The Cairns Keep Secrets

by Tessa Kelly

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2026

About the author

Tessa Kelly is the award-winning author of the SANDIE JAMES MYSTERIES series.

A former teacher with a degree in French, Tessa spent several years living in an uptown Brooklyn neighborhood, frequenting its many cafes and coffee shops and getting to know it from the inside and out. During her undergrad years, she has worked at a bakery just like the one depicted in her novel, where she developed a lifelong fondness for cheesecake brownies.

These days, when not writing, she loves to be outside exploring hiking trails, often wandering off the beaten path. Her other passions include baking, learning foreign languages, and reading.

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Reviews

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank the author for providing an ARC of this book. I chose to write this honest review voluntarily, and it reflects my personal opinion.

Tessa Kelly has crafted a compelling mystery with intriguing characters. Peter, a retired private investigator, travels to a coastal town for a vacation with his daughter and granddaughter. He is grieving the loss of his beloved wife, while his daughter, Sara, is recovering from an abusive marriage and subsequent divorce. Olivia, a precocious nine-year-old, quickly develops a close bond with her grandfather.

This well-written mystery features many plot twists and turns, which captivated my attention and kept me engaged throughout. I eagerly anticipate reading more entries in this series!

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story in a great setting. Very realistic characters and story line. Peter is a retired detective who was very focused on his work. His wife recently passed away. Their daughter, Sara, is newly divorced and looking for a new home for her and daughter, Olivia. They promised that they would all go to Seaside Serenity Inn for a vacation to bridge the gap between Peter and Sara as they didn't have a great relationship. While spending time together there's a suspected drowning that Peter can't help but get involved in. Granddaughter Olivia is intrigued and wants to help. Slowly the family goes through growing pains of building trust and hope as they spend time together. Happy endings.

[Valerie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
I've enjoyed other books by this author and was thrilled to receive a copy of the first in the new series. I wasn't disappointed!
The scenery and other imagery are described so well I felt part of the action from the very beginning. The writing is superb, and the characters are realistic and interesting -most readers will recognise a child they know in little Olivia, whilst Peter's emotions and self-awareness are completely understandable. The murder mystery story is very good, credible with unexpected twists. The side stories about animals and family life are just lovely!
This is a superbly-crafted start of a new series, I loved the book and can't wait to read more.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this page turner.
An exciting story set in a coastal town where a retired detective meets his daughter and 9 year old granddaughter for a vacation.
Retired detective Peter and his granddaughter Olivia enjoy each other’s company while also solving a murder mystery together despite his daughters Sara’s dislike.
A mixed group of vacationers in a cozy Inn all play a part in this mystery during the towns art festival.
Twin brothers, similar to a palindrome are the victims in this mystery that Peter and the town Sheriff Monroe unravel.
A child’s simple view helps solve the questions an answer away.
A six year old lifestyle ends which leads to new beginnings.
This is the first book in the retired detectives series which start off as a big hit that kept me turning pages to reach the end and ready for book two.

[Dwayne Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter is on vacation meeting his daughter and granddaughter. He is a retired detective, who wasn’t home much when his daughter was young. She is trying to rebuild her life from abuse and recent divorce. Her nine year old daughter is excited to spend time with her grandfather. While walking on the beach, they find a stack of clothing, which leads to a missing man, and a suspected death. Peter can’t stay away from a good mystery and the granddaughter is excited to investigate. Plenty of story between the three of them trying to put their lives together. Peter helps the local police investigate the disappearance of a local artist and solve a complicated murder.

[Sandy T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable first book of a new series. Peter, a retired homicide cop, is reconnecting with his adult daughter and his granddaughter, Olivia. It pairs Peter with Olivia as a team solving cases, which is a fun premise. I enjoyed all the characters as well as the challenging murder mystery case. I look forward to reading more in this series.

I received a free advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deception!

Clever, intriguing story that will not disappoint.  A very unexpected ending to a very enjoyable book.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team.  I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Julie Burnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new series. Interesting characters, looking forward to the next book.