Strawberries, Secrets & a Stolen Past: A Totally Unputdownable Cozy Mystery

by Hope ` Quinn, Barbara Bowen (Editor), Wendy Fletcher (Editor)

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2026

Reviews

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful fast paced unputdownable mystery is a great addition to the Stella Ray & Rex mystery series! It is time for Willowberry's Strawberry festival which brings the whole town out for the celebration. But when a farmer is found dead at his farm, everyone writes it off as a fall. When Stella and her American Bull Dog, Rex come to the scene, they don't believe it was an accident. In fact, the super intelligent, clue finding sleuth Rex starts sniffing around, even he sees it was not what it seems. So of course, although being told to stay out of it by her maybe boyfriend, Detective Ben Morgan, although he knows that won't happen, Stella and Rex decide to investigate helped by her friends, Rose, Maude and Reporter Cara with lots of laughs, especially with Richard. Can they find a murderer? With so many potential suspects and secrets, the gang have a tough job. But as Stella and Rex get close to the truth, they are warned off or they could be next. Does she back off? Do Stella and Ben actually become boyfriend and girlfriend? Once you begin this book, you can't put it down! What great character so well written. Not only do I highly recommend this book, but I highly recommend the entire series. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Marietta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another excellent written story about Stella Ray and her dog Rex. Stella just can’t seem to stay out of investigating any crime even if it may look like accident which is what it looks like when they find Harold Calloway dead on his property the morning of the start of the Strawberry Festival. The seems to be a few suspects and a lot of twist and turn while they try and solve the mystery. The author can bring into the story some hind facts about the history of Willowberry, and what happened to some of the original families that lived there. I love how Hope can bring a lot of the background out. It is fun trying to figure out who could want the victim dead. Ben Morgan the local police has is handful with everything that is happening around him, so he does learn to rely on Stella to find thing for him. It took a while to figure out who had the right motive to complete. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys trying to figure out before the author tells us what happened.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella Ray and crew of The Blue Spruce cafe are getting everything ready for the Strawberry Festival when they hear that something had happened at the Calloway farm. Harold had been found by his employee by the equipment shed and he was dead. Ben, chief of police, and Stella's kinda boyfriend was there and told her to stay away, however, Rex, Stella's bulldog, was definity trying to tell them something. As usual, Rex found the clues. He was very good at finding what the humans missed. Cara, the local newspaper reporter was doing some investigative research and found things that had been hidden for a couple of decades. Murder solved and live returns to normal in Willowberry.
I received an arc and this is my review.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Strawberries, Secrets & a Stolen Past" is the third Stella Ray and Rex mystery that I've read. The plot kept me guessing. Rex and Richard kept me laughing. Another Willowberry fete/fair/festival with a dead body.
A fast moving and fun story. I love the relationships and banter between Stella, Rose, Maude and Cara Ray. And then there's Officer Ben Morgan.
When is he going to realize that warning Stella off doesn't work? And when, when is he going to kiss her? Forehead kisses don't count, Ms Quinn.
There's always the next book. Best parts: Rex's pink feet. And the almost painful, non-flirting between Stella and Ben.

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

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this small town cozy mystery with several diverse quirky characters and I found myself giggling especially at Richard throughout the story. A man was found dead at the beginning of the Strawberry Festival and lots of old secrets started to come out in the open slowly but surely. Old grudges came to light thanks to the help of Ben, Stella and Rex the furry detective who ended up finding hidden evidence meant to implicate an innocent person. This was a suspenseful cozy mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. I didn’t guess who the culprit was at all, let’s see if you’re able to guess who did it and why.

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

[theenchantedalibi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a fun cozy mystery! I love how every one of Hope Quinn’s books has such a pronounced theme, in this case, strawberries. The way she incorporates events and different deserts is so fun. In this book, we also see some romance beginning to bloom between different characters which was really exciting. Rex, as always, was the best character by far, adding humor and wit to the story. All of the characters are written so well, and Richard was especially funny in this book. I also enjoy how complex the mysteries always are. The solution always ends up being way more multi-faceted than you first expect. I would definitely recommend any of Hope Quinn’s book if you want a short, cozy mystery. I'm excited to see what Rex and Stella get up to next! Thank you to Hope Quinn for this arc!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful cast of characters in this small town cozy mystery. Stella (and Rex) always seem to be in the right place at the wrong time when it comes to murders. Granted, this time she was prompted to get to the farm location because her friend knew she'd want to get involved. Detective Ben, while exasperated with her, is incoiraged by her input, and therefore eggs on her 'butting in' behavior. Their relationship is right on the fence, and I enjoy watching it S.L.O.W.L.Y. progress. The mystery itself is addressed in a methodological manner. Even though some clues come at the last minute in this case, I was fully engaged and working my way through suspects til the end.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. So cute. Rex is a sweet bulldog, and a trouble maker in the bakery known as the Blue Spruce. It’s the Strawberry Festival in Willowberry, and things outside were getting busy. But something happens which isn’t good. Stella soon becomes a person of interest. Ben of course doesn’t believe it for a second, and trying to keep Stella to stay put is like pulling teeth. Stella will not sit still. Rex knows somethings up. Her group of friends Maude, Rose, and Richard, and her cousin the journalist Cara will help her. They won’t sit still.
Not a boring moment. A page turner, and a very smart bulldog.
A must read. As is the series. I can’t wait for more.
Thank you Ms. Quinn.

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strawberries, Secrets & a Stolen Past is a Superb story and series about Stella Ray a Cafe Owner and her clever dog Rex. The town is preparing for the Strawberry Festival. A Farmer was discovered dead. Ben Morgan comes to investigate. Stella starts to look into the puzzle. Stella is assisted by Rose, Maude and Cara a Reporter. But can they find all the pieces and uncover the truth?
I enjoyed reading this story very much and I highly recommend that you read this book.

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

[Mark Menard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pink Paws
I like Stella and Rex they work well together. And I like Ben and the way he interacts with Stella and Rex. Stella’s entourage is a hoot – Rose, Maude, Margaret and Richard bring humor and quirks. The story was entertaining and progressed well from beginning to end. So much so that I read it in one sitting. With surprises along the way and a good ending it was satisfying.
I received this book as an ARC and this in my honest review.

[Beverley Ammeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The plot was well developed and interesting. Plus who doesn’t love strawberries and a dog who understands everything. I recommend reading this book with your favourite hot drink and a kitten or puppy on your lap.
I received my copy as an ARC and I’m leaving a voluntary review.

[Beaulah McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute must read. So adorable, and oh dog lovers will appreciate this book very much for so many reasons! Small towns and gossip do go hand in hand, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the way some the characters show such a dry sense of humour you have to giggle.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and concise format which lends itself to the author's unique approach to mystery writing. Rex again is awesome ~ pink paws and all! The characters are strong and well developed. The plot has some twists and turns leading to a surprise ending. Enjoyed this latest in the series!

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella and her dog Rex are involved in a murder mystery just before the Strawberry Festival. There is a lot of twist and turns to this intriguing read. A enjoyable read .