What do you think?
Pajaro Bay #4
Little Fox Cottage
Originally published as Driving Ms. Maisy
Aspiring chef Bree Taylor thought she'd found a home at last, in the kitchen of Lassiter's restaurant. Chef Henry Lassiter was not only her mentor, but a dear friend who regaled her with stories of his childhood home in Pajaro Bay. Henry's sudden death shattered her world, leaving her as lost and grieving as his beloved old dog, Maisy. Now Bree has only one last task to complete for Henry: she will deliver the dog to Henry's twin sister in Pajaro Bay. Then she can move on, and find some way to start over, as alone and adrift as ever.
But what she finds when she arrives is not the happy, cozy little village Henry had described, but a town full of mysteries she can't understand, from his sister's odd behavior, to the handsome doctor with eyes as rich as bittersweet chocolate who can't seem to decide if he is attracted to her--or just wants her to leave him alone.
In the end, she'll have to use everything Henry taught her, about faith and trust and believing in herself, to find a new path, with new friends, a new community, and the happily ever after Henry had always promised was waiting for her, whenever she was ready to take a chance.
Get away to the little California beach town where the cottages are cute, the neighbors are nosy, and it's always possible to find your personal Happily Ever After.
The Pajaro Bay novels can be read in any order.
Aspiring chef Bree Taylor thought she'd found a home at last, in the kitchen of Lassiter's restaurant. Chef Henry Lassiter was not only her mentor, but a dear friend who regaled her with stories of his childhood home in Pajaro Bay. Henry's sudden death shattered her world, leaving her as lost and grieving as his beloved old dog, Maisy. Now Bree has only one last task to complete for Henry: she will deliver the dog to Henry's twin sister in Pajaro Bay. Then she can move on, and find some way to start over, as alone and adrift as ever.
But what she finds when she arrives is not the happy, cozy little village Henry had described, but a town full of mysteries she can't understand, from his sister's odd behavior, to the handsome doctor with eyes as rich as bittersweet chocolate who can't seem to decide if he is attracted to her--or just wants her to leave him alone.
In the end, she'll have to use everything Henry taught her, about faith and trust and believing in herself, to find a new path, with new friends, a new community, and the happily ever after Henry had always promised was waiting for her, whenever she was ready to take a chance.
Get away to the little California beach town where the cottages are cute, the neighbors are nosy, and it's always possible to find your personal Happily Ever After.
The Pajaro Bay novels can be read in any order.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 17, 2022
Bree was the cooking apprentice of a man named Henry and worked in his restaurant in Sacramento. (This book definitely made me hungry in every chapter with all the delicious food descriptions!) When Henry unexpectedly dies, she takes his dog to the little town of Pajaro Bay to give to his twin sister, where she is also expecting to attend the funeral. But things are not quite what she is expecting to find in Pajaro Bay and Henry’s sister is not doing well. She meets Nico, a doctor working in the small-town clinic who has secrets in his past, and has to make decisions about where she wants her next steps to take her.
I really enjoy this series, which is set in a quiet tourist town on the coast of California and features a series of houses designed by an eccentric architect. They’re cozy mysteries/romances and nice and short and easy to read—I often save these for when I’m not feeling well and need something where the plot isn’t terribly complex. With gorgeous descriptions, light love stories and characters I always enjoy, these keep me coming back each time to buy the next book in the series. And of course, this one had an adorable dog—always a bonus!
I really enjoy this series, which is set in a quiet tourist town on the coast of California and features a series of houses designed by an eccentric architect. They’re cozy mysteries/romances and nice and short and easy to read—I often save these for when I’m not feeling well and need something where the plot isn’t terribly complex. With gorgeous descriptions, light love stories and characters I always enjoy, these keep me coming back each time to buy the next book in the series. And of course, this one had an adorable dog—always a bonus!
October 22, 2021
A unique combination of cozy mystery with a sweet romance in a charming California coastal town. Bree, Nico, Helena and the other residents were all likable and the mystery kept me guessing until the end. Family, friends and community make this a lovely afternoon read. The epilogue brought it all together to a perfect end. It's now in Kindle Unlimited re-titled as Little Fox Cottage.
July 31, 2020
Loved both our hero and heroine. And the end caught me by surprise!
September 9, 2021
NO FORESHADOWING!
The culprit came completely out of no where. It felt like the author had written herself into a corner and just blindly picked someone to be the crazy person. Also how was a former addict allowed to still practice medicine? And how did the scripts get forged?, because in the end THAT was never explained.
It felt like this book was more interested in the insta-romance between Nico & Bree than the mystery that was supposed to be the instigation for drawing them closer together
The culprit came completely out of no where. It felt like the author had written herself into a corner and just blindly picked someone to be the crazy person. Also how was a former addict allowed to still practice medicine? And how did the scripts get forged?, because in the end THAT was never explained.
It felt like this book was more interested in the insta-romance between Nico & Bree than the mystery that was supposed to be the instigation for drawing them closer together
December 12, 2016
Small town shenanigans
A lovely story line with delightful characters, lavish descriptions and lessons to share. First of the Pajaro Bay novels I've read. Looking forward to the next one.
A lovely story line with delightful characters, lavish descriptions and lessons to share. First of the Pajaro Bay novels I've read. Looking forward to the next one.
December 7, 2021
It was ok for a quick beach read. I don't like stories with such a large age gap between the two main characters. I would have expected more of the doc's character.
Read
August 2, 2026she had a hard childhood. when her dad died she went to school to be a chef. after she graduated she got a job at a restaurant and became friends with the owner. he taught her alot
she found him dead in his apt. they said it was a heart attack
she went to the small town in n ca where his twin sister lived. she was senile but young. her neighbor was too. a lot of the men were dead from heart attack like her friend. she had his dr look into it more and found out he was murdered
she became friends with the town dr but he said he had to keep his distance from her for a year. he was a recovering addict
she had him look into the deaths but found nothing until the woman dropped her meds and he helped clean them up and found she was taking the wrong meds. he was listed as prescribing them but he didnt do it
one of the drivers who took meals to seniors was arrested for stealing drugs
then they found out it was the old lady next door killing people
they arrested her and the chef decided to stay, even though she had a good job offer in sf and her and the dr having a baby boy they are naming after her dead chef friend
she found him dead in his apt. they said it was a heart attack
she went to the small town in n ca where his twin sister lived. she was senile but young. her neighbor was too. a lot of the men were dead from heart attack like her friend. she had his dr look into it more and found out he was murdered
she became friends with the town dr but he said he had to keep his distance from her for a year. he was a recovering addict
she had him look into the deaths but found nothing until the woman dropped her meds and he helped clean them up and found she was taking the wrong meds. he was listed as prescribing them but he didnt do it
one of the drivers who took meals to seniors was arrested for stealing drugs
then they found out it was the old lady next door killing people
they arrested her and the chef decided to stay, even though she had a good job offer in sf and her and the dr having a baby boy they are naming after her dead chef friend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2022
Good romance/mystery
The romance was pretty good. Nit much of it, though, since the mysterious deaths seemed to be the main focus. I was glad, though, to see a happy romantic ending. The mystery started out well & kept going pretty well til someone was arrested. Then Bree, who was this very inquisitive character, suddenly had no reason to ask questions. The suspicious person had a history of something having nothing to do with murder & suddenly she was asking him why he did it?? Didn't even apologize to him when he was exonerated. But after that, there were no out of character moments. I disliked the list of citizens in town consisting of wikkins...totally uncalled for. At least only one homosexual was mentioned & very briefly, thankfully. Another out of character moment was how Bree suddenly received all of the credit for discovering that someone had been getting wrong meds. She didn't!! Nico figured that out by himself. So that's why my rating is only 4 stars.
The romance was pretty good. Nit much of it, though, since the mysterious deaths seemed to be the main focus. I was glad, though, to see a happy romantic ending. The mystery started out well & kept going pretty well til someone was arrested. Then Bree, who was this very inquisitive character, suddenly had no reason to ask questions. The suspicious person had a history of something having nothing to do with murder & suddenly she was asking him why he did it?? Didn't even apologize to him when he was exonerated. But after that, there were no out of character moments. I disliked the list of citizens in town consisting of wikkins...totally uncalled for. At least only one homosexual was mentioned & very briefly, thankfully. Another out of character moment was how Bree suddenly received all of the credit for discovering that someone had been getting wrong meds. She didn't!! Nico figured that out by himself. So that's why my rating is only 4 stars.
February 4, 2018
This is the 4th book in this great series, the book I read was named Little Fox Cottage, but it is the same book.
Bree is an assistant chef for a well known chef in the City, Henry Lassiter. After he suddenly dies, she's tasked with driving to Pajaro Bay with his dog, Maisy, for his Sister to look after. She's never been to the Bay but has heard alot about it from Henry.
When she arrives she cannot find Little Fox Cottage and asks for directions, she meets Nick, one of the local Doctors. He explains about the town and where the cottage is.
As the story progresses she realises all is boot as it seems, for a start Henrys Sister, Helena seems to be in her own little world. Does she realise Henry is dead? Other things happen and Bree makes some revealing discoveries, leading her to think maybe Henrys death wasn't from natural causes.
I love this series and cannot wait to read the next in line.
Bree is an assistant chef for a well known chef in the City, Henry Lassiter. After he suddenly dies, she's tasked with driving to Pajaro Bay with his dog, Maisy, for his Sister to look after. She's never been to the Bay but has heard alot about it from Henry.
When she arrives she cannot find Little Fox Cottage and asks for directions, she meets Nick, one of the local Doctors. He explains about the town and where the cottage is.
As the story progresses she realises all is boot as it seems, for a start Henrys Sister, Helena seems to be in her own little world. Does she realise Henry is dead? Other things happen and Bree makes some revealing discoveries, leading her to think maybe Henrys death wasn't from natural causes.
I love this series and cannot wait to read the next in line.
November 26, 2025
This started promisingly. I liked the writing and the characters and the setting. There's a decent mystery and the beginnings of a promising new romance with a point of difference. The mystery was done well but the romance was a bit of a fizzer for me. I felt there was a huge scope for the male romantic lead's story to be enlarged on and for the female MC to play a big role
A shame really because this book had oodles of wasted potential.
A shame really because this book had oodles of wasted potential.
February 26, 2023
Little Fox Cottage
I enjoy reading murder mysteries that don't have all the blood and guts! This is that kind of murder mystery! You are taken from how it started and how it ended. I enjoy knowing about the peopled. I enjoy knowing all about the journey. In this book from the very beginning you are right there an also trying to solve it! I enjoy trying to find out who is the murderer and why they did it. I will say I was surprised!!! Can't wait till I start reading the next book. Would re comment to all my friends and family!
I enjoy reading murder mysteries that don't have all the blood and guts! This is that kind of murder mystery! You are taken from how it started and how it ended. I enjoy knowing about the peopled. I enjoy knowing all about the journey. In this book from the very beginning you are right there an also trying to solve it! I enjoy trying to find out who is the murderer and why they did it. I will say I was surprised!!! Can't wait till I start reading the next book. Would re comment to all my friends and family!
June 18, 2023
Sous-chef Bree Taylor is still reeling from the sudden death of her close friend and mentor, Chef Henry Lassiter. She takes it upon herself to see that his beloved dog, Maisy, is settled with Helena, his twin sister, in their hometown of Pajara Bay. Instead of finding comfort and acceptance for her grief stricken heart, Bree finds confusion, intrigue, and a deep-seated mystery with life threating consequences. Read this mystery! It will intrigue you and touch your heart. Great Job On This Read!!!!
October 8, 2023
Pajaro Bay
When Bree Taylor's boss dies from an apparent heart attack she goes to Pajaro Bay to deliver her bosses dog to his sister, Helena. In helping Helena Bree uncovers a plot by someone to harm people with migraine medicine. How Bree discovers the murderer and has her own happy ending makes for a great story. Good editing, great characters, and a great story. This is a new author for me and really enjoyed this story. Have more of her books so will be reading more. Highly recommend this book and author.
When Bree Taylor's boss dies from an apparent heart attack she goes to Pajaro Bay to deliver her bosses dog to his sister, Helena. In helping Helena Bree uncovers a plot by someone to harm people with migraine medicine. How Bree discovers the murderer and has her own happy ending makes for a great story. Good editing, great characters, and a great story. This is a new author for me and really enjoyed this story. Have more of her books so will be reading more. Highly recommend this book and author.
November 23, 2025
Little Fox Cottage by Barbara Cool Lee. (Pajaro Bay, #4)
A charming story about a young woman who is devastated by the sudden death of her mentor. She travels to his small home town to deliver his effects to her mentor's sister and discovers things that do not make sense. She encounters the local doctor with some issues of his own and there is an Insta-Love situation happening. There is a Happy Ever After ending and the mystery of her mentor's death is resolved. This is a contemporary romance mystery which for me was a bit of a mis match. A quick beach read. 3 stars.
A charming story about a young woman who is devastated by the sudden death of her mentor. She travels to his small home town to deliver his effects to her mentor's sister and discovers things that do not make sense. She encounters the local doctor with some issues of his own and there is an Insta-Love situation happening. There is a Happy Ever After ending and the mystery of her mentor's death is resolved. This is a contemporary romance mystery which for me was a bit of a mis match. A quick beach read. 3 stars.
August 14, 2026
‘Little Fox Cottage’ was heartfelt. The cozy plot involved heartache, a loss, visiting the sister, meeting a doctor, seeking help with a problem, getting a job, uncovering the goings-on, falling for the guy, saving the day, moving on, and love. Moreover, Bree (a chef) and Nico (a doctor) were made for each other and gushed with chemistry. I kept rooting for them. Additionally, I appreciated the author’s vivid descriptions that created a warm tone. Overall, I liked the sentimental narrative.
September 8, 2021
Bree delivers an ornament to the sister of her dead of a heart attack boss and finds a mystery.
Why has the little bay town had so many heart attack victims? Who is the cute guy that she met the first day she is there? Why do I find this book so fascinating? Read the book and you too, will fall in love with Pajaro Bay and it's inhabitants.
Why has the little bay town had so many heart attack victims? Who is the cute guy that she met the first day she is there? Why do I find this book so fascinating? Read the book and you too, will fall in love with Pajaro Bay and it's inhabitants.
September 12, 2021
There's trouble in Pajaro Bay.
This is an intriguing story that will leave you feeling very good. This is a small seaside town where life is slow and easy, except now some strange things are happening. There's a mystery that must be solved but there are twists and turns that will keep you guessing.
The characters are very lovable and I enjoyed this book.
This is an intriguing story that will leave you feeling very good. This is a small seaside town where life is slow and easy, except now some strange things are happening. There's a mystery that must be solved but there are twists and turns that will keep you guessing.
The characters are very lovable and I enjoyed this book.
August 20, 2023
I couldn't keep from crying!
What a great story. I did not expect it to be such a wonderful mystery. It keeps you thinking till the final minutes and still you are surprised. I usually am pretty good at figuring out endings but this one caught me off guard. Thank you Ms Lee for giving me another great story with such wonderful characters. Enjoy!
What a great story. I did not expect it to be such a wonderful mystery. It keeps you thinking till the final minutes and still you are surprised. I usually am pretty good at figuring out endings but this one caught me off guard. Thank you Ms Lee for giving me another great story with such wonderful characters. Enjoy!
March 8, 2025
A delightful story of a young woman who was a Sous-chef to a wonderful man, who died suddenly of a heart attack. Bree & Henry’s dog Maisie go to Pajaro Bay to be with Helena, Henry’s sister. Bree becomes very suspicious of so many heart attacks & how Helena is behaving, so she gets some help to find out just what has been happening.
May 2, 2025
where do I belong
Right away you are pulled into this book. Big city or small town by the ocean. What next. What has been happening to so many people living in this small town by the ocean. Just shut your eyes and you can see the cute cottages. Is this where she belongs or San Francisco for her dream job
Right away you are pulled into this book. Big city or small town by the ocean. What next. What has been happening to so many people living in this small town by the ocean. Just shut your eyes and you can see the cute cottages. Is this where she belongs or San Francisco for her dream job
February 16, 2021
Definitely good reading
Reading Barbara Cool Lee's Pajaro Bay series is like coming home. It gives you a warm, comfortable feeling with it's familiar characters, new characters, adventure , murder and romance .You wish that the book would last forever.
Reading Barbara Cool Lee's Pajaro Bay series is like coming home. It gives you a warm, comfortable feeling with it's familiar characters, new characters, adventure , murder and romance .You wish that the book would last forever.
September 5, 2021
Love this series
Perfect little read on a fall,breezy day in the Midwest.
It's free! So read it.
A smart chef, a sad dog,a doctor. A whole community finds it way plus a sane, jealous killer who makes you just want to shake your head.
Perfect little read on a fall,breezy day in the Midwest.
It's free! So read it.
A smart chef, a sad dog,a doctor. A whole community finds it way plus a sane, jealous killer who makes you just want to shake your head.
September 15, 2021
...a whole lot of compassion.
A little bit of mystery, a little romance and a whole lot of compassion. Throw in small town, snoopy neighbors that take care of each other. Great storyline.
A little bit of mystery, a little romance and a whole lot of compassion. Throw in small town, snoopy neighbors that take care of each other. Great storyline.
October 22, 2021
Good ending
Enjoyed the book! It was entertaining as well as interesting. The lady is a chef and her boss who’s her friend dies suddenly of a heart attack. She goes to his home town and discovers there is more going on. Ending was surprising!
Enjoyed the book! It was entertaining as well as interesting. The lady is a chef and her boss who’s her friend dies suddenly of a heart attack. She goes to his home town and discovers there is more going on. Ending was surprising!
October 31, 2021
Read this under a different title. My favorite in this series. I love that this series can be read in any order, you’ll recognize some characters but there’s no continuing story. It’s like going back to your old neighborhood.
April 22, 2025
Well Done!
I have never been to Paulo Bay, but the story makes me want to go there. The characters are wonderful and the town seems lovely. The little bit of intrigue made the story really interesting, and kept me engaged. I loved it. Good job.
I have never been to Paulo Bay, but the story makes me want to go there. The characters are wonderful and the town seems lovely. The little bit of intrigue made the story really interesting, and kept me engaged. I loved it. Good job.
April 30, 2025
Twists you don't see coming
Great book! I loved the characters and the storyline was wonderful. Sad, happy, and everything between. Get a tissue ready for the. I really love the ending.
Great book! I loved the characters and the storyline was wonderful. Sad, happy, and everything between. Get a tissue ready for the. I really love the ending.
May 8, 2025
Delightful
A bit of a slow start, but a delightful read once the characters were in place. The imagery of the fox kits and tiles, I could actually see them when I read it. Thank you
A bit of a slow start, but a delightful read once the characters were in place. The imagery of the fox kits and tiles, I could actually see them when I read it. Thank you
May 15, 2025
Good enough for a re-read
This is one of the very few books I’ve read over the years that had me guessing all the way to the end, who the clever individual was who wound up in jail. And an interesting romance beneath it all.
This is one of the very few books I’ve read over the years that had me guessing all the way to the end, who the clever individual was who wound up in jail. And an interesting romance beneath it all.
May 18, 2025
Wonderful Book
I found it hard to put the book down, well done!,
It kept me wanting to read more, and more,
everyone would love to read this book as much as I did.
I am on my way to get the next book!
I found it hard to put the book down, well done!,
It kept me wanting to read more, and more,
everyone would love to read this book as much as I did.
I am on my way to get the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews