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Sandbakkels and Sin

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A small-town island hiding big secrets. A desperate call from family. And a murder that hits too close to home.

As a high-level consultant at an investment firm, Cash Kristiansen is used to the isolation of big-city corporate life—and the growing distance from family.

So when his estranged aunt makes a series of desperate calls, urging him to return to Salt Cliff Isle, he reluctantly agrees to visit.

But what was supposed to be a short family visit quickly spirals into a dark mystery when Cash arrives to find the island shaken by a brutal death.

The once peaceful Salt Cliff Isle, a place that had always felt like home, is no longer the tranquil escape he remembers, and even Fjord & Fika patisserie—with its light-filled Nordic interiors and welcoming warmth—feels shadowed by loss.

As Cash becomes entangled in a murder investigation filled with secrets, suspects, and hidden motives, the familiar comforts of home blur into a landscape of deception.

One filled with residents who know more than they let on.

Yet as the aroma of fresh sandbakkels mingles with suspicion, Cash discovers the perfect crime might just be half-baked.

And he holds the secret ingredient to solving it.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 3, 2025

8 people are currently reading
2655 people want to read

About the author

George Robstad

2 books15 followers
George Robstad is a prairie-based author on Treaty 6 territory with a love of compelling tales that balance mystery, self-discovery and a touch of intrigue. When not immersed in their writing, George enjoys exploring true crime podcasts, unraveling the twists of reality TV, and savoring the flavors of global cuisines and wine through their travels.

Living with their partner in Saskatoon, George draws inspiration from his time spent on the West Coast and the complexities of human connection and queer relationships. His debut cozy mystery, Sandbakkels and Sin, invites readers to step into a world of relatable characters and captivating mysteries, perfect for those who enjoy getting lost in a story about a protagonist looking for their place in an ever-changing world.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
1 review2 followers
December 24, 2024
Absolutely loved this book! The characters were so enjoyable, and Salt Cliff Isle is the perfect cozy mystery setting. The subtle romance was the cherry on top. Looking forward to the next book in the series
Profile Image for Andrea.
113 reviews5 followers
January 15, 2025
I have to say, the name of this book really caught my eye, I didn't particularly associated with a murder mystery but here we are. I was surprised though how all of it came together. A small-town mystery definitely heightens the interest with a name like that. I also wouldn't think some like Cash, who works in a "boring" job such as an investment firm, could get involved in something like this. Cash's journey is not just about solving a murder but also about reconnecting with his past and facing the complexities of family and home.

The mix of suspense and nostalgia was really clever. Overall, a very entertaining beach read type of book.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
July 2, 2025
I want to say I enjoyed this but the book took on to much of the island life feel. What I mean to say was the investigation was too laid back for my liking and the main character seemed more concerned with what he was doing with his life than working out who killed his aunt. Which is a shame because otherwise I did like the characters. There was some humour as the characters got to know each other but it felt more like the main character reacquainting himself with the island than anything. It was unusual in a cosy mystery for the main character to be a gay male amateur sleuth, so the author scored points there. There wasn't much going on in the mystery, although to be honest I didn't know who the killer was and must admit it took me longer than normal to finish.

When Cash receives a phone call from his aunt saying she needs to see him, he is busy at work and is reluctant to go but his aunt practically raised and doesn't ask for anything. He gets a few days off work and heads to the island, only to discover his aunt as been killed. So instead of helping his aunt out with something and then enjoying a much needed break, Cash finds himself looking into her death. He has been away from the island too long and while somethings remain the same there has been a lot of changes since his last visit. Can be really find out what happened to his aunt?
I liked the narrator. He is new to me but I would listen to him again.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review
Profile Image for Píaras Cíonnaoíth.
Author 143 books206 followers
January 5, 2025
A Fresh Voice in Cozy Crime Fiction...

"Leading for Impact: Sandbakkels and Sin" delivers a fresh take on the cozy mystery genre, blending Nordic pastry culture with small-town intrigue. When corporate consultant Cash Kristiansen returns to Salt Cliff Isle at his aunt's urgent request, he finds himself thrust into an unexpected murder investigation that forces him to reconnect with his roots. The atmospheric setting and authentic portrayal of island life create a rich backdrop for this compelling mystery.

Robstad skillfully weaves together themes of family reconciliation, identity, and belonging while maintaining suspense throughout the narrative. The incorporation of the Fjord & Fika patisserie adds a delightful culinary element that enhances rather than overwhelms the core mystery. This promising series debut marks Robstad as an author to watch in the cozy mystery genre, offering readers a unique protagonist and a satisfying blend of traditional mystery elements with contemporary themes. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Phil Bolos.
133 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2025
Sandbakkels and Sin (A Cash Kristiansen Mystery Book 1) by George Robstad is an intense murder mystery that will keep the reader guessing from beginning to end. Cash Kristiansen has grown used to being far from home since he works long hours in the city. But, after getting numerous calls from his aunt he decides it is time to return to his small country home. But, when he gets there he finds that the community is in the middle of trying to solve a horrible murder. To make matters worse, with even new clue that is found there are more questions than answers. Cash is beginning to get the feeling that there is far more going on in this small town than he originally believed. Fans of murder mysteries will greatly enjoy this read. It is fast paced and does a good job of pulling the reader into the plot. The characters are well developed and the setting does a great job of making the reader feel the tension and mystery.
64 reviews4 followers
January 17, 2025
"Sandbakkels and Sin" by George Robstad is the first installment in the Cash Kristiansen Mystery series. The novel introduces readers to Cash Kristiansen, an experienced detective navigating the difficulties of crime and personal challenges. The story examines a difficult case that combines local traditions with dark secrets, requiring Cash to resolve the truth while confronting his own demons. The storyline is well-constructed, offering twists that kept me guessing until the end. Additionally, the exploration of Cash's personal struggles adds an emotional layer to the book, making the story not just a mystery, but a study of human resilience. Overall, this book is a promising start to the Cash Kristiansen Mystery series. It combines traditional detective work with personal drama. I look forward to following Cash's journey in future books and would recommend this series to fans of character-driven mysteries.
Profile Image for S. Jeyran  Main.
1,646 reviews131 followers
January 6, 2025
Sandbakkels and Sin by George Robstad introduces readers to Cash Kristiansen, a corporate consultant who returns to his hometown, Salt Cliff Isle, only to find it plagued by a brutal murder. What was supposed to be a short family visit quickly spirals into a complex mystery as Cash becomes involved in a web of secrets, deception, and hidden motives.

Set against the backdrop of a once-idyllic island, Robstad creates a gripping atmosphere filled with intriguing characters and a sense of unease. The combination of small-town charm and dark secrets gives the novel a unique, compelling tension, and the mystery keeps readers hooked until the final twist.

This debut in the Cash Kristiansen Mystery series offers a perfect blend of suspense, family drama, and the warmth of familiar surroundings, with just the right amount of Nordic flair.
Profile Image for Maps  R.
407 reviews9 followers
January 8, 2025
Get ready to be immersed in a mystery that feels cozy. George Robstad invites readers into a novel that blends a pinch of gossip with a dark mystery while exploring the challenging topic of community dynamics. The author masterfully sets the scene in a Nordic environment, where you will feel the magic of the fjords and become one with the locals.

The characters descriptions are outstanding. Cash Kristiansen, as the main character, is well-developed, combining a corporate profile with a deeply human side that remains attached to family. The unfolding mystery will draw you into moments of tension, evoking emotions like nostalgia and intrigue. As each character is carefully crafted, you will uncover their hidden secrets and see how they manage them.

Give yourself the chance to travel to the fjords and enjoy a Nordic mystery that is as captivating as it is atmospheric.
13 reviews
January 9, 2025
I just finished Sandbakkels and Sin by George Robstad, and it’s such a fun mix of mystery and small-town vibes. The story follows Cash Kristiansen, a corporate guy called back to his hometown by his aunt. What he thought would be a quick visit turns into a murder investigation and let’s just say, things get intense. The small island setting feels super real, and I loved how the author brought in the local pastry shop, Fjord & Fika, without it taking over the story. The mix of family drama, old secrets, and the murder mystery kept me hooked.
Every time I thought I had it figured out, something new popped up. The pacing was great, and the characters, especially Cash, felt believable. If you’re into mysteries with a modern twist and a cozy small-town backdrop, this one’s worth checking out. I’m already curious to see where the series goes next!
Profile Image for Diana.
392 reviews7 followers
January 8, 2025
“Sandbakkels and Sin” by George Robstad is a fascinating book that captivated me from its first pages. I really like how the author manages to generate an enveloping atmosphere with each unexpected turn he takes. This story moves between calm and suspense. It is impressive how the author manages to do so by skillfully contrasting the serene atmosphere of the island with the great tension generated by characters. Another thing that caught me the most is the author's great ability to give complexity to each character, I definitely see great creativity in this story. This novel kept me intrigued from start to finish, it is one of those books that you don't want to stop reading to know what will happen next. I recommend this novel for lovers of good intrigue stories.
Profile Image for S Tyty.
1,280 reviews29 followers
January 9, 2025
This is an intriguing mystery full of charming elements blended together.
This first installment of the Cash Kristiansen Mystery series is truly high-level and sets a good standard for the potential coming ones, which I do not have any doubt will be as good as this one.
This narrative delves into an investigation that uncovers a web of secrets and hidden motives among island's residents. These gripping events keep the story moving and readers caught.
With a sharp prose, the plot is well-thought-out and delivers an intoxicating and captivating mix of nostalgia, deception, and unexpected twists supported by richly drawn characters that keep readers guessing until the very end. Loved this tale!
Profile Image for Juliana.
244 reviews4 followers
January 10, 2025
Great book

This book fascinated me, it's been a long time since a book surprised me as much as this one did. It is a story that is full of mystery, intrigue, murder and deception, this makes the reader hooked from the first page and wanting to keep reading without stopping.
The plot is about the investigation of a murder full of secrets and suspicions, so much so that at one point, everyone becomes a suspect and you begin to think that you yourself are solving the mystery, it's really fantastic.
The author narrates in such a clear way every detail that it becomes a completely pleasant read. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to have a good time and wants to enjoy a good book like this one. I assure you that you will love it as much as I did. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Natalia Benavides.
60 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2025
Loved this book

I loved this book, it is really too intriguing and exciting. The author starts the story talking about a financial consultant used to the isolated and lonely city life. The whole plot begins when a brief family visit to his hometown ends up becoming a murder investigation for a brutal death.
From the first chapter,the book becomes an addiction where you don't want to stop reading it, so much so that I finished it in only 4 days.
What I liked the most is the mystery and the plot that the author brings to the story; the narrative makes you want to solve the dark secrets and suspicions that the protagonist begins to solve.
It is a great book that I recommend to everyone. I loved the narrative, the plot and the simple way of writing that makes it light to read.
Profile Image for Fanny Polchlopek.
230 reviews
January 12, 2025
I loved it!

I literally felt like I was in a movie the entire time. The narrative is very fluid, and the author seems to know his readers well, as he makes fantastic pauses while telling the story and knows exactly when to introduce variations that guide the plot.
A story full of mystery but also with strong feelings of nostalgia for a town that once brought peaceful memories, but now the main character almost entirely doesn’t recognize it. Even its inhabitants no longer seem the same, and well, how could they be with a confusing and dark murder at the heart of it all? I loved the story; it’s well-constructed from beginning to end, and honestly, I got completely immersed in every moment the author presented to me, as if they were audiovisual scenes.
Profile Image for Amy Koller.
89 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2025
In "Sandbakkels and Sin," George Robstad introduces readers to an intriguing blend of small-town charm and suspenseful mystery. The debut novel in the Cash Kristiansen Mystery series follows Cash, a high-level consultant who is drawn back to his estranged family's home on Salt Cliff Isle after a string of desperate pleas from his aunt. What begins as a simple family visit quickly devolves into a gripping investigation following a shocking murder that disrupts the island's tranquil façade.
Robstad's writing vividly captures the unique atmosphere of Salt Cliff Isle, transforming it from a nostalgic haven into a place rife with secrets and unspoken truths.
48 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2025
George Robstad’s "Sandbakkels and Sin" is a masterfully woven mystery that blends small-town charm with dark intrigue. The story follows corporate consultant Cash Kristiansen back to their childhood haven Salt Cliff Isle. The writer paints a vivid setting with Fjord & Fika patisserie offering a warm backdrop to a suspenseful tale.

As Cash navigates a maze of secrets and half-truths, the plot delivers an intoxicating mix of nostalgia, deception and unexpected twists. The richly drawn characters each harboring their own motives keep readers guessing until the very end. With sharp prose and a touch of Nordic culinary flair, the novel serves up a compelling whodunit.
Profile Image for Fatima Majeed.
22 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2025
“A book with a Murderous Mystery”
“Sandbakkels and Sin (A Cash Kristiansen Mystery Book 1)” by George Robstad is a gripping murder mystery that will keep readers on edge from start to finish. Cash Kristiansen, accustomed to his busy city life, receives multiple urgent calls from his aunt, prompting his return to his quiet hometown. Upon arrival, he discovers the town in turmoil, shaken by a brutal murder. As new clues emerge, they only raise more questions, and Cash begins to suspect that the small town holds far more secrets than he initially thought.
Mystery lovers will be hooked by this fast-paced, suspenseful novel with rich characters and an atmosphere brimming with tension.
Profile Image for Ivan M.
838 reviews22 followers
January 9, 2025
Cash Kristiansen came back home for a quiet vacation, or at least that's what he thought. A mysterious murder flooded the streets of Salt Cliff Isle. With no clues but several suspicions, Cash gets tangled in the investigation putting at risk his own life.

Overall, it was a delightful mystery thriller. Robstad writes clearly, rounding up the characters, the landscape, and the back story in the first chapters, and then intensifying the read and creating suspense. It is a book recommended for the reader looking for a mystery, a thriller that takes a sudden turn on every page, making the ending unpredictable and exciting.
Profile Image for Ghulam Mustafa.
63 reviews4 followers
January 11, 2025
Sandbakkels and Sin by George Robstad offers an engaging mix of small-town charm and chilling suspense. Cash Kristiansen’s return home takes a dark turn as he unravels a complex murder mystery filled with secrets and hidden motives.

Robstad’s skillful storytelling brings Salt Cliff Isle to life, blending its idyllic facade with a simmering undercurrent of tension. The characters are relatable, and the plot twists keep you guessing. It’s a well-paced read that hooks you from the start.

This debut in the Cash Kristiansen Mystery series is perfect for fans of cozy yet thrilling mysteries. The mix of family drama and suspense ensures you’ll eagerly await the next installment.
24 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2025
"Sandbakkels and Sin (A Cash Kristiansen Mystery Book 1)" by George Robstad is a captivating murder mystery set against the stunning backdrop of Salt Cliff Isle. When Cash Kristiansen’s family visit takes a sinister turn through the unraveling of a chilling murder that shakes the idyllic island. The author masterfully blends atmospheric tension in a touch of Nordic charm to craft an engaging tale. Fans of suspenseful mysteries will find themselves hooked on this action-packed and intricately woven debut in the Cash Kristiansen series.
57 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2025
"Sandbakkels and Sin" by George Robstad delivers a gripping debut in the Cash Kristiansen Mystery series. Set on the once-tranquil Salt Cliff Isle, the story follows Cash as a murder investigation shrouded in secrets and deception unravels. The author rather expertly combines engaging characters, unexpected twists and a fast-paced narrative to craft a compelling crime thriller. With its intricate plotting and suspenseful turns, the novel keeps readers hooked until the final reveal. This action-packed mystery is particularly fans of crime fiction and unpredictable fantasies.
223 reviews3 followers
February 8, 2025
If you're into small-town mysteries mixed with some family drama and a hint of Scandinavian treats, you're in for a delight. The atmosphere is fantastic, and Cash makes for a solid main character, though it does take him a bit to really come into his own. The mystery unfolds at a good pace, throwing in enough twists to keep you intrigued without feeling lost. The Nordic-themed bakery, Fjord & Fika, provides a nice balance to the story's darker elements. Overall, this is a captivating and well-crafted mystery that's moody, engaging, and full of suspense. I really enjoyed it!
56 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2025
An intriguing mystery novel where the main character Cash returns to his homeland on a small island at the request of his family and suddenly everything becomes more complicated thanks to a murder. The mystery, the twists and turns of the narrative, the detailed description of the characters, the charm of the island, the secrets of the islanders and the discoveries that Cash himself makes, translate into an entertaining read.
Profile Image for Momna.
53 reviews
January 10, 2025
Sandbakkels and Sin (A Cash Kristiansen Mystery Book 1) by George Robstad is a captivating small-town mystery that blends the warmth of nostalgia with the chill of secrets lurking beneath the surface. The author crafts an engaging tale of family ties, murder, and deception. The writing is atmospheric, weaving together rich details and suspenseful twists that keep readers hooked. Fans of cozy mysteries will find this book a delightful yet gripping read. A promising start to the series!
Profile Image for Veronica Adams.
70 reviews26 followers
January 18, 2025
Out of all the mystery books I have read in my lifetime, I feel like the author has really outdid himself. He taught me that a sandbakkel is not a type of fish even though the book has a seaside setting. It is actually a Nordic pastry treat that I would like to try one day. The elements of motives and murder were the things that kept my attention. It also has the great potential to be a great mystery series that can be adapted in other media for generations to come.
8 reviews
January 18, 2025
Sandbakkels and Sin" by George Robstad is an engaging mystery that introduces Cash Kristiansen, a determined and relatable protagonist. The story weaves elements of Norwegian culture into a well-paced plot filled with twists. With clear writing and interesting characters, this book is a solid choice for fans of mysteries looking for something unique and enjoyable. Robstad's vivid descriptions and well-developed characters make this book a delightful read for mystery enthusiasts.
143 reviews2 followers
February 13, 2025
I'd LOVE a sequel!

Cash was a fascinating fellow and I want to read more of his adventures! Right from the beginning we get insight into his worldview and are carried along with the story. Will he stay on the island? Continue his aunt's business or start a new one? Get better acquainted with the local sheriff? Will there be more murders on this formerly sleepy island? I have to know!
Profile Image for PaperMoon.
1,840 reviews85 followers
May 23, 2025
If I had to lob a criticism - it would that the coziness factor got a little too cozy resulting in my attention dropping off at several points. The characters are mostly OK but the plot pacing needs improvement. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
1 review
January 15, 2025
So cute and cozy, with a murder mystery. Was not expecting the ending. I hope a next book will come out soon
275 reviews7 followers
April 28, 2025
Almost all the reviews are AI generated. It’s disturbing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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