The story
This is Book 1 of a cozy mystery series. Anne has returned to Westport, the quaint maritime village where she grew up, to do two things she loves–teach in its multi-cultural elementary school and race her small sailboat in the Westport regattas.
Anne has never remarried after her husband died fifteen years ago in his twenties and she has lived quietly in the friendly village. But after an important women’s regatta that attracts a large number of sailors, a teacher from Anne’s school is found dead at her boat club.
Inspiration for the book
For years I sailed in Laser and Snipe regattas and sailed a J29 in longer-distance races. I taught American and international students for over thirty years before retiring. I’ve previously written seven novels, several of which are the result of his extensive overseas experience, but On the Hook is my first attempt at a cozy mystery.
I’m planning to continue the story of events at the fictional Westport Sailing Club in future novels.
in my younger days.
Some reviews of On the Hook
“The author did a good job with the characters and storyline. If you enjoy a cozy mystery in a small town with plenty of gossip this book will be for you.” —Goodreads (Emma)
“I immediately liked the main character and quickly lost myself in Anne Bateman’s world. ” —Goodreads (June Price)
“The regatta scenes, boat clubs, and sailing community give the mystery an authentic backdrop, and I appreciated seeing a diverse cast of characters.” —Goodreads (Carol)
“Set in the charming sailing town of Westport on the Chesapeake Bay, this cozy mystery blends small-town gossip, a maritime setting, and a touch of slow-burn romance. … The layered plot, colorful cast of characters, and the delightfully nosy Mrs. Beatrice kept me guessing. The book has a nostalgic, Nancy Drew-style charm, with amateur sleuthing and a close-knit community at its heart.” —Goodreads (Lori French)
“On the Hook by Rea Keech is a fun and engaging cozy mystery that mixes small-town drama with the unique vibe of competitive sailing. … .The mystery moves along at a nice pace, with plenty of suspects and small-town secrets to keep you guessing. Anne is a likable and easy-to-root-for main character—smart, independent, and determined to clear her name after getting pulled into the investigation. The relationship between Anne and Tim, the dockmaster helping her with the investigation, grows naturally and adds a nice bit of warmth without taking over the story.” —Goodreads (Tamara)
“Great start to a new series! I loved the setting and enjoyed learning more about sailing through Anne’s job at the marina. The mystery was interesting and kept me guessing ….” —Goodreads (Maria)
“This is a fun read with a good assortment of characters, action, clues and red herrings, along with a little bit of romance.
I have read another of Rea Keech’s books, “Saint Sergey’s Head”. It is a combination of comedy, romance and mystery taking place in Istanbul. A little espionage and mystery are part of it too. Another fun read I’ve reviewed on this site.” —Goodreads (Chazzi)
“… my favorite character was Mrs. Beatrice, the town gossip. I hope the author is planning a sequel.” — Goodreads (Linda)
“This was a really good book and kept you guessing on who the murderer was. Tim is a nice partner for Anne in helping solve the murder and they get to know each other better and grow closer. When you find out who the murderer is, it kind of makes you happy who did it.” —Goodreads (Lorie)
“This was a good mystery and set in a beautiful seaside town in Maryland, very similar to the town of Westport MA where I live. That is what drew me to want to read this and the story was great and I’m so happy I won it as an ARC from LibraryThing!” —Goodreads (Mary C)
Whodunit wasn’t expected nor was I expecting Author Rea Keech to be a guy. Few cozy male authors can do the great job he did with Anne’s POV.
I am now anxious to read his next story!” —Goodreads (Barbara Schultz)
“Enjoy not only the investigations, both official and community-led, but also the social life of the residents of Westport, including sailing, parades, and social interactions in the coffee shop. Overall, an engaging and absorbing read with multiple connecting plot developments.” —Goodreads (Carrie)
Also available as an audiobook
Pictures of a small-boat racing club like the one in On the Hook
