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Cedar Bay #2
Murder at Jade Cove
Was it the environmental activist enamored with spotted owls, someone from the local Native American tribe, Jeff’s son, Jeff’s wife, or his wife’s lover? Join Kelly, the owner of Kelly’s Koffee Shop, her boxer dog, Rebel, and her fiancé, Mike, the county sheriff, as they try and catch the person who killed Jeff Black.
Well, it’s not as if no one wanted Jeff dead. He had enemies. There were a lot of people who didn’t want to see his property turned into a commercial hotel and spa. Finding suspects won’t be hard to do, but finding out who killed him will be. No one would ever nominate Jeff for the “Most Popular Citizen Award.” This is going to be a nightmare for Mike. I wonder how I can help him, Kelly thought.
Murder at Jade Cove is another mouth-watering Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery with recipes and a
surprise at the very end!
143 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2014
631 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
September 2, 2019
Although I hadn't read the first book in the series I didn't feel lost regarding the town or the characters. The plot was smoothly paced with several suspects that had reasons to kill the man and a few twists to keep a reader guessing. I have mixed feelings about Kelly because of her tendency to "mentally cross her fingers" when she is making promises to her fiance', Mike. I'll try the next one to see how it develops.
October 2, 2016
A nice cozy mystery to read on a rainy weekend
September 2, 2020
4 Star review Murder At Jade Cove (A Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery #2) by Dianne Harman
Audio Review:
Dianne Harman is a relatively new author to me although I have listened to the narrator Erin deWard before. If you are an animal lover and enjoy cozy mysteries then this is for you.
There were so many people that wanted the victim dead but it is up to Mike, the sheriff of Beaver County, Oregon and his fiancee Kelly of Kelly's Koffee Shop to follow the clues and solve the murder before more danger rears it’s head.
There were plenty of clues to follow as I tried to beat Mike and Kelly to solve the crime. The narration by Erin deWard was good and did justice to the story.
Audio Review:
Dianne Harman is a relatively new author to me although I have listened to the narrator Erin deWard before. If you are an animal lover and enjoy cozy mysteries then this is for you.
There were so many people that wanted the victim dead but it is up to Mike, the sheriff of Beaver County, Oregon and his fiancee Kelly of Kelly's Koffee Shop to follow the clues and solve the murder before more danger rears it’s head.
There were plenty of clues to follow as I tried to beat Mike and Kelly to solve the crime. The narration by Erin deWard was good and did justice to the story.
September 27, 2020
The Black Ranch is again a center of controversy. There’s lots of new happenings, both good and bad, in this one, as Kelly and some of the familiar characters wade through another murder.
January 12, 2018
Read in Winter Whodunnit
I really enjoyed this book. Ms Harmon's characters well well laid out and the plot was interesting. It is fairly short but I didn't feel that anything was missing. The only negative to me was how casually she lied to those who worried about her. She was trying to keep them from worrying, but it didn't set well with me. I wasn't terrible impressed by an earlier book of her's that I read some time ago but I will be checking out more of her writing now.
I really enjoyed this book. Ms Harmon's characters well well laid out and the plot was interesting. It is fairly short but I didn't feel that anything was missing. The only negative to me was how casually she lied to those who worried about her. She was trying to keep them from worrying, but it didn't set well with me. I wasn't terrible impressed by an earlier book of her's that I read some time ago but I will be checking out more of her writing now.
July 24, 2015
Okay, I RARELY leave a book unfinished and I read a LOT. That should attest to this book being pretty poorly written, because I just could not finish it. I made it a quarter of the way through, and that was more than enough.
Like the first book in the series, the author uses conversations - random, unrealistic and extremely long-winded conversations - to supposedly give back stories to the reader. Every. Single. Conversation. Even with her DOG. There is no way on earth anyone would give as many ridiculous details that barely pertain to any given topic as the conversations depicted in this book. Here is an example: a man who doesn't even remember who the protagonist is, brings two coffees in for her and his wife, who also barely knows her, and proceeds to not only say he can't join them because he's going to the rifle range, but goes on for FIVE pages about the problem he's having with the sights on his one rifle and how he has five rifles. Seriously. You'd think this is maybe to point out how the guy is rifle obsessed or something? But no. This is only one example of many, trust me. Every single time the protagonist is talking to someone it's the same thing, and she also constantly brings up things to people that they already know, just to ostensibly bring the reader up to date, I guess?
Don't even get me started about Doc and his lack of confidentiality. The protagonist asks him about confidentiality at one point and he tells her it's because the woman was in the waiting room when she told him and others also heard. And yet, he had told her two other things about other counselling patients already at that point. Also, he keeps telling Kelly not to get involved in more murders, and yet he comes to her with every single item of gossip or related information about the murder.
The characters and mysteries in this series are irritating and not interesting enough to keep me reading through this drivel.
Like the first book in the series, the author uses conversations - random, unrealistic and extremely long-winded conversations - to supposedly give back stories to the reader. Every. Single. Conversation. Even with her DOG. There is no way on earth anyone would give as many ridiculous details that barely pertain to any given topic as the conversations depicted in this book. Here is an example: a man who doesn't even remember who the protagonist is, brings two coffees in for her and his wife, who also barely knows her, and proceeds to not only say he can't join them because he's going to the rifle range, but goes on for FIVE pages about the problem he's having with the sights on his one rifle and how he has five rifles. Seriously. You'd think this is maybe to point out how the guy is rifle obsessed or something? But no. This is only one example of many, trust me. Every single time the protagonist is talking to someone it's the same thing, and she also constantly brings up things to people that they already know, just to ostensibly bring the reader up to date, I guess?
Don't even get me started about Doc and his lack of confidentiality. The protagonist asks him about confidentiality at one point and he tells her it's because the woman was in the waiting room when she told him and others also heard. And yet, he had told her two other things about other counselling patients already at that point. Also, he keeps telling Kelly not to get involved in more murders, and yet he comes to her with every single item of gossip or related information about the murder.
The characters and mysteries in this series are irritating and not interesting enough to keep me reading through this drivel.
January 30, 2015
What a wonderful series this is! This is the second book in the series and I loved it every bit as much as I did the first. You can see my review of Kelly's Koffee Shop on my blog or my review is under the book here as well.Murder at Jade Cove Dianne Harman knows how to write a clean cozy mystery which will not only keep you guessing but will have you smiling as well.
Kelly has a tendency to keep her fingers crossed when promising not to help her finance (Mike the Sheriff) with his cases. At least she always has her dog-a big well trained Boxer with her! She is still cooking up a storm at her restaurant and now brings stuff home for Mike to eat. She also uses some of those delicious baked goods as an excuse to visit where she is not really supposed to be--at least not for the reason she is really going there.
This can be read as a stand alone but there is a continuation from the first book and you really don't want to miss any of the fun!! The recipes are again featured at the end of the book!!!!!! Now waiting for Book #3-I just have to find out how the newest addition (a gift) gets along with the Boxer!! And besides there is still a wedding to attend!!
Kelly has a tendency to keep her fingers crossed when promising not to help her finance (Mike the Sheriff) with his cases. At least she always has her dog-a big well trained Boxer with her! She is still cooking up a storm at her restaurant and now brings stuff home for Mike to eat. She also uses some of those delicious baked goods as an excuse to visit where she is not really supposed to be--at least not for the reason she is really going there.
This can be read as a stand alone but there is a continuation from the first book and you really don't want to miss any of the fun!! The recipes are again featured at the end of the book!!!!!! Now waiting for Book #3-I just have to find out how the newest addition (a gift) gets along with the Boxer!! And besides there is still a wedding to attend!!
January 6, 2015
This book series have the most stupid main character of all time. Although this is a so called "cozy murder mystery" series, it shouldn't mean that all logic is thrown overboard. Seriously. I'm just waiting for the main character to be killed because of all the stupid things she does, like confronting the murderer without talking to the police (or the sheriff, whom she's engaged to!) first, or telling anyone about her plans. Despite the sheriff telling her not to get involved in arresting murderers or accusing suspects, she just "mentally crosses her fingers" when she lies, and joins in, with gunfights and all. How about being a nosy, lying piece of shit!
Too bad I can't help myself, but I have to read these books just to see how stupid and non-logical everything is, and how weird and foolish the characters are behaving. Like talking to and telling their dogs about everything that's going on, because that seems to be the only way the author knows how to explain what's going on.
These books costs like one dollar on Kindle, and I can understand why they are cheap!
Too bad I can't help myself, but I have to read these books just to see how stupid and non-logical everything is, and how weird and foolish the characters are behaving. Like talking to and telling their dogs about everything that's going on, because that seems to be the only way the author knows how to explain what's going on.
These books costs like one dollar on Kindle, and I can understand why they are cheap!
May 19, 2015
This is the second book I have read in Dianne Harman's Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery series. Ms. Harman seems to be a very popular writer and from these two books, I find it difficult to understand why. The writing is not really that great.
The premise is fairly interesting: widow running small Oregon Coast town coffee shop gets engaged to the local sheriff and helps him solve his cases. It's the fact that this author simply does not have the knack of writing good dialogue. It's mostly very stilted and she still has the habit of saying the people's names in almost every sentence of dialogue.
Then the heroine has the habit of constantly lying to her boyfriend (the sheriff) and "mentally crossing her fingers." That cliche drives me up the wall and I won't read another book in this series. I can't figure out how she has so many 5 and 4 star reviews on Amazon.
She looks like a nice person, so perhaps people like her and support her.
The premise is fairly interesting: widow running small Oregon Coast town coffee shop gets engaged to the local sheriff and helps him solve his cases. It's the fact that this author simply does not have the knack of writing good dialogue. It's mostly very stilted and she still has the habit of saying the people's names in almost every sentence of dialogue.
Then the heroine has the habit of constantly lying to her boyfriend (the sheriff) and "mentally crossing her fingers." That cliche drives me up the wall and I won't read another book in this series. I can't figure out how she has so many 5 and 4 star reviews on Amazon.
She looks like a nice person, so perhaps people like her and support her.
September 24, 2019
DNF!!!
I abandoned this after 32 pages. The writing style is awkward to me. It’s all... “Mike, I’m going to do this..” and “Kelly, that’s very interesting...” “I know Mike, blah blah blah...” “So Kelly, der der der...” No one always uses the other person’s name in almost every single sentence when they talk to them. It’s irritating and unrealistic.
Also the author writes the dialogue of the son of the Indian Chief like something out of a bad B movie from the 40’s: “Just because some politicians say it’s okay, doesn’t make it right. In fact, the Great Spirit knows it’s wrong. That’s probably why Jeff Black is dead. The Great Spirit took care of something the politicians screwed up.”
And Jeff Black is almost always referred to as Jeff Black even though there doesn’t seem to be another Jeff in this story.
I really don’t care who killed Jeff... I mean Jeff Black. 😐
I abandoned this after 32 pages. The writing style is awkward to me. It’s all... “Mike, I’m going to do this..” and “Kelly, that’s very interesting...” “I know Mike, blah blah blah...” “So Kelly, der der der...” No one always uses the other person’s name in almost every single sentence when they talk to them. It’s irritating and unrealistic.
Also the author writes the dialogue of the son of the Indian Chief like something out of a bad B movie from the 40’s: “Just because some politicians say it’s okay, doesn’t make it right. In fact, the Great Spirit knows it’s wrong. That’s probably why Jeff Black is dead. The Great Spirit took care of something the politicians screwed up.”
And Jeff Black is almost always referred to as Jeff Black even though there doesn’t seem to be another Jeff in this story.
I really don’t care who killed Jeff... I mean Jeff Black. 😐
January 20, 2016
I received a free paperback copy of Murder at Jade Cove (Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery #2) by Dianne Harman from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.
I especially liked the way Kelly 'mentally crossed her fingers' when she was agreeing not to do something. I gave this fast reading mystery five stars.
Dianne Harman is my favorite cozy mystery writer. I highly recommend her work. Although this is the Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery #2, it is also a stand alone.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Jade-Cov...
I especially liked the way Kelly 'mentally crossed her fingers' when she was agreeing not to do something. I gave this fast reading mystery five stars.
Dianne Harman is my favorite cozy mystery writer. I highly recommend her work. Although this is the Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery #2, it is also a stand alone.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Jade-Cov...
March 30, 2015
Murder, love, drugs, drug cartels, and spotted owls. These are the main plots in this second book in the Cedar Bay Cozy Mysteries. This book continues right were the first one ended and refreshes memories about what happened before. When Jeff is murdered, there is no reason why that anyone can see. Then you have another man come into the picture and then throw in an activist dead set on saving spotted owls and you have a great recipe for twists and turns in a story. I enjoyed this book as much as the first one and will be reading the rest of the series.
January 2, 2015
I didn't like this book at all - or the first one either. I thought I would give the author another try because everyone was continuing to give such good reviews and I thought I must have missed something, but I should have remained true to myself and not bothered. In my opinion, it was poorly written and didn't catch my interest one iota - I returned it after reading only one chapter. There are much better books out there for your money.
February 28, 2018
Seriously, how many times can a character "mentally cross her fingers?"
August 8, 2018
"Murder At Jade Cove" is book two in the Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery series. Jeff Black has the environmentalists out in droves. Indeed, there is a definite line of division in town regarding his upcoming project to build a commercial hotel and spa on his property. It kind of put the kibosh to things when he was found murdered. No lack of suspects - including environmentalists, a local Native American tribe, and his own wife - who was served with divorce papers on the day that he was murdered. As well as his wife's lover.
Then there was the Mexican drug lord who wanted his money back - the money he had fronted Jeff Black to set up a marijuana operation that Black ended up burning down.
Kelly (the owner of Kelly's Koffee Shop), her dog and constant companion, Rebel, and her fiance, Sheriff Mike, set out to solve the murder. Kelly, of course, being under orders from Sheriff Mike to stay out of hte investigation. And she really does need to plan for her upcoming wdding to Sheriff Mike!
This is a very well written story, with well rounded, interesting characters. It has some lovely side trips it very postiive, and ... my favorite ... has recipies at the end! I consider this an uplifting, worthwhile book.
Then there was the Mexican drug lord who wanted his money back - the money he had fronted Jeff Black to set up a marijuana operation that Black ended up burning down.
Kelly (the owner of Kelly's Koffee Shop), her dog and constant companion, Rebel, and her fiance, Sheriff Mike, set out to solve the murder. Kelly, of course, being under orders from Sheriff Mike to stay out of hte investigation. And she really does need to plan for her upcoming wdding to Sheriff Mike!
This is a very well written story, with well rounded, interesting characters. It has some lovely side trips it very postiive, and ... my favorite ... has recipies at the end! I consider this an uplifting, worthwhile book.
September 13, 2017
Love #reading this mystery series by Dianne Harman! Only a few months since the murder of high school senior Amber, and once again the Black family is the center of another murder; this time it's Jeff Black who seemed to be only loved by his son, Brandon. Kelly is engaged to Sheriff Mike, and her crossed fingers keep her involved with the suspects. The one character I can't stand is hypocritical Bonnie who preaches "Save the Spotted Owl!", and then you find out she actually murdered one, had it stuffed and all because she "had to have one of her own to hug and love". If I met her in real life, I'd punch her lights out!!!
I enjoy Dianne's writing style as it is not over detailed, so the story and characters aren't overly dramatic and phony; it's as if you're sitting back, reading, but actually experiencing. This series is one that each book can be read in one day; especially on a day where you're feeling lazy and simply want to enjoy a good story.
I enjoy Dianne's writing style as it is not over detailed, so the story and characters aren't overly dramatic and phony; it's as if you're sitting back, reading, but actually experiencing. This series is one that each book can be read in one day; especially on a day where you're feeling lazy and simply want to enjoy a good story.
January 18, 2018
I couldn't even make it through six chapters. The story was already going nowhere, and the characters were just gossiping about unrelated information (The characters were oddly open about other people's business. I'm surprised the killer hadn't already told someone who told the lead character, "Guess what?! I'm the murderer!" by chapter two). I was already getting annoyed with how many times a character said, "Anyway...". It's kind of a throw-away word used when you go off topic and you want to get back on track, but these were all bunny trails anyways. I also didn't enjoy how major characteristics were introduced in a character's first sentence, like in a soap opera. These things can be drawn out and introduced a little later, instead of having everything you need to know about a character being dumped first thing into your lap. The only reason I tried reading the story was because it's part of the Winter Whodunnits cozy boxed set.
December 18, 2017
I wasn’t thrilled with the first book, Kelly’s Koffee Shop, but I decided to give this series one more chance. I’m sorry to say that this book was even more annoying than the first. I wanted to like the main character, Kelly, who is engaged to Mike, the county sheriff. But after the tenth time she “mentally crossed her fingers” when making a promise and then went ahead and did whatever she promised not to do (no matter how stupid and dangerous), I really began to dislike her. Add to that the author’s habit of Kelly having ridiculous conversations with her dog in order to advance the plot and other characters acting in completely improbable ways (like the bank teller telling her all about the financial transactions of another customer), and I won’t be reading any more books in this series.
January 30, 2017
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
October 12, 2020
I enjoyed reading this story. Even though it's the second in a series, I had no problem following the story and characters. Just as a major project is about to start on a gorgeous piece of property, the owner is found, murdered. There are a number of suspects. Kelly owns a coffee shop and her boyfriend Mike is the sheriff. Kelly can't help herself - she continues to investigate the murder, even though she promises not too.
I enjoyed the story and the characters. I'm in the middle of a Dianne Harman pile of books right now and I've become a fan. This book is good for young adult to adult readers.
I listened to the audio version of the book and I enjoyed listening to the narrator. She does a great job with the story and she even does character voices.
I enjoyed the story and the characters. I'm in the middle of a Dianne Harman pile of books right now and I've become a fan. This book is good for young adult to adult readers.
I listened to the audio version of the book and I enjoyed listening to the narrator. She does a great job with the story and she even does character voices.
April 17, 2020
Much more than a murder mystery
Life in a small town is full of interesting characters, especially when one of them is a super sleuth and engaged to the sheriff. Kelly runs a coffee shop, but her real talent is getting people to trust her and confide in her. Combine this with her ability to sense when things aren't quite right and she makes an excellent detective, much to the consternation of Sheriff Mike, who wants her to stay safe and stop digging around. The whole story is a delightful interaction between the characters as they go about their lives while Kelly and Mike solve the crime.
Life in a small town is full of interesting characters, especially when one of them is a super sleuth and engaged to the sheriff. Kelly runs a coffee shop, but her real talent is getting people to trust her and confide in her. Combine this with her ability to sense when things aren't quite right and she makes an excellent detective, much to the consternation of Sheriff Mike, who wants her to stay safe and stop digging around. The whole story is a delightful interaction between the characters as they go about their lives while Kelly and Mike solve the crime.
September 2, 2020
Star review Murder At Jade Cove (A Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery #2) by Dianne Harman
Audio Review:
Dianne Harman is a relatively new author to me although I have listened to the narrator Erin deWard before. If you are an animal lover and enjoy cozy mysteries then this is for you.
There were so many people that wanted the victim dead but it is up to Mike, the sheriff of Beaver County, Oregon and his fiancee Kelly of Kelly's Koffee Shop to follow the clues and solve the murder before more danger rears it’s head.
There were plenty of clues to follow as I tried to beat Mike and Kelly to solve the crime. The narration by Erin deWard was good and did justice to the story.
Audio Review:
Dianne Harman is a relatively new author to me although I have listened to the narrator Erin deWard before. If you are an animal lover and enjoy cozy mysteries then this is for you.
There were so many people that wanted the victim dead but it is up to Mike, the sheriff of Beaver County, Oregon and his fiancee Kelly of Kelly's Koffee Shop to follow the clues and solve the murder before more danger rears it’s head.
There were plenty of clues to follow as I tried to beat Mike and Kelly to solve the crime. The narration by Erin deWard was good and did justice to the story.
April 2, 2025
Audiobook: I enjoyed this cozy mystery. I was amused by Kelly's inability to help herself whenever there was a mystery to be solved as she felt the need to use her amateur sleuthing skills in spite of all the warnings from her friends and fiancé not to get involved. I liked all the twists in this mystery. I was entertained by the flashes of humor. I appreciated the recipes. I loved Rebel and his role as protector. I enjoyed Erin deWard's narration as her performance was skillful and entertaining. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
Read
March 9, 2022Kelly and her fiancé, County Sheriff Mike, have another murder on their hands. Everyone knew Jeff Black was thinking of turning his property into hotel and spa space. Not everyone was in favor. Add to that he wasn't a well liked man. So when he turns up dead the suspect pool is large. As rumors swirl around town Sheriff Mike has his hands full. Who hated Jeff enough to kill him? I love all the characters, and dogs, and the mystery is well written. As a bonus there are several delicious recipes included! I happily recommend this book and series!
March 22, 2020
Another good cozy mystery by Dianne Harman
I always enjoy this author's murder mysteries with the interesting characters, lovable dogs, and lucious recipes at the end. Even though this was the 2nd book in the series, it was easy to understand what had been going on with the characters. I want to read the first in the series and continue reading about these wonderful characters.
I always enjoy this author's murder mysteries with the interesting characters, lovable dogs, and lucious recipes at the end. Even though this was the 2nd book in the series, it was easy to understand what had been going on with the characters. I want to read the first in the series and continue reading about these wonderful characters.
Read
September 16, 2020Murder at Jade Cove (Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery #2), my fifth read/listen from author Dianne Harman and the second book in the highly enjoyable Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery series, and perhaps the best of her books I've read to date. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. Erin deWard's excellent narration adds to an excellent book's enjoyment. I look forward to reading more in this series & from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
March 17, 2017
Once again Dianne Harman has done a lovely job of taking us on a murder. Erin deWard is wonderful with her narrative too. I truly enjoy this series. I have listened and read the books in this series and both are well done and very entertaining. I was gifted this audiobook with the understanding I would leave an honest review and so I have.
March 14, 2020
Murder at Jade Cove
This was a great book on deceit, mystery and murder. Loved reading this book tonight and glad to finish it in one sitting. The fact that a man was murdered and no one seemed to know who the person was who did the shooting. This is my review of an arc book and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
This was a great book on deceit, mystery and murder. Loved reading this book tonight and glad to finish it in one sitting. The fact that a man was murdered and no one seemed to know who the person was who did the shooting. This is my review of an arc book and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
April 13, 2020
When Premeditated Murder Backfires
An awful lot has happened in Cedar Bay in the last two months, including two murders! I almost fell for the red herring, or what I deemed to be the red herring. The truth behind the murder is incredibly sad, however, the gift at the end is truly beautiful~
An awful lot has happened in Cedar Bay in the last two months, including two murders! I almost fell for the red herring, or what I deemed to be the red herring. The truth behind the murder is incredibly sad, however, the gift at the end is truly beautiful~
May 4, 2020
This is the 2nd in the series. The main characters are Kelly and her soon to be hubby, Sheriff Mike. Kelly is delivering a cake to Jack Black when she finds him dead. Murdered. She calls in Sheriff Mike and they start working to find out who murdered him. They have way to many suspects and start to weed out the ones they can. Can they figure this out before anyone else is murdered?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews