Overall I enjoyed this book, though the first half of act 2 wasn't the strongest. It was kinda slow and I felt confused about the personalities of the main characters sometimes. (this got better later!)
But it's a fun mystery with some serious Series of Unfortunate Events vibes (except like... less depressing) and very likable characters.

why did I get ASOUE vibes? here's the evidence:
-the narration at the start is very Lemony Snicket-esque
-setting is an ocean town in the off season (book 3)
-alleged sea monster (book 11)
-harpoon guns and a quirky hotel (book 12)
-the pervasive mystery surrounding literally everyone in the town