Murder at Gulls Nest

A Novel

By: Jess Kidd

Narrated by: Siobhan McSweeney

One of The Wall Street Journal’s Best Mysteries of 2025

From Jess Kidd, the bestselling author of Things in Jars who “is so good it isn’t fair” (Erika Swyler, nationally bestselling author), the first in a cozy mystery series about a former nun who searches for answers in a small seaside town after her pen pal mysteriously disappears.

I believe every one of us at Gulls Nest is concealing some kind of secret.

1954: When her former novice’s dependable letters stop, Nora Breen asks to be released from her vows. Haunted by a line in Frieda’s letter, Nora arrives at Gulls Nest, a charming hotel in Gore-on-Sea in Kent.

A seaside town, a place of fresh air and relaxed constraints, is the perfect place for a new start. Nora hides her identity and pries into the lives of her fellow guests. But when a series of bizarre murders rattles the occupants of Gulls Nest it’s time to ask if a dark past can ever really be left behind.

Critic reviews

"Siobhan McSweeney captures each nuance of this creepy yet moving mystery set in 1952 in a decaying English seaside town. Listeners meet Nora, who leaves a convent after 30 years to search for a young novice named Freda, whose letters to her have mysteriously stopped. The suspense begins as Nora moves into Freda’s boardinghouse, where residents include a retired puppeteer, a resentful cook, and a carnival worker. McSweeney sounds determined as Nora subtly observes and questions the odd and secretive residents, who have varied accents and post-WWII memories. After an unexpected murder, suave Inspector Rideout—at first, reluctantly; then, enthusiastically—partners with Nora. The atmospheric weather, scenic promenade, and gentle humor, including religious wordplay, keep listeners fully involved."

Sutle Humor Throughout

I really enjoyed this listen. Although I quickly surmised the "twist" ending, I was so enthralled by the characters that I didn't much care how it ended. I would have followed them anywhere. I have hope for more to come from this author!

Interesting

This was a okay book. It did not keep me interested . I really wanted to love this. It was alright

Compelling mystery & wonderful narration

Somewhat a cozy mystery. Interesting characters well played by Siobhan McSweeney. Hoping this is the beginning of a series for Ms. Kidd & Ms. McSweeney. Ms. McSweeney played my favorite nun & now my favorite former nun.

I love everything that Jess writes!

The immersive way in which the author parses out each character, their past, their peculiarities. The narrator was terrific. You won’t be disappointed. I couldn’t put this down.

Loved it

Wonderful main character, a former nun. All the characters were so well developed. Super intriguing period piece mystery. I enjoyed it very much!