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Waverly Beach Cozy Mystery #2
Motive: Waverly Beach Mystery Series
Jane Cho is a former legal investigator who returned to the seaside town of Waverly, MA to run a takeout food shop, Comfort & Joy, and to live a quiet, safer life. Jane is a cousin to David, who was in TRUST and their grandfather also has a strong supporting role, as the retired town sheriff. David's best friend, Jake, who was also a main character in TRUST, is the current sheriff. Jane is enjoying the simpler life, but she was a really good legal investigator (think Kalinda from the Good Wife), before moving to Waverly, after someone she was investigating tried to kill her. She thought everything was behind her as that person was convicted and is behind bars. But one peaceful morning, Jane stumbles over a dead body while taking out the trash. The dead woman ran a nearby bed and breakfast and had been threatened by Jane's thriving new business and had even filed suit the previous week to try and shut her down. Stranger still, someone sends Jane a cryptic message and it's not clear if he is trying to warn her or impress her with his efforts to make her problems disappear.
170 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2015
909 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
About the author
Pamela M. Kelley
51 books2,884 followersPamela M. Kelley is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of women's fiction, family sagas, and suspense. Readers often describe her books as feel-good reads with people you'd want as friends.
She lives in a historic seaside town near Cape Cod and just south of Boston. She has always been an avid reader of women's fiction, romance, mysteries, thrillers and cook books. There's also a good chance you might get hungry when you read her books as she is a foodie, and occasionally shares a recipe or two. :)
She lives in a historic seaside town near Cape Cod and just south of Boston. She has always been an avid reader of women's fiction, romance, mysteries, thrillers and cook books. There's also a good chance you might get hungry when you read her books as she is a foodie, and occasionally shares a recipe or two. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
December 5, 2021
Beach Read Alert! Quaint, easy whodunits...nothing fancy, no side drama...A plain Jane of mystery novels!
March 11, 2023
Motive by Pamela Kelley [Pamela M. Kelley]
Waverly Beach Cozy Mystery #2
3h 53m narrated by Erin DeWard, 171 pages
Genre: Mystery > Cozy Mystery
Featuring: Small-Town Massachusetts, Murder, Cooking, Homecoming Trope, PTSD, Investigator Turned Chef, Investigation, Cooking, Detective, Illogical Rules and Procedures, Family, Asian Heroine
Rating as a movie: R for adult content and language
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
My thoughts: You most definitely have to read the 1st book first, there are a lot of connections here. MC is the cousin of the LI of the MC in the first book, so grandpa is back with a bigger role and the same detective as before costars. The story is lacking, and the motives and thought processes are elementary, but for some reason, I enjoyed this book more than the last one. I guess because it's a cozy book all of its flaws are irrelevant.
Recommend to others?: Only if you like cheese.
Waverly Beach Cozy Mystery #2
3h 53m narrated by Erin DeWard, 171 pages
Genre: Mystery > Cozy Mystery
Featuring: Small-Town Massachusetts, Murder, Cooking, Homecoming Trope, PTSD, Investigator Turned Chef, Investigation, Cooking, Detective, Illogical Rules and Procedures, Family, Asian Heroine
Rating as a movie: R for adult content and language
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
My thoughts: You most definitely have to read the 1st book first, there are a lot of connections here. MC is the cousin of the LI of the MC in the first book, so grandpa is back with a bigger role and the same detective as before costars. The story is lacking, and the motives and thought processes are elementary, but for some reason, I enjoyed this book more than the last one. I guess because it's a cozy book all of its flaws are irrelevant.
Recommend to others?: Only if you like cheese.
November 13, 2021
3.5 rounded up
July 21, 2020
2.5/5 Stars
Motive was a decent read. I guess I just don't feel any really strong emotions with this book. I would probably be a bit more excited if I thought we'd get to read more about the characters and actually see a relationship evolve but it doesn't look like there are any more books in this series and I still have questions. And it irritated me that .
I like Jane, and unlike a lot of other mystery series where the heroine decides to start investigating a murder, she actually has a legitimate background, and she doesn't shove her way into the investigation or put herself in unnecessary danger which will automatically make me like her, and think of her as a rational human being. But she doesn't have a lot of personality, though the same could be said of literally every other character in the book - except Gramps. Or maybe it was the writing. It's possible that over the course of more books things could have developed more with the characters and their relationships. Jake got very little screen time for the lead detective/love interest. And in fact Jane and Jake got little screen time together period. So, yeah.
The mystery part was mildly interesting, but not mind-blowing. This book did have two separate plot lines going that did end up intertwining, but I feel like it ended really abruptly. Like the author intended on continuing with the series, or just got tired of it and stopped. There weren't any real surprise plot twists or suspense/danger and I don't feel like we got a proper wrap up.
Trigger Warning:
POV:
HEA:
Sexual themes:
Cliffhanger:
P.S. You may get hungry after reading this book. I am now craving Pizza and muffins.
Motive was a decent read. I guess I just don't feel any really strong emotions with this book. I would probably be a bit more excited if I thought we'd get to read more about the characters and actually see a relationship evolve but it doesn't look like there are any more books in this series and I still have questions. And it irritated me that .
I like Jane, and unlike a lot of other mystery series where the heroine decides to start investigating a murder, she actually has a legitimate background, and she doesn't shove her way into the investigation or put herself in unnecessary danger which will automatically make me like her, and think of her as a rational human being. But she doesn't have a lot of personality, though the same could be said of literally every other character in the book - except Gramps. Or maybe it was the writing. It's possible that over the course of more books things could have developed more with the characters and their relationships. Jake got very little screen time for the lead detective/love interest. And in fact Jane and Jake got little screen time together period. So, yeah.
The mystery part was mildly interesting, but not mind-blowing. This book did have two separate plot lines going that did end up intertwining, but I feel like it ended really abruptly. Like the author intended on continuing with the series, or just got tired of it and stopped. There weren't any real surprise plot twists or suspense/danger and I don't feel like we got a proper wrap up.
Trigger Warning:
POV:
HEA:
Sexual themes:
Cliffhanger:
P.S. You may get hungry after reading this book. I am now craving Pizza and muffins.
January 22, 2022
I loved the series. Please write another one!
The book is an enjoyable evening read. Ms. Kelley writes great books. Her character development and plots are exceptional! I love the characters of Gramps and Jake. The first book in the series, Trust, was wonderful. The second nook, Motive, may be better. I had narrowed down the suspects in the murder. I didn't know for sure until the last three chapters. The romantic secondary plot was enjoyable. I am hooked. I want another book in the series!
The book is an enjoyable evening read. Ms. Kelley writes great books. Her character development and plots are exceptional! I love the characters of Gramps and Jake. The first book in the series, Trust, was wonderful. The second nook, Motive, may be better. I had narrowed down the suspects in the murder. I didn't know for sure until the last three chapters. The romantic secondary plot was enjoyable. I am hooked. I want another book in the series!
September 16, 2020
Motive
Fun read. Great characters, I especially like Gramps, he makes for a good fool when needed. Great storyline. Murder is murder is murder & if it solved in a way you feel part of it, it's an enjoyable ride.
Thanks for a great read, murder is not pretty; thank you for not allowing it to be uglier than it was. Good read. Enjoy.
Fun read. Great characters, I especially like Gramps, he makes for a good fool when needed. Great storyline. Murder is murder is murder & if it solved in a way you feel part of it, it's an enjoyable ride.
Thanks for a great read, murder is not pretty; thank you for not allowing it to be uglier than it was. Good read. Enjoy.
April 13, 2024
I was gifted a copy of this book
This series contains 2 books only and I'm sure the author could have chosen another name than Melissa for Jane's assistant since we'd already had one Melissa in book #1. This book is shorter so there's less thrilling suspense going around, almost none in fact. No one is in danger - except the deceased - and no one is afraid. There's hardly any mystery since you can pick-up the villains almost at the beginning. I found Jane highly unprofessional and naïve for an investigator (think "he's cute he can't be a murderer" and tells police secrets). The timing of David and Lauren's marriage is off too. One time the murder in the other book was a few years ago, then D&L were married only one year; it all happened at the same time. When Jane talks about this it's like she's saying Lauren was the culprit by saying in the same breath that she was the victim's teacher and murderers happen to be people close to you. The story didn't interest me as much as the other one; there was more romancing and gambling than investigating and nothing that was obvious came as a lead, which should have.
This series contains 2 books only and I'm sure the author could have chosen another name than Melissa for Jane's assistant since we'd already had one Melissa in book #1. This book is shorter so there's less thrilling suspense going around, almost none in fact. No one is in danger - except the deceased - and no one is afraid. There's hardly any mystery since you can pick-up the villains almost at the beginning. I found Jane highly unprofessional and naïve for an investigator (think "he's cute he can't be a murderer" and tells police secrets). The timing of David and Lauren's marriage is off too. One time the murder in the other book was a few years ago, then D&L were married only one year; it all happened at the same time. When Jane talks about this it's like she's saying Lauren was the culprit by saying in the same breath that she was the victim's teacher and murderers happen to be people close to you. The story didn't interest me as much as the other one; there was more romancing and gambling than investigating and nothing that was obvious came as a lead, which should have.
October 6, 2025
Great Read and Series
This was a great second book for this series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and really enjoy this author. If you’re on the fence about reading this book I would definitely suggest going for it. I believe you will enjoy it as well. If you haven’t already read the first book, Trust, I suggest reading it first as some of the characters overlap and you won’t want to miss out on that. This author is fantastic and I highly recommend you read any and all of her books. I have been reading by publication date, oldest to most recent and have yet to be disappointed. Grab a cup of tea, coffee, or wine…tucker in and enjoy!
This was a great second book for this series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and really enjoy this author. If you’re on the fence about reading this book I would definitely suggest going for it. I believe you will enjoy it as well. If you haven’t already read the first book, Trust, I suggest reading it first as some of the characters overlap and you won’t want to miss out on that. This author is fantastic and I highly recommend you read any and all of her books. I have been reading by publication date, oldest to most recent and have yet to be disappointed. Grab a cup of tea, coffee, or wine…tucker in and enjoy!
January 6, 2023
Easy read but lots of mistakes
Once I get on a ln author I usually read every book of theirs. I started with Pamela Kelley back in the fall and have found numerous mistakes but the one in this book has been the biggest yet. The victim in the book has a stepsister, Maxine, who she no longer got along with. After the initial mention of Maxine apparently it was forgotten that she was the stepsister because then she was referred to as friend and they had met at a yoga class. Umm what??
Once I get on a ln author I usually read every book of theirs. I started with Pamela Kelley back in the fall and have found numerous mistakes but the one in this book has been the biggest yet. The victim in the book has a stepsister, Maxine, who she no longer got along with. After the initial mention of Maxine apparently it was forgotten that she was the stepsister because then she was referred to as friend and they had met at a yoga class. Umm what??
July 19, 2024
I got the audio version of this book from the library. I cannot stand the old man's voice. the reader made it like he is about to die even though he is actively enjoying his life!
I read her other book with the same reader, in that one the voice was for an old woman. I had the same thought but since it was an old woman I felt it was ok. But this one, it is grandpa and he is in every part of the book, I cannot stand it.
read the first few pages, and the last few pages, and few pages in the middle, enough is enough!
I read her other book with the same reader, in that one the voice was for an old woman. I had the same thought but since it was an old woman I felt it was ok. But this one, it is grandpa and he is in every part of the book, I cannot stand it.
read the first few pages, and the last few pages, and few pages in the middle, enough is enough!
Read
April 4, 2020Motive was a good story
I truly enjoyed this story. The only thing is I wish she had put some more of the chargers that were in the first book. Looking forward to reading another of her books. It's always fun to read a different author.. Motive was good but I really enjoyed the trust story.
I truly enjoyed this story. The only thing is I wish she had put some more of the chargers that were in the first book. Looking forward to reading another of her books. It's always fun to read a different author.. Motive was good but I really enjoyed the trust story.
October 14, 2020
Jane Cho owns a breakfast and lunch place. She is a former legal investigator. She is taking out the trash one morning when she finds a dead body near her dumpster.
She has her grandfather, a retired detective to help her discover the killer.
The story is short and lacking depth of characters and clues.
She has her grandfather, a retired detective to help her discover the killer.
The story is short and lacking depth of characters and clues.
June 10, 2021
A very fun read
This is the second book that I've read Bye Pamela Kelly I really enjoyed her writing The it's intriguing Characters or well Developed In delightful I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a ood mystery with wonderful people and the endings are excellent also thank you again for very good read
This is the second book that I've read Bye Pamela Kelly I really enjoyed her writing The it's intriguing Characters or well Developed In delightful I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a ood mystery with wonderful people and the endings are excellent also thank you again for very good read
August 12, 2021
Gambling and Murder
Jane returns to Waverly to be closer to her grandfather and find relief after a near brush with death. Jamie opens a breakfast and lunch cafe to find the peace and contentment she has been searching for. Jamie has given up the investigation but I or so she thinks.
Jane returns to Waverly to be closer to her grandfather and find relief after a near brush with death. Jamie opens a breakfast and lunch cafe to find the peace and contentment she has been searching for. Jamie has given up the investigation but I or so she thinks.
October 27, 2018
Very enjoyable! Nice plot, great characters. It is nice when a series, with keeping the same characters, introduces a new main character. It keeps it fresh, and I hope to see more books in this series!
October 23, 2019
Good read.
Kind of a convoluted story Hong all the end together !!fAirly good characters. Gramps is by far .I vERY favorite character!!!!!.I like Jake and Jamie together ..A!I in all a great, easy read!!Good job!!
Kind of a convoluted story Hong all the end together !!fAirly good characters. Gramps is by far .I vERY favorite character!!!!!.I like Jake and Jamie together ..A!I in all a great, easy read!!Good job!!
January 2, 2020
Good book not as exciting as the first one but enough to keep you reading.
Very good book, enjoyed and was suprised with a few turn of events Jake is going to be falling soon hopefully. Great read would recommend this book.
Very good book, enjoyed and was suprised with a few turn of events Jake is going to be falling soon hopefully. Great read would recommend this book.
February 25, 2020
Excitement from the first psge
Could not put either book down... .Motive and Trust are both great books
loved the Characters and the interconnects story ljnes. Hope there is more to come on this series!
Could not put either book down... .Motive and Trust are both great books
loved the Characters and the interconnects story ljnes. Hope there is more to come on this series!
July 16, 2020
I like Pamela Kelley's style of writing; easy reading keeps my interest. Most of all I enjoyed the story because I had read #1 in her series of books and this had some of the same characters but introduced new characters providing new twists. Kept my interest right to the end!
July 24, 2020
Another winner
Loved trust. I loved the story and how they got the killer. It left you hanging about the guy in prison but I guess we will find out in another book what happens there
Loved trust. I loved the story and how they got the killer. It left you hanging about the guy in prison but I guess we will find out in another book what happens there
September 30, 2020
A bit dull, plot line was nothing exciting. Police seemed to barely investigate and all the pieces fell into place too easily. I like the characters and really enjoyed the first in this series...maybe that’s why this was a disappointment. Luckily it was short and the narrator did a good job.
November 19, 2020
Love the grandfather character in this book - a mystery is solved when a grandfather and his granddaughter, an experienced investigator turned bake shop owner , find a dead body behind her shop - easy but interesting read!!
May 5, 2021
Very Good
This one does include some outside investigators, so more my style than the first. I would like to see a bit more character development as even the crossover characters, I don't feel like I know. It is a good story, though.
This one does include some outside investigators, so more my style than the first. I would like to see a bit more character development as even the crossover characters, I don't feel like I know. It is a good story, though.
May 31, 2021
A Great Mystery Book!
This was a really good book with a lot of the same characters as the first on Trust I enjoyed it.It had murder mystery and same gambling and maybe a love interest I read this book really quickly I think anyone will like it to.
This was a really good book with a lot of the same characters as the first on Trust I enjoyed it.It had murder mystery and same gambling and maybe a love interest I read this book really quickly I think anyone will like it to.
June 15, 2021
This is a spin-off of her other novel, Trust. Motive focuses on Jane Cho, a former prosecutor turn restaurant owner. One morning she finds a body out by her dumpster. She asks her grandfather, a retired Sheriff, for help. As well as Jake, the current Sheriff.
July 29, 2021
Slow moving mystery. Good for going to sleep. Not much character development and the plot was simplistic
Mildly interesting if you have nothing else to read.
Somewhat short on details for running a coffee shop. Character relationships were trite and similar to other stories
Mildly interesting if you have nothing else to read.
Somewhat short on details for running a coffee shop. Character relationships were trite and similar to other stories
October 26, 2021
More to come?
A good story and characters but a bit slow....until the end when it ended too abruptly. Gotta love Grandpa! Will there be another book to continue the story of Drummond? That mystery wasn't answered.
A good story and characters but a bit slow....until the end when it ended too abruptly. Gotta love Grandpa! Will there be another book to continue the story of Drummond? That mystery wasn't answered.
December 3, 2021
Same town as first book "Trust" by this author. Some of the same characters and a few new ones but related to the other characters. Another murder where the "good" character is possible suspect. A very quick read.
April 13, 2022
A “light” murder mystery. I am not one to read murder mysteries which is perhaps why I am enjoying this series by Pamela Kelley. An easy read, a little romance and an endearing Granddad add to this story.
August 31, 2022
Started reading this book because I wanted a quick read, instead it took me a few days because I didn't even want to pick it up to continue reading. I don't want to be super negative in my reviews, but I did not enjoy anything about this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews