Beach House Bliss Turns Dark

Taylor, a diligent second-grade teacher, has finally saved enough for a dream vacation in Cape Cod with her brother, Jude. The serene beach house is meant to be a healing retreat for Jude, who is recovering from heartbreak. However, their peaceful escape is shattered when they discover the body of Oscar, the house's owner, in the laundry room. This gruesome find thrusts them into a murder investigation, turning their vacation into a nightmare and challenging their sense of safety and sanity.

Peepholes and a Dead Body

As Taylor and Jude settle into the beach house, they notice peepholes drilled into the bedroom wall, unsettling them. Their discomfort escalates when they find Oscar's body, prompting a police investigation. Detective Officer Wright reveals Oscar's confrontation with a previous renter's father over the peepholes, suggesting a possible motive. The discovery of a camera in the crawl space adds complexity to the case, leaving Taylor and Jude to wonder if voyeurism or something more sinister led to Oscar's murder.

Unlikely Allies and Tensions

Myles, a gruff bounty hunter, is hired by Oscar's sister, Lisa, to clear her brother's name. Skeptical of the police's theory, Myles starts his own investigation. Despite his rough demeanor, Taylor is drawn to him, and they form an uneasy alliance. Myles is determined to uncover the truth, but his abrasive nature and Taylor's curiosity create tension. As they delve deeper, they uncover secrets suggesting Oscar's murder is more complex than it appears.

Secrets, Suspects, and Seduction

As Myles and Taylor work together, their mutual attraction becomes undeniable. Myles is torn between his professional duty and his growing feelings for Taylor. Meanwhile, Taylor grapples with her emotions, unsure if she can trust Myles or if he's just another suspect. Their investigation reveals a web of secrets involving Oscar's real estate dealings and the local community's disdain for vacation rentals. As they get closer to the truth, the danger intensifies, and Taylor must decide if she can rely on Myles to protect her.

A Dangerous Discovery

While searching the beach house, Taylor and Myles find a hidden letter suggesting Oscar was being blackmailed. The letter's ominous message indicates someone knew Oscar's secrets and was willing to expose them. This discovery shifts the investigation's focus, as Myles and Taylor realize Oscar's murder may have been a calculated act of revenge. The letter adds urgency to their quest for answers, as they race against time to identify the killer before more lives are endangered.

Confrontations and Confessions

Myles confronts Judd Forrester, the father involved in the previous altercation with Oscar, but his instincts tell him Judd isn't the killer. Meanwhile, Taylor struggles with her feelings for Myles, who reveals his troubled past as a detective. Their shared vulnerability brings them closer, but Myles is determined to keep his distance to protect Taylor. As they piece together the puzzle, they uncover a conspiracy involving local politics and the fight against vacation rentals, complicating their search for the truth.

A Tangled Web of Emotions

As the investigation reaches a critical point, Taylor and Myles must navigate their complex relationship while facing increasing threats. Myles's protective instincts clash with Taylor's desire for independence, leading to a heated confrontation. Despite their differences, they realize they need each other to solve the case. With the killer still at large, Taylor and Myles must confront their feelings and work together to bring justice to Oscar's murder, even as their own lives hang in the balance.

Unexpected Allies and Hidden Motives

As Myles and Taylor continue their investigation, they realize they are being watched. Myles suspects that the mayor, Rhonda Robinson, is involved in Oscar's murder due to her secret ownership of vacation rentals. Meanwhile, Taylor's growing feelings for Myles complicate her focus on the case. The duo must navigate their complex emotions while uncovering the truth behind the murder, as new allies and hidden motives come to light.

Tensions Rise and Secrets Unravel

Myles and Taylor's investigation leads them to suspect Rhonda's assistant, Kurt, who has been spying on Oscar. As they dig deeper, they uncover a web of deceit involving local politics and personal vendettas. The tension between Myles and Taylor escalates as they struggle to balance their professional duties with their personal feelings. The stakes are higher than ever as they race against time to solve the case.

A Dangerous Confrontation Unfolds

Taylor finds herself in danger when Kurt confronts her on the beach, holding her at gunpoint. Myles arrives just in time to defuse the situation, but the encounter leaves both shaken. The confrontation forces Myles to confront his feelings for Taylor and the realization that he cannot continue to push her away. As the police close in on Kurt, Myles and Taylor must decide what their future holds.

Love and Loyalty Tested

In the aftermath of the confrontation, Myles and Taylor must confront their fears and insecurities. Myles struggles with his past and the guilt he carries, while Taylor grapples with her desire for stability and love. Their relationship is tested as they navigate the complexities of their emotions and the challenges of their investigation. Ultimately, they must decide if they are willing to take a leap of faith and build a future together.

A New Beginning Beckons

With the case resolved and the truth revealed, Myles and Taylor are free to focus on their relationship. Myles decides to leave his life as a bounty hunter behind and start anew with Taylor. They move to Boston, where Myles opens a private investigation firm with his brother. As they settle into their new life, Myles proposes to Taylor, and she accepts, marking the beginning of their happily ever after.

Characters

Taylor

Taylor is a second-grade teacher who has saved diligently for a vacation to help her brother heal from heartbreak. Her discovery of a dead body thrusts her into a murder investigation, revealing her curiosity and resilience. Despite her initial fear, Taylor becomes an active participant in solving the mystery, driven by a desire for justice and a newfound sense of bravery. Her growing attraction to Myles complicates her emotions, as she navigates the dangers of the investigation and her own heart.

Jude

Jude is Taylor's younger brother, recovering from a recent breakup. His easygoing nature and humor provide a counterbalance to the tension of the murder investigation. Jude's relationship with Taylor is close-knit, and he supports her as she becomes more involved in the case. Despite his laid-back demeanor, Jude is protective of Taylor and becomes an ally in their quest for answers, even as he grapples with his own emotional challenges.

Myles

Myles is a former detective turned bounty hunter, hired to investigate Oscar's murder. His rough exterior and no-nonsense attitude mask a deep-seated guilt over a past case that went wrong. Myles is determined to solve the murder, but his growing feelings for Taylor complicate his mission. As he confronts his own demons, Myles must decide if he can let down his guard and trust Taylor, even as he struggles to keep her safe from the dangers they face.

Lisa

Lisa is Oscar's sister, who hires Myles to clear her brother's name. Her grief over Oscar's death is genuine, but her involvement in the investigation raises questions. As Myles and Taylor dig deeper, they uncover secrets about Lisa's relationship with Oscar and her potential motives for wanting the truth to remain hidden. Lisa's role in the mystery is complex, as she navigates her own emotions and the fallout from her brother's actions.

Officer Wright

Officer Wright is the detective assigned to Oscar's murder case. He is thorough and methodical, but his initial theory about the murder is challenged by Myles's investigation. Wright's interactions with Taylor and Myles reveal his skepticism about their involvement, but he ultimately becomes an ally in their search for the truth. His experience and insight are valuable assets as the investigation unfolds.

Oscar

Oscar is the owner of the beach house where Taylor and Jude are staying. His murder sets off the chain of events that drive the investigation. As Myles and Taylor uncover more about Oscar's life, they learn about his involvement in shady real estate dealings and his potential enemies. Oscar's secrets and the circumstances of his death are central to the mystery, as the characters work to unravel the truth behind his murder.

Kurt

Kurt is the mayor's assistant, whose loyalty to Rhonda Robinson leads him down a dangerous path. His involvement in the murder investigation reveals a willingness to go to extreme lengths to protect his boss's secrets. Kurt's character serves as a cautionary tale of blind loyalty and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Rhonda Robinson

Rhonda is the mayor of the town, secretly profiting from vacation rentals while publicly opposing them. Her duplicity and political maneuvering make her a central figure in the investigation. Rhonda's character highlights the theme of corruption and the lengths people will go to maintain power and control.

Plot Devices

Peepholes and Voyeurism

The discovery of peepholes in the beach house sets the stage for the murder investigation. This plot device introduces the theme of voyeurism and invasion of privacy, creating tension and suspicion among the characters. The peepholes serve as a catalyst for the investigation, as they suggest a motive for Oscar's murder and lead to the discovery of a hidden camera, further complicating the mystery.

Hidden Letter

The hidden letter found beneath the floorboards of the beach house is a crucial plot device that reveals a potential motive for Oscar's murder. The letter's ominous message suggests that Oscar was being blackmailed, adding urgency to the investigation. This discovery shifts the focus of the characters' efforts, as they work to uncover the identity of the blackmailer and the connection to Oscar's death.

Hidden Surveillance

The discovery of hidden surveillance equipment in Oscar's house serves as a key plot device, revealing the extent of Kurt's involvement in the murder. This device underscores the themes of privacy invasion and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. It also serves as a catalyst for the final confrontation between Myles, Taylor, and Kurt.

Romantic Tension

The growing attraction between Taylor and Myles adds a layer of complexity to the murder investigation. Their romantic tension serves as both a distraction and a driving force, influencing their actions and decisions. This plot device explores themes of trust, vulnerability, and the challenges of balancing personal feelings with professional responsibilities, as the characters navigate their evolving relationship amidst the dangers they face.

Analysis

"My Killer Vacation" by Tessa Bailey is a thrilling blend of romance and mystery, exploring themes of trust, vulnerability, and redemption. The narrative delves into the complexities of human emotions, as Taylor and Myles navigate their growing attraction amidst a dangerous murder investigation. The book highlights the importance of confronting one's fears and insecurities, as both characters must overcome their pasts to embrace a future together. Through its engaging plot and dynamic characters, the story underscores the power of love and loyalty in overcoming adversity, ultimately offering a message of hope and new beginnings.