Death at Pelican Isle Estates: A Pelican Shores Cozy Mystery

Pelican Shores Cozy Mystery #1

by Bessie Barr

Come to Pelican Shores! This humorous cozy mystery is set in a vibrant Texas island community where a midlife fresh-start turns into a high-stakes murder investigation. This clean, cozy mystery is free from cussing and bedroom activities PLUS, it has RECIPES and MAPS!

Finn Dockrey is thrust into her new beach life at Pelican Isle Estates as the Welcome Party honoree. It's three cheers to new friends, awesome food and... a lifeless body at the bottom of the stairs!

Finn, Birdie and the party guests plummet into a perplexing murder scene.

When the alleged victim appears at the top of the stairs, pandemonium ensues. Whose body is lying in the pool of blood at the bottom of the stairs?

Enter handsome detective, Pace Stringfellow, who makes his expectations very clear. Finn will keep her nose out of the case.

But the story doesn't add up, and Finn is helpless in steering clear of the investigation.

Too many people have appeared in the gated Pelican Isle Estates, and too many motives surface.

Shady New York mobsters. An "always present" voluptuous (and gold-digging) model looking for her next husband. Long-hidden family secrets and rumors of corruption and blackmail.

Finn knows there's more to the story.

The killer is out for vengeance.

Will Finn and her crew help crack the case before the next body surfaces?

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery

140 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2025

About the author

You found me! I'm Bessie!

I love reading and writing, particularly with a cup of Lady Grey tea and an orange-glazed scone. This word-loving discovery started as a youngster. Picture this: 8 years old. A quiet corner of a quiet room. Beanbag. Thunderstorm booming. My first mystery. A brother and sister crime-solving duo, attempting to scale the slippery stone walls of an old, spooky estate. I was hooked!

I still love a good cozy mystery. And so, I naturally leaned into this genre as my life pivoted to allow more creativity!

Also, I am a wife to my highschool sweetheart, mom to 3 adult kids, and groveling attendant to 2 entitled cats and a wet-nose-nudging dog. I am blessed to call the beach my home & thankful for the creativity it spurs. Many a plot develops at the rising of the Texas sun over the gulf coast— just saying!

I hope you love Bessie Barr Cozy Mysteries as much as I love writing them!

Find my Facebook Bessie Barr Books for a F•R•E•E novella!

Reviews

[Tambi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold onto your sun hats, folks, because "Death at Pelican Isle Estates" by Bessie Barr is a cozy mystery that drives straight down the fairway of intrigue and lands right on the green of suspense. As the first book in the "Pelican Shores Cozy Mystery" series, it introduces us to Finn Dockrey, who is looking for a fresh start in the scenic, gated community of Pelican Isle Estates on the Texan island of Pelican Shores. But what starts as a warm welcome quickly turns into a chilling puzzle when a lifeless body makes an appearance at her welcome party, only for the victim to reappear moments later, very much alive. So, who’s the real dead stranger?
Finn, with her heart-aching past and a knack for sleuthing, dives headfirst into this perplexing case, despite being warned off. But she isn’t alone in her quest. Birdie, her best friend and partner in crime-solving, is by her side every step of the way. Then there's Beau, the Golden Retriever who doubles as both a loyal companion and an essential player in the story. And let’s not overlook Pace Stringfellow, the detective who forces Finn’s romantic tension to surface, adds an almost-there subtle layer of romance to the mystery, even as he insists she should stay out of his way. The addition of the colorful cast of secondary characters, from New York mobsters to a gold-digging model, keeps the stakes high and the pages turning. The harmonious blend of this cast makes it effortless to cheer for Finn and her group in every regard.
The clever musical references that contained irony within the specific song titles (which were not lost on me) added an extra layer of depth to the spot-on pacing that never missed a beat. This book kept me anchored to my seat, eagerly flipping pages with anticipation. Each chapter unfolded carefully, revealing a new layer of mystery that deepened my intrigue. Just when I felt like the answers were finally within reach, another unexpected twist would emerge, tangling the plot in a way that left me delightfully frustrated and yearning for more. With every twist and turn, Bessie Barr expertly weaves a tapestry of suspense that kept me guessing until the very end. Just when I thought I had the ending figured out, this author pulled...no, yanked, the rug from under me with masterful skill! The twists have twists with another layer of twist!
If you're surfing for an unforgettable adventure in the cozy mystery genre, "Death at Pelican Isle Estates" is a must-read. This story is as unpredictable as a rip current and promises to keep you on the edge of your beach chair. Don't miss your chance to dive into this wave-crashing mystery!

[Chris Benetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death at Pelican Isle Estates delivers everything cozy mystery fans could want: a charming island setting, an engaging amateur sleuth, colorful suspects, and a murder mystery packed with surprises. Finn Dockrey is a likable protagonist whose curiosity makes her impossible not to root for, even when she's repeatedly warned to stay away from the investigation.
The story moves at a brisk pace, balancing humor with suspense while introducing a cast of characters who each seem to have something to hide. The mystery itself keeps readers guessing, and the Texas coastal backdrop adds a refreshing atmosphere that makes Pelican Shores feel like a place you'd actually want to visit assuming there aren't any murders taking place.
The inclusion of recipes and maps is a wonderful bonus that enhances the cozy reading experience. Fans of clean mysteries, quirky communities, and clever amateur investigations will find plenty to enjoy here.
A fun and satisfying cozy mystery that leaves readers eager for their next visit to Pelican Shores.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finn Dockery is thrilled to be moving into her new home in the Pelican Isle Estate. Unfortunately, Finn’s welcome party will end when a dead body is discovered at the foot of some stairs, and the apparent victim is very much alive. Finn, along with her friend Birdie will begin their own investigation into the death, but Detective Pace Stringfellow will quickly make it clear that Finn needs to stop investigating. But will some unsavory strangers in town, and motives pointing to several people, Finn is determined to find the culprit before some else ends up dead.

Excellent fast-paced cozy mystery with wonderfully written and sometimes quirky characters that kept me engrossed in their story from the first page. I very much enjoyed this book and recommend it to other fans of this genre.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book that I received from Book Sprout.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun cozy mystery with lots of twists and turns and a really good protagonist in Finn Dockrey and of course, her Golden, Beau. Having visited Pelican Isle Estates previously and solved a murder, she decided to buy a house there and during her welcoming party, there is a death . Of course, Finn becomes the suspect and has to clear her name. With so many twists and turns that keep you guessing, you will be surprised at the ending. This is a fast paced, page turning mystery that keeps you totally engaged and entertained. I can't wait to see what is next for Finn. I highly recommend this book. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Marietta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellant written book about Finn Dockey moving to Pelican Isle Estates to try and start a new life for herself and make a few new friends. But at the welcome to the neighbour hood a murder is committed and Finn become one of the prime suspects. So she try to figure out who the murderer is again. There are a few other people who could be the murderer but it is trying for Finn to figure it out before she ends up being sent to jail for a murder that she did not commit. I love how she goes about trying to clear her name. While she looks for a place to set up a place for herself to sell her painting and pottery. If you enjoy a good clean mystery this is just right for you.

[Baby Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to what is going to be an amazing cozy mystery series. The characters of Finn, Birdie, Beau and Queen Bean fit perfectly. Finn was looking for some peace after losing her husband and thought that moving to Pelican Shores was exactly what she and Beau Needed. Well after moving into her new home at the Pelican Isles Estate, Finn realizes quickly that life in her new town was going to bring her and Beau, her magnificent golden retriever, a life of amateur sleuthing, crazy moments, wacky twists and turns, forever friendships, and a possible romance with the handsome detective Pace Stringfellow. I am ready to delve deeply into the rest of the books in this series as I am hooked!!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn Dockrey buys a house in Pelican Isle Estates. She visited the previous year and solved a murder. When she gets an inheritance from a relative she decides to buy a house there. Her friend Birdie lives on the beach. At a welcome party the realtor’s , Dixie’s, twin sister Trixie is found dead. Finn is being framed so she decides she must solve the murder with some help from Birdie. The surprises in this book keep coming. Very enjoyable read.

I received an advance review copy, ARC, for free and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review.

[Hillary Gurrola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finn Dockery has recently moved to Pelican Isle Estates with the hope of a fresh start and is searching for a property to sell her artwork and teach art classes. While attending a welcome party, a murder occurs and she quickly becomes a suspect. Finn has just 48 hours to clear her name in this fast paced and enjoyable mystery.

I loved the twist and was surprised at whodunnit. I look forward to more adventures with this amateur sleuth.

I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[G. Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just started this book yesterday evening and I finished it this morning. I really liked this book. The jest of the story is Finn, the main character after checking out her new place, looks for Birdie a women she met before. Finn starts to get requested with the area and her new house, let's invited you house warming party and then trouble strikes and in her mind she has to find out what happened. What a trip, I suggest you check this book out so you can read everything she went through to solve this murder. What a time, and happy reading.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a welcome to Finn and Beau to their new home. Who would have thought that her welcome party ends with a death?
A really wonderful cozy mystery with a few laughs and more twists and turns than you can imagine. The characters are quirky but helpful, so that you feel like you are among friends. A wonderful book to read and enjoy!.

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

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great cozy mystery packed with intrigue and charm in a small town. Finn has just moved to town and when she goes to a party, a guest is found murdered. While working to find the murderer, she deals with unexpected twists, gossip and suspicious neighbors. The story has a great beach setting, heartwarming friendships and humor. The ending is great. I received an ARC copy of the book and this is my honest review.

[Regina Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death at Pelican Isle Estates

Lovely scenery, interesting characters, warm welcome, and a beautiful start to a new life are just what Finn Dockrey needed as she approached her new home. Bessie Barr really knows how to open a story! There is a welcome party, a murder and a lot of finger-pointing leading to Finn being calledy 'Shorelock Holmes' by her new best friend. Will she unravel the mystery before she, herself, gets arrested? Read the book and find out!

[J And · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Fun Read!

I have read 3 Pelican Isle books from Bessie Barr so far, and they are all excellent and fun-to-read mysteries. Finn and Birdie are wonderful, Sheriff Stringfellow is an excellent police officer, and it's easy to get caught up in the story. Start reading already!

[Amanda Reads Cozies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely will be continuing this series. There’s a map at the beginning! As someone who struggles to “see” things in my head, and by struggle, I mean I don’t, graphics are major for me. Finn and Birdie are friendship goals. I was drawn in and found it a fun, easy read; which is exactly what I’m looking for in my cozies.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

an enjoyable cozy mystery

This tells the story of new comer, Finn, and her friend, Birdie as they try to sort through clues that will help them find a murderer. It is set in a small ocean-side town in a closed community for the well-off home owners. It was entertaining and the end was quite surprising.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book from this author and I enjoyed it as much as the first. The characters are fun and the mystery is well written and not too easy to solve. I look forward to reading more about Finn and her adventures.

[Tg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Bessie Barr has a definite hit at her hands. This book is thoroughly enjoyable, offers captivating characters, and provides a full dose of mystery. It’s a novel that will leave you on the edge of your seat as you try and solve the mystery yourself.

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book! The books storyline will keep you guessing who did it. I can't wait to see what happens next. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Linda Whitenight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn moves to Pelican Estates and of course she finds a body. So of course she is going to investigate and figure out what happened even though she has been warned to stay away from the investigation. Can she figure it out in time?

[Karen Ringel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but very engaging read. I will pick up Book 2. There are hints of a prior solved mystery and I think there might be a prequel available with a sign-up to the author's newsletter. I suspect that provides some extra backstory hinted at in Book 1, but you don't need it to enjoy this book.

[Amy Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunny, light-hearted, and straight to the point! I enjoyed this cozy mystery very much and look forward to Finn's future adventures on the island with her cute pup, Beau.

Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anne Pyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fun characters! I enjoyed following the clues with them. I’m looking forward to more from this author.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read the first one yet, but after reading the second one, I am going to go back and catch up. Good story and characters. I was wrong on who I thought the villain was. Recommend reading.

[Marseydoats · Rating 4 out of 5]

This new writer has a lot of potential. I really love her characters and her writing style.

[Tawana Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished this book it was wonderful I just love the characters.

[Douvonté · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Darlene Dunat · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story

I loved this little mystery. Great storytelling with a plausible scenario. I will definitely read more stories by this author.

[Marie Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

Great story. Fantastic characters. Quick moving story. Love the location and way characters react with one another. Can't wait to go on to the next one

[Jennifer L Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly Enjoyable!

Great cozy mystery that's not too long. Looking forward to learning more details about the characters (and the pets!) in future books.

[Beth Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I love this book. The characters are loveable. The murder is complex. The suspects are all looking guiltier by the minute.