Murder at Gull's Nest

By Jess Kidd 
** Publication Date 8 April 2025 **
​ 4 stars

Jess Kidd excels at creating an environment for her stories. This novel, set in coastal Britain, gives off the mood of gulls, damp air, clouds. It is a cozy mystery, and while there is some gore, it is mostly mild.


Sister Agnes has left the monastery to find a friend, Frieda, who also left the monastery for her health. Frieda landed at Gull’s Nest, a tattered boarding house on the coast. When Sister Agnes suddenly stops receiving letters from Frieda, she feels compelled to try to find out what happened to Frieda. It’s back to being Nora Breen after 30 years as a nun.


Nora takes over Frieda’s room at the boarding house, but does not tell the other inhabitants that she knew Frieda. Her investigation begins of the rather diverse population. Stella and Teddy, newlyweds. Professor Poppy, a puppeteer. Bill, the bartender. Then there is the proprieties, Helena and her mute daughter, Dinah. We cannot forget the very domineering Irene, the housekeeper and cook. 


All have taken refuge in this locale which is known for its people who come and go. All have secrets as well. Nora is convinced that Frieda didn’t just take a train out of town. Especially once murder happens at the boarding house. Murder becomes quite the theme of this house, with fingers pointing at all the occupants and then some. While the local constabulary seems to think it’s coincidental, Nora thinks otherwise and is out to prove them wrong. All the while becoming something of a companion to Inspector Rideout.


I love that this is going to be a series of books. Nora is such a pleasant, fun former nun. The time and setting are perfect for mystery and crime solving. I look forward to the next installment.