Bummer At Luna Beach by Lisa M. Lane
Comprehensive, Entertaining, Intriguing
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Mystery by
Bummer At Luna Beach by Lisa M. Lane, Author & Historian 
What would motivate a person to end the life of a tourist to the seaside town....City....of San Benno? The new Police Detective who had only recently, been assigned to the locality, had been tasked with finding out. However, it seemed that a number of the residents were also keen to carry out some investigative work of their own, and none more so than Rosie McMahon, one of the oldest residents of the area, along with her faithful sidekick Hephaestus. Meanwhile, another newcomer, making clear her intention to put down roots, has her sights set on another long term inhabitant, but just what is her intention? And who is attempting to silence Lou and Tiffany in their quest to preserve the environmental interests of the area that is so special to them. 'The Dude' meanwhile, surveys the comings and goings, playing his cards close to chest. What long held secret is he concealing?
It was a delightful surprise to be asked to read this clearly well researched and detailed novel. The format consists of fairly lengthy chapters with page breaks indicating the end of a scene and giving the reader the chance to take a breather and contemplate the story so far, which I personally found useful as this is a narrative with quite a number of diverse, fun and charming characters. I therefore found it pertinant to make notes to keep track of them, as I don't have the best of memories. For this reason, it did take me a little while to get into it and establish the dynamics between the cast. Ultimately though, Lisa's many characters were an essential element to the story. I am impressed with her ability to juggle all their fictional journeys.
The central main character is very evident from the first chapter, but the way in which the narratives of the other characters stories revolve around it, and are intricately woven into their separate stories is written so well. This novel stands out for me as unusual in its ability to include all the characters within the central narrative and not putting any of them in the category of secondary, except for maybe two who are spouses/partners. Rosie and Hephaestus were very endearing, softening parts of a plot that is fairly weighty. However, the Author does also manage to consistently gives it a playful feel throughout. 
The initial plot twist really caught me so off-guard that I actually vocalised my surprise, which doesn't happen often and I love it when it does. Very clever rueses are dropped in throughout with the intention of steering the reader away from the outcome. I think at one time or another, I suspected practically every character of the various misdemeanours and wrong doings. Lisa does a fantastic job of keeping just enough information back to maintain the intrigue and keep you reading.
'The Dude', having lived in San Benno all of his life, is someone who remains in the background, but still feels central. He knows thing, but is reluctant to involve himself in the case. Had the police pushed him, he could probably have solved the whole thing. Yet he seems content to see how the Authorties progress with their enquiries and let his 'neighbours' do their own digging. He has chosen a simple life, when he could perhaps have had more.
I found this heart-warming mystery surrounding a community fractured by circumstance, entertaining and absorbing. It is clear that this Author has dedicated much time, thought and preparation to the storyline and familiarising herself with her protagonists. I will definitely consider reading more of Lisa's work.
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