Murder, Mystery and Festivals: A Small Town Cozy Murder Mystery

by A.P. Wells

301 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2026

Reviews

[Terri]

It's time for the much anticipated Autumn Festival in Cedar Ridge. Everything is going well until the body of festival organizer Gerald is found! Bookstore owner Hazel, her puppy Watson and her best friend Tilly jump into the investigation. The main problem is that everyone in town has a motive! Can Hazel find the killer before the festival ends and the killer disappears for good? What more can you ask for...a fun mystery with a little danger, a quirky best friend, an adorable mischievous puppy and a touch of romance! Don't miss this one!

[Marietta]

The story takes place in Cedar Ridge during the autumn festival. When the hated festival organizer Gerald turn up murdered and found in one of the rides. Everyone start to think who it could be that murdered him. Hazel Winslow and her dog Watson think they know who is guilty, but they can not prove it yet. Hazel’s old high school bully has come to town as well and she is a famous actress Victoria Phillips who has not really change since high school, but Hazel can not figure out what she is up to yet. She was the last person that anyone saw with Gerald. And because Hazel has been so focussed on Victoria that she is missing a few things that could get her killed. Victoria came to town to try and make herself look better as her husband is divorcing her as he found she was having an affair with someone. So, she came back to her hometown to do a documentary and try to make herself look better to her fans and brings her own film crew with her. While Hazel, her best friend and her dog are trying to figure out who is behind the murder, there is another murder and it looks more like it was Victoria has done it. When Victoria finds out that Hazel is an amateur detective who help the police solve murder and Victoria wants to compete with Hazel and show her fans that she can really do her job not just act it out on TV. But there are just so many unanswered question about both murders. I love how the author can keep everyone attention on trying to find the murderer. There are lots of twist and turns involving everyone that you just can not put the book down until you figure out it could be. I am looking forward to A.P. Wells next book to see what she will do.

[Susan]

bullies are gonna bully
Murder, Mystery and Festivals by A. P. Wells

The Autumn Festival brings pumpkin spice, tourists, and the kind of chaos Hazel Winslow never quite signs up for but always ends up neck‑deep in. Cedar Ridge is buzzing, Watson is thrilled with all the new people to charm, and Tilly is in her element. Then festival organizer Gerald turns up murdered and suddenly every smiling face in town looks like a suspect.

This installment leans into the idea that sometimes the past comes back swinging. Hazel’s run‑in with her childhood bully felt painfully realistic. Bullies grow up, but the entitlement often doesn’t, and the book captured that perfectly. Victoria’s behavior was a masterclass in self‑importance, and watching Hazel navigate that dynamic added a sharp edge to the cozy chaos.

The dual festivals running side by side added humor and a bit of delightful small‑town absurdity. Watson’s “you can’t catch me” energy made me laugh because I have dogs and cats who pull the same stunt every chance they get. Hazel’s hot‑and‑cold tension with the sheriff continues to simmer, and it definitely has potential.

The mystery itself kept me guessing until about three‑quarters of the way through. It was entertaining, familiar in a comforting way, and exactly what I expect from Hazel and Watson’s adventures. I’m looking forward to seeing how her bookstore turns out once it is finally restored, and I’m always ready for whatever trouble Cedar Ridge cooks up next.

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

[Lynda]

Hazel, Tilly, and Watson are getting ready for the Autumn Festival. Tilly at her bakery and Hazel at the bookstore. Hazel is having a problem with one of the festivals chair people, Gerald, because he said her display was too big and pulls it down, wads it up, and throws it toward the trash. Hazel straightens it out and using his measure sees that the end of it isn't perfect and her display was fine. He tries to pick a fight while putting his recorder in her face which is one of his favorite things. Too bad that the girls find out that he is found murdered in one of the ferris wheel pods. Gerald is only one of the things driving Hazel crazy when her high school bully shows up with a camera crew to show the world that she is just a regular person. The face to the camera and to Hazel are two different things and Hazel is upset that she let her get to her again as an adult. She is running around through the the Autumn Festival and the Renaissance Festival, that are going at the same time, enjoying the people's attention since she is a TV Star now.
Hazel has always been an amateur detective and now Victoria says she will solve the murder before Hazel does and manages to put all kind of roadblocks in her way. Things are definitely hidden in this story and when you figure it out it is a surprise!
I received an arc and this is my review.

[Kristen]

I’m always happy to spend some time with Hazel and company, and this installment was no exception! Hazel continues to be so endearing and relatable, and Tilly is still the BEST best friend. Her super-secret commando disguise was brilliant and the whole business with the walkie-talkies was hilarious. 😂 As always, Watson ups the cute factor!

It was really nice getting to spend more time with Shaw and learn a little more about him. I also loved how unimpressed he was with Victoria and how he subtly had Hazel’s back. Those little moments really added to the story for me.

One thing I really appreciate about Ms. Wells’ books is how Hazel expresses (or thinks) things that are just so true for so many of us. And once again, Ms. Wells comes up with some of the best metaphors and similes ever. 😂

The plot was fun, dynamic, and had that perfect mix of suspense, heart, and humor. Ms. Wells’ writing style just lines up perfectly with my sense of humor and the kind of stories I enjoy reading.

Another fun visit with Hazel and friends, and naturally, I’m already looking forward to the next installment!.

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

[Baby Girl]

Another great cozy mystery starring the fluffiest, cutest, goofy, doggy ever. High school is notorious for highlighting those who love to bully others. Victoria was Hazel's nemesis in high school and made the high school experience for Hazel rough. One would think that as adults, bullies would change, but not Victoria. In this cozy mystery, someone is killing victims left and right and the evidence points towards Victoria. But not all is as it seems. Enter Hazel, Winslow, Tilly, and Shaw and the pieces start coming together. The real culprit was not who I expected and I was stunned. With Watson's hilarious antics and Hazel's persistence the real suspect is caught and the bully grateful although still a bully. I was in stitches at some of the antics from Watson and Tilly, Hazel's BFF. At times, my husband would look at me ask, if I was okay because I was giggling so much. What is next for this cast of misfits? Who knows, but I can't wait to read what they get themselves into.. Also, I would love for Detective Shaw and Hazel to connect as a couple. I agree with Tilly, they would be perfect for each other!!!! Even Watson agrees😁😂😃

[Stacey]

This is book 6 in the series and let me tell you, I just can't get enough of Hazel and Winston. Anyone who loves a fun cozy mystery should be reading this series.
Actress Victoria Phillips, who bullied Hazel in school, arrives in town and is still the mean girl she once was. Not long after her arrival, Gerald, the organizer of the Autumn Festival is murdered. He is so unliked that it's not easy to figure out who disliked him more. King Arthur from the Renaissance Fair, Victoria Phillips the actress, or many other characters. I loved getting to know each suspect. Some I liked, some looked guilty, some were scary, some were just strange. Hazel, Tilly, Winston and Shaw do some great investigating. Shaw! I hope that there is a little romance coming for Hazel!
I love how we keep getting to know that main characters better and better. I will always love Winston the best!
The cover art is always fabulous with sweet fluffy Winston. Kudos to whoever is designing them.

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

[GinaB.]

I have really enjoyed this series with Hazel Winslow & fluffy dog Watson since I laugh & smile as I read what they get into. All 7 books (yes, I’m counting the prequel) have been great & I’m looking already forward to the next one! In this book, Hazel’s bookstore & her bestie Tilly’s bakery, Tilly’s Treats, are ready for the Autumn Festival in Cedar Ridge. Both ladies (and several others) argued with the knucklehead festival organizer. When he turns up dead in the ferris wheel during the festival, Victoria Phillips vows to find the killer in front of Homicide Detective Rowan Shaw & her documentary crew she took to her hometown to polish her image. She’s an award-winning actress who plays a detective on a tv show that is close to being cancelled & bullied Hazel when they were in school. Hazel hates her & when Victoria walks into her bookstore with her film crew & repeats she’ll find the killer, Hazel decides to beat her to the punch. So who finds the killer first? Read the book to find out! I got this funny cozy mystery as an ARC from Book Sprout & this is my honest review.

[Gina Maria]

I am officially declaring this my favorite book in the series!
If you thought you were going to casually breeze through this story, think again. The twist? Hit me so hard I literally had to slam my Kindle down and be like how do I not see these things coming. Ever!
The plot was absolute peak chaos and danger. I swear, if our favorite white floofy king gets put into danger one more time, my heart can’t take it. Leave the floof alone!
The cozy fall aesthetics were 10/10. The fall vibes and festival scenes felt like sipping a warm hot latte while the mayhem just unfolded around you.
And the cover, also possibly my fave too. Watson and his pumpkin spice latte? I need this printed on a billboard and framed above my bed immediately.
As for the characters, Victoria gained instant, unfiltered, zero hesitation hate. Not a fan, mean girl. But Shaw, Awwwww Shaw. Pure protection mode activated.
This book is a 5-star read. Can’t wait for the next release. Get this on your Fall TBR now!

[Brenda]

I absolutely love every book I’ve read from this author so far and this one is another one added to my loved list. A not so nice man Gerald is found murdered in the Ferris Wheel and in steps a bully of a woman Victoria who plays a detective on TV but isn’t one in real life, she starts threatening Hazel because they had a past that Hazel would like to forget about. Hazel and her friend Tilly and Hazel’s cute and fluffy dog Watson are prepared to go thru all the clues and suspects to figure out who did it before the evil witch Victoria figures it out. This was another awesome cozy mystery in this series that kept me turning the pages and wanting to read more. Can’t wait for the next one!.

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

[Ingrid Gail]

Sixth book in this series and Hazel and Watson, together with Tilly try to solve the murder of a festival organizer. The character of Victoria was one I instantly disliked, so I rooted extra for Hazel to find who dunnit.
I chuckled several times over Watson's antics and description of his looks. I love that little floofball!

I loved the developing relationship between Shaw and Hazel, can't wait to see it develop more.

I did know the culprit at about three quarter way in, but still wanted to read about the background. It was exciting right till the conclusion of the book.

I love this series!.

[Mrs K.Bryant]

Murder, Mystery and Festivals is a Superb story and series about Hazel Winslow a Bookstore Owner and Amateur sleuth and her puppy Watson and her friend Tilly. There are two Festivals on the same weekend. The Autumn Festival event organiser was found dead and Homicide Detective Rowan Shaw comes to investigate. Hazel and Tilly also look into the mystery.
There are many twists and turns throughout and surprising events. 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 story and series.

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

[Mzlegz]

Double the trouble

Hazel and Tilly reminded me of Lucy and Ethel especially when they had those walkie-talkies!! That was a LOL moment with more between the pages. Total comedy hour the way those two kept making and finding trouble. I loved Watson's personality and the funny narration of events from his point of view. Someone should have told the bully to have several seats and to leave all that ugly in the rearview! I enjoyed the twists and turns this story took and have to catch up on the rest of the series!

I received a free review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Brenda]

A festival gome wrong and a dead man. Who was the culprit and what was the reason Bookstore owner Hazel Winslow expected it to be all pumpkin spiced lattes and smiles. Her fluffy white puppy Watson loves tourists, and her gossipy best friend Tilly is happy too. Can they solve this mystery before getting themselves killed too?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book

[Eric Colard]

A. P. Wells is back. Hazel is Hazel and the story is riveting. The last book felt like it was written by someone else, but now it's Hazel and Watson and Linda and it feels like coming home. Snuggling up on the couch and reading the book in one setting. I just hope that the next books will be as outstanding as this one. All praise for A. P. Wells and Murder, Mystery and Festivals.

[Linda Hawkins]

This is the 1st book I've read in this series and it took me a while to get into it.
The main character, Hazel, seems almost bewildered as she tries to solve a murder. The clues she follows usually backfire and she ends up putting both herself and best friend in danger.
Not your usual intrepid amateur detective.

This was an ARC copy.

[Jasmine]

The series just keeps getting better. Always love the comic relief of Tilly and the antics of Watson. Hazel is pretty funny despite being on the shy side. Love how we got to see and learn more about Shaw. Can't wait for the next book.

[Beverley Ammeter]

Another wonderful, sassy adventure with Hazel, Tilly and of course Watson. This book has everything a cozy mystery lover could want.
I received my copy as an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.

[Patricia Long]

Murder, Mystery and Festival is a fun read. It’s fall, y’all….pumpkin everything and festivals. Mystery, chaos, danger and plenty of suspects. Watson is such a cute bundle of fur. I enjoyed it and recommend it.

[Lea-Maria Maalouf]

okay so i just realized i read the last book in a 6 books series oops!

but it was a fun fast-paced book. it’s perfect if you just want a short book to pass the time, that is cozy, and also a little ridiculous.

i’ll read the 5 first books for the fun of it