Death, Sand and Pirate's Plunder: A Pelican Shores Cozy Mystery

Pelican Shores Cozy Mystery #7

by Bessie Barr

Nothing says summer in Pelican Shores like sunshine, sand sculptures, and buried treasure rumors. Oh, and a body beneath the sand.

Amateur sleuth and café owner, Finn Dockrey, finds a toe sticking out of a prize-winning sandcastle. It’s clear the island’s annual Sand Spectacular has turned downright sinister. And the suspect list is growing faster than the rumors of Jean Lafitte's treasure.

Plus, residents and visitors are turning the little beach town inside out. The quest for pirate doubloons and stolen jewels is rampant. And Finn and her best friend, Birdie, are digging up more than clues.

But the sand isn't the only thing hiding secrets. Rumors fly and relationships unravel. Finn knows the killer is someone close. Someone who will do anything to keep their secrets buried.

She's armed with a golden retriever who knows how to sniff out trouble. A sassy cat with perfect timing. And one very handsome detective who keeps showing up at just the right (or wrong) moment.

Finn’s racing against the tide to uncover the truth. One thing’s for sure. In Pelican Shores, nothing stays buried forever.

EXTRA INFORMATION FOR YOU,

Pelican Shores Cozy Mysteries are perfect for fans of Deany Ray, Jana DeLeon, Gemma Halliday, Jasmine Webb, Josi Avari and old-school Nancy Drew and Agatha ChristieAuthor Bessie Barr Books can be read in any order and are free from cussing, graphic descriptions of violence, and bedroom activities. Plus…enjoy the maps and bonus recipes!Check out the cute maps at the front of the book and the recipes at the back!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Best cozy I've read ALL year!"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "So twisty. So turny. So my favorite new author and series."⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Top 5 Favorite Series!!"

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

You found me! I'm Bessie!

I love reading and writing, particularly with a cup of Lady Grey tea and an orange-glazed scone. This word-loving discovery started as a youngster. Picture this: 8 years old. A quiet corner of a quiet room. Beanbag. Thunderstorm booming. My first mystery. A brother and sister crime-solving duo, attempting to scale the slippery stone walls of an old, spooky estate. I was hooked!

I still love a good cozy mystery. And so, I naturally leaned into this genre as my life pivoted to allow more creativity!

Also, I am a wife to my highschool sweetheart, mom to 3 adult kids, and groveling attendant to 2 entitled cats and a wet-nose-nudging dog. I am blessed to call the beach my home & thankful for the creativity it spurs. Many a plot develops at the rising of the Texas sun over the gulf coast— just saying!

I hope you love Bessie Barr Cozy Mysteries as much as I love writing them!

Find my Facebook Bessie Barr Books for a F•R•E•E novella!

Reviews

[Baby Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding a toe sticking out of a sandcastle in Pelican Shores is nothing new for Finn and Beau. What happens next is why Bessie Barr is so great at writing such awesome cozy mysteries. With Beau, Birdie, Detective Pace, and Queen Bean, Finn sets out to find out who the victim is and what, why, and who dunnit. With rumors of Jean Lafitte's treasure being buried somewhere in Pelican Shores, stolen jewelry, an abundance of tourists, a long list of suspects, and a determined killer wanting to keep Finn and her crime solving crew from finding out the truth, this mystery gets more and more sinister. The twists and turns with a little bit of funny antics by our four-legged cape crusaders make this just one more of Bessie's greatest stories. The chemistry between Finn and Pace continues to be felt throughout the pages and I am loving every minute. Every time Bessie comes out with a new book, I get so excited because I know that the cozy mystery is going to suck me into the vortex of a crime fighting buffet. The friendship between Birdie and Finn, the closeness between the animals, and the romance brewing between Pace and Finn makes these reads well worth reading. I also love the recipes at the end of the story and the maps. The Tropical Sangria sounds devine and will definately be on my family dinner menu. I will stop to read these stories anywhere and any place.

[Marseydoats · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn and Birdie's new pardner, Beth, is participating in the Sand Spectacular, a sand sculpture contest. When they go to check out the entries, Finn's dog Beau, alerts, and starts digging at the tail of her huge mermaid sculpture. Melvin, a local man, who is also a contestant, is found buried there.
There are too many suspects to keep track of! Shorelock Holmes and Agatha Birdie are on the case, with help from their friend Otto, and JR, who drives the trolley. One of the first things that Finn discovers is that Birdie has two boyfriends she's been hiding from her!
Everyone is excited about rumors of Lafitte's treasure being buried locally, and Dianne and Newton Mockheart, actually manage to find it and dig it up. They hide it in their house, where someone else promptly steals it.
Meanwhile, Tory McGee is starting a new venture she calls "Sole Searcher", shoes with designs on the soles. Her shoes end up being what cracks the murder case.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is time for the Pelican Island sand spectacular and this year there are rumors of pirate treasure being discovered. Finn and her best friend Birdie aren't sure they are buying the stories about Jean Lafitte's treasure, but they do know that their newest partner is entered into the sand sculpture contest, and they are determined to support her. But when a body is discovered at the base of Beth's sand sculpture, Finn, Birdie and their furry sidekicks Beau and Queen Bee will jump in to find the killer and clear their partner's name. Wow, I loved this book with its surprising twists, suspenseful mystery, and just a bit of a sweet and clean romance. This series has an entire town full of quirky and sometimes laugh out loud funny characters that are always entertaining and well written. It is an impossible to put down, must read cozy mystery and I highly recommend this book to any reader.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 7th book in the fantastic Pelican Shores Cozy Mystery series and what a great addition. With the Annual Sand Spectacular in Pelican Shores and the tourists have come. Not only is it the big event, there are rumors that Jean Lafitte buried a treasure there as well as there are stolen jewels. But with the townspeople and the tourists hunting from the treasures the town is in chaos. But when a man is found dead near the base of a sand castle with a toe sticking out, Finn, her incredibly smart. clue finding, Golden retriever, Beau, her best friend. Birdie with her clue finding cat, Bean, Finn's blossoming love interest, Detective Pace they have their hands full digging into an unbelievable amount of potential suspects. With so many twists and turns, you are kept guessing until the great ending! I not only highly recommend this book, but I highly recommend the entire series. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, there’s a murder in Pelican Shores!

This time, the event is a sand sculpture and Finn and Birdie’s new partner, Beth is entered. Of course, Finn and Birdie are there to support her and check out the other sculptures while they’re there. When Beau finds a toe under Beth’s sculpture, Finn and Birdie just have to investigate. Not surprisingly, there’s not only a murder to be solved, but treasure has been found and then stolen from the couple who found it! These Pelican Shores stories are really good. They’re entertaining and keep me turning pages to find out whodunit. Bessie Barr’s writing style just pulls me into the story and of course, the community aspect just keeps getting better and better as well.

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

[Marietta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another excellent written book by Bessie Barr. She keeps you interest right from the start to the end. Finn with Beau her dog and Birdie with Queen Bean are out with their boyfriends at the Sand Spectacular when Beau uncovers a dead body under their partner Beth Bildeau sand sculpture. And they had just left Ray Garner who had just reported his brother missing for the last two days. Finn & Birdie with their pets find themselves try to figure out who the murderer is so that Beth will not be charged. There are lots of twist and turns again in this mystery with just as many suspect. There are lots of interesting characters in this story so you really must think about who the murderer could be. I just look to try and figure it out before the end of the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good clean mystery.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pelican Shores is where people come to enjoy the summer in the sun and sand and certainly don't expect to find a body under the sand. Finn, a cafe owner and amateur sleuth, finds a toe sticking up under a winning sand castle. Finn and her trusty dog and perfect timing cat along with Birdie are off chasing the clues. Someone wants this secret to remain hidden. Can the truth be found before the body count rises? Absolutely perfect thriller and mystery. The animals definitely add humor to it and I love all the wonderful characters!.

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

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death, Sand and Pirate's Plunder is an Excellent story of Finn and her clever sleuthing dog Beau and her Friend Birdie and her clever sleuthing cat Queen Bean. They go to the Sand Spectacular Festival but unfortunately a mystery starts with two parts. Finn with Birdie work with Detective Pace Stringfellow to investigate. But can they find all the parts of this mystery? I love how the characters work together.
Superb book and series that I highly recommend you read.

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

[Jenny Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn and Birdie attend Pelican Shores' Sand Spectacular to check out the great artistry and support their partner Beth. Beau runs up and starts digging at the base of Beth's creation and finds a body! One of the competitors is dead, and Beth has been eliminated from the competition. Was it sabotage? Finn, Birdie, and Pace are on the case - along with Beau and Queen Bean. The case twists and turns in every direction, and tourists and neighbors alike are acting suspiciously, amid rumors of pirates' gold. Follow the clues and see if you can figure out who did it and why!

[Cherie Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great mystery in this series, Finn and her best friend Birdie are at it again this time it’s when Finn finds a toe sticking out of a winning sandcastle and rumors are flying around about buried pirates treasure. The whole town is turning things upside down searching for it while someone else is determined to keep their secrets buried. Along with furry companions Beau and Queen Bean to sniff out clues they have a lot of suspects to sift through! This book will keep you engaged right to the end you won’t be disappointed!
Cherie

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn and Birdie are faced with another mystery to solve on Pelican Shores. I love this small town and the unique characters. This time a sand sculpture contest is in town and rumors are swirling around about possible buried treasure. Then a body turns up, so queue in the handsome detective. Another round of working together to solve a crime, this time supporting the cafe's newest owner Beth and her entry in the sand competition. Another great read in this super fun series.

[Angela Mallett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visit old friends, sand, and sculptures, and solve a crime. Amateur detective Finn, Beau, Birdie, and Queen Bean are excited to go to the Sand art festival. They enjoy seeing the artists' talent and beautiful creations until Beau digs up a startling discovery. Go along following all the clues and watching all the hilarious antics as the friends solve the mystery. Great way to spend a few hours!.

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

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would have thought that a pirate treasure and a sand sculpting competition are part of a murder? This is an amazing cozy mystery full of heart that will make you smile. Warm and quirky characters and a storyline that has more surprises than you would think possible. A wonderful book that you will not want to put down once you started it.

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

[Tylar Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun and gripping mystery by Bessie starting the local Shorelock and Agatha of the town. A body is found during a sand sculpture competition and strange foot prints are discovered all over the island leading to questions on who and why people are scavenging all over. This was a fun and engaging mystery, definitely left me guessing the who done it at the end. Great new story in the series.

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

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This murder mystery was extremely twisty in that one page I knew who the murderer was, and then the next page it was someone else! This continued for most of the book. I love the characters in Pelican Bay - they are hilarious and absolutely make the books. Of course, again, the animals are the icing on top and make the books so much better, in my opinion!.

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

[Regina Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death, Sand and Pirate's Plunder

Bessie Barr has done it again! A clever mystery with a surprise ending that I didn't see coming! Our friends from previous books, Finn, Birdie, Beau the dog, and cat Queen Bean, plus Pace, the good-looking detective, are doing their best! There’s art in sand, pirate's gold, a murder, zaney characters getting up to all kinds of mischief, love that no one saw coming... oh, just read the book for yourself! It's a winner.

[Linda Whitenight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn, Pace, Beau, Birdie, and Queen Bean are on the investigation trail when a murder happens during the 57th Annual Sand Sculpture Festival. And to add to the confusion is the rumor of Lafitte's gold, numerous treasure hunters are combing the dunes and beaches. Can they find the killer before someone else is killed? Is Lafitte's gold real? And what is going on out and the old Lafitte's Light house? Another great Pelican Shores Cozy Mystery.

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn and Birdie have another mystery to solve on Pelican Shores. This time there is a sand sculpture contest while rumors abound about possible hidden treasure. Then a body shows up under one of the sand sculptures which leads to Finn and Birdie working with the detective to solve the crime and support the cafe's newest owner Beth as the body was found under her sand sculpture. Warm, quirky characters and some humor along the way. Great ending.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn Dockery and her friend Birdie go to the Annual Sand Spectacular celebration and then a body is found under a sculpture. There is a lot going on than it seemed with talk of treasure. An intriguing read with a edge of the seat finish. I received this ARC copy and recommend this book to other readers .

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 7 of the series. I couldn't put this one down. Each book improves, and I like each story more than the last.

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

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn and Birdie are at it again when rumours of pirates gold abound at the Sand Festival and a body is found at one of the sand sculptures. It proves to be almost deadly for Finn as they follow the clues and there's plenty of suspects. Kept me gripped to the end, loved it.

[De Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one I just couldn’t put down. It was wonderful. Great story. Superb writing. And just a perfect ending. I definitely recommend this book. And will be reading it again in the future. It has quickly become a comfort read for me. One of those books I just can’t put down when I pick it up.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Birdie, Finn, Beau, and Queen Bean are at their sleuthing best in this intriguing mystery with an amazing twist at the conclusion. The characters in this cozy little town are delightfully weird and I love it! Highly recommend this author and everything she might write!

[Soscha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! The setting, the characters, the sassy pets, the recipes.

This author & series is new to me but I'm IN!

[Anne Pyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun read! Finn and friends are at it again, and it’s just as entertaining as the previous adventures. I highly recommend this book.

[Tg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite 4.75 read that rolls at a high velocity, much like the nearby waves in this beachy and peachy community. In fact, it’s impossible not to enjoy the Pelican Shores series. There is always so much going on, and the characters are absolutely terrific. This one moves at rollercoaster speed. Enjoy the ride.

[Bob Johnston]

Here’s another cozy story from the small town of Pelican Shores. All of your favorite characters are here; Finn Dockery, Birdie, Queen Bean (the cat) and Beau (the dog). Sit back with your favorite beverage and your most comfortable PJ’s and enjoy the 7th book in the Pelican Shores series.