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Thank you Bookouture for inviting me to be part of the Books on Tour for “The Seaside Murders” by Helena Dixon. The action starts right away Jane and Arthur (and Benson) go to Jane's childhood home to figure out who killed Antonio Russo, an Italian prisoner of war. There is a black market operation and they need to find out if the two incidents are related.
This is a great cozy mystery with interesting characters. I am enjoying the interactions between Jane and Arthur, and Benson, Arthur’s manservant (who even has a manservant?). I will definitely read the next book in this series. I liked this book even better than the first, because we got past the initial character backstories and introductions and right to the action!. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheSeasideMurders #HelenaDixon #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInEngland

This was a thoroughly enjoyable second instalment of the Secret Detective Agency series. The characters are definitely growing on me. We return to find our detective trio about to embark on the investigation of a suspicious death of a war prisoner whose naked body was discovered on a deserted beach in the town where Miss Treen grew up. For Jane Treen it is the first time she has returned to the family home since her father's death, making the investigation even more difficult for her. It is soon clear that the Italian officer who was killed did not drown as initially thought and both Jane and Arthur are drawn further into the mystery.

As a piece of historical fiction, it is off interesting storylines of life on the home front during the Second World War. As in any difficult situation, there are always those who will turn another person's misfortune into a money making scheme for themselves. Profit from another's misery. Soon Jane, Arthur and the ever faithful Benson are investigating black market goods as well as the murder and are wondering if the two are linked or if the Italian's death is actually a little more personal.

This story reminded me a little of the old Foyle's War episodes off the TV and I really enjoyed the place and time that the novel is set in. It gave an extra layer to the story that added interest and intrigue. There are many more adventures in store I am sure for the agency and I very much looking forward to reading them. I can't wait to see how the relationship and the mysteries they face progress.

Thank you to the lovely team at Bookouture for inviting me to take part in this blog tour and providing me with a review copy. It has been a pleasure as always. :)

England, 1941 when Jane Treen is summoned to Brigadier Remmington-Blythe’s office. Her bossslides a folded copy of the evening newspaper towards her, with one small article circled in red ink. A body has been found on an English beach in the little seaside town where she grew up, and he wants her to investigate. Jane is used to managing secret agents and spies, but she is now part of The Secret Detective Agency, England’s answer to solving the most mysterious murders. Making her way to the coast and brimming with curiosity, she’s heartened that shy and handsome codebreaking genius Arthur Cilento will be joining her to help her. The couple along with Arthur’s servant Benson work to uncover how an Italian POW died & also to break a black market gang.
The second book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own, as ever I’ve to start a series at the beginning. I really like both Arthur & Jane they are like chalk & cheese but work so very well together, ably aided by the enigmatic Benson. I also like the chemistry that’s developing between Arthur & Jane as well as the witty banter. A very well written book with plenty of twists & turns as well as red herrings. I was kept guessing as to who the villain was. More of Jane’s & Arthur’s pasts are revealed & Jane’s mother visits them, which is a revelation.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

The Seaside Murders by Helena Dixon.
The Secret Detective Agency Book 2.
Wow. I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down. I read in one sitting. I loved everything about this book. Ths writing style and the story. The characters. I loved the relationship between Jane and Author. This series just gets better and better. Definitely recommend.

The Seaside Murders by Helena Dixon was the perfect escape while I was feeling under the weather—coughing and sneezing my way through the day. Despite my illness, this enjoyable mystery brought a bit of joy and comfort into my hours of rest.
Set at the beginning of World War I in a seaside location where Jane’s childhood home is, it’s an entertaining and enjoyable story. The mystery is well-crafted, keeping me engaged even through my sniffles, and the relationship between Jane and Arthur worked well—there are signs of more to come! Helena Dixon’s easy-to-follow writing made it effortless to enjoy, even when my head was foggy from being sick.
This book truly helped brighten my day, featuring a captivating mystery, a vivid setting, and a couple of quirky and endearing characters. It was like a little dose of literary medicine—soothing, entertaining, and just what I needed while recuperating!
There’s an added bonus: Marmaduke, the one-eyed feline that I absolutely loved.
Summarizing: I enjoyed the solid mystery, the evolution of the characters, and the vivid historical background.
Highly recommended! Many thanks to Bookouture for this digital copy— all opinions are mine.

‘The Seaside Murders’ is second in ‘The Secret Detective Agency’ series by Helena Dixon and has all the benefits of coming after the introductory story. A more dynamic plot, key characters established, interesting newcomers, danger, bravery and surprises.
The first book ‘The Secret Detective Agency’ took place at Arthur Cilentro’s home in Devon so it is helpful to see detectives Jane Treen, Arthur and his manservant Benson sent to investigate a mysterious death only yards from Jane’s childhood home in Kent. A body has been found on the beach at Ashbourne, the circumstances of death are unknown and there is a strange tattoo on the victim’s arm. Jane’s boss the Brigadier suspects a connection with local looting, theft and black marketeering. We learn more about Jane, making her character more empathetic and less spiky, especially when her actress mother Elsa unexpectedly arrives. Annoying as Elsa is, she acts as a catalyst for the relationship of the investigative trio, making them more of a team.
The parallel investigations get off to a tricky start. There is an unmotivated inspector and an annoying government inspector. Although Jane grew up in Ashbourne, she finds many incomers due to the war. Land girls working on farms, Italian prisoners of war at a local camp, a rich landowner and magistrate plus a recently arrived schoolmistress, an artist and new managers at the village pub.
The deceased is identified as an Italian prisoner, one of a government experiment using approved POWs to help beleaguered farmers produce enough food to feed the population. Antonio Russo and his friend Matteo Gambini, who both grew up on farms in Italy, are imprisoned at the local POW camp and adjudged safe to work alongside land girls on a local farm. Now one of them is dead.
Overall I enjoyed this more than the first. Firstly, there was less smoking by Jane and more gentle interaction and less confrontation between Jane and Arthur. I also confess to being very curious about Benson and am looking forward to learning more about his background. There’s an interesting hint about his previous work with Arthur, so fingers crossed.
This is a new take on the usual wartime setting and I’m curious to see what happens in the third book.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-reviews-a-z/

The Seaside Murders returns with the dynamic duo Jane and Arthur, sweet Benson and Marmaduke in tow! A new case you won't want to miss. 💫💫💫💫💫

The Secret Detective Agency is asked once again to look into a case. Jane Treen and Arthur Cilento travel to Jane's hometown Ashbourne to investigate the body that surfaced on the beach. Was it a drowning, or was it a cover-up for something bigger happening in the town?

This book was very enjoyable, atmospheric, and historical. The story was perfect and with several suspects. I really loved Benson, Arthur's butler, and Marmaduke.

Thank you, Netgalley and Bookouture.

This book was engaging and well-researched. Jane, Arthur, and Benson....the best trio to defend the country from forces within and outside it.

The UK, in the middle of bombings from air raids, has a lot to deal with. Someone is profiting from the air raids by stealing items to later sell on the black market. A POW camp in Kent, with Italian prisoners, adds a twist when one of the prisoners is found dead.

The culprit, I never guessed.

This book really did have me guessing.

I'm also starting to enjoy the comraderie between Jane and Author and I love Benson.

Def a good read.

The Seaside Murders is the second book in The secret Detective Agency series and we are back again with Miss Jane Treen and Arthur Cilento as they are asked to investigate a body discovered on the beach in Ashbourne, which is where Jane grew up. Tasked with investigating, they move into Jane’s childhood which stirs up memories of her father, who sadly passed away not that long ago. Benson, Arthur’s butler is also invited as he has firmly become a fixture with his cool head ability to fit in anywhere.

The body is that of an Italian POW, working at a local farm as a labourer and also appears he initially may have drowned, further investigations show that that certainly isn’t the case. Although the local police are investigating, they don’t seem to have a clue and certainly don’t want Jane getting involved! When Jane and Arthur discover there has also been looting in the village during air raids, they learn it isn’t just petty theft but a well run and large scale operation that appears to be happening up and down the country…

I really liked getting reacquainted with Jane, Arthur and Benson. They are a formidable trio with their quick thinking and it was nice to read that since the first book they have investigated other crimes as part of their roles in the department Jane works in for the government.

Jane has definitely thawed since the first book – mainly down to Arthur’s presence in her life. She still smokes like a chimney in front of him despite his asthma but is definitely making a conscious effort with him! We do see Jane’s prickly side when her mother invites herself to stay in Ashbourne but I can definitely sympathise with Jane as her mother does come across as very oblivious to others! She does however show a softer side with Benson when he appears to be in danger, so maybe mother and daughter are more similar than they realise!

The Seaside Murders is a great addition to the series that I hope continues to grow as I was still in the dark towards the end, still with a list of suspects that I wasn’t entirely convinced with. The end reveal was cleverly done and a surprise!

Well very written and researched and an exciting read that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish!

It is time to review the second book in Helena Dixon's The Secret Detective Agency series: The Seaside Murders. Perhaps you'll remember that I quite enjoyed reading the first book and so I was definitely looking forward to reading this second one!

So here are Jane, Arthur and Benson again! There is yet another mystery to be solved and who better than this dream team? A body has been found on an English beach in the little seaside town where Jane grew up, and Jane is send to investigate, together with Arthur and his manservant Benson. In a village full of suspects, who is the murderer? And does the body have any connection with the rising amount of thefts in the area?

I am of course not going to tell you who the killer is, or if all the incidents are connected. I, for one, was quite surprised by the unravelling plot. Let yourself be transported by the fast paced plot of this novel to find out yourself!

Again, I quite enjoyed reading another Helena Dixon novel. This is once again a cosy mystery that is exciting and lovely at the same time. And what's even better? Book number 3 has been announced for November 2025!

A clever WWII cozy that sees Jane and Arthur investigating the murder of an Italian POW along the coast. They discover more than they expected not only about the dead man and goings on at the POW camp but also about themselves. Know that this is a very slow burn romance if it's a romance at all. This is an odd couple that's at its best when they've got a puzzle to solve and this one kept me guessing. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC . A very good read.

It was just last month that book 1 of the Secret Detective Agency came out and we already have book 2. If you are a reader who hates to wait for the next book in the series, then you should pick up this series.

If you read my review of The Secret Detective Agency, then you know that I was kind of on the fence about this series. Since I often feel that way about book 1 in a cozy mystery series, I wanted to give book 2 a chance. I can say that I enjoyed The Seaside Murders much more.

I think it was because the two main characters Jane Treen and Arthur Cilento weren't constantly thinking about how annoyed they were with each other. They were more friendly with each other and a little more considerate. However, the pendulum might be swinging the other direction and there are hints that there may be a love interest brewing. I'm not sure I want that either. I read a few cozies with married or dating people and I enjoy them, but I also like when they are just partners. I feel like that would be more what I want to see with these two.

In this book, there is not only the murder of an Italian POW to solve but also a major black market ring to bust. The mysteries are good and kept me engaged.

If you read the first book, we got glimpses into Arthur Cilento's life as the murder took place in his hometown. In the second book, we get more of Jane Treen's past as the seaside town happens to be where she grew up. I liked getting to know them through the other characters in the book.

I mentioned in my previous review that I was looking for a WWII cozy mystery to replace one that is ending this summer. If you are also reading Ashley Weaver's Electra McDonnell series, then I think you will enjoy this series.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Tuesday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2025/04/the-seaside-murders-by-helena-dixon.html

Ms Treen and her oddball team are back for some more World War II crime fighting.

Jane is off to the seaside for this adventure. She's returning home (not exactly voluntarily) to investigate a new murder. With the affable but asthmatic Arthur and his manservant Benson - the dynamic trio need to solve another brain twisty murder.

There is a dead Italian POW, smuggling, and with the backdrop of WWII, there are plenty of things to keep your mind whizzing. Jane always gives off this prickly, posh attitude but with the state of her family home, she's definitely one of the land rich/cash poor characters. Marmaduke the cat once again is a scene stealer and that mother of Jane's is causing a maelstrom of mayhem wherever she goes. Now we know why Jane can thrive on chaos!

The "romance" between Jane and Arthur is so slow-burn they might still be stealing glances at each other when they're 80! LOL. I do hope they get a HEA...eventually. Probably once Benson is sick of the pair of them and just organises a secret wedding and tells them both to turn up!

There are certainly plenty of suspects and the plot keeps everything moving in the right direction. The pacing did slump occasionally but sometimes you just need a rest! I love the wartime feel of the adventure and all those little period correct accuracies that keeps my history loving self happy.

I will happily await the next adventure with Jane and co!

The codebreaker (reclusive/asthmatic Arthur) and the spymaster (chain-smoking abrasive Jane) need to work together again. They are sent to the Kentish coast to investigate rumors about the Italian prisoners from the POW camp and the suspicions regarding Black Marketeers. Add in the hostilities between Jane and her self-absorbed celebrity mother and this becomes unputdownable. At least it did for me.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Bookouture via NetGalley. *****review
#TheSeasideMurders by Helena Dixon @helenadixonuk #TheSecretDetectiveAgencyBk2 #BritishCozyCrimeMystery @bookouture #NetGalley @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @the.storygraph #historicalcozy #cozycrime #kentishcoast #blackmarket #powcamp #witty #suspense

Entertaining historical cozy.

In this second book in the Secret Detective Agency series, I’m off to Jane’s childhood home in the village of Ashbourne in Kent. Jane Treen and her reluctant associate, Arthur Cilento, have been directed there by Brigadier Remington-Blythe because the body of a naked man was found on a beach nearby. The dead man happened to be an Italian POW who was allowed some leeway in a work release program. Definitely the War Office didn’t want any repercussions from this incident. In addition, there have been reports of looting and black marketing in the same area. Off they go, along with Benson and Jane’s cat to the house left to Jane by her recently deceased father.

This story moved along nicely and I enjoyed it more than the first book as I liked Jane and Arthur a bit more this go round. The mystery was well plotted and not entirely predictable. The investigation proceeded quickly and the discoveries were made though they of course put themselves into the thick of it and imminent danger. Jane’s mother is a trip for sure and not any sort of pivotal character. I am not really into the idea of a romance between Jane and Arthur but I hope they can be great friends and even better investigative partners. I liked the wartime details, it’s 1941, and England is beset with air raids and strict rationing.

I look forward to reading another in this series. Thank you to Bookouture for the e-book ARC to review and recommend.

England,1941: When Jane Treen is summoned to her boss’s office at the end of a long day, she smooths down her tweed skirt and makes them both another strong pot of coffee. Brigadier Remmington-Blythe slides a folded copy of the evening newspaper towards her, with one small article circled in red ink. A body has been found on an English beach in the little seaside town where she grew up, and he wants her to investigate.

I could not put the book down until the very end!

The characters are interesting and the plot just twisty enough to keep me guessing for a long while. I'm looking forward to the team's next adventure!

I would highly recommend this series.

They are back -jane, Arthur, Benson, the coffee, the cigarettes and of course Marmaduke the one eyed ginger cat.
An Italian prisoner of war has died, possibly murdered .Our trio are charged with discovering if this is connected with the black market activity happening in the area.
Like the first book in the series "The Seaside Murders" has all the best qualities of the cozy crime genre -picturesque locations, quirky characters and in addition an historical backdrop. Jane was a little cold in the first book. However, in this one we hear about her father and meet her mother which makes her far more relatable. After all, anyone who loves their cat as much as she loves Marmaduke obviously has a softer side.
I listened to the audio book for number one in the series and the narrator was an added bonus.So if this format becomes available for book two I recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookoutre for the arc . My review is voluntary.

Jane Treen and Arthur Cilento are called on by Brigadier Remmington-Blythe to solve another crime for The Secret Detective Agency. This time, the boy of an Italian POW has washed up near to where Jane grew up. Her and Arthur, along with Arthur's manservant Benson, are tasked to find out what happened to the man as well as uncover a black market operation that is operating nearby.

I was excited to read this one after enjoying listening to the first book in this series. But this one didn't have the same excitement for me. While the book was well written, the story line was a bit dull for me compared to the first. The first novel also felt better paced and focused more on the mystery at hand. That being said, I would still read the next book in this series when it comes out.

Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley, and Helena Dixon for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

🌃Review: The Seaside Murders

🍎Rate: 5 Stars (Million!!!)

☕Praise: Helena is a mystery writing genius! Jane, Arthur, and Benson are back! Guess who's back?! The trio! We now have our dear and very intriguing Jane returning to her home village to help solve the murder of a POW Italian man who was found murdered! On top of it we now have a black marketing scheme! Someone is stealing from the people in the village!

🍫 Jane, Arthur, and Benson are all sent together to go figure out these two crimes! Not only did Helena create a second series that is phenomenal! She created a second book in the second series that had two mysteries! (That's the most math I've done this year LOL) It starts off with its usual charm and mysterious whimsical nature that had me turning the pages right away!

📖 Not only do we have our usual characters that are back we were introduced to brand new characters in Janes 's little town! A lot of new quirky characters, for instance the woman living by the sea, had me very entertained! Speaking of entertainment! Janes glamorous mother, the famous actress, decides to stay with Jane! (She is definitely not too happy!) Talk about a touch of family drama in the midst of two Mysteries that need to be solved!

💞Characters: Helena always creates the most unique characters! Every person the trio questioned or decided to assume was the culprit had me rereading each scene because I was thoroughly provoked by what could happen next! (No spoilers!!) Each character has their own unique quality that can either make or break a scene. Their personalities are like layered desserts! You might dip in but you never know what concoction will come out!

💖Extra/Tropes: I truly appreciate how Helena always describes where they go in each scene. Whether it's a old cottage, hiking in the woods, or riding in a family heirloom car! I feel as if I'm on a movie set the whole time! Helena has the ultimate gift with description and charm! Naturally I'll be reading her books forever!

🍪Must Read
🍪 Thought-provoking
🍪 Cozy mystery
🍪 Charming author!

Thanks to Bookouture and Net Galley for this ARC. Another great story and plot; i was worried the first in this new series would be a one off and the next not as good but book two I think is better than book 1. This series is less cozy that the dolphin/kitty mysteries, perhaps because they are set in WW2, but just as enjoyable. I look forward to more