The Mill House Murder: A Marnie Devlin Cozy Mystery

by Sloane Foster, Barbara Boguski (Editor), Mariia Uvarova (Illustrator)

A killer is harvesting more than autumn leaves in Willow Springs...

Marnie Devlin traded her teaching career for a vintage boutique and a fresh start in small-town Missouri. Now sixty-five, she's finally found her rhythm—until a ruthless real estate developer turns up dead, and the town's Harvest Festival preparations take a deadly turn.

With her opinionated Chihuahua, Taco, at her side and her sharp-witted assistant Ruby backing her up, Marnie digs into a mystery that reaches back generations. The EMT Lila evicted makes a convenient suspect. So does the tech specialist she accused of hacking. But when fifty thousand dollars vanishes from local businesses and attacks strike anyone who gets too close to the truth, Marnie realizes the real killer is hiding in plain sight.

Someone in Willow Springs has been planning revenge for years, and they'll do whatever it takes to protect their secret. With the festival approaching and danger closing in, Marnie must unmask a murderer before she becomes the next name on the killer's list.

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2026

Reviews

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Marnie Devlin Cozy Mystery series and a great addition to the series. In this one, Dr. Will , who happens to be Marnie's boyfriend gets a call to go to a friend's house, the Mill House, since there is a dead body there. Dr. Will calls Marnie and Taco her incredible clue-finding chihuahua to come and check out the scene. The dead man is the most hated real estate agent in town with many enemies. So Marnie, Taco, Ruby, Marnie's assistant in her shop, and Dr. Will, decide to investigate to help Detective Kate Lin with the case. They have to wade through so many potential suspects and secrets someone doesn't want disclosed. With so many red-herrings, we turn page after page trying to guess the culprit and we are taken right to the great ending. I not only highly recommend this book but the entire series as well. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I have this entire series thus far, this is the first book I've had time to read. I was incredibly impressed with how Foster wove the various characters together and the manner in which the investigation progressed. Readers are provided with the clues and tidbits picked up by Marnie, Dr. Will, Taco, and the other delightful members of their murder board club. There are red herrings and miscues sprinkled along the way, but clever readers may be able to wade through and identify the culprit regardless. (I love it when there's enough to actually do that, as opposed to providing vital clued at the time of exposure.) Wonderfully written, easily read, and greatly enjoyed. Well done!!

I was gifted a copy of this book by the author and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mill House Murder is a Superb story about Marnie Devlin who owns a Vintage Boutique and her very clever dog Taco and her Assistant Ruby. Dr Will Harper was called by a friend when he found a body at his home the Mill House. Dr Will Harper called his Girlfriend Marnie to come and observe the scene. Will and Marnie with Taco and Ruby start to investigate and assist Detective Kate Lin and hopefully discover the truth. There are also many other problems that the town are experiencing.
Excellent book and series that I have enjoyed reading very much and I highly recommend that you read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taco the detective chihuahua is back with Marnie and Dr. Will to solve another murder. When a real estate developer turns up dead at the Mill House, the finger pointing begins. Evidence points to multiple suspects. Taco and his clue sniffing nose helps Marnie and Dr. Will nab the killer. This was a wonderful read that kept me interested and turning those pages.

I received an advanced readers copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntary.

[Emily Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - My second book by Sloane Foster and once again I found the writing style and characters made this an easy and quick read! It is a fun story that once again brings past and present events together that ends in the murder of a real estate developer as well as threats to other townspeople. Marnie, Dr. Will, Ruby, and of course, Taco, her Chihuahua, are on the case. I really enjoyed this book and will be reading the others in the series!

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful cozy mystery full of small town nosiness and connection. A wonderful book in the series (all can be read stand-alone). I really enjoy the characters and how they team works together, and the storyline keeps you pulled in from the beginning.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

Loved the book how taco knew who the guilty party was before the rest of the team figured it out.taco even went and protected Marnie when the guilty party was going to lash out against Marnie.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It drew me in right away and kept me turning the pages to see how things turned out. I couldn't quit reading. I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.