Coastal towns are supposed to be relaxed and laid back, right? You never know what is going on right under your eyes. River Holloway is working hard to make her catering business on Shell Island, Georgia, a success. Her life is great except that her boyfriend Pete is living in California and her brother is trying to get his life straight. But when her deceased mom's best friend Estelle asked her to find her missing son, Chili, River can't turn her down. Six months ago, Estelle has lost another son, Kale, to the sea. His never returned and his body was never found. The guys are brothers to River and she is determined to find Chili.
Sheriff Detective Lance Hamlyn is also determined to find out what is going on and wants River to stay out of his way but he seems to turn up everywhere River is investigating. He is new to the island and locals aren't sure of him but River thinks he is a good guy. He is interested in dating River even though she keeps telling him that she has a boyfriend.
This is a great novel with plenty of small town coastal flavor, atmosphere, interesting characters, and a mystery with suspense, danger, twists and turns to decipher. Seas the Day is the start of a great new series that I am looking forward to reading.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author and Henery Press through Edelweiss. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.2020 edelweiss from-the-author ...more6 s LORI CASWELL2,611 299

Dollycas’s Thoughts

River Holloway has her own catering business and is building up a nice list of clients but her friend and fish source Chili Bolz has gone missing. His mother contacts River and pleads with her to find her son. She had recently lost one son and can’t handle losing another.

River is surprised when Deputy Lance Hamlyn suggests they team up to find Chili. She is even more surprised when he continues to hit on her knowing she had a boyfriend.

When Chili’s mother is attacked and killed River is heartbroken and scared she is in over her head but she can’t give up and the list of suspects grows and she notices some strange happenings. Can she find Chili? his mother’s killer? or will she be the next victim?

Set on Shell Island we meet a group of eclectic characters. River Holloway is a great protagonist. She is a dedicated friend with a huge heart. She takes her commitments seriously and she is one heck of a chef. Her relationship with her boyfriend Pete has been a little rocky but moves in the right direction within these pages. Chili’s mother, Estelle Bolz was River’s mom’s best friend and she grew up close to Chili and his brother Kale. (These names just made me laugh.) Kale was lost at sea and presumed dead six months ago. Estelle’s brutal attack just broke my heart. She was a strong woman who always did what she thought was best for her family. We meet several other residents of Shell Island and all are very well crafted and many fell on River’s and my suspect list. River also adopts a black cat who is a very interesting character in his own right.

The story is full of twists and turns and very well-plotted. River finds herself smack dab in the middle of situations she never could have imagined. Ms. Touissaint was written a complex mystery with a myriad of moving parts. The drama peaks and flows as necessary for the story supported by strong subplots.

The author realistically captures life on a small island and people working to make ends meet while also introducing people who have the means to use River’s catering services. I felt the dialogue was true to life and enjoyed the imagery created by the author’s words.

My only sticking point was a couple of important things happened before this story started. River’s mother had recently passed away, and River and Pete’s romance seems to have a lot of history we are in the dark about. I hope we learn more in future stories so readers can feel more attached to these main characters.

Bonus – A crab cake recipe and more and the end of the book!

This series is off to a strong start with Seas The Day! River and Pete have caught my attention and I want to know more. I am excited about future books and the capers they will find themselves mixed up in.read-20208 s Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews2,555 166

Wonderful start to a new series.

River is one tough, smart, and dedicated woman. She believes in supporting friends and family no matter what and has a kind heart as we learn during a discussion with Pete about what she would do if she had a million dollars. It is obvious how much she values friendships when she starts looking for Chili, a pseudo big brother at the behest of his mother, Estelle. What River doesn't realize is that she will be put into some precarious positions in her search.

There is an interesting mix of characters, some are from River's past since this is a small island, and some are new to the island. While the "bad guy" character becomes obvious due to the character's words and actions, the culprit could have been anyone and I had a few characters in mind to pin the deed upon. Not all characters are as they seem and there are a few surprises when it comes to her family friends - Estelle, Chili, and Kale. (I did chuckle at their names, how did they get named after foods?!)

River and Pete have an interesting relationship and I feel there is so much we don't know and at times I wondered if this might be a spinoff book where these characters were introduced somewhere else. Hopefully, future books will share more of their history so we can better understand them.

There are some recipes at the end of the book that sounds delicious and this comes from someone that doesn't eat seafood! But I bet I could make some substitutions and have a delicious meal.

We give this 4 paws up.2020 2020-cozy-challenge 2020-netgalley4 s Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review)876

PHEWEEEE!!! What a humdinger to the start of a series (at least I hope it will be a series!)

River Holloway lives on Shell Island in Georgia, her brother served a brief stint in prison but is turning his life around by going to technical college to train as a general contractor come handyman, and their mother died a few months before this book is set. River has started a catering company (ranging from 2 person celebration meals to grand buffets!) and her boyfriend (Pete) travels as a troubleshooter for different companies. Everything seems hunky dory until River gets a phone call from an old friend sobbing that her son is missing and the police don't seem bothered, as River has a knack for finding items Estelle Bolz has called on her (and as River was always known by the Bolz boys as their Little Sis she can't refuse!), before too long though she seems to be waist deep in trouble and wondering who she can trust, and can she keep her catering business going when Pete is prepared to go anywhere - what will give? her relationship. her business or her life?cozy-food2 s Rekha Rao965 47

Seas the Day is the first book in A Seafood Caper Mystery series by Maggie Toussaint. As a series debut, this book has surely made quite an impression on me. Series debut usually focuses on character background and tend to be a little low on the 'mystery' part. But not this book. It felt we were in the middle series but with just the right amount of background story.


The character introduction is simple and brief. Seas the Day kept me hooked on to the story till the end. The twists and turns in the story piqued my curiosity. River's dedication to her work and friends is very well portrayed. Toussaint has an excellent job in portraying the character as neither perfect nor imperfect - you will love River for all the choices (even if some are bad) she makes.


A wonderful and completely engrossing series debut. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.1 Kristin716 10

Loved this story! It was the first in the series but felt it was in the middle, in a good way. You know there is backstory but you don't get bogged down in it. Really fun read and I was sad when it ended.2 s Kathleen1,206 55

Seas the Day earns 5/5 Fish & Black Cats...Engaging Entertainment!

Maggie Toussaint has penned an engaging cozy using a first-person narrative from the perspective of the delightful River Holloway. “Hello?” Estelle Bolz makes a frantic plea to River Holloway to help her find her last surviving son, Chili. Since losing her youngest in an accident at sea six months ago, her raw emotions are understandable. Chili is a local charter fisherman who also supplies River with the freshest catch of the day for her catering gigs, and it’s un Chili to not be in daily contact with his mother or meet his business obligations. With his truck safe and his boat securely docked, the police do not seem to show adequate concern for Estelle desperate plea. River starts asking questions about Chili’s whereabouts, but only garners the attention of local deputy Deputy Lance Hamlyn. He recognizes her skill getting people to talk is much more successful than his and collaboration seems the best way to get answers that can be used in an official capacity. However, a brutal assault, cryptic deathbed message, and curious medical records turn this missing person investigation into a case of murder!

This first-in-a-series story is a compelling page turner full of shocking twists and surprises, personal peril, and justice being served well. The drama is well-rounded with side stories about the River’s catering business, budding or reconnecting relationships, and the island community. At first I felt there was something missing, a prequel, with all the references to River’s love relationship, brother’s record, her mother’s death, connections to neighbors, and the truth behind the label “finder of things.” It did sort itself out leaving me satisfied and eager for more. Maggie’s writing style was entertaining with descriptions and realistic dialogue to illustrate tone and emotion and provide a clear visual of the setting and personalities. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more Seafood Caper Mysteries.

Yum! Enjoy these three recipes straight from Holloway Catering: River’s Delicious Sea Bass (I found substituting sea bass with Tilapia makes for a great alternative), River Cakes aka Crab Cakes, and with a nice cup of coffee, end the meal with Luscious Lemon Meringue Pie (I’m not a “from scratch” kinda cook, so a pre-made crust worked well).

Disclosure: I received an ARC from Henery Press thru .edeilweissPlus. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.read-20201 Toni1,402 55

4.5 Stars

This is the first book in the Seafood Caper Mystery series by Maggie Toussaint.

Basic premise: A desperate mother asks River to track down her son, Chili. But there is so much more going on here than just a missing person’s case.

The farther we see River go into this investigation, the more crazy it becomes. River’s boyfriend, Pete is stuck in California and can’t lend a lot of support. And she has Lance “Deputy Dog” Hamlyn wanting to draw her into his investigation at one point and pushing then her away at the same time. He seems he has a romantic interest in River but we learn what is really going on the farther we get into the book.

I know this is book one but as I was reading this, I felt there was this unsaid backstory between Deputy Lance and River. I can totally see a prequel to this book being a real possibility. I feel there is a lot of trust between River and Lance and I want to know where that trust came from.

Great story. I think this will be an awesome series and I really look forward to it! This mystery whodunit is so spot on that you will be left wanting more and more! I hope book two comes out soon!

If you enjoy a good cozy mystery, definitely give this one a try, you won’t be disappointed!

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank Edelweiss, Henery Press and the author for allowing me to read this title.1 Alice LiuAuthor 4 books18

It's always a bit of a harrowing experience when an author you love starts a new series.  I didn't read the description for Maggie Toussaint's "Seas the Day" before I dove in, and so I was wondering where the story was going when the protagonist, River Holloway, set out to find a missing friend. With cozy mysteries, I my bodies dead...not missing. But, my fears were unfounded! What I love best about Toussaint's writing is that her characters have an inner wisdom while being completely relatable. They have real life worries and challenges, but they don't fall for the pitfalls of denial or predictability. The characters and plot twists constantly surprised me, taking the story in directions I never anticipated. In her personal life, River deals with a long distance romantic relationship which, on the surface, appears to have all the usual issues...but NO! There are twits and turns there too. Seas the Day is a constantly expansive reading experience with smart humor, ever-increasing tension, and the heart-felt connections of a heroine in love with her community. I'm really looking forward to the next book in this Seafood Caper series. And, if you haven't checked out Toussaint's Dreamwalker series, please do!  1 Ashley Cate426 5

Seas the Day is the first book in the Seafood Capers Mystery series by author Maggie Toussaint. I came across this book in a Facebook group, House of Clues, and was intrigued by the synopsis for the book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

The story centers around River Holloway, a caterer in Shell Island, Georgia. An old family friend, Estelle Bolz, contacts River and asks her to help her search for her missing son, Chili. Six months earlier Estelle’s other son Kale was presumed to be lost at sea. Because of this River jumps to help her friend Estelle. Unfortunately, River soon finds Estelle beaten and bloody on the floor of her house and Estelle doesn’t make it. This pushes the seriousness of Chili’s disappearance up a notch. River’s resulting search for Chili and for Estelle’s killer is full of twists and turns that kept my attention fixated on the story. I also really enjoyed River as a character and was very happy with how the story ended. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading future books in this series.craving-for-cozies-challenge-20201 Pat Dupuy485 12

I enjoyed this first entry in a new series. There is a definite backstory concerning River's relationships and hopefully it will be explored in future books. I look forward to more mystery and mayhem on Shell Island!
1 Karla BrandenburgAuthor 33 books151


When Estelle Bolz asks River to find her missing son, River does her best. Estelle’s sons have been brothers to River, but there’s a lot more to this story than meets the eye. The more River finds out, the more trouble she unleashes not only on the Bolz family, but on herself.

Secret identities, people who aren’t what they seem, and a plucky caterer who wants to see the best in everyone, Maggie Toussaint scripts a cozy mystery that showcases the unique landscape and sense of community found in coastal Georgia and its barrier islands. Stick around to the end, where readers are treated with some of River’s signature recipes! The first in Maggie’s new Seafood Capers series, cozy fans will look forward to River’s subsequent adventures.1 Christine1,247 17

Kale and Chili Bolz are close to their mother Estelle. But when Kale is lost at sea and Chili winds up missing, Estelle pleads with caterer River Holloway to find Chili. Busy with her catering business and worried about her boyfriend in California, River doesn’t really have time to investigate, but when she finds Estelle badly beaten, she pursues the case. Lots of twists and turns and secrets to uncover1 Sandy1,202

I don’t read very many cozies anymore because I find that too many of them are forgettable. Seas the Day certainly isn’t. The depiction of life in a small coastal town where business is seasonal and people pick up odd jobs to make ends meat felt realistic. And the characters were well done. Hopefully the author will go into more of Pete and River’s backstory as the series goes on. The book actually had a slightly darker, grittier feel than most cozy mysteries and I appreciated that.first-reads mystery1 Susan1,561 19

A new series that is off to a good start, Seas the Day stars River Holloway. She was a character in a previous short story called Trouble with Horses and according to the author, River was demanding her own series. Here it is and it's a winner. River has a talent for finding things but can that talent be translated to finding a person? When she receives a call from her late mother's friend, Estelle, asking for her help finding her missing son, Chili, she's not about to say no. Besides, Chili's brother, Kale, was lost at sea a mere six months prior and that adds to the pain Estelle is dealing with. Chili would never go missing, leaving without a trace. The police figure he's an adult so three days gone isn't grounds for panic. try telling that to a distraught mother. River is close to Chili, a brother and sister would be and besides, he was going to deliver a fresh order for her catering business. No way would he leave her in the lurch. Time for River to test her skill for finding things - beyond a set of keys or a lost cat. Will she be able to find a person?
Set on a small island off the coast of Georgia, Shell Island harbors some secrets and some danger just below its charming surface. River is closely tied to the life and people of the island and is enjoying the new path she has chosen, running her catering business. She is trying to adjust to her boyfriend being on the opposite coast on business, too. Investigating a missing person soon becomes a very dangerous undertaking.
Seas the Day was a very satisfying mystery and I hope there will be many more books in the series. The puzzle was complex with enough twists, turns and red herrings to keep me guessing to the very end. Diane Hernandez2,297 38

In the first book in a new cozy mystery series, Seas the Day, “Chili Bolz is missing.”

His mother, Estelle, tells Shell Island caterer, River, to look for Chili because the police aren’t making much of an effort to find her grown son. It’s bad enough that Estelle lost her other son, Kale, at sea just six months ago. She can’t lose her remaining child too. Since Chili supplies fish for her catering company and Estelle has been friends with River’s mother for years, River starts investigating.

Soon the Deputy in charge of the case, Lance, encourages her to continue interviewing the locals. River was born and bred on the small Georgia island, where as Deputy Lance is seen as an intrusive transplant. He doesn’t have a clue to what happened to Chili. River agrees though it is hard for her to concentrate with the handsome Deputy around. She just needs to focus on her long-distance beau, Pete. After all, he already asked her to marry him and she said she would consider it. And she loves him, even if he is working in faraway California.

I never expected to be surprised by a cozy mystery. However, Seas the Day had several plot twists that I did not see coming. Any more details would be a spoiler. Just be aware that there is a complex mystery to solve here. But it also has the friendly small town cozy vibe with genuine characters that act realistically. Overall, a fun and challenging mystery. Plus three simple home-style recipes for sea bass, crab cakes and lemon meringue pie. 4 stars!

Thanks to Henery Press, Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, and Edelweiss+ for a copy in exchange for my honest review.edelweiss Carol1,628 58

River Holloway grew up on Shell Island with Kale
and Chili Bolz. They were brothers to River.
Kale died leaving Chili to take care of their mother,
Estelle. Chili was a seafood supplier for River’s
catering business. So imagine her surprise when
he did not show up with the fish, River need for
an event that evening. Then Estelle frantically
approaches River......Chili is missing. Estelle wants
River to find him as she is known for being a
finder of things.
Deputy Lance Hamlin is assigned to Chili’s missing
person case. He latches onto River. But is his
interest professional or personal??
Things heat up when Estelle is beaten up. She
subsequently dies!!
River swings into full investigation mode between
her catering events.
Lies, secrets, drama, danger, Bolz house is literally
torn apart.....there is much more going on than
meets the eye.
A fast paced, well plotted murder mystery and
missing person case.
Delicious description of the foods as River preps
her meals.
This is book # 1 in the Seafood Caper Mysteries
series. A series off to an good start.
I volunteered to read Seas the Day. Thanks to
Edelweiss, Henery Press plus the author for the
opportunity.
My opinion is voluntary and my own.edelweiss z2020-cruisin-thru-the-cozies z2020-mystery-thriller ...more JoeK363 5

Some good, some bad. I only give this two-and-a-half stars. As a mystery, this failed for me. It was obvious that Lance Hamlyn was involved in the crime from a very early stage. When Estelle's cousins showed up and nothing happened investigation-wise, it was obvious Lance was covering for them.

Story-wise, there were a lot of problems. Small community murder! Where were all the other cops? The picture presented was of a small community with little crime. Where were the other investigators? We learn later that Lance wasn't even a real cop. How was he made the sole investigator in a murder case if he was with the force for less than a year?

I also had a problem with the fact that River Holloway didn't seem to have any friends, especially female friends (I have the same issue with the Kinsey Millhone character in the Sue Grafton books). I can only assume that Viv will be the closest thing to a best friend in the next book. (Grafton did that with Millhone's acquaintances too.)

In spite of the Harlequin Romance ending, I found the characters interesting and well-drawn. Aspects of the catering business were wise new to me, and enjoyable. Sadly this book wasn't engaging enough for me to read any more in the series.This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.Show full review Nancy Timmerman170 31

I melted right into the book, “Seas the Day” from the beginning. It was a not only a cute cozy mystery, but had such amusing characters I truly enjoyed. The author, Maggie Toussaint whipped up the scene in a beautiful coastal town. I imagined myself cutting through the streets and the farmers market in this small little town wanting to buy my own fresh fish for dinner.

River Holloway is growing her catering business by word-of-mouth because she stirs up some delicious mouth-watering food. She misses her boyfriend who has taken a job in another state, and wonders if things will work out between them. But then, a mystery of someone missing, a murder and the annoying police detective, Lance is making River beat, agitated and worried.

“Seas the Day” is the first book of the authors Seafood Capers Mystery series. I look forward to what the author cooks up next! Maggie is a wonderful writer and really makes you crave more of her stories. I might add, that you can try your hand at baking some signature recipes that have been listed in the back of the book. For a fun, enjoyable read, pour this book into your lap and enjoy!!

~This book was given to me in a giveaway by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.~print-books Judy Johnson779 2

No spoilers in this review, but all in all, a lovely Southern Cozy Mystery set on an island off the Georgia Coast. River Holloway is our sleuth who is a caterer who has a knack for finding things including trouble. Her quest at the moment is finding a missing fisherman. Twists and turns will keep you engaged with plenty of 'red herrings' (yes, pun intended!) thrown in to keep you guessing and turning the pages until the satisfying end. Fun, well-developed, likable and relatable characters, some humorous situations/moments (think of the names of the characters as you read this LOL), and an address bonus of a few recipes direct from the caterer herself! So, dive into this wonderful first in series and find yourself engrossed, engaged, and more than anything else entertained by this fast-moving, well written cozy. I received an ARC of this book and this is my unbiased, unsolicited review. Want something a bit different? This is the book for you! Cherie438 10

An enjoyable read with a town full of interesting characters. The heroine, River, is someone with a heart of gold. I was impressed with her loyalty to Chili Bolz and the rest of his family. In also impressed with her work ethic that she expressed by running her catering business. The mystery was very well crafted with lots of twists and turns. The only thing that I was not happy was that their was this whole relationship with Pete that River had before this book even started that was supposed to impress the reader of how deeply in love this couple is. It just fell flat for me and did not get better until Pete finally showed more towards the end of the story. Hopefully, in the next book we will get a more in depth feel of the relationship and a feeling of investment into. In this one it was more of a feeling of too little too late. Overall, though, it was definitely worth reading and the recipes at the end sound really good. NancyAuthor 44 books652

Caterer River Holloway is busy enough trying to expand her catering business, so when her friend’s mother asks River to help find her missing son, she reluctantly agrees. She isn’t one to refuse to help anyone. This vulnerability is noted by the Sheriff who has his amorous eye on her, much to the dismay of River’s beau out in California. When River starts tracking the missing person’s movements, she discovers much more than a man who might have run away from problems at home. Bad people might be after him, and they’ll stop at nothing to get what they want. When they turn their attention to River, thinking she might have the information they need, she realizes lighting a barbecue fire might be the least of her worries. A missing friend, mob connections, and murder mix together in this suspenseful tale. Another winner by Maggie Toussaint!mystery Tracie Crane183 3

Well written story! I loved it!
I read a ton in this genre, but what makes this one unique is that everything happening is believable, no eye rolling and far fetched story line here.
The plot and the lovable caterer, River Holloway, will keep you on the edge of your seat. River is asked to help find the missing son of a close family friend. As River starts searching things start to get dangerous for her and the missing person case turns into much more.
The only flaw I saw (that really isn't a flaw) was that the end felt unfinished, but a truly great Cozy Mystery always keeps you waiting to read the next book in the series.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Henery Press for supplying me with the book for my honest review. Kathleen Gray10.5k 174

River's a caterer but she's more than willing to help her friend Estelle when Estelle's sons Kale and Chili run into trouble. Chili's missing and Kale's lost at sea. And then Estelle is attacked! River's love interest Pete is in California and she's doing a wordplay thing with Lance. There's some sparks in that relationship. This is the classic first installment in a new cozy series where you get to know the characters and the locale (nicely done, btw). There are secrets in every small town and that's true here as well. Thanks to Edelweisss for the ARC. I'm looking forward to the next one (and hope there's more about Pete!) Doreen2,775 80

4/16/2020 A few notes that ly won't make it into my official review, in hopes they won't be a thing in the published version:

1. Italians and Mexicans aren't interchangeable, and it would be nice if that was made clear.

2. When considering illicit activities, a list including drug running, arms smuggling and human trafficking should not falsely equate illegal immigration with those first three, good grief.

Full review tk with food photos at CriminalElement.com.mcn Sandy725 11

River Holloway’s friend asks for help finding her son. Thus begins this spellbinding mystery, which grabs you immediately and doesn’t let go. The writing is very skillful, with a nice twisty plot and believable, well-developed characters. Highly recommended! I’m eagerly awaiting the next book. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review. Barbara Tobey2,466 68

Wow! Loved it! An exciting and engaging cozy mystery. Many twists and turns. A black cat adds some charm. Family and friends issues and bonds. The catering business. All equal an entertaining read. Thanks to the author for providing a copy for my voluntary review. I look forward to reading the next one in this new series. Annarella13.2k 143

An excellent start for a new series, a cozy I loved for its originality.
It's a bit darker than the average cozy, the description of the small town is interesting and the characters are well thought and able.
The mystery is solid and kept me guessing.
I can't wait for the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.cozy-mystery edelweiss Mary873 7

4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting start to a new series!
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2020

I found this to be a good mystery with a wonderful cast of characters on Shell Island. The story was well written with twists and turns and some interesting items mentioned which might be addressed in future books! I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion. Stefanie1,454 21

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