In a Nutshell Reviews - Library Loans

In a Nutshell Reviews are my version of mini-reviews, because sometimes, you just want the highlights.

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Welcome to Beach Town by Susan Wiggs
Published by William Morrow on June 20, 2023
Age/Genres: Adult, Fiction

Goodreads

Beloved New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs returns with a compulsively readable tale of an idyllic California beach town forced to reckon with scandal when a high school valedictorian’s speech reveals secrets that shake the town to its core.

Every town has its secrets... In idyllic Alara Cove, a California beach town known for its sunny charm and chill surfer vibe, it’s graduation day at the elite Thornton Academy.

At Thornton, the students are the worldly and overindulged children who live in gated enclaves with spectacular views. But the class valedictorian is Nikki Graziola, a surfer’s daughter who is there on scholarship. To the shock of everyone in the audience, Nikki veers off script while giving her commencement address and reveals a secret that breaks open the whole community. As her truth explodes into the light, Alara Cove will face a reckoning. Nikki Graziola’s accusation shakes the foundation of Alara Cove, pitting her against the wealthy family whose money runs the town. Her new notoriety sends Nikki into exile for years, where she finds fame—but not fortune—overseas as a competition surfer...until a personal tragedy compels her to return to Alara Cove.

As Nikki struggles to rebuild her future, she finds that the people of the town have not forgotten her. But time has changed Alara Cove, and old friendships, rivalries, and an unexpected romance draw her back into the life of the beach town she’s never quite forgotten, and where joy and redemption may be possible after all.

When I first starting reading this, I wasn't sure where the story would go, but I was pleasantly surprised by it. It started with an event that clearly defined Nikki's character. She lost a lot by doing the right thing which was why I was so elated by the way part one ended.

Needless to say, part 2 began by destroying me. My heart ached for Nikki, but it was an event that brought her back to Alara Cove and presented her with the opportunity to rebuild some lapsed relationships, redeem herself, and tie up some loose ends.

I was worried at first that this book would not have the signature warmth and charm I am accustomed to when reading Wiggs' books, but it emerged aplenty later on when Nikki was in her recovery phase. By the end, I was experiencing the warm fuzzies I had hoped for and had so much hope for Nikki's future. 

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Charlotte Illes Is Not a Detective by Katie Siegel
Published by Kensington on June 27, 2023
Age/Genres: Adult, Cozy Mystery

Goodreads

For anyone seeking to satisfy their Harriet the Spy, Encyclopedia Brown, or Nancy Drew nostalgia, this charming, entertaining debut based on the popular @katiefliesaway TikTok series stars a twentysomething former kid detective who’s coaxed out of retirement for one last case.

The downside of being a famous child detective is that sooner or later, you have to grow up . . .

As a kid, Charlotte Illes’ uncanny sleuthing abilities made her a minor celebrity. But in high school, she hung up her detective’s hat and stashed away the signature blue landline in her “office”—aka garage—convinced that finding her adult purpose would be as easy as tracking down missing pudding cups or locating stolen diamonds.

Now twenty-five, Charlotte has a nagging fear that she hit her peak in middle school. She’s living with her mom, scrolling through job listings, and her love life consists mostly of first dates. When it comes to knowing what to do next, Charlotte hasn’t got a clue.

And then, her old blue phone rings . . .

Reluctantly, Charlotte is pulled back into the mystery-solving world she knew—just one more time. But that world is a whole lot more complicated for an adult. As a kid, she was able to crack the case and still get her homework done on time. Now she’s dealing with dead bodies, missing persons, and villains who actually see her as a viable threat. And the detective skills she was once so eager to never use again are the only things that can stop a killer ready to make sure her next retirement is permanent . . .

I had a rather fun time solving this mystery with Charlotte and her Scooby-like crew.

Charlotte had enjoyed some notoriety as a child detective, but was now a floundering adult. Her two besties seemed to be flourishing while she was wasting away in her mother's home. She was feeling stuck. When her brother presented her with a mystery to solve, it seemed like something that could help Charlotte get some forward motion. Once she was sleuthing again, she rediscovered pieces of herself that had been dormant for some time while also discovering some new things about herself as well.

This book was packed with humor and hijinks which made me smile. It also featured a fantastic friendship and a sweet sibling relationship. I am not sure how I felt about the actual mystery though I thought the build and reveal was great, and overall, I had a jolly time figuring out what happened to Eric as I got to get to know Charlotte and her crew.

Overall: A solid and entertaining debut.

Who is your favorite kid detective?
Let us know in the comments!