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Cryptic Cove Mystery #1
Money, Murder and Mayhem
Within twenty-four hours, Alexis Danforth's world is shattered. She loses her parents and her job. Rummaging through the attic she discovers family secrets and returns to her hometown of Cryptic Cove; a quiet, sleepy little town perched above the sea. The disappearance and death of an elderly couple sets the town on edge. Accusations fly. The past is dredged up. Bodies are found. Some even question her return and the timing of the murders. As she joins the town constable to help solve the case, she finds herself attracted to her main suspect, Jake Donovan. Jake is handsome, charming, and secretive. Is he a threat to her or just a threat to her heart? Cryptic Cove Cozy Mystery Series Book 1: Money, Murder and Mayhem Book 2: Murder & Menace Book 3: Murder & Mockery Book 4: Murder & Marriage (2019) **There will be more than five books in this series, over time. What Readers Are Picked up this book as it was free at the time. I couldn't put it down. Had suspense from the first chapter. Short chapters and a quick book. Bought book #2 before I finished this one. Can't wait to see what else is in store for Lexi! This one has a hint of magic in the underpinnings, especially with a pet crow that obviously understands more than one would expect! Mysterious poisonings, disappearances & a handsome, charming (too charming?) new fellow in town are all woven into a cozy mystery that'll have you wanting to read the next book in the series soon! Loved all of the suspense in this mystery. You just have to keep reading. A really great read especially for a short mystery. There is nothing not to like or love about this short read.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2016
1237 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
March 26, 2018
On Saturday I read Murder & Mayhem by KP Stafford this was an Amazon special I got and it was a not bad read. I was confused when reading it as I knew it was going to be a paranormal cozy but it felt really light on the paranormal. Cryptic Cover is a complicated cozy mystery with a heavy dose of romance. While it was a shorter read it did have some great characters and as a first in series did set the town and the townspeople up to be enchanting. A good cozy to have on your amazon kindle app for sure.
June 16, 2018
The book started out nice enough but it soon went downhill for me. First off, it needed a good editor. All the editing problems made it slow to read. The end would have been interesting if there was some explanation of what happened to the sister. Like how and why. And it's obvious that there's some magic going on with Grams and probably the rest of the town I just wish more was said about it. And way too much corney romance for me. Not my favorite cozy.
November 28, 2016
Very Bad
So bad it's like a 14-year-old wrote it. A dim, sheltered 14-year-old with little imagination. I only made it through the first 10 pages. Waste of time! Thank God it was free.
So bad it's like a 14-year-old wrote it. A dim, sheltered 14-year-old with little imagination. I only made it through the first 10 pages. Waste of time! Thank God it was free.
May 6, 2022
Honestly, this one was pretty terrible in terms of cozy mysteries.
First of all, it was way too focused on an immature crush rather than on the mystery. The love interest wasn't even written well. There was nothing special about him, other than that he was "Mr. Hottie." He was actually a pretty big asshole in a lot of ways. (Also, That's not a conflict of interest at all! 🙄)
Then there was the whole Aunt Agatha thing. That came up out of the blue and was resolved in an incredibly confusing way. That was another main complaint about this book. So many things were unnecessarily confusing. How did Lexi find out her grandmother was alive? From the book's description, I expected her to have been living in the attic or something. Instead, it was just "I was surprised" and then in the next chapter she's back to visit her grandmother, who won't tell her anything about her estrangement despite the fact that Lexi is an adult now.
As other reviewers have pointed out, some of this could have been explained with a thorough content editor. There's so much that doesn't make sense. There were also some glaring grammar and punctuation issues, and a few times when a character's name was used where it should have been another character. I had to use the "report error" button at least six times while reading, and I probably didn't notice every issue.
So anyway, I was not a fan and will not be continuing this series.
First of all, it was way too focused on an immature crush rather than on the mystery. The love interest wasn't even written well. There was nothing special about him, other than that he was "Mr. Hottie." He was actually a pretty big asshole in a lot of ways. (Also, That's not a conflict of interest at all! 🙄)
Then there was the whole Aunt Agatha thing. That came up out of the blue and was resolved in an incredibly confusing way. That was another main complaint about this book. So many things were unnecessarily confusing. How did Lexi find out her grandmother was alive? From the book's description, I expected her to have been living in the attic or something. Instead, it was just "I was surprised" and then in the next chapter she's back to visit her grandmother, who won't tell her anything about her estrangement despite the fact that Lexi is an adult now.
As other reviewers have pointed out, some of this could have been explained with a thorough content editor. There's so much that doesn't make sense. There were also some glaring grammar and punctuation issues, and a few times when a character's name was used where it should have been another character. I had to use the "report error" button at least six times while reading, and I probably didn't notice every issue.
So anyway, I was not a fan and will not be continuing this series.
June 5, 2019
Torture
Well, that was torture! And now I know why it was a free book, no one would waste any money on it. The editing was horrible her fractured sentences were confusing and her time sequence was awful. Not to mention the story, the mystery, and the ending was one big cliche. Superficial and devoid of emotion. If it hadn't been a book club pick, I wouldn't have read the entire book! At least it was short!
Well, that was torture! And now I know why it was a free book, no one would waste any money on it. The editing was horrible her fractured sentences were confusing and her time sequence was awful. Not to mention the story, the mystery, and the ending was one big cliche. Superficial and devoid of emotion. If it hadn't been a book club pick, I wouldn't have read the entire book! At least it was short!
November 10, 2019
The basic story line was okay. There were huge parts of the story missing though. Parts of the story, or backstory, were missing or glossed over. Nothing was explained. The ending was weird. All in all the story felt very rushed and skipped around.
June 14, 2020
3.5 Stars
Alexis loses both her parents and her job and returns to her old hometown. Her grandmother who she long believed to be dead, provides both comfort and a chance to rebuild her life in Cryptic Cove.
I liked the basic setup (background, setting, characters) but there were a few problems with the story. It was quite jarring that were so many places in the story where the possessive case was incorrectly used (instead of pluralisation). Some of the mechanics were a little clunky - the death notification and Alexis' dismissal from her job seemed both heavy-handed and amateurish. I also wasn't particularly impressed with her love interest who was somewhat controlling and condescending. Alexis' schoolgirl reaction to him made me want to cringe. If you are unable to analyse your own romantic relationship without resorting to hormonal impulses, then I have no time for you.
Negatives aside, there was a lot to like about this book. Unanswered questions abound that add to the spice of the tale. The characters are, for the most part, likeable and interesting. Hopefully, more depth will be added as the series progresses.
Alexis loses both her parents and her job and returns to her old hometown. Her grandmother who she long believed to be dead, provides both comfort and a chance to rebuild her life in Cryptic Cove.
I liked the basic setup (background, setting, characters) but there were a few problems with the story. It was quite jarring that were so many places in the story where the possessive case was incorrectly used (instead of pluralisation). Some of the mechanics were a little clunky - the death notification and Alexis' dismissal from her job seemed both heavy-handed and amateurish. I also wasn't particularly impressed with her love interest who was somewhat controlling and condescending. Alexis' schoolgirl reaction to him made me want to cringe. If you are unable to analyse your own romantic relationship without resorting to hormonal impulses, then I have no time for you.
Negatives aside, there was a lot to like about this book. Unanswered questions abound that add to the spice of the tale. The characters are, for the most part, likeable and interesting. Hopefully, more depth will be added as the series progresses.
May 31, 2018
"No better than OK"
As cozy mystery novellas go this was not the best I've read. Too many characters, none of which were more than a thumbnail sketch; a mish-mash of a plot, and a rushed ending. The concept was good, but more time was needed to craft a believable story.
As cozy mystery novellas go this was not the best I've read. Too many characters, none of which were more than a thumbnail sketch; a mish-mash of a plot, and a rushed ending. The concept was good, but more time was needed to craft a believable story.
February 20, 2018
Fairly good mystery, hard to connect with the characters.
February 8, 2021
I found this book quite easy to read however the ending and plot was quite boring. The story line concentrated more on the girls life not the murders themselves.
September 11, 2020
The first book in the Cryptic Cove mystery series. Light and fun.
September 5, 2018
Abused puppy?!
It was an ok story, beach read kind of book but the main character is kind of childishly behaving over the love interest in the story. I could over look this until the author has Lexie day that the man makes her feel
_ "As fragile as an abused puppy," and she was falling for him! Really? ! Is that how women should be attracted to men? Be attracted to someone who makes them feel fragile and abused? This is worse than some stupid prince charming coming into save the day.
What a disservice to mature adult women everywhere and a horrible example for young women learning to navigate the world of relationships.
It was an ok story, beach read kind of book but the main character is kind of childishly behaving over the love interest in the story. I could over look this until the author has Lexie day that the man makes her feel
_ "As fragile as an abused puppy," and she was falling for him! Really? ! Is that how women should be attracted to men? Be attracted to someone who makes them feel fragile and abused? This is worse than some stupid prince charming coming into save the day.
What a disservice to mature adult women everywhere and a horrible example for young women learning to navigate the world of relationships.
May 12, 2017
Holes
The storyline is interesting, but OH, the OMISSIONS! For me instance, in a he first few pages the narrator opens a box to discover her grandmother is alive. How? A recent greeting card or letter? Very much disappointed. Also, the emotional level is quite immature and shallow. I truly believe that a professional writing instructor could help author turn this into a much better written book. Try again, please.
The storyline is interesting, but OH, the OMISSIONS! For me instance, in a he first few pages the narrator opens a box to discover her grandmother is alive. How? A recent greeting card or letter? Very much disappointed. Also, the emotional level is quite immature and shallow. I truly believe that a professional writing instructor could help author turn this into a much better written book. Try again, please.
July 11, 2016
I enjoyed this book. There was a lot going on and at first I felt lost. There are lot of questions left unresolved and maybe they are for other books to delve into and solve. The characters need more depth- maybe a full novel next time.
June 4, 2016
Good beginning
This was a pretty good book. A lot of mysteries involved some were not solved maybe in next book? Characters need more depth
This was a pretty good book. A lot of mysteries involved some were not solved maybe in next book? Characters need more depth
March 18, 2019
The missing and the dead
A good short story. Okay it's not brilliant as the characters need more work and the plot really could have done with some more twists and turns. But it still a good read although questions still haven't all been answered. Is her Grandmother a witch? Was he really his nephew? Why did no-one find out the truth earlier?
She's just coasted along on the wishes of her father but with her parents death and being made unemployed she now has a choice. A choice until she finds out that the grandmother she had been told had died was very much alive. She therefore heads back to the town she lived in for the first 11 years, a new job as the local constable's assistant and the disappearance of two long standing members of the community. When she starts helping to investigate she runs into brick walls. First from the manager of the local retirement centre and then from his handsome nephew the local insurance representative. But this quickly turns into a murder investigation when she discovers their bodies. Now the spotlight turns on her Grandmother who had an argument with them shortly before they were killed and her sister also disappeared years ago without a trace. Can she stop the finger pointing at her Gran and find the who, how and why? Will this also lead to closure on her great aunt's disappearance?
A good short story. Okay it's not brilliant as the characters need more work and the plot really could have done with some more twists and turns. But it still a good read although questions still haven't all been answered. Is her Grandmother a witch? Was he really his nephew? Why did no-one find out the truth earlier?
She's just coasted along on the wishes of her father but with her parents death and being made unemployed she now has a choice. A choice until she finds out that the grandmother she had been told had died was very much alive. She therefore heads back to the town she lived in for the first 11 years, a new job as the local constable's assistant and the disappearance of two long standing members of the community. When she starts helping to investigate she runs into brick walls. First from the manager of the local retirement centre and then from his handsome nephew the local insurance representative. But this quickly turns into a murder investigation when she discovers their bodies. Now the spotlight turns on her Grandmother who had an argument with them shortly before they were killed and her sister also disappeared years ago without a trace. Can she stop the finger pointing at her Gran and find the who, how and why? Will this also lead to closure on her great aunt's disappearance?
March 28, 2019
Enjoyable read, although I don't usually cotton to idiot women who go off on a tangent without using their head and wind up in serious trouble.
But, the one thing that precluded my giving it 5 stars is unanswered questions. I do not like being left to my own scenario in order to answer a question. That is for the author to do. Of course, one question is: Just how did Lexi wind up naked in Jake's condo - and nothing happened? The second question is why the mortician kept Agatha prisoner for 25 years. Did she reject him, so he kidnapped her because that is the only way he could have her. The impression I got was that they had a thing going on and she up and disappeared. There was no mention or suggestion that she was not a willing recipient of his affections.
I will give this series another go with the next book, but if it leaves unanswered questions again, I am through with this author.
But, the one thing that precluded my giving it 5 stars is unanswered questions. I do not like being left to my own scenario in order to answer a question. That is for the author to do. Of course, one question is: Just how did Lexi wind up naked in Jake's condo - and nothing happened? The second question is why the mortician kept Agatha prisoner for 25 years. Did she reject him, so he kidnapped her because that is the only way he could have her. The impression I got was that they had a thing going on and she up and disappeared. There was no mention or suggestion that she was not a willing recipient of his affections.
I will give this series another go with the next book, but if it leaves unanswered questions again, I am through with this author.
March 7, 2019
J'ai bien aimé ce petit cozy mystery, surtout grâce aux personnages, qui sont assez bien campés et vraiment sympathiques (en tout cas pour la plupart), compte tenu du peu de pages que contient le roman. J'ai également apprécié le côté "petite ville où tout le monde sait tout sur tout le monde", qui est bien rendu, avec les bons et les mauvais côtés que cela implique. Par contre, j'ai trouvé que l'enquête elle-même était un peu décousue et surtout que la "détective" se focalisait trop sur un suspect, même si elle avait des arguments valables. Mais cela n'a pas gâché mon plaisir, et même la petite déception que j'ai ressentie quand on découvre qui est le meurtrier (car je n'ai pas du tout été surprise) a été compensée par une révélation finale à laquelle, en revanche, je ne m'attendais pas du tout. Je lirai le tome 2 avec plaisir.
June 30, 2019
For a cozy mystery, it was a likeable, easy read. There was enough information on each character to keep in mind who was who, without getting confused when new characters were introduced.
Alexis aka Lexi, loses her parents and job at the same time; then she finds out her beloved grandmother wasn't dead, simply estranged from her parents. So, to Cryptic Cover Lexi returns, to live with her Grams, her a job with the local sheriff, and a mystery lands on the doorstep immediately. A missing senior couple remind the residents of when Grams' sister went missing 25 years ago; whatever happened to Agatha after her much public fight with Grams?
Then there is hottie, Jake Donovan, who just might be involved in insurance fraud and murder?
Got a Sunday afternoon to just put up the feet and enjoy a light mystery read; this first in the series might be your cup of tea.
Alexis aka Lexi, loses her parents and job at the same time; then she finds out her beloved grandmother wasn't dead, simply estranged from her parents. So, to Cryptic Cover Lexi returns, to live with her Grams, her a job with the local sheriff, and a mystery lands on the doorstep immediately. A missing senior couple remind the residents of when Grams' sister went missing 25 years ago; whatever happened to Agatha after her much public fight with Grams?
Then there is hottie, Jake Donovan, who just might be involved in insurance fraud and murder?
Got a Sunday afternoon to just put up the feet and enjoy a light mystery read; this first in the series might be your cup of tea.
December 8, 2020
Cozy mystery or cozy romance?
I found the start of the story felt like a blurb with so much information given but at the same time none. It does improve after that but I found I could not connect with the main character myself. She acts like a teenager would over a man and some of her other behaviours are just as impulsive. I know there are adults like this out there (differences are what keep the world interesting) but for me lacking that connection I didn’t enjoy the book so much. At times the mystery seemed like a sub plot to her romantic drama (caused by her own behaviour) will appeal to those looking for the romance aspect of the cozy mystery.
I found the start of the story felt like a blurb with so much information given but at the same time none. It does improve after that but I found I could not connect with the main character myself. She acts like a teenager would over a man and some of her other behaviours are just as impulsive. I know there are adults like this out there (differences are what keep the world interesting) but for me lacking that connection I didn’t enjoy the book so much. At times the mystery seemed like a sub plot to her romantic drama (caused by her own behaviour) will appeal to those looking for the romance aspect of the cozy mystery.
January 3, 2026
Alexis is suddenly orphaned and loses her job on the same day. So, she decides to investigate some of her mother’s things in the attic & finds that the grandmother she’d been told was dead, was very much alive. So she goes to Cryptic Cove to live with her. Her grandmother is worried because two of her friends are missing. Lexi (her name shortened to what she’d been know as before she left town) discovers them whilst on a walk in the woods. There’s a new insurance man in town who is very interested in Lexi but, she’s a bit suspicious of him as he’s related to the man who owns the retirement village where the missing couple lived. A very interesting concept in this story.
March 26, 2019
A wonderful mystery, with awesome and wacky characters! Nothing ever happens in their town, at least not in the last 25 years since her aunt disappeared! Now an older couple are missing, and old fears are back! Three murders occur and they suspect her Grams! Who will solve the mystery and clear Grams? Lots of confusion, chaos, and misunderstanding, get in the way of solving the mystery! Is greed behind the murders? Can she solve the mystery before she is the next victim? Is it to late? The story has a surprising ending! Loved ! A fantastic plot!
November 22, 2017
The death of her grandmother and all that she associated with her died. Fisherman wharf, shacks, the water to cast ones worries off, the magic died with her. Letting Dad take over, and deciding I would be a lawyer. Finding papers of the lies, led me. Life was simple in Cryptic Cove. Overnight, with a couple missing, it had greatly disrupted the town and people. Murder and long ago secrets, weren't as buried as they thought. Enjoyable quick read, about murder and a little romance.
May 22, 2019
Fun mystery
This is a light mystery of a young woman finding her place after tragedy. She returns to her childhood hometown but not all is charming as it was when she was younger.
The author keeps you in suspense as you try and figure out who did it...just as you think you have it figured out there's a switch. Good job. Thanks for the romance connection not taking over the whole suspense part. It was a nice fit.
This is a light mystery of a young woman finding her place after tragedy. She returns to her childhood hometown but not all is charming as it was when she was younger.
The author keeps you in suspense as you try and figure out who did it...just as you think you have it figured out there's a switch. Good job. Thanks for the romance connection not taking over the whole suspense part. It was a nice fit.
August 8, 2019
Loved it...keeps you guessing and very surprising ending
Lexi lost her parents suddenly in an accident. She found some old papers by accident and learned her grandmother was still alive. She went back to rhe small town to live with her gram, who she hadnt seen since little. A dissapearance takes place and she finds her and her gram on the suspect list. She meets a man whom she suspects. There are a lot of misunderstandings and twists with a little romance. Good book.
Lexi lost her parents suddenly in an accident. She found some old papers by accident and learned her grandmother was still alive. She went back to rhe small town to live with her gram, who she hadnt seen since little. A dissapearance takes place and she finds her and her gram on the suspect list. She meets a man whom she suspects. There are a lot of misunderstandings and twists with a little romance. Good book.
February 12, 2020
Interesting book
Arrive in a new but well known town after being lied to and losing a job. The main character came from a law background but gets a job helping out at the local police station were nothing happens. Well except a couple of murders, gossiping townsfolk, suspicious characters and a gran who cannot stop. Well written, maybe a little kookie but definitely worth a light hearted read
Arrive in a new but well known town after being lied to and losing a job. The main character came from a law background but gets a job helping out at the local police station were nothing happens. Well except a couple of murders, gossiping townsfolk, suspicious characters and a gran who cannot stop. Well written, maybe a little kookie but definitely worth a light hearted read
April 7, 2021
Small town secrets
Alexis goes back to Cryptic Cove and Grams after learning the plane her parents were in had crashed. It was coming home to the small town she grew up in and soon she was known as Lexi her childhood nickname. She takes a job with the town constable as secretary. When a local couple go missing it brings to mind her aunt who disappeared nearly 30 years ago. When the couple is found buried Grams accused of the murder but Lexi will prove them wrong.
Alexis goes back to Cryptic Cove and Grams after learning the plane her parents were in had crashed. It was coming home to the small town she grew up in and soon she was known as Lexi her childhood nickname. She takes a job with the town constable as secretary. When a local couple go missing it brings to mind her aunt who disappeared nearly 30 years ago. When the couple is found buried Grams accused of the murder but Lexi will prove them wrong.
October 9, 2024
A good story
I made the mistake of reading the second book, first, so after reading this one a lot of my questions are answered. This was a good story, a bit short on explanation, but I figure this is a new author and she needs to hone her craft. The plot is straightforward and the premise is finding out who killed the older couple who was Gram's friends and why. The answers were grim to say the least. I do recommend this novella.
I made the mistake of reading the second book, first, so after reading this one a lot of my questions are answered. This was a good story, a bit short on explanation, but I figure this is a new author and she needs to hone her craft. The plot is straightforward and the premise is finding out who killed the older couple who was Gram's friends and why. The answers were grim to say the least. I do recommend this novella.
December 27, 2017
Fun cozy mystery true to the genre, well laid out plot and great characters. My only complaints are that it was a bit too rushed. The relationship builds were rushed, and some of the character development was rushed. Also the final"big reveal" was lackluster. It could have been pizzazzed a bit more, and made seem a bit more real. It was almost not even believable as a plot point.
September 9, 2018
Back where she started
Is this just another girl looses everything and returns to her hometown to lick her wounds? Well, maybe. It started that way, but the reality was that it was the hometown that had the wounds, and she was the person who was there to start the healing. Missing people, old secrets, maybe a new love. Ms Stafford pens a good tale. Hope you enjoy it.
Is this just another girl looses everything and returns to her hometown to lick her wounds? Well, maybe. It started that way, but the reality was that it was the hometown that had the wounds, and she was the person who was there to start the healing. Missing people, old secrets, maybe a new love. Ms Stafford pens a good tale. Hope you enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews