A Fatal Footnote: A Suspenseful, Cozy Murder Mystery Whodunnit

Sweet Cove, NC #.5

by Joy Patrick

Numbers never lie, but people sure do—as security analyst Grace Jordan discovers when her perfectly ordered world suddenly adds up to foul play.

Content to hole up in her cubicle at S9 Security Systems crunching numbers, Grace has mastered the art of an invisible existence that runs like clockwork.

But when the psychologist's office across the courtyard is abuzz following pompous Dr. Ross Kinkaid's release of the soon-to-be bestseller, Mind Games, and someone mysteriously disappears, Grace watches her predictable world go out the window as her analytical mind locks on to a puzzle that just won’t compute.

Poking around, she sees others in the office building acting strangely—from volatile Mr. Chen in the food court, to Victor the janitor with a questionable past, to Dr. Lena Marsh whom she witnessed having a heated argument through her 12th story window.

Despite warnings from her boss and building security to mind her own business, Grace can't help but be pulled back in as the baffling clues start to line up and she begins to suspect murder.

As Grace delves deeper into the mysterious disappearance, she unravels a web of deception and comes face to face with the mastermind, realizing that some secrets may be better left buried.

Enjoy this prequel novella to the Sweet Cove Cozy Mystery series!

60 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2025

Reviews

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

An instantly bewitching introduction to the Sweet Cove Cozy Mystery series. Grace is my new favourite heroine, I love her personality, the way her brain works, and her nerdiness. A lovely read.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gobbled up this 64 page novella in just one sitting and am very much looking forward to reading more mysteries involving Grace!

Grace lives a quiet and predictable life, happy with her analytical security work. This all changes those, when the psychologist's office across the courtyard (an office Grace can see directly into from her office) is abuzz following pompous Dr. Ross Kinkaid's release of the soon-to-be bestseller, Mind Games. And then someone mysteriously disappears and Grace’s analytical mind locks on to a puzzle that she has to solve. Even when no one believes her.

I was pulled right into this story and got a strong sense of Grace and her quiet life. I loved the phone calls with her aunt – the woman who is clearly pushing Grace to live bigger. I could easily visualize the office set up, and Grace’s staring into an adjacent office building gave me Rear Window vibes. While I guessed the true culprit, I wasn’t sure how Grace was going to prove it, and I enjoyed the journey.

A strong, fast-paced mystery, perfect when you are short on time but want to get lost in an entertaining story.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace Jordan is gifted at analytical systems ,she’s a numbers gal ,security number crunching is what she does best and things aren’t adding up across the way .Shes mastered the art of invisibility when she wants to be stealth and decides to investigate herself … The psychological office of Dr. Ross Kinkaid has a media circus frenzy hanging around as he just released his best seller Mind Games has this fella . There’s something going on because someone has gone missing too.Then there’s other things that don’t add up as she’s delving into the systems she loves . Against the boss who tells her to leave well alone . She investigates but there are a few stand outs .Lena Sharp ,she witnesses arguing out of her 12th floor window for instance and thus she can’t help being pulled in on noticing in . She is too good for this place anyway . The systems she has beat. Apart from being hurried as she scurried around . She found out some things should stay buried ….Great prequel to a promising series . Love everything that Joy Patrick writes ,always such a delight ,with awesome characters and cunning sleuths who know just what to do .

[DianaRaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

A FATAL FOOTNOTE by Joy Patrick is a prequel to her new full series trilogy MURDER BY THE BOOK. This Prequel is easy to read and has enjoyable characters, a nice plot with twists and turns to keep your interest. There were so many suspects that it was difficult to identify who the killer was. The other viable suspects looked guilty, too. I did have a suspicion of who the guilty person was but was also bouncing from one suspect to the next at every twist in the plot that misdirected me. 

When security analyst Grace Jordan senses something out of place, you know not quit right she will stick with it like a bulldog until she figures out what's not right. Her current project feels like she's missing something, and her mind won't let go of it. Then someone disappears from the psychologist's office across the courtyard, probably, just time off or maybe on vacation. Unfortunately, Grace has the feeling that something is off. Her analytical mind has locked onto this new puzzle that just won’t compute.

I received an ARC of this book, and the above is my honest and voluntary review.

[J Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken patterns!

Working at S9 Security Systems, Grace secludes herself away from everyone and everything, content to run numbers and look for patterns. It’s what draws her attention to the psychologist's office across the courtyard. Dr. Ross Kinkaid’s disappearance just before his new book’s release defies his regular pattern, and something about that bothers Grace. She also notices other strange happenings in the building. She decides Dr. Kinkaid’s disappearance needs a closer look, no matter what everyone else is telling her.

This book introduces Grace as a sleuth. She has superb analytical skills, a complete contrast to her social skills. The plot is well-developed, and the secondary characters provide twists that kept me guessing. I received an advance copy of the book, but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first book of a new series by Joy Patrick, that you can't put down. Grace Jordan is a numbers cruncher. She's an analyst for a security company and very meticulous in her job. Things are straight forward even in her life. Her caring and adorable Aunt keeps telling her she has to get out there and live a little. When she sees something strange going on across the courtyard having to do with something happening in Dr. Ross Kinkaid’s office, who is missing just prior to publishing his book. This becomes a puzzle that Grace feels she has to figure out. I really like Grace and can't wait to read more of this very promising series! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great introduction to a new series of cozy mysteries!

Grace is not exactly a social person. Actually most people would probably call her a workaholic since she always stays late at the office and tends to go between the office and her studio apartment. When someone in the building where she works goes missing, Grace has the feeling he’s not just on vacation. This is quite a good story, which I found myself caught up in and finished in one sitting. The plot is well thought out, the characters are all engaging, even Grace, and it’s very well written—all things that pulled me into the story and wouldn’t let go until I finished it.

I received an advanced reader’s copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Security analyst Grace Jordan is a workaholic who prefers to keep to herself, whether at work or at home. She’s known for her keen eye and attention to details that most people wouldn’t notice or think twice about. She suddenly notices changes in personnel from the building across the courtyard where an arrogant psychologist works, which leads her to discover what is going on. She’s thinking there’s been a murder, but who would have done it and how can she prove it while not putting herself in danger?

A fun, quick whodunit!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[MGB · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's all office gossip, until it's not. What do you do all day in the office when the windows reveal the office across the courtyard, bury yourself in your computer or watch the soap opera across the way - maybe a little of each? Grace looks for patterns in her work, just by casual observation she also sees them across the courtyard. The way her brain works the patterns just come together in the background. A little input here, a little there and sure enough a complete pictures starts to reveal itself. The book doesn't mention it, but I would be she is great at jigsaw puzzles.

Regardless of network security or office shenanigans, you want her on your side not the opposition.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Adventures with Grace Jordan when the numbers don’t add up

In the world of S9 Security Systems Grace Jordan is detail oriented and when things don’t line up it drives her nuts until she can solve the issue.

When she sees thing that are amiss in the office she has to solve the problem.
Though she has been told by her boss to let it go and mind her own business, she just can’t.

As Grace delves deeper she finds many twists and turns that she must get through. Read along and join the adventures with Grace in trying to figure it out.

I think you will really enjoy this story, I know I did.

[Catherine Stratman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series!

This short read was a great introduction to the author's new series. Our main character, Grace Jordan is a security analyst for S9 Security Systems. She is very analytical in her job and lives a very structured life, and notices when patterns around her have changed. Why has the frumpy assistance across the courtyard suddenly changed everything about herself? What was the argument about that Dr. Lena had with the frankly awful Dr. Kinkaid? And just where is Dr. Kinkaid? Can Grace solve her work issue and the issues across the courtyard? Will she survive her meddling? I'm looking forward to this new series!

I received an ARC. This is my honest review.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story about an introvert similar to me, but she hasn't wasted her whole life yet. The fact she is also a Trekkie is huge points in her favor. The plot is straight forward, the characters are typical of almost any office, and the premise is finding out why the loud obnoxious Psychoanalyst has disappeared and what was niggling at the main character's brain concerning her report on a company she is assigned to. The answers click into place one after the other and the killer is discovered. I definitely recommend this book.

[Tina Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

When to say when
Grace was spectacular in her business of paying attention. When she notices things others do not, and when she is told to not mess with it, that is exactly what she does, sort of. Following some rules, is not what she does best.
This was a great quick cozy to read.
Thank you, Joy Patrick, for a great story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace Jordan is a security analyst for the S9 Security Systems.
While working on one of her companies projects,
she notices an inconsistency in the programming, as well as some drama from a office unfolding from the next building over.

With her mind not letting go of anything, she becomes involved when one of the people go missing.

This was an enjoyable read with developed characters and a good storyline.

[Megan Olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

It wasn’t Patrick’s typical mystery writing style, and Grace isn’t quite the same to have as a Joy Patrick main character rather than JJ or Lilly; for a while, it seemed more like a workplace drama leading us to see how Grace’s life turned out. But, Grace grew on me, and it ended up being a pretty well-done mystery.

I did wind up liking it, even if just not as much as Patrick’s other books only because they’re hard to beat!

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this novella prequel to the new series! There are several interesting characters, and our main character is like a dog with a bone as she works to be sure she is doing her job to perfection. This Star -Trek loving woman is bright and has great intuition and powers of observation. I really enjoyed the ‘Rear Window’ type storyline. I was an ARC reader and am looking forward to reading more in the series. Great work Ms. Patrick!

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic cozy mystery!

A fantastic cozy mystery that I could not put down.  I loved the interaction between Grace, a very observant security analyst, her coworkers and other workers in her office tower.  Her observation skills are key to tying the clues together and solving the mystery.  I can easily recommend this book to others.

I read this book as part of an advancer reader team.  I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick intro to a new series. We meet Grace a security analyst who’s an introvert, extremely detail oriented and a workaholic. However these traits actually work to her advantage when some strange goings on happen at her workplace. Her mind goes into overdrive and she’s compelled to find the piece that doesn’t fit. Definitely see potential for some great stories here. A good quick read.
I received an ARC from the author these are my sincere thoughts on this book.

[Jodi Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace may be a loner who is married to her job, but it doesn't mean she isn't interested in the goings on around her. From her office window she can watch the drama unfold in the phycologist's office building. When Dr. Ross Kinkaid stops showing up she is sure something is wrong. Looking at everyone around her she is determined to look at patterns and figure out what has happened. Will stepping out of her comfort zone cost her life? This was a great read and a wonderful start to a series!

[Avis Witter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A prequel for a new series from this author. I found it a bit slow to start off with but then I suppose a lot of background information needs to be introduced for the new characters. I continued reading and was gradually drawn into the story. Not the author’s usual style and I didn’t enjoy it as much as her Magnolia Manor series. However, this is only the prequel and hopefully I will be won over with the next in series.

[Regina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really don't know what to do with this little story. I loved the first chapter, thought Grace might be a bit of a kindred spirit with her focus on patterns.

BUT. For someone working in freaking cyber security (!), she was awfully quick to ask for very personal information about absent third parties - unprofessional, to say the least, and a breach of security and trust. After that, she kind of lost me, I'm sorry to say.

[LINDA BASS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book and Grace, who was a workaholic who often stayed late instead of socializing with her co-workers. She looked out of the window to see Mr. Kincaid working late as well, but the too opinionated doctor was crass and it was just her luck to have lunch with her co-workers that he had to make a scene and to threaten to shut Mr. Chen's food business down by calling the health department, then he went missing.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt Grace was very astute and attuned
to her surrounding and noticed things and changes that others overlooked. It was intriguing how she honed in on pertinent facts and discarded irrelevant ones. Her observational skills were exemplary, , and she stopping the evidence from disappearing. . Grace was the hero of the story. . Yea Grace!!!!

[Leslie Ferrari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A prequel to the Sweet Cove Cozy Mystery series. We have Grace, a computer security analyst, who "falls into" solving the mystery of the disappearance of an employee of another company in her office building. This is because she is the only person who suspects he is missing. Grace is very introverted, which impacts her dealing with her colleagues, a trait with which I can identify.

[Antonia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a mystery on more than one level. The mysterious disappearance of a psychiatrist whom no one liked is a puzzle to Grace. Just as the nagging suspicion that there is something not right about the information in a work file. This is an intriguing little mystery. I can't wait to see where the author takes the story from here.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace's life and work are extremely structured, and she is meticulous. When she is bothered by something she will look into things over and over until she figures out the problem. This is a short book that had me reading from end to end, devouring it in a few hours. Joy Patrick is an amazing author I highly recommend this book!

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace likes her introverted life style but she is also very observant and analytical. Dr Kinkaid is arrogant and treats others with disdain. His latest book Mind Games is supposed to make him famous. Grace notices that something is not right and when someone goes missing she investigates. An entertaining and enjoyable read with descriptive characters and a good plot.

[Cat B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick little novella introducing Grace in her previous occupation before coming home to Sweet Cove and Aunty Lyla. It was an enjoyable read introducing Grace and her penchant for details, which serves her well later in Sweet Cove.
I received a copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving my opinion of the tale.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story about a computer analysis that spends part if her time watching the company across the courtyard. She is one of the last to ever leave her office at night and she watches another lady across the way that does the same. Then something changes and she sets out to figure it out. Good prequel story.
I received an arc and this is my review.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace is super observant and also has fantastic attention to detail. This is a wonderful short story to introduce Grace and her many talents - social interactions not being high on her list. She is a good person to have around if you need a mystery solved. This is a fun read and good introduction. I received a free advance copy and this is my honest review.