What do you think?
Rate this book
Dead as a Dodo
Robin's life is in freefall over one weekend in April. On Friday, her fiancé Dustin calls off their wedding, on Saturday, she and her best friend Callie have a bonfire to burn everything but the dress, and on Sunday she moves from Dustin's apartment to her 80-year-old grandmother's house in the country.
She's looking forward to returning to work and normalcy as a massage therapist at Rejuvenate, a popular day spa in a Miami suburb, but when she arrives Monday morning, a shirtless dead body has been discovered in the salt therapy room.
The body belongs to one of her former clients. Six months ago, he'd been so obnoxious, she had to call the police on him, and because he's never worked with anyone else at the spa, it means Robin is the number one suspect.
Quickly, Robin decides she needs to figure out who murdered him. Being sent to prison makes Robin's disastrous weekend seem as trivial as a bad pedicure. The only bright spot in this increasingly dark picture is that Robin's favorite client Luca, a police officer with a bad back, believes Robin is innocent.
She's looking forward to returning to work and normalcy as a massage therapist at Rejuvenate, a popular day spa in a Miami suburb, but when she arrives Monday morning, a shirtless dead body has been discovered in the salt therapy room.
The body belongs to one of her former clients. Six months ago, he'd been so obnoxious, she had to call the police on him, and because he's never worked with anyone else at the spa, it means Robin is the number one suspect.
Quickly, Robin decides she needs to figure out who murdered him. Being sent to prison makes Robin's disastrous weekend seem as trivial as a bad pedicure. The only bright spot in this increasingly dark picture is that Robin's favorite client Luca, a police officer with a bad back, believes Robin is innocent.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2025
About the author
Shel Delisle
23 books140 followersWant to know about new releases? Sign up for the newsletter! http://eepurl.com/j29Vv
Shel Delisle lives in the land of Florida Man stories. She loves spending time in the Keys with her family and friends, including the imaginary ones from her novels.
You can also visit her at http://sheldelisle.com.
Shel Delisle lives in the land of Florida Man stories. She loves spending time in the Keys with her family and friends, including the imaginary ones from her novels.
You can also visit her at http://sheldelisle.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 8, 2025
Cute,clean, murder mystery fun. Great if you're looking for a murder mystery with no gory scenes and no "spice". Nice quick read with a fun plot.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book from the author via voracious readers only.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book from the author via voracious readers only.
January 6, 2026
A little shaky
After breaking up with her ex-fiance, who asked her to postpone their wedding to sometime in the future, Robin's week only gets worse when a past client of hers is found dead at her workplace. When she learns she is the main suspect, she and her best friend begin looking into the deceased life trying to find who wanted him dead. Through trial and error, and pure dumb luck, they pick up random clues to share with the lead detective.
For the most part, things moved along as expected. The ladies did a few things that most law abiding, non-stalking folks wouldn't do, and lived to tell about it.
After breaking up with her ex-fiance, who asked her to postpone their wedding to sometime in the future, Robin's week only gets worse when a past client of hers is found dead at her workplace. When she learns she is the main suspect, she and her best friend begin looking into the deceased life trying to find who wanted him dead. Through trial and error, and pure dumb luck, they pick up random clues to share with the lead detective.
For the most part, things moved along as expected. The ladies did a few things that most law abiding, non-stalking folks wouldn't do, and lived to tell about it.
May 14, 2025
I was lucky enough to win a copy of Dead as a Dodo, and what a delightful surprise it turned out to be! This cozy mystery introduces us to Robin, a massage therapist whose life takes a nosedive over one weekend—fiancé gone, wedding off, and a dead body showing up at her spa job. Talk about a rough Monday!
What really stood out to me was the strong bond between the women in the story. Robin's relationships with her best friend Callie and her 80-year-old grandmother were heartwarming and genuine. They had each other's backs through thick and thin, adding depth and warmth to the narrative.
The mystery itself was engaging, with enough red herrings to keep me guessing. Robin's determination to clear her name and find the real culprit made for a compelling read. The setting—a Miami suburb spa—added a unique twist to the typical cozy mystery backdrop.
While the plot was enjoyable, there were moments where I wished for a bit more complexity in the mystery-solving process. However, the character dynamics and the overall charm of the story more than made up for it.
Overall, Dead as a Dodo is a fun and heartwarming read that showcases the power of female friendships. I'm looking forward to seeing where Robin's adventures take her next
What really stood out to me was the strong bond between the women in the story. Robin's relationships with her best friend Callie and her 80-year-old grandmother were heartwarming and genuine. They had each other's backs through thick and thin, adding depth and warmth to the narrative.
The mystery itself was engaging, with enough red herrings to keep me guessing. Robin's determination to clear her name and find the real culprit made for a compelling read. The setting—a Miami suburb spa—added a unique twist to the typical cozy mystery backdrop.
While the plot was enjoyable, there were moments where I wished for a bit more complexity in the mystery-solving process. However, the character dynamics and the overall charm of the story more than made up for it.
Overall, Dead as a Dodo is a fun and heartwarming read that showcases the power of female friendships. I'm looking forward to seeing where Robin's adventures take her next
May 21, 2025
Great cozy short read pack full considering it being short i loved it, great quick ready murder mystery with funny qwerky bits and a little romance I like that it focus completely on the murder not the romance and great dog and officers luca great way to add abit if a backstory why ge became a officer.
March 17, 2025
This was a feel-good read. Not a lot of suspense, but I like the characters and it was set up well to encourage character development in the next books.
February 26, 2026
Robin "Birdie" Byrnes has been having a rough time recently. Her fiancé Dustin has put a hold on their wedding just as the expensive invitations were getting ready to go out. Robin lived with Dustin, so she broke off their relationship and moved her belongings out to her grandmother Mimi's farm. Her job as a massage therapist (don't you DARE call her a masseuse!) is also not smooth sailing. She comes in to work one morning to discover the police there. Apparently a former difficult customer of hers has been found dead inside the spa. He was banned from the premises after behaving inappropriately towards Birdie, so why was he there before the spa was even open for business? Unfortunately, it looks to the police like Birdie is the only one with a motive for murder.
I enjoyed reading about Birdie's adventures and seeing her close relationships with her grandmother, her best friend Callie, and the hunky massage customer/police officer Luca. Throw in an oversized, slobbering dog that needs a new home, and you have a cute and cozy mystery without too much violence. Some of the events in the book were a bit strange (such as the police immediately telling Birdie she's the prime suspect before they've even started an investigation) I'm looking forward to more of Birdie's adventures!
I received a copy of this book from a GoodReads giveaway.
I enjoyed reading about Birdie's adventures and seeing her close relationships with her grandmother, her best friend Callie, and the hunky massage customer/police officer Luca. Throw in an oversized, slobbering dog that needs a new home, and you have a cute and cozy mystery without too much violence. Some of the events in the book were a bit strange (such as the police immediately telling Birdie she's the prime suspect before they've even started an investigation) I'm looking forward to more of Birdie's adventures!
I received a copy of this book from a GoodReads giveaway.
January 10, 2026
Having only an ASIN this appears to be a self-published gem. I found it to be well edited with only minor proofreading error and realistic dialog.
The author provides a great sense of who the main characters are. She gives plenty of description and backstory without weighing down the story. Cleverly spread throughout, the reader picks up bits and pieces. There is a romance that is described as “sizzling” but the author writes a realistic slowing down of the romance. She has just been dumped by her finance days previous, so it feels natural. The supportive friend and and grandmother are wonderful. The addition of the dog and how she became part of the family was smooth.
Yes, the main character pushes the “too stupid to live” boundary. And there’s no lecturing by the detective about chain of custody when evidence is found by questionable means. It’s a cozy mystery. It is not a documentary.
I hope to see all the major characters in future books.
The author provides a great sense of who the main characters are. She gives plenty of description and backstory without weighing down the story. Cleverly spread throughout, the reader picks up bits and pieces. There is a romance that is described as “sizzling” but the author writes a realistic slowing down of the romance. She has just been dumped by her finance days previous, so it feels natural. The supportive friend and and grandmother are wonderful. The addition of the dog and how she became part of the family was smooth.
Yes, the main character pushes the “too stupid to live” boundary. And there’s no lecturing by the detective about chain of custody when evidence is found by questionable means. It’s a cozy mystery. It is not a documentary.
I hope to see all the major characters in future books.
June 15, 2026
Interesting
Birdie loses her fiancee, then burns all the wedding stuff except the dress an d the third day movies in with her very energetic 80 year old grandma. When she gets to work she finds that they discovered a dead body and tries to pin the murder on her. She goes out with Luca a copy she had been friends with. With her quirky grandma and her friend along with some police and a detectives things get interesting. This is a very good book. I want to read more by this author
Birdie loses her fiancee, then burns all the wedding stuff except the dress an d the third day movies in with her very energetic 80 year old grandma. When she gets to work she finds that they discovered a dead body and tries to pin the murder on her. She goes out with Luca a copy she had been friends with. With her quirky grandma and her friend along with some police and a detectives things get interesting. This is a very good book. I want to read more by this author
March 1, 2026
Great fast read!
Such a wonderful quick read, with characters you want to be in your life. Lots of laughs, thrills, some tears, and some scares. Great beach read, or tucked in a cozy chair on a rainy day.
Such a wonderful quick read, with characters you want to be in your life. Lots of laughs, thrills, some tears, and some scares. Great beach read, or tucked in a cozy chair on a rainy day.
April 1, 2026
Review based off a GoodReads giveaway. Being from Florida I really enjoyed the tropical vibe making me feel like I was right in the middle of all the drama. Robin was great at putting together all the clues to avoid incarceration and find the killer. I loved the adventure.
April 3, 2026
Definitely a winner !
My first Delisle book and I loved it. This book would make a good script for a movie. Both Birdie and her grammy, mimi, are winners. I especially like that Mimi can handle a shot gun well. Hehehe.
My first Delisle book and I loved it. This book would make a good script for a movie. Both Birdie and her grammy, mimi, are winners. I especially like that Mimi can handle a shot gun well. Hehehe.
July 15, 2026
I was framed!
my first time to read a book by this writer . I enjoyed the characters and the subdued Wit . There were twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end . A very good mystery .
.
my first time to read a book by this writer . I enjoyed the characters and the subdued Wit . There were twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end . A very good mystery .
.
August 18, 2025
I loved it! It was cute and quick to read. Just what I need after working all day.
October 17, 2025
a cozy mystery that is a quick read, lacks detail in some areas to really develop the story line, but good enough to be a "beach read" type book
February 23, 2026
Great start to a new series. Nice clean easy read. No gore and no smut. I appreciate an easy clean read to cleanse palette. I really enjoy this book and looking forward to more books
February 27, 2026
I enjoyed the story and the characters, but there were a lot of typos and even a misspelled brand name. That detracted from the experience.
June 17, 2026
Murder and love
Enjoyed the story. Birdy, Callie, and Mimi are good character who supported each other. The sheriff was a good cop to arrest who he did.
Enjoyed the story. Birdy, Callie, and Mimi are good character who supported each other. The sheriff was a good cop to arrest who he did.
October 8, 2026
Dead as a Dodo
I liked this book. I enjoyed the characters, especially Birdies and Mimi. I will look for another book by Shel Delise
I liked this book. I enjoyed the characters, especially Birdies and Mimi. I will look for another book by Shel Delise
August 28, 2026
Great mystery with some humor and romance added to make it an enjoyable read. Couldn’t put it down!
February 25, 2026
received a copy through a Goodreads giveaway. could not finish book. put it down after four chapters. book is very rushed, there is no building or fleshing out of the story or background. was an interesting enough blurb that I wanted to read it but the rapid fire sequence of events without building a story had me uninterested to continue.
March 7, 2026
**A delightfully entertaining cozy mystery with a clever whodunit, irresistible characters, and just the right amount of romantic intrigue!**
Shel Delisle's *Dead as a Dodo* is a wonderfully fun introduction to the world of Birdie Byrnes, a woman whose already disastrous week takes a decidedly murderous turn. First, her fiancé calls off their wedding. Then she moves in with her eighty-year-old grandmother. And just when she thinks she can return to the comforting routine of her job as a massage therapist, she discovers that a dead body at the spa has made her the prime suspect in a murder investigation. Talk about a terrible Monday!
What makes this mystery such a pleasure to read is its combination of suspense, humor, and genuine warmth. Birdie is a relatable protagonist whose determination to clear her name gets her into increasingly complicated situations. Rather than passively leaving everything to the police, she takes matters into her own hands, following the clues and trying to uncover the truth before her circumstances become considerably worse.
But the real charm of this story lies in its characters. Birdie's friendship with Callie provides a wonderful dose of loyalty and humor, while her relationship with her grandmother adds an especially entertaining dimension to the story. There's something delightful about an older character who refuses to fade quietly into the background, and the grandmother-granddaughter dynamic brings both heart and comic relief to the investigation.
The setting is another appealing feature. A day spa in a Miami suburb makes for a refreshingly different backdrop for a cozy mystery, and the Florida atmosphere adds personality to the story. The developing romance with Luca, a police officer who believes in Birdie's innocence, provides an additional layer of intrigue without overshadowing the central mystery.
I particularly appreciate cozy mysteries that understand the importance of character as much as plot. The twists, suspicious circumstances, and accumulating clues keep the reader guessing, while the friendships and romantic possibilities make you invested in what happens beyond the question of who committed the crime.
Delisle strikes an enjoyable balance between murder investigation and lighthearted entertainment. This is the kind of mystery that offers an escape from everyday life without sacrificing the pleasure of trying to solve a puzzle along with the protagonist.
Five stars for a charming, engaging, and thoroughly entertaining cozy mystery! *Dead as a Dodo* has all the ingredients of a delightful series opener: an appealing heroine, an unconventional grandmother, loyal friends, romantic possibilities, and a murder that needs solving. A wonderful choice for readers who love their mysteries served with humor, heart, and a few unexpected twists. I'm looking forward to seeing what adventures await Birdie Byrnes next! 🕵️♀️
Shel Delisle's *Dead as a Dodo* is a wonderfully fun introduction to the world of Birdie Byrnes, a woman whose already disastrous week takes a decidedly murderous turn. First, her fiancé calls off their wedding. Then she moves in with her eighty-year-old grandmother. And just when she thinks she can return to the comforting routine of her job as a massage therapist, she discovers that a dead body at the spa has made her the prime suspect in a murder investigation. Talk about a terrible Monday!
What makes this mystery such a pleasure to read is its combination of suspense, humor, and genuine warmth. Birdie is a relatable protagonist whose determination to clear her name gets her into increasingly complicated situations. Rather than passively leaving everything to the police, she takes matters into her own hands, following the clues and trying to uncover the truth before her circumstances become considerably worse.
But the real charm of this story lies in its characters. Birdie's friendship with Callie provides a wonderful dose of loyalty and humor, while her relationship with her grandmother adds an especially entertaining dimension to the story. There's something delightful about an older character who refuses to fade quietly into the background, and the grandmother-granddaughter dynamic brings both heart and comic relief to the investigation.
The setting is another appealing feature. A day spa in a Miami suburb makes for a refreshingly different backdrop for a cozy mystery, and the Florida atmosphere adds personality to the story. The developing romance with Luca, a police officer who believes in Birdie's innocence, provides an additional layer of intrigue without overshadowing the central mystery.
I particularly appreciate cozy mysteries that understand the importance of character as much as plot. The twists, suspicious circumstances, and accumulating clues keep the reader guessing, while the friendships and romantic possibilities make you invested in what happens beyond the question of who committed the crime.
Delisle strikes an enjoyable balance between murder investigation and lighthearted entertainment. This is the kind of mystery that offers an escape from everyday life without sacrificing the pleasure of trying to solve a puzzle along with the protagonist.
Five stars for a charming, engaging, and thoroughly entertaining cozy mystery! *Dead as a Dodo* has all the ingredients of a delightful series opener: an appealing heroine, an unconventional grandmother, loyal friends, romantic possibilities, and a murder that needs solving. A wonderful choice for readers who love their mysteries served with humor, heart, and a few unexpected twists. I'm looking forward to seeing what adventures await Birdie Byrnes next! 🕵️♀️
February 26, 2026
This was a fun, fast mystery read. I enjoyed the lightness of the book and the ease of following the story. The characters were delightful. Birdie, Luca, Callie, Stephens, and Mimi were all believable and likeable. I look forward to reading other books by this author. I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway .
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews