Booked for Murder: A Balefire Bay Cozy Mystery

A Balefire Bay Cozy Mystery #1

by Shannon Symonds, Deb Goodman (editor)

She is a mystery. He is a recluse who writes mysteries. Are they a perfect match or a recipe for murder?



Ivy Kelly is on the run and searching for refuge in the small town of Balefire Bay on the Oregon Coast. But when she arrives, she finds more than just a safe haven. Someone has died and one of her new friends could be the killer. On top of that, the people hunting Ivy want her to disappear permanently.



Ivy isn't on the run long before she meets Aggie, a knitter, book club member, true crime sleuth, and part owner of Balefire Bay's Book and Tea Shop. Aggie introduces Ivy to the possibility of a new life that includes a dream job working in a library that looks like a mashup of Downton Abbey and Hogwarts and is owned by her favorite reclusive author. With a new life comes a new mystery, as Ivy finds herself enmeshed in a murder that the town is determined to keep a secret.



Is Ivy's new employer a possible love interest or a stone-cold killer? As her past collides with her present, Ivy must risk everything to uncover the secrets of Balefire Bay. Join Ivy on this thrilling journey and find out who she really is and who wants her gone.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery

344 pages, Paperback

Published November 16, 2023

About the author

If you enjoyed Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club, Agatha Christie’s Murder is Announced or The Secret Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams, you won’t be able to put down The BALEFIRE BAY COZY MYSTERIES, culinary cozy mysteries, with a taste of romance.

Shannon Symonds writes in an old house by the sea and in the Utah desert. She is the proud mother of six children and Nana to 18. She loves her Savior, time with her family, laughter, a good mystery, walking the beach, clamming, and bonfires.

Shannon began writing to share her lived experience and unique perspective as a witness of the strength of survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence. Shannon believes that if we could see the world through her eyes, we would share her deep love and respect for survivors and recognize their strength, resilience, and capacity.

Shannon worked for over 15 years as a certified advocate, serving survivors alongside law enforcement. Currently, she is a full-time author and loves volunteering for other causes she is ridiculously passionate about.

Shannon has been an author since 2014. She has written 9 books, 263 articles for Deseret Digital Media (which were periodically syndicated), and blogged for Hilary Weeks’ Billion Clicks project.

Shannon published her first book, “Safe House,” with Cedar Fort Publishing in 2017. In 2023, she was nominated for the Latter-day Saints in Publishing, Media & the Arts Praiseworthy Award. In 2021, she was awarded the Author to Watch Award for her “By the Sea” Cozy Mystery YA series. In addition, her debut novel was a Whitney Award nominee in 2017.

Her first cozy mystery, “Murder Takes a Selfie,” was sold at Costco (who knew having one’s book in a big-box store would be the mark of success?). Her books continue to be available at Deseret Book, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Cedar For, Spotify, and her favorite beach town bookstores.

Shannon received the Davis County Child Abuse Prevention Award, the Oregon Trial Lawyers Public Justice Award 2002 for the Tiffany Alvera case that changed housing for victims nationally, and the 2002 Star Advocate Commendation from the Oregon Department of Justice.

Reviews

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Past: Sophia Stone was a respected research librarian at Harvard Law School and was married to Detective Ian Stone.

The Present: Sophia’s new name is Ivy Olivia Kelly, and with her new name, new hair color and style, new ID, and her life in a backpack, she’s headed to Portland, Oregon.

Where is the best location to start over? A bustling city or a quaint town? Where is the best place for a new beginning when your ex has resources that can complicate your ability to stay hidden regardless of where you choose to start over?

Sometimes, the best-laid plans must be set aside when you receive an irresistible offer. Only time will tell if Sophia should have stuck with her plan when she left the shelter or if meeting Agnes on a bus was the best thing that could have happened to her.

This cozy mystery, at times as gripping as a thriller, weaves a web of intrigue and suspense. Its twists and turns captivated this reader’s attention, leaving me guessing at the turn of the pages what the tangled web would reveal.

Check out the mouthwatering recipes shared at the end of the cozy mystery.

Visit the author’s website to download a free book club kit available via BookFunnel.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a hard time reading after they do so much work to change her appearance and she uses her own credit card and name various times. I get she’s trying to create a false trail but it felt like it wasn’t explain properly why she changed her image only to have it connected to her real name making it easier to trace her. She also wants to keep working in her field which, as it’s not a huge field and a bit more specific, and given his connections it would be easier for him to find her

[MileHighSunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabs you immediately and you don’t want to put it down!! The author has done an excellent job creating many characters who interact in so many ways. The story is so intricately woven throughout the book that it’s easy to not recognize important details. We start with a woman needing to hide and a famous author who wants his peace and privacy. How could she know what she was walking into when she landed in the coastal community of Balefire Bay?

You feel Ivy’s emotions as though they were your own – sadness, determination, sheer terror – everything! I found myself tensing up and even holding my breath during different parts of the book.

You will love Anderson. Everyone needs an Anderson! He will have you laughing out loud at times with his demeanor, wit, and how he goes about “getting the low down” during certain conversations.

The description of the Sanctuary and its library are described so beautifully, and in such detail, it made me want to live there, of course, but gave me the sense of walking with Ivy wherever she went.

While the book raises your awareness about spousal abuse, she has done an amazing job helping you truly understand the extent of what people like Ivy go through. There were so many things I’d never thought of, and services I knew nothing about. After reading this book, I plan to work in my community to find out what services we already have in place and work to have others in place.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story of a battered wife who escapes her marriage from her abusive husband. She manages to get to a shelter where she is set up with a new identity. She travels cross country, backtracking and zig zagging to hide her movements until she boards her final bus to Portland. An elderly lady on the bus introduces herself to Ivy (her new persona) and invites Ivy to her home in the village of Balefire Bay. From that point on Ivy goes against everything she has been taught to hide her identity in order to keep hersef safe from her cop ex-husband. This story is told with care and understanding for the subject of battered women. The characters are all well drawn, even through their self growth. When bad things start to happen to Ivy, the village rallies to support and protect her. Well done story. I received this book as an ARC team member and I'm glad I did! This is my voluntary and honest review. This is a great read!

[Kay (Brigidsmomma) Compton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon Symonds has a real hit on her hands with this new standalone mystery. It is a great story that crosses genre boundaries in that it is both a cozy mystery and also a thriller that will keep the reader on the edge of her seat.
This story deals with real life issues in that the main character is the victim of domestic abuse at the hands of a very savvy psychopath.
There is plenty of edge of the seat drama to keep the story moving along as well as well defined characters the reader will love and/or hate. The prose is well written and every word helps build suspense that will culminate in an ending that will leave the reader begging for more.
So if you want a good and thrilling read that is also a cozy mystery, or you are looking for that perfect stocking stuffer for your favorite mystery reader, you can't go wrong with "Booked for Murder."
This review was given for having received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so intriguing. Lots going on in a small town. When Ivy meets Aggie on the bus and decides to move to her town, everyone’s lives change. The murder or suicide of Bonnie is presumed to be a mistake by the edge of the cliff. Ivy’s new opportunities and connections create more issues. Ian, her ex- husband is a constant threat to you need to read this book!

[Xiaoqing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book strongly reminds me of the famous " The fugitive" movie, with a young and very intelligent librarian Ivy on the run from her evil ex husband who had murdered her parents. It is fast paced, and all the major players are well crafted and believable. Ivy is brave and kindhearted, she is lucky to be surrounded by the friendly small town folks who treat her like family. I guess the author wants to have a sequel, that is why the ending is wide open. Overall I enjoyed this mystery very much.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who is Ivy Kelly?
This book was my first experience with the author and I enjoyed the story very much. Ms. Symonds’ description of the main character’s life and trauma was both haunting and realistic; however, the subject matter was treated very carefully. The mystery was intriguing and although I had some idea of the outcome ahead of time, I was still very invested in the story. I look forward to more books in this series. I both purchased the book and read it as part of the advanced review team and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

the author weaves a wonderful intriguing story with interesting complex characters, lots of twists and turns, and unpredictable events that make this a real page turner and a must read!

[Karen L. Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book keeps you guessing. Great characters, and I loved the small town setting. The end had me in tears. I was an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion.

[Jacque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape to the coast!

Ivy is being released from a woman's shelter with a new identity.  She has planned her travels to get away from an abusive spouse who will stop at nothing to find her!  Ian, her ex-husband is law enforcement, the shelter where Ivy has been staying has taken extra precautions to ensure her safety. 

Ivy travels by bus, plane, and by train.  Doubling back to create a false trail to her final destination by the ocean.  Ivy meets Agnes, on a bus to Portland.  Agnes convinces Ivy to go to Balefire Bay, where she could work in a bookstore.

Balefire Bay is right on the ocean.  Agnes was stranded at Balefire Bay and the community took her in and treated her like one of their own, she knew they would do the same for Ivy!

What will happen if her ex-husband finds her?  Is she putting the small community in danger?  How will her new friends react when they find out who she really is?  Who can she trust? 

Suspenseful page turner until the end!  This review is completely my own!  Shannon Symonds has a new follower!

[Tambi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read Booked for Murder, the first book in the Balefire Bay Cozy Mystery series by Shannon Symonds, and it was a delightful blend of mystery, suspense, and a hint of budding romance. Set in the charming coastal town of Balefire Bay, Oregon, the story revolves around Ivy Kelly, a woman on the run from her dangerous recent past, seeking solace and a new beginning. Ivy is a complex and relatable character, wrestling with her identity and the fear that comes with being constantly on edge.
The setting of Balefire Bay adds a cozy and inviting backdrop to the mystery, with its quaint "Balefire Books and Tea" and sensory details like the salty sea air and the warmth of the library at Knightly Manor. However, this peaceful atmosphere sharply contrasts with the dark elements of a murder mystery and Ivy's own pursuers. Shortly after Ivy's arrival, she becomes embroiled in a murder investigation that the townsfolk seem eager to keep under wraps, while her own past continues to haunt her. This dual tension creates a gripping narrative that blends the coziness of a small-town mystery with the suspense of a thriller, encouraging me to think of this story as more of a hard-boiled cozy.
Ivy's journey is enriched by her friendships, particularly with Aggie—a lively, crime-loving knitter—and a reclusive mystery author named Alexander Knightly. Aggie’s cheerful demeanor and crime knowledge provides Ivy with a sense of safety and belonging, while Xander's intense and intellectual presence adds depth and intrigue to the story. Although the array of characters is fascinating, I sometimes found it challenging to keep track of everyone, and a character list would have been a helpful addition.
The book is filled with twists, turns, and red herrings that kept me guessing until the very end. It’s a story that requires attention, as every detail is crucial to unraveling the mystery. The themes of redemption, rebirth, trust, and vulnerability are woven throughout Ivy's journey, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy stories of secret pasts and found families.
Overall, Booked for Murder is a page-turner that kept me engaged from start to finish. It's perfect for anyone looking for a cozy mystery with layers of suspense and a touch of romance. If you’re ready to dive into a tale where the plot thickens with every chapter, this book is a spine-tingling treat that’s sure to keep you booked for the weekend!

[Sabetha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't your grandma's cozy mystery.

While the town may be cozy, the plot is anything but. It will leave you on the edge of your seat as you try and navigate the multi-crime mystery Ivy finds herself in the middle of. I'm left with more questions as the end of this book came to a close, and can't wait for the second installment.

Ivy is a woman on the run from an abusive ex and a past she'd rather forget. After losing so much of herself, she finds herself in the middle of a small town with all it's gossip and problems to help her escape her own. Her character is strong, and resourceful. While her fear clouds her judgement from time to time, I love how real she feels. Her nature is to trust people, and her gut wants her to believe these are good people, but her past keeps her pushing them away and wanting to run. The back and forth is so palpable on the page.

You all know I can do without a love triangle. But I am intrigued about the men she find in Balefire Bay. I'm rooting for Connor personally. While he's in the same line of work as her ex, his personality & family ties are exactly what she needs. Xander has a bit too much baggage and brooding drama for my taste. NOT that she should be running into any man's arms after what she's been through. Just saying, it can't hurt to shop around.

All of the characters in Balefire are well thought out, and full of life. From Aggie to the Chief and everyone in-between. They all have a big heart, and an even bigger list of drama following them. Having the town's own mystery tied into Ivy's makes it an exciting read with all the threads coming together at the end. I want her to make Balefire Bay her own, and adopt this town as her found family.

If you love your cozy mysteries with multiple mysteries, and a bit darker topics you're going to love this first in series. Shannon does an excellent job at bringing the fear and mystery to life.

TW: Spouse abuse, parent death, suicide & COVID discussion.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through a Cozy Mystery Facebook page, Author Takeover Giveaway.

Shannon Symonds is a solid storyteller.

