that hint about a love triangle will go.
After a bit of a slow start, A death at Seascape House turned out into an enjoyable cozy mystery, with characters that will grow on you and the promise of interesting things to happen in future installments.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2021
A Death at Seascape House is the first instalment in the Jemima ”Jem” Jago Mystery series, set on the fictional island of St. Morwenna in the Scilly Isles. Librarian and amateur sleuth Jem Jago vowed many years ago never to return to St. Morwenna after a tragedy that occurred in her teen years. It was when Jem was 14 that she persuaded her friends Pauley Gwyn, Rhys Tremayne and Rhys’ younger brother, Cam, to take a trip out on a boat one night. They were unlucky enough to be hit by a huge wave which resulted in Cam’s drowning. The Islanders blamed Jem and she left under a cloud of seething anger and upset causing her to be extremely traumatised. Now 20 years later, as an expert in antique books and local resources of historic importance, Jem has been offered the chance to work for the Royal Institute of Cornwall (RIC) and the Courtney Library. When her former best friend, Pauley, contacted RIC to inform them she wished to donate her three-hundred-and-fifty-year-old library, an undifferentiated mass of books, papers, maps, and Gwyn family ephemera, the institute’s leadership had been over the moon. The collection even included an exceedingly rare find—what appeared to be a lost poem by none other than Oscar Wilde. Their search for a librarian with the training, knowledge, and desire to undertake such a project—not to mention a willingness to live on St. Morwenna for up to a month—had led them to Jem. But it isn't long before she discovers that the rare copy of A Child’s Garden of Verses, the book containing the poem, has been brazenly stolen, but Pauley is already aware of who she believes is the culprit: the ubiquitously hated Mrs Edith Reddy.
Edith was a mean-spirited, self-important battle-axe whose vehicle was the strange ”Big Orange” dune buggy and she would ride around barking orders and criticisms at everyone from fully grown adults to tiny tots. She was known hilariously as the ”secret police”. Jem had been staying on the largest of the Scilly Isles, St Mary's, waiting to meet Pauley there, but after news of the theft, she decides to hitch a ride on Bart the Ferryman’s water taxi straight to St. Morwenna to investigate the pilfered book. 13-year-old Kenzie stated that she had seen Reddy hovering nearby when the precious book vanished, so despite Edith having practically spearheaded the witch hunt of her when the tragedy happened all those years earlier, Jem wants to face her head-on and this is the most opportune time to do so. She makes her way over to Seascape House, but there is no answer when she knocks at the door. She decides to enter and finds Edith dead in the bedroom with her nose and mouth duct-taped shut and she is arrested. Let go the following morning. Jem is still shocked at what she saw and is aware that the people are treating her with suspicion just like all those years ago, but then she finds the body of a young girl murdered in the Ice Cream Hut. Can Jem help solve these two brutal murders and stay both alive and out of jail? This is a compulsive, compelling and promising series opener and a cosy mystery with more grit and nail-biting moments than most. There's plenty of intrigue, action and drama and the settings are vivid and evocative. A slow burn piece of cosy escapism populated with memorable, quirky and eccentric characters. Highly recommended.
Edith was a mean-spirited, self-important battle-axe whose vehicle was the strange ”Big Orange” dune buggy and she would ride around barking orders and criticisms at everyone from fully grown adults to tiny tots. She was known hilariously as the ”secret police”. Jem had been staying on the largest of the Scilly Isles, St Mary's, waiting to meet Pauley there, but after news of the theft, she decides to hitch a ride on Bart the Ferryman’s water taxi straight to St. Morwenna to investigate the pilfered book. 13-year-old Kenzie stated that she had seen Reddy hovering nearby when the precious book vanished, so despite Edith having practically spearheaded the witch hunt of her when the tragedy happened all those years earlier, Jem wants to face her head-on and this is the most opportune time to do so. She makes her way over to Seascape House, but there is no answer when she knocks at the door. She decides to enter and finds Edith dead in the bedroom with her nose and mouth duct-taped shut and she is arrested. Let go the following morning. Jem is still shocked at what she saw and is aware that the people are treating her with suspicion just like all those years ago, but then she finds the body of a young girl murdered in the Ice Cream Hut. Can Jem help solve these two brutal murders and stay both alive and out of jail? This is a compulsive, compelling and promising series opener and a cosy mystery with more grit and nail-biting moments than most. There's plenty of intrigue, action and drama and the settings are vivid and evocative. A slow burn piece of cosy escapism populated with memorable, quirky and eccentric characters. Highly recommended.
April 5, 2021
I really wanted to love this book but I couldn’t connect. I think the main character Jem was interesting enough to carry a story but I didn’t understand some of her actions. How does someone seemingly so closed off instantly became best friends (and I really mean besties, not just a casual acquaintance) with A bartender after a 4 minute convo? Even stranger ended up telling a man she doesn’t know her darkest memory after not talking about it (even a therapist) for years and years. The pacing and motivations seemed a bit off in that respect.
The rest of the characters were kind of weak and the mystery fairly predictable.
This one just wasn’t for me.
The rest of the characters were kind of weak and the mystery fairly predictable.
This one just wasn’t for me.
March 31, 2021
I'm not sure if that book should count as a cosy mystery since there is nothing cosy about it.
Setting a book in a picturesque setting is not enough to call it cosy, unfortunately. There's drama, there's trauma, there are vile people.
The characters are unlikable, and I'm not talking about the ones who should be perceived like that. There is not one person that I liked. The main character is a doormat. One would think that leaving the island that treated her wrong, living many years in London would toughen her up, but no. Jem gets back to the island and still can't utter one word to defend herself. She's a grown woman and yet every time someone gives her a stink eye she just blushes and does nothing. Like, ffs. I can't stand people like that in real world, not to mention in a novel.
Her so-called friends are no better. I'd understand why Rhys is how he is, but Paulie? Jesus, I'd probably never want to speak to a person like that. Ever.
Talking about friends. Jem meets Micki, the bartender, on her way to the island and after like 5 minutes they're the best of friends. She tells her her life story and then Micki is like by her side all.the.time. It feels like Micki was their childhood friend the way she eased her way into thestory.
I think it would be so much better if she were written as an actual childhood friend, as it wuld be more believable.
As to the mystery part, it's neither engaging nor surprising. I didn't really care about how it was going to end.
It's so obvious that in the next book(s) there will be a strong love triangle - Jem-Hack-Rhys and I'm not interested in that.
I received this book from the Publisher for an honest review
Setting a book in a picturesque setting is not enough to call it cosy, unfortunately. There's drama, there's trauma, there are vile people.
The characters are unlikable, and I'm not talking about the ones who should be perceived like that. There is not one person that I liked. The main character is a doormat. One would think that leaving the island that treated her wrong, living many years in London would toughen her up, but no. Jem gets back to the island and still can't utter one word to defend herself. She's a grown woman and yet every time someone gives her a stink eye she just blushes and does nothing. Like, ffs. I can't stand people like that in real world, not to mention in a novel.
Her so-called friends are no better. I'd understand why Rhys is how he is, but Paulie? Jesus, I'd probably never want to speak to a person like that. Ever.
Talking about friends. Jem meets Micki, the bartender, on her way to the island and after like 5 minutes they're the best of friends. She tells her her life story and then Micki is like by her side all.the.time. It feels like Micki was their childhood friend the way she eased her way into thestory.
I think it would be so much better if she were written as an actual childhood friend, as it wuld be more believable.
As to the mystery part, it's neither engaging nor surprising. I didn't really care about how it was going to end.
It's so obvious that in the next book(s) there will be a strong love triangle - Jem-Hack-Rhys and I'm not interested in that.
I received this book from the Publisher for an honest review
August 10, 2023
Jem, a librarian, is hired to return to her former island home of St Morwenna to catalog an old library where there might be a rare book. She is notified that the book is missing, and that the island busybody, Mrs. Reedy, has been seen with it. When she goes to confront the woman, she finds her dead. The island police chief is a vindictive loser who wants to blame Jem because of her past history. But apparently there are a few people who had a bone to pick with Mrs. Reedy, who seemed to know everyone's secrets and didn't hesitate to exploit her knowledge. A second island murder makes the situation even more puzzling.
May 17, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- Enjoyable "who done it"
PROS
-- Love the cover.
-- Well written.
-- Relatively quick read.
-- A plot that kept me turning the pages.
-- Unique (in my opinion) setting.
-- Interesting characters.
-- Satisfying ending.
CONS
-- I am not overly a fan of groups of people or communities that vilify a person (especially a kid) for something that was obviously an accident. The fact that an entire island of people (bar two) was still treating Jem so horribly 20 years on, was a little eye roll worthy.
-- Jem frustrated me at times. I wanted her to stand up for herself and tell people off!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
PROS
-- Love the cover.
-- Well written.
-- Relatively quick read.
-- A plot that kept me turning the pages.
-- Unique (in my opinion) setting.
-- Interesting characters.
-- Satisfying ending.
CONS
-- I am not overly a fan of groups of people or communities that vilify a person (especially a kid) for something that was obviously an accident. The fact that an entire island of people (bar two) was still treating Jem so horribly 20 years on, was a little eye roll worthy.
-- Jem frustrated me at times. I wanted her to stand up for herself and tell people off!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
April 30, 2021
Jemima Jago is a Special Collections Librarian and is eager to being a new job on the idyllic island of St. Morwenna. The new job will no doubt entail months of work as she hopes to work with a very large collection. However, St. Morwenna is no longer home to Jem. She left nearly 20 years ago and is worried that bad memories will stop her in her tracks.
However, something else stops Jem. She finds the body of the town's most obnoxious busybody Edith Reddy. Jem proves to be the #1 suspect so she is determined to remove herself from inquiry and is determined to clear her name. Who killed Edith and why?
Jem's powers of observation, process of elimination and genuine intuition are all come into play as she strives to identify the killer. What is more is that just about anyone could have killed Edith, with clear motive. Edith was evil, no doubt, so who is it who killed her?
This intriguing story flows between Edith's past as a teen and how, if at all, it plays into current circumstances. I loved meeting Jem as well as a few other characters including Pauley and Hack. I can't wait to see what else Jem will face in future installments in this series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
However, something else stops Jem. She finds the body of the town's most obnoxious busybody Edith Reddy. Jem proves to be the #1 suspect so she is determined to remove herself from inquiry and is determined to clear her name. Who killed Edith and why?
Jem's powers of observation, process of elimination and genuine intuition are all come into play as she strives to identify the killer. What is more is that just about anyone could have killed Edith, with clear motive. Edith was evil, no doubt, so who is it who killed her?
This intriguing story flows between Edith's past as a teen and how, if at all, it plays into current circumstances. I loved meeting Jem as well as a few other characters including Pauley and Hack. I can't wait to see what else Jem will face in future installments in this series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
May 2, 2021
This is the first book in a new series featuring Jemima (Jem) Jago as the amateur detective. She’s actually a librarian who is returning to her childhood home island of St Morwenna one of the Scilly Isles, off the coast of Cornwall. With books, an idyllic setting and a small community, I really looked forward to reading this – and wasn’t disappointed.
It is twenty years since Jem left the island vowing never to return but now the opportunity to catalogue a huge collection of antique shipwreck records stored in the home of one of her childhood best friends is just too tempting. She’s unsure of her welcome as she left after tragic events for which she was blamed, but maybe now is the time to put that all behind her. However, within a short time of landing back on the island Jem discovers the murdered body of her arch nemesis, Edith Reddy, the old lady who never had a kind word to say about her and plenty of unkind ones. . . . . That’s not the only bad news for Jem as the officer who turns up to investigate the murder is someone else she upset as a teen – and he’s not forgotten, immediately arresting her on suspicion of being the murderer! She’s going to have to do some investigating of her own to help clear her name and bring the real perpetrator to justice!
This is a glorious setting, with a small community containing an eclectic mix of characters, many of whom assume that Jem hasn’t altered in the twenty years she’s been away. I’ll be honest, as usual, and say that for the first part of this story I really didn’t like Jem, she seemed so stroppy without the need to be, especially for someone who is thirty four years old and no longer a rebellious teenager. However, as she starts to reconnect with folks from her past and makes new friends she kind of grows on you and I totally changed my mind about her. There’s plenty of clues, lots of suspects, many secrets and surprises to keep you guessing. It is an engaging read and I can’t wait to read more stories featuring Jem in future – and to discover just how her relationships with friends old and new develop.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
It is twenty years since Jem left the island vowing never to return but now the opportunity to catalogue a huge collection of antique shipwreck records stored in the home of one of her childhood best friends is just too tempting. She’s unsure of her welcome as she left after tragic events for which she was blamed, but maybe now is the time to put that all behind her. However, within a short time of landing back on the island Jem discovers the murdered body of her arch nemesis, Edith Reddy, the old lady who never had a kind word to say about her and plenty of unkind ones. . . . . That’s not the only bad news for Jem as the officer who turns up to investigate the murder is someone else she upset as a teen – and he’s not forgotten, immediately arresting her on suspicion of being the murderer! She’s going to have to do some investigating of her own to help clear her name and bring the real perpetrator to justice!
This is a glorious setting, with a small community containing an eclectic mix of characters, many of whom assume that Jem hasn’t altered in the twenty years she’s been away. I’ll be honest, as usual, and say that for the first part of this story I really didn’t like Jem, she seemed so stroppy without the need to be, especially for someone who is thirty four years old and no longer a rebellious teenager. However, as she starts to reconnect with folks from her past and makes new friends she kind of grows on you and I totally changed my mind about her. There’s plenty of clues, lots of suspects, many secrets and surprises to keep you guessing. It is an engaging read and I can’t wait to read more stories featuring Jem in future – and to discover just how her relationships with friends old and new develop.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
April 27, 2021
As the first book I have read by this author, as well as the first in the Jemina Jago series, I was excited to delve into it as the setting was somewhat different as being on the Isles of Scilly, off the coast of Cornwall. I am partial to books set in and around Cornwall (or anywhere along the West Country coastline) so naturally I jumped at the chance to read this book. Unfortunately, I think my interest was left in Penzance because it certainly didn't make it to St Morwenna or anywhere on the Isles.
The story goes with Jemima Jago, former resident of St Morwenna on the Isles of Scilly some twenty odd years ago, returns to the Isles to catalogue a bunch of shipwreck records including a previously undiscovered poem by Oscar Wilde. Jem is excited by this rare find in the library of the island's oldest house which belonged to a former school friend of hers. Shortly after she arrives in town, she discovers that the book and the Oscar Wilde poem has gone missing, possibly stolen by the island's resident busybody Edith Reddy. So Jem makes her way over to St Morwenna to confront Edith and upon finding her door ajar and hearing a crashing noise coming from inside, enters the house whilst alerting anyone inside to her presence. After slipping in some blood and losing a shoe, she soon discovers Edith's body on the bed, her mouth and nose bound repeatedly in duct tape. Someone really wanted to make sure the job was done.
Hearing a sound coming from beyond the window, Jem then sticks her head out and comes face to face with the wild eyes of a bearded man that left her screaming and reeling in shock. Perhaps he is the murderer. But then the murderer wouldn't re-enter the house calling her name...would they? Turns out, the "wild man" was none other than her first boyfriend and first love, Rhys Tremayne. For a couple that used to be so in love and joined at the hip, they did nothing but snipe at each other the entire time. Jem called 999 afterwhich the island's police chief "randy Andy" arrived and taking one look at the mess and Jem snapping photos and going through the kitchen, arrested her.
Honestly, I don't know much of what happened after that as it all seemed to go in one ear and out the other and by almost halfway through nothing much was happening. In fact, it took about 20% of the book for Jem to actually get to St Morwenna and the body being discovered. I ended up tossing it and I could not be bothered with continuing to find out who killed Edith Reddy and why. By that point, I really didn't care. Jem and Rhys had me tearing my hair out with their constant bickering. The police chief was arrogant and annoying. Bart was just weird. Everyone else I couldn't connect to or care less about.
I really wanted to like this book but I couldn't connect with the characters. They were all equally unlikeable, maybe apart from Micki who I thought was a hoot, but not enough to engage me. Jemima was far from interesting. In fact I found her downright annoying. For someone who supposedly had enough brain cells after watching plenty of true crime drama she sure as hell made a good job of contaminating the crime scene when she knew that any evidence needed to be preserved. No wonder she was arrested on the spot for suspicion of murder...she left traces of herself absolutely everywhere! And I am puzzled as to how she came to be suddenly BFF's with a bartender after a 5 minute conversation!
I'm not sure why it is classified as a cosy mystery because there is nothing cosy about it. It's picturesque setting isn't enough to make it cosy. And the characters are all repugnant. Nope, nothing cosy about it. Trying to draw on fans of Agatha Christie doesn't endear me to it either. I did, however, love the cover which initially drew me to it.
If you are looking for a delightful cosy read, then A DEATH AT SEASCAPE HOUSE is not for you. It is, however, if you like drama and irritating vile characters.
I would like to thank #EmmaJameson, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #ADeathAtSeascapeHouse in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
The story goes with Jemima Jago, former resident of St Morwenna on the Isles of Scilly some twenty odd years ago, returns to the Isles to catalogue a bunch of shipwreck records including a previously undiscovered poem by Oscar Wilde. Jem is excited by this rare find in the library of the island's oldest house which belonged to a former school friend of hers. Shortly after she arrives in town, she discovers that the book and the Oscar Wilde poem has gone missing, possibly stolen by the island's resident busybody Edith Reddy. So Jem makes her way over to St Morwenna to confront Edith and upon finding her door ajar and hearing a crashing noise coming from inside, enters the house whilst alerting anyone inside to her presence. After slipping in some blood and losing a shoe, she soon discovers Edith's body on the bed, her mouth and nose bound repeatedly in duct tape. Someone really wanted to make sure the job was done.
Hearing a sound coming from beyond the window, Jem then sticks her head out and comes face to face with the wild eyes of a bearded man that left her screaming and reeling in shock. Perhaps he is the murderer. But then the murderer wouldn't re-enter the house calling her name...would they? Turns out, the "wild man" was none other than her first boyfriend and first love, Rhys Tremayne. For a couple that used to be so in love and joined at the hip, they did nothing but snipe at each other the entire time. Jem called 999 afterwhich the island's police chief "randy Andy" arrived and taking one look at the mess and Jem snapping photos and going through the kitchen, arrested her.
Honestly, I don't know much of what happened after that as it all seemed to go in one ear and out the other and by almost halfway through nothing much was happening. In fact, it took about 20% of the book for Jem to actually get to St Morwenna and the body being discovered. I ended up tossing it and I could not be bothered with continuing to find out who killed Edith Reddy and why. By that point, I really didn't care. Jem and Rhys had me tearing my hair out with their constant bickering. The police chief was arrogant and annoying. Bart was just weird. Everyone else I couldn't connect to or care less about.
I really wanted to like this book but I couldn't connect with the characters. They were all equally unlikeable, maybe apart from Micki who I thought was a hoot, but not enough to engage me. Jemima was far from interesting. In fact I found her downright annoying. For someone who supposedly had enough brain cells after watching plenty of true crime drama she sure as hell made a good job of contaminating the crime scene when she knew that any evidence needed to be preserved. No wonder she was arrested on the spot for suspicion of murder...she left traces of herself absolutely everywhere! And I am puzzled as to how she came to be suddenly BFF's with a bartender after a 5 minute conversation!
I'm not sure why it is classified as a cosy mystery because there is nothing cosy about it. It's picturesque setting isn't enough to make it cosy. And the characters are all repugnant. Nope, nothing cosy about it. Trying to draw on fans of Agatha Christie doesn't endear me to it either. I did, however, love the cover which initially drew me to it.
If you are looking for a delightful cosy read, then A DEATH AT SEASCAPE HOUSE is not for you. It is, however, if you like drama and irritating vile characters.
I would like to thank #EmmaJameson, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #ADeathAtSeascapeHouse in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
November 9, 2023
A Death at Seascape House was an enjoyable read about a woman who returns to her childhood home only to stumble across a dead body.
Librarian Jemima Jago is offered the opportunity to catalogue Cornwall’s largest collection of antique shipwreck records, a job that only comes with one drawback. The collection is on St. Morwenna, the place Jem grew up and vowed to never go back to. To make matters worse, on her first night back Jem stumbles across the body of the island gossip, Edith Reddy, and becomes the police's number one suspect! Determined to clear her name, Jem begins her own investigation and soon realizes quite a few residents had it out for Edith. Jem won't stop until she finds the truth, but that puts her squarely in the killer's sights.
The mystery in this one was interesting, a woman was murdered who the majority of the townspeople disliked. The fact that pretty much anyone on the island could have killed Edith definitely complicated Jem's investigation as anyone could be the killer. I will say that Jem was suspected at all was ludicrous and it irritated me due to how obvious it was that she couldn't have been the killer. I ended up figuring out who the killer was very early on in the book but I still found it entertaining to watch Jem work it out.
The characters were where this book lost me somewhat. Jem was a bit of a wild child as a teen and there was an incident shortly before she left the island that turned everyone against her. The petty snipes and outright hostility after Jem returns was irritating to put it mildly. And when we find out what happened to cause it, I was even more annoyed as there was no reason for Jem to be singled out the way she was. This book has a lot of pettiness between characters which isn't something I particularly enjoy and I just became more irritated as the book went on.
Overall A Death at Seascape House was a good read with an intriguing mystery even if the characters left something to be desired.
Librarian Jemima Jago is offered the opportunity to catalogue Cornwall’s largest collection of antique shipwreck records, a job that only comes with one drawback. The collection is on St. Morwenna, the place Jem grew up and vowed to never go back to. To make matters worse, on her first night back Jem stumbles across the body of the island gossip, Edith Reddy, and becomes the police's number one suspect! Determined to clear her name, Jem begins her own investigation and soon realizes quite a few residents had it out for Edith. Jem won't stop until she finds the truth, but that puts her squarely in the killer's sights.
The mystery in this one was interesting, a woman was murdered who the majority of the townspeople disliked. The fact that pretty much anyone on the island could have killed Edith definitely complicated Jem's investigation as anyone could be the killer. I will say that Jem was suspected at all was ludicrous and it irritated me due to how obvious it was that she couldn't have been the killer. I ended up figuring out who the killer was very early on in the book but I still found it entertaining to watch Jem work it out.
The characters were where this book lost me somewhat. Jem was a bit of a wild child as a teen and there was an incident shortly before she left the island that turned everyone against her. The petty snipes and outright hostility after Jem returns was irritating to put it mildly. And when we find out what happened to cause it, I was even more annoyed as there was no reason for Jem to be singled out the way she was. This book has a lot of pettiness between characters which isn't something I particularly enjoy and I just became more irritated as the book went on.
Overall A Death at Seascape House was a good read with an intriguing mystery even if the characters left something to be desired.
August 3, 2021
This is the first book in a new series from Emma Jameson featuring librarian Jemima (Jem) Jago, set on the idyllic island of St. Morwenna, Isles of Scilly.
Jemima is over the moon to be given the chance to catalogue a collection of antique shipwreck records, however, to do so she must return to her hometown, the place she said she would never, ever return to. She hasn't been back on St. Morwenna for very long when local busybody, Edith Reddy is found dead, her mouth and nose taped up with duct tape.
I love to start a cozy mystery series from the very beginning and A Death at Seascape House did not disappoint. Jem made a great protagonist and was a very interesting and intriguing character to follow. Jem was 14 when she persuaded her friends Pauley Gwyn, Rhys Tremayne and Rhys’ younger brother, Cam, to take a trip out on a boat one night. They were unlucky enough to be hit by a huge wave which resulted in Cam’s drowning. The Islanders blamed Jem and she left under a cloud of anger causing her to be extremely traumatised. Now, Pauley, her former best friend has a collection of books, maps, papers and other library material, some of which is over 350 years old, she wishes to donate to the Royal Institute of Cornwall (RIC). The RIC need a librarian with the training, knowledge, and desire to take on the project as well as a willingness to live on St. Morwenna for up to a month, leading them to Jem.
This is a promising series opener and a gritty cosy mystery with plenty of intrigue, action and drama. Awash with memorable and eccentric characters, there are red herrings scattered about and I did not guess the murderer's identity before the denouement. A Death at Seascape House is a fantastic, richly drawn cozy and with the promise of interesting things to happen in future instalments.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Jemima is over the moon to be given the chance to catalogue a collection of antique shipwreck records, however, to do so she must return to her hometown, the place she said she would never, ever return to. She hasn't been back on St. Morwenna for very long when local busybody, Edith Reddy is found dead, her mouth and nose taped up with duct tape.
I love to start a cozy mystery series from the very beginning and A Death at Seascape House did not disappoint. Jem made a great protagonist and was a very interesting and intriguing character to follow. Jem was 14 when she persuaded her friends Pauley Gwyn, Rhys Tremayne and Rhys’ younger brother, Cam, to take a trip out on a boat one night. They were unlucky enough to be hit by a huge wave which resulted in Cam’s drowning. The Islanders blamed Jem and she left under a cloud of anger causing her to be extremely traumatised. Now, Pauley, her former best friend has a collection of books, maps, papers and other library material, some of which is over 350 years old, she wishes to donate to the Royal Institute of Cornwall (RIC). The RIC need a librarian with the training, knowledge, and desire to take on the project as well as a willingness to live on St. Morwenna for up to a month, leading them to Jem.
This is a promising series opener and a gritty cosy mystery with plenty of intrigue, action and drama. Awash with memorable and eccentric characters, there are red herrings scattered about and I did not guess the murderer's identity before the denouement. A Death at Seascape House is a fantastic, richly drawn cozy and with the promise of interesting things to happen in future instalments.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
May 15, 2021
I really enjoyed this atmospheric mystery set on the fictional St. Morwenna in the Isles of Scilly. The book mixes an engaging whodunit with gradual revelations about the heroine Jem’s past, and both elements were entertaining and gripping. Emma Jameson’s descriptions of boats and the sea were completely convincing too. Everything felt real which made the most dramatic scenes all the more compelling. A great read.
May 21, 2021
‘A Death At Seascape House’ is set on the beautiful Scilly Isles. That in itself was a bonus for me. I love it when authors take us to wonderful places, and let us see them through their eyes. Jem Jago returns to the islands after many years away. She left under a giant cloud, and going back was never going to be easy. Now a librarian, she has been tasked with the job of cataloguing her childhood friend’s vast collection of books and papers. No sooner has she arrived on St Morwenna, when her arch nemesis, the nasty Mrs Edith Reddy is found dead. And who do all the fingers point at? Yes, you’ve got it, Jem Jago. In a bid to clear her name, Jem must find out who the real culprit is, and battle the prejudices of her former neighbours.
This story worked because it had a very likeable main character in Jem Jago and a cracking mystery that kept me glued to the page. There were plenty of suspects and secrets galore. I liked how we found out about Jem’s years there as a child and teenager, and found out where the animosities came from originally. We saw growth in her character, and saw how easy it is to blame, but much harder to rethink and forgive. I enjoyed being with Jem and her fellow islanders and look forward to more in this series.
I was given this ARC to review.
This story worked because it had a very likeable main character in Jem Jago and a cracking mystery that kept me glued to the page. There were plenty of suspects and secrets galore. I liked how we found out about Jem’s years there as a child and teenager, and found out where the animosities came from originally. We saw growth in her character, and saw how easy it is to blame, but much harder to rethink and forgive. I enjoyed being with Jem and her fellow islanders and look forward to more in this series.
I was given this ARC to review.
April 22, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'A Death At Seascape House' by Emma Jameson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Emma Jameson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 27th April 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in the 'Jemima Jago' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis. It also stated in the synopsis 'fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands will love A Death at Seascape House.' I am a huge fan of Agatha Christie and Faith Martin so am looking forward to see if it lives up to this. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a 35 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Cornwall, England 🏴 UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. The fact that this book is based in Cornwall is even better as I have been on holiday in Cornwall many times so may even recognise some places Emma has set the book around.
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonist being Jemima Jago. The benefits of third person perspective especially with are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Some of the chapters were dedicated to what happened in Jem's past. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with the main protagonist.
This book was very well written and the vivid descriptions really made me feel that I was in Cornwall with the sea air and sand all around me. It felt like a lovely mini holiday which is just what I needed in this lockdown!! The synopsis and cover worked perfectly with the storyline. I really liked that the chapters all had their own headings that resonated with the events of that chapter and many were direct quotes from the chapter itself.
The storyline kicks off a brand new series with a bang!! The storyline itself is a mix of slow and fast paced, starting off quite slow and picking up speed throughout. I would liken it to to a rollercoaster with the first quarter being the build up as you get to the top and then the rest of the ride being fast paced filled with twists, turns, some suspense, tension and a shock at the end!! One I never expected which I am very pleased to report, not a huge fan of books that I have it all figured out by 50%. I loved that it had so much book talk, which was to be, if not expected then definitely hoped for as our protagonist is a librarian. This is a perfect beach read or one to curl up with in front of a fire. The setting and atmosphere is perfectly portrayed for a cozy mystery.
The characters were an eclectic mix and I must admit I'm not quite sure what to make of Jem. At times I quite enjoyed her strong willed personality and then others she seemed to be a bit of an over the top brat if I'm brutally honest, which I always am when it comes to reviews. However, as the story developed she did start to grow on me. It will be interesting to see how her character develops in the next book which I'm looking forward to read. I also wasn't a big lover of the islanders as their attitude to Jem was disgusting considering how many years had passed since she had left. I can't say I was surprised when nobody seemed bothered by a certain person's demise!! At the same time the islanders attitude is very realistic as in a close knit community (which Emma did a brilliant job portraying) it is very likely that this is how people would react to someone in Jems position. I did bond with Micki immediately who seems like a larger than life character and also Hack. Pauley and Rhys slowly grew on me and it will be interesting to watch all their characters develop and the relationships between them.
Overall an intriguing cosy mystery in an idyllic setting which will keep hooked throughout.
Genres covered in this book include Mystery, Suspense, Murder and Cozy Mystery amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Faith Martin, Clare Chase, Fliss Chester and Agatha Christie.
293 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4 /5 (I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#ADeathAtSeascapeHouse #Bookouture #EmmaJameson #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@EmmaJameson @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
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Review for 'A Death At Seascape House' by Emma Jameson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Emma Jameson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 27th April 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in the 'Jemima Jago' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis. It also stated in the synopsis 'fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands will love A Death at Seascape House.' I am a huge fan of Agatha Christie and Faith Martin so am looking forward to see if it lives up to this. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a 35 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Cornwall, England 🏴 UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. The fact that this book is based in Cornwall is even better as I have been on holiday in Cornwall many times so may even recognise some places Emma has set the book around.
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonist being Jemima Jago. The benefits of third person perspective especially with are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Some of the chapters were dedicated to what happened in Jem's past. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with the main protagonist.
This book was very well written and the vivid descriptions really made me feel that I was in Cornwall with the sea air and sand all around me. It felt like a lovely mini holiday which is just what I needed in this lockdown!! The synopsis and cover worked perfectly with the storyline. I really liked that the chapters all had their own headings that resonated with the events of that chapter and many were direct quotes from the chapter itself.
The storyline kicks off a brand new series with a bang!! The storyline itself is a mix of slow and fast paced, starting off quite slow and picking up speed throughout. I would liken it to to a rollercoaster with the first quarter being the build up as you get to the top and then the rest of the ride being fast paced filled with twists, turns, some suspense, tension and a shock at the end!! One I never expected which I am very pleased to report, not a huge fan of books that I have it all figured out by 50%. I loved that it had so much book talk, which was to be, if not expected then definitely hoped for as our protagonist is a librarian. This is a perfect beach read or one to curl up with in front of a fire. The setting and atmosphere is perfectly portrayed for a cozy mystery.
The characters were an eclectic mix and I must admit I'm not quite sure what to make of Jem. At times I quite enjoyed her strong willed personality and then others she seemed to be a bit of an over the top brat if I'm brutally honest, which I always am when it comes to reviews. However, as the story developed she did start to grow on me. It will be interesting to see how her character develops in the next book which I'm looking forward to read. I also wasn't a big lover of the islanders as their attitude to Jem was disgusting considering how many years had passed since she had left. I can't say I was surprised when nobody seemed bothered by a certain person's demise!! At the same time the islanders attitude is very realistic as in a close knit community (which Emma did a brilliant job portraying) it is very likely that this is how people would react to someone in Jems position. I did bond with Micki immediately who seems like a larger than life character and also Hack. Pauley and Rhys slowly grew on me and it will be interesting to watch all their characters develop and the relationships between them.
Overall an intriguing cosy mystery in an idyllic setting which will keep hooked throughout.
Genres covered in this book include Mystery, Suspense, Murder and Cozy Mystery amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Faith Martin, Clare Chase, Fliss Chester and Agatha Christie.
293 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4 /5 (I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#ADeathAtSeascapeHouse #Bookouture #EmmaJameson #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@EmmaJameson @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
May 23, 2021
It's no secret I'm a huge Emma Jameson fan (if I haven't left more reviews, I should rectify that). I've thoroughly enjoyed every series she's created, no mean feat given the main characters in each series are widely divergent.
But I wasn't sure I would like Jem Jago at first. She seemed to have an enormous chip on her shoulder and a LOT to prove to the hometown where she'd grown up--and where she'd lost so much. I kept asking myself why did she come back? And why confront the one person who'd made life so terrible for her?
Of course, the answer was to trust Jameson to make it all clear--one of the things I love about Emma's work is the depth of character development that goes into her creations. None of her characters are mere handpuppets for the purpose of telling a story, but are forged out of the events in their lives and behave in accordance with those events.
Jem needed to return to heal. She might not have put it in those terms. She was certainly strong enough to make her own life without returning to St. Morwenna to face those early demons. But by doing so, she not only allowed herself to heal, but brought healing to the other people involved.
If you love British cozy mysteries with depth and three dimensional characters in the tradition of Agatha Christie, grab your copy of A Death at Seascape House today.
But I wasn't sure I would like Jem Jago at first. She seemed to have an enormous chip on her shoulder and a LOT to prove to the hometown where she'd grown up--and where she'd lost so much. I kept asking myself why did she come back? And why confront the one person who'd made life so terrible for her?
Of course, the answer was to trust Jameson to make it all clear--one of the things I love about Emma's work is the depth of character development that goes into her creations. None of her characters are mere handpuppets for the purpose of telling a story, but are forged out of the events in their lives and behave in accordance with those events.
Jem needed to return to heal. She might not have put it in those terms. She was certainly strong enough to make her own life without returning to St. Morwenna to face those early demons. But by doing so, she not only allowed herself to heal, but brought healing to the other people involved.
If you love British cozy mysteries with depth and three dimensional characters in the tradition of Agatha Christie, grab your copy of A Death at Seascape House today.
April 27, 2021
Just wonderful. Loved this from start to finish. A brilliant mystery. Satisfying. Tense. Thrilling. Addictive. Loved it.
January 19, 2022
I really enjoyed this! The characters and setting really drew me in. But I'm not surprised - Emma Jameson is usually spot-on for me. Can't wait to read the next one!
February 27, 2024
Story seemed heavy on the telling with the back story upsetting the flow of current murders. I love other books by this author but I didn't really like the characters. Just OK.
April 25, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
A Death at Seascape House is the start of a new librarian cozy series by Emma Jameson. Due out 27th April 2021, it's 293 pages (ebook version) and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
I love library cozies (and libraries, and cozies) and this is the start of a new series, so I hopped in. Main protagonist Jem is back in the area in which she grew up (and left, due to trauma, swearing never to return). She hadn't been in town for 24 hours before she was already suspect #1 in a murder. Although the plot is a little formulaic, it's well written and I was engaged by the setting and descriptions. I'm not personally a fan of slow burn enemies, love triangles, and romance elements in my reads, but fans who like those will enjoy them here.
Warning for cozy mystery fans, this one is slightly more hard edged and a tiny bit more graphic than usual for fluffy library cozies. The language is relatively clearn (PG level) and includes only a scattering of damns and similar level mild curses. I found some of the dialogue unpolished and some of the motivations for Jem's actions a bit muddled (she's a bit of a doormat, to be honest). The denouement and resolution were just a bit melancholy for me.
It's a small-town cozy(ish) setting and the book does have a plethora of small-town oddball eccentric characters. I found most of them funny, but in a creepy kind of way (not entirely sure of the author's actual intent here, but there's a distinctly uncomfortably creepy vibe). The author is unquestionably gifted and prolific and has a firm grasp of the technical aspects of writing. Her descriptive prose is excellent, and as stated, she writes atmosphere very well.
Three and a half stars with the codicil that readers who don't like harder edged mysteries and occasionally unpleasant characters and actions might want to tread carefully. No fluffy kitties here.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
A Death at Seascape House is the start of a new librarian cozy series by Emma Jameson. Due out 27th April 2021, it's 293 pages (ebook version) and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
I love library cozies (and libraries, and cozies) and this is the start of a new series, so I hopped in. Main protagonist Jem is back in the area in which she grew up (and left, due to trauma, swearing never to return). She hadn't been in town for 24 hours before she was already suspect #1 in a murder. Although the plot is a little formulaic, it's well written and I was engaged by the setting and descriptions. I'm not personally a fan of slow burn enemies, love triangles, and romance elements in my reads, but fans who like those will enjoy them here.
Warning for cozy mystery fans, this one is slightly more hard edged and a tiny bit more graphic than usual for fluffy library cozies. The language is relatively clearn (PG level) and includes only a scattering of damns and similar level mild curses. I found some of the dialogue unpolished and some of the motivations for Jem's actions a bit muddled (she's a bit of a doormat, to be honest). The denouement and resolution were just a bit melancholy for me.
It's a small-town cozy(ish) setting and the book does have a plethora of small-town oddball eccentric characters. I found most of them funny, but in a creepy kind of way (not entirely sure of the author's actual intent here, but there's a distinctly uncomfortably creepy vibe). The author is unquestionably gifted and prolific and has a firm grasp of the technical aspects of writing. Her descriptive prose is excellent, and as stated, she writes atmosphere very well.
Three and a half stars with the codicil that readers who don't like harder edged mysteries and occasionally unpleasant characters and actions might want to tread carefully. No fluffy kitties here.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
April 25, 2021
When librarian Jemima Jago is offered the opportunity to catalogue Cornwall’s largest collection of antique shipwreck records it is a dream come true. The collection is housed on the island of St. Morwenna, the childhood home she left years ago and vowed never to return to. Shortly after Jem arrives back in town, island busybody and notorious grump Edith Reddy is found dead. Jem, caught seemingly red-handed at the scene of the crime, mistakenly becomes the police’s number one suspect. The handsome Sergeant Hackman in particular can’t seem to leave Jem alone. Jem must take matters into her own hands if she wants to clear her name. Snooping around Edith’s once-grand home, she is struck by the mess before her. The bedroom is completely ransacked and in the living room all the photographs have been removed from their frames. Was Edith’s death simply a break-in gone wrong, or is there more to the mystery that the police are missing?
The first in a new series, a well written entertaining book but not sure if it is a cosy mystery, the descriptions of the picturesque scenery weren’t cosy & the description was a bit too graphic for a cosy. That said I did enjoy the book, I liked Jem who’s past was gradually revealed & I liked her eye for finding clues. There were twists & turns as well as red herrings. Not all of the characters are likeable but they are well portrayed. An interesting series starter & I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The first in a new series, a well written entertaining book but not sure if it is a cosy mystery, the descriptions of the picturesque scenery weren’t cosy & the description was a bit too graphic for a cosy. That said I did enjoy the book, I liked Jem who’s past was gradually revealed & I liked her eye for finding clues. There were twists & turns as well as red herrings. Not all of the characters are likeable but they are well portrayed. An interesting series starter & I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
May 4, 2021
4.5 stars
This is the first book in the Jemima Jago mystery series by Emma Jameson.
I have to admit, this was a very convoluted story. It seemed a lot of backstory had to be explained before the real story could begin. And realistically, Jem wasn’t my favorite main character. So it made it a bit of a challenge to navigate through the story. The story itself was fine. The mystery was compelling, well thought out and stellar. Lots of people to love and hate. I am just annoyed they made me hate the main character. I understand she is misunderstood and had a lot of responsibility thrown on her at a younger age, but before any of that was brought forth she sort of proved her reputation right at the murder scene when she stumbled upon it.
Jem has quite a past in this town and is immediately pegged as the killer before she can even get a hotel for the night. The police officer in charge has a grudge due to past mistakes she made. Now she is a Librarian with good job references but all her negative references are personality based.
I liked how they introduced the two new men in her life which I assume will be expanded upon in the next book. I just wish she was a bit softer and not so ‘I’m going to kill you if you look at me wrong.’
Overall it was a good read.
Definitely pick this up if you are a detective fiction or cozy mystery lover.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.
This is the first book in the Jemima Jago mystery series by Emma Jameson.
I have to admit, this was a very convoluted story. It seemed a lot of backstory had to be explained before the real story could begin. And realistically, Jem wasn’t my favorite main character. So it made it a bit of a challenge to navigate through the story. The story itself was fine. The mystery was compelling, well thought out and stellar. Lots of people to love and hate. I am just annoyed they made me hate the main character. I understand she is misunderstood and had a lot of responsibility thrown on her at a younger age, but before any of that was brought forth she sort of proved her reputation right at the murder scene when she stumbled upon it.
Jem has quite a past in this town and is immediately pegged as the killer before she can even get a hotel for the night. The police officer in charge has a grudge due to past mistakes she made. Now she is a Librarian with good job references but all her negative references are personality based.
I liked how they introduced the two new men in her life which I assume will be expanded upon in the next book. I just wish she was a bit softer and not so ‘I’m going to kill you if you look at me wrong.’
Overall it was a good read.
Definitely pick this up if you are a detective fiction or cozy mystery lover.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.
June 25, 2021
Jemima "Jem" Jago is a special collections librarian. When she is offered an incredible job opportunity she gets very excited. The only problem is that the job location is back in her hometown. Jem left 20 years ago after a tragic accident that everyone blamed her for, so you can see why she is hesitant to go back. But she decides to face her fears and accepts the job offer. On the day that she arrives though she finds a body of her old nemesis. And, naturally, due to her bad reputation, everyone is happy to blame Jem for the murder. She will have to find the killer, clear her reputation, deal with local police, residents and a childhood crush.
This book is described as a cozy mystery but I am not so sure about it. In my opinion it gets pretty dark and depressing for the genre. It was actually hard to read at times. Jem has to deal with a lot of hostility because of who she was 20 years ago and because of something that was clearly a tragic accident. It drove me nuts that people blamed a child instead of processing their grief and they still blamed her in the present. Worst of all, she blamed herself. Jem wasn't my favorite character but she was a solid protagonist and I was interested in her so I kept reading. The mystery was very predictable, especially if you are a lover of the genre, so that part was a bit disappointing.
Overall I really enjoyed the first installment in this series and I will keep reading it. Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is described as a cozy mystery but I am not so sure about it. In my opinion it gets pretty dark and depressing for the genre. It was actually hard to read at times. Jem has to deal with a lot of hostility because of who she was 20 years ago and because of something that was clearly a tragic accident. It drove me nuts that people blamed a child instead of processing their grief and they still blamed her in the present. Worst of all, she blamed herself. Jem wasn't my favorite character but she was a solid protagonist and I was interested in her so I kept reading. The mystery was very predictable, especially if you are a lover of the genre, so that part was a bit disappointing.
Overall I really enjoyed the first installment in this series and I will keep reading it. Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2021
It's a good start for a new cozy series even if it's not one of those book that makes you fall in love with the characters or the plot since the first pages.
It took a bit to warm up to Jem and be hooked by the plot as I found her a bit too wimpy for my tastes and the plot a bit slow.
But Jem is a character that slowly grows on you and I couldn't put it down as soon as secrets started to revealed.
That said I think the author delivered an entertaining and enjoyable story with a cast of interesting and fleshed out characters and a solid mystery.
I appreciated how the author developed a cast of characters with a story and who had to face a lot of issues as this makes them more realistic and relatable.
The descriptions of the places are great and I loved when it describes the library and the wonderful places.
The love triangle is one of main pet peeves in cozy mysteries so I hope it will be solved soon.
I think there's a lot of potential and this could become a favorite cozy series as I love story that involves librarian.
This book is recommended and I hope to read a new installment soon.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It took a bit to warm up to Jem and be hooked by the plot as I found her a bit too wimpy for my tastes and the plot a bit slow.
But Jem is a character that slowly grows on you and I couldn't put it down as soon as secrets started to revealed.
That said I think the author delivered an entertaining and enjoyable story with a cast of interesting and fleshed out characters and a solid mystery.
I appreciated how the author developed a cast of characters with a story and who had to face a lot of issues as this makes them more realistic and relatable.
The descriptions of the places are great and I loved when it describes the library and the wonderful places.
The love triangle is one of main pet peeves in cozy mysteries so I hope it will be solved soon.
I think there's a lot of potential and this could become a favorite cozy series as I love story that involves librarian.
This book is recommended and I hope to read a new installment soon.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
April 27, 2021
I wasn't sure when I chose this book whether it would be my cup of tea perse. The plot intrigued me but I am on the fence when I read British Mysteries.. It is a personal taste or perhaps some of the ones I have previously read were not up to par. I took a chance and I was not disappointed. This is one of those British Mysteries that will hook readers and leave them wanting more.
Jemima Jago is a flawed person having been judged wild and unfit as a teenager. This wild teenager became a librarian and now returns to her hometown to catalogue Cornwal's largest collection of antique shipwreck records. Small communities have long memories and are quick to point fingers when Jemima finds a body of a former nemesis.
A Death at Seascape House has strong characters with a history of heartbreak and friendship which weaves a tale of murder, mystery and human feelings drawing you in and keeping us reading long into the night.. This may be a work of fiction, but the real emotions will touch a readers life reminding us that we are all flawed with pasts that shape who we are, and if we can't escape them, our destinies.
What more could we ask for with our reading pleasure?
Jemima Jago is a flawed person having been judged wild and unfit as a teenager. This wild teenager became a librarian and now returns to her hometown to catalogue Cornwal's largest collection of antique shipwreck records. Small communities have long memories and are quick to point fingers when Jemima finds a body of a former nemesis.
A Death at Seascape House has strong characters with a history of heartbreak and friendship which weaves a tale of murder, mystery and human feelings drawing you in and keeping us reading long into the night.. This may be a work of fiction, but the real emotions will touch a readers life reminding us that we are all flawed with pasts that shape who we are, and if we can't escape them, our destinies.
What more could we ask for with our reading pleasure?
May 8, 2021
What a delight this one was!
I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by the cover - but this one definitely drew me in. When I realized it was a cost mystery I wasn’t exactly sure I was going to like it as much as I did, but it didn’t feel cheesy at all like others I’ve read in the past. This felt more like a regular to me with lovely characters and witty banter. I definitely fell in love with the islands of Scilla. The main character Jem was a complete gem, for lack of a better word.
The mystery itself was typical, an old lady who pissed too many people off and then an assuming townie who saw too much. I’d say I figured out who did it a little before halfway through. To me, I wasn’t a fan of this so much as I was of the characters and dialogue. The mystery aspect was just a bonus.
Pleased to see this was the first of a new series and will definitely be tuning in for the next!
I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by the cover - but this one definitely drew me in. When I realized it was a cost mystery I wasn’t exactly sure I was going to like it as much as I did, but it didn’t feel cheesy at all like others I’ve read in the past. This felt more like a regular to me with lovely characters and witty banter. I definitely fell in love with the islands of Scilla. The main character Jem was a complete gem, for lack of a better word.
The mystery itself was typical, an old lady who pissed too many people off and then an assuming townie who saw too much. I’d say I figured out who did it a little before halfway through. To me, I wasn’t a fan of this so much as I was of the characters and dialogue. The mystery aspect was just a bonus.
Pleased to see this was the first of a new series and will definitely be tuning in for the next!
August 10, 2021
Gave up after chapter 7
I am at chapter 7 and this is two chapters more than I usually give a book that’s failed to get me into the story /characters. I kept returning to its Amazon reviews to see if the many glowing reviews (which had got me interested in the first place - apart from Jameson’s previous series) were talking about the same book.
The main character is unlikeable, her dialogues are immature and the whole story so far is totally foolish and unbelievable. It’s hard to believe this is the author who wrote the “Blue” series which each book got me interested right from the first page.
I am at chapter 7 and this is two chapters more than I usually give a book that’s failed to get me into the story /characters. I kept returning to its Amazon reviews to see if the many glowing reviews (which had got me interested in the first place - apart from Jameson’s previous series) were talking about the same book.
The main character is unlikeable, her dialogues are immature and the whole story so far is totally foolish and unbelievable. It’s hard to believe this is the author who wrote the “Blue” series which each book got me interested right from the first page.
June 3, 2021
DNF @ 21%.
Quite disappointing as the Dr Bones series by this author is one of my favourites and I was really looking forward to this novel, it seemed so promising... but no. Annoying, unlikeable characters, illogical actions and unrealistic turns of events, plus the pacing was just so. damn. slow. I found myself not wanting to pick this one up and was promptly bored when I did manage to convince myself to do so. Life's too short.
Quite disappointing as the Dr Bones series by this author is one of my favourites and I was really looking forward to this novel, it seemed so promising... but no. Annoying, unlikeable characters, illogical actions and unrealistic turns of events, plus the pacing was just so. damn. slow. I found myself not wanting to pick this one up and was promptly bored when I did manage to convince myself to do so. Life's too short.
May 21, 2022
Interesting
This is a new author to me and I am so pleased to find another author that gives depth to her characters from the start.
I particularly enjoyed the personality of Mrs. Reddy, even though she was the first murder victim, I could easily understand why she was a murder victim.
The setting was also descriptive and I could easily picture it in my mind.
The story is good and strong.
Men Jago is returning to the island where she grew up and caused trouble. When people start dying after her return it's only natural that the plod of a police chief hones in on her. Of course it doesn't help she called him Randy Andy and she was was involved in the death of one of her best friends.
I can't wait to read more books written by Emma Jameson.
This is a new author to me and I am so pleased to find another author that gives depth to her characters from the start.
I particularly enjoyed the personality of Mrs. Reddy, even though she was the first murder victim, I could easily understand why she was a murder victim.
The setting was also descriptive and I could easily picture it in my mind.
The story is good and strong.
Men Jago is returning to the island where she grew up and caused trouble. When people start dying after her return it's only natural that the plod of a police chief hones in on her. Of course it doesn't help she called him Randy Andy and she was was involved in the death of one of her best friends.
I can't wait to read more books written by Emma Jameson.
August 20, 2023
Special Collections Librarian Jem Jago has been offered a job to catalog and evaluate an old library collection on the island of St. Morwenna in the isles of Scilly, that she had lived on as a child. Lyonesse House is the old family home of an estranged friend Pauley Gwyn, and its contents is several centuries old. When a possible Oscar Wilde poem disappears just before she arrives, she goes to confront a former nemesis, Mrs. Reddy, and Jem discovers her body instead. Jem had left the island under bad circumstances, but makes friends with a bartender Micki Latham, who finds Jem a place to stay at her fathers and Jem makes peace with Pauley. To clear her name, Jemma starts investigating, after all she is a librarian. This is an interesting beginning to a series.
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