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Pelican Shores Cozy Mystery #5
Death, Pageants, and Pie: A Pelican Shores Cozy Mystery
One bite. One dead man. One very suspicious pie.
Reggie “Boom Mic” McGraw made a living roasting the citizens of Pelican Shores on the airwaves. But when he drops dead after his starring role as judge in the Pie-Off competition, the town’s beloved Fourth of July celebration erupts into pandemonium.
Now the whole island is in a frenzy. And Finn Dockrey, art café owner and reluctant sleuth, finds herself at the center of the chaos. Her best friend’s pie was the last one Reggie ever tasted. When the town starts pointing fingers, it’s up to Finn and Birdie to prove her innocence.
The trail of clues weaves through the turmoil of the day's celebration. The infamous Red, White, and Afloat Boat Parade and a reinvented Ms. Firecracker Pageant escalate the patriotic mayhem. And the People's Choice Pie-Off taste testing is overflowing with suspicion. Did the killer plan to murder just Reggie? Or is the whole town at risk if they taste the pies?
Finn and Birdie grab their animal crime-solving duo, Beau and Queen Bean, to work their way through the lineup of eccentric suspects. A salty old sea captain, a wannabe Hollywood starlet, the Gyotaku street artist, and a pie thief with a guilty conscience. Everyone seems to be hiding something.
As Finn inches closer to the truth, tensions flare and fireworks fly, both on and off the docks. And that smoldering spark with Pelican Shores’ most charming detective? Let’s just say the Fourth might not be the only thing lighting up the sky.
Death, Pageants and Pie is a whip-smart, cozy mystery with explosive secrets, pageant drama, and a twisty trail leading to one shocking killer.
Reggie “Boom Mic” McGraw made a living roasting the citizens of Pelican Shores on the airwaves. But when he drops dead after his starring role as judge in the Pie-Off competition, the town’s beloved Fourth of July celebration erupts into pandemonium.
Now the whole island is in a frenzy. And Finn Dockrey, art café owner and reluctant sleuth, finds herself at the center of the chaos. Her best friend’s pie was the last one Reggie ever tasted. When the town starts pointing fingers, it’s up to Finn and Birdie to prove her innocence.
The trail of clues weaves through the turmoil of the day's celebration. The infamous Red, White, and Afloat Boat Parade and a reinvented Ms. Firecracker Pageant escalate the patriotic mayhem. And the People's Choice Pie-Off taste testing is overflowing with suspicion. Did the killer plan to murder just Reggie? Or is the whole town at risk if they taste the pies?
Finn and Birdie grab their animal crime-solving duo, Beau and Queen Bean, to work their way through the lineup of eccentric suspects. A salty old sea captain, a wannabe Hollywood starlet, the Gyotaku street artist, and a pie thief with a guilty conscience. Everyone seems to be hiding something.
As Finn inches closer to the truth, tensions flare and fireworks fly, both on and off the docks. And that smoldering spark with Pelican Shores’ most charming detective? Let’s just say the Fourth might not be the only thing lighting up the sky.
Death, Pageants and Pie is a whip-smart, cozy mystery with explosive secrets, pageant drama, and a twisty trail leading to one shocking killer.
- GenresMystery
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2025
About the author
Bessie Barr
26 books65 followersYou 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!
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!
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 19, 2026
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (And a slice of pie on the side!)
If you are looking for a mystery that serves up high-stakes small-town drama with a literal side of dessert, Death, Pageants, and Pie is an absolute treat. Bessie Barr has completely outdone herself in this fifth installment of the Pelican Shores series, delivering a Fourth of July celebration that explodes with patriotic mayhem, laugh-out-loud antics, and top-tier cozy vibes. The coastal town of Pelican Shores is abuzz with Fourth of July festivities, including the Red, White, and Afloat Boat Parade, the revamped Ms. Firecracker Pageant, and the People’s Choice Pie-Off. The celebration turns chaotic when a local shock-jock, known for his sharp radio roasts, is found dead after judging the Pie-Off. Suspicion falls on the last pie he tasted, made by the best friend of Finn Dockrey, the local art café owner and amateur sleuth. Determined to clear her friend’s name, Finn investigates with her partner Birdie and their pets, Beau and Queen Bean. Clues lead through parade and pageant drama, revealing a host of suspects, while Finn navigates a budding romance with the town’s charming detective. Woot!
What Made This Read So Delicious:
1. This installment has the ultimate 4th of July vibe. The setting felt incredibly alive. You can practically taste the ocean air, smell the melting butter, and hear the sparklers. It’s the ultimate summer beach read, even if you’re reading it under a blanket at home. Not only do I feel like Pelican Shores would be a place I would want to live, but this installment takes the cake…er…pie with all the delicious pie descriptions! So, fair warning, do not read this on an empty stomach. The pie descriptions are scrumptiously torturous.
2. Finn and Birdie are the unbeatable dynamic duo in this installment. Watching Finn and Birdie navigate the entertaining world of local pageants while casually trying to solve a murder is top-tier entertainment. Their banter, especially Birdie’s, is sharper than a paring knife, and their friendship remains the beating heart of this entire series. Reading each installment makes me feel like I am meeting up with old friends.
3. The furry scene-stealing sidekicks are a top favorite for me. Let’s be honest, we are all really here for Beau and Queen Bean. The pets in Pelican Shores don’t just sit in the background; they steal every single scene they are in. From Queen Bean’s catatude that lives up to the ‘Queen’ name to Beau’s ‘don’t mess with my human’ protectiveness…honestly, these two need their own spin-off!
4. This whole series consists of intriguing whodunits that continue to keep me guessing, including Death, Pageants, and Pie. Just when I thought I had the killer pegged between the sash-wearing contestants and the ruthless bakers, a curveball hit. Bessie Barr certainly had me second-guessing around every corner. The pacing was smooth and brisk, the clues were perfectly dropped, with an investigation that flowed perfectly, and the payoff was incredibly satisfying.
“Death, Pageants, and Pie is a page-turner that effortlessly balances suspense and humor, with a cast of quirky characters you can’t help but love. If you’re looking for a lighthearted, satisfying read that feels like a summer vacation, look no further. Bessie Barr has baked up another winner that will leave you guessing till the very end!”
If you are looking for a mystery that serves up high-stakes small-town drama with a literal side of dessert, Death, Pageants, and Pie is an absolute treat. Bessie Barr has completely outdone herself in this fifth installment of the Pelican Shores series, delivering a Fourth of July celebration that explodes with patriotic mayhem, laugh-out-loud antics, and top-tier cozy vibes. The coastal town of Pelican Shores is abuzz with Fourth of July festivities, including the Red, White, and Afloat Boat Parade, the revamped Ms. Firecracker Pageant, and the People’s Choice Pie-Off. The celebration turns chaotic when a local shock-jock, known for his sharp radio roasts, is found dead after judging the Pie-Off. Suspicion falls on the last pie he tasted, made by the best friend of Finn Dockrey, the local art café owner and amateur sleuth. Determined to clear her friend’s name, Finn investigates with her partner Birdie and their pets, Beau and Queen Bean. Clues lead through parade and pageant drama, revealing a host of suspects, while Finn navigates a budding romance with the town’s charming detective. Woot!
What Made This Read So Delicious:
1. This installment has the ultimate 4th of July vibe. The setting felt incredibly alive. You can practically taste the ocean air, smell the melting butter, and hear the sparklers. It’s the ultimate summer beach read, even if you’re reading it under a blanket at home. Not only do I feel like Pelican Shores would be a place I would want to live, but this installment takes the cake…er…pie with all the delicious pie descriptions! So, fair warning, do not read this on an empty stomach. The pie descriptions are scrumptiously torturous.
2. Finn and Birdie are the unbeatable dynamic duo in this installment. Watching Finn and Birdie navigate the entertaining world of local pageants while casually trying to solve a murder is top-tier entertainment. Their banter, especially Birdie’s, is sharper than a paring knife, and their friendship remains the beating heart of this entire series. Reading each installment makes me feel like I am meeting up with old friends.
3. The furry scene-stealing sidekicks are a top favorite for me. Let’s be honest, we are all really here for Beau and Queen Bean. The pets in Pelican Shores don’t just sit in the background; they steal every single scene they are in. From Queen Bean’s catatude that lives up to the ‘Queen’ name to Beau’s ‘don’t mess with my human’ protectiveness…honestly, these two need their own spin-off!
4. This whole series consists of intriguing whodunits that continue to keep me guessing, including Death, Pageants, and Pie. Just when I thought I had the killer pegged between the sash-wearing contestants and the ruthless bakers, a curveball hit. Bessie Barr certainly had me second-guessing around every corner. The pacing was smooth and brisk, the clues were perfectly dropped, with an investigation that flowed perfectly, and the payoff was incredibly satisfying.
“Death, Pageants, and Pie is a page-turner that effortlessly balances suspense and humor, with a cast of quirky characters you can’t help but love. If you’re looking for a lighthearted, satisfying read that feels like a summer vacation, look no further. Bessie Barr has baked up another winner that will leave you guessing till the very end!”
July 7, 2025
Death Pageants & Pie ,oh my! Pelican Shores we are here again and more mystery to be uncovered ,discovered herein. Much to the chagrin of the town you see ,it’s no mystery why Reggie ‘Boom Mic‘ McGraw is no more ,deceased as people around town weren’t best pleased with his ribbing at their expense so someone doled out some recompense it seems and now there’s a crime scene…You see he’s roasted them on the airwaves so much that someone wanted to do him harm or maybe alarm him. They certainly succeeded as when he took his position as judge in the Pie-Off competition ,well you can imagine the chaos ,the frenzy. It’s not very friendly ,it’s the Fourth of July and celebrations are nigh but now they’re on hold and for why ? This guy . Trouble alive ,even more dead it seems. Our intrepid sleuth and Art Cafe owner Finn Dockrey sets about to solve the mystery of who or what did him in. Along with her pal Birdie to save reputation as she’s under suspicion,allegation. The two of them having been entered in the 1940’s attire swimsuit in the new Miss Firecracker competition is so funny too with senior Dot . This book has the lot ,it’s chaotic at best and pandemonium at its most superior . Bessie Barr knows just what she does she weaves by far , to deceive us and throw us off scent faster than Beau the Golden Retriever and Queen Bean the cat snaffle a snack or attack their food . So the merry brood along with our charming Detective Pace Stringfellow ,he’s actually a nice fellow you know and him and Finn well they even put a show on of their very own as his lips she did own fleetingly but it was there that peck that they did share so there. The whole premise is well thought ,it’s sixth in the series already. Far out! It’s well worth shouting about because this has everything ,all the giggles, the charm and the disarm nee’r mind dis-calm ! It’s cleverly spun this one ,you’re sent left and right ,who is the suspect ? Have I got it right? You will be reading through the night . Be warned because this book is funny,sunny and bright with dark tones to set the mood and the gloom when boom! The story begins and you are drawn in willingly by the immersive prose and the descriptions therein. As well as the compelling storytelling. Sublime reading you get from Bessie Barr every single adventure that you venture into . I’m telling you ,you’ll find an exquisitely divine storyline.
June 29, 2025
Another hit by Bessie Barr! Bessie's books are some of my favorites and keep me grounded! I love how Finn, Birdie, Martha, Detective Pace Stringfellow, Queen Bean the cat, and Beau the Golden Retriever work in tandem to find the suspect in an array of the unusual suspects. In this mystery, Finn and Birdie along with Queen Bean and Beau try to prove that Birdie is not the suspect and is being framed after Reggie "Boom Mic" McGraw, the Pie-Off contest judge is found deceased on his boat during the Fourth of July festivities of Pelican Shores. Cue all the pandemonium that takes place throughout the story in search of the truth. There are some very interesting pies mentioned in this story such as Oma's Sauerkraut and Raisin Cream Pie, Otto's People Choice winner (sounds scrumptious) and Birdie's Cherry Apple pie with a Jalapeno Twist. The suspects seem to come from various backgrounds such as a sea captain, a Hollywood starlet, a street artist, and a pie thief. When Bessie writes a cozy murder mystery, one is in for secrets being exposed, plenty of drama, twists and turns leading to answers and the unsuspected killer. Add in the four-legged dynamic duo Beau and Quenn Bean, and we have an absolute winner!! The suspense of who Jesse James truly is also has me giddy with suspense...Bessie does not disappoint! I also love how she includes recipes at the end of this story. I look forward to trying them and judging for myself;)
June 21, 2025
A big THANK YOU to the author for letting me be on her ARC team! I have LOVED this series from the first book!
The author has done it again! Another page turner!
Birdie is entered in the Pie Off Contest with Finn as her assistant, and it's no surprise when the judge, a local DJ, likes her entry so much that he asks for a take home piece, a la mode. Pamela, another competitor, is so jealous, she accuses Birdie of cheating with an illegal spice. Poor 94 year old Otto has made a sauerkraut and raisin pie! Actually, the watermelon cheesecake that Emmalee made sounded awesome. I looked up a recipe.
The next day the DJ is supposed to lead the "Red white and afloat" boat parade, but after he doesn't show up, his boat is found floating with him dead on board with Birdie's pie nearby. There are multiple suspects in his murder.
Tory McGee has conned Birdie and Finn into competing in the Miss Firecracker Contest, along with feisty senior Dot, and several other ladies. They have to wear 1940's era bathing attire in the swim suit competition.
Finn and Pace do finally share a kiss!
I had absolutely no idea who the killer was!
Really fun read!
The author has done it again! Another page turner!
Birdie is entered in the Pie Off Contest with Finn as her assistant, and it's no surprise when the judge, a local DJ, likes her entry so much that he asks for a take home piece, a la mode. Pamela, another competitor, is so jealous, she accuses Birdie of cheating with an illegal spice. Poor 94 year old Otto has made a sauerkraut and raisin pie! Actually, the watermelon cheesecake that Emmalee made sounded awesome. I looked up a recipe.
The next day the DJ is supposed to lead the "Red white and afloat" boat parade, but after he doesn't show up, his boat is found floating with him dead on board with Birdie's pie nearby. There are multiple suspects in his murder.
Tory McGee has conned Birdie and Finn into competing in the Miss Firecracker Contest, along with feisty senior Dot, and several other ladies. They have to wear 1940's era bathing attire in the swim suit competition.
Finn and Pace do finally share a kiss!
I had absolutely no idea who the killer was!
Really fun read!
June 25, 2025
This is the fifth book in a fantastic, fun murder mystery series, Pelican Shores that keeps you totally entertained with great red-herrings and lots of humor. Pelican Shores goes all out with their July 4th celebration, with competitions, boat parades and a pie off competition. When a not very liked judge, since he has a very abrasive radio show, Reggie “Boom Mic” McGraw is poisoned after judging the Pie-Off competition and Finn's friend Birdie becomes a suspect. So it is up to Finn, Birdie and their animal crime-solving duo, Beau and Queen Bean, to solve the murder wading through a slew of eccentric suspects. There are so many false leads, humor and a roller coaster, page turning ride can they clear Birdie's name? This is a fun read that keeps you guessing. I highly recommend not only this book but the entire series! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
June 27, 2025
Fourth of July fatality
Pelican Shores is having its usual full on celebration for the Fourth of July. Birdie enters the pie contest, there’s a boat parade and of course the fireworks. Things go off course when local celebrity dj who’s been tapped as a judge and more for the festivities turns up dead. Unfortunately for Birdie it’s with a slice of her pie right next to him. Well She and Finn can’t let that go so along with their faithful companions Beau and Queen Bean they are on the case.
If you like cozies then I’d definitely recommend this series. There’s plenty of laughs, lots of shenanigans and some great friendships that anchor the book. Here we have plenty of craziness trying to solve this case including lots of twists and a very surprising culprit! An enjoyable light read.
Pelican Shores is having its usual full on celebration for the Fourth of July. Birdie enters the pie contest, there’s a boat parade and of course the fireworks. Things go off course when local celebrity dj who’s been tapped as a judge and more for the festivities turns up dead. Unfortunately for Birdie it’s with a slice of her pie right next to him. Well She and Finn can’t let that go so along with their faithful companions Beau and Queen Bean they are on the case.
If you like cozies then I’d definitely recommend this series. There’s plenty of laughs, lots of shenanigans and some great friendships that anchor the book. Here we have plenty of craziness trying to solve this case including lots of twists and a very surprising culprit! An enjoyable light read.
November 14, 2025
Death, Pageants, and Pie
Bessie Barr really knows how to craft her characters! You will love Finn and Birdie as they do whatever it takes to solve the mystery of the murder and the missing/stolen pie. And the other zaney characters are so real. I used to live in Texas many years ago, and these people brought it back as if it were yesterday! And the awesome pie with jalapeños in cherry and apple...is so realistic; in Texas, we put jalapeños in just about everything from scrambled eggs, pizza, soup, jam...etc. I must try pie! But I digress, the mystery, the dog and cat sidekicks, the crazy pagent, the weird (to non Texans) people, the colorful town, all make this a memorable story during one 4th of July. A book you will want to experience more than once. I know I will read it again next July!
Bessie Barr really knows how to craft her characters! You will love Finn and Birdie as they do whatever it takes to solve the mystery of the murder and the missing/stolen pie. And the other zaney characters are so real. I used to live in Texas many years ago, and these people brought it back as if it were yesterday! And the awesome pie with jalapeños in cherry and apple...is so realistic; in Texas, we put jalapeños in just about everything from scrambled eggs, pizza, soup, jam...etc. I must try pie! But I digress, the mystery, the dog and cat sidekicks, the crazy pagent, the weird (to non Texans) people, the colorful town, all make this a memorable story during one 4th of July. A book you will want to experience more than once. I know I will read it again next July!
June 25, 2025
Finn and Birdie find themselves smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation when radio personality Reggie “Boom Mic” McGraw is poisoned after judging the Pie-Off competition. With his abrasive personality on his radio show, there is no shortage of possible suspects…Birdie included. Can Finn clear her best friend and find the killer in time to finally have her first date with Detective Pace Stringfellow?
This was a fun read! Barr does a nice job of moving the plot along, developing interesting characters and adding in humor and romance in just the right amounts. There are several twists and turns along the way to keep the reader engaged. I definitely would recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers.
*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This was a fun read! Barr does a nice job of moving the plot along, developing interesting characters and adding in humor and romance in just the right amounts. There are several twists and turns along the way to keep the reader engaged. I definitely would recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers.
*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 26, 2025
Exactly who killed Reggie McGraw?
This time around, we’re in Pelican Shores during the July 4th holiday celebrations. Not only is Birdie entered in the pie competition with Finn as her assistant, but they also are involved with the parade and even managed to get conned into taking part in Tory’s Miss Firecracker Pageant. These stories really are the best. Not only is there a murder to be solved, but there’s humor, friendship, a little romance, exceptionally colorful characters and even a mating pair of flamingoes. I really enjoy spending time with Finn, Beau, Queen Bean, Birdie and the rest of the gang in Pelican Shores and can’t wait for Book 6 in the Pelican Shores Cozy Mystery Series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This time around, we’re in Pelican Shores during the July 4th holiday celebrations. Not only is Birdie entered in the pie competition with Finn as her assistant, but they also are involved with the parade and even managed to get conned into taking part in Tory’s Miss Firecracker Pageant. These stories really are the best. Not only is there a murder to be solved, but there’s humor, friendship, a little romance, exceptionally colorful characters and even a mating pair of flamingoes. I really enjoy spending time with Finn, Beau, Queen Bean, Birdie and the rest of the gang in Pelican Shores and can’t wait for Book 6 in the Pelican Shores Cozy Mystery Series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 24, 2025
The Fourth of July celebrations are a big deal on Pelican Isle, but when the local celebrity emcee is found murdered Finn, her best friend Birdie, Queen Bean, and Beau are ready to find the culprit. I loved this book! The characters are smart, compelling and always highly entertaining. This particular book had me in giggles all the way through with Finn's funny one liners and a fast-paced dialog that kept me engrossed from the first page to the last. Murder and mayhem with plenty of unexpected twists in the plot make this a must-read book in a series I recommend to anyone who enjoys a good who-dun-it.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC received from Book Sprout.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC received from Book Sprout.
June 27, 2025
You won't be able to put it down!
The continuing adventures of Birdie (a free sprinted baker) and Finn (her amateur detective friend) take us through a very complex plot set at a pie bake off competition . As always there are copious clues, eccentric characters, red herrings, and a ton of humour ! The sub story of the Ms Firecracker poageant is quite entertaining. This episode will bring a happy tear to readers eye when they see exactly the bond between Queen Bea and Beau that till now was unnoticed. Great twist at the end with just enough romance to not be overdone!
The continuing adventures of Birdie (a free sprinted baker) and Finn (her amateur detective friend) take us through a very complex plot set at a pie bake off competition . As always there are copious clues, eccentric characters, red herrings, and a ton of humour ! The sub story of the Ms Firecracker poageant is quite entertaining. This episode will bring a happy tear to readers eye when they see exactly the bond between Queen Bea and Beau that till now was unnoticed. Great twist at the end with just enough romance to not be overdone!
July 8, 2025
The 4th of July celebration in Pelican Shores features the Pie-Off competition. When one of the judges drops dead after the judging, the whole town is in shock and starts pointing fingers. Finn's best friend becomes the prime suspect since her pie was the last one judged. Finn and Birdie jump right into the investigation. The suspect list is full of quirky characters. Can they sort through all the twists and turns to find the killer? Fun cozy that will keep you guessing till the very end! Another great book from Bessie Barr!
June 25, 2025
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review. Such a fun read. Bonus that it has a cute dog in the story. The story is well written with well-developed characters and a great plot. A holiday murder mystery with cues, twists, lots of suspects, and humor. Are the amateur sleuths able to solve the mystery. You should read the book and find out. Perfect summer read. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
July 18, 2025
I love this series there are so many funny things that happen around Finn and Birdie. I was glad that Finn was able to go on a date with Pace. I love the way Bessie Barr is able to keep the story going with lots of twist and turns and just as many suspects. It took me a little time to figure out who the murderer was and what they had used. If you enjoy a great mystery with a little laughter then this the series for you.
June 24, 2025
The Pelican Shores Pie-Off brings more chaos to Birdie and Finn than they asked for. Someone has gone out of their way to pin the blame on the innocent. There is suspense and humour in this murder mystery to keep you captivated to the end. I received this ARC copy and recommend this book to other readers.
June 26, 2025
Another mystery for Finn and Birdie to investigate (not forgetting Beau and Queen Bean too of course!) when the judge of the pie baking contest is found dead after seemingly eating Birdie's pie. It's a great story with some lovely fun moments as well as the suspense of will they, wont they (Pace and Finn) have a date this time. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 26, 2025
When pie competitions turn deadly ... Finn, Birdie, Beau and Queen Bee are once again proving their innocence and figuring out who the killer is. This series will make you laugh while you can't put the book down. The mystery will twist and turn so that you don't want to miss a second. So much fun to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2025
This was a fun, summery read! The characters are fun, and the Fourth of July festivities made for an entertaining setting for a murder investigation. This is part of a series, but could be read as a standalone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2025
Everyone is excited for all the Forth of July activities that include a pie off and a Ms firework pageant until the judge for the pie off is found dead on his boat. It up to Finn and Birdie to solve the mystery. This book is filled with twist and turns and two helpful cute animals, a cat named Queen Bean and a dog named Beau. I really enjoyed this book.
December 18, 2025
Loved this foodie mystery.
I have thorough my enjoyed this entertaining cozy mystery with a recipe at the end of each book. This one is my favorite ,so far.
The light romance adds another layer to the small coastal isle community populated with fun ,artsy residents most of which
I'd like as friends.
I have thorough my enjoyed this entertaining cozy mystery with a recipe at the end of each book. This one is my favorite ,so far.
The light romance adds another layer to the small coastal isle community populated with fun ,artsy residents most of which
I'd like as friends.
June 24, 2025
Finn, Birdie, and friends are caught up in the middle of another murder investigation. Clues, twists, humor, plus a dog and a cat! Even a little romance - it has it all! Another fun read - I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment!
June 26, 2025
This a very good cozy mystery. Fin and Birdie are at it again as they work to solve a murder. With the help of their pets, Beau and Beanie, they race to find the killer who tried to implicate Birdie in a murder. It has everything you are looking for in a cozy.
October 16, 2025
Finn & Birdie get volunteered for a Ms. Firecracker Pageant. And Birdie is also a contestant in the Pie Bake Off all for the 4th of July at Pelican Shores. But when the MC is found dead can the girls find a killer amongst the contestants? Another great book by Bessi Barr
May 14, 2026
Finn and Birdie are volunteered for a Ms. Firecracker Pageant. Birdie is also a contestant in the Pie Bake off for the fourth of July. Then the MC is found murdered, which leads to Finn and Birdie searching for the killer along with Pace. Well-written story with humor and a little romance.
June 17, 2026
I loved it!!!
July 5, 2026
My first trip to Pelican Shores and I really enjoyed this and find myself wanting to try a cherry jalepeno pie!
September 17, 2026
a win for detective lady's
Fun read! With just enough spice!!!! The animals added to the mix. Also a little bit of love involved added to the plot!
Fun read! With just enough spice!!!! The animals added to the mix. Also a little bit of love involved added to the plot!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews