A good setting for a cozy mystery, which I don’t read that often. If you do, you'll like this. It's a not for me but cozy mystery lovers will likely like it. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review

K.J. Sweeney's debut novel is set in a tight-knit seaside community in New Zealand, when, after some stormy weather, Helena Statham comes across a skeleton that's been exposed because of a coastal landslip. It's turns out to be the skeleton of a young woman, likely to have been buried for around 30 years, a period of time before Helena and her family moved to this area, but a timeframe in which many of the locals are still alive, and can remember what was going on around then.

The police are called, a taskforce is established and an investigation gets underway, but Helena despite never imagining herself much of a sleuth, has time on her hands due to decreased working hours and she feels the strange pull of connection to this young woman, whoever she is.

Flagged by many as a cosy mystery, that description fits with the idea of the amateur sleuth and a long-dead missing woman. There's nothing particularly confrontational about this crime scene, except the idea that a young woman could simply vanish from view and nobody seemed to think twice about it. It's also cosy in that the style is very much that of a lot of telling, and not much showing at all. The pace is glacial in some areas, where the identification of this woman seems to take quite a while given the timeframe is clear, and the community pretty small. A potential motivation and a suspect pool slip easily into place, and Helena continues with her prodding, poking and talking to everyone method of investigation that does sometimes seem to take quite a long time to go anywhere.

THE BODY AT BACK BEACH is more likely to appeal to fans of something slower, with a lot of dialogue and a gentle processional style progress. There is time here for some character development, and Helena is a woman of a certain age, with a happy home life, a career that's been enjoyable, who now seems to be looking to shift her focus to something else. Dare we say it, but perhaps something with a slight edge, which she seems to be doing, within the setting of an archetypal small town and community.

Helena Statham never imagined herself as a sleuth. But when she stumbles upon the body of a young woman while on a walk, she can't resist the urge to discover who she was and how she got there. Even if it means upsetting the tight knit community of the small New Zealand town she lives in, and uncovering secrets that have long been buried!! Good book! This was like a cozy mystery with a thriller bite!! It had suspense, intriguing, murder, mystery, a good who done it and a few twists and turns! The story was interesting! I will recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Never know what you will find on a walk around town, and what long buried mystery will be revealed. Rather cozyish mystery, our middle age sleuth ruffled feathers and does her own investigation to set things right for the bones she accidently discovers. Gotta love when the bad guy really thought he got away with it and would never be found out.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

KJ Sweeney’s The Body at Back Beach is a captivating mystery that transports readers to a small, tight-knit community in New Zealand, where secrets long buried are brought to light by an unlikely amateur detective.

The story begins with Helena Statham, who stumbles upon the body of a young woman while on a walk along Back Beach. This discovery sets Helena on a path of investigation, driven by a mix of curiosity and a sense of justice. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers connections to a thirty-year-old case of a missing woman that was never resolved.

Helena Statham is a well-crafted protagonist. Her transformation from a regular citizen to a determined sleuth is believable and compelling. Sweeney does an excellent job of fleshing out Helena’s character, making her relatable and easy to root for.

The novel explores themes of justice, community, and the impact of the past on the present. Sweeney’s depiction of the small New Zealand town is vivid and atmospheric, creating a strong sense of place that enhances the mystery.

Sweeney’s writing is clear and engaging, with a good balance of description and dialogue. The prose is accessible, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the mystery.

The Body at Back Beach is a enjoyable mystery that will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries and crime fiction. Sweeney has crafted a story that is both intriguing and heartwarming, with a protagonist who is easy to cheer for. The blend of suspense, character development, and a picturesque setting makes this book a standout in its genre.