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Lily & Cassie by the Sea Mysteries #3
Legends, Tea & a Ghost Named Ri
A new resident ghost, a chilling murder and a mother-daughter duo caught in the crosshairs. Will they unmask the killer before they become the next victim?The small town of Hideaway Bay is rocked by another murder just weeks before Christmas. When they stumble upon the body, amateur sleuths Lily and Cassie are thrust into the middle of the murder investigation. To clear their names, they must search for the real culprit.Together with their resident ghost, former female pirate captain, Ri, and their one-eyed cat, they’ll have to sort through the dark secrets to find the shocking truths waiting for them under the mistletoe. And if they can’t piece together the puzzle, they may become the killer’s next victims.Fans of Murder, She Wrote will love the supernatural twist in the third book in this paranormal cozy mystery series by Nellie H. Steele.Buy now and immerse yourself in a holiday mystery like no other!
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2024
508 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Nellie H. Steele
126 books547 followersNellie H. Steele lives in the South Hills of Pittsburgh with her family and her many fur-babies. When she isn't writing, she enjoys teaching Statistics at a local university or watching her dogs and cats play in the yard.
Nellie is the author of the Cate Kensie Mystery Series, a cozy mystery series following the adventures of Dr. Catherine Kensie, a history professor turned Scottish Countess, and her beloved dog, Riley, as they navigate their new lives in their quirky Scottish highlands castle, solving mysteries along the way! She is the creator of the Shadow Slayers series, a suspenseful series with a supernatural twist! Follow the Shadow Slayers through time as they fight to banish darkness from the world. Nellie also writes an adventure series, Maggie Edwards Adventures. Follow Maggie Edwards as she travels the world solving mysteries and finding unique treasures!
Check out all Nellie offers at www.anovelideapublishing.com/novels, sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news about book releases or like us on facebook (facebook.com/anovelideapublishing) to keep up with us!
Nellie is the author of the Cate Kensie Mystery Series, a cozy mystery series following the adventures of Dr. Catherine Kensie, a history professor turned Scottish Countess, and her beloved dog, Riley, as they navigate their new lives in their quirky Scottish highlands castle, solving mysteries along the way! She is the creator of the Shadow Slayers series, a suspenseful series with a supernatural twist! Follow the Shadow Slayers through time as they fight to banish darkness from the world. Nellie also writes an adventure series, Maggie Edwards Adventures. Follow Maggie Edwards as she travels the world solving mysteries and finding unique treasures!
Check out all Nellie offers at www.anovelideapublishing.com/novels, sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news about book releases or like us on facebook (facebook.com/anovelideapublishing) to keep up with us!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 3, 2025
I would say this is maybe a 3.5. The ghost is quite annoying.
March 4, 2024
I could say so much about this book but I don’t do spoilers ! I really enjoyed the quirky side to it and loved the story! I feel there is a lot more to come !
I highly recommend this author!
I highly recommend this author!
February 11, 2025
Entertaining mystery listening 🙂🤓
This kindle ebook novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book three of five
I picked this series due to the Maine location!
Cassie and Lily are going to host the Christmas Festival at their home when the inn owner says she will be away. They are getting the Christmas decorations when they find her dead body. She has been murdered! They become part of the investigation along with the sheriff. It all comes to a happy ending 😃
I would recommend this series and author to readers of family and friends relationship with a ghost👻 haunting their home mystery novels 😮🎄 2025 👒🎧
This kindle ebook novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book three of five
I picked this series due to the Maine location!
Cassie and Lily are going to host the Christmas Festival at their home when the inn owner says she will be away. They are getting the Christmas decorations when they find her dead body. She has been murdered! They become part of the investigation along with the sheriff. It all comes to a happy ending 😃
I would recommend this series and author to readers of family and friends relationship with a ghost👻 haunting their home mystery novels 😮🎄 2025 👒🎧
December 16, 2024
Enjoyable read. Can’t help but hope there may be an easier way for Ri to go with them when they have to leave the house 😂 I enjoyed the twists and turns of the mystery but the shop they own and run was really absent here. Don’t know how they have time to run a business. Hope they can find a way to help Ri communicate better as well
April 11, 2024
Really love the twists and turns in this novel. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
February 22, 2024
Another great Lily & Cassie mystery!! I will keep you guessing until the end!! Loved it!
February 21, 2024
📚 Book Review 📚
Legends, Tea & A Ghost Named Ri
By
Nellie H. Steele
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is Book Three of the Lily and Cassie By the Sea Mysteries Series. Lily and Cassie, a mother and daughter both widowed after the tragic death of their husbands, are coerced by the town Mayor Thompson into hosting the town’s annual Christmas party. The party is usually held at the town inn, but the owner called the mayor and told her that her mother was ill and she had to close the inn, leave town, and go to her mother’s aid. Naturally, the only other facility large enough to host the event was Lily and Cassie’s large home, Whispering Manor, and adjacent grounds. Lily and Cassie, along with the resident ghost Ri and the town sheriff begin the task of planning and decorating the house for the event. The mystery begins when the two women visit the inn to pick up some Christmas decorations from the inn’s owner, only to find her murdered. Now, not only must Lily and Cassie, along with Ri, plan and decorate for the Christmas Party, but they are recruited by the town sheriff to help solve the murder.
I honestly enjoyed reading this book. The interactions between the characters were exceptional, including the contribution of the ghost Ri to solving the mystery. The plot was well-developed and intriguing and I often found myself smiling at some of the dialogue, especially between Ri and the mother/daughter team. The story, although amusing at times, was suspenseful, solemn, and full of twists that some, including myself, may not have anticipated. Danger and harrowing exploits make this a fantastic and rewarding mystery, with plenty of action and deadly situations to gratify most mystery enthusiasts. I would highly recommend this book as a fantastic murder mystery to anyone with a sense of humor. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy
Legends, Tea & A Ghost Named Ri
By
Nellie H. Steele
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is Book Three of the Lily and Cassie By the Sea Mysteries Series. Lily and Cassie, a mother and daughter both widowed after the tragic death of their husbands, are coerced by the town Mayor Thompson into hosting the town’s annual Christmas party. The party is usually held at the town inn, but the owner called the mayor and told her that her mother was ill and she had to close the inn, leave town, and go to her mother’s aid. Naturally, the only other facility large enough to host the event was Lily and Cassie’s large home, Whispering Manor, and adjacent grounds. Lily and Cassie, along with the resident ghost Ri and the town sheriff begin the task of planning and decorating the house for the event. The mystery begins when the two women visit the inn to pick up some Christmas decorations from the inn’s owner, only to find her murdered. Now, not only must Lily and Cassie, along with Ri, plan and decorate for the Christmas Party, but they are recruited by the town sheriff to help solve the murder.
I honestly enjoyed reading this book. The interactions between the characters were exceptional, including the contribution of the ghost Ri to solving the mystery. The plot was well-developed and intriguing and I often found myself smiling at some of the dialogue, especially between Ri and the mother/daughter team. The story, although amusing at times, was suspenseful, solemn, and full of twists that some, including myself, may not have anticipated. Danger and harrowing exploits make this a fantastic and rewarding mystery, with plenty of action and deadly situations to gratify most mystery enthusiasts. I would highly recommend this book as a fantastic murder mystery to anyone with a sense of humor. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy
August 24, 2024
4.25 ⭐
I have become a fan of this series quickly, and I am so glad. But one thing that stinks is I have to wait for the next book to come out. 😂
Although these books are worth the wait! The only thing I have come to not care for is the mysteries within the story that are carried from book to book with little to no resolution. Which I understand to keep you coming back from book to book. But it's really annoying that very little is accomplished within each book.
With each book I am loving Ri more and more, and I'm always hoping we get more kernels about her. I absolutely cannot wait for when she is able to speak more to the group. I think she has so much more to say to them! I think she has such a great personality and I think she's funny too!
Wyatt has quickly become one of my favorite characters in the series. He may be the sheriff but he cares deeply for these women, and isn't afraid to make it known. He is always doing what he can to help them out whenever they need it. I love that he isn't afraid to be the first to offer his help, but he is also the first to say he is scared of Ri. I love that he is growing more comfortable around her as the series grows. I'm even more excited to see where his and Lily's relationship grows from there as well.
Needless to say I really enjoy this series, and this book only added to this feeling. Although this book definitely threw a wrench in what I thought the mystery was for sure! But I loved every page of it down to the very end! I can't wait for the next installment!
I have become a fan of this series quickly, and I am so glad. But one thing that stinks is I have to wait for the next book to come out. 😂
Although these books are worth the wait! The only thing I have come to not care for is the mysteries within the story that are carried from book to book with little to no resolution. Which I understand to keep you coming back from book to book. But it's really annoying that very little is accomplished within each book.
With each book I am loving Ri more and more, and I'm always hoping we get more kernels about her. I absolutely cannot wait for when she is able to speak more to the group. I think she has so much more to say to them! I think she has such a great personality and I think she's funny too!
Wyatt has quickly become one of my favorite characters in the series. He may be the sheriff but he cares deeply for these women, and isn't afraid to make it known. He is always doing what he can to help them out whenever they need it. I love that he isn't afraid to be the first to offer his help, but he is also the first to say he is scared of Ri. I love that he is growing more comfortable around her as the series grows. I'm even more excited to see where his and Lily's relationship grows from there as well.
Needless to say I really enjoy this series, and this book only added to this feeling. Although this book definitely threw a wrench in what I thought the mystery was for sure! But I loved every page of it down to the very end! I can't wait for the next installment!
February 22, 2025
I am not eager to write a review of this book, mostly because I didn’t like the writing, and it seems everyone else did. And I will admit that I accidentally jumped into the series with book three. (By mistake). Obviously, these books are not stand-alones.
Beyond struggling to follow the plot, I was really annoyed at the narrow choice of vocabulary and actual plot. Almost every noise was described as a “thud”. A facial or hand gesture accompanied most dialogue. Unnecessarily, I might add. Those things were fillers & often confusing. For example, “Lily tugged one corner of her lips back and offered him a sheepish glance.” Tugging means pulling by force. Think tugboat. More simply, she could have offered him a half-smile with a sheepish grin.
I’ve been trying to figure out what kind of writing this is. My conclusion is that it most resembles a very minutely detailed script for a soap opera. I understand that this style may be what you enjoy most, and that’s okay. But it didn’t satisfy my as a reader at all.
Beyond struggling to follow the plot, I was really annoyed at the narrow choice of vocabulary and actual plot. Almost every noise was described as a “thud”. A facial or hand gesture accompanied most dialogue. Unnecessarily, I might add. Those things were fillers & often confusing. For example, “Lily tugged one corner of her lips back and offered him a sheepish glance.” Tugging means pulling by force. Think tugboat. More simply, she could have offered him a half-smile with a sheepish grin.
I’ve been trying to figure out what kind of writing this is. My conclusion is that it most resembles a very minutely detailed script for a soap opera. I understand that this style may be what you enjoy most, and that’s okay. But it didn’t satisfy my as a reader at all.
December 20, 2025
I’ve been reading this series via audio and I have zero regrets.
I absolutely love following Lily and Cassie - and Ri - as they explore their new home, new business, and new murders.
This mother-daughter duo just works. I wasn’t sure how Ri was going to fit into the mix, but it’s been clever and interesting.
If you’re a cozy mystery reader who also enjoys a sprinkling of ghost(s) in the storytelling, this series is for you.
In this third installment, the local inn owner is found murdered, and there’s more questions than answers. The more Cassie and Lily try to learn, the more they have to unravel.
And they are still working through what really happened to Trevor.
There is a lot to unpack in this cozy.
I absolutely love following Lily and Cassie - and Ri - as they explore their new home, new business, and new murders.
This mother-daughter duo just works. I wasn’t sure how Ri was going to fit into the mix, but it’s been clever and interesting.
If you’re a cozy mystery reader who also enjoys a sprinkling of ghost(s) in the storytelling, this series is for you.
In this third installment, the local inn owner is found murdered, and there’s more questions than answers. The more Cassie and Lily try to learn, the more they have to unravel.
And they are still working through what really happened to Trevor.
There is a lot to unpack in this cozy.
February 14, 2024
I just finished “Legends-Tea-a-Ghost-Named-Ri' by Nellie H. Steele. This Cozy-Paranormal book tells the story of two strong women, a mother and daughter, who after a family tragedy sell their homes and move into a large house on the coast. After buying the house, they find out that according to the locals the house is haunted. While not overly descriptive, all the characters and scenery are easy to picture. Their story flows and keeps the reader both interested and entertained. The story line has a definite conclusion but the cliff hangers in the book leave the reader wanting more. If you like cozy mysteries and /or paranormal stories, this book gives you both.
March 10, 2024
Legends, Tea & a Ghost Named Ri" by Nellie H. Steele is a charming and suspenseful addition to the cozy mystery genre. With its intriguing blend of small-town secrets, a touch of the supernatural, and a heartwarming mother-daughter duo, this book is sure to captivate readers. Steele masterfully weaves together a plot full of twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Fans of cozy mysteries will thoroughly enjoy this enchanting tale set in the picturesque town of Hideaway Bay.
April 6, 2024
Murder and larceny
After getting roped into holding the town Christmas party at their home, Lily and Cassie are involved in another treasure hunt. Along the way they encounter murder, imposters and a stolen goods ring while adding to the mystery of the deaths of their husbands.
Nellie H. Steele is a talented author with a great imagination. Legends, Tea and a Ghost Named Ri is the third installment of the Lily & Cassie By the Sea Mysteries.
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of these books and others by this author and I anticipate any new publications that she has.
After getting roped into holding the town Christmas party at their home, Lily and Cassie are involved in another treasure hunt. Along the way they encounter murder, imposters and a stolen goods ring while adding to the mystery of the deaths of their husbands.
Nellie H. Steele is a talented author with a great imagination. Legends, Tea and a Ghost Named Ri is the third installment of the Lily & Cassie By the Sea Mysteries.
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of these books and others by this author and I anticipate any new publications that she has.
January 22, 2025
A Murder and A Puzzle?
Lily and Cassie are at it again it seems, only this time they have been asked by the mayor if they could have the town Holiday party at their house. Then a dead body turns up and they have to help the sheriff find clues and also solve a puzzle in order to put it all together, confused yet? You won’t be once you pick up this book and read for yourself all that goes on in the world according to Lily and Cassie and of course Ri the pirate ghost. So hurry and pick up this wonderful book, you will be glad you did;)
Lily and Cassie are at it again it seems, only this time they have been asked by the mayor if they could have the town Holiday party at their house. Then a dead body turns up and they have to help the sheriff find clues and also solve a puzzle in order to put it all together, confused yet? You won’t be once you pick up this book and read for yourself all that goes on in the world according to Lily and Cassie and of course Ri the pirate ghost. So hurry and pick up this wonderful book, you will be glad you did;)
April 12, 2024
This series has gotten a little sillier as it goes along. The life-size Halloween figure (doll) is housing the spirit of Henrietta aka Ri. This ghost is able to eat and drink - not sure where it goes and now has a phone. Lily and Cassie are involved in solving yet another murder and mystery with help from Ri and the Sheriff, Wyatt. This book, like the others leaves the reader dangling until the next in the series.
October 16, 2024
Great Puzzle
First, I love Lily, Cassie, and Ri. I am not sure where the series is going as regards Wyatt. He is helpful as he is the Sheriff and can facilitate their investigations. But I get no romantic vibes going with Lily or Cassie. I like his character though. I loved the storyline! There was a murder, and clues that lead somewhere, but they cannot figure out to who or what until they solve a series of puzzles. Loved it.
First, I love Lily, Cassie, and Ri. I am not sure where the series is going as regards Wyatt. He is helpful as he is the Sheriff and can facilitate their investigations. But I get no romantic vibes going with Lily or Cassie. I like his character though. I loved the storyline! There was a murder, and clues that lead somewhere, but they cannot figure out to who or what until they solve a series of puzzles. Loved it.
April 10, 2024
Lily and Cassie go to the town bed and breakfast to pick up Christmas Decorations only to find Karen the owner dead and they are suspects.Sheriff Wyatt is still nervous around Ri's ghost but now the two of them are communicating.As Lily and Cassie try to solve the murder with Ri's help they find themselves in grave danger. Can they stay alive.I couldn't put this book down.
April 11, 2024
A GREAT COZY MYSTERY!
This is the first book in this series, although it is the third book. The plot was well thought out, easy to read, and likable characters. I enjoyed the premise of this series and will definitely read the rest of the books…beginning with the first!
Treat yourself with some cozy reading!
This is the first book in this series, although it is the third book. The plot was well thought out, easy to read, and likable characters. I enjoyed the premise of this series and will definitely read the rest of the books…beginning with the first!
Treat yourself with some cozy reading!
June 14, 2024
Silly and fun!!!😁
Sometimes it's nice to laugh out loud!!!
This third book in the series has me doing just that!!😆
And though there are some humorous times, there is also a murder!
There are puzzles to solve, thieves breaking in and dangerous felons to fight!!
Very enjoyable and I am waiting impatiently for the next book!!!!!😉
Sometimes it's nice to laugh out loud!!!
This third book in the series has me doing just that!!😆
And though there are some humorous times, there is also a murder!
There are puzzles to solve, thieves breaking in and dangerous felons to fight!!
Very enjoyable and I am waiting impatiently for the next book!!!!!😉
December 6, 2024
Legends, Tea & A Ghost Named Ri: (Lily & Cassie Book 3)
Delightful mysteries to be solved and Cassie and her mom, Lily, are surprisingly up to the task. The town sheriff lends a hand and the ghost of a pirate, Ri, also chips in solving different mysteries hidden in a doll house etc. Clever and total fun!
Delightful mysteries to be solved and Cassie and her mom, Lily, are surprisingly up to the task. The town sheriff lends a hand and the ghost of a pirate, Ri, also chips in solving different mysteries hidden in a doll house etc. Clever and total fun!
January 16, 2025
Why would anyone kill the owner of the local historic hotel? Why would she say she was going to care for her Mother when that lady has been dead for many years? Why would someone impersonate her sister? And what about Lily's and Cassie's haunted, lifesize doll, Ri? A great haunted mystery where nothing is what it seems.
April 29, 2025
This book is something you just cannot put down until you are finished.
The story is so good. You can identify with them and feel like you are in the same room with them. You find yourself trying to offer advice when they need it. The book is so compelling. I loved it. I love the two books before it too.
The story is so good. You can identify with them and feel like you are in the same room with them. You find yourself trying to offer advice when they need it. The book is so compelling. I loved it. I love the two books before it too.
February 25, 2026
Fun mystery book
I really enjoyed how Lily and Cassie solved this mystery along with their ghost, Ri who is living inside a Halloween automated doll. I like all of the other characters in this book too. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading these kinds of mysteries.
I really enjoyed how Lily and Cassie solved this mystery along with their ghost, Ri who is living inside a Halloween automated doll. I like all of the other characters in this book too. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading these kinds of mysteries.
May 21, 2024
Dollhouse secrets
Life is anything but slow and boring in this little town! Edge of your seat excitement made it near impossible to put this book down. I’ll be watching for when the next book releases!
Life is anything but slow and boring in this little town! Edge of your seat excitement made it near impossible to put this book down. I’ll be watching for when the next book releases!
July 21, 2024
This is a series I happened to come across and I fell in love with all the characters immediately.
I found myself cheering for Ri and hoping for her to have some happiness, even in bizarre circumstances.
I found myself cheering for Ri and hoping for her to have some happiness, even in bizarre circumstances.
October 3, 2024
Love of Nellie's series is of books.
I love all the characters in her series and you get to see them in your mind. I love that she mixes them with her other series. I cannot wait for another book to come out with Lily, Cassie and Ri
I love all the characters in her series and you get to see them in your mind. I love that she mixes them with her other series. I cannot wait for another book to come out with Lily, Cassie and Ri
October 18, 2024
Love It
When you can laugh out loud in a book it’s a great book and then you add all the spooky, pirates and supernatural you have an amazing read. I found these books by accident but when I finish this series I will be checking out other books by her
When you can laugh out loud in a book it’s a great book and then you add all the spooky, pirates and supernatural you have an amazing read. I found these books by accident but when I finish this series I will be checking out other books by her
October 28, 2024
chewed up bottom lips
It a great story, however the repeated chewing of the bottom lip on mother and daughter is annoying, and knitted eyebrows, a quilt could have been made with the description.
It a great story, however the repeated chewing of the bottom lip on mother and daughter is annoying, and knitted eyebrows, a quilt could have been made with the description.
February 22, 2025
I had read the first two books last summer, and I had forgotten how pushy and awful the mayor was. Even though Cassie and Lilly do completely stupid things, it's hard not to like them. Will probably continue the series...
February 27, 2025
Another mystery solved, more to follow
Very exciting, lots of suspense. They find a dollhouse which is hiding a secret. Ri gets more proactive and talkative - she becomes part of the family.
Very exciting, lots of suspense. They find a dollhouse which is hiding a secret. Ri gets more proactive and talkative - she becomes part of the family.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews