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Coral Cove Mysteries #1
Blood Tide: Gay Mystery
When Eddie Salcedo is found dead on his boat, Coral Cove residents assume it’s a tragic fishing accident. Case closed.
But their new police chief, Declan Hale, doesn’t buy it. The details don’t line up, and the deeper he looks, the more the truth starts to shift beneath his feet.
Then there’s Spencer Cross, the local reporter who seems to be everywhere Declan turns. Sharp, observant, and far too good at reading between the lines. Spencer isn’t trying to interfere. He’s just doing his job. But the more questions he asks, the more dangerous things become.
As Declan works to uncover what really happened to Eddie on the water that night, he finds himself drawn to the one person he should be keeping at arm’s length. And Spencer is starting to realize that some stories don’t just cost you your relationships —
They can cost you your life.
But their new police chief, Declan Hale, doesn’t buy it. The details don’t line up, and the deeper he looks, the more the truth starts to shift beneath his feet.
Then there’s Spencer Cross, the local reporter who seems to be everywhere Declan turns. Sharp, observant, and far too good at reading between the lines. Spencer isn’t trying to interfere. He’s just doing his job. But the more questions he asks, the more dangerous things become.
As Declan works to uncover what really happened to Eddie on the water that night, he finds himself drawn to the one person he should be keeping at arm’s length. And Spencer is starting to realize that some stories don’t just cost you your relationships —
They can cost you your life.
341 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2026
About the author
S.C. Wynne
70 books598 followersS.C. Wynne is a Lambda Award-winning author for Gay Romance. S.C. started writing m/m romance and mystery in 2013. Her characters are usually a little jaded, funny, and ultimately redeemed through love.
If you’d like to contact S.C. Wynne she'd love to hear from you. You can contact her at scwynne@scwynne.com
If you’d like to contact S.C. Wynne she'd love to hear from you. You can contact her at scwynne@scwynne.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 17, 2026
This is a compact, easy-to-read police procedural built around the dynamic between a small-town police chief and a local journalist. It moves along at a steady pace and offers a serviceable mystery, but ultimately doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
June 7, 2026
This was a really cozy small town mystery with a great gay romance. It really felt like the author encapsulated that small town environment with perfect details that brought me back to places I've visited up North. I get what other reviewers mean when they say the book never really elevated itself to another level, but this kind of contained mystery with a focus on the characters is exactly what I wanted. This is simply a good story with a queer romance that was measuring,caring, and real. I repeatedly looked forward to reading this and now I really look forward to re-reading it.
April 22, 2026
3.5 stars. Slow start, but good characters, and the pace set the tone. I skimmed the predictable sex scenes, but I liked the way the relationship developed, and I liked the setting. There are several edit fails, mostly in the second half, which is disappointing I did correctly guess whodunit, go me.
April 11, 2026
Seriously considering 4 stars... it wasn't that special but the things it had, it handled really well.
It's a mystery and the crime, the circumstances... it felt real. It was easy to follow - I look for detective/mystery stories but I don't always... keep up, with more complex cases, I swear I can understand it but my brain just goes "yawn" and getting a "simple" murder with straightforward suspects that unfold over the course of the investigation? I am really pleased with how that played out. The revelation included - it was a suprise but in a good way, in a "that totally fits what we were being told, I just didn't put it together right" and while some people like being clever enough to solve it before the MCs, I think I actually prefer the story being coy enough to suprise me if it can do so without feeling... stupid. There is a difference between throwing some useless things together, then "it was the gardener"-it and between making a coherent story that you need to look at the right way to get the whole picture.
The romance didn't lag behind. The main characters were nice, they didn't fall into a conversation or into bed too soon or too late. There was honest and emotional vulnerability - at a level appropriate to the situation. The sex didn't feel like it tried too hard, which might be the next best thing besides... it's not important. There was a reasonable conflict (of interests as well, actually) that didn't get too overblown to make DRAMA.
It was short-ish - the plot just did its business before it ended. There was intrigue, swoons, a bit of action, a few nice side characters, interesting setting... gosh, why not just give it four stars? I think I like it more intellectually than I liked it emotionally?
Fingers crossed for more books! I think this is a start of a series... ?
So let's just say it's 3 stars on the general, with extra compliments from my more objective (potentially but not really writer) side that would add one extra star. Either way, it's I recommend!
It's a mystery and the crime, the circumstances... it felt real. It was easy to follow - I look for detective/mystery stories but I don't always... keep up, with more complex cases, I swear I can understand it but my brain just goes "yawn" and getting a "simple" murder with straightforward suspects that unfold over the course of the investigation? I am really pleased with how that played out. The revelation included - it was a suprise but in a good way, in a "that totally fits what we were being told, I just didn't put it together right" and while some people like being clever enough to solve it before the MCs, I think I actually prefer the story being coy enough to suprise me if it can do so without feeling... stupid. There is a difference between throwing some useless things together, then "it was the gardener"-it and between making a coherent story that you need to look at the right way to get the whole picture.
The romance didn't lag behind. The main characters were nice, they didn't fall into a conversation or into bed too soon or too late. There was honest and emotional vulnerability - at a level appropriate to the situation. The sex didn't feel like it tried too hard, which might be the next best thing besides... it's not important. There was a reasonable conflict (of interests as well, actually) that didn't get too overblown to make DRAMA.
It was short-ish - the plot just did its business before it ended. There was intrigue, swoons, a bit of action, a few nice side characters, interesting setting... gosh, why not just give it four stars? I think I like it more intellectually than I liked it emotionally?
Fingers crossed for more books! I think this is a start of a series... ?
So let's just say it's 3 stars on the general, with extra compliments from my more objective (potentially but not really writer) side that would add one extra star. Either way, it's I recommend!
April 7, 2026
4.5 Stars!
S.C. Wynne comes back with a new mystery series, this time set in the small fishing town of Coral Cove, where both Spencer, a local reporter, and Declan, the police chief, have recently moved in from Portland.
Due to their respective professions, they don't precisely meet in the best of situations. Especially since Declan is in the midst of investigating an accidental death that might not be that accidental, and Spencer is seemingly snooping around for an article. However, as their paths keep crossing, Declan starts to see that Spencer is trying to help and not interfere or worse, pry into his case; even if that help might actually put Spencer in harm's way.
I really liked Spencer. He was charming and warm; it's no wonder that people were drawn to him and wanted to tell him things. I wasn't all that sold on Declan at first, although he more than made up for it later on. This is a slow burn, so I'm looking forward to seeing their relationship grow and deepen as we get more books.
The mystery was very interesting. I was guessing who the killer was until almost the reveal. I really enjoyed the twists and turns that the investigation took. Definitely a recommendation from me!
*** Copy provided for my reading pleasure; a review wasn't a requirement. ***
S.C. Wynne comes back with a new mystery series, this time set in the small fishing town of Coral Cove, where both Spencer, a local reporter, and Declan, the police chief, have recently moved in from Portland.
Due to their respective professions, they don't precisely meet in the best of situations. Especially since Declan is in the midst of investigating an accidental death that might not be that accidental, and Spencer is seemingly snooping around for an article. However, as their paths keep crossing, Declan starts to see that Spencer is trying to help and not interfere or worse, pry into his case; even if that help might actually put Spencer in harm's way.
I really liked Spencer. He was charming and warm; it's no wonder that people were drawn to him and wanted to tell him things. I wasn't all that sold on Declan at first, although he more than made up for it later on. This is a slow burn, so I'm looking forward to seeing their relationship grow and deepen as we get more books.
The mystery was very interesting. I was guessing who the killer was until almost the reveal. I really enjoyed the twists and turns that the investigation took. Definitely a recommendation from me!
*** Copy provided for my reading pleasure; a review wasn't a requirement. ***
April 25, 2026
D'un côté, le chef de la police, Declan Hale, séduisant, honnête et très à cheval sur les règles.
De l'autre, le journaliste Spencer Cross, charmant, excellent dans son métier.
Point commun, Portland. L'un connaît son travail en tant que journaliste . L'autre, le découvre.
Seulement voilà, un beau matin, Spencer découvre un mort.
A Coral Cove, ville portuaire, où tout se sait, on se tait maintenant.
Mais qui était vraiment Eddie Salcedo ? Est-ce un accident ou un meurtre ?
Declan et Spencer vont mener chacun de leur côté l'enquête.
Leur façon de faire est différente mais cela va les mener vers la vérité.
Seulement, Spencer réalise vite que ce n'est pas une simple histoire de pêcheurs et que le danger est à sa porte.
Declan et Spencer apprennent à se connaître et sont attirés l'un vers l'autre.
Est-ce que cela va rester de l'amitié ou aller plus loin entre eux deux.
Un polar sans temps mort.
J'ai été surprise par le dénouement.
J'ai adoré découvrir la nouvelle série de S.C Wynne.
Des personnages trop sympathiques dans une petite ville aux secrets multiples.
J'ai hâte de lire le tome deux
De l'autre, le journaliste Spencer Cross, charmant, excellent dans son métier.
Point commun, Portland. L'un connaît son travail en tant que journaliste . L'autre, le découvre.
Seulement voilà, un beau matin, Spencer découvre un mort.
A Coral Cove, ville portuaire, où tout se sait, on se tait maintenant.
Mais qui était vraiment Eddie Salcedo ? Est-ce un accident ou un meurtre ?
Declan et Spencer vont mener chacun de leur côté l'enquête.
Leur façon de faire est différente mais cela va les mener vers la vérité.
Seulement, Spencer réalise vite que ce n'est pas une simple histoire de pêcheurs et que le danger est à sa porte.
Declan et Spencer apprennent à se connaître et sont attirés l'un vers l'autre.
Est-ce que cela va rester de l'amitié ou aller plus loin entre eux deux.
Un polar sans temps mort.
J'ai été surprise par le dénouement.
J'ai adoré découvrir la nouvelle série de S.C Wynne.
Des personnages trop sympathiques dans une petite ville aux secrets multiples.
J'ai hâte de lire le tome deux
April 9, 2026
S.C. Wynne kicks off a brand-new mystery series in the cozy town of Coral Cove, and I’m already hooked! We follow Spencer, a charming local reporter, and Declan, the town’s police chief—both relatively new to town—who meet under less-than-ideal circumstances. Declan is investigating a suspicious “accidental” death, while Spencer is digging around for a story. Spencer was an instant favorite for me—warm, likable, and the kind of person people naturally trust. Declan took a little longer to win me over, but his growth throughout the book made it worth it. Their slow-burn dynamic is definitely a highlight, and I’m excited to see where their relationship goes in future books. The mystery itself kept me guessing almost until the very end. Lots of twists, turns, and just enough misdirection to keep things interesting without feeling overcomplicated. Overall, a really solid start to a new series—great characters, an engaging mystery, and a setting that adds to the charm. I’ll definitely be continuing this one!
April 12, 2026
This is the first book in the Coral Cove Mysteries series. As I am a huge fan of her Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries series, I had high expectations for this book. And I was not disappointed. The book is well written and easy to read. This is the story of Declan Hale and Spencer Cross, Both have recently moved from Portland to Coral Cove. Declan is the new police chief. He is quiet and reserved. Spencer is a local reporter and he is charming. His friendly, approachable personality sets people at ease. A great attribute for a reporter to have. When Eddie Salcedo is found dead on his boat, Declan doesn't believe it was an accident. That is when Spenser starts to investigate on his own. This is their story. The book is definitely a slow burn mystery romance. I enjoyed the small town and all the locals that added charm to the story. The characters are great and the mystery is engaging. Another great read by this author.
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.
April 6, 2026
Loved it! I hope there are going to be more!
I loved this book from an author I am a fan of. The book is mystery first, romance secondary but important. The mystery was well structured and there were several good red herrings. I had fun positing theories as I read and was happy I figured out the villain though only partially right on the reason why. It was great fun puzzling it through.
The romance was sweet. A gradual build up with some obstacles, a crisis to ram home that feelings have entered the chat, and another crisis to solidify those feelings. There is a well moving story arc and good character development so I felt like I knew these characters and could root for their happiness.
I truly hope this is the start of a new series as I would love to revisit this small town setting and these characters. And now I’m off to read the latest book in this author’s other series which I love.
I loved this book from an author I am a fan of. The book is mystery first, romance secondary but important. The mystery was well structured and there were several good red herrings. I had fun positing theories as I read and was happy I figured out the villain though only partially right on the reason why. It was great fun puzzling it through.
The romance was sweet. A gradual build up with some obstacles, a crisis to ram home that feelings have entered the chat, and another crisis to solidify those feelings. There is a well moving story arc and good character development so I felt like I knew these characters and could root for their happiness.
I truly hope this is the start of a new series as I would love to revisit this small town setting and these characters. And now I’m off to read the latest book in this author’s other series which I love.
April 8, 2026
I really enjoyed this! A simple (not in execution, pun NOT intended!) murder mystery and an uncomplicated, budding romance between 2 very likeable men.
Spencer and Declan are both big city transplants to Coral Cove, OR.
Through the eyes of these 2 men we see the intertwined lives of people in a small-town, especially after the death of one of their own. The whole investigation into the mishap puts Declan and Spencer into each other's orbit. They dance around each other a little, but they are upfront about what they want from their mutual attraction, which is refreshing. The mystery is simple, yet layered, impacting quite a few people. I guessed right towards the end, but was pleased I got it right - it was not obvious at all.
I do hope the series continues -I'd like to see more of Declan and Spencer and the small town they live in.
Spencer and Declan are both big city transplants to Coral Cove, OR.
Through the eyes of these 2 men we see the intertwined lives of people in a small-town, especially after the death of one of their own. The whole investigation into the mishap puts Declan and Spencer into each other's orbit. They dance around each other a little, but they are upfront about what they want from their mutual attraction, which is refreshing. The mystery is simple, yet layered, impacting quite a few people. I guessed right towards the end, but was pleased I got it right - it was not obvious at all.
I do hope the series continues -I'd like to see more of Declan and Spencer and the small town they live in.
April 19, 2026
A new series with two great new main characters. Spencer is a journalist and Declan is the chief of police in the small coastal Oregon town of Coral Cove. They both moved to Coral Cove from Portland at different times, but for similar reasons, so they are both newbies. A suspicious death aboard a fishing boat brings them together with them butting heads at first, but eventually finding common ground. In this first book they find a way to be with each other and I look forward to their further adventures.
The mystery of the death unfolds nicely throughout the story with lots of dead ends and red herrings until the finale when it all unfolds. A little too cleanly to be honest, but there were no leaps of faith to make, just it all wound up neatly in a single scene. I am looking forward to more of this one as I really like the new MCs and the setting is very cool.
The mystery of the death unfolds nicely throughout the story with lots of dead ends and red herrings until the finale when it all unfolds. A little too cleanly to be honest, but there were no leaps of faith to make, just it all wound up neatly in a single scene. I am looking forward to more of this one as I really like the new MCs and the setting is very cool.
April 3, 2026
This is book 1 in a new series by S.C. Wynne and I was lucky enough to get a free copy in return for an honest review. I have now read a number of books by this author so I know what to expect. The story was enjoyable and I liked the main characters. I love a small town setting and anything involving a murder mystery is perfect for me. I would not class this book as a cozy mystery as there is a little violence on page and there are definitely some hot sex scenes, I didn't know who the murderer was until the end of the book so this is a plus for me. I realized what was happening just before the big reveal.
I am already looking forward to book 2 which hopefully wont be too far away.
I am already looking forward to book 2 which hopefully wont be too far away.
April 7, 2026
I'm not sure why, but as I read Blood Tide, I couldn't help but think of the old black and white murder mysteries. There is the seaside town with a deserted fishing boat except for the dead body on board. Declan is the hardened detective that trusts no one and Spencer is the likeable reporter that is the exact opposite. People find him easy to talk to and disclose secrets. And there are plenty of secrets to go around. The romance between Declan and Spencer was well paced considering their opposite professions and I loved the surprise ending of the who done it.
April 13, 2026
Intensse! Declan, is the new Police Chief. He is meticulous, detail oriented and questions everything. Spencer, is a reporter who questions everything. Two men, who are new to town and working a complicated mystery. S.C., does an amazing job introducing us to a great group of citizens/characters and give Declan adn Spencer an opportunity to show what they can do, how well their minds can solve problems and how well they work together. Mysteries, bring out all the good chaacter in people. Good story, great characters, well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 19, 2026
I'm a big fan of S C Wynne's previous mystery series, Psychic Detective, Kip O'connor and Dr Maxwell Thornton and I think this series might well be a future comfort read.
S C Wynne does the small town setting where everyone knows everyone and consequently their business very well. Looking forward to visiting Coral Cove and getting to know Spencer and Declan better soon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
S C Wynne does the small town setting where everyone knows everyone and consequently their business very well. Looking forward to visiting Coral Cove and getting to know Spencer and Declan better soon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2026
This is a "quality"-author for me. So far I've read the Kip O'Connor, Maxwell Thornton and Psycic Mysteries and loved all of them. This book is obviously the start to a new mystery series and I already love it. Both MCs are very likeable and have a mature approach on their relationship. The emphasis of the book is on solving the crime. I was happy to see that my suspicion was right but I think it wasn't that obvious. So nicely crafted and a great setting. I'm looking forward to more of these.
April 2, 2026
This is a first book in a new series of Coral Cove mysteries. Both MC, the police chief, Declan Hale and a new local reporter Spencer Cross, are interesting characters. The criminal case was well detailed and pulling. I enjoyed reading this book. I'm looking forward for next book in this series. Definitely a recommended new series.
April 8, 2026
This is a new series featuring Declan, a police chief who moves to a small island and Spencer the local journalist.
They are both investigating the death of Eddie a local fisherman. Declan takes a long time to call the death a homicide and although he doesn't talk about it with Spencer, Spencer feeds clues and things he finds out to Declan.
I think I am going to enjoy this new series.
They are both investigating the death of Eddie a local fisherman. Declan takes a long time to call the death a homicide and although he doesn't talk about it with Spencer, Spencer feeds clues and things he finds out to Declan.
I think I am going to enjoy this new series.
April 9, 2026
An excellent start to what promises to be a really good new series. Declan and Spencer had a lot in common and strong chemistry. I enjoyed their search for the murderer while growing closer. Despite the dangerous situations, the whole still felt fairly soft and not high angst.
Thanks for the advance copy via Booksprout, I am happy to leave a voluntary review.
Thanks for the advance copy via Booksprout, I am happy to leave a voluntary review.
April 19, 2026
Declan and Spencer.
MM.
Declan is the Chief of Police and Spencer is a Journalist.
A great story.
I felt like I was a part of the story.
I really enjoyed and was sad to see the book end.
I was really drawn into the story and its outcome.
The story flowed freely and I really enjoyed the story.
Highly Recommend.
MM.
Declan is the Chief of Police and Spencer is a Journalist.
A great story.
I felt like I was a part of the story.
I really enjoyed and was sad to see the book end.
I was really drawn into the story and its outcome.
The story flowed freely and I really enjoyed the story.
Highly Recommend.
April 9, 2026
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I really liked the investigation and the surprise culprit. I'm glad Eddie and Spencer started a relationship together that works for them.
April 11, 2026
Blood Tide is the first book in the new Coral Cove Mysteries series by S.C. Wynne. I really enjoyed the story with a nice bit of mystery and a romance between Spencer and Declan. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
April 29, 2026
A fairly good story
The main characters were likeable. The mystery was not much of a mystery. It was quite obvious what happened once all the players were introduced. If you like cozy mysteries you will probably enjoy the book.
The main characters were likeable. The mystery was not much of a mystery. It was quite obvious what happened once all the players were introduced. If you like cozy mysteries you will probably enjoy the book.
July 2, 2026
I nearly DNF'd for using "sexy AF" in descriptive prose, but I gave it another shot. Spencer and Delcan are cute together, it was a fun mystery and I appreciated the level-headedness of Spencer's reporter instincts, but the sex scenes were pretty dull.
April 8, 2026
The slow burn romance between Dylan and Spencer was wonderful and I really enjoyed the mystery, it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and speed racing through the pages to the end.
April 21, 2026
A quick enjoyable read.
April 23, 2026
This is a who-done-it with a lot of twists and turns. A fisherman is found dead on his boat, and Declan and Spencer try to find out who killed him. I really enjoyed this book.
May 6, 2026
Not for me.
May 19, 2026
Enjoyable
I guessed the big bad but it certainly wasn't obvious. I hope this is the start of a new series because I'd like to see Declan & Spencer's relationship progress.
I guessed the big bad but it certainly wasn't obvious. I hope this is the start of a new series because I'd like to see Declan & Spencer's relationship progress.
May 20, 2026
Wow what a great start to a new series. The story was excellent and so were the characters. Can't wait till the next one. Recommend reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews