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Footnotes of a Friendship: A Hawaiian Cozy Mystery Rooted In Truth
The Secret That Started It A Maggie Rose Cozy Mystery (Prequel/Reader Magnet)
Before there were crimes to solve, there were secrets to uncover.
Maggie Rose had one job this survive Aunt Winnie’s unsolicited wisdom, stay off Mama’s radar, and keep Nora from mistaking “exploring” for “breaking and entering.”
One toppled tower of hat boxes later, Maggie and Nora uncover Mamaw’s forgotten journal—a patchwork of letters, secrets, and clues pointing to a mystery the adults would rather leave buried. As they dig deeper, they begin to question the Home House itself—who’s on the title, and who’s been rooted in its very bones for generations?
Armed with a cracked magnifying glass, a basset hound named Shortcake who thinks every clue is a snack, and a classmate named Colin who once dug up a clue straight from the church pulpit, Maggie and Nora set out to uncover the story their family won’t tell.
But some stories were buried for a reason—and this one might just unravel the legacy hiding beneath its floorboards.
Perfect for readers who
🐾 Mischief, mayhem, and mysteries tucked inside old houses
🐾 Fierce best friends with a gift for trouble
🐾 A basset hound who can (accidentally) sniff out the truth
🐾 Cozy mysteries with big laughs, heartfelt nostalgia, and small-town secrets
Before there were crimes to solve, there were secrets to uncover.
Maggie Rose had one job this survive Aunt Winnie’s unsolicited wisdom, stay off Mama’s radar, and keep Nora from mistaking “exploring” for “breaking and entering.”
One toppled tower of hat boxes later, Maggie and Nora uncover Mamaw’s forgotten journal—a patchwork of letters, secrets, and clues pointing to a mystery the adults would rather leave buried. As they dig deeper, they begin to question the Home House itself—who’s on the title, and who’s been rooted in its very bones for generations?
Armed with a cracked magnifying glass, a basset hound named Shortcake who thinks every clue is a snack, and a classmate named Colin who once dug up a clue straight from the church pulpit, Maggie and Nora set out to uncover the story their family won’t tell.
But some stories were buried for a reason—and this one might just unravel the legacy hiding beneath its floorboards.
Perfect for readers who
🐾 Mischief, mayhem, and mysteries tucked inside old houses
🐾 Fierce best friends with a gift for trouble
🐾 A basset hound who can (accidentally) sniff out the truth
🐾 Cozy mysteries with big laughs, heartfelt nostalgia, and small-town secrets
72 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2025
2 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 11, 2025
Light, very light, story - which is not a bad thing in itself, except I found no real mystery at the end - what the girls found out about Elsie was not anywhere close to a real mystery, cozy or not.
Also, I didn't get where did the title came from - what was hawaiian about the story ?
And, finally, I wish the doggie (short legged, named Shortcake - nice picture of him on the cover, that drove me to this "book") would've got a more significant role in the whole action.
Also, I didn't get where did the title came from - what was hawaiian about the story ?
And, finally, I wish the doggie (short legged, named Shortcake - nice picture of him on the cover, that drove me to this "book") would've got a more significant role in the whole action.
June 25, 2025
Love, Love, Loved this sweet read. I purchased this book as a seller promo as an ARC. I truly enjoyed it. I loved the message of values, acting with compassion, valuing friends, family, and community. The characters were well-developed and were relatable. This is a sweet cozy mystery that is very well-written. One of the best things in the book is their furry companion, Shortcake, the Basset Hound. Everyone needs a loyal companion to help them with all their adventures. Great job!
July 18, 2025
Maggie with her beagle, Shortcake & her best friend Nora are in the attic. They discover something that their Maggie’s aunt doesn’t want to talk about. They keep on discovering things and learn what the mystery was all about.
June 28, 2025
I thought this was such a sweet read of two girls who had questions and were not afraid to look for the answers. I will be happy when the next book comes out. Recommend reading.
July 6, 2025
Loved this origin story of two friends!!! Beneath the mystery - lies such a great message for all girls! I wish I had an Aunt Winnie - she is the best! Definitely recommend reading!
July 18, 2025
A smart, funny, and refreshingly original story. I loved the characters, especially the amazing and amusing Aunt Winnie, and the adorable Basset Hound Shortcake. Very entertaining.
August 9, 2025
An exciting mystery story with great characters and enough suspense to keep you intrigued to the end. I enjoyed this read and recommend this book to other readers.
October 29, 2025
Maggie & Nora with Shortcake search The Home House's Attic for clue's of the heritage after their Aunt and Mama will not tell them about a relative. A great background story from Janell Sandler
November 8, 2025
??? Hawaiian???
November 9, 2025
Great read Fantastic characters and even an adorable dog. The story kept me going till the end.
February 19, 2026
A pleasant introduction to the characters.
February 18, 2026
cute cozy story
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews