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Shady Hollow #6
Mockingbird Court
In the latest installment in the beloved Shady Hollow series, everyone's favorite vulpine investigator Vera Vixen must contend with a cold-hearted killer—and the ghost of her own past.
It's a crisp, cool autumn in Shady Hollow, and preparations are underway for the annual Harvest Festival. Creatures have flocked from far and wide to partake in the seasonal festivities, from pumpkin carving to pie tasting to soup throwing. With all these new faces around town, it’s the perfect time for someone to slip in unnoticed.
Unless that someone is Bradley Marvel, the most famous author—and most noticeable personality—in any woodland warren. It seems the wolf is on the lam. Back in the city, a body was found in his penthouse apartment at Mockingbird Court, and Marvel skipped town before the questioning could commence.
Marvel claims to be innocent, and it's up to Vera and her friends to piece together what might have happened that fateful night so many miles away in the beating heart of the big city. But things get complicated when Vera learns that she also knows the victim ... and might even be implicated herself.
It's a crisp, cool autumn in Shady Hollow, and preparations are underway for the annual Harvest Festival. Creatures have flocked from far and wide to partake in the seasonal festivities, from pumpkin carving to pie tasting to soup throwing. With all these new faces around town, it’s the perfect time for someone to slip in unnoticed.
Unless that someone is Bradley Marvel, the most famous author—and most noticeable personality—in any woodland warren. It seems the wolf is on the lam. Back in the city, a body was found in his penthouse apartment at Mockingbird Court, and Marvel skipped town before the questioning could commence.
Marvel claims to be innocent, and it's up to Vera and her friends to piece together what might have happened that fateful night so many miles away in the beating heart of the big city. But things get complicated when Vera learns that she also knows the victim ... and might even be implicated herself.
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2025
170 people are currently reading
9786 people want to read
About the author
Juneau Black
11 books1,205 followersJoint pseudonym of Elizabeth Cole and Sharon Nagel. For works of these authors written under their own or other names, search also under: Cole, Elizabeth (Author of romance fiction) or Nagel, Sharon, 1966-
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 431 reviews
August 4, 2025
This was such a cute cozy animal mystery! I really enjoyed this novel, from beginning to end. This book is the sixth book in the Shady Hollow series. It can be read as a standalone or in the series. This is my first book in this series and it won’t be my last! I found a new favorite cozy mystery book, that is unlike any other one that I have ever read. It made me feel lighthearted, joyful and comforting. I really enjoyed the autumn theme, the atmosphere and the small town setting!
This novel starts off slow, then starts to build up and unfold as the novel continues, then gradually turns into twists. The twists in this book aren’t fast, but more on the gentle side. The unraveling at the end was more of an ending of a journey. One of my favorite things about this book were the animal characters! The animal characters were all lovable! The main characters were strongly developed and I really enjoyed the side animal characters as well. My favorite character in the book would have to be the fox named Vera Vixen. I really loved the fox’s wittiness and determination. While this book is mostly cozy, it does come with some suspense! I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating!
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with character world settings! Content warnings include murder and violence.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Juneau Black and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor | Vintage for this eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on October 7, 2025!
This novel starts off slow, then starts to build up and unfold as the novel continues, then gradually turns into twists. The twists in this book aren’t fast, but more on the gentle side. The unraveling at the end was more of an ending of a journey. One of my favorite things about this book were the animal characters! The animal characters were all lovable! The main characters were strongly developed and I really enjoyed the side animal characters as well. My favorite character in the book would have to be the fox named Vera Vixen. I really loved the fox’s wittiness and determination. While this book is mostly cozy, it does come with some suspense! I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating!
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with character world settings! Content warnings include murder and violence.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Juneau Black and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor | Vintage for this eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on October 7, 2025!
Want to read
March 30, 2025Juneau Black could write anything set in this world and I'd read it. I hope this series NEVER ENDS.
September 25, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
Life in Shady Hollow is as serene and beautiful as it ever was. Creatures are preparing for the annual Harvest Festival, and Vera Vixen is just happy to be back home after spending some time in the city. That’s until Bradley Marvel, a famous mystery author, shows up begging for Vera’s help after running away from a crime scene that happened in his own apartment at Mockingbird Court. He says he’s innocent, but evidence is proving otherwise. Vera and her friends set out to find out the killer, quickly realizing it won’t be as easy as it looks, especially when Vera finds out she knew the victim and is a possible suspect.
This was such a charming and cozy mystery! I haven’t read the other books to this series, but I knew that I would like them the first time I heard about it. Who wouldn’t with a beautiful cover like that? 😍
Per usual, my mind was at work as I read, trying to figure out who is innocent or guilty. I had a hunch on who it could be, but once I read the end, I was shocked because 1) I was not expecting the culprit and 2) I was so, so wrong! 😂 It’s why I love mysteries. Although I have all the time in the world, I still feel like it is a race against the clock to piece together the clues of a crime. All the shows, movies, and books I’ve consumed are really coming in handy. 😉
The writing was splendid! I enjoyed the descriptions and imagery painted in my mind about the picturesque town of Shady Hollow. It sounds like a place I’d want to live in. The mystery, as you can imagine, kept me entertained the entire way through. The characters were charming, and it made me realize how much I like stories where the animals are the characters. I need to read more of them.
I definitely recommend reading this book, along with the other Shady Hollow mysteries because I’m sure they are as wonderful as this one! ❤
Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Death, murder & mentions infidelity.
Swearing: No
Spice: No
#MockingbirdCourt #NetGalley
Life in Shady Hollow is as serene and beautiful as it ever was. Creatures are preparing for the annual Harvest Festival, and Vera Vixen is just happy to be back home after spending some time in the city. That’s until Bradley Marvel, a famous mystery author, shows up begging for Vera’s help after running away from a crime scene that happened in his own apartment at Mockingbird Court. He says he’s innocent, but evidence is proving otherwise. Vera and her friends set out to find out the killer, quickly realizing it won’t be as easy as it looks, especially when Vera finds out she knew the victim and is a possible suspect.
This was such a charming and cozy mystery! I haven’t read the other books to this series, but I knew that I would like them the first time I heard about it. Who wouldn’t with a beautiful cover like that? 😍
Per usual, my mind was at work as I read, trying to figure out who is innocent or guilty. I had a hunch on who it could be, but once I read the end, I was shocked because 1) I was not expecting the culprit and 2) I was so, so wrong! 😂 It’s why I love mysteries. Although I have all the time in the world, I still feel like it is a race against the clock to piece together the clues of a crime. All the shows, movies, and books I’ve consumed are really coming in handy. 😉
The writing was splendid! I enjoyed the descriptions and imagery painted in my mind about the picturesque town of Shady Hollow. It sounds like a place I’d want to live in. The mystery, as you can imagine, kept me entertained the entire way through. The characters were charming, and it made me realize how much I like stories where the animals are the characters. I need to read more of them.
I definitely recommend reading this book, along with the other Shady Hollow mysteries because I’m sure they are as wonderful as this one! ❤
Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Death, murder & mentions infidelity.
Swearing: No
Spice: No
#MockingbirdCourt #NetGalley
February 28, 2026
bittersweet that this series is over, but I had a fun time, despite predicting the killer pretty early on hehe I'm here for the cuteness of the town that is shady hollow ♡
November 12, 2025
I loved this book so much and this series is one of my favorite series. its sad that this is the last book in the series but I can always go back and reread those books. There wasn't any book in the series I didn't like or didn't love
August 14, 2025
I loved this!! Rtc!!
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So excited to be able to jump right into this without pausing in the story! I’m loving this universe so much. Thank you to NetGalley and Juneau Black for the arc!!🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
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No way I just got the arc for this! Now I have to actually read and catch up lol
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So excited to be able to jump right into this without pausing in the story! I’m loving this universe so much. Thank you to NetGalley and Juneau Black for the arc!!🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
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No way I just got the arc for this! Now I have to actually read and catch up lol
July 28, 2025
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the e-ARC!
Mockingbird Court takes us back to Shady Hollow in the autumn. Vera Vixen has just gotten back from a trip to the city and is ready to relax and recover. Unfortunately, those plans are scrapped when author and nuisance Bradley Marvel shows up at her door, revealing that his editor was murdered in Marvel's apartment. While fleeing the city isn't a good look for Marvel, Vera also gets put in the hot seat when it is revealed that said editor was her former lover and blackmailer. Vera also had motive and opportunity. With pressure mounting, Vera must find out what REALLY happened at Mockingbird Court.
Sadly, this installment of Shady Hollow fell flat compared to previous books. I was looking forward to exploring more of the world, but unfortunately NONE of this book actually takes place in the city that we've heard so much about! Vera and friends solve the mystery from Shady Hollow after conducting interviews of two witnesses that had then made their way to the quiet town and getting a few clues dropped by the city detective.
The twist also didn't pack a punch like it has previously. While the culprit was predictable because we have a limited pool of suspects, the motive felt drawn out from nowhere. Overall, I'm hoping that the next novel brings the quality backup to what I'm used to with the first three installments.
Mockingbird Court takes us back to Shady Hollow in the autumn. Vera Vixen has just gotten back from a trip to the city and is ready to relax and recover. Unfortunately, those plans are scrapped when author and nuisance Bradley Marvel shows up at her door, revealing that his editor was murdered in Marvel's apartment. While fleeing the city isn't a good look for Marvel, Vera also gets put in the hot seat when it is revealed that said editor was her former lover and blackmailer. Vera also had motive and opportunity. With pressure mounting, Vera must find out what REALLY happened at Mockingbird Court.
Sadly, this installment of Shady Hollow fell flat compared to previous books. I was looking forward to exploring more of the world, but unfortunately NONE of this book actually takes place in the city that we've heard so much about! Vera and friends solve the mystery from Shady Hollow after conducting interviews of two witnesses that had then made their way to the quiet town and getting a few clues dropped by the city detective.
The twist also didn't pack a punch like it has previously. While the culprit was predictable because we have a limited pool of suspects, the motive felt drawn out from nowhere. Overall, I'm hoping that the next novel brings the quality backup to what I'm used to with the first three installments.
November 3, 2025
4.5* ... Sometimes I just feel like reading something lighthearted and whimsical, especially in the Fall when tackling a book with serious issues doesn't appeal to me. The Shady Hollow series fits that bill. This was absolutely an autumnal read ... but to be honest most of the books in the series have that vibe, really. In this latest installment Vera Vixen, the village reporter, investigates a murder that occurred in "The City" where she lived as a young kit. Oh yeah, she's a fox, just like all the other residents who are different forest creatures. However, they share the same problems as humans and it seems they get along well and live harmoniously ... well, with some exceptions, Lol. A murder mystery paired with the cozy setting is just delightful. If you feel like escaping to a sleepy village with lots of cute shops, a bookstore run by a crow and a diner run by a moose- this book supplies all of that. Here we are finally getting more of Vera's backstory of how she found herself in Shady Hollow and her relationship to the murder victim. Admittedly, I did guess the whodunit almost immediately which was kinda' disappointing. But that's not why I read cozies. Here I am prioritizing charming characters and atmosphere over complex plotting.
If you're someone who loved The Wind in the Willows as a kid and would like a more grown-up version (with a side of murder thrown in), I'd highly recommend this series. It was announced earlier this year that Mockingbird Court will be the final installment. This makes me so sad, as I've had such a good time with it. I will miss Shady Hollow and all my woodland book friends, but I also look forward to whatever Juneau Black creates next.
If you're someone who loved The Wind in the Willows as a kid and would like a more grown-up version (with a side of murder thrown in), I'd highly recommend this series. It was announced earlier this year that Mockingbird Court will be the final installment. This makes me so sad, as I've had such a good time with it. I will miss Shady Hollow and all my woodland book friends, but I also look forward to whatever Juneau Black creates next.
October 29, 2025
The final segment in this delightful cozy series of a town run by animals. I loved that the annoying Bradley Marvel showed up in town again!
June 22, 2025
I am a forever fan of Juneau Black's Shady Hollow series and the latest installment is no exception. While these books can be read as stand-alones, long-time readers of the series will enjoy the pay-off of getting a glimpse into Vera Vixen's past and how she landed in Shady Hollow. I am proud of myself for figuring out the story's antagonist (which is unusual for me with cozy mysteries) but the motives remained a mystery until Vera uncovered it all. While this book *could* be read as the conclusion to the series, I certainly hope it isn't. I really look forward to my time in Shady Hollow and hope that the authors share more installments with us in the years to come.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2025
This has been one of my favorite series and I’m so sad that this will be the end of the shady hollow series. Each book had a great mystery and cozy vibes. This one as well we saw all our favorite characters and more about Vera.
January 29, 2026
Probably the weakest entry in the series (imo). The plot twists have been pretty predictable throughout the series but this one wasn’t even a twist it was so obvious. Still had enjoyable bits but it’s probably for the better that the authors announced they’ll pause this series.
October 27, 2025
This book was so underwhelming. I was really hoping for cozy vibes and something that felt like a great conclusion to the series. The coziness was very minimal and the characters honestly felt flat and not compelling at all. 1.5 stars rounded up to 2 stars.
On reflection of the series as a whole, I think Shady Hollow and Twilight Falls were my favorite full length books of the series where Phantom Pond and Evergreen Chase were just flat out great and really enjoyable to read. The fact that the highest rating I have to a full length book in this series (Twilight Falls) is 3.75 I think is a good reason to not continue to read anything more from this author (authors) as everything else has been pretty much a straight 3 stars as best.
I think if you really enjoyed all of the other books in the series you will probably really enjoy this. To be honest I have pretty much just liked certain books in this series and I probably should have called it quits with the series a while ago, but I think cozy setting paired with mystery and woodland creatures always sounded delightful, so I pretty much just kept trying these books regardless. It is one of those things where this book just wasn’t for me.
On reflection of the series as a whole, I think Shady Hollow and Twilight Falls were my favorite full length books of the series where Phantom Pond and Evergreen Chase were just flat out great and really enjoyable to read. The fact that the highest rating I have to a full length book in this series (Twilight Falls) is 3.75 I think is a good reason to not continue to read anything more from this author (authors) as everything else has been pretty much a straight 3 stars as best.
I think if you really enjoyed all of the other books in the series you will probably really enjoy this. To be honest I have pretty much just liked certain books in this series and I probably should have called it quits with the series a while ago, but I think cozy setting paired with mystery and woodland creatures always sounded delightful, so I pretty much just kept trying these books regardless. It is one of those things where this book just wasn’t for me.
October 28, 2025
Overall alright. I was personally a little disappointed in the twist of who the killer was. At least my annoyance of Orville and Vera's relationship wasn't as bad as some of the previous books.
October 7, 2025
**Happy Publication Day!**
A cozy mystery series which utilizes anthropomorphism. Shady Hollow is a cute rural village where all the animals get along and help each other. Vera Vixen is a journalist who has just returned home from the big city where she conducted an interview. She soon learns she is a suspect in the murder of a book editor in the city and must prove her innocence. Her friends all pitch in to help.
I was able to jump into this sixth book in the series without any problem and would enjoy reading more. The fall season in the countryside is so beautifully described and the characters are interesting, likable and very 'humanlike' in their antics. The twist ending took me completely by surprise but was entirely plausible. BTW, Juneau Black is a joint pseudonym of Elizabeth Cole and Sharon Nagel, who also write books under their own names.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new mystery via NetGalley and introducing me to the series. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
A cozy mystery series which utilizes anthropomorphism. Shady Hollow is a cute rural village where all the animals get along and help each other. Vera Vixen is a journalist who has just returned home from the big city where she conducted an interview. She soon learns she is a suspect in the murder of a book editor in the city and must prove her innocence. Her friends all pitch in to help.
I was able to jump into this sixth book in the series without any problem and would enjoy reading more. The fall season in the countryside is so beautifully described and the characters are interesting, likable and very 'humanlike' in their antics. The twist ending took me completely by surprise but was entirely plausible. BTW, Juneau Black is a joint pseudonym of Elizabeth Cole and Sharon Nagel, who also write books under their own names.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new mystery via NetGalley and introducing me to the series. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
October 30, 2025
Another delightful addition to the Shady Hollow series! To be honest, I saw where the mystery was heading with this one right away, and it wasn't my favorite twist... still, I love this series so much. This book reveals some more insight into Vera's past, which I really enjoyed. The atmosphere of the small town, our cast of characters, and the nature of such a variety of animals living in harmony makes for such a charming series.
November 23, 2025
I have loved my time in Shady Hollow. These books are so cozy and fun and are a delightful armchair read. I’m sad to hear this is the final installment. They are really unique and I’ll have to find something to fill the Shady Hollow itch from now on.
January 21, 2026
Another wonderful installment in the series. It’s always a joy to head back to Shady Hollow.
September 29, 2025
The cutest, coziest mystery series ever I am so sad it’s over :(
August 5, 2025
Thank you to the Publishers and Net Galley for an e-arc! Once again the coziness in this series is unmatched! Mockingbird Court has a slightly darker tone in this book than the others but I still enjoyed every second of it and still got the cozy vibes that I was looking for. I need more Vera Vixen in my life. While this wasn’t my favorite of the series, it was still such a great time. I just love being in Shady Hollow with this cast of characters who I’ve gotten to know so well. I truly hope this series never ends.
November 11, 2025
I have to say I'm quite disappointed with this one...which pains me to say as such a fan of the series. It felt they went backwards, or the writing reverted or something. The mystery was so obvious it reminded me of the first couple books in the series, right down to the knife fight scenes with Vera in the woods with the respective killers. Which was endearing at first, but after the improvement with the last few in the series, this felt extra disappointing. It felt like most of the book was spent introducing new characters instead of spending time carving out exactly how our beloved characters of Shady Hollow are going to settle. So with this being the last in the series ("for now") that reaaaally disappointed me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2025
One of my favorite cozy mystery series! Such a great and bittersweet final book ❤️
Extra points in my eyes for Chloe McKibben, the cat lawyer. I literally screamed with joy when I saw the name in the character list
Extra points in my eyes for Chloe McKibben, the cat lawyer. I literally screamed with joy when I saw the name in the character list
February 13, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
I will always love this series! It’s my favorite escape. I liked getting more of Vera’s backstory in this latest installment 🦊. Although I did suspect the murderer pretty early on, I did not understand their motives until it was revealed. As always, I can’t gush enough about this series and how much I wish I could live in this world of woodland creatures, seasonally themed sweet treats, and friendly neighbors.
Also I just found out that this is the very last book they will publish in this series and I am devestated to say the least 😭
I will always love this series! It’s my favorite escape. I liked getting more of Vera’s backstory in this latest installment 🦊. Although I did suspect the murderer pretty early on, I did not understand their motives until it was revealed. As always, I can’t gush enough about this series and how much I wish I could live in this world of woodland creatures, seasonally themed sweet treats, and friendly neighbors.
Also I just found out that this is the very last book they will publish in this series and I am devestated to say the least 😭
December 5, 2025
I can't believe this is the final book in the Shady Hollow series! I don't think I could ever get enough of this series honestly.
Overall, this was a solid conclusion. I loved being back in the world and seeing some of our favorite characters. This series is just so cozy and feels like a warm hug. I was a little disappointed with the reveal - mainly because I didn't want it to be that person but oh well. I also am not sure how I feel with how it wrapped up the story because I just wanted more. I did enjoy learning more about Vera and her past tho.
Again, I could have more in this series and so sad its over!
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Thank you to the publisher for gifting me an arc copy. All thoughts are my own.
Overall, this was a solid conclusion. I loved being back in the world and seeing some of our favorite characters. This series is just so cozy and feels like a warm hug. I was a little disappointed with the reveal - mainly because I didn't want it to be that person but oh well. I also am not sure how I feel with how it wrapped up the story because I just wanted more. I did enjoy learning more about Vera and her past tho.
Again, I could have more in this series and so sad its over!
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Thank you to the publisher for gifting me an arc copy. All thoughts are my own.
March 19, 2026
I hope there ends up being more of these!
November 3, 2025
Honestly one of their more intriguing story lines! 3.5 rounded up, got a bit tired of the "true friendship and belonging" message being shoved down my throat lol
also yes i did solve this! wahoo!
also yes i did solve this! wahoo!
November 4, 2025
This is my comfort series 😌💕
November 24, 2025
So sad the series is done! ✅
I will miss this woodland and all of its inhabitants!
I will miss this woodland and all of its inhabitants!
March 3, 2026
brb moving to shady hollow bc they’ve obviously got some fun stuff going on there
finally guessed the culprit in this one! only took me 5 tries
finally guessed the culprit in this one! only took me 5 tries
October 9, 2025
Very sad to have finished the last Shady Hollow book. This world was so well built, and I think this book did a really good job of wrapping up Vera’s story. However, I wish there had been just a bit more Orville and Lenore - they were there plenty for the story itself, but with it being the last book, I would have enjoyed more scenes with them. That being said, their “goodbyes” were really well done. The mystery itself wasn’t the best in Shady Hollow, but it did line up well with common Shady Hollow themes, and I do feel it did a good job at highlighting Vera.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 431 reviews