Murder, Memory, and Mystery by the Sea
5 out of 5 stars
I was already a fan of Nicholas Harvey’s writing, so I was thrilled to dive into a brand new series. Why She Had to Die delivers exactly the kind of compelling storytelling I’ve come to expect, but with a fresh twist. This time, we’re not under the sea with divers or sailing through Caribbean waters; instead, we’re navigating a California homicide with Detective Kat Cromwell.
Kat is sharp, determined, and carrying a burden that could derail everything. Her hidden medical condition adds a layer of vulnerability that sets her apart from Harvey’s other protagonists. It’s not just a murder mystery, it’s a personal ticking clock. The “will this screw her” adds genuine tension to every decision she makes.
The police procedural format is done so well here. I felt like I was part of the investigation, picking apart timelines, following leads, and watching Kat try to prove herself to a partner who’s clearly not rooting for her. It’s classic ‘first case pressure’ with a twist of internal battles and some very personal stakes.
Shelley Reece’s narration suits the mood perfectly. Her pacing and tone let the suspense simmer, and she brings Kat to life with confidence and emotional depth. Between the writing and narration, this one had me completely hooked.
A standout start to what I hope becomes another long-running Nicholas Harvey series. If you love your mysteries with brains, heart, and just a touch of personal tragedy, this one’s for you.
Book Description:
First cases are never easy… but this one could be Kat Cromwell’s last.
In Dana Point, California, surf reports, sailing conditions, and real estate dominate the news… until the calm waters of this sleepy, seaside town are shattered when a woman’s body washes up on the sand.
Under the pressure of her first homicide case, new evidence surfacing in the supposed accidental death of her fiancé, and a seasoned partner who’d be happy to see her fail, Kat has more than enough on her plate… not to mention that troublesome problem she’s been carefully hiding.
Welcome to murder by the sea, with a broken protagonist uncovering an ocean of secrets, while hiding a few of her own.
Fans of police mysteries will love this riveting new series by USA Today bestselling author Nicholas Harvey.
Why She Had to Die by Nicholas HarveyNarrator: Shelley Reece
Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins
Series: Investigator Kat Cromwell Mystery #1
Published by Self Published on June 23rd 2025
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Also by this author: Angels of the Deep, Graceless, Deadly Sommer, Solomon's Well
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