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Empty Nesters #3
No Egrets
When the birds disappear, the secrets take flight.
Life in Stone Creek Cove is supposed to be peaceful—sunny Florida days, friendly neighbors, and a rookery of beloved egrets nesting near the creek. So when the birds vanish overnight, Peg Howard expects nothing more than a little small-town drama.
She doesn’t expect to find a body.
Volunteered to help search for the missing egrets, Peg teams up with her mother-in-law, Hazel, and quickly discovers that Stone Creek Cove has more secrets than birdwatchers. Rumors spread, tempers flare, and what started as a harmless mystery turns into a full-blown murder investigation.
Already juggling a doting grandmother role, a mischievous new puppy, and two very different men competing for her attention, Peg has no desire to become an amateur sleuth. But when cryptic clues and thinly veiled threats suggest someone wants the truth buried, Peg knows walking away isn’t an option.
As Peg and Hazel dig deeper, they uncover shady deals, long-held grudges, and motives hiding behind polite smiles. And in a town where everyone knows everyone, the killer could be closer than Peg ever imagined.
Can Peg untangle the mystery before curiosity turns deadly—or will this case cost her more than a few feathers?
No Egrets is a charming cozy murder mystery set in Florida, perfect for readers who love women sleuths, amateur detectives, and cozy mysteries with animals. Fans of Murder Mystery Book Club (Florida Keys Bed & Breakfast Cozy Mystery 1), Cheddar Late Than Dead (Grilled Cheese Mysteries Book 3), and To the Tome of Murder (A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery Book 7) will feel right at home in Stone Creek Cove.
Curl up with a clever whodunit filled with friendship, family, gentle humor, and a mystery that keeps you guessing.
Life in Stone Creek Cove is supposed to be peaceful—sunny Florida days, friendly neighbors, and a rookery of beloved egrets nesting near the creek. So when the birds vanish overnight, Peg Howard expects nothing more than a little small-town drama.
She doesn’t expect to find a body.
Volunteered to help search for the missing egrets, Peg teams up with her mother-in-law, Hazel, and quickly discovers that Stone Creek Cove has more secrets than birdwatchers. Rumors spread, tempers flare, and what started as a harmless mystery turns into a full-blown murder investigation.
Already juggling a doting grandmother role, a mischievous new puppy, and two very different men competing for her attention, Peg has no desire to become an amateur sleuth. But when cryptic clues and thinly veiled threats suggest someone wants the truth buried, Peg knows walking away isn’t an option.
As Peg and Hazel dig deeper, they uncover shady deals, long-held grudges, and motives hiding behind polite smiles. And in a town where everyone knows everyone, the killer could be closer than Peg ever imagined.
Can Peg untangle the mystery before curiosity turns deadly—or will this case cost her more than a few feathers?
No Egrets is a charming cozy murder mystery set in Florida, perfect for readers who love women sleuths, amateur detectives, and cozy mysteries with animals. Fans of Murder Mystery Book Club (Florida Keys Bed & Breakfast Cozy Mystery 1), Cheddar Late Than Dead (Grilled Cheese Mysteries Book 3), and To the Tome of Murder (A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery Book 7) will feel right at home in Stone Creek Cove.
Curl up with a clever whodunit filled with friendship, family, gentle humor, and a mystery that keeps you guessing.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2026
About the author
Jen Dodrill
7 books177 followersJen Dodrill is living out her dreams on the pages of her books, bringing readers compelling stories of inspiration and hope for good times and bad.
As a mother of five, she cherishes the time she has now to tell her stories in between her honored role as Grandma, her passion for reading, and her adoration of all things coffee.
Her first book, Birds Alive! An Empty-nesters Cozy Mystery released in 2024. Book #2 in the series, Where’s the Quetzal, came out in February 2025. Book #3, No Egrets, will be published in 2026.
Jen has co-authored a novella collection, Trinity Sands Beach Club, with Deborah Sprinkle and Sharon H. Carpenter. It released June 17, 2025.
For more information about Jen, her books, and more, check out her blog: https://jendodrillwrites.com/ and connect with her on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jendodrillw...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenDodrillWr...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jen-Dod...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jen-d...
As a mother of five, she cherishes the time she has now to tell her stories in between her honored role as Grandma, her passion for reading, and her adoration of all things coffee.
Her first book, Birds Alive! An Empty-nesters Cozy Mystery released in 2024. Book #2 in the series, Where’s the Quetzal, came out in February 2025. Book #3, No Egrets, will be published in 2026.
Jen has co-authored a novella collection, Trinity Sands Beach Club, with Deborah Sprinkle and Sharon H. Carpenter. It released June 17, 2025.
For more information about Jen, her books, and more, check out her blog: https://jendodrillwrites.com/ and connect with her on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jendodrillw...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenDodrillWr...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jen-Dod...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jen-d...
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 18, 2026
No Egrets by Jen Dodrill, the third book in a warm, satisfying cozy mystery series that delivers exactly what fans of the genre hope for—comfort, intrigue, and a strong sense of place.
A solid, enjoyable read that’s perfect for curling up with—No Egrets earns a perfect five stars and is a lovely addition to the series. 🐦📚
Thank you Jen Dodrill for the ARC copy! I will definitely be adding this entire series to my collection.
A solid, enjoyable read that’s perfect for curling up with—No Egrets earns a perfect five stars and is a lovely addition to the series. 🐦📚
Thank you Jen Dodrill for the ARC copy! I will definitely be adding this entire series to my collection.
March 22, 2026
If there’s one thing that young-ish widow Peg Howard and her feisty mother-in-law Hazel have learned since the first book in this series, it’s that birds can be dangerous. Which is what I’ve been trying to tell y’all for YEARS!! haha! Ok, so what Peg actually notes is that all the danger in their lives started with the birds, and I figure that’s basically the same thing. In No Egrets, the bird of focus is – as you might guess – egrets, specifically several who have disappeared from their habitat in a creek that runs through part of Hazel’s neighborhood. And since Peg and Hazel have formed quite a reputation for themselves of being good amateur sleuths (particularly when birds are involved), they are voluntold by the neighborhood association to look for them. If you guessed that this is when the trouble in No Egrets begins, you would be correct. And what a thrill ride it ends up being!
Because of course it’s not as simple as figuring out where the missing egrets are and who took them. Soon Peg and Hazel are right in the middle of a murder investigation and dodging threats and trying to figure out who can be trusted – and, more importantly, who can’t. I stayed glued to this layered mystery as it took several turns I wasn’t anticipating, including a couple twists I gasped over. Turns out my own trust might have been misplaced too. And I loved every bit of the drama and the surprises! I will also say this: if you’ve been reading this series from the beginning, you’re going to be very happy about certain plot points in No Egrets. And if you haven’t read any of the Empty Nesters series yet, halt! Start with Birds Alive! and then read Where’s the Quetzal? before you read No Egrets. I promise you that this story will be that much more enjoyable if you’ve got all the background information first.
Another thing I loved about No Egrets is the personal arcs the characters are going through, some which started back in book 1 and some new ones that author Jen Dodrill added to the mix in this final installment (Wail!! I’m not ready for it to be over yet). We really get to know these characters beyond more than just their sleuthing and snooping activities, especially with Peg but also Peg’s adult children, her aforementioned mother-in-law, her best friend, and her romantic interests as well. I have been invested this whole time in Peg’s ongoing pull between two guys who have feelings for her, and let me just say that I was swoonfully delighted in how things turn out in No Egrets. The subplot with Peg’s best friend took my heart through the wringer, but oh wow does it lead to some beautifully emotional scenes and tender spiritual growth too. And of course I giggled at the snappy wit that Dodrill weaves into Peg and Hazel’s personalities (and their pets) as well.
Bottom Line: After three books with the dynamic duo of Peg and Hazel, I feel completely justified in my long-held belief that birds are, in fact, hazardous to your health. And Jen Dodrill proves me right once again in No Egrets, with a twisty mystery that surprised me more than once. (To be fair to our feathered friends, it’s not the birds who are dangerous in this series… just the humans who are after them.) The witty humor, swoony romance, and character growth are icing on the cake, though I’m sad to say goodbye to Peg and Hazel and their quirky and heartfelt inner circle whom I’ve enjoyed getting to know. Still, the very satisfying resolutions to several series-long storylines make the fact that it’s our last visit with these characters much easier to swallow, and I can say without regrets (and, thankfully, without egrets either) that No Egrets is the perfect send-off for such a delightful series!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Because of course it’s not as simple as figuring out where the missing egrets are and who took them. Soon Peg and Hazel are right in the middle of a murder investigation and dodging threats and trying to figure out who can be trusted – and, more importantly, who can’t. I stayed glued to this layered mystery as it took several turns I wasn’t anticipating, including a couple twists I gasped over. Turns out my own trust might have been misplaced too. And I loved every bit of the drama and the surprises! I will also say this: if you’ve been reading this series from the beginning, you’re going to be very happy about certain plot points in No Egrets. And if you haven’t read any of the Empty Nesters series yet, halt! Start with Birds Alive! and then read Where’s the Quetzal? before you read No Egrets. I promise you that this story will be that much more enjoyable if you’ve got all the background information first.
Another thing I loved about No Egrets is the personal arcs the characters are going through, some which started back in book 1 and some new ones that author Jen Dodrill added to the mix in this final installment (Wail!! I’m not ready for it to be over yet). We really get to know these characters beyond more than just their sleuthing and snooping activities, especially with Peg but also Peg’s adult children, her aforementioned mother-in-law, her best friend, and her romantic interests as well. I have been invested this whole time in Peg’s ongoing pull between two guys who have feelings for her, and let me just say that I was swoonfully delighted in how things turn out in No Egrets. The subplot with Peg’s best friend took my heart through the wringer, but oh wow does it lead to some beautifully emotional scenes and tender spiritual growth too. And of course I giggled at the snappy wit that Dodrill weaves into Peg and Hazel’s personalities (and their pets) as well.
Bottom Line: After three books with the dynamic duo of Peg and Hazel, I feel completely justified in my long-held belief that birds are, in fact, hazardous to your health. And Jen Dodrill proves me right once again in No Egrets, with a twisty mystery that surprised me more than once. (To be fair to our feathered friends, it’s not the birds who are dangerous in this series… just the humans who are after them.) The witty humor, swoony romance, and character growth are icing on the cake, though I’m sad to say goodbye to Peg and Hazel and their quirky and heartfelt inner circle whom I’ve enjoyed getting to know. Still, the very satisfying resolutions to several series-long storylines make the fact that it’s our last visit with these characters much easier to swallow, and I can say without regrets (and, thankfully, without egrets either) that No Egrets is the perfect send-off for such a delightful series!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved reading the 3rd book, No Egrets, in The Empty Nesters series by Jen Dodrill. This final book in the series kept me wanting to read more each night. It wraps up the adventures of Peg and Hazel as they attempt to solve yet another mystery! I highly recommend the series, and yes start with Book 1!
March 21, 2026
I absolutely loved this 3rd book in the Empty-nesters series. Peg and Hazel are searching for birds and find themselves caught up in yet another mystery. Their adventures lead to several nail biting moments. It is filled with adventure and keeps you guessing until the very end. I also love the family dynamics in each of her books. I can't recommend these books enough!
March 20, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this entire series, and No Egrets did not disappoint. The cast of characters starring Peg and her mother-in-law were fun and original, and the plot kept me guessing. No spoilers - I'll just say Peg ended up with the one I was rooting for!
I can't recommend this series enough. Start with a book 1 in the series - Birds Alive!
I can't recommend this series enough. Start with a book 1 in the series - Birds Alive!
March 8, 2026
This a fantastic book. I have been reading the series. Each time I complete a book by Jen Dodrill I think it is the Best One. This is a quick read with Adventure, family and friends and a little romance. Thanks Jen! It was my favorite one in the series! I know I have to wait until Feb2027 for the next installment. For the first book Birds Alive. Extremely Funny. The second book Where’s the Queztal? More intrigue than the first book. I read it in about 24 hours. So if you are reading this Do yourself a favor and read all three books.
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March 9, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed this third book in the series with its colorful cast of characters, intrigue, and romance. Who knew empty nesters could have such interesting adventures?
February 24, 2026
Who would think a bird watching group could run into as many challenges (and dead bodies) as this group has? Book 3 is no exception. A returning cast of characters and a few more interesting folks show up in No Egrerts. And the egrets have disappeared! If you love cozy mysteries with multi age groups, drams, a little romance, and many suspects, you'll enjoy No Egrets, Book 3 in Jen Dodrill's Empty Nesters series.
March 14, 2026
Birding has become a dangerous pastime for Peg and Hazel, and they are drawn into finding out what happened to the Egrets. Danger and romance add to the excitement as they investigate the mystery. Interesting plot and characters.
February 25, 2026
The tropical delights of bird watching in Florida hold surprises in this trilogy. Peg Howard's adventures are entertaining, interesting, and engaging. She is an empty nester and a widow who finds herself involved in murder investigations.
In this third book, she goes from searching for missing egrets to finding a body. Who would have thought bird watching could be dangerous? Peg juggles adult children, her mother-in-law, and potential suitors as she works to discover who dunnit. This is a clean, cozy mystery that values family, friendship, and caring for others. It also keeps you guessing!
In this third book, she goes from searching for missing egrets to finding a body. Who would have thought bird watching could be dangerous? Peg juggles adult children, her mother-in-law, and potential suitors as she works to discover who dunnit. This is a clean, cozy mystery that values family, friendship, and caring for others. It also keeps you guessing!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this third book in the Empty Nesters Series! I couldn't put it down and stayed up way too late reading it. Dodrill has created characters that I really care about and her mystery takes turns I wasn't expecting. Great job!
Thanks Jen Dodrill for my copy that I wasn't required to leave a review for. I loved it and will be buying it for friends.
Thanks Jen Dodrill for my copy that I wasn't required to leave a review for. I loved it and will be buying it for friends.
February 25, 2026
Set in Florida where the humidity is high, Peg’s birdwatching continues to reveal dead bodies. She and her mother-in-law are searching for clues again. It would be helpful to read the first two books in this series to keep the many characters straight. Last chance to root for Peg in this whodunit where the suspicion can fall on anyone.
April 19, 2026
No Egrets is the perfect ending to the Empty Nesters series. I appreciated the humor, mystery, and romance. As a former Floridian, I enjoyed the setting. Dodrill keeps readers turning the pages and guessing until the very end. I look forward to reading other cozy mysteries by this author.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews