Bardo by the Sea

Izzy and Elton Mystery Series, Book 1

By: Chad Alan Gibbs

Narrated by: Elise Taff

When Izzy Brown, an anxiety-ridden 16-year-old, receives a scholarship to the prestigious Bardo Academy, she leaves the trailer park for a seaside villa in Florida’s most exclusive and secretive community. With a new address, new school, and cute new boyfriend, life is good—for once.

But then dreams of becoming a journalist prompt Izzy to join the school newspaper. With the help of Elton Jones-Davies, a gentle giant with autism and secrets of his own, she delves into the murder of a former Bardo Academy football star.

Together, Izzy and Elton uncover forbidden romance, shady business deals, and political corruption reaching the state capital. The case heats up just as Izzy’s life falls apart, but she presses on, risking everything to bring the killer to justice.

Set in 2008, at the precipice of the housing market crash and the height of Florida’s prescription opioid epidemic, Bardo by the Sea is book one of the Izzy and Elton Mystery Series.

©2022 Chad Alan Gibbs (P)2022 Chad Alan Gibbs

Great book, great reader

Fun murder mystery that works well as an audiobook and as an adult book. It’s easy to follow on audio, but I did find it beneficial to jot down the names of characters. I loved the characters and the sense of place was amazing. I also liked the treatment of Asperger’s/ASD - anyone looking for neuro divergent representation would probably enjoy this book.

The Miracle Strip

With no prior knowledge of this author or narrator, this book interested me because the setting was the beautiful pan handle of Florida. I know the area well and enjoyed the descriptions. High praise for character development AND dry humor.

An Enjoyable Read

A Chad Gibbs book never disappoints. I enjoyed both the narrative and the narrator. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.