What do you think?
Rate this book
Ravenwood Cove Cozy Mystery #5
Time, Tide, & Trouble
A riddle for you: What waits for no man?
It turns out that TIME and TIDE wait for no woman, too!
Just when Amanda Graham's life has started to turn around, TROUBLE comes to the quiet beach town of Ravenwood Cove in the guise of a mysterious stranger and ghosts from her past. When paths cross with murder and long-held secrets, it's only a matter of time before someone is going to have to pay for mistakes made long ago.
Fifth novel in the Ravenwood Cove ebook series. Paperback and audiobook versions coming soon. Mild PG rating (because hey, there's a dead guy..or maybe gal, in it).
It turns out that TIME and TIDE wait for no woman, too!
Just when Amanda Graham's life has started to turn around, TROUBLE comes to the quiet beach town of Ravenwood Cove in the guise of a mysterious stranger and ghosts from her past. When paths cross with murder and long-held secrets, it's only a matter of time before someone is going to have to pay for mistakes made long ago.
Fifth novel in the Ravenwood Cove ebook series. Paperback and audiobook versions coming soon. Mild PG rating (because hey, there's a dead guy..or maybe gal, in it).
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2017
786 people are currently reading
201 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
July 9, 2020
Author Carolyn L. Dean created the Ravenwood Cove Cozy mystery series just a few years ago and has been publishing 2 or 3 books each year. I enjoy the setting, characters, and lighthearted romance and mystery stories. I am trying to catch up over the next month so I'm current on the series. In this fifth book, Time, Tide, and Trouble, main character Amanda Graham, owner of an Oregon bed and breakfast inn, takes a step forward in her relationship with local cop, James. Two reasons I enjoy these stories... the handsome cop and I share a name, and Amanda's last name is one of my own family names (and the name in my second book) just spelled differently (mine is Graeme).
These books are shorter than the typical cozy by about 15% and focus both on the romance and mystery angles of the story. In some ways, they're less about the plot and more about what's going on in the life of some cool characters you enjoy getting to know. It took me about 90 minutes to read last night, curled up in bed just before going to sleep. I like the evolution of the inn and how the backstories come out on the characters throughout the novel -- not just in the beginning to setup the crime. The crime is often less important in these books, but still helps push the overall story along. In this one, Amanda makes stronger connections to a few people in the town and learns how to build roots in her new home. I look forward to picking up the next few books to read in April. I can easily picture everyone in my head as I'm reading, but there's not an overwhelming amount of detail - a good balance. Between 3.5 and 4 stars... rounded up to 4 as I would recommend the series.
These books are shorter than the typical cozy by about 15% and focus both on the romance and mystery angles of the story. In some ways, they're less about the plot and more about what's going on in the life of some cool characters you enjoy getting to know. It took me about 90 minutes to read last night, curled up in bed just before going to sleep. I like the evolution of the inn and how the backstories come out on the characters throughout the novel -- not just in the beginning to setup the crime. The crime is often less important in these books, but still helps push the overall story along. In this one, Amanda makes stronger connections to a few people in the town and learns how to build roots in her new home. I look forward to picking up the next few books to read in April. I can easily picture everyone in my head as I'm reading, but there's not an overwhelming amount of detail - a good balance. Between 3.5 and 4 stars... rounded up to 4 as I would recommend the series.
May 23, 2017
Ravenswood Cove....Everyone's Home with a twist of mystery
I have read all the current books in this series and another book is coming June 2017! Can't wait for the next adventure. I like the setting of this book and the characters seem real and interesting. Reading these books makes me feel like I am returning to a town I know. If you like a book with interesting characters and a great mystery in the plot, then you have hit pay dirt with Carolyn L. Dean's books.
I have read all the current books in this series and another book is coming June 2017! Can't wait for the next adventure. I like the setting of this book and the characters seem real and interesting. Reading these books makes me feel like I am returning to a town I know. If you like a book with interesting characters and a great mystery in the plot, then you have hit pay dirt with Carolyn L. Dean's books.
May 14, 2017
You're not alone when reading this book.
This mystery moves along. You will forget all about what's going on about you. It's that good. Love the ending.
This mystery moves along. You will forget all about what's going on about you. It's that good. Love the ending.
June 4, 2017
really like this series, can't wait til the next one comes out
June 26, 2017
More fun in Ravenwood Cove
This is the fifth book in the series and as enjoyable as the others . These are quick reads, and I only wish they were longer.
This is the fifth book in the series and as enjoyable as the others . These are quick reads, and I only wish they were longer.
March 12, 2018
I wish i could give it a 10!!!
Seeing James suspected as a possible murderer didn't make me feel good at all! I just knew he couldn't have done this even though the man deserved It! The ending wow what a wonderful proposal ! I truly love the James and Amanda story and Amanda being "adopted" by Mrs granger☺
Seeing James suspected as a possible murderer didn't make me feel good at all! I just knew he couldn't have done this even though the man deserved It! The ending wow what a wonderful proposal ! I truly love the James and Amanda story and Amanda being "adopted" by Mrs granger☺
February 15, 2018
Time, Tide, and Trouble
I liked the way the author is able to weave a good bit of info in about 100 or so pages. It’s a continuation of the Ravenwood Cove Series and each short story features a character who lives in Ravenwood, so it’s nice to learn something new about each character. This one was touching but I won’t say why because I don’t want to be a spoiler for other readers who haven’t read this yet. What I don’t like is I feel the books are more expensive per short story. I’d prefer to pay full price and buy them in one or two full sized book form which would actually be much less expensive, than 2.99 for every 100 or so pages.
I liked the way the author is able to weave a good bit of info in about 100 or so pages. It’s a continuation of the Ravenwood Cove Series and each short story features a character who lives in Ravenwood, so it’s nice to learn something new about each character. This one was touching but I won’t say why because I don’t want to be a spoiler for other readers who haven’t read this yet. What I don’t like is I feel the books are more expensive per short story. I’d prefer to pay full price and buy them in one or two full sized book form which would actually be much less expensive, than 2.99 for every 100 or so pages.
February 7, 2018
Very good
This was really a great mystery. Did not consider the brother as the murderer. You really describe the characters well. I wish I could meet Amanda,Mrs. Granger, Truman and the others at the cafe. The best was James asking Amanda to marry him. I don t know anyone who would not enjoy your books. Thank you for your stories. Stay well and keep writing.
This was really a great mystery. Did not consider the brother as the murderer. You really describe the characters well. I wish I could meet Amanda,Mrs. Granger, Truman and the others at the cafe. The best was James asking Amanda to marry him. I don t know anyone who would not enjoy your books. Thank you for your stories. Stay well and keep writing.
July 28, 2017
Nice mystery
I skipped ahead and read book 6 before reading this one, and I wondered why things were different. Now that I read this book, everything is explained.
In this story, Amanda is busy with running the inn and spends time with her new boyfriend while she can. Meanwhile, James, Amanda's boyfriend, has troubles of his own, helping his parents on their ranch when a body is found on the property and James is the suspect. Amanda helps James clear his name and solve the murder. And in the end, they become engaged. Nice mystery and delightful plot twist that kept me guessing.
I skipped ahead and read book 6 before reading this one, and I wondered why things were different. Now that I read this book, everything is explained.
In this story, Amanda is busy with running the inn and spends time with her new boyfriend while she can. Meanwhile, James, Amanda's boyfriend, has troubles of his own, helping his parents on their ranch when a body is found on the property and James is the suspect. Amanda helps James clear his name and solve the murder. And in the end, they become engaged. Nice mystery and delightful plot twist that kept me guessing.
August 1, 2017
A Charming First Read
I chose this book, not realizing it was your fourth of fifth in the series, however, I felt comfortable reading it because it could easily stand alone. I would love to live in a small village like that as I grew up in a small town and loved living there, when, suddenly, my parents gathered all three of us, sisters, and we never went back. Since then, I have always loved in cities or other places (not cozy). My husband was totally different from the man in this book and I would have loved a less complicated man better,I think. Anyway, it was an easy read as well as an enjoyable one!
I chose this book, not realizing it was your fourth of fifth in the series, however, I felt comfortable reading it because it could easily stand alone. I would love to live in a small village like that as I grew up in a small town and loved living there, when, suddenly, my parents gathered all three of us, sisters, and we never went back. Since then, I have always loved in cities or other places (not cozy). My husband was totally different from the man in this book and I would have loved a less complicated man better,I think. Anyway, it was an easy read as well as an enjoyable one!
September 17, 2017
I have really grown to love this series. The town's people are very developed and each brings their own unique personalities. I can actually visualize this quaint town and I envy Amanda and her ability to make an effort to go out of her comfort zone and meet and appreciate each person for their strengths and faults. Amanda has the grace to confront issues and is quick to apologize when it is appropriate. Most of all, this series leaves you guessing right to the very end! Each mystery has enough characters and issues to make you turn the next page just for one more minute and then you are hooked until the last page is finished.
August 14, 2017
Tempers flare
Again, a winner. This is book 5 out of seven. Each story stands on its on. An historic inn owner, a handsome detective, and dead bodies that keep turning up, throw in some humor and you have (for mr) the perfect mystery. No xrated scenes included. I've already read book 6 so I am looking forward to book 7.
Again, a winner. This is book 5 out of seven. Each story stands on its on. An historic inn owner, a handsome detective, and dead bodies that keep turning up, throw in some humor and you have (for mr) the perfect mystery. No xrated scenes included. I've already read book 6 so I am looking forward to book 7.
August 22, 2017
Continue in Ravenwood Cove!
I love reading about Amanda & James. Look forward to reading more. Thanks for the wonderful recipe too - sounds great!
I did not feel that this book had as much suspense as the previous ones. Could have been me because I read this one with a lot of start & stops (had a lot going on while I read this one). But I still want to read more.
I love reading about Amanda & James. Look forward to reading more. Thanks for the wonderful recipe too - sounds great!
I did not feel that this book had as much suspense as the previous ones. Could have been me because I read this one with a lot of start & stops (had a lot going on while I read this one). But I still want to read more.
July 4, 2017
In this installment in the series, there was less active detective work, but the personal developments were great to read. And old Mrs. Granger had some more funny and charming moments in this book.
November 24, 2017
A great read
I really enjoy this series and I loved this one. The writing keeps improving each book and there was more romance this time, which I always love. The mystery was as good as always and I loved the ending.
I really enjoy this series and I loved this one. The writing keeps improving each book and there was more romance this time, which I always love. The mystery was as good as always and I loved the ending.
December 1, 2017
Another Great Cozy
Suspense abounds as Amanda races to solve a murder and clear James,her boyfriend.
I love Ravenwood all the lovely residents plus I love reading about their lives.
I recommend this book to those that 💘 cozy mysteries
Suspense abounds as Amanda races to solve a murder and clear James,her boyfriend.
I love Ravenwood all the lovely residents plus I love reading about their lives.
I recommend this book to those that 💘 cozy mysteries
May 28, 2017
Another quiet day at the Inn, not...
Amanda wakes up to commotion at her boyfriends family horse farm to find out there was a murder and guess who is the prime suspect?
Amanda wakes up to commotion at her boyfriends family horse farm to find out there was a murder and guess who is the prime suspect?
June 25, 2017
Great Series👍
I highly recommend!! I have read all of the books this series & highly recommend it. Had all the things I love in a book.....romance, mystery, and excitement!!!!!!
I highly recommend!! I have read all of the books this series & highly recommend it. Had all the things I love in a book.....romance, mystery, and excitement!!!!!!
July 27, 2017
Good cozy
Loved story. Couldn't stop reading until I finished it. My favorite kind of book. Don't miss this series or her other books.
Loved story. Couldn't stop reading until I finished it. My favorite kind of book. Don't miss this series or her other books.
October 6, 2017
Time,Tide,and Trouble Review
I enjoyed meeting. the occupants of this small town. It sounds like a great place to live. I will revisit, soon
I enjoyed meeting. the occupants of this small town. It sounds like a great place to live. I will revisit, soon
December 5, 2017
Another fantastic book in the series! I’m starting to wonder what the hell I’ll do when there are no more books in this series to read! Gonna be one hell of a book hangover!
August 5, 2022
This is a small town USA cozy mystery series, and one which has captured my interest, so much that I am binge reading the books issued so far. Ravenwood Cove, idyllic small town where the Ravenwood Cove Inn B&B is owned and run by Amanda, one of the main characters in the series.
James, local police Detective and Amanda's boyfriend is taking a leave of absence to help on his parent's farm after his Father has a stroke. When a body is found on the farm, James realises it was a man he had successfully put away for child abuse, and he is soon accused of murder. Amanda has to intervene to find the real murderer before James is arrested.
I love reading these books and am slowly getting through the whole series. Each book is a standalone story but the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
James, local police Detective and Amanda's boyfriend is taking a leave of absence to help on his parent's farm after his Father has a stroke. When a body is found on the farm, James realises it was a man he had successfully put away for child abuse, and he is soon accused of murder. Amanda has to intervene to find the real murderer before James is arrested.
I love reading these books and am slowly getting through the whole series. Each book is a standalone story but the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
June 7, 2025
It wasn’t really a problem getting into the series again after seven years away from it (how’d it even get to be that long?). The characters are like old friends you’re coming to visit, but it kinda made me decide to start reading from the beginning after this book, maybe a summer goal, just to get on track with the happenings in the town. The author does a nice job of catching a person up, but I’m just weird in liking to remember little details and stuff like that.
This was probably the book I’d been waiting for when I read those first four, or at least waiting for the sweet ending of this one. But before that, Amanda had to deal with another killer and did pretty well in her own gutsy way.
This was probably the book I’d been waiting for when I read those first four, or at least waiting for the sweet ending of this one. But before that, Amanda had to deal with another killer and did pretty well in her own gutsy way.
July 8, 2025
I’ve enjoyed most of the books in this series so far, but this one was pretty obvious from the beginning. There were also some errors in the writing, like Derek being referred to as Amanda’s brother-in-law (she and James are dating, not married), and “I won’t take now for an answer.”
I also was unpleasantly surprised by James proposing at the end of this book. He’s supposedly a man of faith, and Amanda wasn’t even planning on going to church on Easter Sunday. Wouldn’t he, as a man of deep conviction, know not to be unequally yoked? I expected Amanda to come to sincere faith in Christ in the series before James proposed. Hopefully she becomes a believer soon because promoting missionary dating in this series is unwise and unhelpful to readers.
I also was unpleasantly surprised by James proposing at the end of this book. He’s supposedly a man of faith, and Amanda wasn’t even planning on going to church on Easter Sunday. Wouldn’t he, as a man of deep conviction, know not to be unequally yoked? I expected Amanda to come to sincere faith in Christ in the series before James proposed. Hopefully she becomes a believer soon because promoting missionary dating in this series is unwise and unhelpful to readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2022
Molester returns to town
Amanda is at the Landon ranch with James helping his family since his dad had a stroke. She has gone to the ranch, James is suppose to teach her to shoot but gets sidetracked when he mare goes into labor. Next morning they get word someone has been murdered and is in the cave. James is a suspect, he arrested the dead man and put him in prison. Emil says he saw James kill Vern.
Amanda is at the Landon ranch with James helping his family since his dad had a stroke. She has gone to the ranch, James is suppose to teach her to shoot but gets sidetracked when he mare goes into labor. Next morning they get word someone has been murdered and is in the cave. James is a suspect, he arrested the dead man and put him in prison. Emil says he saw James kill Vern.
July 5, 2018
Good Mystery
I have really enjoyed this series, the mysteries and the characters. But this book took on the tone of a Christian Romance book. That is not my preferred genre, so end of the line for me. The mystery was still excellent, so if you don't mind a little religious talk in your books, you will still enjoy the story.
I have really enjoyed this series, the mysteries and the characters. But this book took on the tone of a Christian Romance book. That is not my preferred genre, so end of the line for me. The mystery was still excellent, so if you don't mind a little religious talk in your books, you will still enjoy the story.
September 12, 2018
Nice book good characters, clues not given well
I am keeping up with the characters and love the development of the regulars. I was disappointed than none of the clues led to the murderer until the very end. I like to spend time trying to figure out who dunnit and in this case it was given to you until the end.
I am keeping up with the characters and love the development of the regulars. I was disappointed than none of the clues led to the murderer until the very end. I like to spend time trying to figure out who dunnit and in this case it was given to you until the end.
October 12, 2018
Wonderful book and series
I love these Ravenwood Cove Cozy mysteries. The people in the stories are so real and I feel as if I am a part of the town. Discovering who the murderer is in each story is a surprise.. I hope the author keeps writing this series so I can keep up with the people in Ravenswood I have grown to care for as an imaginary family.
I love these Ravenwood Cove Cozy mysteries. The people in the stories are so real and I feel as if I am a part of the town. Discovering who the murderer is in each story is a surprise.. I hope the author keeps writing this series so I can keep up with the people in Ravenswood I have grown to care for as an imaginary family.
October 22, 2019
Great
This is one of the few series where each book makes you feel like you’re visiting old friends. I love the setting an atmosphere. The characters are very realistic and they change and grow and develop. I think this series is a lot of fun and I look forward to reading all the books in the series.
This is one of the few series where each book makes you feel like you’re visiting old friends. I love the setting an atmosphere. The characters are very realistic and they change and grow and develop. I think this series is a lot of fun and I look forward to reading all the books in the series.
February 15, 2022
Another enjoyable mystery!
The characters have become like family and the adventures continue through another enjoyable cozy murder mystery! I want to book a long weekend in the Ravenwood Cove Inn and love that the author includes delightful recipes at the end of each book! Heading back to Amazon to order the next one, Book 6!
The characters have become like family and the adventures continue through another enjoyable cozy murder mystery! I want to book a long weekend in the Ravenwood Cove Inn and love that the author includes delightful recipes at the end of each book! Heading back to Amazon to order the next one, Book 6!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews