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Sanibel Island Mysteries #1
A Shell of a Problem
When investigative reporter Guinivere Jones finds herself out of a husband and a job, she decides to leave dreary New England and move to sunny Sanibel Island, Florida, the seashell capital of the United States. But all is not sunshine and seashells on Sanibel. And when the star attraction of the annual Shell Show, a rare shell known as the Golden Junonia, goes missing, and Guin stumbles across the dead body of the chief suspect a few days later, she is determined to find the missing mollusk and the murderer. Along the way, she finds buckets of shells and suspects -- and a little romance, too. The first book in the Sanibel Island Mystery series, A Shell of a Problem introduces readers to Guinivere Jones, ace reporter for the Sanibel-Captiva Sun-Times, her two faithful feline companions, Flora and Fauna, the beautiful island of Sanibel, and a host of memorable characters.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2017
407 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer L. Schiff
14 books80 followersJennifer Lonoff Schiff is the author of the popular Sanibel Island Mystery series and the stand-alone novels Tinder Fella, a delightful rom-com set in NYC, and Something's Cooking in Chianti, a culinary mystery set in Italy.
Prior to her career as an author, Jennifer worked as a fact-checker, researcher, writer, and/or editor for a variety of magazines and book publishers. She eventually left the publishing world to found a boutique marketing communications agency that helped companies tell their story, for which she won several awards.
When not busy working on her next novel, Jennifer can be found playing with her two cats, taking long walks on the beach, or with her nose in someone else's book.
Prior to her career as an author, Jennifer worked as a fact-checker, researcher, writer, and/or editor for a variety of magazines and book publishers. She eventually left the publishing world to found a boutique marketing communications agency that helped companies tell their story, for which she won several awards.
When not busy working on her next novel, Jennifer can be found playing with her two cats, taking long walks on the beach, or with her nose in someone else's book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
June 18, 2021
I feel like a colossal bitch for panning a self-published book, but...let's just say it's pretty obvious why this was self-published.
I don't go into cozies expecting Pulitzer-level writing or an amazing plot twist or anything, but God in Heaven, this was bad. Really the only positive I came away with was the setting was done well, but it's not that hard to accomplish that when it's a beach town. The writing badly needed an editor for like 50 reasons. It was painful at times, reminded me of working as a grader for my JC English professor. One main thing that irritated the shit out of me: There would be bracketed asides in a character's dialogue, the way you might do in a quote in a news article to add missing info or something. Maybe that was intentional because the MC is a journalist? But it was so clunky and weird, and never necessary. If a character says that Justin is coming home from college for Spring Break with his new girlfriend, it's pretty obvious Justin is her son. You don't need her dialogue to read, "Well, Justin [Shelly's son] is...". There were so many redundant lines, so much repetition. I hope I never see the words "Golden Junonia" ever again.
Oh and yes, there is a character named Shelly, in a book about shells. There's also a man named Sheldon. Like.............come on.
The plot was super meandering, there were a number of scenes that were basically the MC repeating everything that had happened over the past few chapters to her friend over brunch, and way too many mentions of her feeding the cats or making omelets. Then eventually what was supposed to be the main issue in the book just fizzles out into nothing, and the murder case ends in the most ho-hum way possible. In fact, we barely even get an ending.
Oh, we also get some fatphobic shit plus a really offensive joke about bipolar disorder, and the MC gets someone to confess by wearing a tight dress. I feel like this author read a few too many Stephanie Plum books.
I finished it, but begrudgingly. Do not waste your time like I did.
I don't go into cozies expecting Pulitzer-level writing or an amazing plot twist or anything, but God in Heaven, this was bad. Really the only positive I came away with was the setting was done well, but it's not that hard to accomplish that when it's a beach town. The writing badly needed an editor for like 50 reasons. It was painful at times, reminded me of working as a grader for my JC English professor. One main thing that irritated the shit out of me: There would be bracketed asides in a character's dialogue, the way you might do in a quote in a news article to add missing info or something. Maybe that was intentional because the MC is a journalist? But it was so clunky and weird, and never necessary. If a character says that Justin is coming home from college for Spring Break with his new girlfriend, it's pretty obvious Justin is her son. You don't need her dialogue to read, "Well, Justin [Shelly's son] is...". There were so many redundant lines, so much repetition. I hope I never see the words "Golden Junonia" ever again.
