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Dockside Secrets
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.
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.
- GenresMystery
366 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2025
5 people are currently reading
3516 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 22, 2025
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?
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?
October 16, 2025
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.
October 19, 2025
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.
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.
December 9, 2025
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.
October 15, 2025
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.
"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.
December 2, 2025
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.
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.
November 22, 2025
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.
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.
January 15, 2026
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.
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.
December 18, 2025
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.
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.
October 12, 2025
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.
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.
October 13, 2025
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!
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!
October 5, 2025
What a thrilling novel. I enjoy solving puzzles and mysteries. This fascinating adventure was sparked by found objects, and I love that five neighbors are attempting to unravel the mystery. Terry Overton is new to this genre, and she did a fantastic job. It was entertaining to speculate, even though I was obviously mistaken about who it was. I'm eagerly awaiting this series' next book. Anyone who is looking for excitement should read this book, in my opinion. You won't be let down “I received ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.”
November 11, 2025
The plot is a standard cozy mystery with jewels found a fishing tackle box. Five retirees from different backgrounds resolve the mystery.
I found the plot and characters interesting. The story was well paced until the last 25% of the book. The scenes in the coffee shop could have been combined to resolve the mystery sooner.
I received this book as part of the Goodreads giveaway. This didn't influence my review. Enjoyed reading it but wish it was a little shorter.
I found the plot and characters interesting. The story was well paced until the last 25% of the book. The scenes in the coffee shop could have been combined to resolve the mystery sooner.
I received this book as part of the Goodreads giveaway. This didn't influence my review. Enjoyed reading it but wish it was a little shorter.
January 16, 2026
Hi Terry, I really enjoyed Dockside Secrets! Finley Burke is a wonderful, relatable sleuth, and the cozy small-town setting of Sunset Cove felt warm and inviting. I loved the gentle mystery, strong supporting characters, and the subtle thread of faith. A great start to the series looking forward to reading more
January 18, 2026
Get the book
This is a cute, cozy mystery that deserves better than virtual voice. I knew what I was getting into when I chose to pick up the audiobook, and virtual voice did not stop me from liking this story. But my recommendation is to get the book unless you simply must have an audiobook or are able to get past the mispronunciations and bizarre inflections.
This is a cute, cozy mystery that deserves better than virtual voice. I knew what I was getting into when I chose to pick up the audiobook, and virtual voice did not stop me from liking this story. But my recommendation is to get the book unless you simply must have an audiobook or are able to get past the mispronunciations and bizarre inflections.
January 17, 2026
Dockside Secrets is a charming cozy mystery that blends small-town warmth with clever intrigue and thoughtful investigation. Its engaging heroine, lakeside setting, and layered family secrets make it a delightful and satisfying read for fans of character-driven mysteries.
February 8, 2026
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.
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.
December 16, 2025
*I read an ecopy from the author. This does not affect my review. This review is voluntary.*
This is the second cozy mystery I can recall reading this year, and even though the first was several months ago, I can't help but think of how much this one somewhat reminded me of the other. Not that the mystery was the same, or that the stories really resembled, but the characters all found each other and formed a sleuthing group with friends in a similar fashion. The other was
, and I think readers of either book would likely enjoy the other.
This was different from the mysteries that I tend to read, and at first, I wasn't sure I would enjoy it. A few chapters in, I realized that it was going to be an interesting read, even if it didn't end up being my favorite. I might continue the series, I'm not sure yet, but I did really enjoy the chance to read this first book.
The mystery kept me guessing, and I honestly pegged the wrong person for much of the story, haha. Oops! I don't often find a mystery that keeps my focus, and that can also keep me unsure and in suspense for so long, so that definitely deserves a mention. I enjoyed seeing the characters discover the clues, and Finley's crime board added to the story's appeal as she worked through each new clue, teaching her friends along the way. Overall, this was an entertaining read with a bit of wit and humor sprinkled throughout just when the story needed some lightening up.
This is the second cozy mystery I can recall reading this year, and even though the first was several months ago, I can't help but think of how much this one somewhat reminded me of the other. Not that the mystery was the same, or that the stories really resembled, but the characters all found each other and formed a sleuthing group with friends in a similar fashion. The other was
, and I think readers of either book would likely enjoy the other.This was different from the mysteries that I tend to read, and at first, I wasn't sure I would enjoy it. A few chapters in, I realized that it was going to be an interesting read, even if it didn't end up being my favorite. I might continue the series, I'm not sure yet, but I did really enjoy the chance to read this first book.
The mystery kept me guessing, and I honestly pegged the wrong person for much of the story, haha. Oops! I don't often find a mystery that keeps my focus, and that can also keep me unsure and in suspense for so long, so that definitely deserves a mention. I enjoyed seeing the characters discover the clues, and Finley's crime board added to the story's appeal as she worked through each new clue, teaching her friends along the way. Overall, this was an entertaining read with a bit of wit and humor sprinkled throughout just when the story needed some lightening up.
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