In Booked for Murder, we meet Ivy Kelly, who has landed in the very small town of Balefire Bay while very much not wanting to be found. Which—let’s be honest—is an interesting life choice when you pick a town where people will know your business before you know your business.

But there’s a library. And a famous, long-admired author. And cinnamon rolls that sound worth risking exposure for. Honestly? I get it.

Naturally, there’s also a murder. And naturally, the killer is probably someone Ivy is starting to like. As a long-time researcher, Ivy can’t help herself—digging for answers is kind of her thing. That part is exactly why I connected with her so quickly.

There are a couple of potential love interests floating around, but thankfully they stay very much in the background. This story keeps its focus where it belongs: on the mystery.

The big question—can Ivy solve the murder before the reason she’s on the run catches up with her?—kept me guessing almost until the very end, which I always appreciate in a cozy.
I landed at four stars because a few elements felt a bit too familiar. The title, for one. As someone who collects books about books, I had some serious déjà vu. The reason Ivy left her previous life also rang a few bells—not identical, but close enough to trigger that “haven’t I read this before?” feeling.

That said, the writing and the engaging storyline quickly smoothed that out.
This is an independently printed book, so there are some errors. If those tend to bug you, the audiobook might be the better route.

All that said—I’ve already purchased the next book, and I’m looking forward to returning to Balefire Bay. Which, frankly, says everything.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I coudn't put this book down and had to read it straight through! It grabs you from the beginning and you are not let go. Ivy has run away to a safe house, escaping an abusive, murderous and dangerous ex-husband who needs to find her to take her inheritance and then dispose of her. She is given a new identity by the safe house and she takes a bus across the country to Oregon where she meets a lovely older woman who befriends her. Aggie who is half owner of Balefire Bay's Book and Tea Shop. She convinces Ivy to see her small out of the way town on the ocean. She also introduces her to Xander, a famous writer, and Ivy's idol, who tries to live reclusively, and is looking for someone to organize his extensive library collection that would make any library jealous. Having to watch what she divulges since she is in hiding, she is liking the town and the people although skeptical of Victoria. And she starts to develop some feelings for her boss, Xander. And she is still very wary of everyone and has to develop a trust. Prior to her coming, there was a suspicious death of Bonnie. Was it an accident or more. She needed to find out to see if she is safe in the town. Connor, a police office and Aggie's son, seems to sense something is not right with Ivy, that there is something suspicious there. She decides to trust Connor and told him her story and who she is and why she has to hide. He decides to help her. And the story continues so fast-paced you just can't see what will come next. You are taken to a surprising end and now I can't wait to see what will happen to Ivy next. This is an amazing first exciting book in this series so far and I am waiting with baited breath for the next one. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Kirstyn Rohrer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I debated writing this review because I was always taught if you don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say anything at all. However, this book drove me nuts. I read lots of Cozy mysteries so sometimes you go into the genre knowing it could be a hit or miss. Nevertheless, I had high hopes for this one since it was a 2023 finalist in the Indy Cozy Mystery Book of the Year. That advertising led me to believe that this book had great promise. I read the bio on the author and she seems like a very nice woman who’s done a lot of wonderful things, yet being an author is not one of them. For example, the book is all over the place and fantastical and unrealistic in relation to the characters. The main character is supposed to be in her mid-30s but is using exclamatory phrases such as “Bagels”, “Rice and Beans”, “Biscuits! Sausage and Bacon”exaggerated by “her hand over her mouth”. She is also supposed to be a Harvard law research librarian. I would have expected a more refined vocabulary from her. In one portion of the book a doctor deems her “too smart to stay in the hospital” so she’s discharged because she can define what Vasovagal syncope is. Yet, in the following chapter “she stomps her size four feet” and exclaims “Great gobs of Gobbledygook!” The reader is also supposed to believe that a person who the EMT had to use child-sized equipment on can also fight off a military trained sniper. I could go on and on…and I haven’t even begun on the “love triangle???” If one can even call it that. The Judges for the 2023 contest must have had very horrible submissions if this book made it to the finals.

[W · Rating 5 out of 5]

The high school sleuth is all grown up

This is an excellent cozy mystery by Ms.Symonds. It took me seveeral chapters to see how it interlaced with the earlier books for middle grades that she had written. Like all her earlier books, this one is very well plotted, clean and cozy. This one feels to be focused toward a slightly older readership -- high school, college and young adult -- but could be enjoyed by any age above that. I think some of the subject matter might be considered too mature for the middle grades readers of her By the Sea cozy mysteries.

The clues are all there. You know what the main character, "Ivy", does. There are minor hints at a possible romance, but the focus remains solidly on the murder victim and on Ivy escaping from her abusive and dangerously well-connected ex-husband. The central characters are well supported by an outstanding cast of the quirky, close-knit, small town, Oregon coast community. There are plenty of thrills and chills, laughter, fears and tears, and touchingly heartwarming moments.

I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.

[Joelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read Shannon Symonds YA cozy mysteries and they have always been fantastic reads. It was fun to read an adult one, though young readers could 100% read this because Symonds is one of those awesome authors who writes clean.

Booked for Murder is everything you could want packed into a cozy mystery. Ivy finds herself in the cozy seaside town of Balefire Bay and the things that follow keep readers glued to the story from start to finish. Seriously, Symonds keeps this story interesting with new pieces of information, twists and turns, at every turn of the page.

From the small-town setting to the amazing set of characters who think you second guessing how it will all come together there is plenty to take in with this cozy mystery. And Ivy's research background coming in full force to figure out who killed a member of the community brings the readers own investigating skills front and center. Such a fun, mystery packed read that I did not want to put down!

*I received an advanced ecopy from the publisher/author and all opinions are my own.

[Catherine Vickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Booked for Murder: A Balefire Bay Cozy Mystery by Shannon Symonds is an engaging and atmospheric cozy mystery that blends danger, charm, and a love of books into a compelling story. Ivy Kelly arrives in the quiet coastal town of Balefire Bay looking for safety, only to find herself caught in the middle of a murder investigation while being hunted by people from her past.

The town itself is one of the book’s greatest strengths, filled with quirky characters, hidden secrets, and a warm sense of community beneath the tension. The Book and Tea Shop, the eccentric book club, and the mysterious reclusive author add layers of intrigue and cozy appeal. Ivy is a relatable and intriguing protagonist, and her uncertain past keeps the stakes high throughout the story.

With a satisfying mix of mystery, gentle romance, and suspense, this book is perfect for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with a darker edge. Booked for Murder is a strong start to a series and will leave readers eager to return to Balefire Bay.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent start to a new series but I had two issues with this book.

1. I discovered it through a list of cozy mysteries but the book had too many suspense/thriller elements and unsavory plot points (the recurring bad guy helped to sex traffic young women) to truly qualify as a cozy mystery. General mystery, amateur sleuth or woman sleuth mystery? Sure, but not a cozy mystery for this and other reasons.

2. It's great that the novel has an audiobook edition -- that's a wonderful for accessibility. But the audiobook was produced by a fake AI-generated narrator that mispronounced some common words. It had all of the charm of listening to an automated phone menu for 10 hours. So E for Effort and a qualified "A" for accessibility but a D for execution, C= if I'm being generous. I'd rather wait for an author to crowdfund an audiobook version.

[Prime Hub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Booked for Murder is a cozy mystery that blends charm with a hint of danger. Ivy Kelly, a woman on the run, arrives in Balefire Bay hoping for safety but quickly finds herself caught in a local murder investigation. The small town setting is warm and inviting, especially the bookshop and grand library, which add a magical, escapist feel to the story.

Ivy is a relatable protagonist, and her struggle to balance her hidden past with her new life keeps things interesting. Supporting characters like Aggie bring humor and personality, making the town feel alive. The mystery itself is engaging, though not overly complex, and leans more on atmosphere than shocking twists.

While the pacing slows slightly in the middle, the story remains enjoyable. Overall, it’s a comforting, easy read for fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of suspense and romance.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good cozy mystery! Especially when I'm not sure who the killer was or why it happened. This book delivered on that. And the small town vibes were so good!

I loved the way Ivy is ends up in Balefire Bay. She's been hurt before, so it's a bit hard for her to trust. But all of the zany characters bring her out of her shell and into their community so quickly.

The reader just sees things through her eyes. I loved how that made it feel like I was Ivy. I was trying to figure out who the killer could possibly be and why.

I did not want to put this one down. The ending especially kept me wanting to know what would happen. And I'm really hoping to get more stories set in Balefire Bay!

I was sent an e-copy of Booked for Murder. All opinions are my own.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an intriguing and well crafted cozey murder mystery. The array of characters are so vibrant, colorful, some kind of quirky and of course this wouldn't be a murder mystery without a deadly schemer or two or more in plain sight. A plot full of secrets, lies, intrigue,mayhem and murder as well as comradery, connections, budding friendships ,a possible budding romance and a fully excepting town. I had to finish reading it in one go I was so entranced in the outcome of this mystery, turning wintriguing page after exciting page until I reached the unexpected, emotional and climatic conclusion. Acquire " Booked for Murder " :A Balefire Bay Cozey Mystery for hours of intriguing, spirited and enjoyable entertainment. Kat

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy Kelly is running away from an abusive person who will kill her if he finds her, she trusts no-one. She finally trust a policeman, Connor, with her true story and her identity change. They are trying to solve a murder of Bonnie, who fell over a cliff to her death. Ivy is constantly trying to hide her identity as she knows her ex will kill her for her money She is hired to work in the library of her favorite author, a dream come true
This book keeps you guessing until the very end. Very suspenseful A really good book

I was given a free copy of Booked for Murder  for my fair and honest opinion and review.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I opened to the first page and was hooked from there to the end! This book included so many of my favorite things and my "dream life" as far as living at a lighthouse and working in the library of my dreams! It's a little eerie, LOL. Anyway, the storyline, unfortunately, of domestic abuse is very common but in this instance was handled very well. I love Aggie and Balefire Bay - talk about dream town! Ivy has to be suspicious due to her history but comes clean with Connor, a policeman and Aggie's son and he tries to help. Lots of looking over her shoulder, wondering who she can trust and then she starts to fall for Xander, her new boss. What happens?????? I highly recommend this book.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting over isn’t easy, especially when you have to leave everything that you loved, and was important to you behind in order to save not only your own life, but also those of your friends.
Another excellent adventure with a strong female character, Ivy who has had to endure abuse, and is now on the run to start a new beginning.
This is the kind of book that you don’t want to put down, and you stay up late to finish!
It is filled with intrigue, mystery, realistic characters in a small town by the ocean.
I was given an ARC copy for my honest review.
I also bought a copy to add to my collection of this series that weaves the lives of its characters.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Booked for Murder" by Shannon Symonds, Ivy Kelly is running away from Ian, her abusive ex-husband. She finds a safe haven in the small town of Balefire Bay, on the Oregon Coast. Unfortunately, upon her arrival in Balefire Bay, Ivy & her new friends find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation. Is Ivy really safe in her new home with a murderer running loose in the town? And what about Ian who'll do everything in his power to find her & make her pay for running away from him? As Ivy's past collides with her present, will she be in danger or will she finally find the freedom she's searching for? Read this gripping page turner of a mystery to find out.

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing story about a young woman who runs from her ex-husband who had murdered her parents and had only married her for her money. She goes to a shelter, changes her hair color and goes on the run. It is a fast paced story with well-written characters and a good small town atmosphere. Ivy ends up in Balefire Bay and soon thereafter goes to work for Xander. It was great how Xander accepted her and trusted her to work for him. Lots of suspense throughout the story as Ivy's husband eventually finds her. I loved how the members of the town as well as law enforcement work together against the evil doers. I received an ARC copy of the book and this is my honest review.

[Camila Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Balefire Bay mystery romance is a captivating blend of mystery, romance, and small-town intrigue. Following Ivy Kelly as she tries to outrun her past while stepping into a town full of secrets kept me hooked from the start. The setting of Balefire Bay is cozy yet mysterious, especially with its charming bookshop, quirky characters like Aggie, and that dreamy library atmosphere.
I loved the balance between suspense and romance, especially the tension surrounding Ivy’s reclusive employer, never quite knowing if he’s a love interest or something far more dangerous. With twists, secrets, and a strong sense of atmosphere, this is a fun and engaging read that keeps you guessing until the end.

[Isabella Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping blend of mystery, small-town secrets, and personal reinvention, this novel pulls you in from the very first page. Ivy Kelly’s flight to Balefire Bay quickly unravels into something far more dangerous than refuge, as she becomes entangled in a murder that no one wants exposed.
The atmosphere is rich and immersive, with the coastal town feeling both charming and unsettling in equal measure. The dynamic between Ivy and the reclusive author adds intrigue and quiet tension, keeping you guessing about trust, motive, and identity.
With layered characters, steady suspense, and a well-paced unraveling of secrets, this is a compelling read for fans of cozy mysteries with a darker edge.