Moonlight Murder Mystery Club: A Bitter Taste

Moonlight Murder Mystery Club #1

by Blake Rivers

Genres: Mystery, Cozy, Cozy Mystery, Animals, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Amazon

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2026

Reviews

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Victor Hale was found dead in his office, few people in Crescent Harbor mourned him. The property developer was known for his ruthless pursuit of every dollar in town. But when Sage Holloway's employee was accused of helping the man along to his death, the baker had to come to the defence of the single mother whose only wish was for a roof over her child's head.

If the author had come to me and asked for a checklist of everything I like in a mystery, this book would have been the result:
1. A mysterious cat
2. A newcomer embraced in an established community
3. A budding relationship
4. A wrong righted

The only minor fault with the story was that some events were too covered, as though the points needed to be hammered home. And, perhaps it's a "me" thing, but once the mystery is solved, I like the book to close neatly.

On the other hand, I absolutely appreciated the formatting. I loved the layout of the text, which gave me a chance to breathe between thoughts. It's so rare to see - possibly because of the expense in a print book, but in e-books, such a pleasure.

This is a series I'm continuing. It's a delightful piece of escapism.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a first in a series this is pretty good but I will say I have some issues. Firstly there is a lot of repetitive statements. I don’t know if this is just an editing issue or on purpose but it’s confusing because you’re like didn’t they just figure that out like five pages ago? Also when Sage starts her investigation she locks onto a person with no justification and then builds a case based on that initial feeling. Now grated the evidence does come but unless you’re writing a Columbo type book where we see the crime happen and know who it is and then follow along as the detective/sleuth figures it out it doesn’t work. It’s careless and is the exact reason why every cop in every mystery says leave things to the professionals. So overall a decent beginning but I think there is some room for improvement. My two cents your mileage may vary. I received an arc via BookSirens this is my honest review.

[Christian Domenicci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: A Bitter Taste by Blake Rivers
The Perfect Blend: Cats and Coffee
What makes a Cozy Mystery truly gripping for me is the atmosphere, and this book nailed it. As someone who absolutely loves coffee and cats, having those elements woven into the story made it feel personal and incredibly immersive. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a hot cup of coffee and your favorite feline friend while you dive into the secrets of Crescent Harbor.
The Mystery: More Than Just Scones
The plot starts with a bang—or rather, a corpse—and never lets up. Sage Holloway is a fantastic protagonist. Watching her defend her employee while navigating the "bitter taste" of local politics and dangerous secrets was thrilling. The "strange sediment" in the coffee cup was a clever touch that kept me guessing until the very end.
A New Indie Discovery
This was my first time reading Blake Rivers, and the only question I have is: Why did it take me so long to discover this author? The writing is polished, the pacing is spot on, and the world-building is charming yet mysterious. As a reader committed to supporting Indie authors, finding a talent like this is like finding a hidden gem in a bookstore.
Final Verdict
If you love small-town mysteries with heart, high stakes, and a touch of caffeine, this is a must-read. It’s professional, engaging, and atmospheric. I’m officially a fan and can't wait to see what else is brewing in this series.
My Rating: 5/5 Stars ★★★★★
Excellent Work!

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moonlight Murder Mystery Club: A Bitter Taste serves as Book 1 of 5 in Blake Rivers’ Moonlight Murder Mystery Club series. Sage Holloway came to town to bake bread. Instead, she not only has to prove the most hated man in town was murdered, but she also has to prove that the murderer was not her only employee.

Sage's background in food science helps her realize that there is something wrong with the coffee the dead man drank, though I wonder why the coffee was still sitting around for Sage to see it. It should have been trashed. Sage did lock on to a suspect a bit too quickly. Even though she investigated a few more suspects, it felt more like marking off a checklist than looking for clues. However, I did enjoy the book and look forward to reading the other books in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bitter Taste, first in the Moonlight Murder Mystery Club series is a hit for me. It has everything I like in a cozy mystery, a relatable main character, a fun mystery and an adorable cat!

Sage Halloway opens a bakery in Crescent Harbor. When a Victor Hale, a developer drops dead, police hone in on Sage's employee. Sage knows that she didn't commit the murder and does all she can to prove that.

I really enjoyed this book. It shows exactly what small town life can be like. Shadow needs more to do in the next few books!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the most hated man in Cresent Harbor dies, the small town's gossip mill begins. Sage begins to investigate when her employee Lily is suspected of killing Victor Hale. With help from members of the Moonlight Murder Mystery Club, Sage begins to realize small town's may know everyone's business, but there are still lots of secrets hidden. The vivid and detailed descriptions of the town, people and scenes really helped immerse me into this story. I love the continuing mystery at the end of this book. I'm looking forward to reading the next books in the series. I received an ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bitter Taste is a Superb story and start of a series about Sage Holloway a Coffee Shop Owner and a cat who suddenly appeared that she called Shadow. Someone was found dead in his office. Chief Angela Reyes comes to investigate. Sage begins to look into the mystery with the assistance of Owen. They follow the clues and some clues are very surprising. But can they uncover the truth?

I enjoyed the story very much and I highly recommend that you read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not your typical cozy and I feel this is a series you will need to read in order. It had a death and the mystery was solved BUT, there's a bigger mystery that is just getting started. That is the part that isn't typical and very intriguing.

This is also about strong, smart, independent women and a town that works together if you are looking for those types of characters.

Really looking forward to the next book in this series as I want to see where this mystery goes.

Received a free copy of this book for my honest opinion

[L.B.F. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an easy and quick story, but ultimately the story felt a bit too simple or easy for my taste. The pacing moves quickly, which keeps the book easy to get through (I literally read it in 2 hours), but it also felt a little lacking in depth of the plot and characters. (Why add the weird cat if it is not going to play a bigger part in the mystery than looking at people or acting weirdly?) Most of the twists were easy to anticipate, which took away some of the tension and surprise. Honestly, while not a bad read, it didn’t leave much of a lasting impression for me.

[Linda K Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written Cozy Murder Mystery. Sage moved to her childhood vacation town to open a bakery. She has a quizzical mind and when a real estate developer is dead from an alleged heart attack, Sage starts asking questions.

This story is a wonderful little cozy story and she gets lots of help from everyone.

But there are secrets that need to be discovered. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Good read for young chapter readers and older adults as well.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean Kill is Book 5 in an Egret's Loft Murder Mystery by T E Harkins. Madeline is looking forward to peace and quiet, wanting nothing to do with murder. Of course, Belly has other ideas. While I am sad to see this series come to a completion, it is a wonderful series. I found the "killer" to be unique and it was an excellent mystery. If you enjoy good books, with an excellent mystery, I think you will enjoy Egret's Loft. I received an arc for free and have left my review voluntarily.

[BookHound]

This is the first book I've read of Blake Rivers and plan on continuing, especially this series. If a book has cats, I will read it. This cozy mystery kept my attention throughout the story. Sage just wanted less stress being her own boss in a bakery, she didn't count on solving a murder. Characters are relatable (just substitute a person you dislike for the developer ;) ), small town cozy feel, and a side kick Shadow cat. I received an ARC and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is, as expected, a charming, small town sleuth tale not unlike several others. It is a quick, fun read and there is just enough suspense, hint of danger, romance and more to the story at the end to entice the reader to quietly commit to reading the other four books in the series. While I enjoyed this light reading, it got repetitive at the end. It is my hope the author doesn't do this in subsequent books. If you're looking for a light, quick to read murder mystery check this one out.

[Merilee Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Curious

Sage, the main character, owns a bakery in her hometown. One of her employees is falsely accused of murder. Sage sets out to prove that Lily is innocent. She has help from a local mystery club. She finds out that things are not all they seem to be. In clearing her employee.she finds another, deeper mystery connected to a long established pattern of families and people living in the town being ruined in different ways.

[Eliz Marino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review. A good cozy that had suspense with Sage and her pup Shadow trying to help Lily. When Lily becomes the main person of interest in a murder Sage knows she must help her employee. Good mystery with the twists keeping me off balance as I read the book. I can't wait for the next one in this series.

[Martin Herrmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book club mystery

Thoroughly enjoyed this mystery set in a quaint Maine town. The characters were all fun and quirky. Sage and Shadow the cat solved a mystery early and figured out the killer, but getting the facts and proving it took time. Can't wait to read more of this wonderful series!!

[Kathleen Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light hearted mystery and a real page turner.

Though it contains all the usual ingredients of every light hearted mystery eg, girl returns from big city and high flying job to small town to open a cafe.She gains a cat, solves a murder and finds love, it was an easy and enjoyable read.

[Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repetious

For me, there was far too much repetition in the book. By the time I was 3/4s of the way through I was ready to scream. I had to just skim through some of it. It began to feel like the writer was trying to gain more words to make it longer. I won't be reading any more of the series.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great first book!

I had not heard of this series or author but I'm glad I took a chance on reading it. Sage leaves the corporate world to go back home & start a bakery. She creates a wonderful place for people. She is also good at solving murder! Will definitely read the next book!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be very enjoyable. There weren’t any scary elements. The characters were an eclectic mix. There was a murder mystery and then another mystery beneath the surface that the main character discovers and starts documenting her findings.

[Sharon M. Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonlight Murder Mystery Club

A death, or was it murder? A bakery, a baker named Sage, A black cat. All things that make a great story. The beginnings of A love story, perhaps. Enjoy this insightful mystery. Put together all the clues. Could there be an ongoing story?

[Sharon Thornsberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've found in a long time!!!

Finally! A book that I couldn't put down. Loved the characters and the plot. I want the entire set. Been a long time since I've read a book this good!

[Patricia Mchale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

I liked the story line. Characters all have substance . the romance was in the background not taking over the mystery. This made it a much more pleasurable read than a lot of the silly love stories described as mysteries.

[Lisa Sandridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mysteries, Murder and sweets

A baker and a mischievous cat lead you down the road to mystery in a town full of secrets yet to be revealed. Let this book uncover just one of the many treasures that has been hidden.

[Michelle Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing

Sage has moved back home and opened a bakery. When a man no one likes ends up dead and her assistant is the prime suspect, Sage has to help her and her sweet daughter.
To many secrets that have long been buried are coming to light.

[Michael R. Zuelke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book with very interesting characters who grow into people you wish you could meet. Sage is a younger "Miss Marple" type sleuth in the Cozy Mystery style. And that cat Shadow is one perceptive feline! If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you will love the series.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

short and sweet

The character development was decent. This book could’ve easily been condensed into a medium sized pamphlet. They’re just wasn’t enough substance there. The cat was one of the most interesting characters.

[Karen Boster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning - Keeps you on your toes!

I love this book! I tried to take a break from reading it and just could not put it down.

[Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

some rough spots but very readable, maybe a new author

[Tarryn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice cosy to pass a winter evening

This is a really relaxing way to pass the time. More of a procedural with a cute cat and plenty of downhime charm.