Community of Secrets: A suspenseful laugh-out-loud, hold onto your hat, small town murder mystery

by Nelly Stein

Beneath the demolition debris of Pebble Bay’s abandoned hotel lies a body buried. It exposes a cold case crime that unravels the small town community.

Sarah Flynn, bookshop owner, and Detective Larson pursue every lead under the Chief’s watchful eye. But when suspects cross boundaries, the lines between loyalty and truth blur.

The murdered woman’s brother, Bobby Brooks, stands to gain from her death and becomes a person of interest. Mrs. Stephenson, local mystery writer, offers support, but her involvement in the project draws unwanted attention from Paul Frankley. His failed attempt to buy the property only fueled a darker resolve.

The relentless sabotage at the new community center’s job site frustrates Jay, Sarah’s brother-in-law, as he tries to keep his construction business afloat and his team on schedule. Tony Coleman, Jay’s latest hire, mysteriously becomes entangled in the investigation.

In the final stretch, a high-speed chase with the killer pushes Larson to the brink of death. But as secrets come to light and danger lurks, Sarah struggles. She must hang on to the belief that justice and hope will prevail in the final moments of this mystery!

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2025

Reviews

[Linda J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Community Of Secrets is an interesting cozy mystery that takes place in Pebble Bay, Maine.Even if you haven't read any of the other books in the Pebble Bay cozy mystery series, you’ll still be able to enjoy this book.The story centers around Sarah Flynn, her sister Amy, Amy's family, assorted friends, animals and Detective Larry Larson. Sarah runs a bookshop adjacent to Amy's Cafe. She doesn't plan on getting involved in murder, it just happens. Usually, because she finds a dead body In this case, an old murder case. The skeleton is found in a hotel undergoing demolition. Her boyfriend, Det. Larson, isn't happy when she gets involved in his murder cases but his warnings to be careful, not to question suspects, and basically, stay out of the investigation go unheeded. Her curiosity, puzzle solving interest and feeling that the police dept isn't working fast enough to solve the crime causes her to leap right in. The story is well written, has an intriguing storyline and plot twists that will keep you guessing to the end of the book. I recommend this book.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 in the Pebble Bay cozy mystery series is another great addition and keeps you totally engaged. Sarah Flynn owns a book store with her sister, Amy owning the adjacent coffee shop. Sarah's brother in law, Jay's construction company is charge of building the new community center first having to demolish the old hotel on its site. His project keeps getting sabotaged but when a dead body was found during demolition, all things come to a halt. Of course, Sarah who never shied away from helping solve a murder despite her boyfriend, Detective Larson's warning to stay away. But he knows she's going to investigate . So with her smart clue finding Chowder and her niece Lily they find there is no loss of suspects who disliked the victim. And what secrets is the town hiding. This is a fast paced mystery with a lot of twists and turns and actions, especially toward the breath taking, edge of your seat end. I highly recommend not only this book, but the entire series. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Community of Secrets is the latest book in the Pebble Bay series, featuring Sarah Flynn, the local bookshop owner who somehow always ends up tangled in the town’s mysteries—usually with her boyfriend, Detective Larson by her side.

This time around, a new community center is about to be built, and Sarah’s brother-in-law’s construction company has the job. But before they can even get started, the body of a long-deceased woman is found buried in the rubble. Of course, Sarah can’t resist getting involved, and soon she and Larry are digging into another small-town secret.

I’ve really enjoyed this series, and this book is no exception. My only gripe was the ending—just as things were heating up, everything wrapped up a little too quickly for my taste. The culprit confesses, and that’s that. I would’ve loved a good interrogation scene or a bit more tension at the end.

Still, that’s just a minor complaint in an otherwise great read. I’m already looking forward to the next Pebble Bay mystery!

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Nelly Stein, and this does not disappoint; this is part of The Pebble Bay Cozy Mystery Series! Sarah Flynn is a book shop owner and loves to investigate things (that's putting it mildly). Detective Larry Larson is the Chief Investigator for Pebble Bay; and Larry and Sarah are dating. A body is found in an abandon building, the future home to the new town community center for Pebble Bay. Can they identify the body, and does this jeopardize the community center? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Nelly Stein!!!

[Angela Meehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've been following this book series you'll be as disappointed as I am to see it's the last in the series but what a way to finish!

When a dead body turns up in what's due to be the new community centre it gives Sarah and Larson a new investigation it brings the building work to a standstill but it also causes problems for Sarah's brother in law Jay as he has the contract to build it so the pressure is on.

As always there is excitement, adventure, danger for Sarah as she's investigating when she shouldn't be and a nice surprise to end the story. Another exciting book from Nelly and I highly recommend it.

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Community of Secrets is a great story about Sarah with her cat Chowder and her sister Amy who own a Cafe/ Bookshop. Sarah and her boyfriend Detective Larry look into the mystery which started at a site being developed when something is found. Lily always likes to  talk through the mysteries with her Aunt Sarah. I love how Sarah and her family have a very close relationship.
Excellent story and series which I highly recommend you read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Pebble Bay Cozy Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone, but there’s an overarching story arc across the books, so best read in order. All the main characters are active, even the dogs and Chowder, Sarah’s cat. There’s a few rogues too. Sleuth Sarah sees things, and finds things that even the forensics team miss. Plenty of unanswered questions need resolving. Some interesting twists and scary scenes. Recommend

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah and Detective Larson have come a long way in this series. A body buried long ago of a woman who was unloved by the community leads to many unanswered questions. This story reads like a movie and has some interesting twists and turns as they dig for answers. This book can be enjoyed as a standalone and is one of the best in the series.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah and Detective Larson are investigating together when a body is found. Digging through secrets and surprises they try to come out at the other end. A wonderful mystery with lots of action that will keep you on the edge of your seat, while still offering lots of moments to laugh.

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

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a partly demolished building being fully demolished a long dead body is found. It turns out she was murdered 5 years ago. Sarah, with her cat Chowder & boyfriend who is the chief investigator work together to solve who did the murder. Other things happen at the site, causing delays, but, eventually lead to the killer. An interesting read.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah and Larry are busy trying to discover who left a body in the old hotel that is being torn down. Plus who is trying to sabotage the clean up of the hotel. A lot is going on this time and the ending was really good with a nice surprise. I enjoyed this book.

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

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Flynn, bookshop owner, and Detective Larson pursue every lead. Under the Chief’s watchful eye they're not expecting to resolve the murder. But when suspects cross boundaries, the lines between loyalty and truth blur.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Homespun family mystery
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lots of family interaction and growth in those characters as we've followed them for several years now. For me a bit heavy in the romance but I think that's going to sort itself soon. Great mystery plot with action and life threatening episodes! Recommended as a read ~ if you've not started the series now is a good time!

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another get story of Sarah and Amy, two sisters that run a cafe and bookstore that are connected. The family connections are fantastic and finding out who did the murder of the lady found in the building that was demolished 5 years before and helping the police solve the case. The fact that Sarah is dating Larry the police detective doesn't hurt either.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Flynn and detective Lawson are on a new murder case. There is a lot of suspense and secrets.More than meets the eye in this intriguing read which has you on the edge of your seat. I received this ARC copy and recommend this book to other readers.

[Evelyn Goughnour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book!

Another wonderful book about Pebble Bay! With the sisters Sarah and Amy. This time Sarah and Larson solve the mystery together and even her nice lily is interested in solving the murder.

[Barb Hegreberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

You may never see the end coming, but even if you do, the story takes you on an exciting ride.

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

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This intriguing and entertaining cosy murder mystery features excellent characters who are funny and genuine, all wrapped up in an engaging storyline.

[Cheryl Bourdet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wild ride

A definite good choice for an exciting read! Well written, good character development and a great story line. Well done!!

[Eileen Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Twist, turns, scary scenes and most of all family coming together to love and support each other no matter what.
I recommend it 100%.

I received and advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I honestly enjoyed every minute and I honestly recommend it.