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Lakeside Cottage Cozy Mysteries #1
A Murky Murder
A Cozy Cottage, an Adorable Dog, and a Murder!
When Bobbie Walker's beloved uncle, who raised her after she was orphaned at five, passes away, she’s left with more questions than answers. Discovering that he wasn’t really her uncle and that much of what he told her was a lie, Bobbie sets out to uncover the truth. Her only clue leads her to a charming lakeside cottage in the picturesque town of Newfield, Vermont.
But before Bobbie can even get settled, her next door neighbor is found murdered. Driven by her naturally inquisitive nature, Bobbie is determined to uncover the truth. She soon finds that Newfield, with its cute cottages and friendly faces, is brimming with secrets. As she makes new friends, including a lovable goldendoodle, a quirky officer, and two handsome locals, she discovers that just about everyone in town has something to hide.
In her quest to find the murderer and uncover the truth about her past, Bobbie heads straight toward danger. Can Bobbie put together the clues and navigate the town’s web of lies and deceit to reveal the truth before she becomes the next victim?
When Bobbie Walker's beloved uncle, who raised her after she was orphaned at five, passes away, she’s left with more questions than answers. Discovering that he wasn’t really her uncle and that much of what he told her was a lie, Bobbie sets out to uncover the truth. Her only clue leads her to a charming lakeside cottage in the picturesque town of Newfield, Vermont.
But before Bobbie can even get settled, her next door neighbor is found murdered. Driven by her naturally inquisitive nature, Bobbie is determined to uncover the truth. She soon finds that Newfield, with its cute cottages and friendly faces, is brimming with secrets. As she makes new friends, including a lovable goldendoodle, a quirky officer, and two handsome locals, she discovers that just about everyone in town has something to hide.
In her quest to find the murderer and uncover the truth about her past, Bobbie heads straight toward danger. Can Bobbie put together the clues and navigate the town’s web of lies and deceit to reveal the truth before she becomes the next victim?
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2024
495 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
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October 24, 2024So tired of the plot device of the main female character trying to solve a murder by herself and fetting in the way of law enforcement while she endangers herself and possibly others!
Amazon synopsis:
When Bobbie Walker's beloved uncle, who raised her after she was orphaned at five, passes away, she’s left with more questions than answers. Discovering that he wasn’t really her uncle and that much of what he told her was a lie, Bobbie sets out to uncover the truth. Her only clue leads her to a charming lakeside cottage in the picturesque town of Newfield, Vermont.
But before Bobbie can even get settled, her next-door neighbor is found murdered. Driven by her naturally inquisitive nature, Bobbie is determined to uncover the truth. She soon finds that Newfield, with its cute cottages and friendly faces, is brimming with secrets. As she makes new friends, including a lovable goldendoodle, a quirky officer, and two handsome locals, she discovers that just about everyone in town has something to hide.
Amazon synopsis:
When Bobbie Walker's beloved uncle, who raised her after she was orphaned at five, passes away, she’s left with more questions than answers. Discovering that he wasn’t really her uncle and that much of what he told her was a lie, Bobbie sets out to uncover the truth. Her only clue leads her to a charming lakeside cottage in the picturesque town of Newfield, Vermont.
But before Bobbie can even get settled, her next-door neighbor is found murdered. Driven by her naturally inquisitive nature, Bobbie is determined to uncover the truth. She soon finds that Newfield, with its cute cottages and friendly faces, is brimming with secrets. As she makes new friends, including a lovable goldendoodle, a quirky officer, and two handsome locals, she discovers that just about everyone in town has something to hide.
April 21, 2025
Great book!!!!!
This is a great start to this series and I can't wait to read the next book!!!!
When Bobbie moved back to Newfield after her so called uncle Jimmy died, which he raised her after her parents were killed. She started finding out he had lied about himself and the way her parents died.
When she got into Newfield, she had rented the same cottage that she knew connected to finding out about her parents.
She ran into a quirky officer along the way.
As she was moving in she met her next door neighbor with a goldendoodle.
Shortly after she was in the middle of unloading her truck, she realize everyone in town are hiding secrets.
And she finds out the very neighbor she met is dead, why?
Now along with finding out about her past, she needs to find what happened to her neighbor.
