The Whitstable Pearl Mystery by Julie Wassmer

Pearl Nolan always wanted to be a detective but life, and a teenage pregnancy, got in the way of a police career and instead she built up a successful seafood restaurant in her coastal home town of Whitstable - famous for its native oysters. 

Now, at 39, and with son Charlie away at university, Pearl finds herself suffering from empty nest syndrome . . . until she discovers the drowned body of local oyster fisherman Vinnie Rowe, weighted down with an anchor chain, on the eve of Whitstable's annual oyster festival.

Is it a tragic accident, suicide - or murder?

Pearl seizes the opportunity to prove her detection skills and discover the truth but she soon finds herself in conflict with Canterbury city police detective, Chief Inspector Mike McGuire. Then another body is discovered - and Pearl finds herself trawling the past for clues, triggering memories of another emotional summer more than twenty years ago...

*First of all I would like to thank the publishers for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Review: I really enjoy cosy crimes so when I was offered Julie Wassmer's debut to review, I couldn't resist. I started reading and I was immediately invested in the story. Pearl was a joy to read, smart and determined, she is ready to prove that she is much more than an oyster restaurant owner. And her little family adds humorous sparks to the story, with a lively mother who likes flamenco and a son who has fallen in love with a mysterious Italian girl and is no longer eager to go back home for the summer.

But what I enjoyed most about this story was the setting. The story was set in a coastal town during the annual oyster festival. I could perfectly picture myself there, on that fishing town with the boats ready to go find the most delicious oysters. Julie's descriptions were vivid and detailed and gave character to the story. Although I am not sure I really want to try oysters, they do not look like the most appealing dish.

The story was fast-paced and easy to follow. I had my suspicions about who was behind the deaths but an unexpected twist took me by surprise. All in all, a very enjoyable story that cosy crimes fans will devour in a couple of sittings. 

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