Paddle to Peril: A Small Town Kayak Cozy Mystery with Dog

by Maisy Marple

When former meteorologist Vivian "Viv" Harrington trades city forecasts for a peaceful lakeside life running Ripple Effect Kayak Tours, she expects her biggest challenges to involve teaching tourists how to paddle. But Lake Evergreen has other plans. During a sunrise tour with her faithful chocolate Labrador, Scout, Viv discovers the body of beloved local fishing guide Frank Calloway floating near his capsized boat. What initially appears to be a tragic accident soon reveals darker currents beneath the surface of picturesque Pinehaven Cove.

With her knowledge of the lake's patterns and Scout's uncanny intuition, Viv notices inconsistencies that even the sheriff overlooks. Between running her fledgling business and helping her quirky aunt Lillian organize the town's annual Lake Festival, Viv finds herself drawn into the investigation. The charming lakeside community suddenly seems filled with a developer with plans to transform the shoreline, a rival fishing guide with a long-standing grudge, an estranged wife set to inherit a valuable property, and a reclusive artist who guards her privacy as fiercely as her lakefront cove.

As Viv and Scout paddle through hidden inlets and navigate the undercurrents of small-town secrets, they discover that even the most peaceful waters can hide dangerous depths. With each new clue they uncover, the ripples of danger spread closer to home. Can this kayaking duo expose the truth before they become the next victims? "Paddle to Peril" is a delightful cozy mystery that combines scenic New England charm, a resourceful midlife heroine, an adorable canine sidekick, and a twisting investigation that will keep readers guessing until the final page.

138 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2025

Reviews

[E.V. Sparrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would rate this book 3 1/2 stars if I could. The reason for my rating is because it is well-written but some phrases about the lake were repetitive. Readers stay in the shallows with the characters — surface only. I enjoyed the setting on the lake, kayaking, her dog companion, Scout, and that it was a clean cozy.
I'll be reading more of this author's books.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

First in a promising new series

Viv and her dog Scout have returned to her hometown after 15 years in the big city. She starts up her kayak tour company on lake evergreen in pinehaven cove. When she takes a group out for a sunrise trip and finds a dead body just off the island that turns out to be a long time fishing guide that appears to not be an accident. The mystery deepens with lots of twists and turns that hold your attention to the very end. A fun read looking forward to the next book.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first 9in the series. The main character is Viv. Viv moves back home to open a kayak tour business. On her first sunrise tour she and her group find a body in the lake next to a overturned boat. She starts to notice things on the lake that aren't right and asks questions and before you know it she seems to have a bullseye on her back. Now it's a race. Can she figure this out before someone gets to her first?

[Diana Hershberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kind of the same, but very different. A mystery to solve, but also educational. We always (?) know who the protagonist is, but which of the suspects is the "bad guy/gal"? Keeps you guessing until the end...if you are like me, that is when you can first put the book down.... after you read the last page! I can't get enough of Maisy Marple's stories.

[Tracy Campos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viv and Scout save the Lake

Wonderful mystery involving murder, greed and pollution of a beautiful lake ecosystem. Can Viv and her lab Scout solve the murder and help the lake all from a kayak? Read it here and be prepared to not be able to put it down until you’re finished reading!

[Angie Schmidbauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the dog especially
Really enjoyed this story. I could visualize myself in̈ a kayak right along with them

[Ken Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story

This story kept my interest. I enjoyed the cast of characters, but my favorite was the dog, who always seemed to know everything that was needed.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first is this cozy mystery series. Just an easy read. LOVE Scout, the lab. Especially since I have my own black lab. Looking forward to following more adventures with Viv and Scout.

[Georgia Landry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written!

This book has great descriptions of Evergreen Lake and the people and town around it. The mystery kept things interesting, and I didn't want to stop reading it.

[Kathy Triplett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasant reading!

Maisy Maple paints a beautiful pictures with her words. A enjoyable story but I could see the beauty of the lake in her words. It leaves you wanting more.