Mystery at the Blue Sea Cottage, James A. Stewart
Mystery at the Blue Sea Cottage, James A. Stewart
List: $19.95 | Sale: $13.97
Club: $9.97

Mystery at the Blue Sea Cottage
A True Story of Murder in San Diego’s Jazz Age

Author: James A. Stewart

Narrator: Tim Getman

Unabridged: 7 hr 59 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 12/07/2021

Synopsis

Set in Jazz Age San Diego against the backdrop of yellow journalism, notorious Hollywood scandals, Prohibition corruption, and a lively culture war, Mystery at the Blue Sea Cottage tells the intriguing true-crime story of a beautiful dancer, a playboy actor, and a debonair doctor.In January 1923, twenty-year-old Fritzie Mann left home for a remote cottage by the sea to meet a man whose identity she had revealed to no one. The next morning, the barely clad body of the beautiful and bewitching dancer washed up on lonely Torrey Pines beach, her party dress and possessions strewn about on the sand.The scene baffled investigators. Was it suicide, murder, or an accidental drowning? A botched autopsy created more questions than it answered. However, the investigation revealed a scandalous secret and, possibly, a powerful motive for murder.After a suspect was arrested and charged with murder, an ambitious district attorney battled a high-profile LA private counsel in the most sensational trial in San Diego’s history that was followed avidly across the nation. The big question: What really happened at the Blue Sea Cottage?

About James A. Stewart

James A. Stewart was born in Baton Rouge, LA, and grew up in a small town sixteen miles to the north called Zachary. After graduating from Louisiana State University with a BS in Industrial Technology, he spent twenty-five years on active duty with the US Navy, including a tour as commanding officer of USS Mount Vernon (LSD-39). He also holds a BA in English from National University and an MFA in Creative Writing from UC Riverside. He lives with his family in San Diego.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Valerity (Val)

A 1920s story of Southern California where Frieda (Fritzie) Mann went missing and was found dead. Authorities were puzzled and the twenty-year-old dancer’s demise became a true life mystery. Good vintage true crime from the flapper and prohibition era. The author spent nine years researching and wri......more

Goodreads review by Linda

This is a narrative nonfictional book about the murder of Fritzie Mann, a 20-year-old woman who left home on the night of January 23, 1923 .. and who b=never returned. Her body was found the next day washed up on the Torrey Pines beach. Investigators couldn't decide if this was murder, an accidental d......more

Goodreads review by Mary

Very well researched and written! Some parts a little slow but kept me reading! Liked the authors summary of what he thinks happ at the end.......more

Goodreads review by Gwen - Chew & Digest Books -

This was a fabulously done narrative nonfiction, especially considering that while high-ish profile at the time with the Hollywood connection, Fritzie Mann's unsolved murder fell into obscurity afterward. Stewart wades through the sensational and yellow journalistic accounts of the time to bring as m......more

Goodreads review by Jules

Highly recommended for murder mysteries and true crime lovers! This book is well thought out, well researched, and methodical in it’s telling of a tragic story of a young woman’s last days. It encapsulates the lives of so many that were involved or got wrapped up in this tragic tale. Well done! Defi......more

Quotes

“Fritzie Mann's death carries a haunting resonance.” Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Add to Cart
Add to Wish List