Storm Washed Secrets

A Pebble Bay Cozy Mystery #1

by Nelly Stein

A storm surge brings more to the shore than just seaweed. Secrets of scandal are revealed in the small coastal town of Pebble Bay.

Leaving behind a botched business venture in the city, Sarah Flynn moves in with her sister Amy to help with her Cozy Cafe. During an early morning walk down by the marina, the siblings and Amy’s dog, Potato, find a dead body under the docks.

The woman who died was the town know-it-all, she spread anguish and despair throughout the community. One afternoon, Amy is seen in an argument with the crotchety old lady. After the police question her motives, she becomes their prime suspect for murder.

This is not right; Sarah needs to clear her sister’s name.

But the local detective is adamant she stays out of his way. Suspicious behavior amongst the residents finds her knee-deep in clues with multiple suspects.

Sarah realizes she’s getting close to whodunit when she barely escapes an attempt on her life. Frantic, she must identify the killer before another storm washes the truth away!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Amazon, Cozy

153 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2024

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 😉

This kindle ebook novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 1 of 5

I love New England murder mystery novels. Sarah has returned to the Maine sea coast to help her sister Amy and family. Then a murder leads to an investigation with lots of twist and turns before reaching the truth and arrest. 😏

I would highly recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventures mystery novels 😀😋 2025 👒😖

[Nicole Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storm Washed Secrets
By Nelly Stein
4⭐️

This was such a cute book. I enjoyed reading it. The story was well developed and flowed naturally. The characters were lovable and I enjoyed getting to know them.

This was spot on for a Cozy Mystery. Stein did an excellent job with the genre and kept the story true to form.

I gave this book 4 Stars because although it was enjoyable I did spot a couple of editing errors, nothing big though. I also felt like the story could’ve been lengthened and been even more enjoyable.

If you like cozy mysteries or mysteries in general this book is a great fit for you!

[Mariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storm Washed Secrets: A gripping fast paced small town murder mystery with unexpected twists and turns
by Nelly Stein

I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.


Storm Washed Secrets is a thrilling, fast-paced murder mystery that takes readers on a wild ride through the small, seemingly tranquil town of Pebble Bay, only to reveal its dark secrets lurking beneath. Nelly Stein masterfully keeps you on the edge of your seat, weaving unexpected twists and suspenseful turns from start to finish.

The protagonist, Sarah, is an intriguing, multi-layered character staying with her sister, Amy and family. However, her visit takes a sharp and chilling turn when she discovers a body washed up on the beach. As Sarah becomes entangled in the mystery, the plot unfolds with suspenseful pacing, making it difficult to put the book down. The small-town atmosphere is vividly captured, enhancing the mystery and adding depth to the web of secrets Sarah uncovers.

The characters are well-drawn and relatable, and the unexpected twists keep readers guessing. The author ties everything together skillfully, leaving just enough unanswered to keep readers wanting more.
Overall, Storm Washed Secrets is a captivating read, ideal for fans of small-town mysteries and fast-paced thrillers. Stein’s ability to combine suspense with rich settings and a well-paced plot makes this an engrossing novel that’s hard to forget.

[Angela Meehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah is visiting her Sister Amy to escape a failed relationship and business venture and to help her sister with her new cafe expansion. Things were going well until they're taking the dog for a walk down on the beach and they find a dead body.. Sarah dislikes the Detective investigating right from the start and this is made much worse when he takes Amy in for questioning right in the middle of the party so she decides she needs to start investigating and make sure the right person is arrested before Amy's business is affected.

I really enjoyed this book as it shows what life is like in a small town where everyone knows everyone else but you quickly find they don't know as much as they think they do. Sarah suspects various people Sarah people ruling them out one by one with the help of her Niece Lily having a couple of scares on the way Nelly builds the tension well, just enough to keep you on the edge of your seat until Sarah's investigation in completed and the right person is arrested. I'd love to read more of Sarah's adventures and maybe more about a possible love / hate relationship with the good Detective.

I received a free copy of this book but that has in no way clouded my judgement.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

With both her relationship and her business in tatters she goes to see all that matters in her life now.She will overcome she does vow. Pebble Bay is a coastal town , it’s where Sarah Flynn went when she was down . Her sister Amy has a Cozy Cafe where Sarah plans to help out . It was Amy’s dog Potato ( great name) and the two of them , came upon a dead body under the docks . Oh my the woman who met her demise was not very nice but didn’t deserve to die among the rocks. Well of course the police are a little inept and point the finger at Amy! Well of course Sarah is aghast and vows to find the truth because the investigation thus far arresting Amy? Reeks of ineptitude and incompetence so her and her niece Lily are doing their bit to investigate it . And not willy nilly! Awesome intense and immersive gripping story that’s very well written and suspects ebbing and flowing like the tide with secrets to hide. Very well written story with perfect prose , good backgrounding and astounding storytelling.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.. Very much a 'cozy mystery' - meaning there are murders but they are not gruesome.. No murder and mayhem. Sarah has gone to Pebble Bay in Maine to visit her sister and family and of course, while there and out for a walk with their dog Potato, comes across a dead body and that of course leads to her getting involved in trying to solve the murder when her sister is one of the suspects. As usual, the local detective is not interested in having her help!!
Good description of the area, all the family and some local folks. Title of the book includes "Book 1" which hopefully means this is the first of a series which could be true as in the end Sarah decides not to return home but stays in Pebble Bay.
I have read several books by this author and strongly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quaint fishing village mystery!
Suspense and more suspense!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sisters, Amy and Sarah, become embroiled in a double murder in this modern yet quaint setting where Amy is in the process of trying to set grow her cafe by the addition of a bookstore. So lots of drama there. Her teenage daughter gets bitten by the amateur sleuthing bug that runs in the family! There are several very interesting characters that lend to the overall narrative and I look forward to seeing them developed in succeeding books. In this town everybody knows everybody and it takes time to unravel the secrets that are the cause of the murders. Great plot twists,a bit of the humorous scattered here and there, and some downright skullduggery make for a well written mystery! Definite recommendation for reading!

[Dave Measner · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellant new mystery
Sarah Flynn is walking the beach early one morning wallowing in woe is me time when she sees what looks like fire on the water. That disappears and is all but forgotten when her sister's dog finds a body washed up under the pier. A fright for sure and when it turns out to be the town complainer almost no one is sorry to see her gone. That is ubtil the new police detective casts a suspicious eye on Sarah's sister Amy. Sarah jumps to Amy's defense and vows to find the actual killer. Meeting many interesting people along the way and finding her path while solving the murder makes for not only a very good mystery but brings to life several characters that you want to get to know better. Very enjoyable, a fine mystery and a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new series that keeps you guessing until the end. Sarah decides to leave the city and go stay with her sister in Pebble Beach, Maine and help her get her cafe/bookstore running while leaving her own troubles behind. While walking down the pier with Amy's dog, Potato, they come upon the dead body of the very unlikable townswoman who wasn't very liked. But because Sarah's sister Amy had an argument with the woman before, Detective Larson hones in on her as the number one suspect. So, Sarah and Amy's daughter, Sarah's niece dive into the investigation to clear Amy much to the chagrin of the detective. There are so many twists and turns and a surprise ending. This is a great first book for a very promising series and I highly recommend it. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brand new series to fall in the with. What happens when you go with your sister for a walk on the beach? You find a body of course. Sarah comes to Pepple Beach to help her sister get her new bookstore up and running, finding the body of the town know-it-all wasn't on her to do. Sarah is soon up to her neck trying to make sure her sister isn't accused of murder. Ms. Stein has once again given us a whole new town to fall in love with. Her characters make you want to read more about them. When Sarah was annoyed with the detective so was I. There is more to Pebble Beach's inhabitants than meets the eye. I really enjoy how

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah comes to Pebble Bay to help her sister Amy and to get over a bad breakup. This small town is known for its fishing and quaint inhabitants. Sarah was walking the dog and she ended up chasing her to find a body under the docks. That's where all the trouble starts. Sarah feels like Detective Larson isn't doing the best following the leads and gets herself into all kinds of trouble while she is sleuthing.
Lots of crazy things happen until the end of the story. This was a really great story and it made you think as you try to solve the case with Sarah.

[Don Lentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm Washed Secrets is an excellent book. Written by Nelly Stein wow 😮 what a story teller. In this book there is mystery, murder and a surprise at the end. This book will grip you until the end. Sarah kept getting into the investigation and the detective Larson was not happy she was in his investigation. Anyways you’re going to have to get this book to find out what happened and who done what it is a very awesome book. Yes I have this book and I loved it. I give this book a 5 star rating.

Written by
Edith L. 🐈‍⬛🐈

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story. It was a thriller of a page turner and the suspense was totally intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. Sarah is going to visited her sister Amy so she have fun and relax due to bad relationship. Her sister is going to grow her business until she discovered a person murder. Back in her hometown of Pebble Bay.
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah moves to help her sister. She does so after the end of a bad breakup. She finds a body on the shore and sees something mysterious on the water. As she finds herself sleuthing, another body is found. Are the murders related? Sarah works hard to find answers before someone else is found deceased...possibly herself. This page-turner had a deep-rooted sisterly bond and a cozy twist. It was a very enjoyable read.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding the dead body of Margaret Mitchell near the docks Sarah Flynn and her sister Amy Brunswick have a hard time dealing with Detective Larry Larson. Amy owner of the café and bookshop being one of the suspects makes Sarah step in as an amateur sleuth to find evidence to clear Amy of the crime even with the threat of danger and another murder . A captivating read with humour. I received this ARC copy via Booksprouts and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leaving behind a botched business venture in the city, Sarah Flynn moves in with her sister Amy to help with her Cozy Cafe. During an early morning walk down by the marina, the siblings and Amy’s dog, Potato, find a dead body under the docks. It couldn't be true. Now to find out the truth. The storm washed a body ashore.
I liked this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[Nancy Garbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very smart murder mystery. Sarah slowly gathers information about a couple of murdered people that has the police focused on Sarah’s family members for the responsible party. Eventually Sarah arrives at a suspect, but she soon realizes it’s more complicated based on an old newspaper clipping.

I enjoyed following Sarah in her pursuit of the murderer and justice, as well as the overall setting and cast of characters.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new author to me, so I wasn’t sure what I was in for when I started reading. What I got was a rollicking good adventure. All the cozy vibes of their sweet, small town and Sarah’s close-knit family, woven together with a clever mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. The series is off to a great start with this book and I’m already looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Doreen Farrar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series by Nelly Stein, one of my favorite authors, and it surpassed my expectations. It's a very readable and fast-paced story, and it kept me enthralled at a time when I should have been sleeping. I think it was worth a couple of missed hours of sleep. Highly recommended!

[Lilly Guirguis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm washed secrets had a lovely premise and writing!

Sarah and her friends were resilient and brave; it reminded me of Gilmore girls meets Nancy Drew.

Best quote: “Woman... claims water... is flammable,” Larson sneered as he wrote.“I’m just saying, I would think this poor person’s family would want you to ask all the proper questions before wrapping up the case. Did we interrupt your breakfast or something?” As I asked the question, Amy squeezed my hand tightly. Not in a comforting kind of way. More in the shut-the-hell-up kind of way.”

Excerpt From
Storm Washed Secrets
Nelly Stein
This material may be protected by copyright.

[Linda Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable story for the first book of a new series. Sarah finds a body on the beach and starts sleuthing. It’s a fast-paced, interesting and entertaining read. My first Nelly Stein mystery. I look forward to reading more from this author. I received an ARC from the author. I am writing a voluntary, honest review.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great series from Nelly Stein. And I can already not wait for the next book.
Sarah is new in town and walking along the beach when she finds a body. Great small town cozy mystery with wonderful characters and a fast paced storyline that keeps you guessing to the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I loved Amy and Sarah and all the characters which are complex and interesting, some quirky! I was captured on the first page and read this book in one day as I could not put it down. Lots of twists and turns, murder and mayhem, kept me guessing to the very end! I hope I will be reading more of Sarah and Amy in the future. A must read and a real page turner!

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah is visiting and helping out her sister Amy and ends up investigating a murder. Along the way get to meet a lot of the towns colorful characters as Sarah tries to put the clues together. Lots of drama, surprises, entertaining scenes and fun characters. Made me laugh and try to solve it before Sarah did. A good start to a new series.

[Marietta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all the main character to this book. It was nice to see that one sister would come to rescue of another one. There were lots of twist and turns to this book regard the murders. Sarah never give up trying to find out who the murderer was even when she was attack herself. It will be a good book for anyone to read if they love murder mysteries.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in the Pebble Bay mysteries. Set in a small coastal town this mystery involves Sarah Flynn in trying to unravel who killed the town unpopular know-it-all Margaret Mitchell. Especially as the main suspect is her sister Amy. This is a fast paced page turner, with plenty of twists and suspects littering its pages.
I received an ARC and am leaving a totally unbiased review.

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enchanting read with a real 'feel good' factor to it.
I enjoyed all the characters and the strong sense of family bonds in it.
The mystery was really intriguing. I look forward to another book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tammy Johnson-brazeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nelly Stien is a gripping storyteller. This book keeps me guessing almost to the end.
When a body is found dead on the beach, the story takes off and keeps you reading right to the end..
I positively suggest you pick up this book as it should be on everyone's TBR file.
I can't wait to read the next in this series.

[fred jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun light cozy mystery

When Sarah and Any discover the body of the,town busybody under the pier, it drags them into another mystery. A light Fun cozy mystery with great characters. The writing is excellent and I didn't work it out until the end. I like Nelly Stein's book and this is a good one. Highly recommended cozy mystery

[christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm Washed Secerts

I was hooked!!!. This is fast passed exciting and intriguing mystery that keeps you guessing as you turn pages. I enjoyed all the main characters eagerness to solve the mystery to clear Innocent people and catching the guilty person. I'll definitely read more of this exciting mystery series. Enjoy