Death by the Sea

A well-kept secret, a bathing machine and a dead body.

Eliza Thomson Investigates…

July 1905: A family holiday to the seaside, at Brighton’s most prestigious hotel, promises to be a grand affair. And bumping into an old friend adds to the excitement.

But when a body is discovered in one of the beach's bathing machines, all plans are put on hold. Eliza needs to know what happened.

Despite the police insisting the death was accidental, Eliza is convinced it’s more sinister, but when she suggests it was murder, they refuse to listen. Until they have no choice…

As the police struggle to find a motive for the death, the investigation appears to be going nowhere. But when they make Eliza and Archie their prime suspects, Eliza takes things into her own hands.

Determined to clear their names, Eliza and Connie search for answers, only to discover a dreadful secret … and someone desperate for revenge.

Eliza Thomson linked the arm of her companion, Connie Appleton, as they descended the final flight of marble steps of the grand staircase in the Metropole Hotel, Brighton. She waved to her husband, Archie, as he waited for them in the foyer with her father, Mr Bell. His Scottish lilt sounded out of place as he called to them.


“About time, too. What have you been doing?”


“Settling ourselves in, obviously. There’s an etiquette to be followed when one stays in such a smart hotel, and taking afternoon tea in the clothes one has travelled in isn’t part of it.” She ran her eyes over the guests milling around them. “Not that we’ve kept you for long. I doubt you’ve even had time to see the sea yet.”


“We most certainly have, and it looks wonderful. There are men with their trouser legs rolled up, paddling at the water’s edge, and women trying to stop the children from getting their clothes wet.”


Mr Bell interrupted. “Don’t forget those who were in the sea up to their necks. They seem to be having a marvellous time.”


Eliza shuddered. “Well, don’t expect me to do that. I’ve no intention of changing on the beach. Even in this weather.”


Archie laughed. “If you’re shy, they have bathing machines where you can change while they take you out to sea.”


“That doesn’t sound easy.”


“I don’t see why not, especially when it means you can descend the steps straight into the water. No one will see you and there are women called dippers who will help, and even push you under the waves. It’s supposed to do you the world of good. I’m going to give it a try.”