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Izzy and Elton Mystery Series #1
Bardo by the Sea
When Izzy Brown, an anxiety-ridden sixteen-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 Capitol. 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 1 of the Izzy and Elton Mystery Series.
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 Capitol. 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 1 of the Izzy and Elton Mystery Series.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2022
About the author
Chad Alan Gibbs
7 books380 followersChad Alan Gibbs is the award-winning author of
Two Like Me and You,
The Rome of Fall,
and
The Izzy and Elton Mystery Series.
He lives in Auburn, Alabama with his wife and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 17, 2022
This is such an easy, fun, fast paced read which gave me the Truly Devious trilogy vibes!
The characters are so lively and I can totally relate to the sibling energy.
The writing is really easy to get into and the plot a fun one even though we are talking about a murder mystery here.
The book lives up to the blurb it provides. Well explained plot, good development of the characters and a good ending the book has got everything right.
However, I liked the first half better than the second half. I was expecting too much from the ending I guess.
Overall a fun easy, one sitting read.
Thank you, Borne Back Books, for the advance reading copy.
The characters are so lively and I can totally relate to the sibling energy.
The writing is really easy to get into and the plot a fun one even though we are talking about a murder mystery here.
The book lives up to the blurb it provides. Well explained plot, good development of the characters and a good ending the book has got everything right.
However, I liked the first half better than the second half. I was expecting too much from the ending I guess.
Overall a fun easy, one sitting read.
Thank you, Borne Back Books, for the advance reading copy.
April 7, 2022
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Bardo by the Sea follows Izzy, twin sister of Axl new quarterback star at a prestigious school in South Florida. Attending the school on a scholarship Izzy finds herself propelled from living in a trailer to a mansion in the Florida Penhandles. After joining the school newspaper, Izzy finds herself drawn into the murder of a former student, 1983 Quarterback Ricky Lee, alongside another student, Elton. But the list of suspects keeps growing, and plenty of people have a lot to loose from their investigation.
I had no idea what to expect going into this book, but boy did it deliver. The story is set alongside the housing market crash of 2008, and the opioid epidemic, which both come to bear on the main characters. Characters who are real and imperfect and ultimately loveable. It is told primarily by Izzy as she investigates, dipping into 1983 to give insights as the murder itself unfolds. The switching of POVs was masterfully done and each change was deliberate and added to the narrative.
The book built wonderfully to the final chapters and delivered some hefty gut punches along the way. The ending itself was fantastic, with all the emotional beats and plots unravelling that you desperately want when you begin a mystery novel. I CANT WAIT for the next instalment of the series (!!!) later this year.
Overall this is an excellent YA novel, a gripping mystery and an insight into murder, power and money in America… Some things are more important than life and death.
April 24, 2022
I wasn't 100% sure whether I would enjoy this book but the idea of a new elite school and mystery/ cold case intrigued me and so I thought to give it a go and I enjoyed it. Bardo by the Sea is the dark underbelly of the lengths that money works as an incentive and that blackmail really does get you where you want to be and then on the other side, how easily one person can unravel the house of cards that has been years in the making. Also, it shows readers that honestly, it is hard to get away with murder so don't think about it as a secret and the truth always rises eventually to the surface. The book starts in the year 1983 when Ricky - a star QB on a scholarship entered Bardo, everyone liked Ricky and soon he became the King of the school. He had everyone wrapped around his finger and dated the head cheerleader known as Her Majesty and the Princess as she was a spoiled brat and he hung around with his new best friend Junior. Life was great as he was on his way to becoming a professional footballer, that was until his life was cut short and Ricky was found murdered. People said it was drugs and the whole investigation swept away along with the town's secrets. Now years later in 2008, two twin students Izzy and her brother Axl named after Guns N Roses are headed to the school on scholarship. Axl reminds the town of Ricky and Izzy's dreams of becoming the next "Nellie Bly" - a successful reporter. When she pairs with her new friend Elton who is on the Aspergers spectrum on a 25th-anniversary project for the Football team - she sees this as an opportunity to uncover the truth of who killed Ricky and why? However, in doing so Izzy is about to set a domino chain effect as there are too many people who will do absolutely anything to keep their part in his murder -a secret - even possibly kill for it. I loved the friendship element between Izzy and Elton and the fact it was truly just an amazing friendship and the ending just made me smile and shows that karma is a real thing for those who do good deeds in life. Bardo by the Sea by Chad Alan Gibbs had a Nancy Drew feel to it and fans of Veronica Mars and the Amateurs series by Sara Shepard.
May 6, 2022
This was a solid YA mystery book and it is a good start to a series. It sets the stage with interesting characters and a juicy murder in a rich town. My main issue is I felt lectured by the book on a wide number of topics from opioids to the housing crisis. I couldn’t figure out if I felt this way because I’m not the target demographic (and the younger readers may need the context) or if it was the author’s style.
The story follows Izzy who has moved from a trailer park to a rich neighborhood due to the generosity of Dalton Wolfe who spies a superstar in her twin brother Axel’s football abilities. She starts at the new school and stumbles across an old murder of a quarterback in 1983. Intrigued by the similarities in the murdered student’s background and her own brother’s she decides to look into what happened. However, as you can imagine, secrets abound and people are willing to kill to keep it that way.
Izzy and Elton make for a sweet pairing and their dynamic makes it fun but they aren’t actually together for a whole bunch of this. Elton does all the legwork off the pages and Izzy runs around town so we don’t see them interact together much. Izzy and Axel’s relationship is very nebulous too. For twins, they don’t at all seem close and they have only one genuine moment in the whole book which felt unrealistic. There’s definitely some character work that needs to happen and little less lecturing but this book has all the good bones for a great series. The plotting is good, the reveal was fun, the dialogue is snappy.
The story follows Izzy who has moved from a trailer park to a rich neighborhood due to the generosity of Dalton Wolfe who spies a superstar in her twin brother Axel’s football abilities. She starts at the new school and stumbles across an old murder of a quarterback in 1983. Intrigued by the similarities in the murdered student’s background and her own brother’s she decides to look into what happened. However, as you can imagine, secrets abound and people are willing to kill to keep it that way.
Izzy and Elton make for a sweet pairing and their dynamic makes it fun but they aren’t actually together for a whole bunch of this. Elton does all the legwork off the pages and Izzy runs around town so we don’t see them interact together much. Izzy and Axel’s relationship is very nebulous too. For twins, they don’t at all seem close and they have only one genuine moment in the whole book which felt unrealistic. There’s definitely some character work that needs to happen and little less lecturing but this book has all the good bones for a great series. The plotting is good, the reveal was fun, the dialogue is snappy.
September 6, 2023
If you love truly devious then you’ll love this one!
Bardo by the sea was so good sadly I was sick so it wasn’t easy for me to process the story but now I’m a lot better than before so I read it in three sittings and I loved this book so much Mr Gibbs wrote characters that I gasped and sometimes wanted to cry for because they felt so real and raw that the ending of this book did leave me on a cliffhanger because they’re so many things I didn’t expect happening but did happen also Elton and Izzy are the cutest but I’ve also wanted to know why Elton isn’t allowed to date anyone maybe with autism kids like him they don’t feel comfortable with dating and rather just be a best friend instead I love the relationships Mr Gibbs made his characters have especially Axl and Izzy being brother and sister yes the two of them are different but it was interesting seeing that concept play through within the story I can’t wait to read the book two
Bardo by the sea was so good sadly I was sick so it wasn’t easy for me to process the story but now I’m a lot better than before so I read it in three sittings and I loved this book so much Mr Gibbs wrote characters that I gasped and sometimes wanted to cry for because they felt so real and raw that the ending of this book did leave me on a cliffhanger because they’re so many things I didn’t expect happening but did happen also Elton and Izzy are the cutest but I’ve also wanted to know why Elton isn’t allowed to date anyone maybe with autism kids like him they don’t feel comfortable with dating and rather just be a best friend instead I love the relationships Mr Gibbs made his characters have especially Axl and Izzy being brother and sister yes the two of them are different but it was interesting seeing that concept play through within the story I can’t wait to read the book two
November 2, 2022
Well written with some interesting plot twists.
March 7, 2022
This is my third Chad Gibbs book and I LOVED IT!!! Each book has been different which I believe is the sign of a great author. Bardo by the Sea kept me Interested and trying to figure out "who did it". It was a great fun read and I highly recommend it. I love how he slides in humor and sometimes I would find myself laughing out loud. You wont regret reading this book. I will highly recommend this book to my friends' book club. I can't wait for the next Chad Gibbs book!!!
May 17, 2022
The term bardo is defined as the state of existence intermediate between life and death, so this new YA book, Bardo by the Sea, written by Chad Alan Gibbs, begins in 1983 with the life and death of the quarterback at a posh academy filled with kids from wealthy families. Moving forward to 2008, we meet Izzy, twin sister of the current quarterback now attending the same posh academy. The twins are on scholarship, having come from poverty but are attending the new school because of her brother's outstanding sports skills. Izzy joins the high school newspaper and begins to investigate the mysterious death of the 1983 football star. During the investigation, she befriends an autistic young man named Elton, who work with Izzy to uncover the true killer. For only 49 days, Izzy lives a new life moving from a trailer to a multi-million dollar house and into a cloistered world of extreme wealth in the Florida panhandle. But opening up old wounds comes at a cost. The list of suspects is long, and even though warned against pursuing this investigation, she’s determined, with Elton’s help, to solve the mystery. The two high school sleuths make a lot of headway, although there is a price to pay. A superb YA novel featuring mystery, death, murder, homosexuality, wealth, investigative journalism, and the power of money.
Thank you to Borne Back Books and BookSirens for this free ARC, my thoughts and review are my own and without bias.
Publication date: May 2022. #bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #readersofinstagram #reader #booklove #author #instabooks #literature #YA
Thank you to Borne Back Books and BookSirens for this free ARC, my thoughts and review are my own and without bias.
Publication date: May 2022. #bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #readersofinstagram #reader #booklove #author #instabooks #literature #YA
January 3, 2023
Another new-to-me author, but one I will continue to read! I loved this book so much, I wish I could give it ten stars! From the first few pages, I was completely hooked. And as I continued to read, I found it difficult to put this book down, and not just because it's set in my hometown along the Gulf Coast. (That was just a plus!) Bardo by the Sea is a fast-paced, young adult mystery filled with characters anyone can easily relate to—some everyone will absolutely love, others a few might even hate. There are a couple of twists and surprises, but the story is exciting and fun and flows smoothly, providing a nice ending. So nice, you’ll be left wanting more! The dynamic duo, Izzy and Elton, are fantastic characters who work well together, truly complementing each other as their friendship grows stronger and their loyalty grows deeper. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
March 19, 2022
Surprisingly, one of my favorite things about reading books by Chad Alan Gibbs is that I have no idea what to expect. Typically, for me, I go for tried-and-true consistency with my authors - I like knowing what type of story I'm getting myself into and what to expect from the characters/plot. And usually, for me, my auto-read authors are like this - I know this author will give me a swoon-worthy romance with a happily-ever-after (HEA), and this author will deliver a breathtaking adventure with some enemies-to-lovers action on the side, and so on.
This is the third book by Chad Alan Gibbs that I've read (after Two Like Me and You, and The Rome of Fall) and each one has been so unique and different from its predecessors. I'm not sure if the author is trying things out to find his genre, or if he just has all these stories to tell that happen to be so different, or if his style is simply evolving as he goes. I suspect it's some combination of all of the above.
Whatever the case - I Am Here For It. And let me be clear - even though each book so far has been different in terms of subject matter and tone, there is still a lot of consistency in other ways. Every book is super entertaining and well-written, with a solid, well-thought-out and wonderfully-executed plot, and characters that I would literally give my life for (I'm looking at you, Parker Haddaway, Marcus Brinks, and Elton Jones-Davies).
This book, obviously, was no exception. I (as discussed) really had no idea what to expect going into it. The story takes place in 2008 in Florida during both the housing-market crash and the start of the opioid epidemic, both of which influence the characters and plot of this story greatly. As a pharmacist, it was very interesting to see how the opioid issue was handled. Much like I imagine it started in real life, it was very subtle and insidious. I'm interested to see how it plays out in future books in this (yes!) series.
This story was told (for the most part) by the main character, Izzy, at some point in the future as she's looking back, so we get some of her hindsight thoughts and explanations. I was initially worried that some of this would bog the story down or seem too out of place, but ultimately I thought the exposition that was done regarding the housing-market crash and the opioid crisis was weaved into the story very organically.
Alternatively, every now and then we were given a chapter that took place in 1983, showing us the mystery that Izzy was trying to solve in real-time, through the eyes of those directly affected. I absolutely loved how Chad Alan Gibbs did this - his pacing with these chapters and the unravelling of the mystery (in 2008 and 1983) was just perfect. Just as a puzzle piece would start to fall into place in the "now" chapters, he'd drop a 1983 chapter that confirmed what I was just starting to figure out.
As far as characters go, Chad Alan Gibbs has done it again. One of those consistent things I love about his books is the characters - they are so real and sassy and perfectly imperfect. My love of Elton specifically is very real. He is everything good and you just want to wrap him up in a hug that he will probably just barely tolerate. His friendship with Izzy was so very sweet and I can't wait to see what exciting things they go on to do.
And man, the feelings this book evoked. The last couple of chapters had some real gut punches, one sort of expected and one that I did not see coming At All (I'm glaring at you, Dalton Wolfe and Blaine Park). And to that point, the end of this book was probably my favorite part, which is totally out of character for me. Usually endings are very "meh" or disappointing for me. This book, however, was just consistently good, from the first page to the last. And then the ending just ramped up all of the emotions - excitement/worry, relief, anger/betrayal, excitement/hope. It was just so good.
And the best part is - there's a sequel coming out THIS FALL!! I'm trying very hard not to start pestering the powers that be for the next book already, but damn. I need more Izzy and Elton ASAP. I also wouldn't say no to a reappearance of a certain love interest either for some better closer.
Content Warnings: suicide, opioid/drug abuse, homophobia, murder
*Thank you to Chad Alan Gibbs for providing me with a free advance review copy (ARC) in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
This is the third book by Chad Alan Gibbs that I've read (after Two Like Me and You, and The Rome of Fall) and each one has been so unique and different from its predecessors. I'm not sure if the author is trying things out to find his genre, or if he just has all these stories to tell that happen to be so different, or if his style is simply evolving as he goes. I suspect it's some combination of all of the above.
Whatever the case - I Am Here For It. And let me be clear - even though each book so far has been different in terms of subject matter and tone, there is still a lot of consistency in other ways. Every book is super entertaining and well-written, with a solid, well-thought-out and wonderfully-executed plot, and characters that I would literally give my life for (I'm looking at you, Parker Haddaway, Marcus Brinks, and Elton Jones-Davies).
This book, obviously, was no exception. I (as discussed) really had no idea what to expect going into it. The story takes place in 2008 in Florida during both the housing-market crash and the start of the opioid epidemic, both of which influence the characters and plot of this story greatly. As a pharmacist, it was very interesting to see how the opioid issue was handled. Much like I imagine it started in real life, it was very subtle and insidious. I'm interested to see how it plays out in future books in this (yes!) series.
This story was told (for the most part) by the main character, Izzy, at some point in the future as she's looking back, so we get some of her hindsight thoughts and explanations. I was initially worried that some of this would bog the story down or seem too out of place, but ultimately I thought the exposition that was done regarding the housing-market crash and the opioid crisis was weaved into the story very organically.
Alternatively, every now and then we were given a chapter that took place in 1983, showing us the mystery that Izzy was trying to solve in real-time, through the eyes of those directly affected. I absolutely loved how Chad Alan Gibbs did this - his pacing with these chapters and the unravelling of the mystery (in 2008 and 1983) was just perfect. Just as a puzzle piece would start to fall into place in the "now" chapters, he'd drop a 1983 chapter that confirmed what I was just starting to figure out.
As far as characters go, Chad Alan Gibbs has done it again. One of those consistent things I love about his books is the characters - they are so real and sassy and perfectly imperfect. My love of Elton specifically is very real. He is everything good and you just want to wrap him up in a hug that he will probably just barely tolerate. His friendship with Izzy was so very sweet and I can't wait to see what exciting things they go on to do.
And man, the feelings this book evoked. The last couple of chapters had some real gut punches, one sort of expected and one that I did not see coming At All (I'm glaring at you, Dalton Wolfe and Blaine Park). And to that point, the end of this book was probably my favorite part, which is totally out of character for me. Usually endings are very "meh" or disappointing for me. This book, however, was just consistently good, from the first page to the last. And then the ending just ramped up all of the emotions - excitement/worry, relief, anger/betrayal, excitement/hope. It was just so good.
And the best part is - there's a sequel coming out THIS FALL!! I'm trying very hard not to start pestering the powers that be for the next book already, but damn. I need more Izzy and Elton ASAP. I also wouldn't say no to a reappearance of a certain love interest either for some better closer.
Content Warnings: suicide, opioid/drug abuse, homophobia, murder
*Thank you to Chad Alan Gibbs for providing me with a free advance review copy (ARC) in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
May 12, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! It was hilarious! Izzy and her twin brother Axl live with their mom in a run-down part of Florida. Axl is a gifted high school quarterback and is recruited by an expensive private high school up the coast. They manage to convince their donor, Dalton Wolfe--an extremely rich businessman who basically owns and runs Bardo, the town the school is in, to give Izzy a full scholarship too. Izzy is not so sure about the move to Bardo but soon they are living in one of the Wolfe's homes on the beach and starting school at the elite Bardo Academy. She soon meets a few students including her new boyfriend Blaine (whose parents went to Bardo), Axl's girlfriend Sophie (granddaughter of their benefactor and also daughter of Junior Wolfe, class of 1983), and finally, Elton Jones-Davies (who has Aspergers Syndrome). Izzy soon pairs up Elton to write an article for the school newspaper about the great football team championship win of 1983, and also to investigate the suspicious murder of the star quarterback from said team which was solved as a drug deal gone wrong. Izzy and Elton are the best pair because he is so straight and serious, does not joke or hug, remembers every single fact he has ever read, and follows all the rules, contrasting to Izzy, who is SO opposite of him, being sarcastic, funny and suspicious of everyone while breaking as many rules as she can. They start investing the murder of QB Ricky Lee who was also recruited on a scholarship. The book alternates between Izzy/Elton now and Ricky in 1983 before he is murdered. Izzy and Elton interview so many different people while chasing their story--characters who make the book so hilarious with their personalities and problems--as they are questioned about the 1983 game and murder. Most of the adults in town are former Bardo students who were in the class of 1983. Uncovering many buried secrets, Izzy and (sidekick Elton) continues the investigation in spite of death threats, possibly losing her scholarship, getting hooked on painkillers, almost getting arrested, and continuous warnings to stop, which she ignores. They do not give up and the outcome of the book is quite a surprise to all. The characters are all so memorable and funny and have fabulous personalities. Izzy is unrelenting in her search for the true murderer. I highly recommend this book!! I haven't read a book recently that I have enjoyed as much as this one! Chad Alan Gibbs has written three hilarious books in a row and is one of my absolute favorite authors who has yet to disappoint me! Do not miss this one!! Thanks to NG for the ARC.
May 19, 2022
I absolutely devoured this book. It's been such a long time since I binge read a book but I sat down to read this and five hours later I resurfaced from the world of Bardo unable to let the story go.
Let me preface this by saying, murder mystery novels are some of my absolute favorites. I love everything about the genre. That being said Bardo by the Sea delivered and checked all the boxes for a great murder mystery. In this novel, Izzy Brown receives a scholarship to the prestigious Bardo Academy thanks to her brother's promising football abilities. There she joins the school newspaper with dreams of becoming an investigative journalist. She befriends Elton Jones-Davies and together they aim to solve the murder of a former Bardo Academy football star.
Starting with the writing I have to say I was genuinely surprised with how well written this book was. The novel jumps back and forth between 2008 and 1983. I loved the multiple povs of the 1983 time jumps. All the differing perspectives fit so well and made the story in it's entirety flow smoothly while advancing the plot. The writing was easy to follow and made the overall plot appear so seamlessly. This I personally think contributes to how easy it is to slip into this world of Bardo and find yourself reading on and on.
Character-wise the author did a wonderful job of developing each character in their own way. Izzy was just the right amount of persistently inquisitive that did not feel annoying or lackluster. All her other underlying issues made the character alot more well rounded as well. Hands down Elton Jones-Davies, the sweetest and most gentle boy who happens to be on the autism spectrum, was my favorite character. Often I find characters who display disabilities in books are made to seem as if that's all there is but Elton was perfectly written to represent a person on the spectrum while being a very full and rich character.
While I figured out the biggest reveal, the way it was executed left me absolutely breathless. The different twists and turns the author throws your way really makes your jaw drop the deeper you go into the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would like to thank Netgalley as well as author Chad Alan Gibbs for this copy. A condensed version of this review has been posted to my bookstagram (@krisreadstt).
Let me preface this by saying, murder mystery novels are some of my absolute favorites. I love everything about the genre. That being said Bardo by the Sea delivered and checked all the boxes for a great murder mystery. In this novel, Izzy Brown receives a scholarship to the prestigious Bardo Academy thanks to her brother's promising football abilities. There she joins the school newspaper with dreams of becoming an investigative journalist. She befriends Elton Jones-Davies and together they aim to solve the murder of a former Bardo Academy football star.
Starting with the writing I have to say I was genuinely surprised with how well written this book was. The novel jumps back and forth between 2008 and 1983. I loved the multiple povs of the 1983 time jumps. All the differing perspectives fit so well and made the story in it's entirety flow smoothly while advancing the plot. The writing was easy to follow and made the overall plot appear so seamlessly. This I personally think contributes to how easy it is to slip into this world of Bardo and find yourself reading on and on.
Character-wise the author did a wonderful job of developing each character in their own way. Izzy was just the right amount of persistently inquisitive that did not feel annoying or lackluster. All her other underlying issues made the character alot more well rounded as well. Hands down Elton Jones-Davies, the sweetest and most gentle boy who happens to be on the autism spectrum, was my favorite character. Often I find characters who display disabilities in books are made to seem as if that's all there is but Elton was perfectly written to represent a person on the spectrum while being a very full and rich character.
While I figured out the biggest reveal, the way it was executed left me absolutely breathless. The different twists and turns the author throws your way really makes your jaw drop the deeper you go into the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would like to thank Netgalley as well as author Chad Alan Gibbs for this copy. A condensed version of this review has been posted to my bookstagram (@krisreadstt).
January 29, 2024
𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗢 𝗕𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗔
—𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗯𝘀 | 𝟯.𝟱🌟
“𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨?”
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲:
✨YA Thriller
✨Exploration of class and wealth
✨Autism rep
✨Set in Florida 2008 with themes tied to the housing market crash and the opioid epidemic
𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀:
Izzy and her brother, Axl, receives a scholarship from a wealthy benefactor based on Axl’s football skills. Now they are attending Bardo Academy, a prestigious school for the upper echelons. However, a vast amount of wealth means a vast amount of money to cover a murder, and Izzy is determined to solve the mystery of who killed Ricky Lee.
𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘰 𝘉𝘺 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘢 is a 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 and 𝗳𝘂𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 set in a place of astoundingly excessive wealth and dubious morals. It’s actually one of those rare thrillers where I prefer the characters to the plot.
My 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 part of this entire book was basically any interaction with Elton who is autistic. He was so smart, straightforward, and sweet. 𝗘𝗹𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗮 𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁, he was so transparent with his neurodivergence and so earnest in his manner that I honestly feel like I would kill to protect him. 𝗜 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁.
But only because Izzy was so 𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗵 and 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗮𝗯𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗯𝗲𝗱 and I really struggle with characters like that. But what saved her is her 𝘄𝗶𝘁 and 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗿. She was the kind of character that didn’t take anything seriously unless she decided it mattered, such as the murder of Ricky Lee.
“𝘕𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘥 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨.”
“𝘈𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯,” 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥, “𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘪𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘶𝘱, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐’𝘮 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘳𝘺, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥.”
Lastly, this books thematic explorations provide an amazing insight into 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀, 𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲, 𝘀𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. The setting may have been rich but the moral message is richer.
“𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘰𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘩, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘱𝘰𝘰𝘳. 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺, 𝘪𝘧 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺.”
𝗞𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵 | 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗵 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘆
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—𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗯𝘀 | 𝟯.𝟱🌟
“𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨?”
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲:
✨YA Thriller
✨Exploration of class and wealth
✨Autism rep
✨Set in Florida 2008 with themes tied to the housing market crash and the opioid epidemic
𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀:
Izzy and her brother, Axl, receives a scholarship from a wealthy benefactor based on Axl’s football skills. Now they are attending Bardo Academy, a prestigious school for the upper echelons. However, a vast amount of wealth means a vast amount of money to cover a murder, and Izzy is determined to solve the mystery of who killed Ricky Lee.
𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘰 𝘉𝘺 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘢 is a 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 and 𝗳𝘂𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 set in a place of astoundingly excessive wealth and dubious morals. It’s actually one of those rare thrillers where I prefer the characters to the plot.
My 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 part of this entire book was basically any interaction with Elton who is autistic. He was so smart, straightforward, and sweet. 𝗘𝗹𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗮 𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁, he was so transparent with his neurodivergence and so earnest in his manner that I honestly feel like I would kill to protect him. 𝗜 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁.
But only because Izzy was so 𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗵 and 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗮𝗯𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗯𝗲𝗱 and I really struggle with characters like that. But what saved her is her 𝘄𝗶𝘁 and 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗿. She was the kind of character that didn’t take anything seriously unless she decided it mattered, such as the murder of Ricky Lee.
“𝘕𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘥 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨.”
“𝘈𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯,” 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥, “𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘪𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘶𝘱, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐’𝘮 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘳𝘺, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥.”
Lastly, this books thematic explorations provide an amazing insight into 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀, 𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲, 𝘀𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. The setting may have been rich but the moral message is richer.
“𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘰𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘩, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘱𝘰𝘰𝘳. 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺, 𝘪𝘧 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺.”
𝗞𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵 | 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗵 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘆
✨ Threads
April 26, 2022
If you have been missing crime sleuths Pip from 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder' and Stevie from the 'Truly Devious' books, feel bereft no longer, as we now have Izzy, Elton and the cutthroat mystery and intrigue of the insular community of Bardo by the Sea to entertain us. Axl and Izzy are twins, elevated to the hallowed halls of private school Bardo Academy due to Axl's skills on the football field. Whilst Axl immediately joins the popular crowd, Izzy finds herself finding solace at the school newspaper and investigating the notorious 1983 murder of the star quarterback. Was this truly a drug deal gone wrong, or something more sinister? And is history destined to repeat itself?
As a launch to a new series, this was an excellent starting point. Whilst I did guess the twists early on (including about a certain relationship), I did enjoy Izzy and Elton as they follow the trail. Izzy is completely fearless in the way she speaks to adults and I enjoyed the candour and confidence evident throughout. My favourite aspect of this story being the Watson style prophetic narration. Izzy is telling this story many years in the future, giving us some flashes forward, as well as the flashback chapters to 1983. This is a rich tapestry of characters from Bardo by the Sea, layering the timelines, highlighting clever parallels and shining a light on how horrible most of these people are (horrible both as teenagers and adults!).
The story is fast paced, clever, and set really interestingly with the backdrop of the banking crisis in 2008, this intertwined in the story in an intriguing way. I also recently finished watching Dopesick, something else which has had a huge impact on this narrative (no spoilers here). So, not only do we get a murder mystery but the choice of contextual time period is really unique and fascinating.
Overall, I cannot wait for Izzy and Elton's next crime busting story! 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As a launch to a new series, this was an excellent starting point. Whilst I did guess the twists early on (including about a certain relationship), I did enjoy Izzy and Elton as they follow the trail. Izzy is completely fearless in the way she speaks to adults and I enjoyed the candour and confidence evident throughout. My favourite aspect of this story being the Watson style prophetic narration. Izzy is telling this story many years in the future, giving us some flashes forward, as well as the flashback chapters to 1983. This is a rich tapestry of characters from Bardo by the Sea, layering the timelines, highlighting clever parallels and shining a light on how horrible most of these people are (horrible both as teenagers and adults!).
The story is fast paced, clever, and set really interestingly with the backdrop of the banking crisis in 2008, this intertwined in the story in an intriguing way. I also recently finished watching Dopesick, something else which has had a huge impact on this narrative (no spoilers here). So, not only do we get a murder mystery but the choice of contextual time period is really unique and fascinating.
Overall, I cannot wait for Izzy and Elton's next crime busting story! 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2022
Sometimes when I read reviews and see a book described as. YA novel, I am taken aback. I am far from the YA demographic. I suppose with a 16 year old heroine I can see how the novel gets put in with that genre. But wait, I want to shout. I loved this book and I am a senior citizen.. so let’s draw the conclusion that the author knows how to appeal to a general audience.
This is the 3rd novel by Chad Alan Gibbs that I have read. They are all completely different. I loved them all. All the plot lines were great, the characters well developed, and the writing well done and easy to read.
So I was so excited, after reading his first two books, to get an advance copy of this one, and doubly excited because I love a good mystery ( who doesn’t), and even more excited to learn it was to be a series.
First, I loved the two main characters. Izzy and Elton are an unlikely duo, and that is what made this so much fun. Izzy is irreverent and determined, and Elton offers blunt assessments, taking everything at face value like only autistic people with their unique charms can do. Elton made me laugh out loud which rarely happens, but both characters were funny in their own way. I shudder when people say a book is “laugh out loud” funny. My experience is that this is rarely true and sometimes writers try to force the laugh. This book had some truly funny moments.
I found the plot to be believable and not over done. I honestly did not solve the mystery here so the ending was satisfying and not far fetched. I have to admit I was left with a bit of a Veronica Mars deja vu vibe …in a good way. Just because the characters are in High School doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t be delighted by a book!
I can’t wait for the next installment!
This is the 3rd novel by Chad Alan Gibbs that I have read. They are all completely different. I loved them all. All the plot lines were great, the characters well developed, and the writing well done and easy to read.
So I was so excited, after reading his first two books, to get an advance copy of this one, and doubly excited because I love a good mystery ( who doesn’t), and even more excited to learn it was to be a series.
First, I loved the two main characters. Izzy and Elton are an unlikely duo, and that is what made this so much fun. Izzy is irreverent and determined, and Elton offers blunt assessments, taking everything at face value like only autistic people with their unique charms can do. Elton made me laugh out loud which rarely happens, but both characters were funny in their own way. I shudder when people say a book is “laugh out loud” funny. My experience is that this is rarely true and sometimes writers try to force the laugh. This book had some truly funny moments.
I found the plot to be believable and not over done. I honestly did not solve the mystery here so the ending was satisfying and not far fetched. I have to admit I was left with a bit of a Veronica Mars deja vu vibe …in a good way. Just because the characters are in High School doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t be delighted by a book!
I can’t wait for the next installment!
April 26, 2022
"𝚁𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚢 𝙻𝚎𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚘𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚘𝚞𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚑𝚎'𝚍 𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎𝚍. 𝙸𝚗𝚟𝚊𝚜𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎." - 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝙰𝚕𝚊𝚗 𝙶𝚒𝚋𝚋𝚜 (𝙱𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚘 𝙱𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚎𝚊)
-
title: Bardo By The Sea
author: Chad Alan Gibbs
genre: YA mystery/thriller
Pub date: May 17 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Swipe 👉 for the synopsis from Goodreads
Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review
💭Thoughts:
Izzy Brown comes to Bardo Academy (a super prestigious school) from a trailer park and she throws a wrench in everything. She meets Elton, another student, and together they are going to solve a 25 year old murder. Elton is autistic and his dialogue is so warming, and fun to read. Gibbs did a wonderful job of creating a neurodivergent character without taking it out of proportion. We love a good neurodivergent character 💙
The story is set alongside the housing market crash of 2008, and the opioid epidemic, which both come to bear on the main characters. It’s a wonderful combination of inner turmoil and world events.
All of the dialogue in this book is snarky, and witty and it’s absolutely perfect. Izzy is so snappy and I love her so much! Everyone is a total smart a** and it all works out perfectly.
This the first book in Izzy and Elton’s crime-solving escapades and I am SO SO excited for the next one. 🔎 This book is from Izzy’s POV and switches between her retelling the story to flashbacks. It is easy to differentiate between the two timelines and everything intertwines PERFECTLY.
Solid story, mystery and characters. If you enjoy easy-to-read thrillers and snappy characters, this is the book for you
-
title: Bardo By The Sea
author: Chad Alan Gibbs
genre: YA mystery/thriller
Pub date: May 17 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Swipe 👉 for the synopsis from Goodreads
Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review
💭Thoughts:
Izzy Brown comes to Bardo Academy (a super prestigious school) from a trailer park and she throws a wrench in everything. She meets Elton, another student, and together they are going to solve a 25 year old murder. Elton is autistic and his dialogue is so warming, and fun to read. Gibbs did a wonderful job of creating a neurodivergent character without taking it out of proportion. We love a good neurodivergent character 💙
The story is set alongside the housing market crash of 2008, and the opioid epidemic, which both come to bear on the main characters. It’s a wonderful combination of inner turmoil and world events.
All of the dialogue in this book is snarky, and witty and it’s absolutely perfect. Izzy is so snappy and I love her so much! Everyone is a total smart a** and it all works out perfectly.
This the first book in Izzy and Elton’s crime-solving escapades and I am SO SO excited for the next one. 🔎 This book is from Izzy’s POV and switches between her retelling the story to flashbacks. It is easy to differentiate between the two timelines and everything intertwines PERFECTLY.
Solid story, mystery and characters. If you enjoy easy-to-read thrillers and snappy characters, this is the book for you
May 17, 2022
I am always intrigued by a storyline based in a school involving a murder and trying to solve it. This book is about twins Izzy and Axl who live in a trailer park with their mom but upon Axl being scouted and offered a place in a prestigious school, the family move to a mansion close to the school. Here Izzy attends the school also and in order to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist, she joins the school newspaper and it is here she decides she wants to solve the murder of a schoolboy which happened years ago to which no one was ever found guilty.
I loved the relationship between Izzy and Elton, seeing how they communicated and how Elton dealt with her sarcasm. I’m looking forward to seeing their friendship blossom in the next instalment of this series.
Overall I enjoyed this book. It had twists I didn’t see coming which I am always a fan of. I found it a bit slow to get into and sometimes I was getting confused between the characters, possibly because I was leaving too long between reading it, but once I was into the book I really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to seeing more adventures from Izzy and Elton.
I loved the relationship between Izzy and Elton, seeing how they communicated and how Elton dealt with her sarcasm. I’m looking forward to seeing their friendship blossom in the next instalment of this series.
Overall I enjoyed this book. It had twists I didn’t see coming which I am always a fan of. I found it a bit slow to get into and sometimes I was getting confused between the characters, possibly because I was leaving too long between reading it, but once I was into the book I really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to seeing more adventures from Izzy and Elton.
August 1, 2022
Izzy is a girl who will speak her mind, even if it puts her in a precarious position. She wants to right the world's wrongs, and she has Elton to help her do just that. Stumbling upon the murder of the school's football star in the 80s, Izzy believes it wasn't simply a drug deal gone bad. Using the guise of writing an article for the school paper, she's investigating this suspicious death, even when everyone would rather Ricky's death stay in the past.
I was so sad when this ended and then remembered that this is the start of a series, with each book working as a standalone (cheer!), so I'm super excited to see more of Izzy. Gibbs is a one-click author for me, so any time he releases a book, I know I will love it. Bardo by the Sea is a super fun read. Izzy knows her family is only at Bardo because her brother is the star quarterback, and their position hinges on her falling into line. But she doesn't know how to do that. Her anxiety is accurate and utterly relatable. I love the depth of the characters and the representation. The school and town are true to life, with secrets and intimidation. I'm excited to see what lies in store for Izzy and Elton.
I was so sad when this ended and then remembered that this is the start of a series, with each book working as a standalone (cheer!), so I'm super excited to see more of Izzy. Gibbs is a one-click author for me, so any time he releases a book, I know I will love it. Bardo by the Sea is a super fun read. Izzy knows her family is only at Bardo because her brother is the star quarterback, and their position hinges on her falling into line. But she doesn't know how to do that. Her anxiety is accurate and utterly relatable. I love the depth of the characters and the representation. The school and town are true to life, with secrets and intimidation. I'm excited to see what lies in store for Izzy and Elton.
April 14, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for this ARC! I’m telling you, once this author gets some hype, he’s going to be popular. I, for one, am happy to add to the hype. I get some strong John Green vibes from his witty writing. This book had A LOT in it, and I was worried it was going to be too much. The dialogue is great (I can’t resist a teenager smart a**). There was a good murder mystery, football and money corruption,info about the crazy housing market in Florida 2008, the start of the opioid crisis, you name it. However, it was handled well and not hit so hard that it made you spin but just enough to get you more into the book. The main character and her new best friend are excellent and enjoyable to read. The mystery kept me guessing for a while, which is rare. I can’t say the ending is completely realistic, but it sure was fun. It’s not often I get an ARC and think-I need to get the next one-but here’s one. Got that, Chad Alan Gibbs? I want on the list for the next Izzy & Elton; I’m hooked! Now excuse me while I go blow up all the places I can review this book because more people need to read it! FYI profanity, talk of sexual situations, teenage drug abuse
May 2, 2022
This was a fun read. We get to follow our main character (and her new best friend) solve a murder mystery at her school that took place long before she was there. This is a young adult book but was still a good read as an adult.
I enjoyed the characters. Everyone seemed like a suspect through most of the book. Some of the characters seemed a little stereotypical (QB of the football team, head cheerleader) but it worked. I really liked that we featured a student with ausperger’s. A great way to add in representation of different students.
I think the book taking place during in 2008 during the great recession gave the story a different way to play on the rich vs the poor.
I did figure out the one twist right away in the first chapter, but it was fun watching out young detectives get to that conclusion as well.
I am very intrigued to see where this series goes with Izzy & Elton. I will definitely purchase another book in this series.
Thank you Borne Back Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this one early.
I enjoyed the characters. Everyone seemed like a suspect through most of the book. Some of the characters seemed a little stereotypical (QB of the football team, head cheerleader) but it worked. I really liked that we featured a student with ausperger’s. A great way to add in representation of different students.
I think the book taking place during in 2008 during the great recession gave the story a different way to play on the rich vs the poor.
I did figure out the one twist right away in the first chapter, but it was fun watching out young detectives get to that conclusion as well.
I am very intrigued to see where this series goes with Izzy & Elton. I will definitely purchase another book in this series.
Thank you Borne Back Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this one early.
May 29, 2022
3.75 stars
This was a solid read. The language was simple and quick to read. I enjoyed the short chapters and occasional flashbacks to 1983. The setting amongst the 2008 recession was well written and woven seamlessly into the plot. My favourite part was the friendship between Izzy and Elton.
Most chapters ended on a cliffhanger of sorts, which sometimes felt forced and out of place, but nonetheless kept me reading. The teenage language used by the characters felt a little too unrealistic at times but this didn’t take away from the story much. I would have liked the ending to have been expanded a bit more regarding certain characters and relationships but most of the plot was tied up very well.
Most importantly, the mystery kept me engaged and I was always keen to find out what happened next. I would definitely recommend this if you are looking for an easy-to-read mystery with a satisfying plot reveal.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This was a solid read. The language was simple and quick to read. I enjoyed the short chapters and occasional flashbacks to 1983. The setting amongst the 2008 recession was well written and woven seamlessly into the plot. My favourite part was the friendship between Izzy and Elton.
Most chapters ended on a cliffhanger of sorts, which sometimes felt forced and out of place, but nonetheless kept me reading. The teenage language used by the characters felt a little too unrealistic at times but this didn’t take away from the story much. I would have liked the ending to have been expanded a bit more regarding certain characters and relationships but most of the plot was tied up very well.
Most importantly, the mystery kept me engaged and I was always keen to find out what happened next. I would definitely recommend this if you are looking for an easy-to-read mystery with a satisfying plot reveal.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
December 3, 2022
2.5 stars
Set in Florida, this is a cold-case mystery about a gay football player who is murdered after starting at a wealthy high school. There is a dual timeline & a minor coming of age element with our current day amateur sleuth going through her first serious relationship while in a rags-to-riches scenario. There is a lot of billionaires to keep track of, as well as a sub-plot involving addiction, so there is a lot going on.
The book was just ok. It was interesting enough to finish it, and I liked that the endearing sidekick was neurodivergent. But the story was not realistic. For example, the ‘box in the attic’ type trope was used twice. And as the main characters are high school kids, I often felt like I was reading a Scooby Doo mystery. This was especially true at the end of the book, when the murderer confesses to everything instead of killing our amateur sleuth (all the while claiming that they will.)
I won a free copy of this book (thanks to the author & publisher!) and am voluntarily providing an honest review.
Set in Florida, this is a cold-case mystery about a gay football player who is murdered after starting at a wealthy high school. There is a dual timeline & a minor coming of age element with our current day amateur sleuth going through her first serious relationship while in a rags-to-riches scenario. There is a lot of billionaires to keep track of, as well as a sub-plot involving addiction, so there is a lot going on.
The book was just ok. It was interesting enough to finish it, and I liked that the endearing sidekick was neurodivergent. But the story was not realistic. For example, the ‘box in the attic’ type trope was used twice. And as the main characters are high school kids, I often felt like I was reading a Scooby Doo mystery. This was especially true at the end of the book, when the murderer confesses to everything instead of killing our amateur sleuth (all the while claiming that they will.)
I won a free copy of this book (thanks to the author & publisher!) and am voluntarily providing an honest review.
November 17, 2022
I read book 2 in this series Graves Upon Bones first and knew after the first few pages that I needed to read Izzy and Elton's first foray into solving a cold case and boy was this one a doozy.
Years ago a boy was murdered, he was a scholarship kid, a football star, and the cops chalked it up to a drug deal gone wrong. Once Izzy hears this story, she knows there is more to it and makes it her mission to figure out what really happened. She will stick her nose everywhere it doesn't belong, and won't stop until the case is solved.
The mystery was great, it was full of twists and turns, and I flew through the book trying to figure out who the killer was, and I was very surprised by who it turned out to be!
I love Izzy and Elton, they make the most unlikely but perfect mystery-solving team, and I can't wait to see what other trouble they can get into while solving the next mystery!
Years ago a boy was murdered, he was a scholarship kid, a football star, and the cops chalked it up to a drug deal gone wrong. Once Izzy hears this story, she knows there is more to it and makes it her mission to figure out what really happened. She will stick her nose everywhere it doesn't belong, and won't stop until the case is solved.
The mystery was great, it was full of twists and turns, and I flew through the book trying to figure out who the killer was, and I was very surprised by who it turned out to be!
I love Izzy and Elton, they make the most unlikely but perfect mystery-solving team, and I can't wait to see what other trouble they can get into while solving the next mystery!
May 18, 2022
Bardo is an excellent new novel by my friend Chad Gibbs. Coming-of-age murder mystery featuring high-school football, complicated status of outsider kids at a prep school, and big generational secrets.
I think one of the central plot lines, a same-sex romance, is deftly written - neither glorifying or shaming, instead a realistic observation on how this would have played out in the Deep South.
Bardo definitely has some dark themes, would be fine for my 17yo daughter, but I’d probably wait a few years before letting my 13yo read.
Quick read, I stayed up late and cranked through it in around 4 hours :)
I think one of the central plot lines, a same-sex romance, is deftly written - neither glorifying or shaming, instead a realistic observation on how this would have played out in the Deep South.
Bardo definitely has some dark themes, would be fine for my 17yo daughter, but I’d probably wait a few years before letting my 13yo read.
Quick read, I stayed up late and cranked through it in around 4 hours :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2022
Perfect Beach Read
This was a really nice, fun, and well written book to read. It follows our main character Izzy as she follows her brother to a rich private school in Bardo, and attempts to solve a decade old mystery.
The book had the perfect amount of background drama involving rich people and their problems. The suspense was great, and the twist was honestly really refreshing.
My only qualms about this is that it's really heavy on the details, and of course football. I thought it would have more academia themes, but football isn't too bad.
Overall, very enjoyable read. 8/10
This was a really nice, fun, and well written book to read. It follows our main character Izzy as she follows her brother to a rich private school in Bardo, and attempts to solve a decade old mystery.
The book had the perfect amount of background drama involving rich people and their problems. The suspense was great, and the twist was honestly really refreshing.
My only qualms about this is that it's really heavy on the details, and of course football. I thought it would have more academia themes, but football isn't too bad.
Overall, very enjoyable read. 8/10
April 17, 2022
Books that move back and forth between timelines can be daunting, but Bardo by the Sea by Chad Alan Gibbs was done well and kept me interested. I liked the Izzy and Elton characters and that Elton was on the autism spectrum. This had a good story and mystery. I loved the quote in the book by Nellie Bly, "I didn't like the story I was given, so I wrote a new one." Quite powerful.
The story was good, the mystery solid. I am hoping there are more books about these characters. I would also read more from this author.
#BardobytheSea #NetGalley @VE_NetGalley
The story was good, the mystery solid. I am hoping there are more books about these characters. I would also read more from this author.
#BardobytheSea #NetGalley @VE_NetGalley
May 24, 2022
Chad Alan Gibbs is charmingly hilarious and has a knack for writing the most lovable characters and stories. His ability to write in details does not go unnoticed and makes his stories the poetic magic that they are.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Gibbs’ writing reminds me of Jerry Spinnelli and I’m here for it! Thank you Chad for sending me an ARC of this book and for always engaging with your readers. I simply can't wait for the sequel to Bardo by the Sea coming out in Fall 2022.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Gibbs’ writing reminds me of Jerry Spinnelli and I’m here for it! Thank you Chad for sending me an ARC of this book and for always engaging with your readers. I simply can't wait for the sequel to Bardo by the Sea coming out in Fall 2022.
September 2, 2022
Bardo By The Sea was a gripping story.
I realised that I'm more anxious when I read about a murdered young kid, I haven't put this book down until the cold case was solved and every character was safe and sound.
Izzy Brown got a scholarship for the exclusive Bardo Academy thanks to her twin brother, Axl, who is a raising football star. As soon as she arrives she feels out of place in the expensive school and the ginormous houses. She also feels like a social pariah with her schoolmates, everybody judge her and find her lacking, and she is pretty lonely until she joins the school newspaper and she meets Elton Jones-Davies who will help her to investigate an old murder.
Izzy and Elton dynamics are interesting and entertaining. I liked how they try to protect each other when thigs become dangerous. In the end I could see how fond of each other they are and I hope to see them together again in a new book soon.
Chad Alan Gibbs showed us how the darkest past can be concealed under the most shining and prestigious beaches.
The writing is addictive, the storyline is compelling and the mystery is intricate, the characters are flawed but perfect for the story.
I definitely look forward to reading more of his work.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for kindly giving me an advanced copy of this book to read.
June 15, 2022
I really enjoyed this YA mystery of a poor girl who suddenly finds herself living in the wealthy community of Bardo, Florida in the midst of the 2008 housing crisis, where another poor student athlete was murdered 25 years before. With the crime swept under the rug, the budding Nelly Bly sets out to uncover who killed Ricky with her new friend Elton. This was an enjoyable read that kept me guessing, which is always so fun. I would definitely return for more Izzy and Elton sleuthing.
June 16, 2022
A fast paced, mysterious book filled with characters you will love and others you will hate, I loved everything part of this book. You witness the unwinding of Bardo in 1983 and what led up to Ricky Lee's death...all thanks to Izzy and Elton. The characters are fantastic, the story intriguing and the ending perfectly tied up in a bow leaving me satisfied!
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