What do you think?
Rate this book
Sage Gardens #1-4
Sage Gardens Series Vol 1
This box set includes the first 4 books in the Sage Gardens Cozy Mystery Series:
Birthdays Can Be Deadly
The retirement village, Sage Gardens, has villas set amidst beautiful, lush gardens surrounding a sparkling, blue lake. Everything is peaceful in the small, secure retirement community.
That is until a resident, James, dies at his birthday party. Given his age it is presumed that he died of natural causes, but foul play is suspected and three residents join forces to try and uncover the truth. Although they are retired they use their skills and experiences from their professions as a detective, crime journalist, and accountant in the search for the murderer. But first they have to work out who a mysterious, yet familiar resident is.
Just who is the mystery resident and will she prove to be an ally or foe? Will the ‘Sage Gardens Sleuths’ be able to catch the killer before one of them becomes a victim themselves?
Money Can Be Deadly
Samantha is relaxing by the lake enjoying the tranquil surroundings with her early morning cup of tea. The retirement village, Sage Gardens, is beautiful and peaceful at that time of the morning.
But then Sam makes an unexpected discovery on the shores of the lake just before a Sage Garden’s employee turns up dead. The police arrest the perfect murder suspect, but the ‘Sage Gardens Sleuths’ do not believe he did it. The four retirees are on a mission to uncover the truth.
Their investigations lead them directly towards some criminals and puts them in serious danger. Will they be able to find the real murderer before an innocent man spends his life behind bars? Or is the wool being pulled over their eyes and he really is guilty?
Trust Can Be Deadly
The retirement community, Sage Gardens, is usually peaceful and quiet and this morning is no different.
That is until a resident is found murdered in his villa. The ‘Sage Gardens Sleuths’ decide to do a little investigating of their own to help speed up the process of revealing the murderer so that Sage Gardens can be a safe place to live once again. Their investigation leads them down a path they never anticipated and puts some of them in unexpected danger.
Will they be able to catch the killer before one of them gets hurt? Or will they reach a dead end?
Ties Can Be Deadly
Samantha is relaxing by the lake enjoying the tranquil surroundings with her early morning cup of tea. The retirement village, Sage Gardens, is beautiful and peaceful at that time of the morning.
But then Sam makes an unexpected discovery on the shores of the lake just before a Sage Garden’s employee turns up dead. The police arrest the perfect murder suspect, but the ‘Sage Gardens Sleuths’ do not believe he did it. The four retirees are on a mission to uncover the truth.
Their investigations lead them directly towards some criminals and puts them in serious danger. Will they be able to find the real murderer before an innocent man spends his life behind bars? Or is the wool being pulled over their eyes and he really is guilty?
Birthdays Can Be Deadly
The retirement village, Sage Gardens, has villas set amidst beautiful, lush gardens surrounding a sparkling, blue lake. Everything is peaceful in the small, secure retirement community.
That is until a resident, James, dies at his birthday party. Given his age it is presumed that he died of natural causes, but foul play is suspected and three residents join forces to try and uncover the truth. Although they are retired they use their skills and experiences from their professions as a detective, crime journalist, and accountant in the search for the murderer. But first they have to work out who a mysterious, yet familiar resident is.
Just who is the mystery resident and will she prove to be an ally or foe? Will the ‘Sage Gardens Sleuths’ be able to catch the killer before one of them becomes a victim themselves?
Money Can Be Deadly
Samantha is relaxing by the lake enjoying the tranquil surroundings with her early morning cup of tea. The retirement village, Sage Gardens, is beautiful and peaceful at that time of the morning.
But then Sam makes an unexpected discovery on the shores of the lake just before a Sage Garden’s employee turns up dead. The police arrest the perfect murder suspect, but the ‘Sage Gardens Sleuths’ do not believe he did it. The four retirees are on a mission to uncover the truth.
Their investigations lead them directly towards some criminals and puts them in serious danger. Will they be able to find the real murderer before an innocent man spends his life behind bars? Or is the wool being pulled over their eyes and he really is guilty?
Trust Can Be Deadly
The retirement community, Sage Gardens, is usually peaceful and quiet and this morning is no different.
That is until a resident is found murdered in his villa. The ‘Sage Gardens Sleuths’ decide to do a little investigating of their own to help speed up the process of revealing the murderer so that Sage Gardens can be a safe place to live once again. Their investigation leads them down a path they never anticipated and puts some of them in unexpected danger.
Will they be able to catch the killer before one of them gets hurt? Or will they reach a dead end?
Ties Can Be Deadly
Samantha is relaxing by the lake enjoying the tranquil surroundings with her early morning cup of tea. The retirement village, Sage Gardens, is beautiful and peaceful at that time of the morning.
But then Sam makes an unexpected discovery on the shores of the lake just before a Sage Garden’s employee turns up dead. The police arrest the perfect murder suspect, but the ‘Sage Gardens Sleuths’ do not believe he did it. The four retirees are on a mission to uncover the truth.
Their investigations lead them directly towards some criminals and puts them in serious danger. Will they be able to find the real murderer before an innocent man spends his life behind bars? Or is the wool being pulled over their eyes and he really is guilty?
592 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2015
783 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 16, 2018
A very good story with an interesting and very different setting. I was about two chapters from the end of the first book. I came across an unexpected curse word and did not finish it or read the other three books.
December 8, 2018
Meh....these books are OK, but the plots and conversation become increasingly less interesting and more predictable as the series goes on. I wouldn't bother looking for any other books in the series because they are so plodding and unbelievable.
I guess these old folks have nothing better to do than to argue about how they are going to solve the murder because the police are incapable of doing so. They wander all over the scenes and evidence with little or no concern for what they are doing. What they are doing of course, always includes breaking and entering, questioning persons they feel are of interest and generally being nosy, irritating and incompetent.
I did read all the books, but more as a personal quest to actually finish than because I thought they were riveting stories.
I guess these old folks have nothing better to do than to argue about how they are going to solve the murder because the police are incapable of doing so. They wander all over the scenes and evidence with little or no concern for what they are doing. What they are doing of course, always includes breaking and entering, questioning persons they feel are of interest and generally being nosy, irritating and incompetent.
I did read all the books, but more as a personal quest to actually finish than because I thought they were riveting stories.
May 27, 2023
Sage gardens is a lovely cosy mystery series. Great characters who are all retired and using the career skils to solve mysteries.
Very enjoyable read with moments when one feared for the elderly 'investigators'
I was very put off by the use of the word 'gotten' I can't for the life of me understand why this word which is so archaic was used so frequently in a relatively recent time lining.
there were so many more appropriate words that should have been used - have, became/become, had even just got!
The usage of this word diminished the story to a great degree.
Otherwise I would recommend 'Sage Garden' series to lovers of the cosy mystery genre`
Very enjoyable read with moments when one feared for the elderly 'investigators'
I was very put off by the use of the word 'gotten' I can't for the life of me understand why this word which is so archaic was used so frequently in a relatively recent time lining.
there were so many more appropriate words that should have been used - have, became/become, had even just got!
The usage of this word diminished the story to a great degree.
Otherwise I would recommend 'Sage Garden' series to lovers of the cosy mystery genre`
February 28, 2019
Entertaining series
I have read the first four of this series now and I really enjoyed it. The characters have been well developed and have grown into a great team, at least by book four they have. I hope to be able to read the rest of the series to see how the Sage Gardens seniors solve the next mysteries. I love the box set, it makes it easier to keep reading and not have to search for the next book in the series.
I have read the first four of this series now and I really enjoyed it. The characters have been well developed and have grown into a great team, at least by book four they have. I hope to be able to read the rest of the series to see how the Sage Gardens seniors solve the next mysteries. I love the box set, it makes it easier to keep reading and not have to search for the next book in the series.
October 26, 2021
The Oldies But Goodies at Deadly Play
An intriguing and well written series of cozey mysterys with an array of vibrant and colorful seniors investigate crimes in their neighborhood. Cindy Bell brings life and adventure in a seniors community and the town they reside. Acquire " Sage Gardens " today and find intrigu, mystery, murder,and mayhem for hours of entertainment. 🙂🤨🤔😌😏😉😀Kat
An intriguing and well written series of cozey mysterys with an array of vibrant and colorful seniors investigate crimes in their neighborhood. Cindy Bell brings life and adventure in a seniors community and the town they reside. Acquire " Sage Gardens " today and find intrigu, mystery, murder,and mayhem for hours of entertainment. 🙂🤨🤔😌😏😉😀Kat
November 1, 2021
Community service
Four neighbors, each with a useful speciality, work together to solve crimes. I’m glad the fourth book didn’t have someone in the neighborhood killed, because that was getting rather old. The characters are fairly likable but are certainly predictable. There are a few errors but nothing off putting. I certainly didn’t dislike the stories, just found them to be rather mediocre.
Four neighbors, each with a useful speciality, work together to solve crimes. I’m glad the fourth book didn’t have someone in the neighborhood killed, because that was getting rather old. The characters are fairly likable but are certainly predictable. There are a few errors but nothing off putting. I certainly didn’t dislike the stories, just found them to be rather mediocre.
February 7, 2019
Cute cozy mysteries!
Sage Gardens is a retirement community but these seniors are extremely active. They get involved in interesting mysteries and solve them, each using his own unique skill set. They are entertaining, believable, and enjoyable reading. Some editing punctuation required, howevet
Sage Gardens is a retirement community but these seniors are extremely active. They get involved in interesting mysteries and solve them, each using his own unique skill set. They are entertaining, believable, and enjoyable reading. Some editing punctuation required, howevet
April 26, 2021
Great box set, murder, theft, and intrigue
A senior community is bedeviled by a murder, theft and other things. The community has a retired policeman, a crime journalist, an art thief, and a retired accountant. They all form a friendship and help innocent people stay out of jail. This is a very well written box set.
A senior community is bedeviled by a murder, theft and other things. The community has a retired policeman, a crime journalist, an art thief, and a retired accountant. They all form a friendship and help innocent people stay out of jail. This is a very well written box set.
October 28, 2021
Needs work
While the theme of these is good, some of the wording needs work/improving because it comes across a bit amateur. I admit to cringing in parts. As I have done a bit of proofing and editing of manuscripts, those parts stood out so much. To be honest, I couldn't read the other 2 books.
While the theme of these is good, some of the wording needs work/improving because it comes across a bit amateur. I admit to cringing in parts. As I have done a bit of proofing and editing of manuscripts, those parts stood out so much. To be honest, I couldn't read the other 2 books.
November 27, 2021
Don't Underestimate the Abilities of Retirees to Solve a Murder!
Gave this cozy mystery series 5 stars for being an entertaining read that was well written with an interesting slate of characters. The best fiction includes a certain amount of truth. This author is obviously knowledgeable of real human nature.
Gave this cozy mystery series 5 stars for being an entertaining read that was well written with an interesting slate of characters. The best fiction includes a certain amount of truth. This author is obviously knowledgeable of real human nature.
July 30, 2022
I'm not a great reader of cosy mysteries but this set is excellent, I like a good mixture of characters - which this has, including a grumpy person. It is also very nice to have some effective older characters solving problems and a relief not to have a lot of slushy romance included. Throw in a few twists and this makes for very good reading.
November 7, 2018
Great Series
Really enjoyed this series. Each novel had the same same set of sleuths, working together better with each case they were faced with. Each mystery was very different and fun to follow.
Really enjoyed this series. Each novel had the same same set of sleuths, working together better with each case they were faced with. Each mystery was very different and fun to follow.
February 8, 2019
Great book
I really enjoyed this book and the way it was written, the fact that as the story unfolded the reader was also trying to work out who committed the crime whereas in other books the culprit is usually given away before the crime is solved
I really enjoyed this book and the way it was written, the fact that as the story unfolded the reader was also trying to work out who committed the crime whereas in other books the culprit is usually given away before the crime is solved
May 22, 2019
Just because you are old doesn't mean you are dead
Older people still have two things younger people have, the sense of curiosity and the willingness to make friends. This has been an excellent series with well rounded characters. I especially liked how well they worked together
Older people still have two things younger people have, the sense of curiosity and the willingness to make friends. This has been an excellent series with well rounded characters. I especially liked how well they worked together
May 26, 2021
Great Cozy Mystery box set
I really enjoyed reading this box set. I liked that Eddy, Samantha, Walt and Joe could all out their heads together to solve the mysteries happening at Safe Gardens. I would recommend this box set to anyone who enjoys reading cozy mysteries.
I really enjoyed reading this box set. I liked that Eddy, Samantha, Walt and Joe could all out their heads together to solve the mysteries happening at Safe Gardens. I would recommend this box set to anyone who enjoys reading cozy mysteries.
December 26, 2021
These are good books!
Enjoyed all four in this boxed set. The characters are all eccentric and different in their own ways but work well together. And there was lots of suspense right till the end. I'm going to continue reading the series.
Enjoyed all four in this boxed set. The characters are all eccentric and different in their own ways but work well together. And there was lots of suspense right till the end. I'm going to continue reading the series.
February 6, 2022
Good series
If I lived in a retirement community, I would like it to be similar to Sage Gardens. The characters are great. The spelling needs work sometimes, but I did enjoy the stories. I know a few girlfriends that will enjoy reading them too
If I lived in a retirement community, I would like it to be similar to Sage Gardens. The characters are great. The spelling needs work sometimes, but I did enjoy the stories. I know a few girlfriends that will enjoy reading them too
May 30, 2022
research needed
A cobbled walkway in a retirement village? For people who will age there using walking sticks, wheelers, and become less stable on their feet. Oh come on Cindy do some proper research, not what just sounds pretty to you. What a load of codswaddle.
A cobbled walkway in a retirement village? For people who will age there using walking sticks, wheelers, and become less stable on their feet. Oh come on Cindy do some proper research, not what just sounds pretty to you. What a load of codswaddle.
June 12, 2018
Good read
Very good read. Easy to follow and kept me intrigued the whole way through the books. Everyone looking for an easy book to read this is it.
Very good read. Easy to follow and kept me intrigued the whole way through the books. Everyone looking for an easy book to read this is it.
January 6, 2019
Cozy crafty mysteries
Busy retirement community, something always happening. Eddy, retired cop and his friends Salty Sam and No helping him to solve the mysteries and murders.
Busy retirement community, something always happening. Eddy, retired cop and his friends Salty Sam and No helping him to solve the mysteries and murders.
June 18, 2019
A new series for me. Loved the books!
June 28, 2020
Sage garden
I gave these a 5 star because I liked the way she had created a mystery of 4 to get murder solved
I gave these a 5 star because I liked the way she had created a mystery of 4 to get murder solved
April 21, 2021
Could not put them down
Now on to the next one. I love 💘💘these old people I am almost there with them. They know how to make life fun for us.
Now on to the next one. I love 💘💘these old people I am almost there with them. They know how to make life fun for us.
August 2, 2021
Great stories
Really enjoyed this series definitely recommend nice cozy stories an easy read . Look forward to reading more from this author
Really enjoyed this series definitely recommend nice cozy stories an easy read . Look forward to reading more from this author
October 24, 2021
Very good read!
All four books were very interesting and I enjoyed reading them. I liked all the characters and the team work!
All four books were very interesting and I enjoyed reading them. I liked all the characters and the team work!
October 26, 2021
Entertaining
Nice mix of Characters. Story lines were a little predictable but mostly entertaining. Enjoyed all four stories. Easy reading for sure.
Nice mix of Characters. Story lines were a little predictable but mostly entertaining. Enjoyed all four stories. Easy reading for sure.
October 30, 2021
Pretty good. Kept my interest especially since the books each concentrated on a different character a bit more.
November 2, 2021
Ms Bell comes through again
As always Ms. Bells books are entertaining and mostly well written. This set of books was a joy to read. I will be happy to read more. Thanks june
As always Ms. Bells books are entertaining and mostly well written. This set of books was a joy to read. I will be happy to read more. Thanks june
November 9, 2021
Not very creative
The first three books were almost the same story...very little suspense and a lot of rehashing. Last one was a bit more interesting, but marginal.
The first three books were almost the same story...very little suspense and a lot of rehashing. Last one was a bit more interesting, but marginal.
November 22, 2021
Interesting
All four stories are interesting,showing older people getting together to solve crimes in the area where they lived. Fast reads.
All four stories are interesting,showing older people getting together to solve crimes in the area where they lived. Fast reads.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews