Strawberry Moon Mystery: An Olivia Lively Novella

by Shelley Burbank

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2026

About the author

Shelley Burbank writes private investigator mystery and personal reinvention women's fiction, often set in Maine, for readers who want hope, triumph over adversity, justice, and bittersweet satisfaction.

Shelley's debut female private investigator mystery novel, FINAL DRAFT: An Olivia Lively Mystery was published by Encircle Publications in March 2023. The second book in the series, NIGHT MOVES came out in August 2024. A new standalone novella, Strawberry Moon Mystery, released January 2026.

Her short fiction has been published in True Story Magazine, San Diego Woman Magazine, and The Maine Review.
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PRAISE...

Shelley Burbank's Portland, Maine P.I., Liv Lively, is a memorable character, flawed but self-aware, determined to go her own way and, in Final Draft, a champion of the underdog. I'm looking forward to reading more of Liv's forays into crime-solving.
–Kaitlyn Dunnett, author of the Liss MacCrimmon Mysteries


Sassy, stylish Olivia Lively is a private investigator with almost as many skeletons in her closet as her clients. And her debut in this fast-paced page turner will delight mystery readers the world over.
–Cynthia Dagnal-Myron, author and award-winning Chicago Sun Times journalist

Reviews

[Miss✧Pickypants ᓚᘏᗢ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the addition of this cutely designed, quick reading novella to the Olivia Lively series! Perfect for anyone seeking an engaging mystery with fun characters that can be read in a single sitting. Fans of the series will enjoy this tale that takes place between books one and two (Final Draft & Night Moves). And for those new to the series, this is a perfect introduction to get to know Liv a bit with no spoilers for the for the other books that you will be fortunate enough to read for the first time. This and the first two books of this series are yet another reason I love writers from Maine. Must be something in their water...

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I love this mystery series featuring stylish female private investigator, Liv Lively! This fun novella with the gorgeous cover so caught my imagination that I had to read it in one happy go. And boy am I glad I did! Mystery lovers who adore spirited female detectives will fall as fully as I did under the spell of Liv's latest adventure, a deep dive into the '80s (my fav era), publishing, plagiarism, and a "rich party" book launch with glittering literati. A blast!

[Gillian French · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had such fun reading this latest installment in the Olivia Lively series! My favorite thing about Shelly’s writing is the way her obvious passion and enthusiasm for life leaps off the page and keeps you hooked on the characters, their conflicts, and the action; I feel that her energy encourages the reader to invest in what’s at stake in Liv’s world. I also appreciate the way she structured the plot, beginning at the posh party at Bobbie Anne’s house, then flashing back for the majority of the action of the novella until the return to the present; it was fun watching the pieces come together and finally understanding what tidbits from the beginning were actually major clues. Love this series, and I’m looking forward to the next book!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shorter than a novel, longer than the average short story. Packed full of literary intrigue. PI Olivia Lively has a lot to consider with this new case. You don't need to read novels one and two to enjoy this story. But you'll want to.