Boy, does this book has the twist and a whole lot of secrets, who can Bobbie trust?
This is a great start to this series and I can't wait to read the next book!!!!
When Bobbie moved back to Newfield after her so called uncle Jimmy died, which he raised her after her parents were killed. She started finding out he had lied about himself and the way her parents died.
When she got into Newfield, she had rented the same cottage that she knew connected to finding out about her parents.
She ran into a quirky officer along the way.
As she was moving in she met her next door neighbor with a goldendoodle.
Shortly after she was in the middle of unloading her truck, she realize everyone in town are hiding secrets.
And she finds out the very neighbor she met is dead, why?
Now along with finding out about her past, she needs to find what happened to her neighbor.
Boy, does this book has the twist and a whole lot of secrets, who can Bobbie trust?
August 25, 2024
A Murky Murder is the first book in the Lakeside Cottage series. Bobbie is moving to a new town where her parents owned a home after her uncle dies. The first person she meets is Paxon (well his dog Bailey). Soon after Paxon is dead and the chief of police wants to just write it off. The secrets of this small town begin to unravel and Bobbie can tell some of those secrets involve her and her past. The two leads are Bobbie and Rachel. The two are strong female leads who don't let anyone tell them they can't. Bobbie is a stubborn woman who is bound to find the truth no matter what that means. The book is a quick and enjoyable cozy mystery and worth the read. The story ends with a bit of a shock of information and I cannot wait to read the next and learn more about Bobbie and her past.
February 18, 2025
"A Fatal Focus"* is an entertaining cozy mystery featuring engaging characters. In her new life in Newfield, Bobbie Walker has made good friends who have helped her overcome past traumas and these are particularly important to the plot.
As a journalist, Bobbie has access to information that others might find hard to come by. The murder of "Joyce Parker" allows her to put these skills to use. Soon, Bobbie becomes entangled in an investigation filled with numerous suspects and potential personal danger. Cindy Bell advances her plot with a brisk pace and fleshes out her characters with substance. l particularly enjoyed the hint of a future love interest-will it be Kyle or Matt? For now, Bailey will suffice!
As a journalist, Bobbie has access to information that others might find hard to come by. The murder of "Joyce Parker" allows her to put these skills to use. Soon, Bobbie becomes entangled in an investigation filled with numerous suspects and potential personal danger. Cindy Bell advances her plot with a brisk pace and fleshes out her characters with substance. l particularly enjoyed the hint of a future love interest-will it be Kyle or Matt? For now, Bailey will suffice!
September 17, 2024
I really enjoyed meeting Bobbie and her new friends in Vermont and was happy when along with the main mystery, the side mystery got solved too. It had to do with Bobbie herself and now armed with this new information, she wasn't sure what to do with it.
It was great how Rachael became a good friend to Bobbie when she came town, and Officer Kate, Rachael's mom seems super nice and kind to Bobble, so maybe she'll make a good surrogate mom for her when she needs a mom figure. And Matt’s definitely someone I hope Bobbie keeps in her life now she's met him. I absolutely can't wait to read the next book!
It was great how Rachael became a good friend to Bobbie when she came town, and Officer Kate, Rachael's mom seems super nice and kind to Bobble, so maybe she'll make a good surrogate mom for her when she needs a mom figure. And Matt’s definitely someone I hope Bobbie keeps in her life now she's met him. I absolutely can't wait to read the next book!
November 23, 2025
I really like the cover of A Murky Murder. Twenty-four year old Roberta "Bobbie" Walker is working through her grief over the loss of her uncle Jimmy who adopted her and raised her in Pennsylvania. She travels to Vermont to continue writing a novel and rents a cute lakeside cottage. Shortly afterwards, her next door neighbor, Paxon, is shot. As she meets and gets to know the people in the small town, she decides to try and figure out the murder. This book introduces a lot of quirky characters. I especially liked Bobbie and her adopted dog, Bailey. Secrets that are uncovered and there are more questions about Bobbie's past. Book 2 should be fun to read.
September 22, 2025
Entertaining cozy mystery
A Murky Murder is the first instalment in the Lakeside Cottage Cozy Mystery series - a great introduction. Enjoyable and diverse characters, although I did get annoyed at times how pushy the main character Bobbie was, sticking her nose into the investigation of the murder of her new neighbour. She had just moved to a lakeside cottage after the death of her "Uncle Jimmy".
Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Looking forward to the next book in the series to see the characters and back story of her own family history mystery.
A Murky Murder is the first instalment in the Lakeside Cottage Cozy Mystery series - a great introduction. Enjoyable and diverse characters, although I did get annoyed at times how pushy the main character Bobbie was, sticking her nose into the investigation of the murder of her new neighbour. She had just moved to a lakeside cottage after the death of her "Uncle Jimmy".
Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Looking forward to the next book in the series to see the characters and back story of her own family history mystery.
August 27, 2024
Lakeside Cottage mystery
This is a great mystery of a young woman who isn't sure about her past. She comes to town to move into a cottage on the lake. Her neighbor is murdered and Bobbie decided to investigate. There are several suspects and motives. Together with a local reporter and a young woman who is a part time police woman. The characters are well developed and all have their own quirks. The ending was not what I expected.
This is a great mystery of a young woman who isn't sure about her past. She comes to town to move into a cottage on the lake. Her neighbor is murdered and Bobbie decided to investigate. There are several suspects and motives. Together with a local reporter and a young woman who is a part time police woman. The characters are well developed and all have their own quirks. The ending was not what I expected.
August 26, 2024
A Murky Murder
WOW! What a fantastic first in a series book. There were more red herrings than I could count. They were all plausible, and the ending also fit.
Thank you Cindy Bell for this book. I'm m eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
The characters were believable. The story line flowed and held my interest from the very beginning until the end.
WOW! What a fantastic first in a series book. There were more red herrings than I could count. They were all plausible, and the ending also fit.
Thank you Cindy Bell for this book. I'm m eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
The characters were believable. The story line flowed and held my interest from the very beginning until the end.
August 26, 2024
A Murky Murder (Lake side Cottage Cozy mystery book 1)
A young woman looses her Uncle who has raised her and moves to a small town to a lake side cottage. The view would be beautiful except the lake is polluted. Her neigh or is murdered and she's involved in finding out lots of the town secrets. Wonderful mystery.
A young woman looses her Uncle who has raised her and moves to a small town to a lake side cottage. The view would be beautiful except the lake is polluted. Her neigh or is murdered and she's involved in finding out lots of the town secrets. Wonderful mystery.
October 12, 2024
Quick and easy read.
Interesting story, likeable characters. Found it a little frustrating when everyone is reacting to Bobbie but no one is saying anything. Found Bailey the most enjoyable part (although Kyle was a close second). Not amazing, however I enjoyed this enough that I’ll check out book 2 when it’s available.
Interesting story, likeable characters. Found it a little frustrating when everyone is reacting to Bobbie but no one is saying anything. Found Bailey the most enjoyable part (although Kyle was a close second). Not amazing, however I enjoyed this enough that I’ll check out book 2 when it’s available.
December 28, 2024
Put off a bit by Bobbie’s pushiness
It may just be me, but I find Bobbie’s character too unbelievable. She is new in town, doesn’t know anyone, but pushes her way into dangerous situations, and burning bridges with her rude inquisitive attitude. She needs to slow down and use her brain more. I would like a character with more wit, and less guts.
It may just be me, but I find Bobbie’s character too unbelievable. She is new in town, doesn’t know anyone, but pushes her way into dangerous situations, and burning bridges with her rude inquisitive attitude. She needs to slow down and use her brain more. I would like a character with more wit, and less guts.
January 31, 2025
This was my first Cindy Bell book to read.
This was a fast paced easy to read around 150 pages.
Perfect length for an evening read.
In this cozy mystery I didn’t trust anyone in Newfield. Bobbie didn’t let being new in town stop her. She is quite a bold character.
Will definitely check out the rest of this series along with other books by this author.
No profanity or graphic scenes.
This was a fast paced easy to read around 150 pages.
Perfect length for an evening read.
In this cozy mystery I didn’t trust anyone in Newfield. Bobbie didn’t let being new in town stop her. She is quite a bold character.
Will definitely check out the rest of this series along with other books by this author.
No profanity or graphic scenes.
September 2, 2024
Too much action in a short time
I love Cindy Bell's books, but this one seemed rushed, like an hour TV show smashed into 30 minutes.
I enjoyed the book anyway. Good characters, but Bobbie is an act first, think later kind of person. I don't know if I like that.
I love Cindy Bell's books, but this one seemed rushed, like an hour TV show smashed into 30 minutes.
I enjoyed the book anyway. Good characters, but Bobbie is an act first, think later kind of person. I don't know if I like that.
October 31, 2024
You can't outrun your past
A woman's guardian dies, and she inherits a cabin in a distant town. All alone and trying to find her place in life, she goes to live in the cabin. She gets involved with the locals and starts to unravel the mystery of her past.
A woman's guardian dies, and she inherits a cabin in a distant town. All alone and trying to find her place in life, she goes to live in the cabin. She gets involved with the locals and starts to unravel the mystery of her past.
December 21, 2024
This was a really good start to a new series. The story caught and held my attention throughout the book, and the intro to the various characters was good. I was surprised at the ending of the book and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Recommend reading.
February 27, 2025
This is a good story. The characters are relatable. The plot is easily followed and the premise is finding out who killed the man next door to the main character, and why. The answers were hard won and not all of them welcome. I do recommend this book.
June 6, 2025
This Cozy Mystery Had A Few Shocking Surprises!
This was a great cozy mystery that had me guessing left and right, and then shocked me with a few twists!!
I’m looking forward to book two, which I just ordered! Highly recommended if you enjoy cozy mysteries!
This was a great cozy mystery that had me guessing left and right, and then shocked me with a few twists!!
I’m looking forward to book two, which I just ordered! Highly recommended if you enjoy cozy mysteries!
August 17, 2025
I've just finished the 4th book in this series; I am patiently waiting on book 5 coming in November.....ugh!
This series is a bit different than most cozies I've read, the "suspense Factor" is kept high and that causes "alarm bells" to go off at any given time-keeps me on my toes as a reader!
This series is a bit different than most cozies I've read, the "suspense Factor" is kept high and that causes "alarm bells" to go off at any given time-keeps me on my toes as a reader!
September 26, 2025
A Murky Murdera
A wonderful book that I couldn't put down by author Cindy Bell. I loved the characters in this book. And I absolutely loved reading this book. It was so good. I highly recommend it...
A wonderful book that I couldn't put down by author Cindy Bell. I loved the characters in this book. And I absolutely loved reading this book. It was so good. I highly recommend it...
August 23, 2024
Great book
This is the first book in what looks to be a great series by Cindy Bell. I can't wait for the next book.
This is the first book in what looks to be a great series by Cindy Bell. I can't wait for the next book.
August 28, 2024
This story was okay. Other people may enjoy it, but I don't like stories about journalists at all.
September 12, 2024
Who killed Paxton and why??? Too many people killing people, aren't there??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
March 6, 2025
Great start for this series....
Yes a great start! I love Bobbie and Bailey!! Looking forward to the next book! All this mystery about Bobbie's parents. Who were they??
Yes a great start! I love Bobbie and Bailey!! Looking forward to the next book! All this mystery about Bobbie's parents. Who were they??
March 10, 2025
Murky Murder
Interesting. Her parents were criminals but her mother was protecting her always. So where is this going to lead her and Matt.
Interesting. Her parents were criminals but her mother was protecting her always. So where is this going to lead her and Matt.
April 4, 2025
My first Cindy Bell adventure
Glad I found this writer. Thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the char. Looking. Forward to reading another Cindy Bell adventure
Glad I found this writer. Thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the char. Looking. Forward to reading another Cindy Bell adventure
May 15, 2025
Great story
Twists and turns throughout the entire story. Never guessed the outcome after reading the book. Can't wait to continue with the next book. Totally enjoyable.
Twists and turns throughout the entire story. Never guessed the outcome after reading the book. Can't wait to continue with the next book. Totally enjoyable.
July 13, 2025
Great little mystery.
This was a quick read and was a pretty decent story. I will look forward to the next in this series.
This was a quick read and was a pretty decent story. I will look forward to the next in this series.
August 6, 2025
I liked it. The ending was clever and unexpected.
August 19, 2025
Different but enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews