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Sophie Trent Cozy Mystery #1

The Deceptive Death of Candlestick Cottage

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I came for the charm, stayed for the mystery, and uncovered a killer secret.

Wilhelm Crouch wasn’t exactly loved, but murder? That’s a different story.


In this picture-perfect town, whispers of secrets ripple through every cobblestone and cottage, and Wilhelm’s death is stirring them up.

My soft spot for animals and eye for detail revealed things others missed—things that could crack this case wide open.

Suspects are Nigel Whitmore, a quiet man with a hidden grudge, and Lenny Baxter, a real estate agent with too much to gain.

Inspector Jed Collins—sharp eye, methodical, and set in his ways—wants me to stay out of it, but I can’t shake the feeling he’s overlooking something big.

But walking away isn’t an option when it’s obvious this wasn’t an accident, even if no one else seems to see it.

This case isn’t just intricate—it’s on the verge of being written off, and the truth risks being buried forever. And if I don’t uncover the truth soon, the killer might strike again—this time, closer than I ever imagined.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 28, 2025

13 people are currently reading
18 people want to read

About the author

M.A. Moon

7 books12 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
116 reviews5 followers
April 18, 2025
Sylvia Trent arrives in the quaint town of Brambleton to stay at a charming bed-and-breakfast run by the seemingly clumsy but wonderfully warm and well-informed Margaret. From the start, Sylvia finds herself enchanted—not just by the cozy B&B, but by the town itself and its colorful residents.

As a devoted dog blogger, Sylvia quickly becomes acquainted with Brambleton’s canine community and their equally delightful owners. Her walks become a daily ritual, where she hands out treats, takes notes, and begins to notice endearing patterns in the dogs’ behavior—where they like to nap, how they prefer to be scratched. But it’s not just the dogs catching her attention; Sylvia becomes a keen observer of the townspeople too.

Among them is Nigel, with his meticulously kept garden and slow, thoughtful pace. It’s Nigel who offers key insights when tragedy strikes: Wilhelm, a fellow resident, is found dead—and Sylvia is the one who discovers the body. What follows is a twisty unraveling of secrets, old promises, and small-town tensions that prove not everything in Brambleton is as idyllic as it seems.

Sylvia’s wit and pun-filled observations are a joy, and even the townsfolk start picking up on her clever wordplay. Inspector Collins, at first reluctant, eventually lets Sylvia assist in the investigation. She has a unique gift for disarming people—making them feel comfortable enough to reveal truths they might otherwise keep hidden.

The mystery deepens as Collins and Sylvia follow the clues. Was Wilhelm’s death an accident or something more sinister? Evelyn, another local, confesses that she confronted Wilhelm about misusing funds from the Pennies for Patients Children’s Fund—a charity they both served on. Wilhelm had claimed he could double the money before donating it, but after his death, the will reveals everything was left to a dog show charity instead. Distraught and betrayed, Evelyn had taken matters into her own hands. In the end, she killed him—for nothing.

In a surprising turn, Nigel announces that he and Wilhelm were business partners in a real estate venture. Wilhelm’s share now belongs to Nigel, who pledges to donate it to the children’s fund after all.

With the mystery solved, Sylvia is asked if she plans to remain in Brambleton. She says yes. Just as things seem to settle, one of Collins’s officers rushes in—someone has slashed all the police car tires. Sylvia offers her car, and Collins invites her along to help investigate a missing woman at a nearby resort.

The adventure continues for Sylvia—and I, for one, can’t wait to follow her next case!

Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews361 followers
March 30, 2025
Sophie and the Inspector . . .

Sophie Trent travels around to find pet stories and meet new people. She came to Brambleton to find their stories as well to use on her pet blog. Margaret Parker who owns the Candlestick Cottage B&B is a perfect resource. Everyone seems to have their own special pet stories. When Margaret suggested she go for a walk where she might find even more exciting things about the little town, she eagerly agreed. She spotted Paws and Claws which had pet accessories in the window and she went inside. The owner, Lily, told her a variety of stories and made her feel right at home. Then she left and walked to a nearby park. She met Tom and his dog Rusty, and Tom recommended she check out the bookstore nearby. There was an entire section on pets and animal stories for her to browse. She returned to the B&B just in time for the snacks.

The next day, as Sophie walked around a lilac bush, she saw a man’s body on the ground, blood pooled at the back of his head. She dialed the emergency number and began CPR until the ambulance and police showed up. Inspector Jed Collins introduced himself. She watched his keen observation of the body, his gaze like hers, missing nothing. Watching the team in action, her face changed from distress to puzzlement. Officer Mark Bryant walked over to question her further. When he prepared to walk away, she asked what was in the victim’s hand since she noticed a piece of paper. It was a receipt for two coffees… but he couldn’t tell her where the coffee was. Inspector Collins walked up and she repeated her question. He told her for now to continue to observe but not interfere. But as she watched, he told him she believed that she could help, she had a knack for discovering the peculiar, so he asked what she could offer, then told her to stick around and they could talk when he finished. Locals recognized her and walked over; one of them said the victim was Wilhelm Crouch, a powerful man on many boards of directors. And no one liked him. Inspector Collins watched her questioning the crowd as they gave her information, even the tiny details that his men would never have asked. And she is certain this was not an accident. Will she put herself in danger getting too close to the truth? Will she be able to get Inspector Collins to listen to her as they both begin to figure out the details?
395 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2025
This novel is a delightful cozy mystery that blends charm, suspense, and heart with remarkable finesse.

The plot is engaging and well paced, revealing layers of mystery without losing the warmth and whimsy of small town life.

Sophie is a relatable protagonist—thoughtful, determined, and well grounded.

Her relationships with the town’s quirky residents and their beloved pets add both humour and depth to the narrative.

Moon’s writing style is vivid and immersive, filled with rich sensory detail and witty, pet themed wordplay that never feels forced. The dialogue sparkles, and the setting is as comforting as a fresh-baked cookie.

If there’s a flaw, it’s in the occasionally lengthy dialogue exchanges which slow the pacing.

Also, Inspector Collins’s shift from skeptic to ally feels sudden.

This charming mystery provides enjoyable reading; Brambleton is a place readers will wish to visit.

A promising start for a potential favourite series.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,581 reviews23 followers
April 9, 2025
A wonderful first book in the Sophie Trent series that grabs you from the start. Sophie writes a pet blog and loves to travel to find stories about people's pets. She loves to meet people and hear their stories so she ends up in the town of Brambleton, staying at Candlestick Cottage B&B owned by Margaret Parker, who suggests she take a walk around town and she'll probably find a lot of pet owners outside. But when she does, she finds a dead man and she calls the police while she tries CPR on the man. Inspector Jed Collins arrived and she watched as he investigated the body. Curiosity piqued her interest and she decided to involve herself in investigating. This is a very well written book with really well written characters you can relate to. I highly recommend this first book in the series and can't wait for more. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Sandy.
139 reviews2 followers
May 15, 2025
This is a first in a new series and I hope it will continue. We meet Sophie Trent who is a dog blogger and has come to the small town of Brambleton and is staying at The Candlestick Cottage B&B. She is not there long before there is a dead body. And she happens to be near and observed what she thought were clues to what might have happened. Though Inspector Collins felt that she might have some information that would be helpful, he also didn't want her to interfere with his investigation.
It is definitely a cozy mystery - the Cafe is the Bumbleton Bee as a play on the town name and the owner Bea. There are lots of puns but there are also lots of twists in the story to keep you reading. It is a fun read and has enjoyable characters.
It could be a good series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Betti.
1,381 reviews36 followers
March 29, 2025
Sophie Trent is a pet blogger and loves to meet every pet she sees. The owners are ok too, but the pets are what she really observes. When a death occurs in the small town of Brambleton, her curiosity and ability to notice things others overlook as appreciated by the police inspector. Will these observations help solve the mystery surrounding this death?

Join Sophie at the Candlestick Cottage B&B and learn all about the various quirky people that make up this lovely little town. I have to wonder if she will stay there and lend her observational powers to law enforcement as well as her fellow villagers.

An early copy of this mystery was received through BookFunnel. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.
Profile Image for Trina Jones.
2,707 reviews41 followers
March 31, 2025
OH WOW this was another great book. It was a page turner and the suspense was intense. I was on the verge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. It was addicted. As soon as I turned the first page the suspense had caught my attention on to see what else is going to happen next. Sophia had traveling to many pet stores to meet new people. Will her trusted dog and her be able to solve the murder of this person and will the culprit be caught in time at this moment. All the clues will come to the light at this point and time.
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
1,056 reviews5 followers
March 31, 2025
What a great start to the series!

After losing her Great Dane, Sophia Trent, or Sophie as she prefers to be called, decides to travel, hoping the different scenery will help her cope with her loss. When she ends up landing at a B&B run by a welcoming, maternal woman, Sophie decides to explore and find something she can use in her pet blog. Well, what she ends up finding is a dead man and in this, the first of the Sophie Trent Cozy Mystery Series, Sophie ends up becoming involved in the investigation. The dialogue is particularly witty with all the pet references, the characters are all engaging and there is a real moral to the story. I can’t wait to read the next story in the series!
335 reviews6 followers
April 7, 2025
A mysterious fall
Sophie Trent is a pet blogger who has come to Brambleton, a town known for it's petcentric ways, to help get over the loss of her own dog. The residents are quite friendly and there are many pets looking for more attention as well. When she finds the body of Wilhelm Crouch at the bottom of a steep street stairway, and the circumstances are not entirely straightforward, she decides to do a little investigating of her own. Inspector Collins is non too pleased and tells her to stay away from the case, but that only makes her more determined. Follow along as Sophie and some of her new friends search for the cause behind the death.
I received a free copy of this book through Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,149 reviews76 followers
April 4, 2025
A Sophie Trent mystery with all the angst of a M. A. Moon masterpiece. She’s residing at the Candlestick B&B , a pet blogger extraordinaire. When a suspicious death occurs . She’s on the case and shows she cares. Having a penchant for picking up bits of clues others lose the thread of . Her sleuthing skills are something to be sure of. Wilhelm Crouch has met his demise , it’s not really any surprise beca to be quite Frank he was not nice. Brilliant start to the series and enough suspects to get the old grey cells whirring in action such is this immersive story with great interaction. Very well written . The storytelling is mighty compelling
1,685 reviews27 followers
March 30, 2025
Sophie Trent comes to the Candlestick Cottage Bed and Breakfast owned by Margaret Parker. She was enjoying the sights and the pets in that area when the peace is shattered with the murder of Wilhelm Crouch. There is a lot going on than it seemed with secrets. A captivating read from the start with humor and a great finish. I received this ARC copy via booksprouts and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
272 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2025
Sophie is looking for stories for her pet blog. She goes to stay at Candlestick Cottage where she finds a kindred spirit in Margaret, B&B owner and many of the other people in town. What she doesn't expect is to find a dead body at the bottom of the stairs while taking a walk. Accident or murder. I enjoyed the animal puns and just good heartedness of many of the characters. Sophie's eye for detail helps solve the case. Enjoyable cozy.
808 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2025
Sophie just arrived in town to find new material for her pet blog, when she thinks there is more to an accident than suspected. A wonderful cozy mystery full of great characters and a story that keeps you fully involved from beginning to end. This mystery will make you smile about the support between the characters and the ongoing puns. Fun to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
213 reviews4 followers
March 30, 2025
Sophia “Sophie” Trent is a guest at the bed and breakfast. She is in town to learn about pet stories for her blog. On one of her walks through town she discovers a dead with man. She along with Inspector Collins work to find out if it was an accident or murder An easy read and very entertaining.

I received an advance review copy, ARC, for free and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review
976 reviews9 followers
March 31, 2025
Sophie is a new guest at the Candlestick Cottage B&B. She’s a blogger about pets and has come to Brambleton to chat to pet owners. Sophie finds a man dead at the bottom of some stairs in town and it seems a questionable death. At first the inspector isn’t happy about Sophie chatting to people, but, it’s something she was already doing and she has a knack of asking things innocently! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book & am hoping Sophie might appear again, soon.
247 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2025
What seemed to be an accident turns into a murder. But who did it and why?
Visiting a town to get the inside stories for her blog, Sophie Trent did not expect murder and deception to be part of the package. And when the local law seems to find her information to possibly give them clues, she ends up finding out what small town life is really like.
You cannot put this one down until you unravel everything at the end.
Waiting for the next installment and where it takes us.
Profile Image for Sabrina Nelson.
353 reviews3 followers
April 13, 2025
The deceptive Death of Candlestick Cottage is book 1 of A Sophie Trent Cozy Mystery Series. This book had me at the beginning thinking, these people in this town are to nice and cheerful and I was right. A murder happens and Sophie is figuring it out. Sophie is a blogger on life of animals and their owners. I really like this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
270 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2025
Cute cozy about a pet blogger who comes to town and stays in a B&B while grieving the loss of her pet. Soon after arriving she stumbles on the body of a man. After the detective on the case warns her to stay out of the investigation, Sophie decides to start sleuthing on her own. Several suspects abound in this fast-moving cozy mystery.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review.
17 reviews
March 30, 2025
Sophie Trent, a pet blogger, arrives at Candlestick Cottage B&B owned by Margaret Parker little knowing what would happen. Is Wilhelm Crouch’s fall just an accident or is there so much more to uncover. Super sleuth Sophie, who notices things others don’t see, investigates. An intriguing read. I received a complimentary copy from the author. I am writing a voluntary honest review.
225 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2025
Pet Blogger Sophie Trent arrives at Candlestick Cottage B&B in the small town of Brambleton. When Wilhelm Crouch falls to his death Sophie is suspiciously and doesn’t believe it’s an accident. Since he was not a well liked man Inspector Jed Collins has lots of suspects. This book engages you from the beginning and keeps you guessing, I recommend reading it and you won’t be disappointed!!
Cherie
Profile Image for Margo Haydu-Givoni.
46 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2025
the deceptive death of candlestick cottage - a Sophie Trent cozy mystery

What an interesting and suspenseful mystery. Ms Trent, Evelyn, whelhim, Collin’s, etc. each person made this short story so perfect, couldnt put it dow. Between reference to Cats, Dogs, Ilamas, etc in Nigel’s farm and who murdered and all the individual secrets…
911 reviews29 followers
April 2, 2025
Sophie Trent, a pet blogger, arrives at Candlestick Cottage B&B owned by Margaret Parker little knowing what would happen. Is Wilhelm Crouch’s fall just an accident or is there so much more to uncover. Super sleuth Sophie, who notices things others don’t see, investigates. An intriguing read. I received a complimentary copy from the author. I am writing a voluntary honest review.
Profile Image for Anne Pyles.
146 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed following Sophie as she sniffed out more clues. Her discerning eye notices odd details that no one else sees. Can she help solve the murder? I’m looking forward to more of her adventures.
142 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2025
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review. A cute cozy with a great premise of a pet blogger who decides to help solve a murder. Sophie is delightful in her interaction with pets and their owners. I can't wait for the next book in this cozy series.
Profile Image for Lynda.
1,047 reviews9 followers
March 31, 2025
This was a fun fast reading cozy with a murder of a man that wasn't well liked. Sophie is in town to take a break and to write her pet blog and ends up helping the police with their investigation. Lots of puns about animals and lots of good characters.
442 reviews3 followers
April 1, 2025
A really good read. You can't go wrong with a cozy mystery that has pets, a B&B, hot tea and more!!! I received an ARC and I gave my honest review. good read. You can't go wrong with a cozy mystery that has pets, a B&B, hot tea, and more!!! I received an ARC, and I gave my honest review.
213 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2025
This was a good book i enjoyed it and I will recommend it to others i liked the characters and the story line kept me engaged.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barb Hegreberg.
880 reviews14 followers
May 6, 2025
This book is paws-itivly entertaining with plenty of quirky characters both human and non-human.

I received this book free from the author, publisher, or other source. My only obligation is to provide a fair and honest review.
1,394 reviews5 followers
June 12, 2025
A wonderful book by author M. A. Moon.
I really enjoyed reading this book by a author who is new to me.
I hope to read more by this author... Highly recommend reading it...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Charlene.
1,284 reviews40 followers
March 30, 2025
a wonderful mystery with lots of twists and turns, murder and mayhem, interesting complex characters and unpredictable outcomes. A real page turner and a must read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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