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Paws and Probable Cause #1

STAY: A Paws & Probable Cause Mystery

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A fresh start. A dead body. A dog who knows more than he's telling.

Animal behaviorist Wren Calloway thought she knew what rock bottom looked like. Divorce papers signed. Career in shambles. A one-way ticket to her grandmother's cottage in coastal Maine.

She was wrong.

Rock bottom is finding a dead body on the cliffs behind her new home and realizing the charming town of Tidal Cove has been keeping deadly secrets for decades.

Everyone says it was an accident. The police chief wants her to drop it. But Biscuit, her rescue golden retriever, won't stop alerting to danger. And Wren has learned to trust her dog more than she trusts people.

As she digs deeper, she uncovers connections between the victim, her late grandmother, and secrets that powerful people want buried. The handsome local veterinarian warns her she's making enemies. The killer is watching her every move.

In Tidal Cove, the past never stays buried for long. And some secrets are worth killing for.

Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with heart, small-town secrets, and dogs who steal every scene. Book 1 in a complete 6-book series. Start your Tidal Cove escape today.

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2025

70 people are currently reading
41 people want to read

About the author

Sophie Lyon

26 books5 followers

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5 stars
93 (57%)
4 stars
50 (31%)
3 stars
14 (8%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
3 reviews
February 19, 2026
Not your typical Cozy mystery

As a retired veterinary nurse, I nabbed this book a few weeks ago. It ended up being more than I thought it would be. My original profession was to be a marine biologist & to do rehab & release of marine life. I then switched to vet med. This book hit both. Not to mention my interest in animal behavior. I plan on getting the rest of the series. This is not your typical funny, warm & cozy mystery. There are some Very serious issues addressed in Wren & Biscuit's first mystery. While I never made it to the ocean, I have had to deal with some similar issues in my regular & ER nursing days.
Profile Image for Tess Ailshire.
803 reviews3 followers
March 9, 2026
This one's pretty good. The main character is likable, if too reckless for her alleged profession to be credible, and all I knew until the end was that we hadn't heard all the story.

A good editor would have caught the few minor issues, like Wren letting out her cottage for two years as a vacation rental, but then the bedroom still smelling faintly of her grandmother. There are a few poorly written paragraphs with sentences that all, similarly, appear to have been two sentences that somehow got juxtaposed and now make no sense. There's Cal remarking about a note no one told him about. Minor things.
179 reviews2 followers
December 7, 2025
Best mystery I've read in a while!

I thought this was going to be the usual, simple cozy mystery. But it started out with a bang right from the beginning, and progressed into an exciting story, complete with lots of interactions with the locals and followed by drama, including lots of plot twists.
15 reviews
December 21, 2025
a woman, her fog, and a mystery

An enjoyable tale of a vet behaviorist who moves to a small town and becomes embroiled in a murder mystery with the help of her dog biscuit. The move ultimately becomes just what she needs in her life and she is home! The characters are credible and likeable and I hope we have more books toco e!
10 reviews
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February 8, 2026
Repetition

I really enjoyed this book. I gave it 3 stars because I didn't like e the repetition of describing the harbor, the cafe and grandmother's house. Also, I think whoever proofed this book needs to reproof and edit it. This will not stop me from reading her other books because it did keep my interest til the end.
16 reviews
February 28, 2026
Recommended you read this book

I started reading and could not put it down. Hubby no t at all pleased, he had to wait for his lunch. Enjoyed very much kept me reading page after page. Loved box hit the dog. Enjoy as able entertaining. Story.
12 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2026
A GOOD READ

Great start. Memorable, likeable characters. But in a sense the main character became too wonderful, so sure of herself and her greatness that she lost some of her initial appeal. Still, all in all, an enjoyable read.
985 reviews6 followers
March 3, 2026
Home

A Book I really had a hard time stopping when it was necessary. Right back to following Wren and B. as they settle into a new home and town. Sophie Lyon wrote a story that keep you waiting for the next surprise.
Profile Image for Kim.
122 reviews
January 6, 2026
Excellent Story!

Excellent story! I found a new series to read and look forward to reading more stories in this series from Ms. Lyon.
1 review
January 28, 2026
Repetitive text

The story was great but the repetitive text throughout the book was annoying. It would have been much better reading without that.
Profile Image for Carlene Nantz.
100 reviews
February 15, 2026
A great mystery

I love a book with a smart dog and this one has a gem. I needed a good, quiet mystery, I got it with this wonderful book. I couldn't go to bed until I finished it.
222 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2026
Stay

A nice story. I love the animals and look forward to getting to know more about Biscuit and Fig. I like the water setting especially.
5 reviews
March 11, 2026
Exciting

I loved this. As a mystery, it kept me wondering... but I loved the people she met. The community that was a family. Very nice.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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