Monkey Shenanigans & A Midnight Murder: A Howdunit Gripping Cozy Thriller Prequel

Bed & Breakfast Cozy #.5

by Peyton Stone

A murdered woman on a mountain trail. A detective's perfect alibi. And one innkeeper who swears she saw him kill her.

When Adelaide Patterson's body is found with a knife in her chest behind Mountain Acres Bed & Breakfast, owner Avery Jensen knows exactly who the killer is—Detective Charlie Winthrop, the same man who checked in with the victim the night before.

The same man screaming at Adelaide in their suite at 1 A.M.

The problem?

Six police officers claim they witnessed Winthrop arrest a drunk across town at the time of the argument and subsequent killing.

Someone has orchestrated the perfect murder, manipulating time itself to create an unbreakable alibi.

Now, Avery's questions are drawing the wrong kind of attention.

In a small town where even the walls have ears, she's uncovering secrets someone would kill to keep silent.

...And the mountain holds plenty of places to hide another body.

Some mysteries are better left unsolved—particularly when the detective is the killer.

A gripping howdunit cozy thriller about how far someone will go to maintain a perfect façade, and the one woman brave—or foolish enough—to tear it all down—especially when there's a sticky-fingered monkey to protect.

106 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2025

Reviews

[Kay Cobbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Monkey Shenanigans and a Midnight Murder" serves as the delightful prequel to Peyton Stone’s “Bed and Breakfast” series, introducing readers to the spirited Avery Jensen and her mischievous Capuchin monkey, Ali. This charming cozy mystery offers a fresh twist on the genre, blending humour, intrigue, to produce a cleverly crafted whodunit.

When one of Avery’s guests, Adelaide Patterson, is murdered, Avery is certain she knows the killer—but proving it is another matter. The prime suspect has an airtight alibi, leaving Avery to piece together how the crime was committed. With the help of her loyal friends, Jess and Elle, and the unintentional assistance of Ali (whose kleptomaniac tendencies unearth a crucial clue), Avery races to uncover the truth.

Peyton Stone crafts an engaging mystery with a well-paced plot, witty dialogue, and a cast of endearing characters. Avery is a relatable and determined protagonist, while Ali’s antics add a playful, unexpected layer to the investigation. Though this prequel perfectly sets the stage for the rest of the series, it also stands solidly on its own, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned cozy mystery fans and newcomers alike.

Lighthearted yet suspenseful, “Monkey Shenanigans and a Midnight Murder” is a thoroughly enjoyable read that promises more fun and intrigue to come in the “Bed and Breakfast” series. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a clever, entertaining mystery with a dash of monkey business!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and booksirens for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Monkey Shenanigans & A Midnight Murder is a cozy whodunnit that keeps you guessing until the very end. This prequel to the Bed & Breakfast Murder Mysteries series is packed with suspense, intrigue, and a surprising touch of humour—thanks to a sticky-fingered monkey. The story follows Avery Jensen, a bed-and-breakfast owner who finds herself entangled in a chilling murder case when Adelaide Patterson is discovered dead behind her establishment. The prime suspect? Detective Charlie Winthrop—a man with a seemingly unbreakable alibi.

Avery is a compelling sleuth—sharp, determined, and courageous enough to question authority when the evidence doesn’t add up. The side characters enrich the world, adding tension and humour. The story's setting—the secluded bed-and-breakfast tucked away in the mountains—adds an eerie yet cozy atmosphere, enhancing the suspense . The story crafts a mystery that challenges Avery , unravelling secrets in a small town where danger lurks in the most unexpected places.

If you’re a fan of small-town murder mysteries with strong female leads, clever twists, and a touch of animal mischief, Monkey Shenanigans & A Midnight Murder is a must-read. It’s the perfect blend of cozy mystery and suspense, with just enough danger to keep you on your toes.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has someone imbibed one too many as four witnesses say that the man is innocent of the crime ….Avery has enough to contend with but when woken at 1am because of shenanigans that aren’t her capuchin doing but trouble brewing between two checked in guests at Mountain Acres her B&B Now ones checked out in the biblical sense and the other has an alibi even though this was quite clearly heard by herself and what’s more the victim had a premonition of the event ,what just is happening at the B&B? Well it’s a surefire mystery. Addilaide patterson’s demise it seems to be no surprise . She’s found dead with a knife stuck in her behind the inn and Detective Charlie Winthrop checked in with her last night and had a spat at 1am so he must have done her in. And what’s more to add to the tale is her capuchin monkey’s incessant chatter and pilfering ways . Has her left right and sideways in a muddle. Well there’s always time for a cuddle which is just as well because her monkey wants one as well . What’s amiss and is all answered with a monkey’s kiss. Or for once does the capuchin assist her in this? Great work Peyton . It’s perfectly penned . I welcome these characters of your’s as friends. Love them no end . Great writing ,simply divine storyline and your storytelling is compelling too ,there’s nothing you can’t write . An absolute delight!

[Willow Poteet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is so full of mystery that I couldn't stop reading!
Avery Jensen is the owner of the Mountain Acres Bed & Breakfast, having inherited it after her parents passed. Avery's pal is a kleptomaniac Capuchin monkey, Ali, who is full of surprises.
When Adelaide Patterson and her friend, David, check in to the B&B, Avery can't help but feel that something about the couple is “off”.
The next morning, after hearing a heated argument between the couple, Avery goes to check on them and gets no response.
Her friends, Jess and Elle, arrive for a visit and the friends decide to go on a hike to enjoy the beautiful day. At the end of the trail, they find Adelaide- murdered by a knife in her chest.
When the police arrive, Avery is shocked to see that the detective in charge is the same man that checked in with Adelaide the night before, using a different name and acting like he and Avery never met.
This was a totally different cozy and I loved it!
I especially loved the sassy Capuchin, Ali!
The author kept my brain going the whole time, something I really like.
I highly recommend this prequel to the Bed & Breakfast series!
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and I am happy to leave this voluntary review!

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic prequel to the A Bed and Breakfast Cozy Mystery Series. Murder, conspiracies and cover-ups take you on a twisting, roller coaster ride to the fantastic end. Avery Jensen is the owner of Mountain Acres Bed & Breakfast along with her side kick, Ali, a kleptomaniac monkey. It begins with Avery checking in a couple, David and Adelaide who had a screaming match at 1am, waking Avery. The next morning, both were gone. But when Avery took a walk on the trail, she runs into a dead Adelaide, stabbed to death. When she calls the police, David shows up for the investigation and Avery knows something is wrong. He is the same man who checked in with Adelaide the night before and had the screaming match. But with 6 other officers vouching for David, saying he made an arrest at a bar and was no where near her B&B. It takes Avery everything she has to try and prove the cop did the crime, making her investigation very dangerous. This is a page turning prequel and you really can't wait for the next books in the series. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a touch light on character but the mystery more than made up for it. Besides we know the characters as we have read what comes next for Avery, Ali and the others. The synopsis is unique giving us the killer before we even read the mystery. However, in this case, the killer is not the mystery. The mystery was how are Avery and her friends going to solve a mystery when the people they are up against as the police. That unique twist on a story was well worth adding this prequel to my must read list. This book is a short take of characters we have come to read about. For those of us who know Avery's crime solving ways this introduction to how they started is read worthy. For those new to the crime solving bunch, you will immediately be pulled in and looking to read more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing and delightful introduction to a new series and characters by Peyton Stone. I can tell that Ali, Avery's kleptomanic capuchin monkey, is going to be my favorite character, by far. He is funny and sneaky, with human qualities. I can't wait to find out more about him and see what trouble he creates for Avery and her friends. The story moves at an excellent pace and contains all of the elements one would expect from a cozy mystery: an amateur detective, her close friends, a connection to the local police, mysteries to solve, and a small town setting. I have read many books by Ms. Stone, and she has yet to disappoint me. I'm looking forward to getting to know the characters in this series and learning about the trouble they get into. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When B&B owner Avery Jensen checks in a couple for the night, she has no way of knowing that the woman would turn up dead the next morning. To make things more complicated is the fact that the man she was with turns out to be the lead detective called in to investigate the murder. No one, except her friends Jess and Elle, believe Avery when she insists that Detective Charlie Winthrop is the killer. After all, he has an ironclad alibi. Or does he??

This book was impossible for me to put down. It’s not typically that a murder mystery begins with the reader knowing who the killer is. I loved reading how Avery was able to figure out how it was done. This was a fast-paced story that grabbed the reader’s attention from page one. I definitely recommend this book!

* I received an ARC of this book. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did Avery really see the leading detective at her B & B?

When Avery’s parents passed, she inherited not only their B & B, but also Ali, a capuchin monkey that had previously been rescued from a bad situation. However, this is the first time she’s found the dead body of one of her guests on her property and then the detective in charge ends up being none other than the man the victim checked in with, Avery knows she’s in trouble. This is a great cozy mystery that has all the prerequisite features—a murder, the sleuth is not in the police force, but an amateur, and loyal friends to help the sleuth figure out whodunit. We have the added bonus of a kleptomaniac monkey in this one, which just makes it even better. While short, this is a great story.

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

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick, great read!

This is the prequel to the wonderful Bed & Breakfast series, and introduces us to Avery, her friends, and her adorable kleptomaniac monkey, Ali.

A woman and man check into Avery's Bed and Breakfast, and the woman, Adelaide, is found murdered the next morning. Avery knows the killer is the man who was with her the previous day, and is shocked to find it to be the lead detective in the case. But he has what seems to be a rock solid alibi, witnessed by 6 other officers. So what is the truth?

This is a fun, well written book, a fascinating mystery, with great characters that are really well developed, particularly for such a short story. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

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

[Marie Rehg · Rating 5 out of 5]

What could be better than owning a Bed and Breakfast? Just a place where lovers come to enjoy some privacy, and if the place happens to be near a beautiful hiking trail, what a bonus!

Although it would break the peaceful setting when you find a dead body on your morning hike. Especially when the body happens to be one partner of the couple you checked in the very night before.

When the detective arrives, wait! Isn't he the man you checked in last night?

The dead person is the lady who checked in with him.

Will she successfully prove her suspicions, as clue after clue makes her believe she is correct? During all this chaos, there is a mischievous pet monkey who is a kleptomaniac. Will he cause more trouble, or will he help in a very strange way?

[Shelly Neinast · Rating 4 out of 5]

A murderer in sheep's clothing

This prequel for the Bed and Breakfast series was a quick, fun read. For a crime story, this one was quite enjoyable while I pondered through the book trying to guess who the murderer was and why he did it.

The characters were surprisingly realistic as each one showed their true colors and emotions along the storyline.

I loved the protagonist, Avery, as she tried to hold down the fort at her Bed & Breakfast while at the same time chasing clues and accusing people who she thought were the suspects.

Little did she know, her suspicions were dead on.

Great cozy mystery.

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

[Elle and the Haunted Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

// Thank you to the publisher and booksirens for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. //

This is a cozy, whodunnit book that truly leaves you guessing until the very end. It follows Avery, a bed and breakfast 🍳 owner who finds herself entangled in a chilling murder case because the victim is found dead behind her building!! Avery is determined, courageous enough to question authority when things just don’t seem right. The side characters enrich the storyline. They have their own tension and humor.

If small town murder mystery with strong female leads, clever twists and a touch of animal mischief, this book is for you!!

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monkey Shenanigans & A Midnight Murder: A Howdunit Gripping Cozy Thriller Prequel is the prequel to the Bed & Breakfast Murder Mystery series by Peyton Stone.

This was an entertaining start to the series. Avery runs a B&B with her pet capuchin, Ali. She has guests come one evening and the next day Avery and a friend make a gruesome discovery. I was absolutely surprised the way this played out. I can only imagine how Avery felt. I cannot wait for the first full length book because this really got me excited going for the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Daryl P Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasing, well-plotted prequel to B&B cosy crime series.

The downside is that knowing this is a prequel takes out the peril for the main character and this is the reason for not awarding full marks. Apart from this, all the rest is upsides with an entertasining, interesting and easy read.

We are introduced to: Avery and her high school continuing girlfriends; a kleptomanic Capuchin monkey: identical twins recruited to her staff; a pretty Asian woman on the staff who may have an aversion to doing laundry and the backstory of how Avery came to own and run the isolated B&B near a rural town.

This idyll is shattered by the murder of a guest and the tale has many twists and turns as our heroine's recollection and attempts to find proof for her suspiscion are thwarted by an unlikely source. The climax, solution and resolutions were all pleasing to me.

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

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one, especially if you've read any of the Bed & Breakfast murder series.

This is a fantastic set up to the entire series--it introduces all the main characters, and you get thrown into a murder mystery. Avery, the owner of the B&B in town, discovers a body along a hike. Is this someone she knows? Will she be able to piece the clues together to figure out what happens?

I received this book from the author's arc, and these opinions are my own.

I do really enjoy Peyton Stone's writing style, and this is no exception. Very easy to read, lovely characters, and the story just flows. Also, if you like cute quirky characters you will love this! Highly recommend!

[Ruth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word!
This book was great! I honestly think it's Peyton Stone's best one to date.
Avery, B&B owner, is faced with a tough task of unmasking a murderer who is someone who .....
And..... I can't tell you! No way I'm gonna give this one away. And definitely not how Avery solves it.
This was a great mystery and I think it's a fantastic place for anyone who has never read Peyton Stone's stories before to start.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my voluntary review.

[Eveie Hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in one sitting , it was great getting to know Avery and her kleptomaniac monkey Ali.
Murder does occur when you least expect it. On a quiet evening a man named David and a female companion check into the inn. Then in the middle of the night apparently Avery hear the couple arguing. Fastward to the next day when Avery and her friend Jess go for a hike in the mountain and come across the body of the female companion. This story is about the unravelling of an alibi gone wrong. Loved it and the monkey who seems to collect items at the appropriate time. 👍

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eyy, this was nice. A fun surprise. I’ve rarely (if ever) read a cozy mystery where the point is figuring out how the murder was committed, versus who committed the murder. I enjoyed it.

It had great suspense, and a fair amount of humour too. Avery’s great as the main sleuth, and her two extremely different friends sort of balance her to make a good team. I liked the twist at the end. As a prequel it promises good things for the rest of the series. My only requests? More of Ali and the twins, please!

I received an ARC via BookSirens, and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[booklovingcat222 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a delightful and fast-paced read. I really enjoyed the main character—her charm and resilience made her easy to root for. I also appreciated the strong friendships throughout the story; her friends were supportive in meaningful ways, adding warmth to the narrative. The side characters were a wonderful addition, each bringing their own fun and quirky energy that made the world feel even more vibrant.


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

[Fraxinus · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who wants her own pet monkey, I loved learning how Avery ended up with her mischievous pal. The story explains how Avery gets involved with sleuthing when she stumbles upon the body of one of her guests.

This story does a great job of setting up the series, While solving the murder is probably the least mysterious aspect of the book, there are so many twists and turns that the story kept me on the edge of my seat.

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

[Dave Measner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple check into a smalltown inn. The woman is found dead on a hiking trail by the innkeeper the next morning. When the detective shows up to investigate it's the man who checked in with the dead woman. When Avery tells other officers this they say Detective Winthrop has an iron clad alibi for the time of death. In spite of this Avery is determined to prove that he is the killer. With the help of her friends Elle and Jess and her pet monkey Ali she sets about solving the mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jacqueline Corral · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable, quick and easy read from one of my favourite writers. Having read some of the series books, it was good to get an insight as to the dynamic of the various regular characters and the start of it all. That there was going to be a murder was in no doubt, nor who the victim would be. The question was how the murderer was planning to get away with it. I’d love to meet Avery and Ali, her kleptomaniac, capuchin monkey - but I’d leave all my shiny things at home!

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

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monkey Shenanigans & A Midnight Murder is a prequel to A Bed & Breakfast Cozy Mystery by Peyton Stone and as always Ms. Stone spins an intriguing tale of murder, mystery and a bit of high jinx with a mischievous monkey to round things out. Brilliant!! is a prequel to A Bed & Breakfast Cozy Mystery by Peyton Stone and as always Ms. Stone spins an intriguing tale of murder, mystery and a bit of high jinx with a mischievous monkey to round things out. Brilliant!!

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

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monkey Shenanigans and a Midnight Murder is a great story of Avery who is owner of the B & B and her monkey Ali who loves shiny things try to find the pieces of the puzzle. I love how Avery and her friends support each other and how the twins Jake and James interact with each other. I loved the story and look forward to the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jackie Welcel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book as Avery the owner of a B & B where a body is found, is convinced the murderer is someone almost impossible to prove their guilt. Avery has two best friends and a kleptomaniac monkey who help her. A lot of cozy mysteries have a ghost or talking pet that gets involved in the story, this was fun and different because it has a cute monkey, it doesn't talk, just steals. Good book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica Johnstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about reading this at first when I was introduced to Ali, but if you enjoy a quick, cozy, quirky murder read; then you've hit the jackpot! I enjoyed this book, especially the character development of Avery. Everything was described well for setting and scenes, I did get a little lost near the end, but by the last chapter or two it all made sense. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks again BookSirens!

[G.Terenzio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery's guests arrive late and it seems they are not on the best of terms because she hears shouting coming from their room at 1 am. When Avery and her friend Jess find Adelaide's body during a hike the next morning things get creepy but more so when the leading detective is a look-alike to Adelaide's companion.

Avery is determined to find out who the murderer is because too many things seem not to add up.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short read but packs a punch. It's a prequel so the bed and breakfast days are in their infancy when the death of a woman occurs who had just checked in. The arrival of the investigating detectives throws a total spanner in the works. I can't say any more for fear of spoilers but I loved how the ladies navigate the difficulties to bring the perpetrator to justice. It was a gripping read.

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

[Cat B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun little quick prequel to the Bed & Breakfast Murder Mysteries. A solid introduction to the main characters (and a wonderful little Capuchin monkey who happens to be a sly kleptomaniac) in the series along with a very nicely done murder mystery. Avery figures that she knows the who-dun-it but how to prove the how-dun-it. A fun read to be sure.
I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my opinion of the tale.