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Pacific Northwest Cozy Culinary #1
Murder on Liberty Bay
Lily Pine recently moved to a cozy peninsula town in the Pacific Northwest. Her plans to open a bayside restaurant and start a new life are hindered when she is unexpectantly swept into a murder mystery. Can Lily make new friends in this picturesque village, solve a murder, and fulfill her husband’s lifelong dream?
Along the way, Lily shares delicious recipes sure to please any mystery enthusiast.
Along the way, Lily shares delicious recipes sure to please any mystery enthusiast.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2023
293 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 30, 2025
4.5★s
A year after her husband, Marty's death, Lily Pine finally moved to the small Pacific Northwest town of Poulsbo, where Marty had purchased an old restaurant to fulfil their dream of owning a restaurant together. All the plans had been made, licenses acquired, contacts for produce needed - Lily was excited to begin as she arrived with her beloved pet, Nellie. Judy, an investigative reporter, and her daughter, was back home in Ohio, but in contact daily by phone. When Lily walked to the door of the restaurant and opened it to go inside, her dreams materialised. The view overlooking Liberty Bay was spectacular - but when she stepped behind the bar, she was shocked to discover a body on the floor, quite obviously dead.
With the detective, Doug Miller, diligently working the case, he also told Lily she had to wait as the restaurant was a crime scene, and until he released it, she couldn't continue with her plans. A disappointed Lily understood, and with Judy, decided to hurry the case along. But could they find the killer in a timely fashion?
Murder on Liberty Bay is the 1st the Pacific Northwest Cozy Culinary series by Dennis Shock and I enjoyed it very much. Light hearted, fun and entertaining, Lily was a great character, and most of the townsfolk kind and caring. A good start to a new (to me) series, which I hope to continue. Recommended.
A year after her husband, Marty's death, Lily Pine finally moved to the small Pacific Northwest town of Poulsbo, where Marty had purchased an old restaurant to fulfil their dream of owning a restaurant together. All the plans had been made, licenses acquired, contacts for produce needed - Lily was excited to begin as she arrived with her beloved pet, Nellie. Judy, an investigative reporter, and her daughter, was back home in Ohio, but in contact daily by phone. When Lily walked to the door of the restaurant and opened it to go inside, her dreams materialised. The view overlooking Liberty Bay was spectacular - but when she stepped behind the bar, she was shocked to discover a body on the floor, quite obviously dead.
With the detective, Doug Miller, diligently working the case, he also told Lily she had to wait as the restaurant was a crime scene, and until he released it, she couldn't continue with her plans. A disappointed Lily understood, and with Judy, decided to hurry the case along. But could they find the killer in a timely fashion?
Murder on Liberty Bay is the 1st the Pacific Northwest Cozy Culinary series by Dennis Shock and I enjoyed it very much. Light hearted, fun and entertaining, Lily was a great character, and most of the townsfolk kind and caring. A good start to a new (to me) series, which I hope to continue. Recommended.
June 26, 2023
a enjoyable afternoon read
A great way to spend an afternoon when you’re looking for a way to pass a few enjoyable hours. The story set in a small Pacific Northwest town Poulsbo Washington, and if you’ve ever been there, you can actually picture it in your mind as you’re reading the book. The story moves quickly and it’s suspenseful. The characters feel like people you would know, and the recipes at the end of the book are worth a try.
A great way to spend an afternoon when you’re looking for a way to pass a few enjoyable hours. The story set in a small Pacific Northwest town Poulsbo Washington, and if you’ve ever been there, you can actually picture it in your mind as you’re reading the book. The story moves quickly and it’s suspenseful. The characters feel like people you would know, and the recipes at the end of the book are worth a try.
January 5, 2024
Murder on Liberty Bay - Audio Book
Things I enjoyed about this book include Lily’s (protagonist) daughter who is an investigative reporter and quite funny in her own right, and Detective Miller who was charming and genuine. The plot was basic but still easy to listen too. The author camouflaged the killer quite well. I really enjoyed the references to different food dishes which all had descriptions that made it easy to visualize.
Things I didn’t like about the book was the narrator. He wasn’t able to inject warmth into the characters, which I think is the reason why, I never really connected to Lily. When he read the woman character’s dialogue, I cringed. On the other hand, he did a really good job with the character of Detective Miller.
Overall, not a bad mystery for book one of a series, but I would seriously rethink the narrator for this series going forward.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
Things I enjoyed about this book include Lily’s (protagonist) daughter who is an investigative reporter and quite funny in her own right, and Detective Miller who was charming and genuine. The plot was basic but still easy to listen too. The author camouflaged the killer quite well. I really enjoyed the references to different food dishes which all had descriptions that made it easy to visualize.
Things I didn’t like about the book was the narrator. He wasn’t able to inject warmth into the characters, which I think is the reason why, I never really connected to Lily. When he read the woman character’s dialogue, I cringed. On the other hand, he did a really good job with the character of Detective Miller.
Overall, not a bad mystery for book one of a series, but I would seriously rethink the narrator for this series going forward.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
December 10, 2023
This first book in the Pacific Northwest Cozy Culinary Series from the pen of Dennis Shock is excellent, I've read most of Dennis's books and this is amongst the best. A host of interesting characters, a plot that has twists and turns galore and Jeff Moons narration all go to make this a must listen. Highly Recommended.
January 20, 2024
I almost didn't finish this book but wanted to see how the writer would finish the story. Bad dialogue and grammar. Transitions between events were often puzzling, not allowing enough time for reality to happen. Ex, someone saying it would take a little while to arrive but the next thing we know, he is there.
The reveal was pretty stupid, actually. Why the writer chose something that is tenuous as a clue instead of one that is more obvious is beyond me.
This is a pretty good example that AI has not progressed to the point where it can write a novel. If it wasn't written using AI, I would be very surprised. Regardless, please get an editor.
The reveal was pretty stupid, actually. Why the writer chose something that is tenuous as a clue instead of one that is more obvious is beyond me.
This is a pretty good example that AI has not progressed to the point where it can write a novel. If it wasn't written using AI, I would be very surprised. Regardless, please get an editor.
July 29, 2023
I Always Suspected Her
Lily Pine recently moved to a cozy peninsula town in the Pacific Northwest. Her plans to open a bayside restaurant and start a new life are hindered when she is unexpectantly swept into a murder mystery. Can Lily make new friends in this picturesque village, solve a murder, and fulfill her husband’s lifelong dream?
The culprit was a good friend of Lily's. Once she was caught she couldn't seem to let go soon enough.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
Lily Pine recently moved to a cozy peninsula town in the Pacific Northwest. Her plans to open a bayside restaurant and start a new life are hindered when she is unexpectantly swept into a murder mystery. Can Lily make new friends in this picturesque village, solve a murder, and fulfill her husband’s lifelong dream?
The culprit was a good friend of Lily's. Once she was caught she couldn't seem to let go soon enough.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
June 10, 2023
I loved the setting of this book. Small town stories are a weakness of mine and resonate with me. The characters were engaging and interesting. I liked the sleuthing via phone between mom and daughter. It turned up possibilities and kept me guessing and turning pages. The ending was a shocker! The teaser fir the next book has me hooked already.
February 4, 2024
This was a quick easy listen. The story wasn't very complicated and the killer was pretty obvious but it is a good start to a new series. With the dog on the cover front and centre I did expect her to play a bigger roll , maybe next time. The characters were like able, obviously as the widow had at least two dates in the story but the story was nicely balanced between the mystery and love interests. As well as the small town feel.
After the death of her husband Lily is finally getting to fulfil his dream of owning a restaurant by the bayside. The only problem is before she can open the doors , she discovers a dead body in the closed up restaurant. Her reporter daughter convinced the small town police force aren't use to murder investigations, especially as the lead detective never solved his last case before moving there, convinces Lily that her restaurant won't open unless they solve the murder. Can Lily's questioning of the suspects and her daughter's internet searches uncover the motive for the murder and who the killer is?
It was unusual for the author to choice a male narrator when the main character is female but he managed to give each character there own voice making it easy to enjoy.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
After the death of her husband Lily is finally getting to fulfil his dream of owning a restaurant by the bayside. The only problem is before she can open the doors , she discovers a dead body in the closed up restaurant. Her reporter daughter convinced the small town police force aren't use to murder investigations, especially as the lead detective never solved his last case before moving there, convinces Lily that her restaurant won't open unless they solve the murder. Can Lily's questioning of the suspects and her daughter's internet searches uncover the motive for the murder and who the killer is?
It was unusual for the author to choice a male narrator when the main character is female but he managed to give each character there own voice making it easy to enjoy.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 24, 2024
I listened to the audiobook version of this title , read really well by Jeff Moon
I was pleasantly surprised by this Cozy Mystery, of late, the typical protagonist is a “ditzy” female who repeatedly ignores what the police detective says, runs around obviously drawing attention to herself and thereby getting herself in unnecessary danger (& needing to be heroically saved by the strong handsome detective…
Well, this IS NOT one of those. The dog also does not inadvertently find a clue that the police - for some reason - have overlooked. This is a good, down to earth Whodunnit, solved by facts and logic. Nicely told through conversations and online research, interacting with the police and not acting as if they knew better.
Included in the audio addition, at the conclusion, is a recipe (which I never listen to, it’s really of no interest to me) and the introduction to the next title in the series, which seems intriguing. I am looking forward to reading it.
A very good Cozy Mystery. Straightforward, interlaced with small town characters and interactions. Not as detailed as Cherringham, but far superior to the mainstream cookie cutter cozies out there. I definitely recommend this.
I was given a free copy of this title by the author for an honest review. For which I am thankful.
I was pleasantly surprised by this Cozy Mystery, of late, the typical protagonist is a “ditzy” female who repeatedly ignores what the police detective says, runs around obviously drawing attention to herself and thereby getting herself in unnecessary danger (& needing to be heroically saved by the strong handsome detective…
Well, this IS NOT one of those. The dog also does not inadvertently find a clue that the police - for some reason - have overlooked. This is a good, down to earth Whodunnit, solved by facts and logic. Nicely told through conversations and online research, interacting with the police and not acting as if they knew better.
Included in the audio addition, at the conclusion, is a recipe (which I never listen to, it’s really of no interest to me) and the introduction to the next title in the series, which seems intriguing. I am looking forward to reading it.
A very good Cozy Mystery. Straightforward, interlaced with small town characters and interactions. Not as detailed as Cherringham, but far superior to the mainstream cookie cutter cozies out there. I definitely recommend this.
I was given a free copy of this title by the author for an honest review. For which I am thankful.
September 5, 2024
This was a very quick read that would've been better if it wasn't for the repetition of "so did Detective Miller solve the case yet?". Literally, in just about every chapter after the murder occurs everyone keeps on asking Lily Pine about the case.
She's just waiting to get her newly purchased restaurant back since it's a crime scene- she has no information from the cops about the crime!
Another thing that bothered me was the way the dialogue between characters appeared- almost too stiff and too long.
"I am" can be shortened to "I'm" while "thank you" becomes "thanks". Seriously, if you don't need it just cut it out.
Meanwhile Lily's phone talks with her daughter, Judy (who happens to be an investigative journalist), lead her to conduct her own investigation (while keeping her findings away from the public eye).
Not to mention that Lily's also going on dates with two different men (she can't decide who she likes better).
Honestly, my favorite part was that in the end there are recipes provided that actually sound really good.
In the end it was a cute story but definitely needed some "work" done.
She's just waiting to get her newly purchased restaurant back since it's a crime scene- she has no information from the cops about the crime!
Another thing that bothered me was the way the dialogue between characters appeared- almost too stiff and too long.
"I am" can be shortened to "I'm" while "thank you" becomes "thanks". Seriously, if you don't need it just cut it out.
Meanwhile Lily's phone talks with her daughter, Judy (who happens to be an investigative journalist), lead her to conduct her own investigation (while keeping her findings away from the public eye).
Not to mention that Lily's also going on dates with two different men (she can't decide who she likes better).
Honestly, my favorite part was that in the end there are recipes provided that actually sound really good.
In the end it was a cute story but definitely needed some "work" done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2024
After her husband loses his battle with cancer, Lily vows to move cross country to fulfill his dream of opening their own restaurant in Poulsbo, WA.
Her husband had done all the advance scouting and purchasing of the location. Upon arrival, in an effort to determine what equipment the former owner had left, she enters the restaurant that has set empty for a year. It all seems wonderful until she finds a body recently left on the floor behind the bar.
The ongoing investigation makes the building a crime scene, halting work on preparing the restaurant. While the local investigation goes on, Lily’s reporter daughter back home in Columbus, Ohio begins to dig into the victim’s past.
The book unfolds at a smooth and reasonable pace, with clues provided through conversations with both the local detective and the daughter. The author does a great job of introducing characters and possible suspects. I'm sure some will determine the killer but the reveal caught me by surprise.
Her husband had done all the advance scouting and purchasing of the location. Upon arrival, in an effort to determine what equipment the former owner had left, she enters the restaurant that has set empty for a year. It all seems wonderful until she finds a body recently left on the floor behind the bar.
The ongoing investigation makes the building a crime scene, halting work on preparing the restaurant. While the local investigation goes on, Lily’s reporter daughter back home in Columbus, Ohio begins to dig into the victim’s past.
The book unfolds at a smooth and reasonable pace, with clues provided through conversations with both the local detective and the daughter. The author does a great job of introducing characters and possible suspects. I'm sure some will determine the killer but the reveal caught me by surprise.
January 17, 2025
I’d read the prequel and just had to start this book since I got it as a freebie a year ago. I’m glad the series is in KU so I can binge on if I want lol. I loved the mother/daughter relationship between Lily and her now-grown daughter Judy who’s a pretty darn good reporter not to mention long distance amateur sleuth. It was sad Marty from the prequel wasn’t in the picture anymore but it was awesome how Lily kept his dream alive.
I’m not a real fan of what appears to be a triangle starting with Lily and two guys who became interested in her. Both are nice but I’m personally Team Doug, lol. With Judy’s long distance online sleuthing help, Lily cracked the case and confronted the murderer but it wasn’t anything too dangerous. Fortunately reinforcements were close. Lily got a nice surprise at the end and now I can’t wait to read the next book.
I’m not a real fan of what appears to be a triangle starting with Lily and two guys who became interested in her. Both are nice but I’m personally Team Doug, lol. With Judy’s long distance online sleuthing help, Lily cracked the case and confronted the murderer but it wasn’t anything too dangerous. Fortunately reinforcements were close. Lily got a nice surprise at the end and now I can’t wait to read the next book.
November 11, 2025
Poulsbo, Washington;
Lily Pine moves there to open a restaurant (seaside bar and grill) after her husband Marty died of cancer, Nellie - Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Judy, her daughter, an investigative reporter;
Officer Thad Treadwell and Detective Douglas Miller;
Clark Robbins - MURDERED; Lily found him laying behind the bar with a chef's knife protruding from his chest, Ex wife, Sharon Robbins runs boat shop, he took out charters on his boat, he was cheating with Renee Valentine;
Jed Stride - sells produce; interested in Lily, takes her out to lunch/dinner several times;
Carol Walters, waitress
Out to dinner with Douglas Miller also;
Ken Valentine, Renee's Dad and allegedly Carol's father as well.
Carol is the KILLER, she stabbed him when he wanted to break it off with her. He told her he was going to ask Renee to marry him.
Lily Pine moves there to open a restaurant (seaside bar and grill) after her husband Marty died of cancer, Nellie - Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Judy, her daughter, an investigative reporter;
Officer Thad Treadwell and Detective Douglas Miller;
Clark Robbins - MURDERED; Lily found him laying behind the bar with a chef's knife protruding from his chest, Ex wife, Sharon Robbins runs boat shop, he took out charters on his boat, he was cheating with Renee Valentine;
Jed Stride - sells produce; interested in Lily, takes her out to lunch/dinner several times;
Carol Walters, waitress
Out to dinner with Douglas Miller also;
Ken Valentine, Renee's Dad and allegedly Carol's father as well.
Carol is the KILLER, she stabbed him when he wanted to break it off with her. He told her he was going to ask Renee to marry him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2024
Murder on Liberty Bay: Book 1 (Pacific Northwest Cozy Culinary Series)
By: Dennis Shock
Narrated by: Jeff Moon
4 STARS
This is a relatively quick cozy culinary mystery. The protagonist arrives in a coastal town, to open the restaurant her late husband purchased. The first time she enters, she finds a dead body.
She and her daughter start their own investigation because the restaurant can’t open until the crime is solved.
And so it begins. An enjoyable light listen.
The narration was done by Jeff Moon. He gave the characters personality. Quite an enjoyable listen, even if the female voices were a bit silly.
I will listen to more in this series.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
By: Dennis Shock
Narrated by: Jeff Moon
4 STARS
This is a relatively quick cozy culinary mystery. The protagonist arrives in a coastal town, to open the restaurant her late husband purchased. The first time she enters, she finds a dead body.
She and her daughter start their own investigation because the restaurant can’t open until the crime is solved.
And so it begins. An enjoyable light listen.
The narration was done by Jeff Moon. He gave the characters personality. Quite an enjoyable listen, even if the female voices were a bit silly.
I will listen to more in this series.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 13, 2024
I enjoyed reading this novel by Dennis Shock..a bit of a boring read in a way, but a good read none the less. Such happens when you read a lot of books. The plot was good and the end surprised me quite a bit. I don't like to tell what happens or too much about a book as I feel that others should read it with an open mind rather than my critique. I liked the setting of the book, as someone that has not traveled alot in their life it is kind of fun to go places I have never been. This book was detailed enough that I did feel as though I was transported there. That is what I enjoy in a good book.
March 5, 2024
Interesting story - all the standard points of a cozy mystery: individual moves to a new town to open a business, meets a new best friend; becomes romantically entangled with a detective, police officer, potential suspect, or fellow business owner; reveals back story and current statuses through stilted dialog, over and above what anyone would actually say in conversation; solves the mystery.
At least this one is interesting and all comes together smoothly, without anyone being cast as a character we'd not like in our own lives. This could be a really good series.
At least this one is interesting and all comes together smoothly, without anyone being cast as a character we'd not like in our own lives. This could be a really good series.
March 7, 2024
This was my first book by Dennis Shock, and I enjoyed reading it. It was an easy read...not very complicated in the plot. Lily Pine had lost her husband suddenly to cancer after he had bought a restaurant in Poulsbo, Washington. She made the move to start her life over and open the restaurant to honor her husband's dream. A murder mystery stops things in its track.
The book was fairly simple as far as the story and plot. It probably could have been a little more in-depth and detailed to make the story even better, but it wasn't bad for a short read.
The book was fairly simple as far as the story and plot. It probably could have been a little more in-depth and detailed to make the story even better, but it wasn't bad for a short read.
December 21, 2023
This is the first book in the Pacific Northwest Cozy Culinary Series, a murder cozy mystery. This is a great start to the series! Lily is an amazing character, strong, smart, and determined. The storyline is intriguing, and entertaining. I liked to follow mother and daughter's sleuthing. Jeff Moon did an excellent job bringing this story to life. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to listening to Poisoned in Port Townsend, the next book in the series.
April 14, 2024
I liked this one, my first by this author. a shortish fun cozy mystery with good characters and an interesting storyline. When Lily arrives to open her new restaurant she finds a body behind the bar. the writing is excellent and the narration works Jeff Moon does a good job with mostly female characters. I will definitely be reading more of these. I received a complimentary copy of the audio from the author and am leaving a honest voluntary review.
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October 16, 2024Good story but the narrator lets it down badly. The male narrator makes every female voice sound whiny, stupid, and childish. Sorry, but I couldn’t finish as it’s mainly between a female character and a detective, so lots of those messed up female voices.
As I say, a good story as far as I got, and I may give the ebook a go instead one day. Many thanks for the audio ARC copy.
As I didn’t finish, I won’t rate, as I don’t believe that’s fair.
As I say, a good story as far as I got, and I may give the ebook a go instead one day. Many thanks for the audio ARC copy.
As I didn’t finish, I won’t rate, as I don’t believe that’s fair.
December 6, 2025
Absolutely loved this first in the series. Set in the Pacific Northwest. Lily Pine arrives in town to begin to open the restaurant her husband bought before he died. Only she didn't expect to find a dead body in her locked restaurant. A detective Doug Miller arrives to investigate. Lily begins to look into the crime herself. Along with her reporter daughter in Ohio they live together suspects. I didn't see the murderer coming till it was revealed.
December 12, 2023
I would never expect to be listening to a cosy mystery by this author and narrator combination but it worked somehow and it was really entertaining, completely different from everything else I have listened to by them.
I am looking forward to where this series leads.
It was fun and going to try the recipes at the end.
I am looking forward to where this series leads.
It was fun and going to try the recipes at the end.
December 19, 2023
I enjoyed the narration of Jeff Moon, who brings out the mystery and characters
Lily Pine moved to Peninsula a town in the Pacific Northwest. Wanting to open restaurant and start a new life. All good things stumble as she is swept into a murder. Can Lily with her new friends, solve the murder, This is wonderful cozy mystery, with amazing recipes.
Lily Pine moved to Peninsula a town in the Pacific Northwest. Wanting to open restaurant and start a new life. All good things stumble as she is swept into a murder. Can Lily with her new friends, solve the murder, This is wonderful cozy mystery, with amazing recipes.
January 16, 2024
A Fun Quirky Mystery
This is my first Dennis Shock book and I found it interesting. I live in Washington State so that makes it personal too. I loved the main characters and the story grows with each chapter. It gets slowly more and more involved until the quirky part becomes integral to the mystery. I enjoyed it and it was fun.
This is my first Dennis Shock book and I found it interesting. I live in Washington State so that makes it personal too. I loved the main characters and the story grows with each chapter. It gets slowly more and more involved until the quirky part becomes integral to the mystery. I enjoyed it and it was fun.
July 3, 2024
Another great murder mystery from this author. Widowed Lily enters her locked up new restaurant to find a dead body. She needs to find out who the murderer is so she can open her restaurant. Jeff Moon did a great job with the narration.
August 9, 2024
Lily Pine in finally moving to Liberty Bay to open the restaurant that she and her husband dreamed of before his death. Unfortunately when she goes to the restaurant that they had purchased, she finds a body behind the bar. With help from her daughter, she does a little investigating to see if she can help the police find the murderer so she can finally open the restaurant.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next one.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next one.
September 13, 2025
Pleasant cozy mystery
A woman,s husband dies before they can open a new restaurant in Western Washington. When she opens the door she finds a dead body. Nice suspense, good character development, excellent misdirection.
A woman,s husband dies before they can open a new restaurant in Western Washington. When she opens the door she finds a dead body. Nice suspense, good character development, excellent misdirection.
June 8, 2023
Trite, poor grammar and writing. Hard pass.
February 26, 2024
Great read
This is my first Dennis Shock book and it was interesting and charming. The main characters were interesting and fun.
This is my first Dennis Shock book and it was interesting and charming. The main characters were interesting and fun.
March 3, 2024
Nice
The book is a very nice and easy read. Wish her dog played more of a part in the book..lol
The book is a very nice and easy read. Wish her dog played more of a part in the book..lol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews