There wasn't as much mystery investigation going on in this one. The dead man seemed like more of space filler than the whole reason for the mystery. It was good to see that Ellery and Jack are getting closer, and Jack is starting to act like he might actually show some feelings for Ellery. They may actually have a relationship. We also got to meet Ellery's mother and his stepfather. This series is not supposed to have the big amount of romance as her other books...so Jack and Ellery are more like roommates than lovers... but it fits with the "cozy" theme that the author wanted for this series. The island citizens group that meets at the bookstore...the "Silver Sleuths" are becoming a bit irritating. No law enforcement in the country would allow this group to "investigate" or become involved in anything. I wish Josh would tone them down a bit or just eliminate them. Otherwise, it was worth the time that it took to read it , and I will anxiously await book #6. This really is a series that should be read in order, or you won't understand the changes in the characters attitudes. ( )

amateur-sleuth, bookseller, family, family-dynamics, friendship, island-life, law-enforcement, m-m-cozy-mystery, murder, murder-investigation, relationship-issues, situational-humor, small-town, small-business, verbal-humor, silver-sleuths, puppy*****

It seems that Pirate's Cove is having more mysteries, but the Silver Sleuths can't help because the main suspects are from away, not locals. A wealthy family of misfits have invaded near the end of the season for the yearly regatta (and waaay too much work for Pirate's Cove PD) and have brought a lot of craziness. Meanwhile, while diving, bookseller (and sometime amateur sleuth) Ellery and Police Chief Jack (they might be becoming a couple) come across a vintage diving suit which just happens to have a more recent skeleton inside. That is soon followed by a request (with money for needful things) for Ellery to find out who is trying (ineptly) to murder one of the wealthy misfits. It only gets wackier and more dangerous from then on. Oh, and Ellery's actress mother and producer stepfather are visiting.
Lots of laughs, good sleuthing, friction in several kinds of relationships, and another fine cozy mystery in a great series! Loved it! ( )