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Ravenwood Cove Cozy Mystery #3
Mistletoe, Moonlight, & Murder
ONE... terrible mudslide
TWO... feet sticking out of it
THREE... carats of perfect diamonds
Amanda hadn't expected snow for Christmas on the Oregon Coast, but her first winter in Ravenwood Cove brings out long-dead secrets that someone is desperately trying to hide...no matter the cost. Hot chocolate, merry decorations, and purring cats give way to police investigations and a search for a ruthless killer.
TWO... feet sticking out of it
THREE... carats of perfect diamonds
Amanda hadn't expected snow for Christmas on the Oregon Coast, but her first winter in Ravenwood Cove brings out long-dead secrets that someone is desperately trying to hide...no matter the cost. Hot chocolate, merry decorations, and purring cats give way to police investigations and a search for a ruthless killer.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2016
634 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn L. Dean
70 books152 followersUSA Today Bestselling author
Carolyn's Website at http://CarolynDeanBooks.com
I've been writing and making stories in my head as early as I can remember. In third grade I came home, set my lunchbox down, and told my mother I wanted to be a writer. Luckily, Mom was supportive.
I've been a published author for a while now, under different names and genres, but the thought of writing about a small coastal town in Oregon, and about its loves and mysteries and holidays and people has been with me for years. To be honest, I am a bit scared to dump those ideas onto the written page, but hope you'll enjoy getting to meet the people who inhabit my imagination.
In real life, I'm married with kids, live on the West Coast of the US, and own a hobby farm just outside of my favorite small town. I love to travel, and can often be found strolling down a windy Oregon beach, holding onto the string of a high-sailing dragon kite.
Carolyn's Website at http://CarolynDeanBooks.com
I've been writing and making stories in my head as early as I can remember. In third grade I came home, set my lunchbox down, and told my mother I wanted to be a writer. Luckily, Mom was supportive.
I've been a published author for a while now, under different names and genres, but the thought of writing about a small coastal town in Oregon, and about its loves and mysteries and holidays and people has been with me for years. To be honest, I am a bit scared to dump those ideas onto the written page, but hope you'll enjoy getting to meet the people who inhabit my imagination.
In real life, I'm married with kids, live on the West Coast of the US, and own a hobby farm just outside of my favorite small town. I love to travel, and can often be found strolling down a windy Oregon beach, holding onto the string of a high-sailing dragon kite.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
June 23, 2020
3 of 5 stars for Carolyn L. Dean's Mistletoe, Moonlight and Murder, the third novella in her "Ravenwood Cove" cozy mystery series. I downloaded this book on Kindle a few weeks ago when it was on-sale, as I had enjoyed the previous two novellas and wanted to continue reading the series. While it was a fun story and introduced a few good new characters, it wasn't as good as the first two.
Amanda Graham continues to remodel the inn she inherited from her uncle, opening up to lots of new guests as the town prepares for the Christmas holiday festivals. As she's driving to meet her contractor in a nearby town, a huge mudslide occurs and envelopes the car in front of her on the road. When she runs out to save the victim, she realizes it's James' brother, Ethan. Just as she saves him from the collapse, and they are running away, she sees another body. But this one has been dead for months, and no one knows who it is! As James, Ravenwood Cove's detective, matches the body to someone who ran away months prior, Amanda learns the victim was shot and had been hiding a necklace. Using her usual sleuth-like skills, she finds the necklace and helps the police solve the case. But this time, she's just a little too late and ends up cornered by the culprit and almost killed herself.
While the mystery had some fun aspects to it, there were very few red herrings and hardly any real suspects. We learned little about the victim and weren't sure who he was connected to. I stuck with the story and enjoyed the ending, but it was very rushed. Overall, it had good parts, but I felt like it was missing something.
Amanda's friendships in the town are growing, and she's becoming more of a solid root with a few core characters. She has a ways to go, but I feel like it will happen. I look forward to books 4 and 5 to see if they take an upward turn.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
Amanda Graham continues to remodel the inn she inherited from her uncle, opening up to lots of new guests as the town prepares for the Christmas holiday festivals. As she's driving to meet her contractor in a nearby town, a huge mudslide occurs and envelopes the car in front of her on the road. When she runs out to save the victim, she realizes it's James' brother, Ethan. Just as she saves him from the collapse, and they are running away, she sees another body. But this one has been dead for months, and no one knows who it is! As James, Ravenwood Cove's detective, matches the body to someone who ran away months prior, Amanda learns the victim was shot and had been hiding a necklace. Using her usual sleuth-like skills, she finds the necklace and helps the police solve the case. But this time, she's just a little too late and ends up cornered by the culprit and almost killed herself.
While the mystery had some fun aspects to it, there were very few red herrings and hardly any real suspects. We learned little about the victim and weren't sure who he was connected to. I stuck with the story and enjoyed the ending, but it was very rushed. Overall, it had good parts, but I felt like it was missing something.
Amanda's friendships in the town are growing, and she's becoming more of a solid root with a few core characters. She has a ways to go, but I feel like it will happen. I look forward to books 4 and 5 to see if they take an upward turn.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
October 29, 2017
A quick read - but a good one.
Really enjoying this series and the whodunnits make it a bit more interesting given they all live in the same village.
Clicked earlier on as to the “who” but not the why. So still work to be done before I get my detective’s badge!!
Really enjoying this series and the whodunnits make it a bit more interesting given they all live in the same village.
Clicked earlier on as to the “who” but not the why. So still work to be done before I get my detective’s badge!!
August 4, 2020
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
April 12, 2017
Not quite as well-paced and engaging as the previous two books in the series, but still a good read.
December 19, 2024
A cozy little Christmas mystery! I love this series, very easy read with fun settings and characters!
August 5, 2025
Review Coming
March 24, 2017
Great story, quick read but not shallow
I love getting to know these characters and this town! Can't wait to read the next one! An easy read but very intriguing.
I love getting to know these characters and this town! Can't wait to read the next one! An easy read but very intriguing.
February 7, 2018
This is a new to me author and series and I found a fun read.
Amanda has not lived in Ravenwood Cove Oregon for very long. She owns a B & B and she is learning to deal with lots of rain.
She is driving to another small town and there is a mudslide. The car in front of her is tumbled down a hill. She rushes down the hill to get the man in the car out of danger. As she finally gets him into her car, she sees two feet sticking out of the mudslide.
So, begins a story.
The first step is to find out the name of the man and the second step is to find out why he had been buried on the hill after he was shot.
This is a fast read that is a pretty good mystery.
Amanda does her normal traveling around town and as she does, she deals with the citizens of Ravenwood Cove. This is a small town so there is gossip. And nearly everyone Amanda meets has some little tidbit to add to the story.
Amanda is an intelligent woman who is good at putting pieces of a puzzle together. Her “friend” James is a detective and he helps her follow the clues. He is following the clues too. He is a strong character who not only wants to find a murderer, but also keep Amanda safe.
The secondary characters are fun and interesting and basically they add a great deal to the atmosphere of the story. This is a small town populated by normal people who share an interest in the lives of their neighbors. There is caring, humor and a strong curiousity.
If you are in the market for a quick cozy mystery, this is a book you will enjoy.
Amanda has not lived in Ravenwood Cove Oregon for very long. She owns a B & B and she is learning to deal with lots of rain.
She is driving to another small town and there is a mudslide. The car in front of her is tumbled down a hill. She rushes down the hill to get the man in the car out of danger. As she finally gets him into her car, she sees two feet sticking out of the mudslide.
So, begins a story.
The first step is to find out the name of the man and the second step is to find out why he had been buried on the hill after he was shot.
This is a fast read that is a pretty good mystery.
Amanda does her normal traveling around town and as she does, she deals with the citizens of Ravenwood Cove. This is a small town so there is gossip. And nearly everyone Amanda meets has some little tidbit to add to the story.
Amanda is an intelligent woman who is good at putting pieces of a puzzle together. Her “friend” James is a detective and he helps her follow the clues. He is following the clues too. He is a strong character who not only wants to find a murderer, but also keep Amanda safe.
The secondary characters are fun and interesting and basically they add a great deal to the atmosphere of the story. This is a small town populated by normal people who share an interest in the lives of their neighbors. There is caring, humor and a strong curiousity.
If you are in the market for a quick cozy mystery, this is a book you will enjoy.
August 4, 2022
Back in Ravenwood Cove with the 3rd book in this delightful small town USA cozy mystery series. Amanda is gearing up for Christmas at the Ravenwood Inn and planning a huge Christmas Eve Party, traditional when the Inn was open before she inherited it.
Of course, things can't all be plain sailing so when she witnesses a landslide, has to rescue someone from it and finds a body, James, local Detective and her new boyfriend, is on hand to help her. No one seems to know who the dead body is though.
Of course, there are the usual characters mentioned in the book including the incorrigible Mrs Granger; Meg, her Granddaughter and Lisa, local newspaper editor and friend to Meg and Amanda.
Oscar still holds court at the Inn, being the official greeter, he's put on lots of weight so isn't the scrawny cat he was before.
I really enjoy reading these books and find it hard to put them down. The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
Of course, things can't all be plain sailing so when she witnesses a landslide, has to rescue someone from it and finds a body, James, local Detective and her new boyfriend, is on hand to help her. No one seems to know who the dead body is though.
Of course, there are the usual characters mentioned in the book including the incorrigible Mrs Granger; Meg, her Granddaughter and Lisa, local newspaper editor and friend to Meg and Amanda.
Oscar still holds court at the Inn, being the official greeter, he's put on lots of weight so isn't the scrawny cat he was before.
I really enjoy reading these books and find it hard to put them down. The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
November 30, 2017
I have 3 criticisms (and these may contain spoilers so if you haven’t read the series up to book 3 look away);
1. Not near enough James.
2. How is Mrs Granger 93 in this book? I’m sure in the first book she was 90, and if it’s only been a couple of months it makes no sense she’s now 93. Am I wrong? If I am please let me know.
3. It was NOT as Christmassy as I wanted it to be!
But beyond that, I didn’t guess the who did it and the story was really great. These are such fast reads, I’m finding myself flying through them. I’d love to visit Ravenwood Cove, but maybe not if these murders continue!
1. Not near enough James.
2. How is Mrs Granger 93 in this book? I’m sure in the first book she was 90, and if it’s only been a couple of months it makes no sense she’s now 93. Am I wrong? If I am please let me know.
3. It was NOT as Christmassy as I wanted it to be!
But beyond that, I didn’t guess the who did it and the story was really great. These are such fast reads, I’m finding myself flying through them. I’d love to visit Ravenwood Cove, but maybe not if these murders continue!
January 21, 2018
Ratings:
4.45555 stars
PG (Elementary age kids probably wouldn't enjoy it)
No sex
No strong language
No violence
Well-told story of greed and its consequences set in small-town Oregon with likable characters.
Excellent descriptions of mudslides and Pacific Northwest weather.
My only criticism is that often, but not too often, the author's descriptions are passive rather than active. It could be something like (not a direct quote) "The Christmas songs were beautiful," as opposed to "Their combined voices raised the Christmas carols in...." Yeh, I'm being picky, but I noticed it enough for mention.
This being a story set during the Christmas season, I appreciated that the characters' religious beliefs were appropriately presented in a gentle, not-preachy way.
Worth reading.
4.45555 stars
PG (Elementary age kids probably wouldn't enjoy it)
No sex
No strong language
No violence
Well-told story of greed and its consequences set in small-town Oregon with likable characters.
Excellent descriptions of mudslides and Pacific Northwest weather.
My only criticism is that often, but not too often, the author's descriptions are passive rather than active. It could be something like (not a direct quote) "The Christmas songs were beautiful," as opposed to "Their combined voices raised the Christmas carols in...." Yeh, I'm being picky, but I noticed it enough for mention.
This being a story set during the Christmas season, I appreciated that the characters' religious beliefs were appropriately presented in a gentle, not-preachy way.
Worth reading.
February 12, 2018
Wonderful series about real people (who just happen to find dead bodies!)
It took me until after the third book to write a comment, mainly because I couldn't wait to read the next story!
Carolyn writes the way I like: Straightforward story. She gives you enough details so that you can "see" what's going on, but doesn't bore you with the mundane. When someone is in the living room, I don't need to know what color the curtains, rug and sofa are, unless necessary to the plot.
Carolyn's writing is easy to read, her characters are loveable (or despicable, as the case may be) and I do find myself anxiously awaiting the time I can sit down and find out what happens next.
Bravo.
It took me until after the third book to write a comment, mainly because I couldn't wait to read the next story!
Carolyn writes the way I like: Straightforward story. She gives you enough details so that you can "see" what's going on, but doesn't bore you with the mundane. When someone is in the living room, I don't need to know what color the curtains, rug and sofa are, unless necessary to the plot.
Carolyn's writing is easy to read, her characters are loveable (or despicable, as the case may be) and I do find myself anxiously awaiting the time I can sit down and find out what happens next.
Bravo.
June 4, 2018
Entitlements?
Fabulous. Christmas is just around the corner so she is helping out a friend by picking up a sign from the next town. A storm causes a landslide which ends with her helping the injured driver of the car in front of her and the discovery of a dead body that had been pulled down the hill from it's grave. Who was it? Add in a stolen necklace, a ghostly encounter and an attempt on her life for a great read. R
I really was taken by surprise at the identity of the killer. The plot is infused with emotion and details of the characters lives. Whilst the characters themselves are vivid and have the same inscurities that we all have.
Fabulous. Christmas is just around the corner so she is helping out a friend by picking up a sign from the next town. A storm causes a landslide which ends with her helping the injured driver of the car in front of her and the discovery of a dead body that had been pulled down the hill from it's grave. Who was it? Add in a stolen necklace, a ghostly encounter and an attempt on her life for a great read. R
I really was taken by surprise at the identity of the killer. The plot is infused with emotion and details of the characters lives. Whilst the characters themselves are vivid and have the same inscurities that we all have.
August 11, 2017
Murder, Romance, and Gossip
An excellent story, well written. Our heroine, Amanda, (who owns a historic bread and breakfast in a small town) gets involved in a murder mystery when she runs into a mudslide and discovers a body. Along the way as she tries to puzzle out who did it she also solves other small mysteries. Of course there is a romance going on with her and the town detective. It is a good story with just enough intrigue and small town gossip to make it interesting.
An excellent story, well written. Our heroine, Amanda, (who owns a historic bread and breakfast in a small town) gets involved in a murder mystery when she runs into a mudslide and discovers a body. Along the way as she tries to puzzle out who did it she also solves other small mysteries. Of course there is a romance going on with her and the town detective. It is a good story with just enough intrigue and small town gossip to make it interesting.
December 8, 2017
I enjoyed Mistletoe, Moonlight and Murder, book 3 of 8 in Carolyn Dean's Ravenwood Cove Mystery series, however, the story was all over the place which I not only found distracting but also took the WOW factor of the book down a notch hence the 4 star rating.
Some might think including three or more small mysteries needing to be solved in a cozy mystery a good idea. In the case of this book I disagree. A "less is more" approach would have been better in my opinion.
Some might think including three or more small mysteries needing to be solved in a cozy mystery a good idea. In the case of this book I disagree. A "less is more" approach would have been better in my opinion.
April 25, 2018
Getting her Raven wood Inn ready for Christmas should have been enough to keep Amanda busy, but not with so many mysterious happening and a murder to solve.
In this book Amanda and James are officially dating, but Amanda again stumbles on another body. Of course she is the one who figures out "Who don't." Along way she solves a few more mysteries and discovers more about her new home town.
In this book Amanda and James are officially dating, but Amanda again stumbles on another body. Of course she is the one who figures out "Who don't." Along way she solves a few more mysteries and discovers more about her new home town.
December 12, 2018
I read this novella almost in one go. It wasn't the best one in this series but still very enjoyable, fun and plain entertaining.
The only real issue were the many typos and incorrect or missing words - I struggled several times to figure out the actual meaning of some sentences - which was the reason I rated it 3* instead of the 4* I'd like it to give for the content. In case Amazon ever provides an updated edition without those I'll change my rating accordingly.
The only real issue were the many typos and incorrect or missing words - I struggled several times to figure out the actual meaning of some sentences - which was the reason I rated it 3* instead of the 4* I'd like it to give for the content. In case Amazon ever provides an updated edition without those I'll change my rating accordingly.
August 11, 2023
The fresh scent of a just cut Christmas tree was always on the edge of this third entry of the series. That cozy holiday feeling kept popping up throughout the book, but that is only tangential to the cosy mystery. The author's description of a mudslide really brought home the danger and fear. Amanda's investigation was careless and dangerous, but in true cozy heroine style, I'm sure, will be repeated.
November 4, 2023
Loved this book. It was cozy and comforting. I love Amanda and Mrs. Granger. They both are ready to jump into any situation. It was a fun quick read. I'm interested in Solomon. I thought he was younger, like closer to Amanda's age. But he was sneaking around with that woman who I thought was older, because her husband is in the hospital with Alzheimer's. I was a little confused there. I wish there was a bit more progress with Amanda and James! But I'm enjoying this series.
November 8, 2025
Mistletoe, moonlight and murder
Good story set near Christmas. Amanda runs a B&B and has gotten to know most of the people in town. She saves her boyfriend's brother from a mudslide and discovers a body that was unearthed from the mudslide. She helps her boyfriend who is in the police force find out who the killer is. Loved the characters in the story especially Mrs Granger, she is a feisty 90 year old. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Good story set near Christmas. Amanda runs a B&B and has gotten to know most of the people in town. She saves her boyfriend's brother from a mudslide and discovers a body that was unearthed from the mudslide. She helps her boyfriend who is in the police force find out who the killer is. Loved the characters in the story especially Mrs Granger, she is a feisty 90 year old. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 15, 2017
Spending the holidays with friends
It was nice to be able to go to Ravenwood Cove and spend t the holidays with new friends. The fact that there was a murder and a little bit of history thrown in helped. I'm so glad I met these characters and can twist to get together with them again soon.
It was nice to be able to go to Ravenwood Cove and spend t the holidays with new friends. The fact that there was a murder and a little bit of history thrown in helped. I'm so glad I met these characters and can twist to get together with them again soon.
July 7, 2017
Another fun read. I agree with another reviewer that this book wasn't as good as the first two, but I enjoyed it anyway. The easy camaraderie of the characters and the interweaving of pets makes it a feel-good read most of the way through. I'm still a sucker for these types of books, and I can easily recommend this one.
November 30, 2017
Another Great Cozy Read
Amanda ,with her attraction for murder pulls you through this book.
I loved the story line, the characters and the setting of Ravenwood Cove.I
These books are best read as part of a series,as they add to your enjoyment.
I recommend this book to those who love cozy mysteries.
Amanda ,with her attraction for murder pulls you through this book.
I loved the story line, the characters and the setting of Ravenwood Cove.I
These books are best read as part of a series,as they add to your enjoyment.
I recommend this book to those who love cozy mysteries.
December 4, 2017
Great holiday fun
There's nothing like a little mistletoe and murder to get you in the holiday spirit. Especially when it comes with favourite characters of Dean's previous books in this series. So curl up in your favourite spot with a nice cup of cocoa and your enjoy. Wishing my fellow book worms Happy Holidays!🌲
There's nothing like a little mistletoe and murder to get you in the holiday spirit. Especially when it comes with favourite characters of Dean's previous books in this series. So curl up in your favourite spot with a nice cup of cocoa and your enjoy. Wishing my fellow book worms Happy Holidays!🌲
January 3, 2018
Feel good story
Learning to live in a small town and run an important B & B is a challenge, especially when finding dead bodies enters the mix. As the investigation progresses the number of people that come under suspicion keeping adding up. Quirky characters add to the interest. Enjoyed the mix and the unexpected ending.
Learning to live in a small town and run an important B & B is a challenge, especially when finding dead bodies enters the mix. As the investigation progresses the number of people that come under suspicion keeping adding up. Quirky characters add to the interest. Enjoyed the mix and the unexpected ending.
February 6, 2018
Very good
Once I start to read your mystery its very difficult to put my kindle down. The characters are interesting and believable. I can picture walking into cafe. There's always a murder which gets solved but life goes on and we learn more about the main characters. Thank you for your story. Stay well and big fan.
Once I start to read your mystery its very difficult to put my kindle down. The characters are interesting and believable. I can picture walking into cafe. There's always a murder which gets solved but life goes on and we learn more about the main characters. Thank you for your story. Stay well and big fan.
April 30, 2018
#3 and still enjoyable!
Just doing some light, enjoyable reading. This is the 3rd story in a row that I have read and still enjoyed it. I will be moving in to #4 now. Can recommend again. Nice break if you've been reading fast paced action books. I am enjoying the characters and the small town.
Just doing some light, enjoyable reading. This is the 3rd story in a row that I have read and still enjoyed it. I will be moving in to #4 now. Can recommend again. Nice break if you've been reading fast paced action books. I am enjoying the characters and the small town.
October 25, 2018
Most enjoyable series!!!
This is the third book in this series and I have enjoyed all three of them. The characters are well developed and seem like folks you know or have known. The plots have enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages. Nice, clean cozy mysteries. I'm looking forward to reading more of Carolyn L. Dean's stories for sure!
This is the third book in this series and I have enjoyed all three of them. The characters are well developed and seem like folks you know or have known. The plots have enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages. Nice, clean cozy mysteries. I'm looking forward to reading more of Carolyn L. Dean's stories for sure!
November 16, 2018
Great read.
I really enjoy books that are in a series where you can get to know each of the town's people. I highly recommend this series. The author does a great job of making the story have just enough twist and turns that you really don't know "who done it" until the very end. Hope you like it too.
I really enjoy books that are in a series where you can get to know each of the town's people. I highly recommend this series. The author does a great job of making the story have just enough twist and turns that you really don't know "who done it" until the very end. Hope you like it too.
December 2, 2018
The Story Continues
The third installment of this series gives more depth to some of the characters, and brings some new ones into the light. The reader feels like they are in a small town in the Pacific Northwest, and for anyone used to small town life it's no surprise that there is more than meets the eye.
The third installment of this series gives more depth to some of the characters, and brings some new ones into the light. The reader feels like they are in a small town in the Pacific Northwest, and for anyone used to small town life it's no surprise that there is more than meets the eye.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews