Blaze Orange: A Midcoast Maine Mystery

by Allison Keeton

Raven Ouellette, owner of Pine Acres Cabins in Secretly, Maine, takes a break from Thanksgiving preparations to walk her dogs in the woods. When Lily, the labrador, runs off the path, Raven stumbles upon the remains of a neighbor who wasn’t wearing a blaze orange hat or vest, a standard precaution during hunting season.

With assistance from quirky coastal townies, including her estranged father, Raven can’t resist digging into her neighbor’s past. Her husband, Marcel, the county sheriff, warns her to stay out of it as he investigates with help from the new assistant district attorney, who just happens to be his former girlfriend.

Raven’s fight to save her marriage, and her resistance to her father’s love swirl together with secret hiding places, love triangles, leftover turkey, and a prize-winning owl photograph. Will it all lead to her neighbor’s killer, or cost her everything she loves?

Genres: Mystery

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2025

Reviews

[Kathlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blaze Orange is a captivating debut novel in the Midcoast Maine Mystery series, and it completely exceeded my expectations. As an ARC reader, I was excited to dive in, and I quickly found myself unable to put it down.

What stood out most to me were the dynamics between the characters. Every relationship—whether familial, romantic, or platonic—felt authentic and layered. The characters themselves were well-developed, each with distinct personalities and motives that added depth and intrigue to the story.
The setting was another highlight. Allison’s vivid descriptions transported me straight to the picturesque yet mysterious Maine coastline. I felt like I was right there, piecing together clues alongside the characters. The immersive atmosphere truly elevated the reading experience.

As for the mystery, it unfolded masterfully. Allison kept me guessing with so many twists and turns, making the reveal of the murderer both surprising and satisfying. But what I appreciated even more was how the story explored meaningful themes, such as parental relationships, marriage, and the complexities of human connection, without detracting from the central mystery.

If you’re a fan of character-driven mysteries with rich settings and thoughtful themes, Blaze Orange is a must-read. I can’t wait to see what the next installment in the Midcoast Maine Mystery series has in store!

[Kame · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Book For An Afternoon Curled Up In Your Favorite Chair

Raven is out for a walk in the woods with her dogs when one of them follows a scent off the path and uncovers human remains.

Blaze Orange is a cozy mystery set in mid coast Maine. Anyone who has spent time in Maine will recognize locations. The characters are filled with personality and will occasionally make you chuckle. An easy to follow plot with an ending I didn’t expect make this a great read when you just want to curl up in a chair for a relaxing afternoon.

I look forward to book 2!

[Cori Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Blaze Orange” is an engaging and intricately plotted murder mystery set against the backdrop of Maine’s rugged beauty. The characters are rich, layered, and wonderfully complex, making them a delight to get to know as the story unfolds. The setting and suspense kept me hooked from start to finish. Full disclosure: I’m a bit biased since I’m honored to be included in the book’s dedication, but even without that connection, this is a story I’d recommend to any mystery lover. It’s a standout read that captures both the thrill of the chase and the depth of human relationships.

I can’t wait to find out more about Raven and her father and hunky husband.

[Jaime Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading this book! It was well thought out. The characters are amazing. Each unique in their own way.
Secretly could be any small coastal fishing town in Maine, with their mom-and-pop stores, where everyone knows your name. A safe place to call home, until...the unthinkable happens. Raven finds herself caught up in something she never imagined. Will she get herself in too deep and put her life in danger? The author, Allison Keeton, created a murder mystery with twists and turns and an ending that I did not expect!
Take the time to read Blaze Orange. You will not be disappointed.

[Matthew Cost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allison Keeton has created a setting in the fictional Maine town of Secretly that is one of the strongest characters of the book. The dynamics of the locals, those from away, and the secrets all swirl together to make a rich chowder of the New England variety. Through this wonderful setting strides Raven Ouellette, business owner, wife to the local law, and daughter to a former Boston cop who deserted her and her mother, only to return in her adult years wanting to make amends. The setting is luscious and gritty, the characters are real with flaws, and the plot speeds rapidly toward a dizzying conclusion like the toboggan races in Camden. Don't just read this book, immerse yourself.

[Janet Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good mystery novet set in rural Maine. When Raven Ouellette and her dogs find a dead body in the woods, it sets off conflict at home.
Husband Marcel, the county the sheriff, tells her to stay away from his case. But does she listen? Of course not. After all, SHE found the man from away, one Raven had met just a month earlier
While the two go their separate ways to solve the mystery, Raven has much more to deal with in her personal life. Has the new district attorney (and Marcel's ex-girlfriend) set her sights on him?
Then there's Raven's long absent father, who suddenly wants to play a role in her life.
As the clues mount up, so does rhe tension in what I hope will be a series with its interesting and diverse characters.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this cozy murder mystery with actually relatable characters and surprisingly realistic dialogue. The true crime part of me was kind of upset at the casual mishandling of a crime scene by random townspeople and law enforcement, but then I remembered how actual law enforcement often handles actual crime scenes and it's not the most unrealistic thing.

The ending did feel rushed considering this doesn't feel like a book that wants or needs a sequel, but it was a satisfying closure that I think wraps everything up nicely.

Thank you to Goodreads for the advanced reader copy and I look forward to reading some more Allison Keeton in the future.

[Dot C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a real page turner! It is the kind of book I love; an interesting story line with a challenge to figure out who done it before the book does its reveal. The setting is in a small town in Maine where everyone knows everyone really well (or at least they think they do). They also think they have the out-of-staters figured out. But when a relatively unknown Maine transplant is killed, could it possibly be a local or is an out of stater responsible? And why???

The pace of this novel was spot on. I would come to the end of a chapter and think "just one more" before finally putting the book down. The backstory of the people, especially of Raven and her husband and father, provided just enough personal interest without distracting from the mystery itself. And you will surely feel you are walking through the Maine woods in winter. Maybe with a dog or two.

So great mystery, fabulous setting, interesting characters. Enjoy this book! And the good news is that we have more books from this author coming. I can't wait.

[J Hayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The quiet coast of Maine is an unlikely setting for a cozy mystery, but the author has set the tone for a great read. Curl up in front of the fire, or on the sun porch and watch as a peaceful seacoast town gets involved in its “murder of the century”. In an interesting juxtaposition between the old local families and the newcomers “from away” a newcomer is murdered and two locals go missing. Raven and her husband the sheriff, both locals of long standing, need to get to the bottom of all this while dealing with Thanksgiving dinner, guests arriving at Raven’s rustic cabin resort and neighbors who want to “help”. Raven sets out for a walk with her two energetic dogs in a local nature preserve and the story begins. Sit back and enjoy an enchanting tale from Maine.

[KJ Kenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing and suspenseful.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Blaze Orange, Allison Keeton’s debut novel. The intriguing, cozy mystery set in a Maine winter wonderland tells a suspenseful story of deception in a small town. Raven’s life is filled with challenges, but when she stumbles on an unfortunate tragedy, it’s just the distraction she needs. Joined by a cast of colorful locals, Raven maneuvers through a series of jumbled clues that lead her to an unthinkable revelation. Allison's story provides a unique glimpse into the serene and yet salacious lives of Mainers in the town of Secretly. Her accessible, descriptive writing style engages the reader, encouraging them to turn the page to see what’s next. I’m looking forward to the next release.

[A · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is about a cop’s wife who (with her father & friend) tries to solve a murder in a small town in Maine. There were several characters, none of whom are very likeable. Infidelity, or suspicion of it, was common amongst them. And the main character has a lot of emotional baggage. I didn’t care for the story or the sub-plots, nor the fact that the book ended with some unresolved issues.
I won a free copy of this book (thanks to the author & publisher!) and am voluntarily providing an honest review.

[Sandy Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allison is a talented writer, developing a story and characters that are truly engaging (and entertaining). I read this book because a book group in my area in Maine suggested it, AND, we got to meet Allison at our discussion! I asked a lot of questions because I was so interested in how she wrote and what inspired her. It was a delight to find out that many of her inspirations came right from the area we live in. If you want a good read and to feel like you're really in Maine, please pick up a copy of this book!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I understand this is the first in a series and I do think it has potential even though I was not impressed with this first entry. The setting is a good one , the storyline is common and the characters need to be developed more but that will happen in subsequent books.

Thank you Goodreads and Amazon kindle for the ARC.

[Cheryl Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeton has done it! Great opening chapter, relatable/likeable main character, fun townie extras, slightly gory murder, followed by twists and turns as Raven Ouellette sleuths her way to finding the killer. Authenticity and the author's command of the story make this a great read. It's Raven's relationships, though, that make the mystery pop.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Blaze Orange. Allison Keeton is a new author to keep your eye on. The characters are entertaining and well written. Who doesn’t love a mystery and a mystery it was to the very end. I would look forward to a sequel with this cast of characters

[Dick Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery pulls you right in. Great character development Surprise ending. There are some strings left untied. Will there be a sequel?

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery with a captivating plot & interesting characters!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blaze Orange was a really fun mystery read! I loved the connection to the landscape and culture on the Maine coast and I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and engaging! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and looking forward to reading more by Allison Keeton.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who lives in midcoast Maine, I love the representation in this book. Was hooked from the beginning and enjoyed how the mystery played out. Can't wait for the next one!

[Ben G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would consider this book to be a cozy mystery. You feel like you belong in small town Maine with the intimate details throughout the story. Proper character progressions leaves you feeling satisfied, yet hungry for more. Definitely want to read more.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great introduction to a new author.
I really loved this book! Allison grabs your attention and keeps it throughout the book! I can’t wait for the next one!