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A Cape, A Rock and A Murder
When Ruth lets her neighbour and sidekick Doris accompany her on a trip to Cape Bridgewater, an idyllic coastal location known for its pristine natural beauty, the last thing she expects to find is a body.
With a feature to write and the promise of romance in the air, Ruth is reluctant to investigate another mysterious death. But Doris has other ideas, and drags Ruth into the confusing world of a local family's inheritance dispute over a rundown old farm.
With few clues and many culprits, their investigations seem to be going nowhere - until a shocking discovery turns the whole case on its head.
Set in southern Australia, A CAPE, A ROCK AND A MURDER is the third book in Isobel Blackthorn's series of cozy mysteries.
With a feature to write and the promise of romance in the air, Ruth is reluctant to investigate another mysterious death. But Doris has other ideas, and drags Ruth into the confusing world of a local family's inheritance dispute over a rundown old farm.
With few clues and many culprits, their investigations seem to be going nowhere - until a shocking discovery turns the whole case on its head.
Set in southern Australia, A CAPE, A ROCK AND A MURDER is the third book in Isobel Blackthorn's series of cozy mysteries.
- GenresMystery
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2024
About the author
Isobel Blackthorn
54 books185 followersIsobel Blackthorn is an award-winning author of unique and engaging fiction. She writes across a range of genres, including dark psychological thrillers, gripping mystery novels, captivating travel fiction and hilarious dark satire. Isobel holds a PhD in Western Esotericism for her groundbreaking study of the texts of Theosophist Alice A. Bailey. Isobel carries a lifelong passion for the Canary Islands, Spain, her former home. A Londoner originally, Isobel currently lives in Spain.
www.isobelblackthorn.com
https://www.creativia.org/isobel-blac...
https://twitter.com/IBlackthorn
https://www.facebook.com/Lovesick.Iso...
www.isobelblackthorn.com
https://www.creativia.org/isobel-blac...
https://twitter.com/IBlackthorn
https://www.facebook.com/Lovesick.Iso...
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 7, 2026
I enjoyed this book.
The quirky duo are back, okay only one of of them is quirky or should I say colourful but we still love them. This is the third book in the series and it already feels like catching up with old friends. Ruth is the head down and puzzle out the clues friend, while her sidekick Doris is loud and straight out with the hard questions type of friend that everybody knows. Although I must admit Ruth is beginning to feel like the sidekick with Doris's take charge attitude and I wouldn't change a thing. Even the budding relationship with Kieran with sweet and providing helpful with the cases.
As for the mystery, there was a lot of suspects all with alibi's and motives. Once again I had no idea who the killer was because it could have been anyone of them. Good job Doris and Ruth were on the case and I can't wait to start there next adventure because let's face it with these two even a day trip turns into an adventure.
When Ruth's boss asks her to do another article, she finds her friend and neighbour Doris inviting herself on the day trip to the coast. Where the pair discover another dead body, with the police happy to call it an accidental fall, Doris is set to prove them wrong. Especially as she knew the victim. Ruth is happy to let the police handle things and spend more time getting to know Kieran, as a potential boyfriend but she has never been able to say no to Doris and soon finds herself in the thick of an investigation. The family was arguing over an inheritance and everyone seems to have a reason to hate the victim but which one of them is responsible. When another family member is discovered dead and old secrets and grudges come to light, the question is is the killer finished?
I liked the narrator. She helps not only the characters but also the story come to life in a delightful way.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
The quirky duo are back, okay only one of of them is quirky or should I say colourful but we still love them. This is the third book in the series and it already feels like catching up with old friends. Ruth is the head down and puzzle out the clues friend, while her sidekick Doris is loud and straight out with the hard questions type of friend that everybody knows. Although I must admit Ruth is beginning to feel like the sidekick with Doris's take charge attitude and I wouldn't change a thing. Even the budding relationship with Kieran with sweet and providing helpful with the cases.
As for the mystery, there was a lot of suspects all with alibi's and motives. Once again I had no idea who the killer was because it could have been anyone of them. Good job Doris and Ruth were on the case and I can't wait to start there next adventure because let's face it with these two even a day trip turns into an adventure.
When Ruth's boss asks her to do another article, she finds her friend and neighbour Doris inviting herself on the day trip to the coast. Where the pair discover another dead body, with the police happy to call it an accidental fall, Doris is set to prove them wrong. Especially as she knew the victim. Ruth is happy to let the police handle things and spend more time getting to know Kieran, as a potential boyfriend but she has never been able to say no to Doris and soon finds herself in the thick of an investigation. The family was arguing over an inheritance and everyone seems to have a reason to hate the victim but which one of them is responsible. When another family member is discovered dead and old secrets and grudges come to light, the question is is the killer finished?
I liked the narrator. She helps not only the characters but also the story come to life in a delightful way.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 22, 2026
Journalist Ruth Finlay is ready to explore Cape Bridgewater for a feature magazine article. Friend and neighbor Doris tags along for a leisurely day trip. But, when they spot a body on the rocks below the cliff and the police call it an accident, Ruth and Doris get embroiled in another murder investigation of a family of cousins fighting over an inheritance. Good story with twists and turns, and good characters. The narration was outstanding. It brought the characters and story to life.
June 25, 2025
A lighthearted read
Well described characters, except for Andrew. I thought “who is Andrew” - did a name search - only mentioned once - methinks a mistake.
Well described characters, except for Andrew. I thought “who is Andrew” - did a name search - only mentioned once - methinks a mistake.
September 17, 2026
Ruth and Doris are once again donning their sleuthing hats in A Cape, A Rock and a Murder by Isobel Blackthorn.
Ruth travels to Cape Bridgewater for another travel writing assignment and asks Doris to accompany her. All is going well until…yup…they find a dead body. While the local police write it off as an accident, Doris’ instincts tell her foul play is afoot. And she drags Ruth into the middle of an ugly family inheritance quarrel.
This is the third installment of the Ruth Finley Mysteries series and what a fine addition it is. Doris, a seventy-something-internet influencer won’t let go of her suspicions. The only way to get to the bottom of the murder? Interview every one of the family members with a stake in the inheritance. That’s exactly what Doris does, much to Ruth’s chagrin and embarrassment.
The suspects are many. The motives are plenty. And Doris’ outfits as usual are outrageous.
And the romance hinted at for Ruth in the last two books seems to be blooming.
I trotted right along with Doris and Ruth as they went knocking on doors, cornering people in bakeries and otherwise trying to catch people in lies. The plot twists kept me on my toes and turning the pages far into the night.
Who did it? Well, no one who I thought. And that’s only one of the reasons I love this book and the series. The pages are filled with eccentric characters, humorous moments, and descriptions of mouthwatering foods. You can’t exclude Doris’ dogged determination and her flamboyant attire. And now a bit of romance.
A Cape, A Rock and a Murder is everything I could ask for in a cozy mystery, and things I never thought I needed.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Terry
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
Ruth travels to Cape Bridgewater for another travel writing assignment and asks Doris to accompany her. All is going well until…yup…they find a dead body. While the local police write it off as an accident, Doris’ instincts tell her foul play is afoot. And she drags Ruth into the middle of an ugly family inheritance quarrel.
This is the third installment of the Ruth Finley Mysteries series and what a fine addition it is. Doris, a seventy-something-internet influencer won’t let go of her suspicions. The only way to get to the bottom of the murder? Interview every one of the family members with a stake in the inheritance. That’s exactly what Doris does, much to Ruth’s chagrin and embarrassment.
The suspects are many. The motives are plenty. And Doris’ outfits as usual are outrageous.
And the romance hinted at for Ruth in the last two books seems to be blooming.
I trotted right along with Doris and Ruth as they went knocking on doors, cornering people in bakeries and otherwise trying to catch people in lies. The plot twists kept me on my toes and turning the pages far into the night.
Who did it? Well, no one who I thought. And that’s only one of the reasons I love this book and the series. The pages are filled with eccentric characters, humorous moments, and descriptions of mouthwatering foods. You can’t exclude Doris’ dogged determination and her flamboyant attire. And now a bit of romance.
A Cape, A Rock and a Murder is everything I could ask for in a cozy mystery, and things I never thought I needed.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Terry
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
August 3, 2024
A Cape, A Rock and A Murder (Ruth Finlay Mysteries Book 3)
Ruth Finlay finds herself embroiled in another murder investigation when she finds a body at the bottom of a cliff. Her neighbour and wacky dresser, Doris, takes control and drags poor Ruth along with her.
With another writing assignment on the cards and the chance of a blossoming romance, Ruth is reluctant to get involved but, as usual, Doris refuses to take no for an answer.
They soon discover the murder relates to a local family whose dispute over their inheritance has yet to be resolved. With several culprits to investigate, all with alibis, a few red herrings, and very few clues, the duo has their work cut out. And as Doris insists on informally interviewing the suspects one by one, Ruth finds herself in some rather cringeworthy situations.
When they return to the family’s old farmhouse, they find something that blows the case apart.
This is a quick read, and a well thought out whodunnit set in Australia.
Try it. I think you’ll like it.
Ruth Finlay finds herself embroiled in another murder investigation when she finds a body at the bottom of a cliff. Her neighbour and wacky dresser, Doris, takes control and drags poor Ruth along with her.
With another writing assignment on the cards and the chance of a blossoming romance, Ruth is reluctant to get involved but, as usual, Doris refuses to take no for an answer.
They soon discover the murder relates to a local family whose dispute over their inheritance has yet to be resolved. With several culprits to investigate, all with alibis, a few red herrings, and very few clues, the duo has their work cut out. And as Doris insists on informally interviewing the suspects one by one, Ruth finds herself in some rather cringeworthy situations.
When they return to the family’s old farmhouse, they find something that blows the case apart.
This is a quick read, and a well thought out whodunnit set in Australia.
Try it. I think you’ll like it.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews