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Tails of Maple Ridge #1
The Peanut Butter Twist
In Maple Ridge, murder is served with a peanut butter twist.Tess Holloway moved to Maple Ridge for quiet mornings, strong coffee, and the joy of running her own bookshop on Main Street. But her peace is shattered when Henry Dawson, the town’s beloved baker, is found dead—and it’s his loyal black lab, Cocoa, who leaves a trail of bloody pawprints straight to Tess’s door.
Suddenly Tess is swept into a mystery that has the whole town buzzing. Why would anyone want Henry dead? What secret did he discover that got him killed? And why does the evidence seem to twist into knots instead of answers?
With Cocoa at her side and her new friends rallying behind her, Tess finds herself digging into small-town grudges, rivalries, and half-baked alibis. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous the game becomes.
Now Tess must solve the case before the killer cooks up a new victim—because in Maple Ridge, even the sweetest treats can hide the bitterest lies.
Suddenly Tess is swept into a mystery that has the whole town buzzing. Why would anyone want Henry dead? What secret did he discover that got him killed? And why does the evidence seem to twist into knots instead of answers?
With Cocoa at her side and her new friends rallying behind her, Tess finds herself digging into small-town grudges, rivalries, and half-baked alibis. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous the game becomes.
Now Tess must solve the case before the killer cooks up a new victim—because in Maple Ridge, even the sweetest treats can hide the bitterest lies.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryDogs
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 1, 2026
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery!
June 25, 2026
Loved the story full of cozy little town drama and some dogs 🙌🏻🙌🏻
May 9, 2026
Enjoyed this book, even though the ending was predictable. The characters were very likable and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
May 4, 2026
Really Clever Cozy Mystery
Loved this cute and clever cozy. Cocoa is adorable and I enjoyed the chapters from his point of view. The mystery itself kept me guessing all the way to the end. Didn’t see it coming. Great start to the series.
Loved this cute and clever cozy. Cocoa is adorable and I enjoyed the chapters from his point of view. The mystery itself kept me guessing all the way to the end. Didn’t see it coming. Great start to the series.
May 24, 2026
I really enjoyed meeting Tess and all her friends in town along with the adorable dog she inherited when a good friend was murdered. I thought the chapters told in first person by Cocoa himself were just too sweet, what a good boy (as he already knew lol).
The showdown was a tense one but Tess used her head and Cocoa knew what to do too. I can’t wait to see what the next book brings since I did notice Tess and the good detective seemed to hit it off pretty nicely.
The showdown was a tense one but Tess used her head and Cocoa knew what to do too. I can’t wait to see what the next book brings since I did notice Tess and the good detective seemed to hit it off pretty nicely.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tess is happy with her new life at Maple Ridge until her friend, Henry is found dead. Henry was a baker who made the best peanut butter twists. Tess was his regular customer. His pet dog, Cocoa leads her to his body. Who would want to kill a nice person like Henry? Tess does some sleuthing with the help of Cocoa. An entertaining page turner told from 2 points of view, namely, Tess and Cocoa. Cocoa's perception of humans is hilarious. I like the description of the town and the various characters and Cocoa's determination to help Tess find his master's killer. The surprising twist at the end is unexpected.
February 10, 2026
All my favourites wrapped with twists in in a delicious tale/tail. Left me wanting more of these stories, please.
The real charm of this story is the running inner-dialogue of Cocoa, the dog. The whimsical characters challenge the more serious characters, each with their own agendas, assumptions and troubled histories. This moves the many angles of the initial "murder" in directions that lend a 360° set of perspectives - creating depth and questions as we the readers build up the story in our own unique imaginations. There comes a final surprise that cracks the case and almost leaves another victim in its wake. Then...the surprising and unexpected ending...another "twist".
Read it!
The real charm of this story is the running inner-dialogue of Cocoa, the dog. The whimsical characters challenge the more serious characters, each with their own agendas, assumptions and troubled histories. This moves the many angles of the initial "murder" in directions that lend a 360° set of perspectives - creating depth and questions as we the readers build up the story in our own unique imaginations. There comes a final surprise that cracks the case and almost leaves another victim in its wake. Then...the surprising and unexpected ending...another "twist".
Read it!
December 14, 2025
A most entertaining cozy mystery. Tess' friend and local baker is found murdered in his shop. Tess inherits his dog Cocoa. The dog plays a role indirectly in helping Tess and her friends solve the murder. I love that some of the chapters are written from the dogs point of view. There are a few surprise twists that will keep you turning the pages.
February 10, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed this easy to read murder mystery. A real whodunnit with several suspects, that keep you guessing to the end. Excellent book.
July 19, 2026
Delightful book. My heart was broke the first few chapters
.. poor Cocoa… but it was a good mystery with likeable characters. I didn’t guess the killer until close to the end of the book. I like when that happens! I’m moving right in to the next book!
.. poor Cocoa… but it was a good mystery with likeable characters. I didn’t guess the killer until close to the end of the book. I like when that happens! I’m moving right in to the next book!
August 9, 2026
Cute read. It gives me Nancy Drew vibes.
February 10, 2026
When Tess Holloway owner of the “The Book Mark” an old book shop notices her next door bakery shop friend dog called Cocoa running loose outside in the street she jumps into action. Being very unusual for Cocoa the black lab being out loose and alone she captures and noticing Cocoa appearing high with anxiety she takes the steps to return Coca to Henry Dawson. Knowing that Henry would be baking in the kitchen getting ready for the day Tess enters the kitchen Tess to find the ovens smoking burning the goods as well poor Henry lying dead on the floor with a knife in his back! Tess takes on poor Cocoa and a friendship soon blossoms between “Woman and dog”.
The local inapt local police sheriff Elmer of Maple Reach arrives but it soon becomes apparent he is obviously out of his depth. So Tess and her closest friends also carry out their own investigation.
Being in a very quiet town called Maple Reach where the crime rate was very low a detective from out of town Boston is brought in with more experience. Detective Larsen Maddox a stern unsmiling faced man soon kicks off investigating and is eager to close the case, but when a local student is also found murdered is the two cases connected?
Tess and her friends soon find the clues take things on and Tess with the help of her friends go through All the clues to find out who the real killer is.
A good page turner especially if you like dogs as I do with lots of twists and a finale ending! A very easy go along read and if you like dogs a bonus!
The local inapt local police sheriff Elmer of Maple Reach arrives but it soon becomes apparent he is obviously out of his depth. So Tess and her closest friends also carry out their own investigation.
Being in a very quiet town called Maple Reach where the crime rate was very low a detective from out of town Boston is brought in with more experience. Detective Larsen Maddox a stern unsmiling faced man soon kicks off investigating and is eager to close the case, but when a local student is also found murdered is the two cases connected?
Tess and her friends soon find the clues take things on and Tess with the help of her friends go through All the clues to find out who the real killer is.
A good page turner especially if you like dogs as I do with lots of twists and a finale ending! A very easy go along read and if you like dogs a bonus!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a charming cosy mystery, set in the quaint New Hampshire town of Maple Ridge.
When Tess Holloway bought the rundown bookshop after falling in love with Maple Ridge, she wasn't aware how quickly and dramatically her life was about to change.
Murder didn't happen in quiet backwaters..........until it did.
Tess's friend, Henry Dawson, the local baker, the same baker who supplied the bookshop with a daily order of his delicious peanut butter twists, was found by Tess with a knife in his back. The local sheriff was worse than useless but thankfully a detective was drafted in from the city, handsome but grumpy Larsen Maddox.
Tess needed to know who killed Henry, all the wrong people were being made suspects, so she, along with a group of her close friends, decided that they would become armature sleuths, if the police couldn't find Henry's killer then they would.
Then there was Cocoa to consider, Tess couldn't leave Henry's beloved dog to be put in the pound so she decided that she had to keep him.........someone else would have to have the goldfish.
Cocoa had a mind of his own and wittily writes his own chapters, he will miss Henry of course, but his new human isn't so bad, although she doesn't like the 4am walks.
I wasn't sure if I would like this book, but I was pleasantly surprised, I really enjoyed it, it was refreshingly different, witty with dark elements.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
When Tess Holloway bought the rundown bookshop after falling in love with Maple Ridge, she wasn't aware how quickly and dramatically her life was about to change.
Murder didn't happen in quiet backwaters..........until it did.
Tess's friend, Henry Dawson, the local baker, the same baker who supplied the bookshop with a daily order of his delicious peanut butter twists, was found by Tess with a knife in his back. The local sheriff was worse than useless but thankfully a detective was drafted in from the city, handsome but grumpy Larsen Maddox.
Tess needed to know who killed Henry, all the wrong people were being made suspects, so she, along with a group of her close friends, decided that they would become armature sleuths, if the police couldn't find Henry's killer then they would.
Then there was Cocoa to consider, Tess couldn't leave Henry's beloved dog to be put in the pound so she decided that she had to keep him.........someone else would have to have the goldfish.
Cocoa had a mind of his own and wittily writes his own chapters, he will miss Henry of course, but his new human isn't so bad, although she doesn't like the 4am walks.
I wasn't sure if I would like this book, but I was pleasantly surprised, I really enjoyed it, it was refreshingly different, witty with dark elements.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
February 10, 2026
Another enjoyable homely read, based in a small college town of Maple Ridge in northern New Hampshire. A group of small business proprietors commence to investigate the murder of one of their own when the local Sherriff , who is nearing retirement, seems unable to investigate such a serious crime. The situation is compounded by a further suspected murder of a student t friend of Luke who works in the book store of the main character, Tess Holloway. Another intriguing aspect to this story is Cocoa the labrador, who was the pet of the initial victim and Cocoa is taken in by Tess Holloway, and at times relates the happenings of that stage of the story from the doggy point of view. Intriguing twist to the narration.
Easy to read the story has plenty of twists and turns and has hints of possible romance to come.
Easy to read the story has plenty of twists and turns and has hints of possible romance to come.
June 1, 2026
Great New Series
This story drew me in from the first page through the last. There were a few red herrings that left me thinking how those pieces would eventually all fit into the story and each one did. I’m intrigued to learn more about what really caused Tess and Detective Maddox to leave Boston and end up in Maple Ridge. There’s a deeper mystery in each of their past. I enjoyed the small town friendships formed as Tess settles in to running her new bookstore in Maple Ridge. When her close friend, and next door baker, is murdered, she feels compelled to find Henry’s killer all while mourning his death with his beloved dog Cocoa. I’m disappointed the next book in the series won’t be out for awhile. I’m looking forward to seeing how Tess’s life unfolds in Maple Ridge.
This story drew me in from the first page through the last. There were a few red herrings that left me thinking how those pieces would eventually all fit into the story and each one did. I’m intrigued to learn more about what really caused Tess and Detective Maddox to leave Boston and end up in Maple Ridge. There’s a deeper mystery in each of their past. I enjoyed the small town friendships formed as Tess settles in to running her new bookstore in Maple Ridge. When her close friend, and next door baker, is murdered, she feels compelled to find Henry’s killer all while mourning his death with his beloved dog Cocoa. I’m disappointed the next book in the series won’t be out for awhile. I’m looking forward to seeing how Tess’s life unfolds in Maple Ridge.
August 3, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. Setting is appealing and quaint, characters are interesting, and a good mystery, too!
I love Cocoa, the lab. True to lab nature. Virtual book cover pictures a chocolate lab, lab’s name is Cocoa, yet 4 times in the book-2 early, 2 later- call him a black lab.
It’s disappointing when blatant factual errors aren’t caught. Are the cover and dog’s name wrong? Or is it the editing that didn’t pick up the “black” lab error? Since Cocoa is a main character and part of the reason I chose this book, it’s disappointing to have totally contradictory facts. There are literally millions of lab owners, breeders, lovers; not to mention dog lovers in general who deserve at least that attention to detail. If your editors aren’t up to speed, find someone who is, please.
I love Cocoa, the lab. True to lab nature. Virtual book cover pictures a chocolate lab, lab’s name is Cocoa, yet 4 times in the book-2 early, 2 later- call him a black lab.
It’s disappointing when blatant factual errors aren’t caught. Are the cover and dog’s name wrong? Or is it the editing that didn’t pick up the “black” lab error? Since Cocoa is a main character and part of the reason I chose this book, it’s disappointing to have totally contradictory facts. There are literally millions of lab owners, breeders, lovers; not to mention dog lovers in general who deserve at least that attention to detail. If your editors aren’t up to speed, find someone who is, please.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"A quintessential small-town mystery that keeps you hooked from the first page. The story follows Tess, a newcomer who has spent the last six months breathing new life into the local bookstore. When Henry, a beloved local baker, is found murdered, the community is shaken—and the arrival of a big-city detective only complicates matters. Not content to sit on the sidelines, Tess and her friends launch their own investigation. Capturing the heart of small-town America, this is a delightful read from start to finish. Highly recommended!"
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lots of fun. This cosy mystery is delightful. Especially because one of the heroes is a dog. Peanut butter twists are a favorite delight in the small town of Maple Ridge. When the baker who specializes in this pastry is murdered, the quest to find the murderer by the whole town is on. What, why, when...would a wonderful, older, popular baker become a victim of someone evil enough to murder him. What could he have possibly done to deserve this? Really enjoyed this first story in, hopefully, a series of these fun mysteries. Highly recommend.
February 10, 2026
I loved this cozy mystery, including the lovable black Lab dog, who has a real sense of humour of his own - I chuckled a lot while I fell in love with Cocoa! This story is so unique, not just from a human’s point of view, but also from a dog’s, I’m sure.
If you love a surprise-ending mystery, and if you are a dog-lover, too, this story just must be read. Kudos to the author, I give it an honest 5 stars for this new category, and hope it becomes the new series that includes Cocoa! *****
If you love a surprise-ending mystery, and if you are a dog-lover, too, this story just must be read. Kudos to the author, I give it an honest 5 stars for this new category, and hope it becomes the new series that includes Cocoa! *****
February 15, 2026
I wish I could bake.......I wanted a Peanut Butter Twist throughout the entire book. I love that this was set around a book store and a character reinventing herself in a small town filled with mostly kind folks. But......who murdered the baker? That's what Tess, her adopted black lab, Cocoa and her close friends are determined to find out. This was a cute cozy mystery and who could possible not love it when a dog is in the picture!!
July 24, 2026
This was a very entertaining book with a puzzling mystery and delightful characters. I look forward to reading the next one in the series.
Amazon synopsis:
Tess Holloway moved to Maple Ridge for quiet mornings, strong coffee, and the joy of running her own bookshop on Main Street. But her peace is shattered when Henry Dawson, the town’s beloved baker, is found dead—and it’s his loyal chocolate lab, Cocoa, who leaves a trail of bloody pawprints straight to Tess’s door.
Suddenly Tess is swept into a mystery that has the whole town buzzing. Why would anyone want Henry dead? What secret did he discover that got him killed? And why does the evidence seem to twist into knots instead of answers?
With Cocoa at her side and her new friends rallying behind her, Tess finds herself digging into small-town grudges, rivalries, and half-baked alibis. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous the game becomes.
Now Tess must solve the case before the killer cooks up a new victim—because in Maple Ridge, even the sweetest treats can hide the bitterest lies.
Amazon synopsis:
Tess Holloway moved to Maple Ridge for quiet mornings, strong coffee, and the joy of running her own bookshop on Main Street. But her peace is shattered when Henry Dawson, the town’s beloved baker, is found dead—and it’s his loyal chocolate lab, Cocoa, who leaves a trail of bloody pawprints straight to Tess’s door.
Suddenly Tess is swept into a mystery that has the whole town buzzing. Why would anyone want Henry dead? What secret did he discover that got him killed? And why does the evidence seem to twist into knots instead of answers?
With Cocoa at her side and her new friends rallying behind her, Tess finds herself digging into small-town grudges, rivalries, and half-baked alibis. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous the game becomes.
Now Tess must solve the case before the killer cooks up a new victim—because in Maple Ridge, even the sweetest treats can hide the bitterest lies.
September 15, 2026
AI GENERATED
Peopled by one demential characters and full of tropes and cliches, also written in British English, this book is obviously written by AI with a montage of mostly British cozy mysteries as the fodder. The most annoying aspect was that a police inspector from the Boston PD was called in to investigate the murder in the small New Hampshire college town. WTH? I did read to the end because l liked the Labrador!
Peopled by one demential characters and full of tropes and cliches, also written in British English, this book is obviously written by AI with a montage of mostly British cozy mysteries as the fodder. The most annoying aspect was that a police inspector from the Boston PD was called in to investigate the murder in the small New Hampshire college town. WTH? I did read to the end because l liked the Labrador!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“The Peanut Butter Twist” is a delicious treat for cozy mystery readers. Pleasant surroundings, a fascinating dog, interesting people, and an evil murderer…what’s not to like? I recommend this mystery because I know you will enjoy it!
I received this book as an ARC. My review is not influenced by any opinions, but my own.
I received this book as an ARC. My review is not influenced by any opinions, but my own.
May 31, 2026
Enjoyed this first book of the "Tails of Maple Ridge" Cozy Mystery series. The storyline started out in second chapter and started building from there and didn't have any long drawn out sections. The main characters were intelligent young adults to solve the crimes. And the dog was also "talking" in the 1st person to help solve the crime.
June 6, 2026
Great first in series
The Peanut Butter Twist by Ellie Webster is well worth the read. Great and believable characters, well-paced action and several twists and turns and red herrings make for an enjoyable mystery. This series is great, and the only downside to having finished this book in one sitting is that book 2 is still more than 6 months away from release!
The Peanut Butter Twist by Ellie Webster is well worth the read. Great and believable characters, well-paced action and several twists and turns and red herrings make for an enjoyable mystery. This series is great, and the only downside to having finished this book in one sitting is that book 2 is still more than 6 months away from release!
August 19, 2026
Good cozy
This is a good cozy mystery. Tess owns a book store next to a bakery owned by Henry. He has a dog named Cocoa who Tess sees running around in a panic with blood on his paws. Thus begins a murder mystery that Tess and her friends help Detective Maddox solve. I plan to read more in the series.
This is a good cozy mystery. Tess owns a book store next to a bakery owned by Henry. He has a dog named Cocoa who Tess sees running around in a panic with blood on his paws. Thus begins a murder mystery that Tess and her friends help Detective Maddox solve. I plan to read more in the series.
January 17, 2026
It was a cozy read to start off the year. I got this as an ARC edition and really enjoyed it. It was a quick fun read. Looking forward to see what’s in store for Maple Ridge. I might even try to make the peanut butter twists (they sound delicious!).
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well, I do like a cozy mystery now and then and this one was a cracking story. I was engrossed from the first page to the last, which by the way contained an ending I just did not see coming, not at all. I loved it, couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended.
February 28, 2026
Loved it
This is a fast paced, easy to read cozy mystery, and it is so good.
Tess and Cocoa make such a great duo, and the chapters from his point of view are absolutely tear jerkers.
This story really warmed my heart.
This is a fast paced, easy to read cozy mystery, and it is so good.
Tess and Cocoa make such a great duo, and the chapters from his point of view are absolutely tear jerkers.
This story really warmed my heart.
April 2, 2026
New Series
Starting over in a new town, building a business after refurbishing an old bookstore, leads to a double murder and a batch of new friends. This is a fine start to a new series, that appears to have lots of potential.
Starting over in a new town, building a business after refurbishing an old bookstore, leads to a double murder and a batch of new friends. This is a fine start to a new series, that appears to have lots of potential.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews