Jump to ratings and reviews

Secret Seal Isle Mysteries #3

A Walk on the Dead Side

All Cookie James wanted was a romantic island picnic with her sexy handyman, Dylan Creed. What she got was a lobster trap full of drugs. As an ex-FBI agent, Cookie's determined to hand the evidence off to local authorities and stay out of the fray. But when a package arrives with a gory warning, she has no choice but to call in her former partner, Hunter O'Neil and investigate the case. Hunter’s arrival brings more than crime fighting expertise. He'd like his connection to Cookie to finally be more than professional. There's no denying the sparks between them. Except with Dylan in the picture, Cookie's realizing someone else might be lighting her fire. Unfortunately, her love life is going to have to wait. Between kidnappings, attempted murder, and stolen kisses, Cookie James has a case to solve.

227 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 19, 2017

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Lucy Quinn

35 books89 followers
Lucy Quinn is the brainchild of New York Times bestselling author Deanna Chase and USA Today bestselling author Violet Vaughn. Having met over a decade ago in a lampwork bead forum, the pair were first what they like to call “show wives” as they traveled the country together, selling their handmade glass beads. So when they both started writing fiction, it seemed only natural for the two friends to pair up with their hilarious, laugh-out-loud, cozy mysteries. At least they think so. Now they travel the country, meeting up in various cities to plan each new Lucy Quinn book while giggling madly at themselves and the ridiculous situations they force on their characters. They very much hope you enjoy them as much as they do.

Deanna Chase, is a native Californian, transplanted to the slower paced lifestyle of southeastern Louisiana. When she isn’t writing, she is often goofing off with her husband in New Orleans, playing with her two shih tzu dogs, or making glass beads.

Violet Vaughn lives in coastal New Hampshire where she spends most mornings in the woods with her dogs, summer at the ocean, and winters skiing in the mountains of Maine.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
106 (31%)
4 stars
142 (42%)
3 stars
72 (21%)
2 stars
16 (4%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Kristine .
1,832 reviews12 followers
June 19, 2017
This is a great series and this installment is no exception. This book has a strong story, and great characters. I look forward to reading more of this series in the future.

I received a copy of this book from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
Profile Image for Robyn.
2,379 reviews135 followers
July 11, 2022
A WALK ON THE DEAD SIDE
Lucy Quinn

This is why I don't go lobster fishing! I mean it is pretty easy to pull up a lobster trap full of drugs, especially if you are Cookie, an ex-FBI agent.. you can expect the follow-up to this to be a body part in the mail!

After packing a romantic picnic to eat with sexy Dylan Creed, involvement with drug dealers is certain. Call your ex-partner and get ready to get into the fray! Lots of fun. This is a short, but completely evolved novel.

4 stars

Happy Reading!

Profile Image for Elisa.
3,294 reviews42 followers
June 19, 2017
Another great, fun, quirky Cookie mystery with lots of adventure.
Another date with Dylan interrupted.
Another visit from Hunter.

This all adds up to another thrilling, suspenseful mystery for Cookie to unravel or maybe Cookie will unravel herself instead...lol
1,388 reviews22 followers
March 29, 2018
A fairly typical cozy. Cookie is a likeable character who is ex FBI hiding from the bad guys on an island. There she and her Mom run an inn. The mystery is interesting and kept my attention throughout the book.
Profile Image for Miranda Beazley.
673 reviews6 followers
June 29, 2017
Poor Cookie is at it again, on a date with Dylan she find a lobster trap full of drugs and then a hand is delivered to her door. The sherif is no help and so she's off to investigate another wrong doing in her tiny town.

Another spot on murder-mystery by Lucy Quinn. More mystery and only a touch of romance here and there in this one have you guessing the "who-done-it" and wondering what's going to happen. I really enjoyed another instalment into the life that is Cookie James.
Profile Image for Myriam.
645 reviews26 followers
June 20, 2017
This is the third book in the series and the best one so far and I have a feeling that the next ones will get even better. The writing is superb, as well as the character development and the world building.
Cookie is a fantastic character, at times a bit confused, which only adds to her charm. Other times she is all business, seasoned former FBI investigator, and even better when paired with her former FBI partner Hunter. Their chemistry is amazing, especially in the field.
Hunter's development on the other hand went from annoying protective macho type in the first book, to a lovable strong partner over the course of the next two books, but one thing never changed, and that is how much he cares for Cookie and how much she can rely on him and his help.
Dylan was featured a bit less than in the previous two books, or at least it felt that way. Maybe it feel like that because he remains a mystery, reluctant to divulge any details about himself or his past. I have a feeling that his time is either coming or he will be slowly phased out. I am curious either way, as the writers left so many possibilities and option for the story development. As much as I am curious about him, I won't be sorry to see him go if that happens, as this mysteriousness and his reluctance to open up and talk about himself is a bit annoying, especially because he insists to know secret details about Cookie.
And then there is Rain, Cookie's mom, is still one of the best characters ever created. She is hilarious and lovely and out of control and pure joy to be around. This book features her in great amount and that was probably one of the reasons I liked it more than previous books.
All in all, this was a great story and I cannot wait for the next one. The stories are best read in order starting with New Corpse in Town, followed by Life in the Dead Lane, before embarking on this adventure.
Profile Image for Yvonne Daniels.
2,824 reviews25 followers
June 30, 2017
A Walk on the Dead Side Secret Seal Isle Mysteries Book 3
by Lucy Quinn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed this story! What do I say about this book? I LOVED IT! Unique story, it has mystery and suspense and though it was obvious to figure out. It didn't take away from the book at all. I ENJOYED the whole story. Wow this is a quick read but Lucy Quinn sure knows how to pack a massive punch in her story.I enjoyed this book , the events involving Cookie James are perfectly balanced and the events with her mother Rain are so humorous when it occurred among the pages is brilliant. The plot will captivate the readers attention right away and once you start reading there is no stopping till you reached the end. I enjoyed the tone and flow of the story, and I enjoyed the characters and there isn't any graphic descriptions of violence or sex nor vulgar language. The reason that I didn't rate this a 5-star is because, while this story has a conclusive ending, it's actually a continuing story without a cliffhanger. Which means you may never discover how things play out on the path to the happily-ever-after, but you will enjoy the story, I'd recommend this book to any reader who enjoy a great book with AWESOME Characters. I voluntarily reviewed this book, because I love sharing my thoughts with my fellow readers.
Profile Image for Sherill.
1,296 reviews37 followers
June 19, 2017
THRILLING, DANGER & HUMOR TOO!

A thrilling mystery with an engaging plot that piques your interest, emotional moments stir you, gripping suspense, spine-chilling action and horrific danger leave you wanting to find out what happens next, torrid kisses and a tangled web of romance leave you wanting more.

Cookie James ex-FBI agent moved to Secret Seal Isle to escape danger, but since she has moved heinous crimes continually show up on her doorstep. These crimes wreak havoc on her dates with sexy handyman Dylan. This day another dreamy date is squashed when the two find drugs washed up on the beach where they started a picnic date. When Hunter her ex-FBI partner comes to help with the case Cookie's romantic feelings sway between him and Dylan. Cookies love for solving crimes leaves romance taking a back seat.

A fantastic well-written story that has you turning pages until the conclusion. The cast of characters come alive with clever dialogue and enthralling vivid scene descriptions. I adored the characters and the humor. The start of a romance keeps you wondering who Cookie will give her heart to. This is a fabulous book for your library. I enjoyed this story so much {I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy}. Without reservations, I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,558 reviews
June 19, 2017
This is a great book; this is the third book in the Secret Seal Isle Mystery series written by Lucy Quinn. All Cookie James wanted was a romantic island picnic with her sexy handyman, Dylan Creed. What she got was a lobster trap full of drugs. As an ex-FBI agent, Cookie's determined to hand the evidence off to local authorities and stay out of the fray. But when a package arrives with a gory warning, she has no choice but to call in her former partner, Hunter O'Neil and investigate the case. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
Profile Image for Pam Louis.
1,722 reviews7 followers
June 22, 2017
We are back at secret seal harbor. With her crazy mom, Rain and Dylan a hotel the hot fix it man. Cookie had her hands full. There are just a few problems. She is an ex FBI agent in hiding not a Inn keeper and trouble seems to follow her. This time in the form of drugs in a lobster trap when she is one a date with Dylan. Now she was to call in her ex partner Hunter in the FBI to come handle it and that brings up yet another problem her feelings for Hunter, yea it's a crazy mess but wow what an adventure. I never know what's going to happen next! Great mystery, fun action, killer storyline and fantastic characters makes this one story you shouldn't miss!
Voluntarily reviewed a copy and I honestly loved it.
Profile Image for Heather.
697 reviews
June 21, 2017
First, in my opinion make sure you have read the first two books just because things pop up and it would help to have read the others first. That said, this is the third in the series and well... not my favorite. It was still a good book and left me wanting to read the next. To me, it was a slow read and when it picked up the book was almost over then it was rushed. It did leave off in a sort of cliffhanger.

Rain is up to her usual trouble and that was probably the most interesting part. There is still the constant push/pull triangle going on between Cookie, Hunter, and Dylan. I can't wait to see how that plays out.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
196 reviews4 followers
December 31, 2017
A Walk on the Dead Side is the third book Lucy Quinn’s Secret Seal Isle Mysteries. Perhaps Cookie James and sexy handyman Dylan will get their date after all. Once again a date gone wrong, leaves in its wake a new mystery to be solved. With less than charming warning packages, Cookie finds herself turning to her former FBI partner, Hunter. Tensions run high between Cookie and her men, which will she choose?

Flirty and light, this cozy mystery is sure to appeal to most. I recommend reading it from the first book in the series to better understand the characters and storyline. I voluntarily reviewed A Walk on the Dead Side as an advanced copy from the author.
Profile Image for Christine.
Author 2 books32 followers
June 19, 2017
A Walk on the Dead Side by Lucy Quinn is the third entry in her Secret Seal Isle Mysteries.

Cookie left her job as an FBI agent on the run from some mobsters she ran into as an agent. She relocated herself and her mother to Secret Seal Isle for safety, changing their names.

But since she arrived, the crime rate has sky-rocketed, and Cookie cant's seem to keep her nose out of it. Then there are the two hot men in her life...

Ms. Quinn writes a killer mystery, with well-fleshed characters, and a little island that is like a character itself.

I absolutely recommend this 5-star read.
236 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2017
This is a fast paced fun read that at times had me rolling. The author lured me in from the get go with Cookie and Dylan's another attempt at a first date, Raine's quirky persona and wild lifestyle of living on the edge, another visit from Hunter to help Cookie with a case that local law enforcement doesn't want to get involved in. Loved these fun and witty characters. Loved the twists the author spun and had me guessing until the end.

Highly recommend this book and looking forward to Cookies next adventure
Profile Image for Heather.
129 reviews
July 14, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the Secret Seal Isle series. It was well written and easy to follow.

Cookie has found more trouble and requires the help of Hunter yet again. With all the excitement she's always getting into, in this addition we find Cookie facing the fact that she isn't quite over being in the FBI. This takes a toll on her love life, and we finally see her forced to make a decision between the men in her life.

I can't wait to see how her decision works out for her in the next installment in the series!
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,976 reviews9 followers
March 28, 2023
The third in the Secret Seal Isle Mysteries series. Cookie James and Dylan Creed stumble upon a lobster trap full of drugs. She then receives a hand delivered to the inn as a warning. The search is on for the owner of the hand and the drug dealers. Hunter O’Neil is assisting in solving the case as the drunk deputy is out of his depth.

I could do without Rain. She is an over the top hippie that is always getting in the way and thinks very little about her actions.

The narrator did a good job with the story.
Profile Image for Holly Lenz.
929 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2023
A Walk on the Dead Side is a cute, silly mystery about an exFBI agent hiding from the mob who is running an inn with her hippy mother and gets involved in an investigation regarding a lobster trap full of drugs. It’s not a story to take too seriously (especially with the utter lack of care in handling evidence), but it’s an entertaining romp. This is part of a series, but should be fine to enjoy independently as well.

Contains a fair amount of references to sex as well as drug use. Not for kids.

The narrator does a good job with the audiobook.
Profile Image for Linda Levine.
4,647 reviews25 followers
June 28, 2017
This is such a fun read. I highly recommend you read the whole series in order as it will help you really understand the characters and the complications that have plagued Cookie in her new life.

It is a great mix of mystery and romance and has a light-hearted vibe that makes for a relaxing read. I really love all the fun characters in the series.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
1,722 reviews36 followers
June 19, 2018
Cookie and Dylan are once again out for a date when Cookie notices something in the water. It's a lobster trap filled with drugs.
Once again Cookie is in the middle of a case, this time more than just someone she really cares about is in danger. It's up to Cookie, Dylan, and Hunter save the one person that has always been there for her.

Another fun story with little down time and a solid plot line.
Profile Image for Anne G. Kasaba.
1,994 reviews10 followers
October 26, 2019
The fun continues in this third book of the series. Cookie is a frustrated FBI agent on leave and in hiding from the mob. She can’t seem to decide who she wants to have a relationship with, her former partner in the FBI or the sexy handyman who has secrets of his own. In the meantime she keeps getting dragged back into solving crimes on her new island home and trying to keep her mom out of trouble.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
3,220 reviews21 followers
June 20, 2017
This is the third book so far in Secret Seal Isle Mysteries.
With each book they seem to be getting better.
There's a few laughs there's definitely a few twists and turns
you don't see coming which keep you turning the pages to find
out what is happening.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Christine Croke.
609 reviews5 followers
June 24, 2017
I absolutely love this series!! It's suspense, action, and romance all folded into one! I can't wait to see the next book as you never know what is going to pop up for these characters. I read this one in one night - I couldn't put it down!.

I voluntarily reviewed this book. My opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Vi.
732 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2017
Cookie, Rain, Dylan and Hunter return in a big way! A crate of drugs are found off Lookout Point. Cookie finds the stash and gets the case! Good thing she calls in Hunter, cause there's much more to come!
Laugh out loud, nail biting, cozy mystery! And the romance is complicated! Enjoyed this third Lucy Quinn read. 3 1/2 stars.
Voluntarily read ARC for honest review.
Profile Image for Andre Walter.
87 reviews
July 29, 2022
Another easy read whodunnit from the pen of Lucy Quinn. Really loving the quirky characters of the series Secret Seal Isle as they go about solving the mystery or crime. It is almost a family affair with everyone getting involved. I enjoy the subtle humour which is spread through the story. I do recommend this cosy story which is a page turner; you just want to know the answer.
5,704 reviews41 followers
June 19, 2017
This was amazing.. it was so much fun and it was funny.. i loved how it made me smile and laugh.. the emotions.. the intrique and the mystery.. i do recommend reading rhe others first otherwise this won't make as much sense. i loved it and im so glad i got to review it
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.6k reviews8 followers
June 30, 2017
Third book in the series I enjoy a mystery every so often and had not read one for awhile.I could not put this book down I had to know what would happen next ,what a story this is a fun read .I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
December 9, 2017
Another fun read

Cookie is back for another murder and mystery to solve! Her mother is so funny and beyond ridiculous, she definitely gives the story some humor. Cookie also struggles with the two main men in her life and that always makes the story more interesting.
9 reviews
March 19, 2018
I usually read less romantic mysteries and more psychological thrillers so I am enjoying this series and find the stories are great for a quick and light read. I laugh out loud at some of the antics from Rain & her friends but get frustrated at Cookies love life. I have already downloaded the next in the series.
873 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2022
This is a fun series. I am enjoying them. I hope that the main characters does not take too long to decide between the two men because it’s not always that simple and then it just adds confusion. I would like to see more of her mother because her mother sounds like a nut and is a lot of fun.
Profile Image for Nancy.
328 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this. I love the characters, the only reason it’s a bit lower on my scale is that it didn’t pull me in. However, it really had a good mystery, a few surprises and a really fun cast of characters. Awesome series, interesting premise and so much fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews