Slain in the Sand

Cape Cod Cozy Mystery #2

by Angela K. Ryan

Unmasking the killer is Heather's specialty, even when her own identity remains unknown.

Heather is forging a new life on Cape Cod after a mysterious car accident left her with no memory and burning questions about her ex-convict traveling companion, who perished in the crash.

Eager to remember her past, she’s thrown into a murder when her newly adopted puppy – named Artie, because being an artist is all she knows about herself – discovers the lifeless body of the town doctor.

Can Heather uncover the killer’s identity and reclaim her own?

Order Slain in the Sand today for seaside charm, lovable characters, and an edge-of-your-seat murder mystery.

Genres: Mystery

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2024

About the author

Angela K. Ryan is the author of the Sapphire Beach Cozy Mystery Series, the Seaside Ice Cream Shop Mysteries, and the Cape Cod Cozy Mysteries. She writes clean, feel-good cozies for readers who love humor, lots of twists and turns, and happy-dance endings.

When she is not writing, Angela enjoys the outdoors, especially kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snowshoeing, and skiing. She lives in Massachusetts and loves all four of the New England seasons, but she looks forward to regular escapes to the white, sandy beaches of southwest Florida, where her mother resides.

It is fitting that Angela’s series take place in fictitious seaside towns in Massachusetts and Florida. These small towns would be idyllic if it weren’t for all the bodies that keep turning up!

Angela dreams of one day owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel like the sweet pup in her Sapphire Beach Series, but she isn’t home enough to take care of one. So, for now, lives vicariously through one of her main characters, Connie.

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. If is a fun cozy mystery. Heather has settled into her life on Cape Cod even though her memory has not returned. And, of course, a body turns up under the porch of the house her friend Sydney is renting. Time to put on her sleuthing hat and help solve the crime…..
Can’t wait for the next book.

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather and her friend Sydney are taking Artie for a walk but upon their return he starts to bark and whine. Heather investigates and yup, she finds a dead body under the house Sydney is renting! Sydney is invited to stay at the Inn with Heather since her place is now a crime scene and the two friends investigate the murder and try and determine whodunnit! While compiling a list of suspects, Heather also receives a flashback about her mysterious past and contacts the sister and ex wife of the person she was in the car with before the accident in which he was killed and she lost her memory of who she was.

Sydney finds some good news through all this tragedy, however, and through an exciting scene the
perpetrator of the murder is uncovered!

This is a really fun series about a woman who was involved in a car accident and survived but has no memory of who she is or where she’s from. Through the kindness of strangers she is given a job and makes friends and has helped solve two murders in the short period of time she has been there. She has found out a few things about herself but wants more and hopefully more will be forthcoming in the next book, Nor’easter Nightmare. I am certainly looking forward to reading it and after reading this book I know you will be too!

I give an enthusiastic thumbs up in recommending this book and this series! By all means get the first book as well when you’ve read this book, Corpse at a Cape Cod Inn, and see how Heather’s first day at Cape Cod started out! That way you’l be doubly ready for the third book when it releases!

[Candace Iseminger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slain in the Sand is the 2nd book in the Cape Cod Mysteries Series. Heather has amnesia from a car accident and she is continuing her quest to figure out who she is, and why she was in a car with an ex-convict. An occasional flashback gives her clues, and she is getting closer to knowing who she is. While searching for her identity Heather works on establishing her new life in Sand Dune Shores on Cape Cod. She has made new friends and while out walking, Heather’s dog, Artie, discovers the dead body of the town’s doctor underneath her friend Sydney’s deck. Sydney and Heather search for the killer and discover there are a variety of town residents that have a reason for Dr. Zeke to be murdered. As they follow their leads, they discover not all is at is seems with their suspects. As they narrow down the list it becomes evident, they will need to save more than just themselves from the murderer. Another great read from Ms. Ryan that will keep you guessing. I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unmasking the killer is Heather's specialty, even when her own identity remains unknown.

Heather is forging a new life on Cape Cod after a mysterious car accident left her with no memory and burning questions about her ex-convict traveling companion, who perished in the crash.

This Cape Cod cozy mystery is page-turning with exceptional world-building and lovable characters that are captivating and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with seaside charm, an edge-of-readers' seat murder mystery, uncovering the killers' identity and possibly reclaiming her own, Heather's newly adopted puppy, Artie, discovers the lifeless body for the town doctor, humor, investigating skills, drama, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with being slain in the sand and a cozy mystery that is to die for, transporting readers into an exhilarating roller coaster ride that is mysterious, dangerous, and unforgettable.

I received this book in exchanged for a voluntary review.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book does not disappoint. It grabs you and takes you along with Heather, the main character who was in a car accident and has amnesia and her new best friend, Sydney. Although Heather gets bits and pieces of her past, she is compelled to find out who she is and what happened. While she and Sydney are walking her dog, Artie they return to Sydney's house only to be alerted by Artie of a dead body under Sydney's porch at her house. It turns out to be Sand Dune Shore's only doctor, Dr. Zeke Farnsworth. As Heather and Sydney investigate, they find there are a number of potential suspects, more than they expected and weeding through them can put the girls in danger. Is Heather getting close to solving her loss of memory? What do the flashbacks mean? And who killed Dr. Farnsworth? This is a great series so far and I look forward to the next book! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Paula Corregan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful cozy mystery. I really liked the characters and the friendly atmosphere of the town where the story is set. Heather and her friend, Sydney discover the body of the town's only doctor under Sydney's rental cottage after Heather's puppy, Artie, starts barking after seeing something under the cottage. Heather, who has solved another murder in Sand Dune Shores, investigates the murder with Sydney. While in the midst of their investigation, Heather, who suffers from amnesia, has a couple of flashbacks that might help her discover her identity. Who killed Dr. Zeke Farnsworth and why? Find out by reading this engaging, action packed and fast paced book. I highly recommend it to other cozy mystery readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinions expressed is strictly my own.

[Wanda Siesicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was like watching a movie but all in my mind's eye. I could "see" each character and all their surroundings. Oh, and must not forget about Artie, Heather's new puppy. The town's only doctor, Doctor Zeke, is found dead under Sydney's porch. Heather and Sydney investigate his murder, all the while that Heather is investigating who she is. With so many people on the culprits list, do Heather and Sydney narrow it down enough to find who killed Doctor Zeke? Does Heather find a link to figuring out her identity? All the answers are in this book. I haven't been to Cape Cod in years but this book makes me want to find the time to visit this beautiful area of Massachusetts.

I received an ARC copy of this book and volunteered an honest review.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather and Sydney are friends in Cape Cod, where Heather is trying to regain her memory, which she list in a car accident. Heather has already helped solve one murder mystery in town and when her dog Artie discovers the dead body of the local town doctor, under Sydney’s porch, she’s off investigating again! It seems the doctor, mostly very well-liked, did have an enemy or two in town, and with four suspects to check into, Heather, with the help of Sydney and Jake, has her work cut out for her! An interesting story in a great setting with lots of great characters. I received a free copy of this book and write this review voluntarily.

[Dwayne Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather is suffering from amnesia after a car accident. While still trying to figure out who she is, she is making a life in Sand Dune Shores in Cape cod. Heather and Sydney take Artie for a walk and he finds a dead body under Sydney's rental porch. The body turns out to be the local doctor and he's been murdered. Sydney stays at the Inn with Heather and the two of them work to find out who would want to kill the doctor. They come up with a list of suspects. During all this, Heather has some flashbacks and gets closer to getting her memory back. This is a fun, well written mystery that will keep you turning the pages.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another body!

A pleasant walk on the beach turns into a horror for Heather and Sydney when Arti alerts them to a body. The person is dead but it's hard for Heather to call the police when so recently she was considered their prime suspect in another murder case. She still has amnesia but there are flashes of memory that give her hope for the future. In the meantime, a victim is waiting for justice and she is determined to find it for them.

I like how the subplot of Heather’s amnesia weaves through the story. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Slain in the Sand we have a new mystery for Heather to try to solve as part two of Angela Ryan 's Cape Cod Mysteries. Heather is still working on trying to figure out who she is, having lost her memory in a car accident. Her character is developing as both she and we, the readers, learn more about her. The book does function as a stand alone with its interesting mystery that kept me guessing. But, the part I did like the best was the continuation of Heather's story. I read an ARC of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Cape Cod cozy mystery series. Heather has know memory after a car accident. She is trying to piece together memory clips. While she is walking on the beach with her friend Sydney and her dog Artie; Artie discovers a dead body under the deck of the cottage that Sydney is staying in. The body is of Dr. Zeke, the doctor that most people loved. So who had a problem with Dr. Zeke? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Angela K. Ryan!!!

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slain in the Sand is book #2 in the Cape Cod Cozy Mysteries series by Angela K. Ryan.

Heather is settling into her new life on Cape Cod while trying to regain her memory. I like my main characters to be likable and they certainly are in this case. It was an interesting murder. Heather and Sydney had their hands full trying to figure things out since no one was being honest with them. I liked how it wrapped up and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather is trying to settle into her life with total amnesia but murders keep happening which she has an unusual knack for getting clues and solving. This time it is the local doctor that refuses to retire. As she works with Sydney who's home the body was found under she has a flashback the contributes significantly to her memory, but not enough to complete it. An excellant read full of emotion and promises.

[Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Ryan continues to satisfy with her characters’ interesting problems and continued development. Snippets of memories Heather experiences give intriguing hints about her past life as she solves murders in her identity search.
This cozy mystery ticks all of the boxes to make me want to continue reading the series and solve the ultimate mystery of her true identity.
I received an ARC copy, but that didn’t influence my review at all.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather and Sydney her friend and dog Artie were on the beach at Nantucket when Artie finds the dead body of Dr. Zeke Farnsworth under the porch at Sydney’s beach house. Heather and Sydney jump right in to find clues and help Detective Blaney with the case. Their friends Elizabeth and Joel Harding who owned an inn were a great support to them. There were many suspects to make this intriguing. I enjoyed this ARC copy which has a nail-biting finish. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating, cozy mystery! I enjoy the series arc of Heather unmasking murderers as she struggles to regain her memory. In Slain in the Sand, Heather is drawn to help a friend who is very uneasy about her rental after Heather’s dog Artie finds the body of the town doctor under her deck. AS always, Ms. Ryan presents a puzzling mystery with too many suspects and a few red herrings. I devoured this fast paced mystery since I did not solve it and could not put it down!

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second book about Heather and her struggle to find out who she is. She's living in a small town on Cape Cod and has learned that she's an artist after buying painting supplies. Her job as the manager of the gift shop keeps her occupied while doing research on the few things she's found out. In a previous book she was able to solve a murder. In this book there's another murder of the towns only doctor. She and Sydney are unlucky enough to find it. A very good read.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has only been 3 weeks since Heather was in the car accident that claimed her memory. She is still looking for answers about who she is and what she was doing in the car with an ex-con. When her new puppy Artie finds the body of the town's only doctor, she now has 2 mysteries to solve! Will she be able to find the answers she is looking for? Wonderful characters and an intriguing story will keep you interested until the end. I can't wait for another book to find out more!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Nurse
Unmasking the killer is Heather's specialty, even when her own identity remains unknown.Heather is forging a new life on Cape Cod after a mysterious car accident left her with no memory.
I couldn't believe the culprit was the nurse who seemed so nice. There were so many suspects.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[Mysterybookreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really loving this series with the combo murder mystery and the mystery of who Heather is. This book is fast paced and a fun read. I love the friendship with Sydney and Heather and the potential relationship with Jake & Heather.
Heather finds herself embroided in another murder mystery when Dr Zeke is found dead under her friend, Sydney's, beach cottage. As Heather assists in figuring out who the murderer is, she continues to find clues as to who she really is.

[Debi Paglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying this new series. It has all of the right ingredients: a strong protagonist with a problem, a small town by the seashore, a good friend, a possible love-interest and a murder to solve! Easy to read, kept my attention, good storylines, interesting people. Looking forward to the next one!

[Sherri Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather and her new puppy Artie were walking with Sydney when Artie discovered a dead body! Another mystery for Heather and Sydney to unravel. I admire how positive Heather remains even though she doesn’t remember her past. I feel as if I’m friends with Heather and Sydney as they unearth clues. I read an advance copy and these are my opinions.

[Alison Hoeksema · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the Cape Cod Mysteries series is a beauty! The amnesia of Heather is still present, but she gets the occasional flashback to her past. Another death in the community enables Heather and friends to help figure out the perpetrator, and the outcome was not predictable! An enjoyable read.
I received an ARC of this book from the author, but my opinion is given voluntarily.

[Debbie Pyette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second delightful installment in the cape cod cosy mystery series following Heather, who has lost her memory and is searching for answers to her past all the while finding she has the knack for solving murder mysteries. The characters are endearing and there are plenty of interesting suspects to keep you guessing to the end. This is a fast and enjoyable book.

[Jodi Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather is still trying to figure out who she is and recover some of her memories at least. When they find a body under the house her friend Sydney is renting, the ladies decide they need to solve this mystery. There are lots of sweet characters and the storyline flows really well. What a wonderful read.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable tale. Heather is still working on who she is. Into the mix is a body stashed under the steps at the beach house. With several suspects, she has to wait until the killer reveals (them)selves. I don't want to give out a spoiler by saying him- or her-self. An interesting three-book series. I have the third one now and will start it.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veloce lettura, ma piacevole. Continua a interessarmi di più scoprire l'identità della protagonista, che soffre di amnesia, che la storia gialla (per la cronaca: avevo capito chi fosse il colpevole molto prima dei vari personaggi coinvolti). Forse col prossimo libro sapremo la verità su di lei? Speriamo...

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, it is a delightful cozy mystery. I really liked the characters and the friendly atmosphere of the town. It will keep you guessing until the end. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder!

A great cozy mystery as Heather and her friends investigated a murder. I loved the plot with all its twists and turns as the investigation progressed. A great book in an excellent series!

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.