What do you think?
Rate this book
Where's the Quetzal?
Peg Howard has planned the perfect baby shower for her oldest daughter. But the return of Estelle and Roger Keaton disrupts her peace, reigniting old mysteries.
A chance discovery of a centuries-old shipwreck sets off a chain of events, thrusting Peg and her friends into a perilous game of deception. As they unravel the mysteries surrounding a rare quetzal bird, they uncover a plot that threatens their very lives.
With Detective Marcus Sharp and her mother-in-law Hazel by her side, Peg races against time to solve the mystery. But as she digs deeper, she realizes that some truths are better left buried.
In a tale full of twists and turns, Peg confronts her deepest fears, facing an adversary more cunning and unexpected than anyone anticipated. Join Peg and her friends on a journey through intrigue and peril, where bonds of friendship and family may be their only salvation. Will they uncover the truth before it’s too late, or will the past come back to haunt them all?
A chance discovery of a centuries-old shipwreck sets off a chain of events, thrusting Peg and her friends into a perilous game of deception. As they unravel the mysteries surrounding a rare quetzal bird, they uncover a plot that threatens their very lives.
With Detective Marcus Sharp and her mother-in-law Hazel by her side, Peg races against time to solve the mystery. But as she digs deeper, she realizes that some truths are better left buried.
In a tale full of twists and turns, Peg confronts her deepest fears, facing an adversary more cunning and unexpected than anyone anticipated. Join Peg and her friends on a journey through intrigue and peril, where bonds of friendship and family may be their only salvation. Will they uncover the truth before it’s too late, or will the past come back to haunt them all?
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2025
4 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Jen Dodrill
5 books156 followersJen Dodrill is living out her dreams on the pages of her books, bringing readers compelling stories of inspiration and hope for good times and bad.
As a mother of five, she cherishes the time she has now to tell her stories in between her honored role as Grandma, her passion for reading, and her adoration of all things coffee.
Her first book, Birds Alive! An Empty-nesters Cozy Mystery released in 2024. Book #2 in the series, Where’s the Quetzal, came out in February 2025. Book #3, No Egrets, will be published in 2026.
Jen has co-authored a novella collection, Trinity Sands Beach Club, with Deborah Sprinkle and Sharon H. Carpenter. It released June 17, 2025.
For more information about Jen, her books, and more, check out her blog: https://jendodrillwrites.com/ and connect with her on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jendodrillw...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenDodrillWr...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jen-Dod...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jen-d...
As a mother of five, she cherishes the time she has now to tell her stories in between her honored role as Grandma, her passion for reading, and her adoration of all things coffee.
Her first book, Birds Alive! An Empty-nesters Cozy Mystery released in 2024. Book #2 in the series, Where’s the Quetzal, came out in February 2025. Book #3, No Egrets, will be published in 2026.
Jen has co-authored a novella collection, Trinity Sands Beach Club, with Deborah Sprinkle and Sharon H. Carpenter. It released June 17, 2025.
For more information about Jen, her books, and more, check out her blog: https://jendodrillwrites.com/ and connect with her on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jendodrillw...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenDodrillWr...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jen-Dod...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jen-d...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 8, 2025
A wonderful cozy mystery with twists and turns.
This is a cozy mystery with so many twists and turns, I had no idea who really committed the crimes. And speaking of crimes, dead bodies turned up when least expected. This is the kind of juicy mystery you read while stuffing popcorn into your mouth. But be prepared to make a huge bowlful.
This is a cozy mystery with so many twists and turns, I had no idea who really committed the crimes. And speaking of crimes, dead bodies turned up when least expected. This is the kind of juicy mystery you read while stuffing popcorn into your mouth. But be prepared to make a huge bowlful.
February 19, 2025
As a late 40's empty nester easing into the " what now " phase of life, Jen's books drew me in. An assortment of characters ( fiesty Hazel reminds me of my late Aunt Bessie ,) animals ( love CB ,) and a new baby !
You'll find complicated family dynamics, friendships, humor, romance, terminal illness, mystery, symbolism, and the love of God throughout the pages .
While I do enjoy variety in a book, I feel there could be more of an ease and transition going from deep ,edge of seat subject matter ( example : murder , fear, ) to light hearted moments ( meal prep , new date excitement .)
Both 1 & 2 are full of adventures and vibrant storytelling . Her imagination and passion for writing, I feel, is as expansive as the Gulf itself !
You'll find complicated family dynamics, friendships, humor, romance, terminal illness, mystery, symbolism, and the love of God throughout the pages .
While I do enjoy variety in a book, I feel there could be more of an ease and transition going from deep ,edge of seat subject matter ( example : murder , fear, ) to light hearted moments ( meal prep , new date excitement .)
Both 1 & 2 are full of adventures and vibrant storytelling . Her imagination and passion for writing, I feel, is as expansive as the Gulf itself !
February 24, 2025
Peg and her Bird-watching group find another body (or 2)! She's in fast and deep to solve more mysterious deaths. Follow her and this eclectic crew of characters into all sorts of trouble along the way.
February 11, 2025
A cozy mystery with lovable characters. Hazel happens to be my favorite.
Between Peg and Hazel they are going to get into some predicaments and even after being warned they are still going to sleuth around.
This book was a clean fun read filled with humor, twist and sweet relationships. I was definitely pulled in and trying to figure out who done it.
Look forward to reading more from Jen Dodrill.
Between Peg and Hazel they are going to get into some predicaments and even after being warned they are still going to sleuth around.
This book was a clean fun read filled with humor, twist and sweet relationships. I was definitely pulled in and trying to figure out who done it.
Look forward to reading more from Jen Dodrill.
March 22, 2025
I enjoyed Where's the Quetzal, the second book in the Empty Nester series. In fact, I can't wait to read the third book! I felt very invested in the characters! They were quirky and delightful. I enjoyed going on adventures with them and solving mysteries. If you like cozy mysteries, check out Jen Dodrill's books!
I received a digital ARC of the book with no expectation in return. The opinions and comments above are mine alone.
I received a digital ARC of the book with no expectation in return. The opinions and comments above are mine alone.
April 19, 2025
As we join Peg for another sleuthing adventure (or several), her empty nest isn’t so empty anymore. Daughter Cynthia is home from the Navy for good and college-aged son Carter has moved back home for the summer. Add in Peg’s mother-in-law Hazel who’s still living there too (her home was severely damaged in a hurricane in the last book) with her quirky pets – a Weimaraner named Charlie Brown (CB for short) and Roscoe the parakeet – and Peg’s nest is decidedly full. She’s also about to become a grandmother via daughter Chloe, and we open the story with a baby shower… and some unwelcome news. Namely, that the culprits from the previous book are back in town, so Peg braces herself to look over her shoulder until they’re caught. Neither she nor I could have predicted the shocking turns this book takes though, and I loved never knowing what would happen next.
I mentioned in my review of the first book that Hazel grew on me from my initial frustrated impression of her. Well, in Where’s the Quetzal? she actually became my favorite character. There’s a car ‘chase’ scene that had me laughing out loud (it’s not completely a chase but … well… you’ll just need to read it for yourself to understand) and brought to mind an image of Hazel as Cloris Leachman’s character in the old Disney movie (and Booth family fave) “The North Avenue Irregulars”.
No, Hazel isn’t wearing whatever hair contraption is on Cloris’ head here but that expression on her face is what I imagine Hazel looked like when she growled out, “No one’s hurting my grandkids.” Anyway, I digress. Peg’s mother-in-law more than proves herself as a worthy co-sleuth once again, and I always loved it when she was in a scene. Of course I love Peg as well, and I had to laugh that she’s found yet another hunky guy to swoon over – in addition to the two she’s carried over from the previous book. I still have my preference for who she ultimately ends up with but I can easily be persuaded to change my mind. We’ll see where the author takes it!
Bottom Line: A missing quetzal, an increasing number of dead bodies, a discovered shipwreck, a bevy of plausible suspects, and more intriguing adventures show once again in Where’s the Quetzal? by Jen Dodrill that Peg’s innocent birding hobby is turning out to be a dangerous one! The characters are wonderful, the mystery itself is cleverly layered and well-plotted, and just when I thought I had things figured out another twist delightfully threw me for a loop. Peg’s personal life also takes her on a bit of a roller coaster ride in this book, from the thrill of becoming a grandmother to her heart-confusion in the romance department, and even to the agony of hard news about a friend, but one thing is sure: it’s a ride rooted in the grace of God (without being preachy), and I love that. (Side note: you CAN read Where’s the Quetzal as a standalone but it will spoil the outcome of the first book for you if you do, so I suggest starting with Birds Alive!.) Fans of entertaining cozy mysteries and engaging characters will love this series too!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
I mentioned in my review of the first book that Hazel grew on me from my initial frustrated impression of her. Well, in Where’s the Quetzal? she actually became my favorite character. There’s a car ‘chase’ scene that had me laughing out loud (it’s not completely a chase but … well… you’ll just need to read it for yourself to understand) and brought to mind an image of Hazel as Cloris Leachman’s character in the old Disney movie (and Booth family fave) “The North Avenue Irregulars”.
No, Hazel isn’t wearing whatever hair contraption is on Cloris’ head here but that expression on her face is what I imagine Hazel looked like when she growled out, “No one’s hurting my grandkids.” Anyway, I digress. Peg’s mother-in-law more than proves herself as a worthy co-sleuth once again, and I always loved it when she was in a scene. Of course I love Peg as well, and I had to laugh that she’s found yet another hunky guy to swoon over – in addition to the two she’s carried over from the previous book. I still have my preference for who she ultimately ends up with but I can easily be persuaded to change my mind. We’ll see where the author takes it!
Bottom Line: A missing quetzal, an increasing number of dead bodies, a discovered shipwreck, a bevy of plausible suspects, and more intriguing adventures show once again in Where’s the Quetzal? by Jen Dodrill that Peg’s innocent birding hobby is turning out to be a dangerous one! The characters are wonderful, the mystery itself is cleverly layered and well-plotted, and just when I thought I had things figured out another twist delightfully threw me for a loop. Peg’s personal life also takes her on a bit of a roller coaster ride in this book, from the thrill of becoming a grandmother to her heart-confusion in the romance department, and even to the agony of hard news about a friend, but one thing is sure: it’s a ride rooted in the grace of God (without being preachy), and I love that. (Side note: you CAN read Where’s the Quetzal as a standalone but it will spoil the outcome of the first book for you if you do, so I suggest starting with Birds Alive!.) Fans of entertaining cozy mysteries and engaging characters will love this series too!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
March 10, 2025
I really enjoyed the book in the beginning but, frankly, I was very disappointed by the middle, and frustrated and unhappy by the end. Peg really needs a psychiatrist. Dimples evidently distract and change her mind about men. When she’s really into investigating something, she forgets about everything, including lunch with her best friend after an appointment with her cancer doctor. She checks into a seedy motel (why), tosses her phone as asked but never thinks to buy a burner phone, doesn’t call people after a house fire, still drives Hazel’s car after knowing people are looking for her, and walks blindly into situations. Can’t make up her mind about Shorty (who said he would be there for her but worked on fixing a car and didn’t know her house burned and she was “hiding” with her family at Hazel’s and still stayed away), or Detective Marcus who either insults her or kisses her when she sneaks into his hospital room. Throw in Dr Harry, who is sweet, scary, weird, and has dimples. Oh my. Train wreck. No more for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2025
There are several things you might expect to happen on a bird watching trip, like hiking through natural areas, hearing a variety of bird songs and calls, or sharing experiences with other birders. But you probably wouldn’t expect to find a dead body.
Jen Dodrill has done it again. Her second book in the Empty Nesters Series, Where’s the Quetzal?, brings back lovable characters Peg, Hazel, Shortie, Marcus, and more. This book is an excellent follow-up to the first book in the series, Birds Alive.
While I enjoyed the roller coaster of twists and turns that truly had me guessing until the very end, my favorite feature of the book is its colorful cast of characters. I can’t wait to read the next one, especially since a few questions were left unanswered, and I simply must know what direction Peg decides to take in her love life.
So strap yourself in for another fun story complete with birding, empty nesters, murder, mystery, mayhem, and some romance.
Jen Dodrill has done it again. Her second book in the Empty Nesters Series, Where’s the Quetzal?, brings back lovable characters Peg, Hazel, Shortie, Marcus, and more. This book is an excellent follow-up to the first book in the series, Birds Alive.
While I enjoyed the roller coaster of twists and turns that truly had me guessing until the very end, my favorite feature of the book is its colorful cast of characters. I can’t wait to read the next one, especially since a few questions were left unanswered, and I simply must know what direction Peg decides to take in her love life.
So strap yourself in for another fun story complete with birding, empty nesters, murder, mystery, mayhem, and some romance.
February 25, 2025
I enjoyed reading about Peg, Hazel, Shortie, and the lovable pooch CB. Who would have thought anyone could get in so much trouble in a birding group?
This story really had it all--mystery, mayhem, family, faith, fun, friendship, tears, and more. For the most part, the story held my attention and kept me reading, and the culprit was definitely not who I expected. I did have a bit of trouble keeping some of the characters straight, and there were a couple places where the transitions seemed a bit abrupt, but all in all, an enjoyable story.
This story really had it all--mystery, mayhem, family, faith, fun, friendship, tears, and more. For the most part, the story held my attention and kept me reading, and the culprit was definitely not who I expected. I did have a bit of trouble keeping some of the characters straight, and there were a couple places where the transitions seemed a bit abrupt, but all in all, an enjoyable story.
February 27, 2025
After reading Jen Dodrill’s first book in the series, Birds Alive, I was excited to read Where’s the Quetzal, book 2 in the Empty Nesters Book series. It did not disappoint! It was hard to put down as I read about Peg and Hazel’s next adventure, as well as meeting some new characters along the way. She uses mystery, humor and intrigue to quickly draw you into their adventures. I’d highly recommend this series!
July 20, 2025
Absolutely loved this second book in the Empty-nesters Cozy Mystery series! It was such a great adventure. Jen does such a wonderful job at weaving a nail-biting story that keeps you guessing. I love her characters and the family connection makes it even more special. My thirteen year old daughter loved it as much as I did! Highly recommend it!
February 27, 2025
The birding group is at it again—finding dead bodies. Peg’s mother-in-law is still living with her and now her empty nest is refilling with her chicks, er, children. Marcus the cop is back, still suspicious of Peg, but maybe a little in love? Get set for another round of mayhem.
March 11, 2025
uI love Dodrill's sense of humor and her sleuthing partnership with her spunky mother-in-law. This book is also fun, clever, has a great ending and is a good continuation of her first in series but this also works fine as a stand-alone. It's an excellent cozy!
September 9, 2025
This was a great sequel to Birds Alive! with a lot of action and twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. I love the character development especially in Hazel. And that ending! No spoilers, I'll just say I can't wait to see what next for Peg and Hazel!
October 26, 2025
Lots is suspense in this one! Looking forward to book 3.
November 9, 2025
Love a good mystery, and this one was great! Wonderful book and it was told so well! An engaging story and I couldn’t put it down!
March 5, 2025
Empty nester Peg Howard's joy in becoming a grandmother is disturbed by the return of criminals Estelle and Roger Keaton. Peg, her mother-in-law Hazel, and the birding group are thrust into the mystery of the missing Quetzal and the deaths of two people somehow related to the mystery. Family moments, character quirks, and romance lighten the mood in this cozy mystery where Peg's life is endangered, and she faces the possible loss of those she holds dear. With interesting and varied characters, the plot moves forward with surprising twists that make you hold your breath.
April 11, 2025
Such a great, wholesome story with a wonderful mystery! Where’s the Quetzal continues the story of Peg & Hazel and their birding group, plus Detective Marcus Sharp & Lauree. This time, even Peg’s children are targeted as she rushes to find answers for yet another mystery. Where’s the Quetzal? Is a great continuation of Birds Alive! And I can’t wait for the last installment!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews