Summary of On Deadly Tides: A Penny Brannigan Mystery by Elizabeth J. Duncan

Dive into the quirky mystery of 'On Deadly Tides' as Penny Brannigan juggles wedding plans and a seaside murder investigation in Wales!

Welcome to the quirky seaside town of Llangollen, Wales, where the only thing more peculiar than the weather is the town's penchant for mystery. On Deadly Tides serves up a whodunit that's as frothy as your morning cappuccino, combining charm, wit, and a sprinkle of suspense. Buckle up!

Our heroine, Penny Brannigan, is not your average amateur sleuth. She's an independent woman running a nail salon, an expert in manicures and the fine art of deductions. Spoiler alert: she's way better at solving murders than I am at finding matching socks in the dryer! In this installment, Penny is basking in the glow of her recent engagement (big yay!), but it turns out the universe has other plans, including a murder mystery that needs unraveling faster than you can say "pedicure."

The storyline kicks off with a not-so-chill day at the beach. Penny and her friends decide to take a leisurely stroll along the shore, thinking they'll get some sun and maybe a slice of drama-free life. But, guess what? They stumble upon a corpse. Yup, nothing says "relaxing day at the beach" quite like a dead body washed up on shore! Our little beach getaway quickly spirals into a game of "who-dunnit" that supposedly features local fisherman, suspicious tourists, and even the town's most notorious gossip. This is like a reality show without the camera crew, folks!

As the chaos ensues, Penny finds herself juggling wedding planning and investigative sleuthing. I mean, who wouldn't want to pick out lace and get caught in a life-or-death game of Clue while sipping on some Earl Grey? Talk about multitasking! She teams up with her trusty sidekick, Emma, to decode a series of riddles and motives that'd make even Sherlock Holmes reconsider his career.

Amidst the zany characters, from quirky fishermen to meddling old ladies, Duncan delights in painting Llangollen as a locale that's almost a character in itself. But let's face it, if you think the ocean views are all you'll get here, you're in for a surprise. It's a hotbed of secrets and whispered gossip that could fuel a soap opera for years!

On a side note, if you're wondering where the romance fits in, Penny's fiancé isn't left in the dust. He's around, but let's just say he may have a tough competition with the local mystery. Where are the priorities, right? Love or solving a murder mystery? Tough choice if you ask me!

As we wade through the suspense, secrets slowly bubble to the surface. Penny must sift through red herrings, personal drama, and a few too many cups of tea to get to the what's what. And, if you dare to venture towards the end, prepare yourself-spoiler alert-the reveal is as surprising as finding a crab in your beach bag!

In conclusion, On Deadly Tides is a delightful romp through a murder mystery wrapped in the picturesque settings of Wales. With witty dialogue and a cast of memorable characters, you might just find yourself chuckling as you try to keep track of who's who in the town meltdown. So, grab your sunscreen and your detective hat-you're going to need both!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.