Hello everyone,
Today I am truly excited to share with you all the official book series recap for author Erik D’Souza’s “Suzanne Rickson Mystery Series.” The duology follows ametuer sleuth Suzanne Rickson as mysteries and death unfolds in her small retirement community. Check out my thoughts on both books in the series and be sure to grab these books for yourselves now!
DEATH IN HALF MOON BAY (BOOK ONE):
THE SYNOPSIS
Death in Halfmoon Bay is the first novel in the Suzanne Rickson Mystery series. A twisted act of love, relentless politics, and multiple poisonings pit neighbor against neighbor in what was once a serene West Coast retirement community. Suzanne is more than a clever and resourceful sleuth; she is a doting grandmother and devoted Christian who often seeks advice from her cherished priest, Father O’Brian.
The story unfolds when a friend and neighbor, Adeline, is poisoned and dies, prompting a police investigation. Suzanne is confident that her nemesis, Regina Snow, is the culprit behind the murder of the HOA treasurer.
When a rumor re-surfaces that her husband, Charles Rickson, was having an affair with the deceased, Suzanne realizes that everyone, including the police, considers her the prime suspect. As evidence piles up against her, Suzanne finds herself in a precarious situation, needing to prove her own innocence.
The novel weaves together elements of rivalry, jealousy, and relentless politics, creating a tantalizing whodunit that keeps readers guessing until the very end. Interestingly, the characters of Suzanne and her husband, Charles Rickson, are inspired by the author’s actual parents, and the book’s premise mirrors a real-life dust-up his parents had with their HOA president.
Rivalry, jealousy, and petty spats are common among the seniors living at Secret Cove townhouse complex. But the murder of a friend is the last straw for Suzanne Rickson. Fans of Murder, She Wrote and Miss Marple will love this smart and resourceful sleuth. Death in Halfmoon Bay is a tantalizing whodunit that will keep you guessing till the end. — Debra Purdy Kong, Award-Winning Author of Casey Holland Transit Mysteries
A charming, page-turning cozy that draws the reader in and never lets them go. Great characters and surprising plot twists and turns make for a terrific read. —A.J. Devlin, Award-Winning Author of Hammerhead Jed Mysteries
THE REVIEW
This was a powerful and unique mystery read. The unique setting of a retirement community definitely brought a unique balance of murder. She wrote with a vibe that blended modern-day thriller elements. The way the author was able to infuse everyday activities that members of the community would normally partake in, from group activities and games to even the opening inciting incident of a member of their community being taken by ambulance, and was able to use these to add more gravitas and weight to the actual crime and mystery elements of the narrative, was what Drew readers in instantly.
The heart of the stories, of course, is the amazing character development. Suzanne is a wonderful protagonist that readers can really get behind. The tension that builds between her and her arrival, Regina Snow, and the way the narrative twists her initial suspicion of others into a fight to prove her own. Innocence adds more weight and urgency to the main plot. Witty dialogue and just enough emotional depth in these characters make us feel like a modern-day story waiting to become a new streaming series that readers and viewers can sink their teeth into.
RATING: 10/10
DEATH ON THE ROCKS (BOOK TWO):
THE SYNOPSIS
In the mood for an idyllic escape? Death on the Rocks will transport you right to the sunshine coast, where a community theatre event finds its members dying, and only senior citizen sleuth Suzanne must use her experience and intuition to follow the all too human twists to the real killer, before the company runs out of understudies.
Delightful summer read!
– Iona Whishaw, best-selling author of the Lane Winslow mystery series.
Every amateur detective secretly believes they are smarter than the police. Suzanne Rickson doesn’t think that. She has faith in Sergeant Bridges’ assessment that the director of their seniors’ theatre troupe, the beloved Wilbur Ghostkeeper, most likely slipped and perished on the rocky shoreline of the Salish Sea.
But Suzanne quickly regrets her naïveté after Wilbur’s widow is violently robbed and assaulted.
Is it too late to investigate the likelihood that whoever attacked the widow may have murdered her husband? Suzanne reluctantly accepts the truth that, yes, she is brighter than the police, and without her, a killer would go free.
THE REVIEW
This was yet another compelling, gripping cozy mystery crime thriller the author has crafted for this wonderful series. The suspicious death that jump-starts this narrative creates the doubt and suspicion that any good crime thriller is known for, and the balance of witty characters, dialogue, and tense, atmospheric settings really does a great job of serving the reader.
What really makes this book such a great read is the dynamic character development. Not only does the protagonist represent both the senior community and the amateur sleuth community, but the relationships that she has with both her husband and the police, including a certain detective, as well as the community at large, play a big role in how the story develops, especially as each new clue deepens the mystery of this shocking crime.
RATING: 10/10
FINAL VERDICT
This book duology is the perfect balance of cozy mystery and crime thriller that readers can easily jump into. The unique aspect of the protagonist being part of the senior community and having that Murder She Wrote thematic element to the world building was great to see come to life on the page, and the way the author honed in on the growing love for the sleuth community as well that has continued to grow in the modern age, making this a fun and engaging series to get into. If you haven’t yet, be sure to read these two amazing books today!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Erik D’Souza is an author and publisher based in Vancouver, BC. He co-owns the publishing company Timbercrest Publishing. Among his works, “Death in Halfmoon Bay” stands out as the first book in the Suzanne Rickson Mystery Series. Suzanne is more than a clever and resourceful sleuth; she is a doting grandmother and devoted Christian who often seeks advice from her cherished priest, Father O’Brian.
He is the social media and podcast host for Crime Writers of Canada, a national non-profit organization dedicated to Canadian mystery and crime writers. He is the president of the Tri-City Wordsmiths and hosts the popular reading series, Writers in our Midst, at his local library. Erik’s involvement in these gatherings fosters creativity, collaboration, and support among writers in the Vancouver area.
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