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Mourning Bay: A Port Stirling Mystery Book 6
Fans of Kendra Elliot, Harlan Coben, Elly Griffiths, and Melinda Leigh will devour this thrilling, suspenseful story.
A prominent local woman, Hannah Oakley, drives to beautiful Mourning Bay State Park on the rugged southern Oregon coast, leaves her glasses and a mysterious note on a piece of driftwood, and then walks into the bay, committing suicide – or does she?
Police chief Matt Horning makes a promise to the woman’s grieving husband to further investigate the disappearance of his wife, but with no body, no crime scene, and no witnesses, he doesn’t have much to go on. Matt’s colleagues join in to solve this twisty case, but will an aggressive new detective in the Port Stirling police department upset the camaraderie of the local cops?
Is it suicide or is it murder? And if it’s murder, is Hannah’s disappearance just the beginning of a new evil in their community?
From its puzzling, mysterious opening to its shocking conclusion, Mourning Bay, book 6 in the Port Stirling Mystery series, will remind you to not accept life at face value.
Readers rate the Port Stirling Mystery series an average of 4.5 stars!
"..Brisk, instantly engaging police procedural series." - The Oregonian
A "can't put down" book – Kay Jennings is my new favorite mystery-thriller writer! Excellent and descriptive writing, with engaging and fully developed characters (both good and bad), and intriguing plots. Complex crimes are solved by a close-knit team of police and Federal investigators. Unique personal lives are woven into the narrative. One of the most important main characters is the beautiful but tempestuous Oregon coast and landscape, with cliffs, coves, rivers, and forests. – Judy, Amazon verified purchase
Loved it. - The author has created characters who are believable. My wife and I refer to the characters by their first name, as if they are personal friends. Kay Jennings tells the story with just enough words, no long empty dialogue, no overly graphic sex scenes, just enough of everything to engage your imagination. – David, Amazon verified purchase
Kept me up at night - Love the setting, the characters and the twists and turns of this all-round good mystery series. Always building tension to surprising endings! – Dorcas, Amazon verified purchase
As usual, excellent - Amazing writing; amazing story, wonderful characters and it’s always nice to see the growth of their relationships/friendships! Absolutely loved it! – Little Bird, Amazon verified purchase
GREAT read! Best one yet! - I've read all Kay's Port Stirling books, and I recommend you read the series in order. Wonderful characters, superb settings on the Oregon Coast, engaging stories with endings you'll love. – WVR, Amazon verified purchase
Loved this one - Well-plotted, fast-paced, a satisfying addition to this enjoyable series. The genuine affection among the various characters lifts my spirits even as horrible crimes are being committed. Just enough bad-guy action to justify the genre. – Lucy, Amazon verified purchase
A prominent local woman, Hannah Oakley, drives to beautiful Mourning Bay State Park on the rugged southern Oregon coast, leaves her glasses and a mysterious note on a piece of driftwood, and then walks into the bay, committing suicide – or does she?
Police chief Matt Horning makes a promise to the woman’s grieving husband to further investigate the disappearance of his wife, but with no body, no crime scene, and no witnesses, he doesn’t have much to go on. Matt’s colleagues join in to solve this twisty case, but will an aggressive new detective in the Port Stirling police department upset the camaraderie of the local cops?
Is it suicide or is it murder? And if it’s murder, is Hannah’s disappearance just the beginning of a new evil in their community?
From its puzzling, mysterious opening to its shocking conclusion, Mourning Bay, book 6 in the Port Stirling Mystery series, will remind you to not accept life at face value.
Readers rate the Port Stirling Mystery series an average of 4.5 stars!
"..Brisk, instantly engaging police procedural series." - The Oregonian
A "can't put down" book – Kay Jennings is my new favorite mystery-thriller writer! Excellent and descriptive writing, with engaging and fully developed characters (both good and bad), and intriguing plots. Complex crimes are solved by a close-knit team of police and Federal investigators. Unique personal lives are woven into the narrative. One of the most important main characters is the beautiful but tempestuous Oregon coast and landscape, with cliffs, coves, rivers, and forests. – Judy, Amazon verified purchase
Loved it. - The author has created characters who are believable. My wife and I refer to the characters by their first name, as if they are personal friends. Kay Jennings tells the story with just enough words, no long empty dialogue, no overly graphic sex scenes, just enough of everything to engage your imagination. – David, Amazon verified purchase
Kept me up at night - Love the setting, the characters and the twists and turns of this all-round good mystery series. Always building tension to surprising endings! – Dorcas, Amazon verified purchase
As usual, excellent - Amazing writing; amazing story, wonderful characters and it’s always nice to see the growth of their relationships/friendships! Absolutely loved it! – Little Bird, Amazon verified purchase
GREAT read! Best one yet! - I've read all Kay's Port Stirling books, and I recommend you read the series in order. Wonderful characters, superb settings on the Oregon Coast, engaging stories with endings you'll love. – WVR, Amazon verified purchase
Loved this one - Well-plotted, fast-paced, a satisfying addition to this enjoyable series. The genuine affection among the various characters lifts my spirits even as horrible crimes are being committed. Just enough bad-guy action to justify the genre. – Lucy, Amazon verified purchase
- GenresMystery
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2023
303 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 11, 2024
Another excellent murder mystery, featuring Chief Matt Horning, his charming wife, Fern, and the various members of his team as they investigate a presumed suicide which turns out to be murder. Twists and turns and false leads take the detectives in multiple directions, before the solution can be found. And we meet the latest recruit to the team - a former Boston detective searching for new purpose to her life.
These books just keep getting better and better,
These books just keep getting better and better,
August 6, 2023
Kept me guessing
These books just keep getting better. The Port Stirling gang has another murder to solve and clues abound. Lots of twists and turns and I didn't figure it out until the end.
These books just keep getting better. The Port Stirling gang has another murder to solve and clues abound. Lots of twists and turns and I didn't figure it out until the end.
August 5, 2023
Great book!
Great story, not too violent and kept you guessing. It has many aspects and possible suspects that made you think like a detective.
Great story, not too violent and kept you guessing. It has many aspects and possible suspects that made you think like a detective.
August 13, 2023
Love love love the characters.
As I said the characters are fleshed out. And while a few I don't like.. they won me over.
Fast paced and good deep
plots. I've read mystery novels since I was 10yrs old. Yes I knew how to read at 5..
And mom would get me books from the carnegie library. She started me on junior mysteries then I was reading so much and so fast she got me her books she read. Perry Mason was the first adult mystery story.
I grew to love the puzzles about who killed who and why.
Kay Jennings books are now my favorite mysteries.
As I said the characters are fleshed out. And while a few I don't like.. they won me over.
Fast paced and good deep
plots. I've read mystery novels since I was 10yrs old. Yes I knew how to read at 5..
And mom would get me books from the carnegie library. She started me on junior mysteries then I was reading so much and so fast she got me her books she read. Perry Mason was the first adult mystery story.
I grew to love the puzzles about who killed who and why.
Kay Jennings books are now my favorite mysteries.
November 12, 2025
I gave this book 3.5 stars. I haven't read the first five books of the series. If I had, I might not have had as much trouble keeping the characters straight! The story is that of a local woman who disappears and is later found dead. Her body is not found right away and her death is determined to be a suicide.
Police chief Matt Horning promises to further investigate the death but he doesn't seem to have anything to go on until another find changes the situation altogether. Matt’s wife and colleagues join in to solve this case, and a new detective from the east coast is added to the mix. By the time the case approaches resolution, there are so many characters - and so many possible murderers (for a variety of reasons), it got a little confusing for me. But I read along, depending on my trust in Chief Horning - and his wife, and knew there would be a conclusion that tied some of the loose ends together. And there was.
Book was loaned to me by Susan Holden, who is a friend of the author.
Police chief Matt Horning promises to further investigate the death but he doesn't seem to have anything to go on until another find changes the situation altogether. Matt’s wife and colleagues join in to solve this case, and a new detective from the east coast is added to the mix. By the time the case approaches resolution, there are so many characters - and so many possible murderers (for a variety of reasons), it got a little confusing for me. But I read along, depending on my trust in Chief Horning - and his wife, and knew there would be a conclusion that tied some of the loose ends together. And there was.
Book was loaned to me by Susan Holden, who is a friend of the author.
December 1, 2025
This is the sixth book that I have read in the series. My wife and I spend a lot of time on the Southern Oregon Coast. I continue to enjoy the way that Kay Jennings is able to capture the flavor of the area. It is a good idea to read this series in order. The characters are very likable and continue to develop throughout the series. A new and interesting character, a detective transplanted from Boston is added. This book revolves around an apparent suicide. But, is it a suicide, or a murder?
The characters from the first five books continue to develop well and they are all likable. It was a quick read that was very enjoyable. I recommend the book, and I am excited to continue to read the other books in the series.
The characters from the first five books continue to develop well and they are all likable. It was a quick read that was very enjoyable. I recommend the book, and I am excited to continue to read the other books in the series.
May 10, 2024
This isn’t my typical read, as I don’t usually read investigational books. But the setting was on the Oregon Coast, which was a great. I spent some of my childhood and early adulthood living on the Oregon Coast, and it was fun to be in that setting for some time, while reading this book.
I listened to the audiobook, which had a good narrator. I listened at 2.25x speed (my normal audiobook speed is 1.75-2.0x).
I listened to the audiobook, which had a good narrator. I listened at 2.25x speed (my normal audiobook speed is 1.75-2.0x).
August 17, 2023
Moved along . Characters seemed believable. Whodunit was kept a secret. Liked the interjection of humor. Surprised, but maybe suspected, that Annie was Hannah's daughter. Too bad to have to cope with that news, although Annie appears to be a strong young woman.
I'll be reading more by author. Thanks!
I'll be reading more by author. Thanks!
September 4, 2023
Port Sterling Mystery series a must read
I just recently came across this series by Kay Jennings. I am addicted. I stayed up late every night reading each book. It has everything - great characters that you instantly become attached to, intense stories that keep you on the edge, twists and turns. I can’t wait for book 7!! Thank you Kay Jennings.
I just recently came across this series by Kay Jennings. I am addicted. I stayed up late every night reading each book. It has everything - great characters that you instantly become attached to, intense stories that keep you on the edge, twists and turns. I can’t wait for book 7!! Thank you Kay Jennings.
October 1, 2023
Best one yet
None of the Port Stirling Mysteries disappoints but its one was particularly satisfying. As always a nice balance between description and dialogue and the new character is promising. I love the relationship between Police Chief Matt and his smart, beautiful, fiesty Fern. Can't wait for the next installment.
None of the Port Stirling Mysteries disappoints but its one was particularly satisfying. As always a nice balance between description and dialogue and the new character is promising. I love the relationship between Police Chief Matt and his smart, beautiful, fiesty Fern. Can't wait for the next installment.
October 23, 2023
Really engaging
This one had me going from the start. I was vested in finding out who killed Hannah. I went through the list of suspects with the rest of the team. As they did, I had at least three suspects most of the time. At the end, I was quite satisfied with who it turned out to be.
This one had me going from the start. I was vested in finding out who killed Hannah. I went through the list of suspects with the rest of the team. As they did, I had at least three suspects most of the time. At the end, I was quite satisfied with who it turned out to be.
November 21, 2024
Noggin bobbing
Your books are a workout I enjoy as after reading book 6 I adore being wrong on who done it. Us seniors best workout is for the brain and so far you are a master. I pray that you write at least one book a year for my remaining life. I am 74 1/2. I pray you live a long time.
Your books are a workout I enjoy as after reading book 6 I adore being wrong on who done it. Us seniors best workout is for the brain and so far you are a master. I pray that you write at least one book a year for my remaining life. I am 74 1/2. I pray you live a long time.
August 12, 2023
couldn’t put this book down!!!!
Great continuation of a wonderful group of characters and another spellbinding story. So many possible suspects, I was shocked at the reveal. Excitedly anticipating the next book with another intriguing story line. Thanks
Great continuation of a wonderful group of characters and another spellbinding story. So many possible suspects, I was shocked at the reveal. Excitedly anticipating the next book with another intriguing story line. Thanks
September 23, 2023
Excellent murder mystery. Love the setting and the characters. Not sure I would want to live there as this is the 6th mrder in 3 years, although one was a long time ago cold case. :-) Kay does a good job. Start with book one and read the series. Highly recommended.
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September 27, 2023Just finished the whole series as it stands (6) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can't wait to read a few more if Kay Jennings is still writing them. I know nothing about Oregon so this was a fun place to explore while reading these unexpected mysteries with great characters.
January 7, 2025
I am hooked on this series
This series continues to be very good. I can’t put them down. I enjoyed the new addition to the police and think she will fit in well. This was a great story.
This series continues to be very good. I can’t put them down. I enjoyed the new addition to the police and think she will fit in well. This was a great story.
July 2, 2025
Matt and his colleagues work to solve a mysterious Suicide, which no one believes was suicide. Takes some time to come up with the right answer when the victim's husband asks Matt to reopen the case.
Fern now working for the FBI - Matt recovered from his injuries in Book 5.
Fern now working for the FBI - Matt recovered from his injuries in Book 5.
November 4, 2025
Best one yet in the series!
I think this one is my favorite so far. I can't believe how well these books are written and I recommend them to everyone or anyone who likes a good mystery. I hope they continue.
I think this one is my favorite so far. I can't believe how well these books are written and I recommend them to everyone or anyone who likes a good mystery. I hope they continue.
January 13, 2026
Great books!!!!
The Port Stirling series is fantastic!! I fell in love with the characters right away-always a sign of a good book! The story keeps you motivated to find out what happened. Love these books!!
The Port Stirling series is fantastic!! I fell in love with the characters right away-always a sign of a good book! The story keeps you motivated to find out what happened. Love these books!!
August 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. There were a lot of plot twists to keep me guessing.
August 18, 2023
Another great small town police book (series). Great characters!
August 20, 2023
An avid Oregon reader.
As an Oregonian, who lives on the Oregon Coast, I love her books. This one kept me guessing tell the end.
As an Oregonian, who lives on the Oregon Coast, I love her books. This one kept me guessing tell the end.
August 24, 2023
Mourning Bay
Excellent read. I am already eager to see where you take this band of justice seekers.Kay Jennings, thank you so much.
Excellent read. I am already eager to see where you take this band of justice seekers.Kay Jennings, thank you so much.
September 12, 2023
Kept me guessing
I couldn't figure out the answer to this who-done-it. I like the new addition to the crime team. She's a good fit.
I couldn't figure out the answer to this who-done-it. I like the new addition to the crime team. She's a good fit.
September 22, 2023
Fantastic read
I have followed this entire series and have so enjoyed each one. Surprises throughout. This last one I read straight from beginning to end, only stopping to eat.
I have followed this entire series and have so enjoyed each one. Surprises throughout. This last one I read straight from beginning to end, only stopping to eat.
November 18, 2023
Kay you did it again!! Another great book!!
You are a great writer, it is hard to put the book down. I can't wait for book #7. Thank you, Ken & C. P.
You are a great writer, it is hard to put the book down. I can't wait for book #7. Thank you, Ken & C. P.
January 16, 2024
Nice series...
...perfect for cold any snowy day reads. Small town character with big city crime. Roger is a smiling star.🤗 More please.
...perfect for cold any snowy day reads. Small town character with big city crime. Roger is a smiling star.🤗 More please.
February 23, 2024
good book
I like the cameradie between the cops.i wish I didn’t know Erin that Blake and Alex were the culprits.Matt is a lovely character
I like the cameradie between the cops.i wish I didn’t know Erin that Blake and Alex were the culprits.Matt is a lovely character
August 8, 2024
3.5 stars
November 15, 2024
I love this book series and cannot wait for the next one to be released. Kay Jennings is a great writer. I highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews