Dosing With Secrets: A riveting small town murder mystery with hidden agendas

by Nelly Stein

An evening errand to the local Vet ends in a twist of terror for local bookshop owner, Sarah Flynn. Potato, her sister’s dog, sniffs out a body in the office hallway, launching her into a complex mystery.

In the community of Pebble Bay, shadows of suspicion loom large. Everyone involved could be implicated of wrongdoing. From the beloved Vet, Dr. Schilling, to his quirky assistant, Betty Bancroft, and their receptionist, Mrs. Johnson, who is just plain cranky.

Sarah is caught in a whirlwind of speculation when Detective Larson gives mixed messages. His motives are as unclear as those he’s investigating.

With tensions rising and alliances shifting, Sarah joins forces with her niece Lily. Together, they must navigate a maze of deceit to unhinge the lure of the murderer.

The need to uncover the truth behind the young man’s death is unmistakable. Sarah is determined to bring clarity to the darkness that has overcome this small town.

Can she trust her instincts, or will she be led astray in this cozy yet chilling caper?

Genres: Fiction

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2025

Reviews

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in a really fantastic series with great relatable characters. Sarah Flynn is a police consultant at times when she's called in, although she and her sister, Amy co-own a bookstore. When Amy asked Sarah to do an errand for her, of course Sarah complied. She had to go to the vet to get some pre-natal pills for Amy's pregnant dog, Potato. But a simple errand turned into a murder mystery when she finds the dead body of a young man on the floor in the hallway of the vets. She calls Detective Larson who tells her to stay our of it this time, but that would never happen and with the help of her niece Lily they work together investigating the murder. This book also goes into the relationship between Detective Larson and Sarah. Can Sarah and Lily find a murderer before he finds them? Are they getting too close? We are taken to a surprise ending that I never guessed! This is a fun fast paced book that is a great addition to the Pebble Bay Cozy Mystery Series. I not only highly recommend this book, but I highly recommend the entire series. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Dan Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of books is a little different than most of the cosy mystery genre in that the female protagonist is not merely a person with a nose for mystery who gets involved in various crimes that the police foil tries to keep her out of. Apparently Sarah is considered an actual private police consultant, though she is supposed to only become part of a case when requested. Since this 4th in the series is the first that I have read (I received it as an ARC), I do not know how that status originally came about. Regardless, in this book, Sarah is helping with her sister Amy's dog Chowder, whom they have just discovered to be pregnant, when she finds a dead body at the veterinary clinic. Thus, she feels she is in the midst of things and can't help trying to find out what she can, even before she is officially brought in on the case.
The list of possible suspects keeps you guessing, with motives and opportunities ruled in and out, and there is a bit of a twist at the end. All in all, an engaging tale.

[Marietta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another excellent written story with lot info about her characters Sarah Flynn seem to always get herself involved with what ever is going on in their small community. She is alway helping her sister with the five children and the bookshop that she is co-partner and the cafe next door that her sister ownes. Her niece is worried about the family dog who is not her normal self right now so she take it the vet to see what is happening and find out that the dog is pregnant. The next time she goes to the vet to pickup pills for the dog Sarah manages to come across a dead body. So phones the local detective that she know Larry Larson and has worked with before. Sarah can not but try to figure out who could be the murderer even after Larry tell her to leave it to him. There are lots of suspects and twist and turn all threw this story. I could not put the book down until I finish this story so if you really like a good mystery this will good for you. I can wait to see what the next adventure will be for Sarah and Larry.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Flynn is a police consultant and book store owner with her sister Amy in Pebble Bay, Maine. When Amy asked her to stop at the vet’s office to pick up some medicine, Sarah had no idea that she would be walking into a murder scene. Working with Detective Larry Larson, they attempt to determine who killed Rodney Shayne and why.

This book is book four of the Pebble Bay Cozy Mystery Series. I appreciate that the author gives some background of the main characters in the first chapter, so even though I haven’t read the other books, I was able to get a feel for the characters. The plot was engaging and kept my interest throughout. There were several suspects and the twist at the end was a bit of a surprise. I also enjoyed the romantic tension between Sarah and Detective Larson. It added another dimension to the story. An enjoyable read for mystery lovers!

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

[Cherie Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Sarah took her sisters pregnant dog Potato for a walk to the vets to pick up the vitamins Potato needed. Arriving late but noticing the lights were all on and the door was ajar she knew something was off. She cautiously entered but Potato suddenly started growling and pulled the leash from her hand and took off barking with Sarah following behind. What she saw when she went around the corner was a young man dead on the floor. There was no one else around and he didn’t work there so who was he, why was he there, and how did he end up dead? These questions were running through Sarah’s head as she called Detective Larson. This is a great cozy mystery and will keep you guessing. Join Sarah, Potato and Detective Larson as they as they sort through the list of suspects to figure out this mystery.
Cherie

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW this was a mystery of drama and suspense. It was captivating and mind blowing thriller. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. The book cover caught my attention. Sarah Flynn was a police consultant and book store owner with her sister Amy in Pebble Bay, Maine. But Sara never thought that she would walk into a place where murder happened. She was shocked and she has to solve this case once and for all before someone else she care about will be the next victim. Will she caught the culprit in time or will the person she meet is the killer.
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

[Dave Measner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vet visit uncovers a body.
When Sarah Flynn goes to the vet's to pick up prenatal vitamins for her sister Amy's dog Potato, she finds a young man dead on the floor. Instead of 911 she calls detective Larson. He contacts the other authorities and begins the investigation, after telling Sarah to stay out of it. Unlikely. Sarah, her niece Lily at her side, begins to unravel the mystery, but not without attracting the killer's attention. This is an excellent addition to this series with a fine mystery full of potential suspects. It also builds upon the character profiles and relationships. A great read!
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dosing With Secrets by Nelly Stein is part of the Pebble Bay Cozy Mystery series. In this installment, Sarah Flynn—co-owner of the local bookstore with her sister—takes her sister’s very pregnant dog to the vet, only to stumble upon a crime scene. The veterinarian’s office is unlocked but empty, and the body of a young man is soon discovered inside.

There’s no shortage of suspects, yet none of them seem quite right. Detective Larson is assigned to the case, and while Sarah harbors a secret crush on him, she’s more than willing to help—if only he’d ask.

This is a great addition to a charming cozy mystery series. Each book stands on its own, but fans will enjoy following the familiar characters throughout.

[Jessica Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Pebble Bay novel and, despite jumping into the deep end, I was able to figure out who was who fairly easily. I liked the protagonist, Sarah, and her growing relationship with the detective, Larson. I was very surprised at just who it was that committed the murder at the vet, so congrats on creating one of the most surprising reveals I've ever gotten to read! I'm now very invested in catching up by reading the other three books.

I received this as an ARC from the author for free in exchange for my review.

[Angela Meehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often you take your dog to the vets and end up finding a dead body but that's just what happened to Sarah. She immediately called Detective Larson who automatically excluded her from asking questions but she manages to worm her way into his good books and with the help of niece Lily they all crack on with the investigation. This is another great book from Nelly who weaves the story of the investigation with potential romance, pregnancies and even a wedding. It's another great book in the series and well worth a read.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew a simple trip to the vet’s office could turn into such a mess? This book had just so many twists and turns I didn’t see coming. I had a lot of fun watching the type of investigator Sarah’s becoming, and all the family and friends that are there to support her made this story feel extra special. I can’t wait to discover what calamity Sarah finds herself involved in next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah and her sister ,Amy, co-own a bookstore and Sarah is always involved with solving murders in their small town. This time she is taking their dog, Potato, to the vet when she walks into a door left open and finds a body on the floor. She calls Detective Larry Larson to help. The two get together to solve the case, while dealing with a wedding and puppies.
Great story, love that the two sisters work together so well.
Received an arc and was happy to give this review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment in the series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Good mystery along side the murder investigation. The author delves more into the relationship between Larson and Sarah while also developing other characters to play larger roles. While not my favourite, Sarah is bringing out the best in her niece who'll be a fine investigator in the future. An interesting mix of rural fishing village folk fill in the narrative. Overall a pleasant mystery with a touch of humour.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Flynn goes to the vet with her dog Potato and finds a dead body at Schillings Vet Clinic. There is a lot of suspense and excitement as Sarah keeps trying to find evidence. An intriguing read with an edge of the seat finish. I received this ARC copy via Booksprouts and recommend this book to other readers .

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a riveting and intriguing murder mystery. We really are kept guessing all the way through. Very cleverly done. And just when you worked out who had done it…you were wrong! Likeable, interesting characters, even Potato the dog, who actually found the body. Even Detective Larsen was flummoxed!
Recommend. Enjoy!

[Carla Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A murder at a veterinarian clinic-- body found by Flynn while taking her sister's dog, potato, to the vet. Larry is quick to find possible suspects. then gets called on to another investigation, dealing with stolen drugs. are the two cases related? love the characters. I read an AR copy of the book. good book

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Sarah finds a body at the vet clinic she has to dig deeper on what happened. Wonderful characters that make the book interesting. A storyline that will keep you guessing to the very end. A great book to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barb Hegreberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment in the Pebble Bay series. The characters & storyline kept me engaged. The only thing I still want to know is, how many puppies did Potato have.

Each book in the series can easily be read as a standalone.

I received this book free from the author, publisher, or other source. My only obligation is to provide a fair and honest review.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I have so many things I want to put into my review, but…spoilers! This mystery had me scratching my head. I sort of had things figured out, but wow, the reveal! Add some sweet romance and this cozy was perfect.

[Doreen Farrar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nelly Stein always writes intriguing and entertaining mysteries with the kind of details that make a story come to life. Dosing With Secrets was just as great as her other mysteries, and it kept me guessing until the final reveal. Highly recommended!

[Cyndi Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this author's cozy mysteries. They are well written and well thought out. Pebble bay seems pretty great.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly Methey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The main characters were good and had a nice feel. I liked the mystery and that just a bit of romance was mixed in. Detective Larson and Sarah make a great team.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a suspenseful story with wonderful characters and and a really entertaining storyline. It will keep you turning page after page.

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story about Sarah and her dog trying to find what happened and finding a killer with lots of suspense and drama. Thank you

[Peggy Loehrke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

I like the fact that this author writes fast paced mysteries with a little romance thrown in, all while keeping it clean and fun. Good story lines, well written.