What do you think?
Rate this book
Pelican Shores Cozy Mystery #11
Death and the Lost Leprechaun: A totally gripping St. Patrick's Day Cozy Murder Mystery with Pottery, Pets, and Small Town Secrets
A St. Patrick's Day leprechaun hunt turns deadly when the tide delivers a dead body, and Pelican Shores’ charm suddenly feels like a cover story.
Finn Dockrey just wants to serve coffee and teach pottery at Sandy Brews Cafe, not collect clues. But when a quiet visitor named Sloane is found weighted down in the Gulf, Finn’s instincts flare, and so does her determination to protect her town.
Her best friend Birdie brings the sarcasm, the backbone, and a tote-bag cat with royal attitude, while Beau the golden retriever “assists” like he’s been deputized by cuteness.
Then Sloane’s painted leprechauns start whispering secrets: a strange symbol stamped beneath the glaze, a trail of half-hidden travel notes, and a motive that smells like money with a side of betrayal. Suspicion swirls around Lettie Quinn, the binocular-toting grammar enforcer who always knows too much, and Buster Williams, the smooth-talking city manager with everything to lose.
As warnings sharpen into threats, Finn has to decode Sloane’s final message before the killer decides the next thing the ocean keeps is her.
EXTRA INFORMATION FOR YOU, Pelican Shores Cozy Mysteries are perfect for fans of Deany Ray, Jana DeLeon, Gemma Halliday, Jasmine Webb, Josi Avari and old-school Nancy Drew and Agatha ChristieAUTHOR Bessie Barr Books can be read in any order and are free from profanity, graphic descriptions of violence, and explicit bedroom activities.Check out the cute maps at the front of the book and the recipes at the back!
Finn Dockrey just wants to serve coffee and teach pottery at Sandy Brews Cafe, not collect clues. But when a quiet visitor named Sloane is found weighted down in the Gulf, Finn’s instincts flare, and so does her determination to protect her town.
Her best friend Birdie brings the sarcasm, the backbone, and a tote-bag cat with royal attitude, while Beau the golden retriever “assists” like he’s been deputized by cuteness.
Then Sloane’s painted leprechauns start whispering secrets: a strange symbol stamped beneath the glaze, a trail of half-hidden travel notes, and a motive that smells like money with a side of betrayal. Suspicion swirls around Lettie Quinn, the binocular-toting grammar enforcer who always knows too much, and Buster Williams, the smooth-talking city manager with everything to lose.
As warnings sharpen into threats, Finn has to decode Sloane’s final message before the killer decides the next thing the ocean keeps is her.
EXTRA INFORMATION FOR YOU, Pelican Shores Cozy Mysteries are perfect for fans of Deany Ray, Jana DeLeon, Gemma Halliday, Jasmine Webb, Josi Avari and old-school Nancy Drew and Agatha ChristieAUTHOR Bessie Barr Books can be read in any order and are free from profanity, graphic descriptions of violence, and explicit bedroom activities.Check out the cute maps at the front of the book and the recipes at the back!
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2026
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 8, 2026
Death and the Lost Leprechaun is the 11th book in the Pelican Island Series and it is a really great addition to the entire series! This is a fantastic, twisted book that you can't put down once you start. Finn thought of a great way to bring money in to fund fixing up the lighthouse and she and her best friend, Birdie are at Sandy Brews, getting the Hide A Leprechaun competition together while people are painting their own leprechauns and signing the bottom. A woman came in to paint a leprechaun and was introduced as Sloane. She signed hers with a symbol that looked like a ship's wheel. The next thing we know, she is murdered and had to be dished out of the water. This starts a maddening investigation into who she really was, and was she hiding from something? So Finn and her incredibly astute, intuitive golden retriever, Beau, Birdie with her cat, Queen Bean and Finn's boyfriend, Detective Pace have so many things they have to figure out in order to find out who Sloane was and why was she murdered. With Birdie and her sarcasm and so much for Finn, and Pace and with help of Beau I couldn't put the book down. It kept me guessing right to the end. Not only do I highly recommend this book, but I highly recommend the entire series.
March 8, 2026
Whimsical yet intense mystery
What could be more fun than a Leprechaun hunt to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day? What starts as a whimsical idea to raise funds for a local lighthouse and have a family fun event turns into something sinister. When a mysterious young woman turns up dead in the water and the sharks are on land circling in plain sight. Finn and Birdie who’ve sponsored the hunt and by chance were there when the body was found are deeply committed to finding justice for the young woman. Secrets, treasure hunts and twists abound, can you unmask the culprit before our sleuths do?
I will say I loved like 90 percent of the book. I did think that after Finn and Birdie found the clue hidden with the wind chimes which led them and Pace to figure out pretty much what happened if not how. Then it’s drags out with one too many twists. Was the book enjoyable yes, good mystery, twisty plot. I just thought it was like trying too hard for that last little bit. Like there’s a perfectly good ending that makes sense but then there’s an added extra twist that’s just a bit too much.
All that being said this is a fun, whimsical and quirky small town cozy including a very good mystery. I’d say 3.5/5 stars.
What could be more fun than a Leprechaun hunt to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day? What starts as a whimsical idea to raise funds for a local lighthouse and have a family fun event turns into something sinister. When a mysterious young woman turns up dead in the water and the sharks are on land circling in plain sight. Finn and Birdie who’ve sponsored the hunt and by chance were there when the body was found are deeply committed to finding justice for the young woman. Secrets, treasure hunts and twists abound, can you unmask the culprit before our sleuths do?
I will say I loved like 90 percent of the book. I did think that after Finn and Birdie found the clue hidden with the wind chimes which led them and Pace to figure out pretty much what happened if not how. Then it’s drags out with one too many twists. Was the book enjoyable yes, good mystery, twisty plot. I just thought it was like trying too hard for that last little bit. Like there’s a perfectly good ending that makes sense but then there’s an added extra twist that’s just a bit too much.
All that being said this is a fun, whimsical and quirky small town cozy including a very good mystery. I’d say 3.5/5 stars.
March 2, 2026
Finn has a brilliant idea to raise funds for the restoration of Pelican Shores's historic lighthouse. She produces a bunch of ceramic leprechauns and invites the residents to decorate them. Eventually all of them will be auctioned off to raise the money needed for the lighthouse repairs. When a young woman who is not a resident but has painted several of the colorful little men is murdered, Finn along with her best friend Birdie, and their ever-present furry sidekicks will investigate the crime.
I loved this book and I absolutely adore the characters. They always make me laugh out loud, and are always well written and realistic. This one kept me guessing with its unexpected twists, some suspense, and ever a little hint of a sweet romance. This is another must-read cozy mystery by one of my favorite authors, and I highly recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout and the author.
I loved this book and I absolutely adore the characters. They always make me laugh out loud, and are always well written and realistic. This one kept me guessing with its unexpected twists, some suspense, and ever a little hint of a sweet romance. This is another must-read cozy mystery by one of my favorite authors, and I highly recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout and the author.
March 7, 2026
Death and the Lost Leprechaun
This is the 11th book in the Pelican Shores series and Bessie Barr has done it again! A delightful tale of intrigue in gorgeous settings with familiar and new characters. Finn and her hunky detective, Pace, her best friend, Birdie with Beau, the smarter than people dog, and Queen Bean, the cat with the talented claws, all join the quirky residents. This murder mystery is felt by all when a lovely young woman's body is found just as everyone is looking forward to the unique celebration for St Patrick's day with the hiding of the Leprechauns and the subsequent "hunt". The twists and turns you have come to expect from a Bessie Barr mystery are there in "spades" with surprises just when you think you've solved it! Get the book now in time for your St Patrick's Day! Or read it anytime as it is a good stand-alone but great as part of the series... I've read all 11, some out of order, so I think I will re-read them in order later on.
This is the 11th book in the Pelican Shores series and Bessie Barr has done it again! A delightful tale of intrigue in gorgeous settings with familiar and new characters. Finn and her hunky detective, Pace, her best friend, Birdie with Beau, the smarter than people dog, and Queen Bean, the cat with the talented claws, all join the quirky residents. This murder mystery is felt by all when a lovely young woman's body is found just as everyone is looking forward to the unique celebration for St Patrick's day with the hiding of the Leprechauns and the subsequent "hunt". The twists and turns you have come to expect from a Bessie Barr mystery are there in "spades" with surprises just when you think you've solved it! Get the book now in time for your St Patrick's Day! Or read it anytime as it is a good stand-alone but great as part of the series... I've read all 11, some out of order, so I think I will re-read them in order later on.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Finn enlists the town's help in painting leprechaun figurines she has made for a scavenger hunt to benefit the local lighthouse. Everyone is supposed to sign their statues on the bottom, but a woman who is new to the area just puts what looks like a ship's wheel on hers.
Finn decides she and Birdie need a break and they head out on the early morning ferry to watch the dolphins. Unfortunately, they find a body in the water.
Two sleazy brothers from a nearby town have started hanging around for some sinister reason. It turns out that their town and Pelican Shores are in the running for a large re-vitalization grant.
Fast paced and fun, except for the murder.
Absolutely LOVED how Queen Bean attacked the murderer and held them at bay until the cops got there.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Finn decides she and Birdie need a break and they head out on the early morning ferry to watch the dolphins. Unfortunately, they find a body in the water.
Two sleazy brothers from a nearby town have started hanging around for some sinister reason. It turns out that their town and Pelican Shores are in the running for a large re-vitalization grant.
Fast paced and fun, except for the murder.
Absolutely LOVED how Queen Bean attacked the murderer and held them at bay until the cops got there.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Death and the Lost Leprechaun is a Superb story and series about Birdie and her very clever, heroic cat Queen Bean, Finn and her very clever heroic dog Beau. Finn wanted to photograph Dolphins for her Art Classes. But while in the boat a body is discovered in the water. Detective Pace Stringfellow and his team come to investigate with Finn , Birdie and their pets assisting. A charity event is occurring for the Lighthouse where people look for the lost Leprechaun. There are a trail of clues they follow but can they discover the truth?
I enjoyed very much reading this story and I highly recommend that you read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed very much reading this story and I highly recommend that you read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2026
Another murder solved, with Queen Bean and Beau’s help!
These Pelican Shores Cozy Mystery Books are always an enjoyable read. This time around, a woman people only know as Sloane is found in the water with cement blocks tied to her. Now Finn, Birdie and Pace have to find out not only who Sloane is, but also why she was murdered and by whom. Of course, our favorite pets, Beau and Queen Bean, also known as murder mittens, get in on the act too. The stories are all wonderfully written, the action just flows along and there is always a bit of humor thrown in as well. Not to mention, the mysteries are always well thought out too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
These Pelican Shores Cozy Mystery Books are always an enjoyable read. This time around, a woman people only know as Sloane is found in the water with cement blocks tied to her. Now Finn, Birdie and Pace have to find out not only who Sloane is, but also why she was murdered and by whom. Of course, our favorite pets, Beau and Queen Bean, also known as murder mittens, get in on the act too. The stories are all wonderfully written, the action just flows along and there is always a bit of humor thrown in as well. Not to mention, the mysteries are always well thought out too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Bessie has done a good job again with this clean, cozy murder mystery.
Finn is painting Leprechauns and arranging others doing the same. They have a lot to paint with a bounding off caffeine and very little time left to do so.
But now she is having to act detective with her boy friend Detective Pace. Birdie helps along with Beau and Queen Bean. Sadly a death found, of Sloane where she is weighted down in the water is causing them grief. Horrible. This time, it is very dangerous and they are having a time finding the reason. Sloane has hidden her identity. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Great story.
Finn is painting Leprechauns and arranging others doing the same. They have a lot to paint with a bounding off caffeine and very little time left to do so.
But now she is having to act detective with her boy friend Detective Pace. Birdie helps along with Beau and Queen Bean. Sadly a death found, of Sloane where she is weighted down in the water is causing them grief. Horrible. This time, it is very dangerous and they are having a time finding the reason. Sloane has hidden her identity. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Great story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love reading about Pelican Shores! It is like going home or going on vacation with friends.
Finn and Birdie are busy at Sandy Brews, the Hide A Leprechaun is coming up and people are painting their own so Finn can put the finishing touches on them.
Then they will be in a silent auction and the funds will go to fix up the lighthouse.
A tourist to the island, Sloane, very friendly and quiet, painted several leprechauns. Finn wanted to go on a dolphin sight seeing tour the next morning.
While on the water, she and Birdie notice a figure in the water. Horrified, when they realize that it is Sloane. Turns out the information that she gave wasn't real and Finn, Birdie and Pace have to find out who she was and what she was doing on Pelican Shores.
With nosey next county cop and his brother, the city manager, keep butting their noses into Pace's business.
The more Finn and Birdie ask questions, the more danger they put themselves in.
Will finding out who Sloane really was, help them find out who the real danger is.
I love getting lost on Pelican Shores and Beau and Queen Bean are just as important as the two legged heroes!
Finn and Birdie are busy at Sandy Brews, the Hide A Leprechaun is coming up and people are painting their own so Finn can put the finishing touches on them.
Then they will be in a silent auction and the funds will go to fix up the lighthouse.
A tourist to the island, Sloane, very friendly and quiet, painted several leprechauns. Finn wanted to go on a dolphin sight seeing tour the next morning.
While on the water, she and Birdie notice a figure in the water. Horrified, when they realize that it is Sloane. Turns out the information that she gave wasn't real and Finn, Birdie and Pace have to find out who she was and what she was doing on Pelican Shores.
With nosey next county cop and his brother, the city manager, keep butting their noses into Pace's business.
The more Finn and Birdie ask questions, the more danger they put themselves in.
Will finding out who Sloane really was, help them find out who the real danger is.
I love getting lost on Pelican Shores and Beau and Queen Bean are just as important as the two legged heroes!
Review of advance copy
Pelican Shores holds a St. Patrick's Day fundraiser, where residents can paint leprechaun statuettes for a selfie scavenger hunt that are then sold afterwards in an auction. A woman named Sloan painted several leprechauns, signing them with a wheel symbol, then turns up dead in the lake. Her leprechauns serve as clues for Finn Dockrey and her friends.
The leprechauns were a fun change from the more stereotypical clues like notes under loose floorboards. This was a quick, entertaining read with a slight twist at the end.
(I received an ARC version of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.)
The leprechauns were a fun change from the more stereotypical clues like notes under loose floorboards. This was a quick, entertaining read with a slight twist at the end.
(I received an ARC version of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.)
March 5, 2026
Finn, Birdie, Queen Bean and Beau have done it again! Checking in on Pelican Shores, you will find the friends chest deep in leprechauns and a murder mystery. While preparing for the lost leprechaun community event, a stranger that helped paint the leprechauns turns up dead. Finn is drawn to find this stranger's murderer. What the friends find as they follow her clues from beyond the grave leads to a dark plot that affects all of Pelican Shores. Clues abound in this page turner. Can you connect the dots before Finn and friends? This is a wonderful read and a great way to spend an afternoon.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2026
The St. Patrick’s Day leprechaun hunt was supposed to be a fun community event raising money to make some much-needed upgrades to the local lighthouse. When the body of Sloane, a newcomer to town, is found weighted down in the gulf, Finn is determined to figure out who the murderer is. It appears Sloane knew she was in danger and left a trail of clues. But will Finn, Birdie, Pace, Queen Bean and Beau be able to decipher them and solve the crime before anyone else gets hurt?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 7, 2026
'A St. Patrick's Day leprechaun hunt turns deadly when the tide delivers a body, and Pelican Shores’ charm suddenly feels like a cover story.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and quirky and mysterious. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and quirky and mysterious. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2026
Another outstanding visit to Pelican Shores. Finn and Birdie are sleuthing again. All my favorite small town quirky characters are back. Detective Pace Stringfellow, Dick Campese, and some new characters too. The author writes in such a delightful style, leaves just the right amount of clues, and will keep you guessing and turning pages. I can't read these fast enough, every story is unique and enjoyable. Read them all!
March 6, 2026
I just enjoy how Finn, Birdie and the rest of their team are investigating murder and other mysteries in their town. A bit of a small town feel, with quirky characters that support each other and have the heart in the right spot. A storyline that keeps twisting and turning until it still surprises you at the end. A wonderful book to read and relax with.
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.
March 6, 2026
Entertaining mystery!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Once again Finn and her sleuthing friend Birdie face up against nefarious folk who want are willing to stop at nothing to achieve their goals. I love how the reader is able to apply Coleridge's " suspension of disbelief " and have a snobby feline and a very protective canine play such a vital role during the mystery! Love it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Once again Finn and her sleuthing friend Birdie face up against nefarious folk who want are willing to stop at nothing to achieve their goals. I love how the reader is able to apply Coleridge's " suspension of disbelief " and have a snobby feline and a very protective canine play such a vital role during the mystery! Love it!
March 8, 2026
Finn and Birdie are at it again! They go out to watch the dolphins, and they find a body bobbing in the water. Who would do such a thing? They are determined to find out, all while preparing for the first Leprechaun hunt! Don't forget Pace, Beau, and Queen Bean, who always lend a hand, or a paw! I received an advance review copy and am leaving a voluntary, honest review.
March 5, 2026
I like St. Patrick's Day and leprechauns plus this is a Pelican Shores mystery, so I knew I'd like it! This is probably my favorite murder mystery that I've read so far this year.
Great plot/mystery + great characters + great setting = a terrific read for all cozy murder mystery fans!
Great plot/mystery + great characters + great setting = a terrific read for all cozy murder mystery fans!
March 7, 2026
Loved it! Love Finn, Birdie, Pace and, of course, Beau and Queen Bean, I even quite like Dick Campese in this book too lol. It's a lovely story (apart from the murder of course) and the reveal was a surprise, couldn't put it down.
March 8, 2026
This was just a fun read like the others in the series . sometimes you just need a book like this.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Like Lucky Charms, this one is magically delicious🤣 Never would have figured out who committed the actual murder of Sloane, but it totally worked. Finn, Birdie, Pace, Beau, and Queen Bean are totally rocking the crime fighting game. I love how these book center around certain holidays. The 137 Leprechauns painted by the people of Pelican Shores for a community competition was brilliant. Loved how the murder mystery unfolded. Queen Bean and Beau were absolutely brilliant. I love those four-legged heroes. I also look forward to seeing what recipe will be shared at the end of the book. Another great read by Bessie. Thank you for the Mojito recipe, yummy! I cannot wait for the next book. Maybe one centered on the 4th of July??🎆🎇
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews