Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Saltwater Secrets: A Dark Cozy Paranormal Mystery

Rate this book
Some secrets surface. Others pull you under.

Sophie Bright came to Rising Tides Landing RV Park looking for nothing more complicated than a place to park her camper, keep her head down, and figure out what comes next. At first glance, the small waterfront park on Seabreeze Key offers exactly weathered docks, swaying palms, eccentric long-term residents, and a spring-fed lagoon steeped in local lore.

Then a man is found dead in the mangroves.

Hidden among his things is a secret list of names, and Sophie’s is one of them.
As suspicion spreads through the park, Sophie is drawn deeper into a community that feels stranger by the day. A missing traveler, a cryptic symbol left on the body, and the growing sense that everyone knows more than they are saying all point to something far more dangerous than one isolated murder.

As the questions deepen, Sophie begins to understand that Rising Tides is not just a refuge. It is something watchful, buried deep in the bones of the island long before she arrived.

And it didn’t choose her by accident.

414 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2026

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Tegan Lleuad

11 books8 followers
Tegan Lleuad is an award-winning urban fantasy author with a passion for the paranormal, the poetic, and the deliciously haunted.

A lifelong witch with a master's degree in psychology, she explores the shadowlands in the mind, page, and astral realm. Tegan co-hosts the Hex & Harmony podcast, celebrating diversity in paganism. Step closer, but don’t expect to leave unchanged.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
12 (57%)
4 stars
8 (38%)
3 stars
1 (4%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Molly.
422 reviews5 followers
August 20, 2026
Some books are just okay when you start them, but by the time you reach the end, you’re really glad you read them. Other books start out incredibly strong, only to leave you disappointed if you manage to push through to the end.

Saltwater Secrets was neither of those books.

I knew this was going to be a five-star read before I had even finished the first chapter, and it absolutely did not disappoint.

This is the beginning of a planned five-book series, and I am already quite excited to read every one of them. There is, of course, a paranormal aspect that gives the story its make-believe quality, but it is still firmly set in our world. Even better, the central mystery, minus the paranormal elements, feels like something that absolutely could happen. That combination of the believable and unbelievable works wonderfully.

And the writing! This book is full of clever analogies and metaphors that made it a genuine pleasure to read. There were so many little turns of phrase that made me stop and appreciate the author's writing.

In the author's notes at the end, we learn that each book will essentially stand alone when it comes to its individual mystery. The paranormal storyline, however, is the thread connecting the books and creating the larger series arc. To me, that's both permission to enter the series wherever you happen to find it and a gentle heads-up that you're probably going to get the most out of it by reading all five books in order.

And right now, you aren't behind! There are only two books to worry about, and the second one doesn't even come out until September. Basically, this is a very good time to get into this series.

If you like paranormal mysteries, I think you're going to love this. If you dream about living in Florida like I do, I think you're going to enjoy it even more.

And if you prefer boring books that are poorly written?

Well… this is definitely not the book for you.
Profile Image for RoseLabyrinth Reviews.
131 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy
May 16, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Coming off the back of some incredibly intense reads, Saltwater Secrets was a very refreshing change of pace. Between the gorgeous coastal cover art and the beautiful formatting right from the start, I was immediately drawn into the vibe of this book. It is a substantial, slower-paced paranormal mystery that takes its time building up its atmosphere, and it served as a nice, comfortable palette cleanser for my TBR.

My Reactions & Emotions:
The Pacing & Tension: The book surprised me right out of the gate with an early twist that completely upended my expectations for how the story would go. I love when a mystery keeps me guessing, and the escalation toward the climax featured a high-stakes rescue sequence that I absolutely did not see coming. It left me feeling eager to see how the protagonist would handle her newfound determination.
The World-Building: The supernatural lore here is incredibly unique. I really enjoyed the journey of the protagonist discovering the truth about herself and realizing that what she thought was a personal flaw was actually a unique connection to a hidden world. The coastal mythology used throughout was fascinating, and a specific, almost surreal encounter near the end was an absolute highlight for me.

Constructive Criticism:
While I thoroughly enjoyed the partnership that forms between the main characters as they work to solve the local anomalies, I found myself wishing the romantic elements were a bit more fleshed out. It stays very light and subtle—mostly just hints of connection and hand-holding. Even though this is primarily a paranormal mystery rather than a romance book, a bit more dynamic chemistry between the leads would have heightened my emotional investment in their partnership.

Final Thoughts:
This was a very pleasant, engaging read with some incredibly cute recipes included at the end as a bonus! While it didn't completely obsess me, it is a well-crafted start to a series that gives you just enough answers to feel satisfied while leaving the door open for more. If you love a cozy paranormal mystery with a unique mythological twist, this is a solid choice.
142 reviews
Review of advance copy
June 5, 2026
This book opens with an odd prologue setting the scene for Sophie Bright’s entrance to the Rising Tides RV park in the Florida Keys. A fated reservation after a series of cancellations and filled campsites, she ends up in site two at Rising Tides, commonly reserved for permanent residents. It is noticed by the friendly residents but a mystery is afoot … why is she there, and why was she given that spot if even Sophie says it’s temporary?

The first night, a man is murdered and the story is propelled through the investigation and truly odd circumstances. Relationships are built within the park’s residents, but they are not what they seem. Sophie's medication is stolen and the illusions that began as a child (and encouraged by her deceased mother) begin again. Transparent animal overlays are revealed over her friends and Sophie thinks she’s losing her grip on reality.

This is an interesting book that I needed to re-read in parts. It’s labeled a cozy, but it’s not like any cozy that I’ve read! A profoundly written book with interesting characters which in turn sets the stage for the next in the series, if this is to be a series. A sweet, romantic relationship to be explored, and of course, more adventure, more paranormal, and more interesting characters.

Would I read the next in the series? Probably not, because rather than eagerly reading on, I found myself frustrated with my lack of comprehension and returning to sections hoping to find something I might have missed. Usually I go with the flow, but even still I enjoyed this read and would recommend it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Amy A..
85 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars

Saltwater Secrets was a well plotted, well paced dark cozy murder mystery set in the Florida Keys. Beautiful water, an RV park full of supernatural weirdos (in the best way), found family, a murder to solve, and a slow burn love interest? Yep. This worked for me. Sophie is used to doing everything on her own, so I loved watching her slowly figure out that maybe having people in her corner isn’t such a terrible thing. Sophie needs slow, and this story gave her that.

The Kindred were interesting to discover, Dylan was sweet and protective without pushing Sophie beyond what she could handle, and Rising Tides became a place I genuinely wanted her to stay. Sophie is also slowly realizing that she’s stronger than she thinks and worthy of being loved and cared for. Oh, and there’s an ancient giant tentacled creature named Norman living beneath the RV park. Obviously, I loved Norman.

A few writing habits kept this from five stars. The dialogue sometimes tried a little too hard to land a clever one liner, and some repeated romantic phrases and gestures got cheesy for me. But the mystery wrapped up satisfyingly, the characters won me over, and the supernatural storyline left plenty more to discover. Most importantly for the first book in a series, I finished it wanting book two. Good thing I already have it!

Thank you to BookSirens, the author, and the publisher for the ARC. These are my own honest opinions, shared voluntarily.
Profile Image for Valerie Barrow.
28 reviews3 followers
Read
June 8, 2026
Sophie Bright has been a wanderer for years and for months the beautiful Florida Keys have been calling to her.. However when she arrives at her prebooked grounds her site has been given to someone else forcing her to find an alternative option which leads her to Rising Tides and sets her on the path to discovering answers she didn't even know she was still looking for… I absolutely fell in love with this book and it's characters the further I read, the unexpected twists and turns that the story takes, the development of friendship and family where Sophie never expected to find it.

This book reminds us that we don't have to fit into what society calls "normal" to actually be perfectly normal, showing how everything has it's place in this world and that perhaps there is more to what's out there if we were just open to looking…

I really hope there is a sequel to Saltwater Secrets because I didn't want to leave the campground and it's residents behind, I need more!!

I also need to know if the buried treasure that the Smiths were looking for ever gets found!!

I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Michele Lefler.
8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
June 12, 2026
I enjoyed 'Saltwater Secrets' and would recommend it to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist.

The Florida Keys setting was one of my favorite parts of the book. I love coastal mysteries, and the beach-town atmosphere added a lot to the story. The supernatural elements blended well with the mystery, creating an interesting mix of cozy and eerie that kept me engaged. The writing was solid, and I found myself eager to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next.

While I enjoyed the resolution, I would have liked a little more explanation surrounding the motivations around the mystery. A bit more time spent with that would have made the ending feel even more satisfying for me.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a great setting, likable characters, and an intriguing supernatural mystery. If you enjoy coastal settings, amateur sleuthing, and a touch of the paranormal, this is worth adding to your reading list.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
37 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2026
Saltwater Secrets follows Sophie Bright, a woman used to living on the road and never staying anywhere for long. When a lost campground reservation unexpectedly leads her to Rising Tides RV Park in the Florida Keys, she finds herself surrounded by an unusual group of residents and a place that seems to hold more secrets than it first appears.

I liked the setting and the slightly mysterious, paranormal atmosphere, and the characters are quirky enough to keep things interesting. However, for me the story moved far too slowly. There is a lot of build-up, but very little actually happens for much of the book, so I kept waiting for the mystery to really take off.

The final part does become more interesting and gives some answers, while clearly setting things up for the next book in the series. Overall, an atmospheric read with an interesting premise, but I would have preferred a faster pace and more plot development along the way.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Stacy71.
52 reviews
Review of advance copy
May 11, 2026
Sophie Bright is a wanderer at heart. She ends up in the residential section of a small backwater RV park deep in the mangroves of the Florida Keys. It almost feels fated. The residents are mostly friendly but don’t seem to be quite what they seem to be. And then a man is murdered in the night. Can she trust the residents around her? Is she losing her touch on reality? Are the secrets of the parks coming to light? Can she truly be safe here among these strangers?

I truly enjoyed the paranormal aspects of this book. The way that modern medicine can be used to hide the things we cannot explain in our everyday lives. The community that Sophie finds herself a part of was truly made up of unique and interesting characters. Some of whom are not normally seen in paranormal stories. This book had a refreshing plot and characters, and I am interested in seeing where the storyline continues.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lise.
1,194 reviews
Review of advance copy
June 15, 2026
Sophie Bright, a traveller by nature, finds acceptance when she stumbles upon an unusual RV park in Florida. But the dawn of the second day brings news of a murder, and Sophie is drawn into the turmoil of the camp, learning the secret lives of the others.

If there were a word I'd use to describe the storytelling in this book, it would be "unhurried". Normally, if a book takes time to reveal its plot, I start to feel impatient, but in this case, a languid pace absolutely suited the mood of the story.

This quirky introduction to a new series captured me, holding me rapt throughout my reading. I recommend this story (and, probably, the series as well!) for those readers who enjoy a slightly offbeat murder mystery.

Thank you to Tegan Lleuad and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.
461 reviews3 followers
August 2, 2026
Thank you to BookSirens for the opportunity to read a copy of this book. What follows is my opinion.

This is my first book by this author, and it will not be my last. In fact, I'm excited to read the next book in this series.

I was initially drawn to this book because of the cover and the blurb, but I was hooked before the end of the first chapter. The characters are wonderful. The setting is idyllic. The story itself is fascinating and fun. There's murder, mystery, adventure, humour, romance, and more!

I did know who the villain was from the moment they appeared on the page, but this didn't detract from the enjoyment I found in reading the book. While the initial murder mystery is solved in this book, it's part of an overarching mystery that will continue in a series. I'm looking forward to finding out more of Rising Tide's secrets in book two.
Profile Image for merlin513.
411 reviews6 followers
August 22, 2026
I REALLY enjoyed ‘Saltwater Secrets’.

The furthest I’ve been in Florida is probably Watchula or Sarasota and Longboat Key. Never made it all the way to the Keys but it is a bucket list item. We always vacationed in Pennsacola.

But! As a native, the author has authentically captured the ‘feel’ of the offshore islands and Florida itself. The only thing missing was the 2 o’clock everyday rain showers that last about 10 - 15 minutes, usually while the suns still shining.

I really enjoy her take on the supernatural. Especially tinnitus as a connection with what’s underneath the ordinary. I LOVED the assortment of residents (even Hal) that quickly become found family. Looking forward to revisiting Rising Tides RV park quickly as I move on to book 2 in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lisa Moore.
Author 9 books12 followers
Review of advance copy
June 13, 2026
A delightful read. Pulled me in right from the start and didnt let go.

Sophie Writght wades into the humid, mounting tension of Florida's enigmatic "Site Two" while Matthias meticulously tracks the unsettling disappearances of Hannah Green, Laken True, and Jeff Callison. The narrative plunges into darkness with a chilling prologue where a cracked sand dollar serves as a cryptic warning that some truths are governed by the tide. The salt-water-drenched prose evokes a vivid sense of place, grounding the character-driven suspense in the tactile grit of the shoreline. A humid, haunting investigation that proves some shoreline secrets are best left submerged.

Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
1 review
Read
June 11, 2026
saltwater secrets is a gem of a book. if you enjoy character development and growth, if you enjoy small town, homey vibes, if you enjoy lyrical writing this is your book. the descriptions took me right into the book and able to see everything with my own eyes.

it gives emotion and depth of feeling and pulls you in to the scenery with ease and clarity.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys true reading.
Profile Image for Shannon.
2 reviews
Read
August 12, 2026
ARC Review

✨ Intriguing prologue

✨ Dual POV (at the beginning)

✨ Supernatural mystery that slowly unfolds

✨ Lots of clues that pay off in the end

The story is detail-rich and takes its time building the mystery, but everything comes together nicely by the end. A fun read for fans of paranormal suspense and hidden secrets. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for AJ Flory.
19 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
May 29, 2026
This was an ARC read.

I loved this book as a whole, the storyline was intriguing and pulled you in to read more.  The character dynamics were different in such a good way. They were entertaining and fun too, I literally laughed out loud at a few.
There were a few phrases that were very repetitive throughout though which made it hard sometimes. It was a good book and I would recommend to read.
370 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy
June 13, 2026
This was an incredible read, more about the 'supernatural' than about a murder mystery, though it had both aspects.
I am not sure that I understood it all but I am not sure that I was meant to.
I am assuming and hoping that there will be another book with the same characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
42 reviews
August 14, 2026
The book opens up and takes you into a magical world where everything is just a little different from what you expected. The main character finds themselves among a diverse group of campers. The different characters are well developed, and there is certainly no shortage of humor.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jodi Sweet.
1,863 reviews11 followers
June 22, 2026
This was totally strange, and I LOVED IT!! There is so much more to Sophie than even she notices. Plus, so much more to the people around her. I love these characters and how they accept Sophie and watch out for each other.plus, the setting in the Keys is amazing. It really is a magical place.
Profile Image for Lee Brothers.
1,563 reviews17 followers
July 28, 2026
This just blew me away, kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I just couldn't put the book down. I was so engrossed. And I loved every minute of it!! I loved Sophie's journey of discovery of who she is and what she is. So many twists and turns like a roller coaster ride!!
Profile Image for JT Reads Anything.
30 reviews
June 1, 2026
Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC.

4 Stars!

I thought this was such a fun concept and very cozy little vacation type of mystery read. The magic system is interesting but not quite explained in this first book. There's a little bit of possible romance as well, which I really liked. The FMC is very sweet, and I loved all of the quirky side characters that we are introduced to. I would definitely continue the series as this first book is such a good set up for many more to come.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews