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Penelope Sinclair #3
Signed, Sealed and Stabbed
It was just another day of paw-prints and vintage sales—until a dead body landed on my to-do list.
Returning from her walk, Penelope finds Mabel’s owner, Eloise, skewered with a letter opener purchased from her store. Detective Caleb warns her, again, to keep her nose clean, but she can't resist diving into the weapon's past.
With Teo, her Teacup Chihuahua, in tow, Penelope discovers Eloise had enemies of her own. Cryptic journals about her colleague, Ramona, threaten to disclose dangerous therapies at Eloise’s retreat.
Burnt files prove Felicity, the realtor, was forging death certificates and had a hand in Sila's estate sales full of stolen items. Then a local collector suddenly turns their weapon stash into show-and-tell.
As danger rises, her boutique turns into clue-central, notes threaten her BFF, Claire, and heated arguments suggest Penelope’s next.
This killer will stop at nothing to silence anyone who may expose them. Can I? Or will my meddling cause me to become the next disposable antique?
Returning from her walk, Penelope finds Mabel’s owner, Eloise, skewered with a letter opener purchased from her store. Detective Caleb warns her, again, to keep her nose clean, but she can't resist diving into the weapon's past.
With Teo, her Teacup Chihuahua, in tow, Penelope discovers Eloise had enemies of her own. Cryptic journals about her colleague, Ramona, threaten to disclose dangerous therapies at Eloise’s retreat.
Burnt files prove Felicity, the realtor, was forging death certificates and had a hand in Sila's estate sales full of stolen items. Then a local collector suddenly turns their weapon stash into show-and-tell.
As danger rises, her boutique turns into clue-central, notes threaten her BFF, Claire, and heated arguments suggest Penelope’s next.
This killer will stop at nothing to silence anyone who may expose them. Can I? Or will my meddling cause me to become the next disposable antique?
- GenresMystery
244 pages, ebook
Published August 1, 2025
About the author
Tessa Aura
42 books42 followersHello! I'm Tessa Aura, author of cozy mystery series that whisk you away to charming settings with lovable characters, clever puzzles, and plenty of laughs.
With 21 published books across multiple series, I've built a reputation for combining humor with mystery, always featuring loyal dog sidekicks and guaranteed happy endings. My Simply Scrumptious Italian Culinary Mysteries take you to the sun-soaked towns of Italy where amateur sleuth chefs solve murders between preparing pasta and pouring wine.
I grew up loving puzzles and animals—which is why every book features a four-legged detective helping crack the case. From beagles and chihuahuas to labs and pitbull/mix, these pups steal scenes (and hearts!).
Travel is my passion, and it shows in my settings. Whether it's Italy's Cinque Terre or cozy American small towns, I love taking readers on adventures alongside my female detectives.
If you love clean, lighthearted mysteries with humor, heart, and happy endings, you're in the right place. Start with Book 1 of any series and prepare to binge!
Follow me on Amazon to never miss a new release: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
Happy sleuthing!
With 21 published books across multiple series, I've built a reputation for combining humor with mystery, always featuring loyal dog sidekicks and guaranteed happy endings. My Simply Scrumptious Italian Culinary Mysteries take you to the sun-soaked towns of Italy where amateur sleuth chefs solve murders between preparing pasta and pouring wine.
I grew up loving puzzles and animals—which is why every book features a four-legged detective helping crack the case. From beagles and chihuahuas to labs and pitbull/mix, these pups steal scenes (and hearts!).
Travel is my passion, and it shows in my settings. Whether it's Italy's Cinque Terre or cozy American small towns, I love taking readers on adventures alongside my female detectives.
If you love clean, lighthearted mysteries with humor, heart, and happy endings, you're in the right place. Start with Book 1 of any series and prepare to binge!
Follow me on Amazon to never miss a new release: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
Happy sleuthing!
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 3, 2025
Antique dealer/amateur sleuth Penelope Sinclair gets pulled into the murder of Eloise Turner, who is killed by a letter opener from Penelope’s shop. Though Detective Caleb Grant warns her to stay out of the investigation, she and her Teacup Chihuahua Teo, dig into the case and find secrets that have been long buried in the town of Bath. Will Penelope unmask the killer before she becomes the next victim.
This book is the third in the Penelope Sinclair series. Aura continues to flesh out the main characters in this series, Penelope and Caleb. She also is slowly building a partnership between the two. The plot is a bit complex at times and there were a couple of small threads that I felt were not completely wrapped up. That being said, I enjoyed the story and was engaged throughout, trying to solve the mystery before the ending reveal. I believe that cozy mystery lovers will enjoy this book.
*I was given an ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
This book is the third in the Penelope Sinclair series. Aura continues to flesh out the main characters in this series, Penelope and Caleb. She also is slowly building a partnership between the two. The plot is a bit complex at times and there were a couple of small threads that I felt were not completely wrapped up. That being said, I enjoyed the story and was engaged throughout, trying to solve the mystery before the ending reveal. I believe that cozy mystery lovers will enjoy this book.
*I was given an ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
August 3, 2025
Penelope Sinclair is at it again. And Detective Caleb is already tired of her finding always finding bodies on Thursdays.
I really love this series. Penelope is probably one of the most hilarious characters I've ever read. Team her up with her crime-fighting chihuahua, Teo and you have the greatest detectives ever (well, if you throw in Detective Caleb, who I TOTALLY ship with Penelope and they may or may not have had lunch-lunch towards the end).
In this installment, Penelope goes to return a dog that she was hired to walk for her side hustle and she (as always) stumbles up on a unalived body. And to make matters more complicated, she remembers selling the murder weapon, though not to who. So, like always, and against Caleb's instruction to stay out of police business, she goes to figure out who did it. Not to mention it also helps to have nosy friends.
I'm adding an excerpt from my scene that made me kick my legs gleefully:
(Penelope is talking to Caleb)
"Just out of curiosity, do you ever enter a room, see me, and feel joy?"
"Not once."
"Not even when I baked you those apology muffins?"
"They had raisins."
"Raisins are underrated."
"They're betrayal in berry form."
Penelope and Caleb should totally hook up and I'll be here for it!
Definitely recommend this series!.
I really love this series. Penelope is probably one of the most hilarious characters I've ever read. Team her up with her crime-fighting chihuahua, Teo and you have the greatest detectives ever (well, if you throw in Detective Caleb, who I TOTALLY ship with Penelope and they may or may not have had lunch-lunch towards the end).
In this installment, Penelope goes to return a dog that she was hired to walk for her side hustle and she (as always) stumbles up on a unalived body. And to make matters more complicated, she remembers selling the murder weapon, though not to who. So, like always, and against Caleb's instruction to stay out of police business, she goes to figure out who did it. Not to mention it also helps to have nosy friends.
I'm adding an excerpt from my scene that made me kick my legs gleefully:
(Penelope is talking to Caleb)
"Just out of curiosity, do you ever enter a room, see me, and feel joy?"
"Not once."
"Not even when I baked you those apology muffins?"
"They had raisins."
"Raisins are underrated."
"They're betrayal in berry form."
Penelope and Caleb should totally hook up and I'll be here for it!
Definitely recommend this series!.
August 1, 2025
SIGNED, SEALED & STABBED is the third installment in the Penelope Sinclair Cozy Murder Mystery by Tessa Aura. While a fun, easy to read story, you will find it hard to spot the killer through all the twists and turns.
Penelope Sinclair, along with her smart teacup chihuahua, has started her life over in Bath, Maine. Small towns are quiet and safe, right? That's what they say, but here she is, another body at her feet and Teo's paws.
Business has been slow, so Penelope started a side job of dog walking. She's returning Mabel to her owner’s home and finds Eloise lying dead on the floor. An antique letter opener is still in the body, and it looks like one Penelope recently sold in her store.
Again, her friend Detective Caleb Grant warns to stay out of the investigation - Do Not Get Involved! Famous last words. Penelope and Teo try to stay out of the investigation, but it's not working. With Teo, her smart teacup chihuahua, she's determined to get more information on that antique dagger. Clues eventually lead her to the closed Haven Retreat and danger.
This is another entertaining murder mystery. I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Penelope Sinclair, along with her smart teacup chihuahua, has started her life over in Bath, Maine. Small towns are quiet and safe, right? That's what they say, but here she is, another body at her feet and Teo's paws.
Business has been slow, so Penelope started a side job of dog walking. She's returning Mabel to her owner’s home and finds Eloise lying dead on the floor. An antique letter opener is still in the body, and it looks like one Penelope recently sold in her store.
Again, her friend Detective Caleb Grant warns to stay out of the investigation - Do Not Get Involved! Famous last words. Penelope and Teo try to stay out of the investigation, but it's not working. With Teo, her smart teacup chihuahua, she's determined to get more information on that antique dagger. Clues eventually lead her to the closed Haven Retreat and danger.
This is another entertaining murder mystery. I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2025
I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a cozy mystery book and part of the series A Penelope Sinclair Cozy Murder Mystery. Penelope finds a woman dead when she is returning the woman’s dog after walking him for her. The body has an item on her that Penelope sold from her shop. She decides to investigate and finds out there is more to it. Will her and detective Caleb find the murderer? Will they find the answers they are looking for? The more they investigate the more dangerous it gets and leaves them with more questions than answers. Throughout the book I was trying to figure out who was behind everything and why. I wasn’t shocked when I found out who was behind it all though. I do love how Caleb and Penelope investigated almost everything together as a lot of cozy mysteries have the main character doing all of the investigating behind the detective’s back. I loved the side characters. I am excited by how this book ended as I’m believing for romance between Caleb and Penelope plus we have another mystery coming. Overall, this may be my favorite book in this series so far.
August 2, 2025
Another fun installment in the Penelope Sinclair Mysteries series!
In this installment, Penelope and her faithful dog Teo are investigating the mysterious disappearance of former town resident Ramona. Her home is abandoned, her possessions are eventually sold off—but that’s not the only thing that seems off. There’s also the matter of the spa, once run by several townspeople, including Ramona. What happened to it, and how might it connect to her disappearance? Now add the stabbing death of resident local Eloise and there is no way Penelope is walking away from this mystery.
As always, I enjoyed the story and the small-town charm. However, one thing felt slightly off to me: the frequent use of old-school film noir-style phrases. Think lines like “the house smelled of regret and broken promises”—not an actual quote from the book, but you get the idea. At first, I found it amusing, but it started to feel a bit gimmicky and overdone as the story progressed.
Still, that was a minor quibble in an otherwise entertaining read. I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the series.
In this installment, Penelope and her faithful dog Teo are investigating the mysterious disappearance of former town resident Ramona. Her home is abandoned, her possessions are eventually sold off—but that’s not the only thing that seems off. There’s also the matter of the spa, once run by several townspeople, including Ramona. What happened to it, and how might it connect to her disappearance? Now add the stabbing death of resident local Eloise and there is no way Penelope is walking away from this mystery.
As always, I enjoyed the story and the small-town charm. However, one thing felt slightly off to me: the frequent use of old-school film noir-style phrases. Think lines like “the house smelled of regret and broken promises”—not an actual quote from the book, but you get the idea. At first, I found it amusing, but it started to feel a bit gimmicky and overdone as the story progressed.
Still, that was a minor quibble in an otherwise entertaining read. I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the series.
August 2, 2025
Continuation of the delightful Penelope Sinclair series
Tessa Aura just keeps on writing - thank goodness. This series, with Penelope Sinclair as the 'civilian' detective, with her sidekick, Teo, a very smart little dog who uncovers more clues than anyone else, is great for a light summer read. There is a murder, of course, and Penelope is involved from the very beginning because it turns out that the weapon was bought from her boutique in bath, Maine. There is an interesting missing person twist as well. And it is fun to see how Penelope's relationship with her policeman friend, Caleb, is developing into a genuine friendship. Caleb keeps warning Penelope off the case but eventually has to accept that she is solving a case that sometimes has him stymied. The ending chapter of the book is somewhat open-ended with hints of possible future activities. I love the descriptions of the town of Bath, as well as other boutiques and food shops, that could easily inspire one to make a visit to Maine.
Tessa Aura just keeps on writing - thank goodness. This series, with Penelope Sinclair as the 'civilian' detective, with her sidekick, Teo, a very smart little dog who uncovers more clues than anyone else, is great for a light summer read. There is a murder, of course, and Penelope is involved from the very beginning because it turns out that the weapon was bought from her boutique in bath, Maine. There is an interesting missing person twist as well. And it is fun to see how Penelope's relationship with her policeman friend, Caleb, is developing into a genuine friendship. Caleb keeps warning Penelope off the case but eventually has to accept that she is solving a case that sometimes has him stymied. The ending chapter of the book is somewhat open-ended with hints of possible future activities. I love the descriptions of the town of Bath, as well as other boutiques and food shops, that could easily inspire one to make a visit to Maine.
July 16, 2025
Signed, Sealed and Stabbed captured my attention from the first page and never let go. I had so many questions that needed answers; I didn’t know which one to ask first as I read through. The more I read, the more I wanted to keep going. With each twist and turn, the characters became deeply woven into a web of intrigue that kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, a new revelation would come to light, turning my expectations upside down. Once I started, I didn’t want to stop, but life has a way of throwing obstacles in my path.
In addition to running a boutique, Penelope Sinclair also takes dogs for walks. Did I also mention that she enjoys solving mysteries in her spare time and is known as a murder magnet?
When Penelope returned after walking Eloise Turner's dog, Mabel, she discovered Eloise lying in a pool of her own blood with a letter opener lodged in her. The letter opener was instantly recognizable to Penelope as one bought from her shop.
Penelope discovered the pages of the sale had been torn out when Detective Caleb Grant brought Penelope back to her boutique to retrieve the letter opener's receipt and determine who had purchased it.
It was at this point when all of my questions began to surface. Who tore out the pages, for example? Was it done to conceal the identity of the murderer? Or did they want to keep someone safe? Was the individual who purchased the letter opener the one who committed the murder? Was the letter opener given as a gift?
It might have been taken from the buyer, or it might have been sold later. I was rushing to the end to find all the answers because there were so many questions. I was captivated from the first page by the mystery and suspense alone.
Signed, Sealed and Stabbed has many twists and turns as well as numerous suspects with countless reasons for wanting to harm Eloise.
I highly encourage all murder mystery fans to grab a copy of Signed, Sealed and Stabbed today!
In addition to running a boutique, Penelope Sinclair also takes dogs for walks. Did I also mention that she enjoys solving mysteries in her spare time and is known as a murder magnet?
When Penelope returned after walking Eloise Turner's dog, Mabel, she discovered Eloise lying in a pool of her own blood with a letter opener lodged in her. The letter opener was instantly recognizable to Penelope as one bought from her shop.
Penelope discovered the pages of the sale had been torn out when Detective Caleb Grant brought Penelope back to her boutique to retrieve the letter opener's receipt and determine who had purchased it.
It was at this point when all of my questions began to surface. Who tore out the pages, for example? Was it done to conceal the identity of the murderer? Or did they want to keep someone safe? Was the individual who purchased the letter opener the one who committed the murder? Was the letter opener given as a gift?
It might have been taken from the buyer, or it might have been sold later. I was rushing to the end to find all the answers because there were so many questions. I was captivated from the first page by the mystery and suspense alone.
Signed, Sealed and Stabbed has many twists and turns as well as numerous suspects with countless reasons for wanting to harm Eloise.
I highly encourage all murder mystery fans to grab a copy of Signed, Sealed and Stabbed today!
August 10, 2025
When Penelope returns Mabel home after walking her she discovers yet again another murder this time she finds her owner Eloise dead on the floor. She calls Detective Caleb Grant who doesn’t seem surprised that she’s calling about another murder as she seems to be a murder magnet. When Caleb arrives he takes Penelope’s story and then tells her to stay out of it and leave the investigation to the police but they both know she won’t! As they try to figure who wanted her dead and why the list of suspects grows as her Chihuahua Teo keeps digging up clues or they turn up at her store. This is an excellent book with lots of twists and turn to keep you entertained you won’t want to miss this one!
Cherie
Cherie
July 18, 2025
Penelope owns a vintage boutique and walks dogs on the side. She also gets herself involved in murder investigations, which she has been warned about by Detective Caleb Grant on numerous occasions. This time as she’s returning from one of her dog walks, she finds Mabel’s owner dead with a vintage letter opener that was purchased from her boutique. Who would want Eloise dead, and why? There are several suspects, disappearing sales records, secrets, twists, turns, danger and more.
A fun whodunit!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A fun whodunit!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 26, 2025
Penelope Sinclair owns a boutique store in Bath. She also has a side hustle of walking dogs. She is returning Mabel, a dog, to her owner's home and when she arrives the door is ajar and Eloise, Mabel's owner, is lying dead on the floor with a letter opener sticking out of her. A letter opener that looks like one she recently sold in her store. Penelope begins her investigation with the help of her teacup chihuahua, Teo, and her police officer friend, Caleb. They realize Eloise's connection to The Haven Retreat, and she needs to follow the clues to see who is responsible.
Another great book in the series.
Another great book in the series.
August 2, 2025
Penelope and Tao are walking the town with Mabel, a lab puppy that Penelope walks for her owner, and find Eloise stabbed in her house with a letter opener that had come from Penelope's shop. She calls Caleb, the local policeman, and is instantly involved with solving the murder. She finds a lot more than she was expecting with the secrets that are hidden in Bath's history. Poor Caleb gets calls at all hours of the day and night but together they manage to put everything together to solve murder. Penelope and Teo stories are fun to read so can't wait for the next one!
I received an arc and this is my honest review.
I received an arc and this is my honest review.
September 10, 2025
When our club voted on this pick, we didn’t expect it to spark such a lively conversation. From the opening scene to the shocking reveal, we were hooked. What impressed us most was how Aura balanced light cozy moments with genuine suspense. We were laughing one minute and gasping the next. Penelope’s determination and occasional stubbornness was a big talking point in our group. Some of us related to her a little too much! This book reminded us why we love reading together. It was fun, layered, and gave us plenty to argue over. We can’t wait to see another of Tessa Aura’s novels on our club calendar.
September 10, 2025
Our book club picked this one on a whim and it ended up being one of our most talked-about reads of the year. Penelope is the kind of character you root for even when she’s poking her nose into places she shouldn’t. Everyone loved how her boutique and love of antiques weren’t just window dressing but tied directly into the mystery. By the end of the night, we had a full board of theories (most of them wrong) and were all laughing about how Aura outsmarted us. We’d happily feature another one of her books in our lineup.
September 10, 2025
This book became an instant hit in our reading circle. Tessa Aura’s writing has such warmth to it even when she’s describing murder scenes. We all adored Teo, the tiny but mighty Chihuahua, and agreed he deserves a fan club of his own. The twists, especially the forged documents and the journals, kept everyone engaged and sparked a lot of debate during our meeting. Several members admitted they stayed up way too late to finish it. Needless to say, we’re keeping an eye out for more Penelope Sinclair adventures to bring to our club.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2025
Our group chose Signed, Sealed and Stabbed because we wanted something lighthearted but still thought-provoking, and it delivered on both counts. The discussion was one of our liveliest. Half of us suspected Felicity while others were convinced the retreat had more to do with it. Aura’s writing made us care about every detail so even the red herrings gave us something to chew on. By the end, we all agreed this is exactly the kind of book that works beautifully for clubs: entertaining, layered, and perfect for conversation. We’d love to add more of Aura’s work to future meetings
November 18, 2025
Signed, Sealed and Stabbed: A Penelope Sinclair Cozy Murder Mystery, my sixteenth enjoyable read from author Tessa Aura. There are so many cozy mysteries out there and so many authors writing them, but they're popular, I enjoy them & read more than my share of them. “I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I'll read more from this author, up next Life of Pie...Cut Short: A Penelope Sinclair Cozy Murder Mystery. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018
July 1, 2026
So good I can't put them down!
These books are so good that as soon as I finish one I go right into reading the next one. The people are totally relatable. These are people I would want to be friends with. There's no violence, there's no sexual situations, just pure mystery solving. I would recommend these books to anybody who wants a good, clean, thought-provoking read. These books are excellent. I have read three in the last 2 days. I just can't put them down!
These books are so good that as soon as I finish one I go right into reading the next one. The people are totally relatable. These are people I would want to be friends with. There's no violence, there's no sexual situations, just pure mystery solving. I would recommend these books to anybody who wants a good, clean, thought-provoking read. These books are excellent. I have read three in the last 2 days. I just can't put them down!
July 27, 2025
Thank you for the ARC of this story. Penelope and Teo, her dog, investigate a murder and the deceit behind the Haven Retreat. Lots of motives and suspects. Some of her tactics for investigating would not be admissible in court. Even Detective Caleb finds himself involved in her less than legal searches. The townsfolk are all interesting characters. I will read more by Tessa Aura.
July 30, 2025
Penelope and her teacup chihuahua, Teo, is at it again. Another dead body, another crime scene, and another mystery that she can’t help but do whatever it takes to solve it. Even though Detective Caleb warns her off countless times, she just can’t help herself and get right in the middle of the crime. Good book, definitely worth reading.
August 23, 2025
Author, Tessa Aura has another winner from her pen! Penelope, Teo, Caleb and friends make up this incredible mystery team. Caught guessing whodunit until close to the end. The amazing descriptions of people and places add to the enjoyment of reading.
I received this copy free to give my honest opinion.
I received this copy free to give my honest opinion.
July 19, 2025
If you like snarky comments and thoughts you will enjoy this book. Penelope and her dog Teo have a murder and a disappearance to solve. Her friends Maisie, Claire and Lily along with other towns people help find the clues. And she has the help of Caleb the police detective.
August 1, 2025
This is a great small town cozy mystery with characters that are full of charm and quirks. The storyline will keep you guessing and following the clues. Fun to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2025
I love this series. I love the chemistry between Penelope and Caleb. I love Teo the crime solving Chihuahua. I adore the kooky neighbors, and I devour the mysteries. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2025
Murder and suspense go hand in hand where Penelope goes. There is a lot more than meets the eye in this intriguing murder mystery with secrets and humour . I received this ARC copy and recommend this book to other readers.
August 1, 2025
I loved this story. It drew me in right away and kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't stop reading. I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2025
I loved this cozy mystery. Interesting throughout with a likeable main character and I now want to read the other books in this series.
July 25, 2025
Penelope Sinclair makes me chuckle. Her sarcastic wit and quick quips are funny and tend to get her into trouble. She is smart and likes to solve problems. This does not always make Detective Caleb Grant very happy. Penelope can't help but get involved with finding the murderer of one of her dog walking clients. The murder weapon was an antique letter opener that Penelope just sold at her store. Penelope suspects that several people in town are involved, but can she stay one move ahead of the killer before the game is over. I am really enjoying getting to know more about the characters in this series.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews