This is the story of an 11-year old girl and her 14-year-old brother that takes place during the summer of 1959 during what came to be called the Gidget era. Set in a formerly grand old beach front hotel, The Surf and Sand Club Hotel, the story also takes the reader back to an even earlier period of the hotel’s history, 1938 and the ball room dancing that the hotel was famous for.
11-year-old Mary Nell Morgan and her brother Lonnie have only been living in the hotel a little over a year, having moved here when their mother found employment as the hotel’s bookkeeper. And they are new to the whole California beach scene, having lived most of their years overseas in Saudi Arabia, where their father still works on the oil pipeline. 14-year-old Lonnie falls in love with both surfing and the owner’s pretty daughter Jennifer, while Nell mostly keeps to herself, swimming very early and alone every morning down in the dark and quiet basement pool. When Nell learns that a young actress may have disappeared in that pool one night back in 1938, she decides she must try and find out what happened to her. Soon she learns that her own mother and other family friends knew the actress, and were there the very night she vanished! That story is told with flashbacks.
When Jennifer, Lonnie’s teen love interest, goes missing, the detective from the original case, now nearing retirement, is called in to help solve the two similar cases, which may or may not be connected.
This story is a family saga, and a mystery as well, but its focus is mainly on young Mary Nell, and the formerly grand old hotel itself, which was inspired by a real hotel and the author’s memories of weekends spent there with his own mother and friends in the late 1950’s.
Assessment:
Plot: The plot itself is engaging, and the final twist is satisfying to read. The story’s twist, while gripping, appears fairly late in the book, and isn’t affirmed until the very last chapter of the novel.
Prose/Style: The dialogue reads very realistically – especially the exchanges between the children, Lonnie and Nell. Edwards is clearly attuned to her characters’ voices. The sentences, however, can be long-winded, sometimes without proper punctuation to break up the excess of clauses. An overuse of articles and transitional words (“so,” “and,” “but,” etc.) make it difficult to follow the action of each scene.
Originality: This is a general storyline that many fans of the thriller/mystery genre will recognize. With a bit more fine-tuning of character perspectives – expanding on specific psychologies, personal hang-ups, and idiosyncrasies – Edwards can develop the story’s originality even more.
Character Development: The text doesn’t seem to be rooted in one specific person’s perspective. The third-person omniscient narration grazes the surface of many characters’ POVs at once, failing to delve deeply into any detailed thoughts and musings.
Date Submitted: May 28, 2019
Rated 5 stars by Sharon April 19, 2019
This is a new author to me, and this book is a little gem that I recommend everyone who loves mystery books to grab this one and enjoy a great read! This isn’t your modern-day mystery, it’s a cold case from 1938 meshed with a current missing girl in 1959. What more could I ask for? It’s history and mystery, it’s full of intrigue and so very well written. The characters are interesting, and the location is well described.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"Surf and Sand takes place at a seaside hotel in the late 1950s, where 11-year-old Nell spends the summer with her mother, Ginger, and older brother, Lonnie. She spends her days exploring the nearly-deserted resort by herself and becomes obsessed with solving the mystery of young woman who disappeared from the hotel twenty years ago.
Nell is a sweet character – plucky, curious and authentic. The relationships among Nell, Lonnie and Ginger are positive and respectful, which is a refreshing change from most coming-of-age novels. The story has a simple, clean writing style...the author does a nice job of depicting the setting and era. I could easily visualize the hotel and beach as I read."
"A mystery/coming-of-age tale with well-developed characters and appealing historical settings...Edwards effectively assembles a number of intriguing elements in this mystery novel. Nell is an engaging character who’s thoughtful, a reader, athletic, and resourceful, and these qualities not only help her sleuthing, but also help her grow as a person. The historical settings are intriguing, as well, whether it’s 1938 with its Hollywood glamour and sleaze, or 1959, as California surfing gains popularity...The parallel mysteries are compelling, with fine red herrings to keep readers guessing..." ----Kirkus Reviews
Dec 24, 2023 review from the Online Book Club by Ebere Writes Cocept
Meet Mary Nell Morgan, an 11-year-old, exuberant, and naturally inquisitive girl whose discovery of a 21-year-old unsolved case sparks her inner detective. Drawn by curiosity, she embarks on unraveling the mystery behind the serene pool—a cherished sanctuary that provides her solace and escape. As she delves deeper, her quest for answers yields little, until a strikingly similar disappearance occurs, echoing history. Will this new enigma also remain shrouded in secrecy? Does the pool hold a deeper mystery? Will the long-buried secrets between Ginger and Lois resurface, or are they destined to remain hidden forever? Dive into 'Surf and Sand: The Girl in the Seaside Hotel' by W. B. Edwards for an enthralling revelation.
'Surf and Sand: The Girl in the Seaside Hotel' by W. B. Edwards presents an enthralling tale seen through the curious eyes of a young girl determined to uncover the secrets of a vanished past. Narrated from a third-person omniscient viewpoint, the novel beautifully unfolds Nell's adventure within the seaside hotel. While categorized as a mystery thriller, the story's charm lies in the protagonist's endearing yet subtly goofy nature, adding depth to the intricate plot. Within its pages, the book portrays a world brimming with themes of love, friendship, family, and the poignancy of loss, fostering a deep connection with the characters' journeys. It cleverly highlights the impact of the novel and film "Gidget," showcasing how they facilitated greater accessibility to surfing for girls, ultimately inspiring Nell to embark on her own surfing journey. The interwoven narratives from different timeframes captivate readers, leaving them guessing at every turn.
The novel captures my imagination with vivid landscapes, transporting readers into the heart of the story. The author meticulously crafts each character, allowing their development to unfold beautifully, enhancing the understanding of their distinct personalities. The gripping plot held me captivated throughout, and the engaging narrative style kept me glued to my seat. The author's meticulous attention to detail captivates the readers' hearts, creating an immersive experience throughout the narrative. The author's friendly tone adds an inviting touch. Seamlessly crafted, the storyline fosters an air of anticipation, compelling readers to eagerly await each chapter's revelations.
However, I found the occasional repetitive storytelling across settings somewhat slowed the pace; it's not so impactful that Nell’s discovery of the hidden room was entirely by accident. It would have been more wonderful if her findings had orchestrated the discovery.
Overall, I rate the book five out of five stars. The author skillfully weaves the intricate relationships between characters, and the story strikes a balance between mystery, suspense, and heartfelt moments. I particularly appreciated the book's realistic portrayal while maintaining a gripping sense of mystery, culminating in a satisfying conclusion. Well-edited and compelling, 'Surf and Sand: The Girl in the Seaside Hotel' is a recommended read for enthusiasts of mystery and coming-of-age novels.
Surf and Sand: The Girl in the Seaside Hotel by W.B. Edwards is a mystery set in Southern California. Mary Nell, a twelve-year-old girl, moves to a dilapidated ocean-front hotel with her brother and mother in 1959. New to the area and with no friends other than Lonnie, her brother, Mary Nell spends her days swimming alone in the old motel pool. When she learns about the disappearance of a young actress twenty years ago, who was last seen near the motel pool, Mary Nell is determined to solve the case. The mystery becomes even more important to Mary Nell when she learns of a connection between her family and Irene, the missing actress.
Edwards deftly aligns the two plotlines, shifting smoothly between Irene’s story in 1938 and Mary Nell’s investigation in 1959, creating one cohesive story. Moreover, there is an interesting juxtaposition between the characters from the past and their present personas, like Mary Nell’s mother, who plays an important role in both storylines. The concurrent storytelling led to some believable red herrings, which ultimately made for a very exciting mystery.
The characterization was also engaging, especially that of the younger characters. Mary Nell’s character was by far the most developed and the most interesting. Reminiscent of Scout from Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, the protagonist is a bit of a loner, endlessly curious, and clever beyond her years. The author masterfully creates a believable and likable character, foregoing the typical tropes. Similarly, Mary Nell’s older brother, Lonnie, has a realistic relationship with his younger sister; one that is strained by his new teenage-boy interests.
In addition to the expert plotting and enjoyable protagonist, Edwards writes an engrossing and unique setting: The Surf and Sand Motel. Located on the shore in southern California, the motel is the perfect setting for both a cold-case mystery and a curious young girl. The setting oozes old-fashioned Hollywood glamour, but the decaying building and outdated interiors are described in a most unsettling way, aligning perfectly with the mysteries at the heart of this story.
I thoroughly enjoyed Surf and Sand. Although the editing wasn’t perfect, and the storytelling could use some energizing in certain places, the mystery was engaging, the characters were realistic, and I found the book difficult to put down. If not for the editorial issues, I would happily rate this book four stars. However, in its current state, Surf and Sand earns 3 out of 4 stars. Readers who enjoy mysteries that lean more towards the literary genre will enjoy this well-constructed story.
Reviewed by Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers' Favorite
The most difficult decision to make when reading Surf And Sand: The Girl In The Seaside Hotel by W.B. Edwards is whether one most appreciates the beautiful, literary writing of this excellent author, or if one is even more intrigued by the incredibly subtle mystery embedded in this captivating story. It is a given that the main character, young Nell, will thoroughly steal your heart without return. The quality of writing and storytelling reminds a reader of the immensely popular and appealing book: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, and Surf And Sand does not suffer a whit in the comparison. A tremendous accomplishment, and truly award-deserving.
Mary Nell Morgan (Nell) is the precocious and hugely endearing young girl who occupies center stage in Surf And Sand, and W.B. Edwards never misses a detail when bringing her vividly and lovingly to life. “Nell had preferred running around outside with the boys, even if it did mean getting killed all the time.” As this suggests, the compelling strength and deep intrigue behind the strangely muted mystery central to Nell’s musings and pursuings – the unsolved disappearance of one young girl almost twenty years ago, and a very similar current disappearance from the same California seaside hotel – lie in Mr. Edwards' impeccable ability to reveal each character’s onion’s-worth of layers and subtle meaning. In other words, these fascinating characters are the red herrings of this mystery, and a mesmerized reader will find himself jumping monkey-like from one conclusion to another, all the while beguiled by a most beguiling child. Surf And Sand is for those who immerse themselves close to drowning in their reading, and worship the invigorating breath they take upon resurfacing.
