The Last Owners

by Jean Rezab

Courtney has found her dream farmhouse to turn into an inn.
When she purchases the quaint house in the countryside, her dreams of transforming it into a cozy, inviting inn comes with dark secrets. The previous owners and their half million dollars in jewelry vanished without a trace eight years ago.

Driven by a sense of justice, Courtney and her husband Alex team up with Gary, the son of the missing couple, to solve the mystery. When a fresh murder shatters the peace, Courtney realizes the stakes have risen. She must decide how much she’s willing to risk to bring the truth to light and whether some dreams are worth dying for.

A traditional, twisty, mysterious whodunit set in southwestern North Dakota…

Genres: Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Fiction

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2025

About the author

Jean Rezab writes from her home in North Dakota. Having grown up on a farm, she enjoys all things country, especially wildflowers, wheat fields, and winding lanes.

An excerpt of her writing has appeared in Humanities of ND Magazine. She likes to entertain her readers with mysteries and women’s fiction containing messages of love and forgiveness.

Her favorite authors while growing up were Mary Higgins Clark, Agatha Christie, and Debbie Macomber.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex and Courtney are renovating a farmhouse to transform into an inn. Thrilled with the idea of capturing their dream, they never expect for the secrets held there. When one of the workers they hired is murdered, paired with the unusual circumstances happening around the property. Courtney works with Gary, the son of the pervious owners who went missing, to find out what truly happened to his parents.

Clever mystery that kept me captivated. I liked all the details about the farmhouse. It was easy to capture the spirit of what Alex and Courtney were trying to achieve. Had a lot of surprises through out the book. I look forward to more in this series, several characters I found curious to read more about.

[Lise · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Millers' house has a sad history: on the day the owners were to leave and begin a new life in Virginia, they went missing. Their son, Gary, now a Deputy Sheriff, has sold the property to Alex and Courtney who plan to turn it into an inn. When one of the workers is murdered, it's obvious that the mystery still haunts the place . Courtney sets out to solve the mysteries and bring peace to Gary.

Non-Christians may find the religious references off-putting, but to me the problem was that the pacing in this story felt slow. I'm afraid I sighed when the story didn't end with the resolution. Though the plot was a fantastic premise, I wasn't enthralled.

[Jenni · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Last Owners — Jean Rezab (aka: “I bought a dream farmhouse and it came with miss-ing people, half a million in jewellery, and a murder. Love that for me.”)
This one is a 3 to 3.5 star small town mystery with a killer setup and a softer punch than you wanted. It’s got all the ingredients: a dream farmhouse, a cold case, a missing couple, and a new owner who walks straight into a decades old secret like she’s tripping over a loose floorboard.
Courtney just wants to turn her cute countryside house into an inn — adorable, wholesome, HGTV energy — except the previous owners vanished eight years ago along with a mountain of jewellery. And suddenly she’s teaming up with her husband Alex and Gary, the missing couple’s son, to unravel what happened. It’s very “accidental amateur sleuthing with emotional baggage.”
The atmosphere works. Southwestern North Dakota feels quiet, wide open, and just eerie enough to hold a secret that refuses to stay buried. The mystery itself is twisty in that classic whodunit way — not flashy, not high octane, but steady and intriguing.
Where it wobbles is the emotional impact. You wanted more tension, more stakes, more oomph. The pacing drifts at times, and even when a fresh murder hits, the story stays in cozy traditional territory instead of leaning into the darker potential it hints at. It’s enjoyable, but not the kind of mystery that grabs you by the throat.
Still, the core mystery is satisfying, the unraveling is fun, and the premise is strong enough to keep you turning pages. It’s the kind of book you read with mild curiosity rather than white knuckled urgency — a solid, quietly twisty mystery with a great setup and a gentle payoff.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Owners (Crocus Hill Inn Mysteries Book 1)
By Jean Rezab

After reading The Last Owners, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the experience and am now eagerly awaiting the next instalment in the Crocus Hill Inn Mysteries series. The storyline in this first book was engaging, and I hope the author maintains moving forward. If you’re a fan of a well-crafted murder mystery, this book is definitely worth picking up. It’s a great read that will keep you entertained and guessing throughout. I highly recommend grabbing a copy if you enjoy stories filled with intrigue and suspense. The characters, particularly Courtney and Alex, stood out to me. Their development over the course of the story was impressive, making them both relatable and memorable. Their journeys added depth to the narrative and contributed significantly to my enjoyment of the book.
From start to finish, the book is filled with twists and turns that keep you on your toes. The plot is unpredictable, ensuring that you’re constantly guessing what might happen next. The author’s storytelling style draws you in from the very beginning and holds your attention until the very end. Although Jean Rezab is a relatively new author to me, I was impressed by how quickly I was drawn into the story and how well-developed the plot was. The compelling characters, engaging mystery, and strong pacing all combined to make this an enjoyable read. I look forward to seeing what the next book in the series will bring.

[Angela Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Owners by Jean Rezab is a delightful cozy murder mystery with an intriguing plot and engaging characters.

Courtney and Alex are desperate for a fresh start. After Alex's release from prison and his ongoing exoneration for a crime he didn’t commit, the couple purchases a charming country house with plans to renovate it into Courtney’s dream inn. But the property comes with a mysterious past—the previous owners vanished eight years earlier.

Often labeled a “busybody,” though she prefers the term "curious", Courtney can't resist asking questions. As she settles into the small-town community, she uncovers secrets tied to the property's past—secrets that threaten both their plans and their peace of mind.

With mounting obstacles, financial pressure, and a growing sense that something isn't quite right, Courtney must decide how far to allow her curiosity to take her.

Packed with small-town charm and gentle suspense this cozy mystery will keep you turning pages. You’ll have fun seeing if you can solve the mystery before Courtney does.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this cozy mystery story. This is a newer author for me in which I not only enjoyed their writing skills but also their attention to details. I enjoyed the author’s ability to pull me into the story from the start and keep me engaged to the end. This is a well developed story about what happens when you buy a country home and the previous owner has disappeared. Courtney and her husband buy a home in the country. The previous owners have disappeared. Courtney is now determined to figure out what happened to them. Will she figure out this mystery or will the secrets stay buried? I enjoyed Courtney and what she brought to the story. She is a strong, determined character. I also enjoyed how well developed all the characters are in the story and how they made me want to know more. I enjoyed watching the growth of the story which made it easy and entertaining to read. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story and one you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this story.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Owners (Crocus Hill Inn Mysteries Book 1) by Jean Rezab, I loved this first installment in the Crocus Hill Inn Mysteries and can't wait to read the next one. This is the story of Courtney & Alex who are looking for a brand new start. Alex has just been exonerated from prison for a crime he didn't commit. They decide to buy a old historic home to refurbish it and give them time to heal and find a new home and community. Courtney has always dreamed of having an Inn and this house could be the answers to that dream. Courtney is very curious about the house so she asks all the questions about it. She finds out that the man who sold it to them once lived there with his parents and his parents disappeared and were never found. Courtney and her son are even more determined to find out what happened to them. Once they begin to investigate they find all kinds of mysteries and even a new murder occurs they begin to wonder if this mystery is really worth trying to solve. Will they stay alive long enough to find out what truly happened?

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

The Last Owners by Jean Rezab is a cozy mystery that blends small-town warmth with an undercurrent of intrigue. It’s the first book in the Crocus Hill Inn Mysteries series, and it sets the stage for what feels like a promising blend of character-driven storytelling and puzzling whodunits.
We follow Courtney and Alex, a couple seeking a fresh start by purchasing the Crocus Hill Inn …. But their dream begins to tarnish when a chilling twist comes to light, discovering that the previous owners had mysteriously vanished eight years earlier. And so the story begins as our MC/s can’t resist digging into the mystery and the inn’s shadowy past. As the mystery unravels and clues are unearthed, things take an intriguing turn.
Although was not the high-octane ‘thriller’ I might have expected, I did enjoy this slow-burn mystery wrapped in the comfort of a small-town setting.
Looking forward to seeing what comes next in the Crocus Hill Inn Mysteries.
Happy Reading…

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was honestly the perfect book to read on vacation. This was a new author for me and I will definitely be looking into other works by her. I was immediately drawn into the story with the last owners' dinner party and I had to know what was going on and what would happen next and boom I was right into the thick of this mystery. I was pleasantly surprised with the small Christian elements such as Courtney mentioning prayer and talking to God to Eric. I can appreciate the message and the fact that it did not come across as preachy or in your face so those readers who do not practice that same faith practices aren't going to feel pressured. It is just a part of the character development, but not one that makes the reader feel uncomfortable. It is fast paced, hard to put down. Thank goodness for mommy down time by the pool while the kids played with the husband because I was obsessed with this book.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Owners by Jean Rezab is the first book in the Crocus Hill Inn Mysteries Series. This is the first book I've read by this author, but it will not be the last. The Last Owners is a cozy mystery that pulled me in from the very beginning. I couldn't help but attempt to unravel the mystery of the disappearance of the previous owners right along with Courtney and Alex. The world-building is detailed, transporting me to the small-town life of Elm City; I could feel the anxiety behind Courtney's calm façade, see the holes made in the inn's backyard, and feel the shock and understanding as the mystery starts to unfold. The characters are realistic and believable, flawed like the rest of us but still lovable. While I was hoping for a more intense, in-your-face experience, this mystery unfolds slowly and subtly, but with no less impact. I cannot wait to read more in this series and more books by Jean Rezab.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eight years ago, Valerie and Simon Miller left Elm City, seemingly falling off the edge of the earth – well, at least a ravine in South Dakota. After the requisite amount of time, their only son, Gary has them declared dead and proceeds to sell the place that the Millers called home for two years. Courtney and Alex Richmond fall in love with the property, purchase it, and are in the process of renovating it into a wholistic care center. As renovation proceeds, the Miller’s secrets are about to be uncovered.

With a richly imagined cast of characters, Rezab brings to life the type of cozy murder mystery reminiscent of Jessica Fletcher and Cabot Cove. They are richly drawn and varied in their personalities, so who should the Richmond’s trust? The book is fast paced and thrilling. The couple at the center of the novel are deeply Christian, and it makes for a refreshing change from many fiction books currently on the shelves. 5 Stars

[Book.Athlete · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Last Owners by Jean Rezab. This cozy mystery had such a charming small-town atmosphere, and the Crocus Hill Inn setting immediately pulled me in. I loved how the story balanced mystery, family dynamics, and a touch of humor without ever losing momentum.

The characters felt genuine and relatable, especially the main character, whose determination and curiosity kept me invested from beginning to end. The mystery itself was well-paced, with enough twists and surprises to keep me guessing while still feeling believable.

What I appreciated most was the warm, inviting writing style. It made the book easy to settle into, and I found myself wanting to spend more time in this world long after I finished. This was a strong start to the Crocus Hill Inn Mysteries series, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book.

[Kat Mellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable read! It is the first in the series, and first I've read by this author, but at times it felt like there was a backstory that I wasn't privy to. I had to double check that it was indeed the first and I hadn't accidentally started in the middle of an established series.
Aside from that, the characters were well-written, the story line was unique and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It is a religious book in that it mentions God and the main characters are Christian and will readily admit that/witness to those around them, but it does not come off as preachy or disingenuous. I do love that the ending was wrapped up in a realistic way and didn't leave off on a cliff hanger or any unanswered questions. Easy read, clean, slightly romantic in how the husband and wife duo are towards each other. Will definitely read more.

[Santana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows Courtney and her husband Alex, who buy a countryside home to turn into an inn. But the previous owners disappeared years ago, and Courtney can’t help but dig into the mystery.

With help from the missing couple’s son, she starts uncovering secrets that were meant to stay hidden. The setting has a nice small town feel, and the mystery is steady and interesting with a few twists.

I liked the characters, especially Courtney. She’s curious and determined, and her relationship with Alex adds a nice touch. That said, I wanted a bit more tension. Some parts felt slow, and even the bigger moments didn’t hit as hard as they could have. I was expecting a lot more action to the novel but it just kind of fizzled out. Regardless it’s a cozy, easy read with a good mystery and a strong setup, even if it stays on the lighter side.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good. I usually like to try and solve the murders as I read the story but this one was a little hard for me. I kept thinking maybe it was this person and then I wasn't sure.

The story starts with Courtney and Alex buying a house from Gary, whose parents came up missing, a long time ago. People thought they had moved while Gary was in the service. Now Gary is home and no one has seen or heard from them in over 8 years.

While Courtney and Alex are starting to have repairs done on the house to have it transformed into the Inn that Courtney always wanted, someone digs holes in the backyard and uncovers the bodies of the Millers. Now they have to find out who murdered them.

If you want a book that will keep you on your toes trying to figure out who killed them then this book is for you. I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a fixer upper house and Courtney and Alex are ready to tackle it. There's just a few issues, the main one being the last owners are missing, along with a sizeable amount of jewelry. The couple decides to help out the son of the previous owners who is now a police officer. At what expense will each of them go to solve this?

I love that this is a "clean" book to read first of all. There are some who may not appreciate the religious undertones in the book. It's hard to find great reads that are not full of unnecessary junk. The mystery and suspense of this is not the high excitement that I am used reading. It's a more calm, slow scenario. It's a very enjoyable read though with relatable characters. I am one who enjoys a resolve to an issue and that didn't come with this story. I do look forward to the next book in this series.

[Tammy Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Owners by Jean Razab is book one of the Crocus Hill Inn Mysteries. When Courtney and her husband buy a house that they want to convert into an inn, they learn that the previous owners had disappeared. Courtney’s curiosity finds her teaming up with the missing couple’s son to find out what happened. I love the characters. They are well written, and I like the fact that Courtney’s husband, Alex, has a difficult past. He was recently released from prison for a crime that he didn’t commit, and he’s still trying to prove his innocence. The story is written with all the small-town charm you expect, with mystery and suspense thrown in. This is a great foundational book for the series to build upon.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Crocus Hill Inn Mystery series. This was an interesting small town cosy mystery story with intrigue, danger and twists and turns that kept me guessing.
When we meet Courtney and Alex they are in the process of making their dream to own and run an inn a reality. Things seem to be going perfect however there is a mystery about the house. The previous owners just disappeared one night and haven’t been seen since.
When strange things start happening at the house and one of the workers they hire ends up dead Courtney, Alex and the previous owners son Gary team up to get to the bottom of what really happened to Gray’s parents. But what danger are they placing themselves in trying to dig up the past?

[Rhonda Pulk · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Owners (Crocus Hill Inn Mysteries Book 1) by Jean Rezab
5 Star Review
Buying your dream farmhouse could turn into a nightmare before you even know it. The house you cannot wait to make your own has come with a terrible secret. The previous owners disappears without a trace eight years previous and now you are in the middle of an investigation, which is killing your renovation.
This is a cozy murder mystery with well detailed plot twists. The characters Courtney and Alex are realistic and relatable. This author can tell an easy to read story without bogging down the reader with unnecessary side plots and detours. Great read.

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courtney and Alex have just bought a home that they want to turn into an Inn. The guy they bought it from, Gary, was the son of the last owners. His parents had mysteriously disappeared eight years prior along with some jewelry. Gary was in the service at the time and nobody in their town had seen them in a while. Where did they go? Courtney and the last owners son are determined to find out.

I haven't read anything by this author before but I really enjoyed this book. I will definitely be reading the other books in this series. Just when I thought I had figured everything out a little twist was thrown in there. It definitely kept me turning the pages.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cozy small-town murder mystery was an absolute delight! It has that perfect, charming atmosphere, but still manages to keep you on your toes with some great twists and just enough suspense to keep things interesting.
I was hooked immediately—it’s definitely one of those "hard to put down" books. The writing is super clear and engaging, making the story flow, yet it never gets bogged down in unnecessary details. The author did a fantastic job with those little, thoughtful touches that make the setting and characters feel totally real right from the start.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting and well thought out cozy mystery story that pulls you in right from the first page. The book is a great mystery story that really makes you want to know what happened to the previous owners. I thought there was a great mix of characters in the book and each added something to the overall storyline.
When is started reading I had expected the book to be a bit more fast paced and thrilling, but what the author delivered was still an overall enjoyable read. It is a great start to a new series and I am looking forward to seeing what is next to come.

[Kelli Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great cozy mystery to keep you entertained on a quiet day. This book is very well written, and the twists and turns will actually keep you guessing. I am really bad about figuring out who done it before it's time and this time, I was wrong a couple times. The main characters Courtney and Alex are very well written and relatable. I will be picking up the next in the series as soon as I can. I really enjoyed the little hints at Christianity; they were subtle and not in your face.

[Jessica Godwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an impressive debut for the Crocus Hill Inn Mysteries series, offering a slow-burn murder mystery that perfectly balances small-town warmth with a puzzling disappearance. Set in the atmospheric landscape of Elm City, the story follows Courtney and Alex as they navigate an unpredictable plot filled with engaging twists and detailed world-building. The character-driven depth, realistic growth, and immersive storytelling make it a memorable, entertaining read for anyone who enjoys a well-paced cozy mystery.

[Alli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Owners was such a cozy, small‑town mystery with just the right amount of intrigue. I loved the whole “dream farmhouse with a dark secret” vibe. It felt warm and homey on the surface, but with that perfect undercurrent of something’s not right. Courtney was easy to root for, and the missing‑owners mystery kept me turning pages way faster than I expected.

It’s charming, twisty, and just a really fun, comforting mystery with a little edge.

[Mayona DeHerrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy small town mystery with well developed and likable characters. The book immediately pulls you in with a murder then takes you on the journey of a treasure hunt as well. There is a small amount of religion thrown in, but as others have said it’s not overwhelming or in your face. Great start to the series.

[Ophelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great whodunit..

Loved the characters. Good first of series. I didn't quite understand the timeline though, it felt hard to believe the length of time that had passed before action was taken, but enjoyable nonetheless.

[Terri McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town gossip and secrets are not enough to keep a couple from renovating a home into an inn. When they learn about the previous couple disappearing and the jewels they supposedly left behind, they can’t help but try to solve the mystery behind their house. Quick read that kept me interested.

[Vicki Cottingham · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was the book blurb that made me want to read this book. The storyline was good, but I found the writing poor. I wouldn't recommend reading this book and won't be reading any more of her books.

[Kimmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new author for me. But after reading this it definitely won't be the last! Great writing style and I absolutely loved the characters. Kept me up all night trying to solve this mystery.