Death at the Cozy Island Christmas: A Pelican Shores Cozy Mystery

Pelican Shores Cozy Mystery #9

by Bessie Barr

When a record-breaking Polar Vortex slams across the nation, the small Texas island of Pelican Shores is sealed tight. No ferries. No roads. No passage. No way in or out.

Local artist and café owner Finn Dockrey and her golden retriever Beau plan to keep spirits merry and bright with cocoa, gingerbread, and small-town cheer…until she and her best friend Birdie Black discover a body tangled in Christmas lights, floating near the Dockside Pavilion.

The victim, Frank Townsend, a retired fisherman turned sandwich vendor, wasn’t loved, but he wasn’t hated either. So, who wanted him dead? As fingers point and rumors fly, tension grips the stranded town. The coroner is trapped on the mainland, and Detective Pace Stringfellow is running on grit and caffeine, so Finn takes matters into her own mystery-solving hands.

Every neighbor is suddenly The jealous (albeit handsome…just ask Birdie) chef, the city-ordinance zealot, the mysterious newcomer with an unknown past. As the temperature plummets and the clock ticks toward Christmas, Finn and Beau must untangle a web of jealousy, scandal, and deadly motive before the island’s cozy holiday magic turns into someone’s last silent night.

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 GUARANTEE: 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 series I've read ALL year!"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This book is so full of twists that I couldn't figure out the ending. I LOVE it!"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Top 5 Favorite Series!!"

Genres: Mystery

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 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

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Polar Vortex leaves the island of Pelican Shores cut off from the mainland with no ferry service. With the residents stranded and temperatures falling, Finn and her best friend Birdie are determined to keep everyone’s spirits up by brightening the holiday with baked goods and hot cocoa. While preparing the Dockside Pavilion for their Christmas celebration, Finn, Birdie and their furry companions Beau and Queen Bean will discover the body of Frank Townsend floating in the water and tangled in a string of Christmas Lights. So, while preparing for the holiday festivities Finn and Birdie will also be investigating the death of a retired fisherman, turned sandwich vendor who wasn’t exactly a beloved member of the community, but he wasn’t hated either. Detective Pace Stringfellow is at his wits end and running on caffeine. While he would love to ask Finn and Birdie to leave the investigation to him, he knows better.

I absolutely adore these characters. They are always so fun, they make me laugh, I feel that they are realistically defined and always entertaining. Christmas is around the corner, murder, frigid temperatures, and a twist that took me by surprise; I highly recommend this book and series to any reader who enjoys a kisses only cozy mystery with engaging characters and engrossing plots

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a Polar Vortex hitting most of the country as temperatures drop, Pelican Shores Island is shot off from the mainland. No ferry, roads nor any way to get off the island. So what else can you do at just before Christmas? Why have a party. Finn and her intelligent dog, Beau and her best friend Birdie with her cat, Queen Bee are determined to keep everyone’s spirits up by brightening the holiday with baked goods and hot cocoa. While preparing the Dockside Pavilion for their Christmas celebration, Finn, Birdie, Beau and Queen Bee discover the body of Frank Townsend was floating in the water and tangled up in a string of Christmas Lights. Finn thought everyone liked Frank. So who wanted him dead and why? Was it because he wanted to open a sandwich place? Detective Pace Stringfellow wants Finn and Birdie to keep out of it, but of course they don't and is there a little something between Pace and Finn? What a fun unputdownable book that is a great addition to the series. I highly recommend this book and the entire series. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Marietta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bessie Barr has done another excellent job of keeping everyone interest in her story line right up to the end. Finn & Bridie find themselves in the middle of another murder investigation but that just keep everything going even with the Polar Vortex which has slam across the nation and has Pelican Shores closed off from the main with no phone or ferries to leave the island. With Christmas just around the corner Finn & Bridie decide that they will make it an old fashion Christmas and have everyone that is still on the island come and celebrate together. But first they must try and figure who murdered Frank Townsend a retired fisherman and local loner. I love how Bessie Barr seems to find way to keep everything moving along and keep you interest in what is happening. This is the nineth book in the series that I have read, and everyone just keeps getting better as she goes along.
I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys clean mysteries which are fast moving stories that you can not put down until you finish them.

[Marseydoats · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unprecedented cold spell has hit Pelican Shores just before the holidays. All the locals pitch in to help rescue the sea turtles who are suffering in the chill, and transport them to Otto's Refuge where they can be cared for. I really, really LIKED that part!
Beau and Finn find the body of a local fisherman, wrapped in Christmas lights, in the water, when they're on turtle patrol. Pace suspects foul play.
The ferry is shut down due to the bad weather, and the gang are trapped on the island with the killer.
A stranger named Polly has appeared on the island, and nobody really knows if she is who she says she is. I think she's interesting, and hope she'll stick around.
Birdie may, or may not, be moving forward in her relationship with Chef Marco. Finn and Pace share a few kisses (about time!)
This is a fast paced and fun holiday story.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The small island, Pelican Shores, in Texas is locked down tight due to a Polar Vortex with no one coming in or out. Cafe owner Finn is planning on keeping spirits up in the community with lights, cheer, and hot beverages. However Finn and her bestie Birdie weren't expecting to find a body tangled up in Christmas lights near the docks. The body is Frank who currently is a sandwich vendor but used to be a fisherman and also won't be missed by many if any people on the island. However with everything locked up tight, that means that the murderer is someone they know. Clara, Birdie, and Clara's dog Beau are on the trail to track down the truth. Fantastic story and I love seeing how everyone is suspicious of everyone else. Loved it!.

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

[Maria Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im just a sucker for these kind of small town Christmas stories of lovers with solving a mystery vibes. To me, this was well written and flowed easily when reading. I really enjoyed the characters, especially the main characters pov and how good her senses are, better than police work. I loved that her dog, Beau, was part of the story as well. This honestly reminded me of the show Virgin River. I also didnt know the ending would happen the way it did, but once it came out, everything made sense and Im a little upset at myself that I didnt see it coming.

If you want a cute, small town quick read with trying to solve a mystery...especially during Christmas time, this definitely should be your next read!

[Baby Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dynamic trio and their four-legged cape crusaders are at it again in the most fun-loving crime solving way. Bessie Barr knows how to write a cozy mystery. Her characters are fun, smart, caring, funny, and just make the stories come alive. Death at the Cozy Island Christmas has everyone trapped in Pelican shores due to a Polar Vortex. If you like a cozy mystery with great characters, a murder of a local fisherman around Christmas, tons of suspects, an abundance of twists and turns, no coroner available, and a handsome and hard-working detective who has a soft spot for Finn, then this book is for you. This book is as good as a warm cozy blanket during a snowstorm on Christmas Eve. It gives you chills and goosies and I expect nothing less from Bessie. So good I read it twice!

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death at the Cozy Island Christmas is a great story with Finn and her handsome, clever , sleuthing dog Beau and Birdie and her beautiful , clever , sleuthing cat. They are helping to rescue turtles in a storm when they come across a body in the water. Detective Pace Stringfellow investigates with the assistance of Finn , Birdie and their sleuthing pets. The island is cut off due to the storm and they have to be creative to uncover evidence.
Superb story and series that I enjoyed reading and highly recommend that 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]

What do you do when a polar vortex hits your island? Throw a Christmas party of course! But then murder strikes. It’s up to Finn, Birdie, Pace and their furry friends to figure out what happened to Frank. Meanwhile, they’re also trying to save the turtles from freezing! Finn and Birdie have a lot to do before Christmas Eve! Can they figure it out in time?

This is a great series and you can jump in at any book. If you start at this one, you can go back and read the rest later to find out more of the friendship between Finn and Birdie.

I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Polar Vortex strikes the nation, even the small Texas island of Pelican Shores is shut down due to the freezing conditions. No one can leave and no one can get back home. With Christmas coming up, Finn and Birdie make plans for a special party for those who are stranded on the island. They hadn't planned on finding Frank dead in the water! To help the local detective out, Finn and her golden retriever Beau are investigating. Everyone stranded on the island is a suspect! Can they find the killer before someone else dies? Grab a cup of hot chocolate and cozy up for a great read!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real Christmas in Pelican Bay-with massive Christmas weather, knocking out everything including ferries. Finn, Birdie, Beau and Queen Bean are in the middle of another investigation after finding a body. Poor Pace is trying to keep up with everything but Birdie decides she has to figure out this murder, so off they go sticking their noses in places it would probably be better to stay out of! A little bit of Christmas feel good, a little bit of murder, a couple of dogs and Pelican Bay is set.

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

[Cherie Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a polar vortex locks the small island of Pelican Shores up Finn and her best friend Birdie decide to make the best of it and enjoy the Christmas season anyway. As they are strolling through the town along with Finn’s canine companion Beau they discover the body of a sandwich vendor Frank Townsend wrapped in Christmas lights and floating in the water. Who wanted him dead? Finn and crew set out to solve this, as they sort through the clues and the long list of suspects it will keep you entertained and reading to the end! This is a great book and one you won’t want to miss!
Cherie

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Finn, Birdie, Pace and their friends are dealing with a mysterious murder on Pelican Shores. These mysteries are just amazing to read. Full of quirky characters, small town charm and a storyline that will keep you guessing throughout. Definitely a page turner that you don't want to put down. Fun to read.

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

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big winter storm hits Pelican Shores and cuts them off from the
mainland, just in time for the island's Christmas celebration.
Finn and Birdie try to keep everyone's spirits up and do a good
job of it.

In the middle of this, they find the dead body of one of the local
townspeople. Now they have to figure out who killed him before
anyone else gets killed and before everyone on the island panics.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Bookfunnel.

[LaurenB · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun holiday cozy mystery. The characters are always fun and the island is a charming setting. The mystery was well written and I was surprised at the reveal, which usually isn’t the case with cozies. The slow burn, clean romance is a sweet side plot. Love this series! (Can be read as a standalone.)

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

[Linda K Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really am enjoying reading how Finn and her friend Birdie solve these mysteries. This one is a bit too close to home. The whole town getting sick! It was supposed to be a friendly neighborhood BBQ.
This book is well written so that it feels real and evolks many emotions. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review, as well as, I highly recommend.

[Ilene G> · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mystery.

Christmas time and a polar vortex are at Pelican Shores. Getting ready for Christmas, trying to keep warm , and saving sea turtles from the cold , Finn is very busy. After a dead body is found , Finn investigates. The plot kept me guessing, and it is a surprise who the murderer is. There are Christmas activities.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn and Birdie are once again caught up on a murder mystery. There is a lot going on than meets the eye. Lots of suspense and humour in this intriguing read which is captivating from the start with an edge of the seat finish. I received this ARC copy and recommend this book to other readers.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved this whole series, and I'm so glad she's continued it. Each book has been unique and fun to read!.

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

[Rebecca Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful who done it by author Bessie Barr.
The characters are really good. I couldn't put it down.
This is the first book I have read by this author r won't be my last.
I highly recommend...

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

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. Another exciting adventure for Finn and Birdie. (And Pace, Beau, and Queen Bean) Every adventure in Pelican Shores is great. I loved the holiday theme here and the fact that the island is isolated because of winter weather. I can relate this time of year. A great cozy read.

[Redphoenix2020 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this for the holidays.

I wanted to read something light and entertaining to counter the stress of the holidays. This book did the trick. The characters are strong. The word play and holiday themes were heart warming.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story for Christmas full of ice, romance and community - oh and murder! Love Finn and Birdie and this was another great mystery, although I have to admit I did guess the culprit.

[Marsha Asquith]

Polar Vortex, dead body, stranded turtles, iced in Pelican Shores. Danger, Cold Weather and a ruthless killer keeps Finn, Birdie and Pace on their toes from beginning to end.

[Cynthia Rosiek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

So romantic along with the scary. I don’t know how Bessie Barr does it but each mystery is unique. Read and enjoy!