Oh and yes, there is a character named Shelly, in a book about shells. There's also a man named Sheldon. Like.............come on.
The plot was super meandering, there were a number of scenes that were basically the MC repeating everything that had happened over the past few chapters to her friend over brunch, and way too many mentions of her feeding the cats or making omelets. Then eventually what was supposed to be the main issue in the book just fizzles out into nothing, and the murder case ends in the most ho-hum way possible. In fact, we barely even get an ending.
Oh, we also get some fatphobic shit plus a really offensive joke about bipolar disorder, and the MC gets someone to confess by wearing a tight dress. I feel like this author read a few too many Stephanie Plum books.
I finished it, but begrudgingly. Do not waste your time like I did.
February 11, 2018
A great " toes in the sand" mystery
Such fun particularly if you already love Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The serious shellers appreciate the elusive nature of the junonia and who doesn't love a story full of perfectly drawn friends and neighbors?
Such fun particularly if you already love Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The serious shellers appreciate the elusive nature of the junonia and who doesn't love a story full of perfectly drawn friends and neighbors?
April 25, 2021
This is one of the better cozy mysteries I’ve read! I’ve usually found cozy mystery’s to be a bit outdated and corny! This one is fun and exciting!
I have to commend the author on her writing! She really wrote this book in such detail I felt like I was right the with Guinevere as she solved this mystery! She described every place on Sanibel Island in such a fun way! It makes me so excited to check it out there this weekend! (That is my main reason for reading this book, I’m going to Sanibel tomorrow!) That alone, was my favorite part!
I enjoyed the ending and how this mystery was solved. I also liked the epilogue which provided closure for all the characters in the plot! Well written, sunny, and fun! A bombSHELL of a book! 🐚
I have to commend the author on her writing! She really wrote this book in such detail I felt like I was right the with Guinevere as she solved this mystery! She described every place on Sanibel Island in such a fun way! It makes me so excited to check it out there this weekend! (That is my main reason for reading this book, I’m going to Sanibel tomorrow!) That alone, was my favorite part!
I enjoyed the ending and how this mystery was solved. I also liked the epilogue which provided closure for all the characters in the plot! Well written, sunny, and fun! A bombSHELL of a book! 🐚
January 8, 2021
Note, this is for the Audio Book version.
Narrator Amy Gordon did an excellent job of bringing Jennifer Schiff's great characters to life in her lively reading of the first book in the Sanibel Island Mystery series. The interplay between the main cast of characters (Guin, the Detective, Ris, Shelly, Craig, and Ginny), and other islanders, translates especially well to the audio format. Over the last two years, I had worked my way through the Kindle versions of the entire 6-book series, and it was a lot of fun to return to book 1 as a listener.
Sanibel holds a special place in the heart of visitors (and locals) and the book does a great job of using the island and region as a backdrop to an entertaining whodunit. Highly recommended.
November 13, 2019
I picked up this book while on vacation on Sanibel Island in Florida. The book has lots of "shout outs" to places on the island which makes you think while reading it, oh, I have been there or I have seen that. Which is, I suppose, the hook to buy the book. Unfortunately, the story line is weak and much of it is presented as dialog. I like a good dialog, as it can be very insightful. This was pedestrian at best. However, it may be that the author was just getting her writing "legs" and the next book might be better.
January 15, 2021
This was my first Jennifer Lonoff Schiff's book. This is the first book in the Sanibel Island Mysteries. The characters are well developed, and the storyline is intriguing, and entertaining. This is a good cozy mystery. Amy Gordon did a good job with the narration. I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 2, 2019
Unsophisticated, underdeveloped characters, meandering plot, abrupt ending.
February 4, 2024
If you love Sanibel Island, cats and a murder mystery, this book is for you. Can't wait to read another one in the series. This would be a perfect beach read with funny inner dialogue, a great cast of characters and sleuthing out the clues.
December 9, 2020
I enjoyed this book. This is a great start and introduction to a new series. I have never heard of Sanibel but reading the other reviews I discovered it is a real place and with the authors description or research it sounds a lovely place and a place you would like to visit, well as long as there is no murder of course. The mystery was interesting and contained plenty of suspects, I did think the story ended abruptly but that won't stop me from getting the next. The characters were like able and I think having the main character as a reporter worked well for the story, allowing her to question suspects and witnesses, the policeman might not have liked it but it works.There was also a little romance and teasing by the best friend. So all in all a good little mystery with all the right elements in it.
Guinivere, a reporter, newly moved to Sanibel is asked to judge entrances in a competition at the annual shell show. Being a keen shell collector herself she is eager to attend when it is announced that a rare and expensive shell is going to be the star attraction and on display for the first time. The Shell is the talk of the town and is in fact the inspiration behind a new building project, if the developer fan convince the owner to sell. Then the shell is stolen and Guinivere is assigned the story. While interviewing witnesses she stumbles over the dead body of the developer. Can the theft and the murder be related? The police aren't getting anywhere, so Guinivere don's her investigative hat as well as her reporter hat to find the killer.
I liked the narrator and thought she did a good job bringing the characters to life.I
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Guinivere, a reporter, newly moved to Sanibel is asked to judge entrances in a competition at the annual shell show. Being a keen shell collector herself she is eager to attend when it is announced that a rare and expensive shell is going to be the star attraction and on display for the first time. The Shell is the talk of the town and is in fact the inspiration behind a new building project, if the developer fan convince the owner to sell. Then the shell is stolen and Guinivere is assigned the story. While interviewing witnesses she stumbles over the dead body of the developer. Can the theft and the murder be related? The police aren't getting anywhere, so Guinivere don's her investigative hat as well as her reporter hat to find the killer.
I liked the narrator and thought she did a good job bringing the characters to life.I
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 21, 2020
If you want something intelligent and ground breaking, this is not it. If you want a cozy beach read that doesn't require a lot of thought while still being moderately entertaining, this is it. Somewhat simple story line with tedious descriptions of day to day activities, including especially every meal the main character eats.
I read this because it is set in Sanibel, FL where I plan to vacation in a few months. It did have fun descriptions of shelling and local places.
I read this because it is set in Sanibel, FL where I plan to vacation in a few months. It did have fun descriptions of shelling and local places.
October 3, 2019
I picked up this book from MacIntosh Books + Paper while vacationing on Sanibel Island in Florida and absolutely loved it. It was a fun read and it was even more fun getting to read it in the setting of the book. I loved reading and finding myself relating to the beaches and shops that the author mentioned throughout the book.
January 17, 2018
A fun read, with a bit too much advertising of local businesses and transition fillers, but I would read the second in the series! I liked the police detective. Kind of reminds me of Joanne Fluke’s books
January 4, 2021
My mom loves cozy mysteries and recommended this one as my husband and I are frequent visitors to Sanibel and Captiva. I loved reading all the businesses I am familiar with. It was cozy and cute with a little twist in the plot. A great light read. Nice job Jennifer.
November 4, 2019
So in love with this series!
August 26, 2020
It is easier to enjoy a book when you are familiar with the locale. Sanibel is one of our favorite places and we purchased this book there. A pretty good first novel, I am going to read more of the series.
November 7, 2022
I loved this book and author. A cute story. I really enjoyed reading this book.
April 16, 2023
This is a cozy fun poolside, summer, or morning coffee read. It takes place in one of my favorite cities, Sanibel Florida. It brings so many memories of places on the island to life. I loved every second of this book. It kept me guessing till the end. Definitely a must read!
February 2, 2019
What a great new author. Loved the book. Can't wait to read the next one.
March 29, 2022
This is a first of a series of books. I think I'm going to like these books if they are as good as this oone.
August 1, 2020
I truly enjoyed this story. I like the characters and the story line. It was fun reading about parts of my area of Florida. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. I would highly recommend this book and author to you for a great summer read!!
January 19, 2018
I rate this book a 3.5 but rounded it up for the purpose of the review.
This is author Jennifer Schiff's debut novel and she did a great job with it! The plot was unique, the characters were relatable and the location was perfect! I felt like I was in Sanibel - especially since I love to vacation there!
The author does need to work on some of the flow of the story. There were times when the sentences or the banter was not something that would actually occur in real life. The author dated herself at times with some of the words, phrases and descriptions of some things. For instance when she was talking about sending/receiving a text or email she said she would "ping" the person. At one point she mentioned that she was going to look online and that the character would "enter the URL" - I have never heard someone say that in real life.
The author just suddenly and abruptly ends the story and leaves the reader hanging...yes, the murder is solved and yes the shell is found, BUT what about the romance that was brewing? What about the unanswered questions that the reader has? Does Guin end up with Ris? The Detective? Do the police arrest Harmony? What actually happens?!? It wasn't an actual cliffhanger, it was more of a where is the rest?!? Did the author forget?
I will read something by this author in the future, as I did enjoy the location, the references and the idea behind the plot. This was a good book, but could use a bit of improvement. A really great first try though!
This is author Jennifer Schiff's debut novel and she did a great job with it! The plot was unique, the characters were relatable and the location was perfect! I felt like I was in Sanibel - especially since I love to vacation there!
The author does need to work on some of the flow of the story. There were times when the sentences or the banter was not something that would actually occur in real life. The author dated herself at times with some of the words, phrases and descriptions of some things. For instance when she was talking about sending/receiving a text or email she said she would "ping" the person. At one point she mentioned that she was going to look online and that the character would "enter the URL" - I have never heard someone say that in real life.
The author just suddenly and abruptly ends the story and leaves the reader hanging...yes, the murder is solved and yes the shell is found, BUT what about the romance that was brewing? What about the unanswered questions that the reader has? Does Guin end up with Ris? The Detective? Do the police arrest Harmony? What actually happens?!? It wasn't an actual cliffhanger, it was more of a where is the rest?!? Did the author forget?
I will read something by this author in the future, as I did enjoy the location, the references and the idea behind the plot. This was a good book, but could use a bit of improvement. A really great first try though!
November 21, 2019
This is the first book in Jennifer L. Schiff's Sanibel Island Mystery series. I so enjoyed this very fun read. A bit suspenseful at times which kept me reading into the night. References to many favorite spots on Sanibel Island was fun for me, too. Someone has stolen the G0lden Junonia and a murder has been committed. Could they be connected? Treat yourself to a fun and relaxing read.
April 14, 2018
This book was a real treat. I needed a good tale to dig into while I was taking a break from my busy life and the long, dreary New England winter and this one fit the bill perfectly. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know how life flows on beautiful Sanibel island with a fun mystery to keep it moving and surprising. I knew that shelling was a big deal there, but who knew that there are those that might take it THAT seriously?
Congratulations to Jennifer L. Schiff on the first of what I hope is many successful Sanibel mysteries.
Congratulations to Jennifer L. Schiff on the first of what I hope is many successful Sanibel mysteries.
May 5, 2019
What a fun book. I thoroughly enjoyed the main character and setting and the build up to the ending. Well done Jennifer. Quite the change from technical writing at Mercator. So happy for you and impressed! I will definitely read more in your fun mystery beach series. Living over on the east coast of Florida in Hobe Sound and wish you all the best!
November 10, 2020
Alliteration and a naive woman
I have no idea why I powered through this one... even on vacation. Gah! Shells... Sheldon... Shelley... how annoying. Add to that a divorcee, uncomfortable with her beauty. Just dumb.
I have no idea why I powered through this one... even on vacation. Gah! Shells... Sheldon... Shelley... how annoying. Add to that a divorcee, uncomfortable with her beauty. Just dumb.
December 11, 2020
It was nice to read about Sanibel and reminisce about my time there, but I figured out the murderer early on. The story was a little simple. If you are looking for quick read with a simple plot, then this book is for you.
June 2, 2021
A fun read about a magical place in Florida. Gun, a reporter, has her choice of men and a choice of stories. All bets are off as to whether she will solve the shell mystery and/or the murder and still be alive to make her dead-lines!
September 5, 2018
This is the perfect summer / beach read. The details of Sanibel Island and the shells for which it's known are interesting.
July 24, 2021
I loved this series. I am so glad that I found it. About 2-1/2 years ago I went to Captiva and Sanibel and this brought back memories of the beautiful islands.
I can’t wait to read book #2.
I can’t wait to read book #2.
October 8, 2021
I discovered this gem of a book shortly after it came out and I've patiently waited with anticipation for the next book in the series to see what twists and turns await Guinivere Jones in beautiful Sanibel Island. If you haven't been to Sanibel, you'll want to after reading A Shell of a Problem. If you have, you'll smile when you recognize all of the real-life places referred to by the author. Each book holds its own mystery storyline that's easy to follow, as well as love interest(s) for Guin that will leave you wanting more by book's end. I think each of us can relate to many of the characters, from Guin's best friend Shelly to her acquaintance Lenny, to her mom, co-worker Craig and, of course, her love interests. Anyone who fails to see the appeal of these books clearly doesn't "get it".
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews