Killer Characters (A Books by the Bay Mystery)

I have absolutely loved the Books by the Bay Series. Olivia is so different from characters common to other series, so complex, and I love how she grew over the course of the first seven books. I was excited to read the last installment.

Although I am truly sorry that the publisher didn't renew the series, loyal readers should not have to suffer because of that. The book seems written with less care and attention to detail than all of the earlier ones, and some plot holes distracted me. But the ending is a betrayal: in my eyes, it was unnecessary, and if we're supposed to feel that Olivia has come full circle and has somehow grown--well, no. I am sorry I read this book.

I read cozy mystery for entertainment and escapism. If I had know what was going to happen, I would not have read this book. If the author wanted to end the series fine, but I feel cheated. Upset and anger describe my emotions at this time.

I have bought, read and enjoyed the previous books in this series. This is seemingly the last book of the series. This makes it all the more puzzling why the author of numerous cozy mysteries would choose to disappoint and disrespect her loyal readers who were blindsided by a tragic ending. Authors get to choose what they write. Readers get to choose what books they buy, recommend to others and keep. Ms. Adams has lost my readership.

Poor choice for an ending to an otherwise optimistic series. This likely last book in the series seemed thrown together. Author should Save getting deep with a shock ending for a deep book or series - not one people go to to lighten their mental load. This was a huge let down and impacts how I feel about reading the rest of the books in the author's other series. I very much enjoyed the previous books in the series.

Dollycas’s Thoughts
In this final installment to this beloved series we see Laurel struggling to hold things together. Her husband is basically absent from her life and she is trying to raise her twins, hold down her job, and dealing with a terminally ill mother-in-law that has never liked her. When Laurel finds out how her spouse has been occupying his time she explodes with some verbal remarks that could end up costing her everything. Olivia and the Bayside Book Writers pull out all the stops to prove her innocence.

First, I need to say this series was ended by the publisher, not the author. She has stating publicly that this book was very hard for her to write. Readers have built a connection to these characters but she was the one that gave them life. Whatever we are feeling is nowhere near the pain she felt and is still feeling about ending their journey. She chose to end it in a way for me that very surprising at first but when I took a step back I totally understood why she did this. This story invoked strong emotions for me and will for all fans of these characters. I recommend you have some tissues handy because you will need them for the ending.

That being said, she gives us a mystery we can sink our teeth into as it splits the Bayside Book Writers apart. Chief Rawlings is too close to Laurel to take the lead on the investigation and there is only so much he can pass on to Olivia and Millay. Harris is still working the case but he too has to be careful not to overshare and put the investigation in jeopardy. This doesn’t sit well with Olivia or Millay. So needless to say situations can get tense. There are twists and turns and suspense that really upped my heart rate.

These characters have grown so much since the first book in a way that was believable. Olivia as the main character brought this wonderful group together and readers fell for them almost immediately. Starting with the lovable Capt. Haviland, always by Olivia’s side. Chief Rawlings and Olivia’s relationship spanned the series bringing two very independent people together. Laurel, Millay, Harris round out the writer’s group and their lives intermingle within the pages. We also met Chef Michel and the fabulous roller skating waitress Dixie. Each of the characters have worked their way into my heart and I treasure the time I got to spend with them whether at the lighthouse, Grumpy’s Diner, The Boot Top Bistro or out and about in Oyster Bay.

This series is binge-worthy if you haven’t started it yet or are a book or two behind. Fans will be emotional and moved by this final book.

Thank you Ellery Adams! You are a master storyteller. We are all blessed for the time we spent in Oyster Bay.

AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall 5 Narration 5 Story 5

Intrigued by the buzz about this author, and the title of this book, I was curious to try another new to me series, and I have to say I was not disappointed. Meeting the characters at the apex of their journey, while presenting them as complete and developed, also gives an opportunity to see just how the author chooses to conclude. And I will say that the conclusion of this story, even to my ‘new to the series’ perspective was wonderful – multiple twists and turns, a tragic outcome for a few characters and all surrounded with the opposing emotions of happiness and trust broken.

Starting with a request to Olivia, for a Hummel repair person, the story instantly jumps off into supposition, overheard conversations, shocking revelations and a moment that might be called comeuppance for a woman involved in an adulterous relationship. Of course, since Laurel is the wife spurned, she is the major (and seemingly only) suspect in the death of her husband’s girlfriend. With twins, a dying mother in law, and the usual struggles of day to day life, it’s the last thing that Laurel needed, and Olivia is certain her friend did not do it.

Oh the twists in this one – like a macramé planter each thread leads to another knot, more threads, a few more knots and so on…. And the little Bayside writers group is discovering that perhaps they are united, to a point, when the allegations run thick, speculation persists and there seems no other suspect. Oh Adams put everything into this book: drama, heartbreak, hope, mysteries, questions and kept me hanging on every moment……

Narration for this story is provided by Karen White, one of my favorites, and her ability to present each character with a voice, a personality and even an undercurrent of emotion that relates to their moment in the spotlight keeps readers wondering, and thinking. Easy to visualize moments are tinted with White’s presentation that helps to stack those subliminal messages into your understanding of the story, with builds and releases to follow the story’s trajectory. A wonderful listen and a great introduction for me to this series. A bold set of choices made by Adams made this one of the more intriguing cozies I’ve encountered this year, and I’ve already ordered earlier titles in this series to start from the beginning.

I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Ellery Adams' Books by the Bay cozy series has been a favorite of mine since its inception. The ensemble cast, the coastal North Carolina setting with its rich history, mouthwatering food, and some fine mysteries to solve have made these books something very special. When I came to the end of Killer Characters, I knew without heading to the store to read reviews that many readers would be outraged. If you haven't read this last book in the series and you'd like to leave the characters surrounded by a sort of fairy tale glow, you may want to give this one a miss.

Fortunately I'm an easy-going reader because I can wait patiently for the next book in a series, and I don't send authors hate mail if they don't write the way I want them to. Frankly, I want them to write the way they want to. If my favorite authors are happy, they're going to write longer. Ellery Adams chose to end her wonderful series, not as a fairy tale, but as a story showing the growth and resilience of the main character, Olivia Limoges. People grow... people endure... by experiencing both good and bad. When this series began, Olivia was an ice queen, emotionally closed off, and watching everyone from a distance. By series end, she's made and kept, protected and taken care of, her dear friends. When I closed Killer Characters, I may have had tears in my eyes, but my heart was full. I knew Olivia and the other folks she cares about in Oyster Bay were going to be all right.

Now... I've been talking about this as though it's a character study only, but there's an excellent mystery to be found here, too-- one that I didn't have solved beforehand-- and that's another thing I've loved about this series. If you haven't read a Books by the Bay mystery, dive right in with the first one, A Killer Plot. These characters grow and change, and you don't want to miss a bit of it.

And might I just say-- Well done, Ellery Adams! I admire your bravery in ending the series the way you wanted to end it. Olivia deserved no less.

I was sent Killer Characters for review. There are books that are simple to review and then there are books that are very complex to review for many different reasons. Killer Characters is out now and it is book 8 in the series. The Books by the Bay Series is loved by so many, I myself am a huge fan of Ellery Adams and her characters in the "Bayside Book Writers". When you get a book such as Killer Characters and the chance to review it you don't want to spoil the plot for those anxiously awaiting their turn, I ask you to allow me to share a few of my thoughts about this beloved cozy series.

This is a cozy mystery, a multi layered, complex, brilliant, emotional, intense and heartwarming book. This is a strong story, it is in no way a lazy day easy breezy mystery, and it is beautiful. As a reader I found that this book had so much raw emotion that it simply vibrates from the pages, Ellery Adams is an accomplished author who writes sophisticated cozy mysteries and who's work it is a true pleasure to read. Killer Characters is a must read book for 2017 and colossal series for sure!

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

Wow! Just. Wow. Ellery Adams’ mysteries have always pushed the boundaries of the cozy mystery genre, and Killer Characters is no exception. This eighth, and final, book in the Books by the Bay series deals with raw emotions, tough betrayals, and a heartbreaking surprise ending.

Since reading the first book in the series A Killer Plot, I have been a great admirer of Ellery Adams’ ability to seamlessly combine complicated, well developed characters and their life experiences with artistically plotted, complex mysteries. She is one of my favorite authors, and I seek out anything she writes.

This time around, Laurel deals with the stress of raising her twins, her mother-in-laws terminal illness, and her husband’s failure to help out and be engaged. Something that a hospice nurse says strikes Olivia as odd, and she shares her concerns with Laurel which then leads to the discovery of Steve’s infidelity. Threats are made, and when the nurse Stacy is murdered much in the way Laurel threatened, Laurel becomes the prime suspect. Olivia is determined to clear Laurel’s name, and the whole incident divides the tight knit Bayside Writers Group. There are more deaths, secrets uncovered, and a potential jewel theft ring. The mystery is twisty, and I was surprised by the perpetrator’s identity.

I am not going to lie. Parts of Killer Characters are difficult to read. The book revolves around adultery, and it is not sugarcoated. If you have read the other books in the series, you know Olivia started out as a cold, distant, prickly character. She has really grown over the span of the series, but I feel like she takes a bit of a step backwards here. In the beginning of the story, I did try to admire her ferocious and desperate desire to help Laurel, but she came across as caustic and unyielding, quick to pick sides. Thank goodness, this does get better as the book moves along. The initial division among the friends is tough, but as usual, they all come together to solve the mystery in the end.

Some readers may not like the direction Adams takes in this book. Personally, I am impressed with her willingness to write what feels true to her. If you are after a light hearted romp with characters that happily ride off into the sunset, this will not fit the bill. If, on the other hand, you appreciate that life is full of bitter and sweet moments, then read on. Am I surprised by ending of the book? Yes. Did I shed some tears? Most definitely. All in all, though, I am left with a sense of hope. I have grown to love Olivia, Sawyer, Captain Haviland, and the other recurring characters. I will miss Olivia and Haviland’s treasure hunting walks along the beach and the refuge of the lighthouse. Oh, I will miss roller skate wearing Dixie and her Andrew Lloyd Webber themed diner. With tears in my eyes, I bid the residents of Oyster Bay adieu.

Summary:

Laurel has spread herself thin for months. Between her career and the boys she is also helping to care for Steve’s terminally ill mother. When it comes to light that Steve was having an affair with Rachel’s Hospice nurse, Laurel looses it. An impassioned threat, told in the heat of the moment, comes back to haunt her.

Stacy, the nurse in question is dead. Who has more of a motive than the spurned wife? Other evidence comes to light and Rawlings has no choice but to take his friend in. To keep her friend safe Olivia will use every friend and resource at her disposal to find the real killer. The deeper the writer’s dig, though, the crazier it becomes. Missing jewelry, a theft ring, spurned lovers….. we go from having one suspect in a murder to a slew. Can the crew put everything in order before it’s too late?

My thoughts:

You know that feeling, deep in your chest when you know you’re saying goodbye to characters and you just aren’t ready? That’s how I feel. I wasn’t ready for this series to end. I want to see Millay flourish as an author. I want to read more of the series she’s writing even if I only got snippets. I want to read the stories Olivia is writing, and see Harris. I loved this series- there was so much character growth and the description of Oyster Bay felt like home.

This particular book was harder for me. Because of Laurel’s arrest the writers are torn between Rawlings and Harris who work for the police and can’t be involved, and Olivia and Millay both of which are going a little crazy. It was hard to see them hurting, especially Rawlings. I love that character. Strong and understanding, he tried to power through an awful case while placating his wife and trying to be there for his friend without showing favoritism in front of the department.

I am a little torn up about this one. For one, I hate Steve now more than ever and I kind of wish Laurel was harder on him. One of the writers will fall, which we haven’t seen since book one. I hated that. Looking at the reviews I think a lot of people felt this one took too dark a turn; but it was still a fantastic read. It simply wasn’t as quick nor as light as the others. The series always dealt with heavy subjects and got a bit dark…. but they never left me feeling heavy until now. In spite of…. or maybe because of… that, this is a five star book for me.

On the adult content scale, there’s a lot of language and some violence. I give it a four.

Ellery Adams' Books by the Bay cozy series has been a favorite of mine since its inception. The ensemble cast, the coastal North Carolina setting with its rich history, mouthwatering food, and some fine mysteries to solve have made these books something very special. When I came to the end of Killer Characters, I knew without heading to the store to read reviews that many readers would be outraged. If you haven't read this last book in the series and you'd like to leave the characters surrounded by a sort of fairy tale glow, you may want to give this one a miss.

Fortunately I'm an easy-going reader because I can wait patiently for the next book in a series, and I don't send authors hate mail if they don't write the way I want them to. Frankly, I want them to write the way they want to. If my favorite authors are happy, they're going to write longer. Ellery Adams chose to end her wonderful series, not as a fairy tale, but as a story showing the growth and resilience of the main character, Olivia Limoges. People grow... people endure... by experiencing both good and bad. When this series began, Olivia was an ice queen, emotionally closed off, and watching everyone from a distance. By series end, she's made and kept, protected and taken care of, her dear friends. When I closed Killer Characters, I may have had tears in my eyes, but my heart was full. I knew Olivia and the other folks she cares about in Oyster Bay were going to be all right.

Now... I've been talking about this as though it's a character study only, but there's an excellent mystery to be found here, too-- one that I didn't have solved beforehand-- and that's another thing I've loved about this series. If you haven't read a Books by the Bay mystery, dive right in with the first one, A Killer Plot. These characters grow and change, and you don't want to miss a bit of it.

And might I just say-- Well done, Ellery Adams! I admire your bravery in ending the series the way you wanted to end it. Olivia deserved no less.

I was sent Killer Characters for review. There are books that are simple to review and then there are books that are very complex to review for many different reasons. Killer Characters is out now and it is book 8 in the series. The Books by the Bay Series is loved by so many, I myself am a huge fan of Ellery Adams and her characters in the "Bayside Book Writers". When you get a book such as Killer Characters and the chance to review it you don't want to spoil the plot for those anxiously awaiting their turn, I ask you to allow me to share a few of my thoughts about this beloved cozy series.

This is a cozy mystery, a multi layered, complex, brilliant, emotional, intense and heartwarming book. This is a strong story, it is in no way a lazy day easy breezy mystery, and it is beautiful. As a reader I found that this book had so much raw emotion that it simply vibrates from the pages, Ellery Adams is an accomplished author who writes sophisticated cozy mysteries and who's work it is a true pleasure to read. Killer Characters is a must read book for 2017 and colossal series for sure!

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

Wow! Just. Wow. Ellery Adams’ mysteries have always pushed the boundaries of the cozy mystery genre, and Killer Characters is no exception. This eighth, and final, book in the Books by the Bay series deals with raw emotions, tough betrayals, and a heartbreaking surprise ending.

Since reading the first book in the series A Killer Plot, I have been a great admirer of Ellery Adams’ ability to seamlessly combine complicated, well developed characters and their life experiences with artistically plotted, complex mysteries. She is one of my favorite authors, and I seek out anything she writes.

This time around, Laurel deals with the stress of raising her twins, her mother-in-laws terminal illness, and her husband’s failure to help out and be engaged. Something that a hospice nurse says strikes Olivia as odd, and she shares her concerns with Laurel which then leads to the discovery of Steve’s infidelity. Threats are made, and when the nurse Stacy is murdered much in the way Laurel threatened, Laurel becomes the prime suspect. Olivia is determined to clear Laurel’s name, and the whole incident divides the tight knit Bayside Writers Group. There are more deaths, secrets uncovered, and a potential jewel theft ring. The mystery is twisty, and I was surprised by the perpetrator’s identity.

I am not going to lie. Parts of Killer Characters are difficult to read. The book revolves around adultery, and it is not sugarcoated. If you have read the other books in the series, you know Olivia started out as a cold, distant, prickly character. She has really grown over the span of the series, but I feel like she takes a bit of a step backwards here. In the beginning of the story, I did try to admire her ferocious and desperate desire to help Laurel, but she came across as caustic and unyielding, quick to pick sides. Thank goodness, this does get better as the book moves along. The initial division among the friends is tough, but as usual, they all come together to solve the mystery in the end.

Some readers may not like the direction Adams takes in this book. Personally, I am impressed with her willingness to write what feels true to her. If you are after a light hearted romp with characters that happily ride off into the sunset, this will not fit the bill. If, on the other hand, you appreciate that life is full of bitter and sweet moments, then read on. Am I surprised by ending of the book? Yes. Did I shed some tears? Most definitely. All in all, though, I am left with a sense of hope. I have grown to love Olivia, Sawyer, Captain Haviland, and the other recurring characters. I will miss Olivia and Haviland’s treasure hunting walks along the beach and the refuge of the lighthouse. Oh, I will miss roller skate wearing Dixie and her Andrew Lloyd Webber themed diner. With tears in my eyes, I bid the residents of Oyster Bay adieu.

Summary:

Laurel has spread herself thin for months. Between her career and the boys she is also helping to care for Steve’s terminally ill mother. When it comes to light that Steve was having an affair with Rachel’s Hospice nurse, Laurel looses it. An impassioned threat, told in the heat of the moment, comes back to haunt her.

Stacy, the nurse in question is dead. Who has more of a motive than the spurned wife? Other evidence comes to light and Rawlings has no choice but to take his friend in. To keep her friend safe Olivia will use every friend and resource at her disposal to find the real killer. The deeper the writer’s dig, though, the crazier it becomes. Missing jewelry, a theft ring, spurned lovers….. we go from having one suspect in a murder to a slew. Can the crew put everything in order before it’s too late?

My thoughts:

You know that feeling, deep in your chest when you know you’re saying goodbye to characters and you just aren’t ready? That’s how I feel. I wasn’t ready for this series to end. I want to see Millay flourish as an author. I want to read more of the series she’s writing even if I only got snippets. I want to read the stories Olivia is writing, and see Harris. I loved this series- there was so much character growth and the description of Oyster Bay felt like home.

This particular book was harder for me. Because of Laurel’s arrest the writers are torn between Rawlings and Harris who work for the police and can’t be involved, and Olivia and Millay both of which are going a little crazy. It was hard to see them hurting, especially Rawlings. I love that character. Strong and understanding, he tried to power through an awful case while placating his wife and trying to be there for his friend without showing favoritism in front of the department.

I am a little torn up about this one. For one, I hate Steve now more than ever and I kind of wish Laurel was harder on him. One of the writers will fall, which we haven’t seen since book one. I hated that. Looking at the reviews I think a lot of people felt this one took too dark a turn; but it was still a fantastic read. It simply wasn’t as quick nor as light as the others. The series always dealt with heavy subjects and got a bit dark…. but they never left me feeling heavy until now. In spite of…. or maybe because of… that, this is a five star book for me.

On the adult content scale, there’s a lot of language and some violence. I give it a four.

KILLER CHARACTERS is a wonderful mystery that is the essence of the author, Ellery Adams.

When I opened this book, before I even started reading the story, my eyes fell upon the words . . . To You, Dear Reader. The eloquent words that followed in this “letter” to us, had tearing gliding down my face as I realized Ellery Adams was bidding the Book by the Bay Mysteries a fond farewell. Yet, within that sadness, she promised us new adventure.

In this eighth installment of the series, Ms. Adams has given us her best. The characters we’ve loved over the last “almost” decade, come alive like never before. Their lives, like ours have changed and grown, and I for one am happy to have been included in the adventure. And while they are leaving us, some will continue to always be with us. (Hi Fred and Duncan!)

As is the norm with this series, KILLER CHARACTERS was a killer mystery from beginning to end. A master of her craft, Ms. Adams planted clues both hidden, and right under the reader’s nose. The author had me not only second, but triple guessing myself. As the conclusion grew near, I completely tuned out the rest of the world and lost myself in the story until the final word. Fantastic.

To barrow a partial quote from the beginning of the book . . .”End? No, the journey doesn’t end here . . ." ~ J.R.R. Tolken. Thank you for the reassurance, Ellery.

Olivia Limoges is a restaurant owner, aspiring novelist, member of the Bayside Book Writers' group, and recently married to local police chief, Rawlings. Another member of the Bayside Book Writers, Laurel, is accused of murdering her husband's mistress, the hospice nurse for his dying mother who never had a kind word for Laurel. Before long another murder occurs, connected to the first, and the Bayside Writers set about clearing Lauren, endangering themselves, crossing Olivia's husband, Chief Rawlings, and putting themselves in danger --- for one, mortal danger. This is the last in what seems to have been a popular series and I quite enjoyed it, though I wonder how much more I'd have liked it if I had grown to know the characters and the town of Oyster Bay through the preceding seven installments? I figured out whodunnit fairly early, but I was still surprised by the ending. Nicely done if a bit heavier and darker than most myster

I have enjoyed reading all of Ms. Adams' books and this one is no different. She tackles some difficult subjects and the differing ways people respond. It isn't always pretty, and readers who are expecting sunshine and roses may want to look elsewhere. But it is well written and honest.
Olivia's friend Laurel is accused of killing her husband's mistress, a hospice nurse helping care for Laurel's mother-in-law. Olivia and Millay do their own investigating to prove Laurel's innocence. Along the way, they uncover secrets closely held both by friends and other possible suspects.
It is unfortunate that this is the final book in this series. The characters are so well defined and their lives are richly embued with both love and pain. And Adams does leave the reader with a sense of hope and life progressing, whether we are along for the ride or not.
Thank you, Ellery Adams.

I delayed reading this book because I knew it was the last one of this amazing series. Candidly, I struggled as I read this because the murder suspect was one of their own. The natural divisions between threatening to splinter these amazing characters. The power of Ms. Adam's writing made their collective pain, discomfort totally real for me. At times I felt truly melancholy. Yet, I had to know how this would be resolved, to know who actually "done it" and would the relationships be restored.

To say that the ending was a gut punch would be an understatement. I was weepy the entire day, yet hope resonated at the end. It was a realistic ending. I'm starting at the beginning of the series for another round. I'm not quite ready to let these characters go!

Killer Characters - book 8 in Books By The Bay. Wow sums up this book for me. I have loved getting to know the characters. Ellery Adams is a masterful writer because you start the series not really liking Olivia. She is rich & seems self-centered. But as the book and series progresses, Olivia joins the Bayside Book Writers group and becomes an integral part of the group. This book has a sad event and I was very surprised and unhappy. But I realized that Ellery Adams' writing ability makes us get attached to the characters and you switch from happy to sad moments and everything in between as you read. I wish there was a little more to the ending. It was a surprising way to end a series in my opinion.

There is no excuse, none, for killing off the main male character after getting readers invested in the series. I will not continue reading any of her other books in case this is going to be the fate of characters I love. This is a dirty trick to play on loyal readers.

I was finally able to read Killer Characters and I’m gonna be honest I don’t remember if that was going to be the end of that series but I have sat here and cried my eyes out for the loss of a friend. There isn’t many authors that can do that to me but you did. Thank You so much for great stories with friends I truly miss between books and that I morn the loss when it’s the end for them.
This as always is a well written story that will keep you reading and wanting more until the very end.

Ellery Adams has once again penned a wonderful story proving that she is truly an artist. From the beginning I knew that this would be the final book in the series based on the author's comments in the front of the book and from others' comments on Facebook I knew the ending would be upsetting. The ending did leave me in tears but this was handled so well by Ellery that you could feel and visualize hope for all of the characters which have become my friends over the years just from reading this series. I will miss these friends and will grieve for all of them as I would other close friends. Thanks you Ellery for giving us such an in depth story line wonderful characters. I love all your books and
look forward to reading your new series and hopefully books in continuing series which I read.

I feel betrayed. I loved this series because it left me feeling good. My husband is very ill, and I thought I could count on this author for something to give me a lift. I should have waited for reviews. It was an awful experience.

I've followed these characters for years now and they will be greatly missed. They have loved and lost and grown so much over the series. I am grateful for lessons learned from this series. I hope to one day visit a location as true and kind and magical as Oyster Bay. Fantastic finish to a fantastic series.

Killer Characters had me hooked from the first chapter. Ellery pens relatable, real-life characters that make you care. The plot was outstanding and filled with drama for this last book in this series.

This was the first book I read in the series and it being the last I don't regret reading it. It was heart felt and suspenseful. Get some tissues handy you will need them.

