Beach Reads
By Cindy Bilbao
When you can’t make it out to the beach, spend some time dreaming of a seaside adventure, or learn about the waters that surround us, with these books.
A Shell of a Problem
By Jennifer L. Schiff
Seashells and mayhem are two things not normally found together, but in this case it’s a match made in island heaven and a beach read so fun that you won’t want to put it down!
The story takes place on Sanibel Island, famous as the seashell capital of North America, and the book is filled with local references that will be familiar if you’ve ever visited this area. Don’t worry if you’ve never been to Sanibel Island—this read will make you want to put this destination on your wish list.
Guinivere Jones is a reporter for the Sanibel-Captiva Sun Times who is assigned to cover the annual Sanibel Shell Show. The show will feature the world’s largest junonia shell, reportedly worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. The whole town is excited to see this Guinness Book of World Records shell, but suddenly it’s stolen. The reader joins Guin, who has an inquisitive nature and likes to get to the bottom of things, when she decides to figure out which one of the cast of characters could be the culprit. Mayhem soon turns into murder and Guin is determined to find out what happened and why.
Anyone who (like me) remembers the Nancy Drew series, will find that this book has the same feel to it, and is perfectly geared for adults who love a great beach read combined with a hard-to-put-down whodunit mystery to get them through until toes-in-the-sand weather comes around again! This is Jennifer Schiff’s debut novel, with several great sequels: Something Fishy, In the Market for Murder, and Bye Bye Birdie.
How To Read Water: Clues and Patterns From Puddles to the Sea
By Tristan Gooley
An interesting read for those who live near water or visit areas with bodies of water. Water can tell you a lot if you know how and what to look for. Walk with the author as he imparts his vast knowledge in an entertaining way. This book shows you a unique new side of nature.
The Blue Bistro
By Elin Hilderbrand
Adrienne lands in Nantucket totally broke and suddenly single but finds her way into the inner workings of a popular, posh restaurant when the good-looking owner, Thatcher, hires her to run it. Fiona, the chef, creates food that has lines forming at opening time but is mysterious about her life and hard to get to know. This intrigues Adrienne who wants to learn more. A compelling novel about love and loss.
Read more beach book recommendations from Cindy Bilbao.
This article appeared in the Beachcombing Magazine January/February 2019 issue.
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