USA Today bestselling author Christy Barritt takes readers to the mysterious, quirky island of Lantern Beach, North Carolina, in this charming cozy series!
It all started with a runaway dog.
Meet Serena Lavinia: part-time ice cream truck driver, part-time reporter, and full-time woman of mystery. She never expected to find a cute little terrier while on her morning ice cream route on the island … route on the island of Lantern Beach.
Nor did she expect the dog to be carrying a bloody shoe.
When a dead body is discovered floating in a nearby pool, Serena becomes fully immersed in her very own who-done-it. But her investigation hits a snag when a new foe arrives in town. Webster Newsome has been appointed the town’s new newspaper editor—a job Serena wanted—and the man is entirely too bossy.
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On her ice cream truck route, Serena accidentally steps into a murder mystery while avoiding a stray dog in the street. With work woes, a budget to meet and the bad guys on her tail, Serena attempts to solve the mystery while attachment grows to the pup. What a great start to the new series.
While this is a different twist for author Christy Barritt, the quirky characters, strange situations and favorite location feel right at home. Put a smile on your face as you enjoy some Crime à la Mode.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
This book made me want to get a little terrier. Barritt does a great job tantalizing a cozy mystery reader’s taste buds with a cute pup, a good mystery, and lots of ice cream. It’s my first book by her and I understand there are other series that take place in this seaside town. Her knack for combining quirky characters, a bit of romance and tying it together with a well-rounded mystery will have me coming back for more.
What an adorable introduction to this fun ice cream themed cozy mystery series from one of my favorite authors! Deadman’s Float is a novella so I read it pretty quickly. I enjoyed the fact that the crime in the book was not the same ol’, same ol’, and I had fun trying to figure out who was behind it all while getting acquainted with Serena and Co.
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
A fun novella featuring a new addition to Lantern Beach—a sweet pup Serena rescues while on her ice cream route—promises a summer adventure. However, this dog may have dug up more trouble, or uncovered a murder, to be specific. Serena and her new colleague on the island’s paper, Webster, investigate to cover the story, but they may find themselves more involved than safety warrants. Can they help solve the crime and live to report the details? I look forward to more in this delightful series. So glad Lantern Beach books continue . . . I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
This is a cute, fun book. The only reason I didn’t give it five-stars was I was looking for a little more emotional impact. And in the book’s defense, it could have been my mood.
Clean content. The characters are fun. Love, love, love the dog. Cute plot. I didn’t see the ending coming. A great feel-good book. If you are looking for something light and quick, I highly recommend this book.
Love Christy’s books!
In this spin-off from Christy Barrit’s Lantern Beach series, Serena Lavinia, a quirky character familiar to readers takes center stage in her own series. Naturally her tale gets off to a quick start with the discovery of a stray dog followed shortly by a dead body.
It was fun getting to know Serena better in her own story, especially to gain an understanding of some of her somewhat weird habits. This novella is fairly short and easy to read in an evening but it offers plenty of mystery and laughs. It also introduces a new character, Webster Newsome who has arrived to take over as editor of the newspaper. That does not go over very well with Serena! I already have a few suspicions about how that relationship will develop as the series progresses. I also enjoyed touching base with a few characters from the previous series and fully expect to see a few others show up in later installments.
I always enjoy Barritt’s books, especially when I need a bit of relief from some of the more suspenseful or historical books I frequently read. If you haven’t read any of her books, this series might be a good place to start. It can easily stand on its own.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
This is a fun story to read. I love dog stories with a happy ending. I also loved the Lantern Beach books by Christy Barritt, so I like the idea of this one happening at Lantern Beach with some of the other Lantern Beach characters and places. Serena is a very unique character and it is fun to get to know her better in this book.
If you are a Christy Barritt and a dog lover then you need to read this book. The little fur ball carries the storyline (in my dog lover opinion). The other characters are great too! This book is set in Lantern Beach and that makes it even better. It’s not real long so – so grab a copy and start reading. It’s a great book!
A sweet treat!
Take a ride around Lantern Beach on the ice cream truck with Serena and find… mystery (of course)! This story is such a fun addition to see another side of life on Lantern Beach. I have always enjoyed Serena as a character in some of the other LB books. This series brings some additional fun characters, and I think everyone will fall in love with the sweet little furry friend!
This story is a spin-off from all the Lantern Beach series and it stars Serena. It’s a cute story with a quirkiness that only Serena can give. It will all leave your head spinning; from her outlandish costumes to the crazy names she gives the cute little dog she finds. Her tender heart and curious mind keeps her busy and sometimes in a little bit of danger.
Christy Barritt is an amazing author because she brings to life characters in such a way it’s as if I know them personally. She uses vivid word pictures and descriptions to tell this story. The way she writes is so genuine and refreshing. I love this new storyline and can’t wait to read more adventures with Serena and Scoops.
If you LOVE mystery, suspense, action, and some fun quirky parts too, you will love this book!
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Deadman’s Float was a super fun trip back to Lantern Beach that follows Serena as she investigates a murder. A compelling read that I finished in a day, it was a nice distraction and a great escape from the real world.
Serena has always been one of my favorite Lantern Beach residents, so it’s great to finally be getting a series about her. She’s a little bit out there and definitely marches to the beat of her own drum, but that’s what makes her so likable and fun to read about. You never know what she’s gonna do next. I’m very much intrigued by the introduction of Webster Newsome. Him and Serena have an interesting dynamic and I’m looking forward to seeing how that develops in the future. And I can’t forget to mention the adorable dog. He’s such a cutie!
If you’re looking for an entertaining and quick read, pick up this sweet treat.
Another Lantern Beach series??? Yes, please!!! This novella stars Serena, part time ice cream truck driver and part time reporter. She is as fun and quirky as ever. While driving her ice cream truck, she finds a missing dog with a bloody shoe in his mouth which leads her to a dead body in a pool. Let the mystery begin! Sidenote here… as a dog lover myself, I always love a book with a great canine sidekick. Let’s just call this one the dog with a thousand names. That will make sense when you read the book. This pup will not disappoint!! We are also introduced to a new resident in Lantern Beach. Webster Newsome has been named the new newspaper editor. Since Serena thought that job would be hers one day, Serena and Webster’s relationship starts off a bit rocky to say the least. However, they team up to solve the mystery of who is responsible killing the man in the pool. This was a quick, fun read and I am looking forward to the future books in this series!
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
A delightfull story about Serena, the ice cream lady of Lantern Beach. While driving her ice cream route she discovers a dead body floating in a pool. Since Serena also works as reporter for the local Lantern Beach newspaper, she is determined to write the story about the dead body. That same day she also finds a stray dog or perhaps the dog finds her. She believes she should find the dogs owner but keeps the dog until she does. She calls the dog Sprinkles, the first of several names. When Serena goes to the newspaper office to inform the owner she wants to investigate and write the story of the dead body she is dismayed to learn there is a new editor, the owners nephew, Webster. Serena, Webster along with Sprinkles embark on an adventure to solve a murder and along the way they discover where Sprinkles came from although by now his name is Nutty Buddy. A fun and entertaining read, perfect for a relaxing day at home.
I had an ARC copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. I really enjoyed this new book by Christy Barritt. She infused the book with humor which added to the story line. I like the way she used Lantern Beach as the setting for this new series. Her characters are colorful and believable.
Ah, a fun trip back to Lantern Beach! In this new series by Christy Barritt, we return to The Outer Banks of NC to get to know Serena a little better. Serena bought Elsa, the Ice Cream Truck with a mind of it’s own, from Cassidy, and also works for the town newspaper, hoping to move up in the ranks. A lost pup with a bloody shoe, a dead body in a pool, and a new guy at the newspaper, all threaten Serena’s peaceful life on the island and plans for the future. As she tries to beat the new guy to solving the murder and grudgingly find the pup’s owner, while changing characters daily, Serena’s quirky personality shines through. I loved revisiting Lantern Beach and favorite places and characters while reading this fun mystery. Deadman’s Float is a great start to the Crime a la Mode Mystery Series. I was given a free copy of this book. The opinions are my own.
Time to visit Lantern Beach!!! This newest story from Christy Barritt has “all the feels” – quirky characters, a mystery to solve, a complicated relationship and an adorable dog!!! I love that the main character, Serena, talks to the dog as if it understands everything she is saying. I can’t wait to read the other books in this series!!