Deadly Cleanup in Driftwood Bay: A Harper and Biscuit Cozy Mystery

by Susan Blake

A beach cleanup, a buried body, and a killer still watching.

When Harper Wynn, a former true crime podcaster, signs up for “Shoreline Saturday Beach Cleanup” in Driftwood Bay, she expects a sunburn and dirty water bottles—not a body in the dunes. But when her search-and-rescue dog, Biscuit, locks onto a scent that leads straight to a partially buried body, Harper’s quiet reset turns into a full-blown murder investigation.

Event consultant Gavin Croft is dead. He knew something worth killing for.

Gavin attempted to stall zoning permits for tattoo studio owner Mars Vega and threatened to sabotage gallery owner Rue Drake’s reputation.

Blackmail, threats, and small-town grudges quickly put half the town on Harper’s suspect list.

Harper finds herself facing a suspect who is polished, persuasive—and always three steps ahead. Deputy Cole Mercer would prefer Harper stay far from the danger, but in a town where everyone knows everyone, staying out of it isn’t an option.

The killer knows she’s getting close.

Accidents are easy to stage…and Harper could be next.

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 13, 2026

Reviews

[Maranda Hernandez]

This Harper and Biscuit Cozy Mystery is good, but not great (and I probably should have suspected something from the long title).


The prologue isn't a prologue, and is more of what one would find on the jacket or back cover of a physical book. It's just a description of what we are going to get into, without revealing officially who the villain is. Until the second chapter, when the prologue's language and the end of the second chapter combine. Then it's basically all given away. Almost. Close enough to make reading the rest of the story boring.


I received a free ARC copy of this book, and didn't know it was the fourth book in the series, due to the title and description, but with how little history we are given on the characters, motives, and why Harper is allowed to act like a cop/detective when she is supposedly just a podcaster, it really left a lot to be desired.


This isn't like Sherlock Holmes or Judge Dee, where little to no backstory is needed to understand why people act the way they do towards the heroine and her sidekick. There is a lot of emotion and charged energy happening, as well as a plethora of characters you need to memorize and not mix up, who are introduced quickly and brought around in almost every chapter. So, I don't think this should be considered a stand alone, even though it is supposed to be considered to be such, and I highly recommend reading these in order.


I have yet to read the first one, but I most likely will, just to see if things will make more sense if I do.

[Rachel]

Good, clean, light mystery

This book sets the scene in a coastal town, where the main character had retreated to heal from personal tragedy. In returning home, she stumbles upon a dead body with her faithful pup, and the game is afoot.

Likes: The colorful descriptions throughout the story. Susan Blake paints a very detailed picture in her scenes. She also does a good job of showing community inter-connectedness, which seems to be quite pivotal to her story (stories?).

Dislikes: There seemed to be quite a few repeated phrases or at least similar enough that it felt a little cookie-cutter. (Her dog leaning gently on her leg for example.) I also felt there was not much given for back story amongst most of the characters. SPOILER ALERT- We are told that Harper's husband passes away, but I genuinely do not recall a single detail being given regarding this at all. Also, the entire time, I could not figure out why the police would be willing to discuss any type of case details with her, as it does not appear that she is a law enforcement officer of any type, nor is she listed or suggested as a consultant SPOILER ALERT until almost the very end of the book.

If this is intended as a stand- alone, I would appreciate more background. If it's intended to be part of a larger series, that info would be helpful.

[Danielle Bush]

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery!

We first see Harper and her awesome dog Biscuit as they arrive for beach clean-up day. Biscuit ends up catching a scent while they are walking on the beach, and it turns out to be a body. The body of a guy that it turns out pretty much the entire town had issues with. ( I love it when everyone has a motive!) I loved the way Harper noticed things were off with a certain person right away. She is good at seeing patterns in behavior, I mean, really good, and thankfully, while they don't want her in the middle of an investigation, the police do listen when she has something to say.

There was no wasted page space in this; every moment and clue led to the next thing, and this kept the pacing at the perfect momentum.

I loved the relationship between Harper and her friends, and the potential budding relationship between her and the detective. I had a lot of fun with this, and will definitely be reading the rest of the books in the series

[Mrs K.Bryant]

Deadly Cleanup in Driftwood Bay is a Superb story and series about Harper Wynn a Former True Crime Podcaster and came back to town with Biscuit a Search and Rescue Dog. They were taking part in the Beach Clean-up when Biscuit discovered a dead body. Harper contacted Deputy Cole Mercer who comes to investigate with Deputy Rogers. Harper and Biscuit with help her friends Nate a Restaurant Owner, Mars a Tattooist, Evan an IT Wiz who were also part of the Beach Clean-up to look for patterns. But what will be uncovered and can they discover the truth?
I enjoyed reading this story very much and I highly recommend that you read this book and series.

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

[Kyra Jones]

I really liked this setup because it takes something as innocent as a beach cleanup and turns it into the beginning of a dangerous murder investigation. Harper is a strong and interesting main character, especially with her true crime background and Biscuit her trusty companion by her side. I loved how the small-town had that mystery atmosphere, where everyone seems to have something to hide and grudges that can quickly become motives for murder. The growing danger that is surrounding Harper kept the story feeling intense, and I really wanted to know who was behind it all. A fun mystery for readers who enjoy small towns, secrets, suspicious characters, and a little danger mixed into their cozy setting

[Rebecca]

I received this as an advanced reading copy and am leaving an honest review.

This was my first introduction to this series, and I read it in one sitting! I loved the setting of Driftwood Bay, a small coastal town where a body is found during a beach clean up day. Harper and Biscuit make such a great team, and I loved the developing romance between Harper and Cole! Some of the dialogue was a bit repetitive, but otherwise I loved everything about this read. The pacing was excellent, and the suspense/mystery kept me on the edge of my seat. I would definitely recommend for any cozy mystery lover!

[Nancy]

This is the first in a cozy mystery series featuring Harper and her trained service dog Biscuit. Harper returns to her home town following the death of her husband and works to feel a part of it again. Her father is the sheriff and she has experience solving murders. When there is a murder, it doesn’t take long for Harper to suspect the identify of the killer and the story follows up on all the tests and steps necessary to prove whether she is right or wrong. Despite her father’s desire that she stay safe, she can’t help using her knowledge and her dog to provide information.

[Lynda]

Harper and Biscuit got drafted to help with the Driftwood Bay beach cleanup and as they are assigned to their areas and get started Biscuit suddenly goes on alert and drags Harper to an area in the sand that wasn't what it was supposed to be like. There is a sleeve hanging out of it and it just happens to be a person. Not a great start on the day! So immediately a call to Deputy Cole and the investigation starts. Good story and Biscuit finds the clues just at the right time.
I received an arc and this is my review.

[Crystal]

I am a sucker for the beach, dogs, small towns and murder so this was short, sweet, to the point and enjoyable as anything! Apparently one of a series, (currently 4 books) Harper and her search and rescue dog Biscuit attend a beach clean up day and get more than they bargained for, in the form of a body buried in the dunes. Harper, accompanied by the local sheriff's office and Biscuit of course, helps solve the murder.

I look forward to reading the previous three and hopefully more to come!

[Ben Bryan]

Really fun cozy mystery!!. only reason it's not 5 stars is some of the "interrogation" type scenes felt very back-and-forth-y, like question, one word answer, question, one word answer... got a little repetitive by chapter 10 or so. but the vibes and the cast more than made up for it, Mars was probably my favorite

[John George]

Deadly Cleanup in Driftwood Bay is a charming cozy mystery with a perfect mix of small-town warmth and intriguing suspense. Susan Blake creates memorable characters, and Harper and Biscuit’s partnership adds plenty of heart to the investigation. The mystery unfolds at a comfortable pace with enough twists to keep you interested. A fun and relaxing read for cozy mystery fans.

[Michaela Ullman]

My second book by this author.

Susan Blake slowly pulls you in and gets you hooked. Following around Harper and her loyal scent detecting dog biscuit is entertaining. Putting the pieces together and understanding the patterns is crazy how Harper does it. She may not be one, but being a detective is in her dna.

[Trina]

Love me a cozy mystery with an animal in it. What more could you need than beach, murder, a cute animal and a female main character who shouldn't be investigating but somehow is anyways. The story is written well and does a good job of pulling you into the story.

[Barbara Kaake]

This was a great story about Harper and her dog biscuit who helps solve a murder on the beach and getting who done with suspense and drama. Thank you for this awesome story.

[Lee Brothers]

You know immediately who they suspect so you have to wonder if that's right. You have to read it to find out. A fun read with some twisted moments.