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Maple Hills #4
Sea Salt Caramel Murder
Maple Hill Cozy Mysteries can be read in one to two hours. It is perfect for those moments when you are waiting at an appointment or want to enjoy a quick read.
Taking a break from the recent murders and intrigues that have plagued Maple Hills, Vermont, Nikki and Detective Hawke take advantage of a generous offer and set sail on the Open Sea Queen. The cruise ship appears ancient and ready to sink, far away from the modern and spacious liner they were promised. Yet with eager hearts the duo, along with their friends, Lidia and her husband, board the aged ship, headed towards Alaskan waters and vistas that will ease their current burdens.
Though the old cruise ship may appear decrepit on the outside, inside it proves itself with Titanic like splendor; Lustrous wooden walls, a picturesque lobby, old-fashioned lamps and fireplaces in each room – it is everything they could hope for, and more. Unfortunately, trouble seems to follow Nikki like a dark cloud of misfortune. When the Captain is murdered, it is up to the ready sleuths to get to the bottom of the mystery… before the storm barreling down their tail reaches them, and before the murderer can strike again.
Taking a break from the recent murders and intrigues that have plagued Maple Hills, Vermont, Nikki and Detective Hawke take advantage of a generous offer and set sail on the Open Sea Queen. The cruise ship appears ancient and ready to sink, far away from the modern and spacious liner they were promised. Yet with eager hearts the duo, along with their friends, Lidia and her husband, board the aged ship, headed towards Alaskan waters and vistas that will ease their current burdens.
Though the old cruise ship may appear decrepit on the outside, inside it proves itself with Titanic like splendor; Lustrous wooden walls, a picturesque lobby, old-fashioned lamps and fireplaces in each room – it is everything they could hope for, and more. Unfortunately, trouble seems to follow Nikki like a dark cloud of misfortune. When the Captain is murdered, it is up to the ready sleuths to get to the bottom of the mystery… before the storm barreling down their tail reaches them, and before the murderer can strike again.
167 pages, ebook
First published August 7, 2016
163 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Meadows
184 books436 followersWendy Meadows is a USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author who creates the perfect escape for readers who love amateur sleuths, small-town secrets, and mysteries you can solve with a cup of tea in hand.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 13, 2020
I read the first 4 books. I kept HOPING they would get better. They did not. The writing is really...not good. So much head hopping. So much of the female pro-tag being "all knowing/in the know" while the actual detectives/chief of police are pretty much considered idiots...Sigh.
This one was even more unrealistic than the others...don't bother...
I'm putting this author on my "Don't bother" list.
This one was even more unrealistic than the others...don't bother...
I'm putting this author on my "Don't bother" list.
October 7, 2020
My dad had a saying back when we were kids and we would misbehave in public. He would wait till we got back to the car then turn around and say to the whole backseat, " I can't take you anywhere, can I? ". I kind of feel like that's what people are thinking about Nikki, we can't go anywhere with her or someone is going to end up dead. 😐 My next thought is wait till they get married, who going to die then, the minister😉😯. Oh well, Great story as always. 😊
May 28, 2023
Thankfully, this is the last of this series that I had already borrowed. I won't go back for a fifth look.
The Alaska series is fluffy and improbable, but I'm on vacation and who cares?
This series I have found to be so saccharine and ludicrous that I certainly have learned my lesson.
Have moved on to a different author. Began reading and thought, oh yes, there ARE still people who are creative and write well. Just not this author or this series for me.
The Alaska series is fluffy and improbable, but I'm on vacation and who cares?
This series I have found to be so saccharine and ludicrous that I certainly have learned my lesson.
Have moved on to a different author. Began reading and thought, oh yes, there ARE still people who are creative and write well. Just not this author or this series for me.
January 26, 2018
Steadily getting better
Wendy's writing has certainly improved over the books. The story line is better developed and less scattered than previous books. I think the relationship between Nikki and Hawk is a little strange, it really hasn't been developed a whole lot but apparently there's talk of marriage...I like that these are quick reads.
Wendy's writing has certainly improved over the books. The story line is better developed and less scattered than previous books. I think the relationship between Nikki and Hawk is a little strange, it really hasn't been developed a whole lot but apparently there's talk of marriage...I like that these are quick reads.
May 14, 2019
Fourth book in the series....
Nikki and Hawk are once again involved in another murder....
The chief of police is finally starting to accept Nikki and trust her....
I think Nikki mentions wanting to make some Sea Salt Caramel's once maybe twice in the story and I don't think we visit the chocolate shop at all in this book.
Nikki and Hawk are once again involved in another murder....
The chief of police is finally starting to accept Nikki and trust her....
I think Nikki mentions wanting to make some Sea Salt Caramel's once maybe twice in the story and I don't think we visit the chocolate shop at all in this book.
January 24, 2018
Cruises Are Supposed To Be Fun And Relaxing
This is a good mystery. We have taken a number of cruises. None of them were as suspenseful as the cruise in this story, or we would have given up on ships and cruises! A nice story from beginning to end.
This is a good mystery. We have taken a number of cruises. None of them were as suspenseful as the cruise in this story, or we would have given up on ships and cruises! A nice story from beginning to end.
March 3, 2018
Nikki and Hawk take their sleuthing outside the small town they live in and bring us onto an old fashioned cruise ship. I loved the interaction between Nikki and Hawk being brought in as a reoccurring subplot. Quick perky read?
November 10, 2021
Omg! That was scary at the cruise ship 😳😳 thank goodness! They’re alive! That Lane should be belong to the medical place where he should be for rest of his life…
I absolutely loved it! Looking forward to read more book soon from this author…
I absolutely loved it! Looking forward to read more book soon from this author…
Read
April 7, 2022Sea sick
Out to sea in a ferocious storm is only part of the excitement in this book! The waves are not the only thing crashing in this thrilling murder mystery. Weapons, access, but who is the killer in this exciting mystery cruise? Another fun book by Wendy Meadows!
Out to sea in a ferocious storm is only part of the excitement in this book! The waves are not the only thing crashing in this thrilling murder mystery. Weapons, access, but who is the killer in this exciting mystery cruise? Another fun book by Wendy Meadows!
July 22, 2022
Short read for a rainy day or at the beach. My problem is that I read the first 4 books in this series within a couple of days. I wouldn't suggest it as the stories are a little too light, and by book 4, I was getting bored. I would read more of this series, but spaced out a bit.
July 30, 2017
I was stumped
Many twists it Will keep you guessing. Partnerships, friendships are strongly displayed as importantly good mystery read I enjoyed the story
Many twists it Will keep you guessing. Partnerships, friendships are strongly displayed as importantly good mystery read I enjoyed the story
May 2, 2018
Love this series...
Easy read, fun, entertaining, cute storylines. A bit on the romantic side at times, really enjoyable series for someone who wants fun books to read...
Easy read, fun, entertaining, cute storylines. A bit on the romantic side at times, really enjoyable series for someone who wants fun books to read...
May 5, 2018
simple story. Nikki and Hawk steals the heart.
July 21, 2018
Nice easy breezy read
August 14, 2020
Great book
Great book. Great and interesting story.I loved the fight between Lucia and Herbert. My favorite characters are Nikki and Hawk
Great book. Great and interesting story.I loved the fight between Lucia and Herbert. My favorite characters are Nikki and Hawk
February 3, 2022
WOW
What a twist for the killer. I wouldn't have guessed who it was. Oh, but it was an awesome story.
What a twist for the killer. I wouldn't have guessed who it was. Oh, but it was an awesome story.
Read
July 7, 2022Even on vacation there's murder. It was a fun read.
December 18, 2022
I got this free on my Nook. So I said why not.
Super short and quick read. Really enjoyed it the first few. Will eventually get the rest.
Super short and quick read. Really enjoyed it the first few. Will eventually get the rest.
March 19, 2024
Nikki and Hawk are at it again, this time on a cruise ship, that looks like it falling apart. And murder follows them. I enjoy this series! This one will keep you guessing to who the murder is.
July 14, 2025
another great book in this series. it is nothing really gory or scary so I can read the story before bed and still sleep ok.
August 30, 2016
Most enjoyable
What's next. Can't wait to read the next book with Hawk and Nikki. The characters are interesting as well as their mystery solving.
What's next. Can't wait to read the next book with Hawk and Nikki. The characters are interesting as well as their mystery solving.
June 3, 2017
Nikki and her friends set sail on a ship to get away from the stress of the recent murders and have some fun. Unfortunately, when the captain is murdered, Hawk and Nikki get pulled in. This story really pulled me in and kept hold.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews