Dockside Secrets

Finley Burke Mysteries #1

by Terry Overton

Sixty-two days after Finley Burke moved into her new lakeside cottage, her life felt peaceful-until it wasn't. With the help of her newly formed friendships in the small village of Sunset Cove, she would discover mysteries lurking beneath the surface.  A tackle box, an estate sale, and a deceptive, wealthy family, called her to use her experience as a forensic psychologist to discover the untold secrets of Sunset Cove.

Join the Sunset Slueths as they uncover what really goes on in Sunset Cove and the wealthy Kent family.

For readers who long for cozy mysteries like Aurora Teagarden, dive into the quaint community of Sunset Cove and see what really happens.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

366 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[Debra Kronenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book to read as an ARC. My review is unbiased.
Finley moved to the cove to start fresh and perhaps heal her broken heart. Losing her husband was a schock to her heart and soul.
Making friends with the neighbors around the cove was a gift she truly needed.
Helping investigate crimes in her former city was something she was missing. She'd helped with several investigations, unofficially, but greatly appreciated by the local police agencies.
A private estate sale mansion in town sounded fun to Finley and the other ladies. A stone, in the
picket of a vintage dress
she wanted to purchase and started a chain of events, none of the ladies expected. They began investigating.
Where will this lead?
Will this newly formed group of sleuths not only figure out who and what is going on?

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy Christian Cozy Mysteries, I recommend checking out Dockside Secrets by Terry Overton

Sometimes a fresh start is exactly what we need, but life doesn’t always unfold the way we expect. For Finley Burke, moving to the peaceful lakeside village of Sunset Cove is supposed to be an opportunity to begin again. Instead, one violent storm brings a mysterious discovery that turns her quiet new life upside down!

In Dockside Secrets, Finley finds a strange tackle box washed up on her dock after the storm. What she discovers inside is far more than fishing lures. Hidden among them are antique jewels and clues connected to a long-buried family feud and a suspicious death. Suddenly, Finley finds herself caught up in a mystery filled with lies, unanswered questions, and secrets someone desperately wants to keep buried. The deeper she digs, the more dangerous things become.

Thankfully, Finley doesn’t have to navigate this mystery entirely on her own. With the help of her quirky but loyal neighbors and a sharp-eyed detective, she begins piecing together the truth. But will she uncover the answers before the past catches up with her?

One thing that appeals to me about this story is Finley’s desire for a fresh start. I think many of us can relate to wanting to leave certain things behind and move forward into a new season of life. Sometimes those new beginnings come with unexpected challenges, and we have to find the courage to face them one step at a time. From a Christian perspective, I find comfort in remembering that we don’t have to know what lies ahead to trust God with the journey. Even when our plans take an unexpected turn, He can guide us through the uncertainty and give us the wisdom and strength we need for whatever comes next.

I’m also intrigued by the themes of truth, honesty, and the consequences of keeping secrets. As Finley works to uncover what really happened, the story offers an opportunity to reflect on how the truth often comes to light, even when people try to bury it. Scripture reminds us in Luke 8:17 that what is hidden will eventually be brought to light. While uncovering the truth isn’t always easy or comfortable, honesty and integrity matter, especially when the choices we make affect other people.

The close-knit community of Sunset Cove also sounds like a wonderful part of this story. I enjoy reading about neighbors who stand by one another when life gets difficult. That kind of loyalty and friendship reflects something I deeply value in the Christian life: the importance of encouraging one another, offering a helping hand, and being willing to walk alongside someone through a challenging season. We aren’t meant to face every difficulty alone, and having people who care enough to show up can make all the difference.

Of course, the combination of Southern charm, antique jewels, family secrets, and a suspicious death promises plenty of mystery and suspense! I can easily see how Finley’s discovery could keep readers turning pages as they try to figure out how everything connects. Sunset Cove may look like a peaceful place, but it seems there is much more beneath the surface than anyone realizes.

Dockside Secrets sounds like an appealing choice for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with intriguing clues, memorable community connections, and a suspenseful plot. I especially appreciate the themes of new beginnings, courage, friendship, and the importance of seeking the truth. These are reminders that resonate beyond the pages of a mystery.

Sometimes a fresh start doesn’t mean life suddenly becomes easy. Sometimes it means finding the courage to face what comes, choosing honesty when the truth is difficult, and trusting God to guide us through the unknown. Finley’s unexpected adventure in Sunset Cove looks like a reminder that even when life doesn’t go according to plan, there can still be hope, meaningful connections, and opportunities to begin again.

So if you enjoy Christian Cozy mysteries, check out Dockside Secrets by Terry Overton.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes I just need a good cozy mystery, and author Terry Overton didn’t disappoint with Dockside Secrets. While not overly heavy, there was enough of the unknown to keep my curiosity piqued. A break in. An accident; or was it? A murder. It’s all here.

Finley is ready to relax in her new retirement. Yeah, that didn’t happen. Meeting new neighbors and uncovering mystery upon mystery keeps her going when she’d like to just wind down. I really enjoyed the characters in this story. They are quirky and kind. Friendly and helpful. And all of them are ready to jump in to help solve several mysteries. It was interesting to see how they put the pieces together because my brain doesn’t work that way.

Set in charming Sunset Cove, do read this if you enjoy cozy mysteries that aren’t over the top intense. I’m jumping in to book 2, Suspicious Delivery.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own.

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m glad to read another of Terry’s books. Her imagination and mysteries are clever and action-packed whether she is writing for children, youth, or adults. There will always be a message of hope in a life full of drama and struggles.
Welcome to Sunset Cove. It is a peaceful place to live with neighbors who can become friends. Finley is the new one on the block, trying to adjust with living without her husband who passed away. Soon the case of a tackle box binds the four women and one man together in a mystery-solving adventure. Can they solve the puzzle before too many more crimes are committed?
Sometimes friendships are formed over a cup of coffee, or a shared grief, or a shared club or church group. Are many secured around a crime board by amateur sleuths who are citizens wanting to help prevent something more from happening? It will be interesting following this Sleuth club on more adventures where they might need to offer some of God’s forgiveness along the way.
Bravo, Terry!

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jump into a southern Texas beachside community populated by single older women who are eager to enjoy life. The author gives readers lots of description and unnecessary dialogue before we get into the meat of the cozy mystery and the suspense starts to ramp up. The intriguing, slow-paced novel follows this quartet along with their neighbor man, who dub themselves the Sunset Cove Sleuths, as they work to collect clues and try to solve the suspicious events and uncover the story behind the mysterious old tackle box Finley found by her dock after a storm. Who knew it could connect past crimes and a wealthy local family? The amateur sleuth team works well together and makes the tale believable. The book offers a fun, clean read and includes dogs, cat, and parrots, which should please the pet lovers. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fun mystery features 4 spunky mature women (who call themselves the Sunset Sleuths) and a helpful neighbor Chip. It all starts when Finley Burke discovers a tackle box at the end of her dock. What's inside leads these 5 friends on a dangerous mission , uncovering secrets along the way. Aside from the cleverly crafted mystery it is refreshing to read a clean, uplifting story centered around developing friendships. I highly recommend this book to mystery lovers and look forward to their next adventure. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book by Terry Overton. It’s the first book that I have read by her but it won’t be the last.

This cozy mystery was extremely well written and captivating.

The scenery and the characters in the book were so well described that I could actually picture them. I could actually see myself being a member of that community and helping those ladies and Clay investigate the mystery,

I highly recommend this book.

[Catherine Pafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dockside Secrets is a charming and engaging start to The Finley Burke Mysteries. Terry Overton blends small-town coziness with intriguing suspense as Finley, a forensic psychologist, uncovers hidden secrets behind Sunset Cove’s polished surface. The warm friendships, clever twists, and atmospheric lakeside setting make this mystery both comforting and compelling. Fans of Aurora Teagarden–style cozies will love joining the Sunset Sleuths on this delightful and addictive new adventure.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Cozy Mystery novels are a favorite genre. Dockside Secrets by Terry Overton is the latest book that I have read. It is Book 1 in the Finley Burke Mysteries series. I have read a few series by Terry Overton and I was excited when I learned of this new series.

WOW, I was hooked from the very first pages. The main character in this book is Finley Burke. Finley has moved to Sunset Cove and is settling in to begin a "Refresh on Life" chapter. Finley is grieving the loss of her husband and feels the move to a Lakeside Village will help her in her new stage in life. Finley quickly became "invested" in a mystery when a Tackle Box washes up to the shore and reveals some mysterious items. Finley and a few others from her community decide that they want to figure out what the mysterious items are and who they belong to. The Sleuthing Team begin to uncover some clues and then danger begins to lurk for the team, include Finley's own home being ransacked. I truly fell in LOVE with the characters, their sleuthing and their Community coming together to help one another. I felt so connected to the storyline, that I felt that I was watching a movie, rather than reading a book. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Cozy Mystery Books. AWESOME BOOK!

[Sherry Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dockside Secrets by Terry Overton

"Dockside Secrets" is a masterfully crafted mystery that immediately pulls you into its world of deception and suspense. The author expertly layers plots and twists, keeping the reader constantly engaged and guessing who the true villain is. The final reveal was a genuine shock, a testament to the clever misdirection throughout the story.

[GG · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book in a GoodReads giveaway, and I’m so glad I did.
I had never read any of Terry Overton’s books before, but I am now looking forward to reading more of her work.
I quickly felt like I was part of the Sunset Cove community, and pulled into their mystery tackle box and its unusual contents.
It seems like so many authors these days feel the need to add some sort of unnecessary shock factor (foul language, etc.) to the writing.
The author of this book told an excellent story without any offensive content.
Such a fun and intriguing book.

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun mystery. I liked the characters and how the neighbors helped with solving the crime. I also liked the setting. I liked how the mystery was engaging and you kept up with the characters as they found clues. I liked how unique each of Finley’s neighbors were and how they each added their own unique talents to solving the crime. I also liked how this mystery was healing for Finley after the passing of her husband. I look forward to more stories with these fun characters.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[READER VIEWS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dockside Secrets launches the first novel in Terry Overton’s Finley Burke Mysteries series. Set in the quaint village of Sunset Cove, the novel follows Finely Burke, a recently retired psychology professor who also used to work on cold-case investigations. She moved to Sunset Cove to help heal after losing her beloved husband. Instead of relaxing, she quickly finds herself embroiled in a mystery that has her back to sleuthing while enlisting the help of her eccentric new neighbors.

The adventure begins when Finley finds an old tackle box hidden under her dock. Inside, she discovers a few pieces of antique jewelry with some unique stones. Her interest is piqued when she is unable to find any information about them. Intrigued, this leads her and her newfound friends to an estate sale for the wealthy and enigmatic Kent family, where she finds another similar gem hidden in an old dress. Asking questions about the gem draws unwanted attention to her. This stone is clearly not for sale, nor is her interest welcomed.

On the way home from the estate sale, the ladies witness a shocking car crash that involves a Kent family member who had just been turned away from the event. While the car is totaled, no body is found. An unsuccessful search ensues. Then Finley’s home is invaded by someone who she suspects is seeking the tackle box. Her neighbors quickly become kindred spirits as they work together to solve this mystery. While also providing comic relief, the developing camaraderie among the confidants also adds a nice counterpoint to balance out the danger that appears to be quickly developing.

This enjoyable mystery is carefully constructed with intriguing clues, plausible misdirections, and a surprising twist at the end. Character development is balanced well with the plot progression. The story flows nicely. I enjoyed learning about the supporting characters as they all disclosed secrets from their past. It gave them depth and made them more likable.

Readers who enjoy cozy, interesting mysteries that include a fun-loving cast will be thrilled to get started on Terry Overton’s Dockside Secrets and this new series. I’m looking forward to more adventures with Finley Burke as she heals, befriends, and uncovers more of Sunset Cove’s interesting secrets.

[Tiffany Hersh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing mystery! Enough suspense to keep me turning pages past my bedtime. I loved each one of the characters, they each had a distinct personality and I felt like I was a part of the group as they investigated the mysterious tackle box and​ the events that unfolded. I thought the storyline was a unique one, and I found myself frequently wondering what was going to happen next. I have read some of the author’s other books as well, and as always they were so well written. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book, and I can’t wait to read Book 2! Highly recommend this mystery!

**I received a copy of this book as part of the Celebretblog team. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Judy Esposito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dockside Secrets Book 1

What a wonderful and entertaining book! I enjoyed the entire storyline along with the wonderful well described characters in it. Looking forward to the next one.

[Sherry Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this mystery book! It’s the first book in the series with more to come! Yay! The characters are amazing! I love that it is set in a small town and everyone has some connection to something or someone! I highly recommend it and it definitely deserves all five stars!

[Denise Armand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute sorry about adult friendship and sleuthing

[Leslie · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Terry Overton’s The Finley Burke Mysteries series is off to a great start with its first book, Dockside Secrets. Retired forensic psychologist and educator, Finley Burke moves to the village of Sunset Cove after becoming a widow. Finley appreciates the peaceful town life and her neighbors Amelia—who is your traditional southern lady with pearls and all, Birdie-a fun woman not afraid to tell you what’s on her mind, Lynn-a sweet lady with two guard dogs who is active in her Church, and Clay-the town handyman who will bend over backwards to help and protect his friends. Despite this, something is still missing for Finley. As a storm hits, Finley hears a loud noise. Seeking out the noise, Finley is surprised to find a fishing tackle box connected to an anchor. Later Finley investigates the box’s contents and finds potential priceless jewelry inside. The next day Finley and some of her neighbors go to the estate sale of the local Kent Family, a rich family who made money from the oil business. As Finley and her friends are leaving they witness a car going off the road, leaving suspicious circumstances in its wake. Since this hits too close to home, Finley ‘s investigative mind is reeling and itching to solve the case. When Finley’s neighbors catch her making a crime board, the cat’s out of the bag, and a new bond is formed between the group as they set out to solve the case calling themselves the“Sleuths of Sunset Cove”. As the Sleuths of Sunset Cove uncovers some of Sunset Cove’s long buried secrets, danger mounts, but their determination never wavers as they seek the truth, finding maybe a sense of belonging along the way.

Terry Overton’s Dockside Secrets was a pure cozy mystery delight! Reading Dockside Secrets reminded me of the Guideposts or Annie’s Fiction Mysteries that I love to read, as well as the Our House series that I have also loved reading. I loved that this was just a purely fun mystery to read and that there was not any romance in the plot. I loved the characters! Each of Finley’s neighbors was a hoot to read about! The descriptions of Amelia and Birdie had me chuckling for sure! I thought Officer Wyatt was annoying and lazy. (Just read Dockside Secrets and you’ll understand why!) I loved how Finley’s crime board was discovered and how it helped the neighbors bond, becoming the Sleuths of Sunset Cove. I loved the knowledge that Finley brought to the table and how she explained the concepts of forensic psychology to her friends. I loved how each of the neighbors brought their own unique experience and knowledge to the table too. I thought the title of Dockside Secrets was a great title giving the nature of the plot. I liked how Dockside Secrets unraveled things from the past to help aid with the case. Though some of the things I figured out along with Finley, there were a couple of things that kept me wondering, making me enjoy Dockside Secrets all the more! I loved how picturesque Ms. Overton wrote Sunset Cove to be and the descriptions of the foods and eateries were mouthwatering! I definitely want to move to Sunset Cove after reading Dockside Secrets! While there were whispers of a Faith element in Dockside Secrets, it wasn’t overt because of the journey that Finley is on in the book. I also liked how Dockside Secrets left enough questions unanswered about Sunset Cove so that the Sleuths of Sunset Cove can be at it again! If you are looking for a fun cozy mystery, I highly recommend Dockside Secrets by Terry Overton! I’m excited to see where Ms. Overton takes The Finley Burke Mysteries next! I can’t wait to visit the village of Sunset Cove again!

Have you read Dockside Secrets? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank the Publisher and Celebrate Lit Blogging Tours for giving me a copy of Dockside Secrets to review, for letting me be a part of the Dockside Secrets Celebration Tour, and for providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finley Burke moved away from her old home in hopes of a fresh start after her husband's death. Her grief is still new, but Sunset Cove seems to offer a measure of peace. That is, until a storm sets a wayward tackle box knocking up against Finley's dock. When Finley pulls the box out of the water and brings it home, she has no idea she's opening a Pandora's box involving one of Sunset Cove's most respected families.

A visit to an estate sale seems to connect the tackle box to the Connor Burt Kent family, well known for their charitable deeds and local presence. Gemstones found at the estate sale appear to match the jewelry Finley found in the tackle box, and when Blake Kent's car goes off the road in front of them, they question the family's connection to the box. Then, when Finley's home is broken into, they have to wonder whether it's connected to the tackle box and the accident.

Terry Overton has given us a delightful new amateur detective in Finley Burke! Her supporting characters are wonderfully charming: genteel Amanda, sensitive Lynn, vivacious Birdie, and strong, helpful Clay. The small-town setting of Sunset Cove is peaceful, and as in many small towns, people know everyone's business and know when someone doesn't belong there! This comes in handy as Finley and friends dig into both Blake's accident and the accident years ago that took the life of the first Connor Burt Kent and his wife, looking for a connection to current events.

I really like that this is Christian fiction that doesn't whomp you over the head with a Bible. Finley has felt distant from God since her husband died, but her friends don't smother her in well-meaning platitudes. They just encourage her, live life with her, and gently invite her to church, and don't push her when she declines to join them. I'm interested to see how much of a role faith plays in future stories.

There was one thing that rubbed me the wrong way: the story takes place in Texas. Presumably all the characters have some smidgen of an accent. But only Birdie's was written out almost phonetically. Seeing "frum" written repeatedly for "from" made me want to poke a stick in my eye. Maybe it's because I'm from the South and have lived in Texas for some time, but I could imagine the accent just fine without it being spelled out. It wasn't enough to wreck my enjoyment of the book, but it stuck out enough that I noticed it. Please, please, Ms. Overton, don't do that in future books.

I recommend Dockside Secrets for anyone who loves a good, engaging cozy with well-written characters, an older protagonist, a sweet small-town setting, and a thread of faith undergirding it all. I'm looking forward to more of the series!

Disclaimer: This review originally appeared on Reedsy Discovery. I received a review copy from Reedsy, and I was not required to leave a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don't say nice things about books I don't actually like.

[Sherry Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the book
Sixty-two days after Finley Burke moved into her new lakeside cottage, her life felt peaceful-until it wasn't. With the help of her newly formed friendships in the small village of Sunset Cove, she would discover mysteries lurking beneath the surface. A tackle box, an estate sale, and a deceptive, wealthy family called her to use her experience as a forensic psychologist to discover the untold secrets of Sunset Cove.

Join the Sunset Sleuths as they uncover what really goes on in Sunset Cove and the wealthy Kent family.

For readers who long for cozy mysteries like Aurora Teagarden, dive into the quaint community of Sunset Cove and see what really happens.

And I thought

What a great read. Although I have been following and featuring Terry Overton's children/young reader Christian titles I have never read one.

I was happy when she joined the Cozy Mystery World/Genre.

Dockside Secrets was a great read.

The characters are quickly and charming. Even the main suspect I tended to like.

I along with Finley and all her friends questioned whether Blake 3 (I think) was a victum or the criminal. I did have a hard time keeping track of all the Blake's. But who wouldn't.

Lynn a neighbor is the owner of two great dogs. She lends one to Finley for protection after her cottage is broken into.

In the end after all questions are annswered and tidy Finley annouces to her friends she needs a dog.

Along with Cozy fun characters Terry Overton describes a Cozy lakeside town anyone would want to visit or reside in.

The town police Detective was a bumbling fool most of the time dependant on the county crime fighters. His lack of interest in investing is what allows Finley to be able to investigate where the tackle box cane from and the story behind it's contents. And ponder the question were the jewels paste or worth millions?

The plot is fun and a little twisty turny and I would have been turning the pages at break neck speed. But instead I enjoyed the Audio version.

I am planning on reading book 2 as soon as possible.

I purchased the Audible version.

I was not asked to write a review.

[Becky Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She hadn’t expected trouble just sixty-two days into retirement, but it found her standing at the edge of the lake peering under her dock.”

The power of a great first sentence! This one is penned by cozy mystery author Terry Overton. I was really pleased with this book, because I had just finished a very intense thriller. I wondered if Overton’s cozy, Dockside Secrets, #1 Finley Burke mysteries, would suffer in my mind by being read next.

But not to worry. Overton’s style is simple, yet educated, comfortably peaceful while dealing with murder. As a cozy, the action is not super fast, but the pacing is steady, and the characters are introduced and clues presented in an intriguing way. I really cared about recently retired college professor Finley who had moved to a small lakeside Texas community. Expecting to find peace, Finley finds neighbors who become supportive friends (another fun, eclectic group!) and a washed-up tackle box.

What she doesn’t find is quick answers or much help from the local sheriff. Old habits die hard, and Finley finds herself returning to her amateur sleuthing ways. Enlisting the help of her neighbors, the “Sleuths of Sunset Cove” set out to discover the secrets behind the items on the tackle box. Like Pandora’s box, each of them finds secrets being released. But, will some secrets they discover of a local oil family bring them closure or more danger than they can handle?

Instead of a fave character, I believe I’ll pick a fave scene. It would have to be when each member of the group finds they want to trust each other enough to share a carefully guarded part of their past. Such a defining moment!

This is a new cozy mystery series that is now on my “to-be-recommended” list! If you enjoy small town cozies and quirky groups of characters, this may be just the novel for you!

I received a copy of the book from the author through Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“The guy is sneaky. He bends the law at forty-five-degree angles.”

“I do not spread gossip. I hear it, but that’s all.” [ Hoo, boy, is this speaker’s constant avowal hilarious!]

“cologne that could gas a room”

[Diane R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dockside Secrets is a charming and quietly compelling cozy mystery that leans into one of the genre’s greatest strengths: community. Finley Burke is an instantly likable protagonist intelligent, observant, and refreshingly grounded. Her background as a forensic psychologist adds a smart, modern edge without disrupting the gentle, small-town tone cozy readers crave.

Sunset Cove itself feels alive on the page. From lakeside cottages to estate sales and long-held family secrets, Terry Overton crafts a setting that invites readers to settle in while hinting that not everything beneath the surface is as peaceful as it seems. The mystery unfolds organically, driven by relationships and local dynamics rather than shock value.

The Sunset Sleuths are particularly enjoyable, bringing warmth, humor, and camaraderie that make the investigation feel communal rather than solitary. Fans of Aurora Teagarden style mysteries will feel right at home, especially readers who enjoy intelligent heroines, close-knit friendships, and secrets hidden behind polished façades.

A delightful start to a cozy mystery journey that promises both comfort and intrigue.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun cozy mystery, and it is really a cozy. The characters are a collection of older, quirky women (and one fellow sometimes). The women live close to each other and the most exciting thing happening to them is the possibility of solving a crime. They are eager to do so, pooling their insights and abilities. Each one has something to contribute, even if it is only jumping to conclusions. They love getting together and coming up with suspicious possibilities, based on the evidence they have. While Finlay is the main sleuth, all the women come to her aid in solving this mystery.

The characters make this cozy a fun read. We get to hang out at the local coffee shop, go to an estate sale, and watch the sleuths as they create a sort of murder board. It was fun reading of their times together, hashing over the possibilities and, thanks to Birdie's insatiable appetite, enjoying delicious food. There is a hint of suspense but nothing very scary. A true cozy.

This is a good start to a new series with fun characters and a good mystery.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent review.

[Donna C · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I think you should know:
Dockside Secrets, a Christian Cozy Mystery by Terry Overton is the first book in the Finley Burke Mysteries. This book is set in a small town and features newly retired professor Finley and the residents she makes fast friends with as she moves to the town.

What I think you should know:
Finley is moving to Sunset Cove after losing her husband and retiring from teaching.

What I think about this book:
I have read a few of Overton‘s previous books so I immediately wanted to read this one. In this book we are introduced to the residents of Sunset Cove, a not so quiet neighborhood where Finley doesn't get to relax like she expected. The author gave us a colorful cast of characters, Amelia, Lynn, Birdie and Clay each brought a different aspect to the story. I also loved Molly and Maggie. This was a wonderful mix of mystery and budding friendship. I am so glad I requested this book. This is a super fun new cozy series. I look forward to reading more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Lily · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

This was a nice cozy conversational story to read on a windy autumn evening. Finley Burke has decided to retire from the big city to the country life and picturesque village. She does yoga, which is something I frown upon, especially as a Christian, but otherwise, I enjoyed this mini-mystery. It all begins with an old tool box that washes against Finley’s dock. Who does she have to help with her investigation? But her new snack-loving friendly neighbours. The Sleuths of Sunset Cove is in business.
Trying to solve a serious crime with Police Chief Officer Wyatt Hunter in charge seems almost futile, but with Finley’s past work experience and intuition, there just might be hope. Thank goodness for Detective Locke. Will The Sleuths of Sunset Cove figure it all out before the intruder strikes again? I still think we need a new chief in town. I received this e-book for free from Celebrate Lit Tour and the opinions I express are my own.

“Thank you for sharing. And Birdie, remember, it isn’t gossip if it is fact.” and “Those are the ones you gotta look out fer. Look good on the outside, but rotten on the inside.” — Quotes from book

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets, sleuths, and surprises under the docks—Dockside Secrets by Terry Overton serves up a delightfully warm and entertaining cozy mystery. Overton’s descriptive writing brings Sunset Cove vividly to life, creating an inviting atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile. The story unfolds at a comfortable pace, blending suspense and mystery with community, healing, and faith. Deceptive family dynamics, estate sales, and discoveries beneath the docks keep the plot lively, while the steadily building suspense kept me guessing about the culprit until the final few chapters. At the heart of the story is the Sunset Sleuths, a fun and varied crew of amateur detectives that includes Finley, Amelia, Birdie, Lynn, and Clay. Their camaraderie adds warmth and comic relief, and the humorous touches given to both the police and the local detectives bring extra depth and levity. As the first book in The Finley Burke Mysteries, Dockside Secrets launches the series with charm, intrigue, and plenty of cozy fun—and I’m already eager to dock at Sunset Cove for the next installment!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finley hasn’t lived in Sunset Cove very long and has already found herself involved in a mystery. Since the mystery involves an old tacklebox she found banging against her dock, she’s eager to find the rightful owner and figure out how it got there. She has experience solving mysteries and crimes before moving to Sunset Cove and is eager to start on this one. Her newly found friends and neighbors had no idea what she previously did but are all on board with trying to help her solve this mystery.

I’m really liking this newly formed group of sleuths. They all work hard together, and their meetings usually involve food. Who could resist? A fun start to a new series! I look forward to future books.

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

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finley is heartbroken over the loss of her husband and has moved to a new city to find a change a pace. Her neighbors have brought the friendships she desperately needs at this time. Everything starts to change when she finds a tackle box under her dock. It is filled with mysterious items that don't belong in a tackle box! Finley used to help out law enforcement in her previous city now and then, so she has a little experience with sleuthing. Enlisting her newfound friends, the Sunset Sleuths are on the case! Danger starts to follow them, however, so they need to watch their backs!
These characters were delightful, and I enjoyed every page of this story! I love cozy mysteries, and this one caught my attention from the first page. Each member of the Sunset Sleuths was unique and had a fun personality. Already I can't wait for the next book!

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have fallen in love with Sunset Cove. What a nice place to enjoy life and meet new friends. The scenery is peaceful and there are nice places to eat at. I like that Finley has decided to move here and enjoy a quiet life. The author does an amazing job of bringing the story to life with quirky characters and a fun mystery.

A tackle box is at the center of a mystery where secrets, greed and lots of fun await readers. The author tells us that this is her first cozy mystery book. I hope it won’t be her last. It captures a small town, a group of friends who are there for each other and plenty of suspects to keep readers guessing.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading clean, well-written cozy mysteries, and this first book in the “Finley Burke Mysteries” series by author Terry Overton held my attention for every page of the story. This plot unfolds with new twists and clues about the mystery at just the right pace, and my interest in the story kept growing with every chapter. There’s a great group of main characters that work well together, and each one has their own role and place in the “team”. I liked that this book focused on solving the mystery, not on romance. There’s a small town setting that adds to the charm, but it’s the characters and great storyline that sold me on this book. Cozy mystery lovers, you’ll enjoy this one.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.