The Harbor Pointe Series is a collection of eight novellas by Story Empire authors. Each story takes place at the Harbor Pointe Inn in a fictional California town. See my reviews for the previous books in the series on this blog.
As with the previous six books in this series, the story did not disappoint. Up-and-coming actress, the beautiful Leah Meyers, argues with her fiancé and goes alone to their booking at the Harbor Pointe Inn, leaving Daryl Warren at home to wallow in regret over the end of his athletic career due to an injury. Then someone finds Leah’s body at the base of a cliff near the Inn. Her death is ruled a suicide, but not everyone believes this.
Five years later, Daryl, Leah’s psychologist, Leah’s brother, and her close friend Adele, who was at the Inn at the time of her death, serendipitously visit the inn on the anniversary of her death.
Deputy Brad Sherman, assistant to the lead detective on the original case, has always believed the suicide was not the cause of her death, that something was amiss with the lead investigator who reached his conclusion in a headlong fashion. When he learns Leah’s former acquaintances are staying at the inn, he decides to reopen the old case file.
The four guests soon learn their identities and share their belief that Leah was murdered or, at the very least, her death was an accident. Brad Sherman uses this opportunity to gather information for his investigation.
The story is very character driven: Kevin, her brother, is driven by revenge and the fact Leah’s family could not cope with her death. He thinks Daryl had something to do with it. Adele is engulfed in grief for her friend, and the psychologist is unconvinced that Leah committed suicide. Daryl is very likeable but has not moved on from Leah’s death. The author does an outstanding job of getting into their heads, as well as creating a memorable setting against which this mystery unfolds.
The author involves these friends and the deputy in a very natural way to pick apart truth from fiction and unveil what really happened. Lots of twist and turns keep the reader guessing.
Death at the Inn is an admirable addition to the Harbor Pointe series. Romance and mystery against a spectacular and ominous setting – perfect! I highly recommend it!
About the author:
Joan Hall has always enjoyed reading or listening to stories about inexplicable events, so it’s not surprising she writes mystery and romantic suspense. A lover of classic rock music, songs often serve as the inspiration for her books. When she’s not writing, Joan likes to observe the night skies, explore old cemeteries, and learn about legends and folklore. She and her husband live in Texas with their two cats.
You can visit her at her website, http://JoanHall.net.
Thank you so much for this lovely review, Noelle. I enjoyed writing this story as well as being able to participate in the group series.
Well I for one am glad you did!
Very intriguing sounding book and that cover draws me right it. Sounds like one I’d enjoy.
Deanne, you would enjoy the entire series. They are all novellas so quick reads!
I believe I would. If only I could read even faster. I have so many waiting for me to read.
Another great addition to the series. Congratulations to Joan, and thanks, Noelle!
Thanks, Olga. What a series this is!
A book well worth the read. Highly recommended by one who devoured it way too fast (and wish I had more of it to read).
Me, too, Jacqui!
Hi Noelle, a super review of Joan’s contribution to this series. I’m reading Staci’s so this one is next.
Great to hear! There’s one more after this one and the review for that will be out on Friday.
Wonderful review, Noelle. Like you, I thoroughly enjoyed Death At The Inn. Congratulations, Joan!
You are one of many who loved this! Thanks for stopping by!
Fantastic review, Noelle. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I am working my way through this series. Congratulations to Joan!
Thanks, Beem. I just reviewed the last one, by Harmony Kent. The review will be up on Friday!
What a fabulous review, Noelle! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on Joan’s Harbor Pointe Series contribution. I loved her story and can add my recommendation to yours! Congrats to Joan!
Thanks, Jan. All of you writers did a bang up job!
This is next on my Harbor Pointe reading list. Congrats to Joan on a wonderful review!
Thanks, Jacquie. The review of the eighth and last book will be posted Friday!
A super review, Noelle. Congratulations to Joan.
Thanks, John! It was a fun read.
😊
I’ve read this one too. Wasn’t Death at the Inn a fun mystery?! Great review, Noelle!
Absolutely, Priscilla. One more to come!
I can’t wait to read this! Congratulations to Joan! Great review. 🙂
Thanks, Kymber. You have a fun read in your TBR tower!
Thanks for the wonderful review, Noelle. Joan definitely does a great job getting into everyone’s heads and developing all the perspectives. Congrats to Joan!
Thanks, Diana. Yup, she did a great job – good thing mine is not the head she got into! Horrors!
Lol. You’re almost done with the series. Thank you again for all the wonderful support and the reviews. 🙂
Definitely not a problem – all the books are so good!
Congratulations to Joan for that great review.
Thanks, Craig. What an easy book to review!
I loved this book too, Noelle. I thought it was very “Clue-Like” in the set up with the cast of characters, and I loved that. Congrats to Joan!
I hadn’t thought of Clue, MC, but you are exactly right. I haven’t played that game in years!
Good to hear that this series is still strong.
All the way through, Rosie! One more to go!
Looks awesome! I’ve already bought it – now to find the time to read it 😀
I know the feeling, Nicholas. My review of the last in the series is posted for tomorrow!
Hi Noelle – I’ve seen other books from this Harbor Point series reviewed – what a great idea for a series. I love this cover. Thanks for your review!
Not a single book in this series disappointed! Treat yourself to books by a group of powerful writers!
That’s wonderful to hear, Noelle!
Your writing is so refreshing and authentic It’s like having a conversation with a good friend Thank you for opening up and sharing your heart with us
Thank you for your kind words.
Wonderful review, Noelle for a wonderful story 🙂
Thank you, Denise – and yes, a great story!
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Thank you!
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