This was my favorite cozy mystery series until this book. I just read on another review that this would be her last book in this series. Why did she feel she had to end this beautiful story with such a sad ending? If it is her last book in this series, then why disappoint a lot of the readers. I'm still sadden by the ending. I do read a lot of the other series she has going but this was my favorite.

Where to begin? I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and am sorry to see it end. Having said that, this last book was disappointing for several reasons. Unfortunately, I read some of the other reviews before reading the book. Some of them contained a spoiler with no warning. So, as I read the book, the spoiler was always at the back of my mind. I couldn't help wondering when and how it would happen so was unable to focus on the events before the spoiler. I agree with other reviewers that the spoiler was totally unnecessary to the plot and it pretty much ruined the book for me. I also felt that Olivia, whose character had been so wonderfully developed in the previous books, regressed in a way that was painful to read. That also didn't add anything to the plot. Since the publisher canceled the series, maybe Ellery Adams just didn't or couldn't care anymore.

This book brought me to tears at one point. It’s an elegantly written book and Ms. Adams was at her best. I would recommend it to anyone. I was prepared for someone dying, but caught off guard to find out who it was. I think this is one of her best novels to date and am really looking forward to when the next installment comes out. Brava Ellery Adams!

This was a very good book & I enjoyed reading it. Makes me want to visit Oyster Bay & all the characters, especially Olivia & Rawlings. However the ending was very upsetting. Books by the Bay is one of my top favorite series. I can't wait for the next book to come out.

The author's note in the beginning pretty much telegraphs how this story is going to go. I do not read cozy mysteries for sadness and darkness. There is no good reason for this kind of ending to a series. I have enjoyed all the other books in this series and am sorry the author took this direction.

I enjoyed this series until the last book killed off one of the main characters, Sawyer, for no reason! Just because the publisher chose not to renew the series? Too bad, I won't be reading her books again:(

The ending was horrible. So disappointed & angry. If I would have known that was how she would end it, I never would have even started this series. I won't be buying any Ellery Adams books in the future. I went & returned all the other books in the series & unfollowed her as a writer. I read cozy mysteries for the mysteries...and for the escapism. This started out bad and only got worse. Someone else posted that this series didn't get renewed by the publisher & it feels like Ms. Adams took out her disappointment on the readers by traumatizing one character and then killing off - for no good reason - another major character.

As others has posted, I was very very disappointed by the ending-- it did not add to the story line and I felt was just unnecessary. We have enough death and despair in our normal lives, so I read to entertain and pleasure. This was a horrible way to end an otherwise great series

I loved this series and eagerly awaited each book. Had I known how this book would end, I would not have read it! I am so disappointed and disgusted! Will donate the series to the library instead of sharing with friends.

I love this series and the people in the stories. Olivia really had to grow emotionally and realize what friendship should be. However, I really hated the ending. Her father pops up and everything is forgiven. Maybe the author had to rush to end the book. I am sorry it is the end of the series, but glad I don't have see Olivia going on with her solitary life.

*spoilers*
When this book showed up on my Kindle, I had actually forgotten I preordered it...and I also thought I should have cancelled the order because the series had gotten somewhat boring and bland for me. I should have gone with my instinct. Then the next shoe dropped...we read about a cheating spouse...something I totally detest and go out of my way not to read about. Ok, so I soldiered on because I had invested in the series by reading every other book. Then we come to the conclusion...if I had been reading this story as a physical book, I would have thrown it against the wall. The worst conclusion ever...a main character senselessly murdered, a main character with enough strife in her life that she didn't need more and the ruined life of a spouse that was cheated on - a trifecta of pain and suffering for three main characters that I had become attached to. I was shocked and sad at that story twist...even sadder that I had invested my time in this series...I guess this was the last book. I don't know because I didn't read beyond 93% when it all went so wrong. Shame on this author...I will never be reading anything from her again...and I have a long memory.

I have loved this series from the beginning, but I'm so disappointed with the ending!!!! Left me feeling very sad. I'm sorry but I was definitely not a fan of this ending. If this is how Miss Adams plans to end all her series I don't think I will invest my time on her books again. This series was my all time favorite until this horrible ending.