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Rockfish Island Mystery #4
Within The Pines
A small island with BIG lies...Weclome to Rockfish Island.
A well-kept secret from the average tourist, Rockfish Island is the chosen destination for an all-inclusive corporate getaway with a fun-filled weekend of glamping and horseback riding planned, each guest expecting a good time despite mounting tensions and ladder-climbing aspirations.
When a shot rings out in the early morning, the celebratory atmosphere dissolves, and Sheriff Lane, with Ranger Philip Russell in tow, must discern if the corresponding death is an accident, a matter of opportunity, or a murder for hire.
With the main suspect hiding behind legal counsel and fingers pointing in every direction, additional theories abound when the victim’s past life comes to light, with ties to the island surfacing within the investigation. Speculation comes close to home and forces Lane to ask... Exactly who was hidden within the pines? Is she seeking a killer among the visiting strangers or one within her own tight-knit community?
A well-kept secret from the average tourist, Rockfish Island is the chosen destination for an all-inclusive corporate getaway with a fun-filled weekend of glamping and horseback riding planned, each guest expecting a good time despite mounting tensions and ladder-climbing aspirations.
When a shot rings out in the early morning, the celebratory atmosphere dissolves, and Sheriff Lane, with Ranger Philip Russell in tow, must discern if the corresponding death is an accident, a matter of opportunity, or a murder for hire.
With the main suspect hiding behind legal counsel and fingers pointing in every direction, additional theories abound when the victim’s past life comes to light, with ties to the island surfacing within the investigation. Speculation comes close to home and forces Lane to ask... Exactly who was hidden within the pines? Is she seeking a killer among the visiting strangers or one within her own tight-knit community?
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2023
154 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Fuller
5 books201 followersJ.C. Fuller is a PNW author living in Washington state who loves all things mystery, especially thrillers and whodunits. She loves sharing her imagination with readers and has written her first psychological thriller, Safe to Assume. She also has a cozy thriller whodunit series known as The Rockfish Island Mysteries, the first of which is Black Bear Alibi. She is looking forward to continuing this series while working on additional standalone thrillers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 4, 2024
I love all of J.C.'s books so much, it's hard to choose a favorite. But...if I'm being honest, it's this one! So good. I couldn't put it down. She is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me. She never disappoints.
March 6, 2024
There is something so charming about Rockfish Island, the fictional location in J.C. Fuller's Rockfish Island mystery series, despite the fact that it is now the location of four murders. "Within the Pines" is the fourth book in this series and once again Sheriff Lane is on the case. What begins as a horse ride to watch the sunrise, ends in tragedy with the murder of a vitamin company tycoon. Was it an accident, or was there a method to this murder? This tale has so many suspects with many crisscrossing reasons for why someone would want the victim dead.
It was so much fun reading through all the evidence as each piece was uncovered. I had my suspicions, of course, since I can't help playing detective when reading a mystery story. For me it is extra exciting if I can solve the murder along with the detective, so I was pretty pleased with myself on this one! However, my sleuthing did nothing to ruin the story for me. J.C. Fuller is one of my favorite authors and I've loved every single one of the Rockfish Island novels. Though they don't have to be read in order, there are relationships that evolve over the course of the books, and Fuller's small town is full of unforgettable characters. J.C.'s storytelling really brings these characters to life, making their comradery seem like something that would take place in a small town. You have neighbors who take care of each other, small businesses being supported, and of course a town gossip who knows everyone's business. However, with the island being one short ferry ride from the main land, you never know what could make its way to this quaint place.
I will always, always, recommend J.C. Fuller's novels, and I'm already anticipating her next book, even though she hasn't announced one yet! As for now, I will wait patiently, but as for everyone else, if you haven't already, check out these books!
It was so much fun reading through all the evidence as each piece was uncovered. I had my suspicions, of course, since I can't help playing detective when reading a mystery story. For me it is extra exciting if I can solve the murder along with the detective, so I was pretty pleased with myself on this one! However, my sleuthing did nothing to ruin the story for me. J.C. Fuller is one of my favorite authors and I've loved every single one of the Rockfish Island novels. Though they don't have to be read in order, there are relationships that evolve over the course of the books, and Fuller's small town is full of unforgettable characters. J.C.'s storytelling really brings these characters to life, making their comradery seem like something that would take place in a small town. You have neighbors who take care of each other, small businesses being supported, and of course a town gossip who knows everyone's business. However, with the island being one short ferry ride from the main land, you never know what could make its way to this quaint place.
I will always, always, recommend J.C. Fuller's novels, and I'm already anticipating her next book, even though she hasn't announced one yet! As for now, I will wait patiently, but as for everyone else, if you haven't already, check out these books!
October 26, 2023
Another MASTERPIECE by one of my FAVORITE Mystery Authors!!!
Once again JC had me gasping in shock! When the murder happened I felt pretty sure I knew who did it. As the story progressed I floundered, thinking maybe it was this one, or no, maybe that one. But as Sheriff Lane, Yummy Ranger Philip and Deputy Caleb start narrowing it down, I am absolutely positive it’s who I suspected from the beginning, I’m feeling so smart, but then BOOM…shocking twists on top of shocking twists had me flabbergasted!! JC is so clever at being a very tricky mystery writer!
The characters of Rockfish Island are so great!! I do have my favorites, but they’re all a lot of fun! And why doesn’t everyone just listen to Hattie?!!
I’m kind of sad I finished it and now have to wait for the next Rockfish Island Mystery, but that’s okay I’ll just harass JC for the next book!! *evil laughter* But seriously, if you love a great mystery that isn’t overly violent or graphic, and even has a bit of romance *sigh* then YOU WILL LOVE The Rockfish Mystery Series!!!
Once again JC had me gasping in shock! When the murder happened I felt pretty sure I knew who did it. As the story progressed I floundered, thinking maybe it was this one, or no, maybe that one. But as Sheriff Lane, Yummy Ranger Philip and Deputy Caleb start narrowing it down, I am absolutely positive it’s who I suspected from the beginning, I’m feeling so smart, but then BOOM…shocking twists on top of shocking twists had me flabbergasted!! JC is so clever at being a very tricky mystery writer!
The characters of Rockfish Island are so great!! I do have my favorites, but they’re all a lot of fun! And why doesn’t everyone just listen to Hattie?!!
I’m kind of sad I finished it and now have to wait for the next Rockfish Island Mystery, but that’s okay I’ll just harass JC for the next book!! *evil laughter* But seriously, if you love a great mystery that isn’t overly violent or graphic, and even has a bit of romance *sigh* then YOU WILL LOVE The Rockfish Mystery Series!!!
January 28, 2024
I absolutely love this little island town the JC Fuller has created.
This next installment in the series didn’t disappoint me at all.
Every time a new book comes out it’s an automatic buy for me! I am always excited to see what has happened in the lives of my favorite island dwellers.
This cozy mystery has you guessing till the very end. You will look at everyone with suspicion and doubt all alibis.
If you like Agatha Christie books then I think you will like the style of JC Fuller. Her books are intriguing, a web of lies & clues… and family friendly. I have no problem recommending these books to anyone.
This next installment in the series didn’t disappoint me at all.
Every time a new book comes out it’s an automatic buy for me! I am always excited to see what has happened in the lives of my favorite island dwellers.
This cozy mystery has you guessing till the very end. You will look at everyone with suspicion and doubt all alibis.
If you like Agatha Christie books then I think you will like the style of JC Fuller. Her books are intriguing, a web of lies & clues… and family friendly. I have no problem recommending these books to anyone.
October 17, 2023
Absolutely amazing addition to the Rockfish Island series. I could not put this one down! So many twists and turns in this book, and when you think you may have figured a piece of the puzzle out … another twist pops up and you are left in total suspense!! I loved Lane and Philip (as always) I felt like I was a resident living there on the island watching the drama unfold. You totally can picture each of the characters in their roles / relationships with how much the characters have grown since the beginning of this series. A total treasure, an absolute MUST read 💜.
October 14, 2023
I was privileged to receive an ARC of this book.
J.C. Fuller has delivered another fantastic book in the Rockfish Island series. This is the best one yet! Lane and Phil are amazing as always even though it seems everyone is a suspect. There are so many twists, crazy turns, and 'holy cow' moments! Highly recommended five star read.
J.C. Fuller has delivered another fantastic book in the Rockfish Island series. This is the best one yet! Lane and Phil are amazing as always even though it seems everyone is a suspect. There are so many twists, crazy turns, and 'holy cow' moments! Highly recommended five star read.
October 12, 2023
Once again we are taken back to Rockfish Island where a company camping retreat turns into a mystery murder that exposes dirty little secrets that can no longer be kept hidden as the suspects alibi's start to unravel. Sheriff Lane and Park Ranger Philip along with the familiar residents of the Pacific Northwest Island find themselves in a puzzling case where campers as well as a few island residents all seem to have motives for the murder.
This 4th installment of the Rockfish Island mysteries will keep you guessing until the end as the story takes twists and turns leaving you wondering just who did the dirty deed.
J.C.Fuller has become my favorite story teller as she gets me hooked with her attention to details and makes it impossible for me to want to put her books down. Not only do I recommend that you tuck into this oh so juicy mystery, but you should also do yourself a favor and read her first three mysteries as well ( Black Bear Alibi, The Push, and False Findings) they will make you fall in love with the residents and mysteries that make up Rockfish Island.
This 4th installment of the Rockfish Island mysteries will keep you guessing until the end as the story takes twists and turns leaving you wondering just who did the dirty deed.
J.C.Fuller has become my favorite story teller as she gets me hooked with her attention to details and makes it impossible for me to want to put her books down. Not only do I recommend that you tuck into this oh so juicy mystery, but you should also do yourself a favor and read her first three mysteries as well ( Black Bear Alibi, The Push, and False Findings) they will make you fall in love with the residents and mysteries that make up Rockfish Island.
April 21, 2024
Yet another FANTASTIC mystery book by JC it had so many twist and turns that I was totally flummoxed as to who the unaliver was. It had everything from betrayal, affairs, financial issues, all wrapped up in a MLM setting. In addition I love how JC also weaves in information about the relationship between our favorite sheriff and park ranger. It’s a fun read.
November 15, 2025
My favorite one so far! I love these classic murder mysteries. The twists and turns kept me engaged throughout without being outlandish or over the top. If you can get your hands on the audiobook I highly recommend it, the narrator is fantastic. This series is definitely a comfort series for me, and I sure hope there will be a Rockfish Island Mystery book 5!
October 17, 2023
I absolutely love this series. J.c always keeps you guessing till the end. You think you know who did it, but you're wrong. So many plot twists and suspensions are on everyone . This book is amazing. I definitely recommend it. Whodunit book lovers, this book is absolutely for you ❤️
October 12, 2023
GO GET IT!
I absolutely swoon over J.C Fuller and her murder mystery books. The Rockfish Island Series. OF COURSE SHE NEVER DISAPPOINTS US! 5 STARS !
I absolutely swoon over J.C Fuller and her murder mystery books. The Rockfish Island Series. OF COURSE SHE NEVER DISAPPOINTS US! 5 STARS !
October 29, 2023
Superb
Sheriff Lane and Ranger Phil are back at it solving yet another mystery. This book is fantastic and will keep you guessing right up till the very end.
Sheriff Lane and Ranger Phil are back at it solving yet another mystery. This book is fantastic and will keep you guessing right up till the very end.
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November 12, 2023Another great one!
Another great mystery in the bag J.C.!
Twists and turns at every corner and oh so many suspects. Like the last three, I just gave up trying to figure out who did it because I’m not going to be able to do it…I’m no Miss Hattie!!! For 103 years old, she seems to figure it out and from her rocking chair, drinking hot cocoa, and half the time napping!! WHAT???? She’s got some detective skills!
These are standalone but honestly you need to start at book one to get an introduction to the characters…especially Sheriff Lane and Ranger Phil and their evolving relationship. I recommend this series to everyone!!!!
Another great mystery in the bag J.C.!
Twists and turns at every corner and oh so many suspects. Like the last three, I just gave up trying to figure out who did it because I’m not going to be able to do it…I’m no Miss Hattie!!! For 103 years old, she seems to figure it out and from her rocking chair, drinking hot cocoa, and half the time napping!! WHAT???? She’s got some detective skills!
These are standalone but honestly you need to start at book one to get an introduction to the characters…especially Sheriff Lane and Ranger Phil and their evolving relationship. I recommend this series to everyone!!!!
December 3, 2023
As always, a stellar novel that kept me guessing!
December 3, 2023
JC has done it again.
Another novel where I had no idea who it was! What a great addition to the Rockfish Island Mystery series!
Another novel where I had no idea who it was! What a great addition to the Rockfish Island Mystery series!
December 9, 2023
This is another fabulous installment of the Rockfish Island Mystery series. J.C. Fuller does not disappoint.
September 9, 2024
Within the Pines is the 4th book in A Rockfish Island Mystery series. I have read/ listen to JC's books and absolutely loved each book. She never disappoints with surprising endings.
Narrated by Nancy Peterson.
Sheriff Lane and Park Ranger Philip are a amazing duo trying to figure out who killed Nancy. The many twist and turns this story had and the surprising ending. JC once again did a phenomenal job on this story. I can't wait for her next book. Highly recommended five star read.
Narrated by Nancy Peterson.
Sheriff Lane and Park Ranger Philip are a amazing duo trying to figure out who killed Nancy. The many twist and turns this story had and the surprising ending. JC once again did a phenomenal job on this story. I can't wait for her next book. Highly recommended five star read.
August 26, 2025
Good series. Hope this isn’t the last
May 22, 2025
So many twists.... couldn't put it down.
May 26, 2024
All four books in this series are a really great read. Kept me interested from start to finish.
August 26, 2024
This series has me hooked. Can't wait to start the next one
November 17, 2025
love J.C. Fuller’s books.
This book is as excellent as the ones before it. I couldn’t put it down and read the whole book in one day!
This book is as excellent as the ones before it. I couldn’t put it down and read the whole book in one day!
November 9, 2025
The small town of Rockfish Island has seen its share of various crimes and when a shot rings out early one morning taking the life of a woman another possible crime has occurred and rocked their small town. Sheriff Lane and Ranger Russell again team up to try to figure out if this was an accident or murder. A work retreat turns deadly when one of them is shot. Lane and Russell find that all of the staff have secrets and they are not being entirely honest during questioning. When more members of the staff seem to be targeted the investigation kicks into high gear!
This is the fourth book in this series and I listened to this one on audio and really really enjoyed it! This one really hooked me from the beginning and totally shocked me with how it all played out. I really enjoyed this entire series!
This is the fourth book in this series and I listened to this one on audio and really really enjoyed it! This one really hooked me from the beginning and totally shocked me with how it all played out. I really enjoyed this entire series!
July 29, 2024
Always keeps me guessing!
This series has been so fun and interesting. I have to admit, with this one it was a little hard to keep track of everything, but I definitely didn't see the twist coming! Also Hattie just needs to be a detective! I feel like, even though I'm pretty sure this is supposed to be the last book in the series, it ends in such a way that we could easily come back to it and keep it going. Normally I'm not one for a mystery series, but these are almost interconnected standalones.
This series has been so fun and interesting. I have to admit, with this one it was a little hard to keep track of everything, but I definitely didn't see the twist coming! Also Hattie just needs to be a detective! I feel like, even though I'm pretty sure this is supposed to be the last book in the series, it ends in such a way that we could easily come back to it and keep it going. Normally I'm not one for a mystery series, but these are almost interconnected standalones.
September 28, 2024
I read all 4 books in the series and wanted to wait to do my review until I got through all of them.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. Very well written. Easy to follow along. Got to know the characters but connected in the first book. So you don't have to read the whole series to connect to them.
There's zero sex or graphic content (thank you, J.C!), no gore and no profanity. Proving you can have a great novel/series without all that.
There was suspense, twists in each one and likeable characters. I felt like I was on the island and taking part in the whole series. Highly recommend!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. Very well written. Easy to follow along. Got to know the characters but connected in the first book. So you don't have to read the whole series to connect to them.
There's zero sex or graphic content (thank you, J.C!), no gore and no profanity. Proving you can have a great novel/series without all that.
There was suspense, twists in each one and likeable characters. I felt like I was on the island and taking part in the whole series. Highly recommend!!
October 11, 2023
Nothing is ever simple in a small town, especially murder, on an even smaller island. This newest installment of the Rockfish Island Mysteries will keep you on the edge of your seat. The twists and turns will make you second guess everything and suspect everyone. Just when you think you have it figured out, BAM! the ending you never saw coming. Does anyone who ventures out to the island get a happy ever after? I sure hope so for the sheriff's sake.
February 5, 2024
Cozy mystery at its Best
Sheriff Lane and Ranger Russell team up to solve the murder of the owner of a multi level marketing company. A new twist in the series is that Lane and Russell are dating so they have to navigate through small town gossip while doing their jobs. What hasn’t changed is the quirky townspeople and the abundance of suspects. This is a fun, yet suspenseful story with lots of twists and turns.
Sheriff Lane and Ranger Russell team up to solve the murder of the owner of a multi level marketing company. A new twist in the series is that Lane and Russell are dating so they have to navigate through small town gossip while doing their jobs. What hasn’t changed is the quirky townspeople and the abundance of suspects. This is a fun, yet suspenseful story with lots of twists and turns.
August 21, 2024
This is the fourth book by this author and like I have said before she puts the murder out there and then it’s finding out who done it and just when you think you have it figured out nope your wrong and you don’t find out till the end the truth learning about every person involved as you go I can’t wait to see what else this author can come up with as she has my attention to her books
March 4, 2025
I love the cast of characters on Rockfish Island! And once again J.C. Fuller has created a magnificent mystery with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing! I also love that there are other levels of relationship that are introduced and explored. It really makes the whole island feel more alive and like a character all its own!
March 12, 2025
I love everything about this series—the characters, the town, and the fact that I can never guess "whodunnit!" I love Miss Hattie and the skunk. I enjoy the gossipy secretary and the romance between the sheriff and the ranger. It's good times. Nancy Peterson does a great job of narrating all the characters. Keep it up, JC Fuller!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews