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Ravenwood Cove Cozy Mystery #7
Rocks, Roses, & Riptides
BOOK SEVEN OF THE RAVENWOOD COVE COZY MYSTERY SERIES
It should be the happiest time of Amanda's life, but when a televised cooking competition turns deadly, the bride becomes part of the mystery! Romance and weddings brings out the best in people, but it's also true murder brings out long-lost hatred and hidden secrets. When it seems like everyone is lying, Amanda has no choice but to try to discover the truth.
Paperback and audiobook versions coming soon. Clean language, mild PG rating (because hey, there's a dead guy..or maybe gal, in it).
- GenresCozy MysteryMysteryCozy
94 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2017
489 people are currently reading
167 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 52 reviews
May 15, 2020
After reading a few books in the Ravenwood Cozy Mystery series last year, I purchased the rest from Amazon last fall. I'm closing out all books on my TBR that I currently own so on July 1st, I have nothing in my owned queue and can begin picking out new reads for the second half of the year. Don't worry, I have plenty in line... 1200+ on my TBR and about 20 I've agreed to read at some point this year! This week I'm focusing on Carolyn L. Dean and the 7th book in her series, Rocks, Roses, & Riptides.
I find Dean's style charming and easy-to-read -- usually in less than 90 minutes. Her books are light and fluffy with a bit of fun sentiment, romance, and small-town investigation. While I thought the last book I read in the series was a little too simple, this one stepped it back up... I was very happy with the mystery, investigation and outsiders coming to town for a TV reporting segment. Add in a few TV on-air reporters, camera guys, assistants and other staff, you've got tons of suspects when the not-so-nice female reporter suddenly falls face first into a cake she's sampling as part of the segment. Poor Ruby, Amanda's friend, who's trying to win the competition -- did she suddenly turn bad? Was it someone in town with connections to the TV reporting crew? Or was it someone in the crew backstabbing their leader?
Amanda tries to stay out of it, but she's smack in the middle, especially when she's almost kidnapped to help cover up the crime. She's too good for that, but she has to find a way to escape. Her wedding is about to happen in the next few days... she can't be a corpse bride, right? Of course she makes it, but the story keeps you guessing until the end. Kudos to Dean for making this one of the shiners in the series so far. Although it covers more outsiders than insiders of Ravenwood, there are lots of other side stories to keep our favorite townies in the mix. I can't wait to start the the next one and see if married life will agree with Amanda.
I find Dean's style charming and easy-to-read -- usually in less than 90 minutes. Her books are light and fluffy with a bit of fun sentiment, romance, and small-town investigation. While I thought the last book I read in the series was a little too simple, this one stepped it back up... I was very happy with the mystery, investigation and outsiders coming to town for a TV reporting segment. Add in a few TV on-air reporters, camera guys, assistants and other staff, you've got tons of suspects when the not-so-nice female reporter suddenly falls face first into a cake she's sampling as part of the segment. Poor Ruby, Amanda's friend, who's trying to win the competition -- did she suddenly turn bad? Was it someone in town with connections to the TV reporting crew? Or was it someone in the crew backstabbing their leader?
Amanda tries to stay out of it, but she's smack in the middle, especially when she's almost kidnapped to help cover up the crime. She's too good for that, but she has to find a way to escape. Her wedding is about to happen in the next few days... she can't be a corpse bride, right? Of course she makes it, but the story keeps you guessing until the end. Kudos to Dean for making this one of the shiners in the series so far. Although it covers more outsiders than insiders of Ravenwood, there are lots of other side stories to keep our favorite townies in the mix. I can't wait to start the the next one and see if married life will agree with Amanda.
August 23, 2017
Wanted more!
I enjoyed this latest book in the series, but it ended too soon. Good characters as usual, and I do get a kick out of the townsfolk. This plot wrapped up too quickly for me, and without much investigating.
I enjoyed this latest book in the series, but it ended too soon. Good characters as usual, and I do get a kick out of the townsfolk. This plot wrapped up too quickly for me, and without much investigating.
August 15, 2017
Life at the Cove
This author did well. This book is the last of the 7 book series of Ravenwood Cove. Each one is a stand alone. The main theme is about an owner of the Inn at Ravenwood. She solves mysterious happenings at the Cove. It is a small town that she brings to life. This author brings to life all the main characters and their woes and their happy times. I especially liked the spunky 90 year old widow.
This author did well. This book is the last of the 7 book series of Ravenwood Cove. Each one is a stand alone. The main theme is about an owner of the Inn at Ravenwood. She solves mysterious happenings at the Cove. It is a small town that she brings to life. This author brings to life all the main characters and their woes and their happy times. I especially liked the spunky 90 year old widow.
September 24, 2017
I really have enjoyed this series. This is the last of 7 stand alone books. The characters have been well-developed and this town has grown continously with personal stories, great friendships, new stores and intriguing twists and turns being added to keep interest. I feel the earlier books were written with more development and attention to the crime. This last book felt like the end was in sight and an important wedding was just a passing thought. The crime itself was never in the forefront but rather referred to only occasionally. After a wonderful start to a fun series, I felt that Carolyn Dean ran out of steam and was anxious to finish the last two books and dive into her next series. I am looking forward to her next adventures and perhaps better editing.
February 16, 2018
Rocks,Roses,and Riptides
I don’t believe there are any clues in this book to help the reader try to solve the mystery as to why the killer killed the reporter. I’d have preferred to have clues and red herrings interspersed throughout rather than a contrived conclusion with no clues. A story should be laid with clues hidden throughout to at least give the reader a fighting chance to solve the mystery. I started with 5 star ratings at the beginning of the series but I can’t give this one more than a two no matter how charming the story may be. Plus there are many errors and also redundant information about each character to fill the paragraphs. If the same info given over and over were cut out, the entire book would probably be less than a hundreds pages.
I don’t believe there are any clues in this book to help the reader try to solve the mystery as to why the killer killed the reporter. I’d have preferred to have clues and red herrings interspersed throughout rather than a contrived conclusion with no clues. A story should be laid with clues hidden throughout to at least give the reader a fighting chance to solve the mystery. I started with 5 star ratings at the beginning of the series but I can’t give this one more than a two no matter how charming the story may be. Plus there are many errors and also redundant information about each character to fill the paragraphs. If the same info given over and over were cut out, the entire book would probably be less than a hundreds pages.
June 24, 2018
A nice ending?
Amanda is busy running her inn and planning her wedding when one of her guests, a demanding TV reporter in town to cover a bakeoff, collapses and dies while on the air. Amanda and her friends uncover many secrets while finding out who killed the reporter. Her production crew are suspected, and the killer is eventually uncovered. The story ended with Amanda's wedding to James the police detective, but the author promises more adventures lie in store. Nice, fast-paced story.
Amanda is busy running her inn and planning her wedding when one of her guests, a demanding TV reporter in town to cover a bakeoff, collapses and dies while on the air. Amanda and her friends uncover many secrets while finding out who killed the reporter. Her production crew are suspected, and the killer is eventually uncovered. The story ended with Amanda's wedding to James the police detective, but the author promises more adventures lie in store. Nice, fast-paced story.
June 4, 2018
Plot not as good as the others, but the lives of the characters saved this
Fabulous. Okay a few really obvious proofing errors but nevertheless a terrific read. Not so much for the mystery which was so, so but the continuing story of the lives of the characters. When a news team come down to do a piece on the winner of the Cake Bake Off, no one expects to see one of the presenters die on screen. Alright the killer was a surprise but there were still unanswered questions. Like who got the money, who gave the necklace etc. Plot wise not the best in the series.
Fabulous. Okay a few really obvious proofing errors but nevertheless a terrific read. Not so much for the mystery which was so, so but the continuing story of the lives of the characters. When a news team come down to do a piece on the winner of the Cake Bake Off, no one expects to see one of the presenters die on screen. Alright the killer was a surprise but there were still unanswered questions. Like who got the money, who gave the necklace etc. Plot wise not the best in the series.
May 23, 2018
Having read and enjoyed all of the other books in the series, I was looking forward to this one and was very disappointed. It seemed that the author was tired of the series and just anxious to get it finished by deadline and out of her way. There was little plot development after an interesting beginning and the big wedding was mostly just glossed over. Lots of typos, also.
Other titles in the series are worth a read, this one, not so much.
Other titles in the series are worth a read, this one, not so much.
March 24, 2022
Riptide cake
Brittany has come to town to broadcast the cake contest. She doesn't like the small town, no tanning beds. She's smiling to your face then nasty behind the scenes. Sh falls face first into the winning cake and dies on air, live streaming. At first they think the cake killed her but it didn't. Now they have to figure out who killed her. Amanda has a wedding to finish planning.
Brittany has come to town to broadcast the cake contest. She doesn't like the small town, no tanning beds. She's smiling to your face then nasty behind the scenes. Sh falls face first into the winning cake and dies on air, live streaming. At first they think the cake killed her but it didn't. Now they have to figure out who killed her. Amanda has a wedding to finish planning.
March 8, 2025
Very quick read. There is a murder, but very little investigation or clues to the actual murderer. Amanda - as usual - just sort of stubbles into it and the murderer confesses for not much of a reason.
Spoiler alert*
I was sort of surprised that there was so little about the wedding after right much lead up. It was pretty glossed over. Yep, it happened, and the reception was nice evidently.
Spoiler alert*
I was sort of surprised that there was so little about the wedding after right much lead up. It was pretty glossed over. Yep, it happened, and the reception was nice evidently.
August 16, 2017
Charming!
Rocks, Roses, & Riptides is a delightful cozy mystery that will make you smile! The town is charming- a place you wish truly existed. The characters are quirky but endearing. It's so nice to see a couple like Amanda & fiancé James that are best friends & mesh so wonderfully. The murder have me guessing & a bit surprised as to who & why. And the ending was beautiful!
Rocks, Roses, & Riptides is a delightful cozy mystery that will make you smile! The town is charming- a place you wish truly existed. The characters are quirky but endearing. It's so nice to see a couple like Amanda & fiancé James that are best friends & mesh so wonderfully. The murder have me guessing & a bit surprised as to who & why. And the ending was beautiful!
February 8, 2018
Great
I enjoyed this mystery. The lives of the characters continued. Happy that Amanda and James married with all their friends present. There's always a murder which gets solved but they always end on a happy note. Thank you for the story. Anyone who likes to read a great story would enjoy this. Stay well and please continue writing.
I enjoyed this mystery. The lives of the characters continued. Happy that Amanda and James married with all their friends present. There's always a murder which gets solved but they always end on a happy note. Thank you for the story. Anyone who likes to read a great story would enjoy this. Stay well and please continue writing.
March 14, 2018
Ten
The mystery I never figured till it was told but the marriage of James and Amanda was PERFECT! Now the dating of meg and Truman!!! I so look forward to more mysteries for James and Amanda Landon to solve and to watch their lives together This would make a person want to move to ravenwood cove and be a part of this sweet and busy town!!!
The mystery I never figured till it was told but the marriage of James and Amanda was PERFECT! Now the dating of meg and Truman!!! I so look forward to more mysteries for James and Amanda Landon to solve and to watch their lives together This would make a person want to move to ravenwood cove and be a part of this sweet and busy town!!!
May 6, 2018
Good work!!!
I am just about starting "Fruit, Flower, and Flames"!!!! I have read all the preceding blood and I LOVE your books!!! Thank you for writing such good stories that I can enjoy as I relax in the evening. They are fun and exciting and I'm very glad to have found you😇😇!!!! Keep up the good prose!! Holly
I am just about starting "Fruit, Flower, and Flames"!!!! I have read all the preceding blood and I LOVE your books!!! Thank you for writing such good stories that I can enjoy as I relax in the evening. They are fun and exciting and I'm very glad to have found you😇😇!!!! Keep up the good prose!! Holly
October 28, 2018
Another good story about Ravenwood, Oregon
Love the small town characters and all the interesting things they are up to. Another murder to solve with lots of suspects keep things moving! Amanda and James love story has been fun to follow and their wedding seems like the perfect ending! Can't wait for the next Carolyn L. Dean episode in this series!
Love the small town characters and all the interesting things they are up to. Another murder to solve with lots of suspects keep things moving! Amanda and James love story has been fun to follow and their wedding seems like the perfect ending! Can't wait for the next Carolyn L. Dean episode in this series!
August 11, 2022
This is one of the shortest books in the series, but still worth reading.
Someone dies at a local cooking competition and James is kept busy investigating the death.
Its Amanda and James's wedding so all hands are needed to get the Inn ready for the big day.
This is a nice, easy and quick to read, cozy mystery series set in Ravenwood Cove, a small seaside USA town. Each book is a standalone mystery but the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
Someone dies at a local cooking competition and James is kept busy investigating the death.
Its Amanda and James's wedding so all hands are needed to get the Inn ready for the big day.
This is a nice, easy and quick to read, cozy mystery series set in Ravenwood Cove, a small seaside USA town. Each book is a standalone mystery but the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
August 6, 2025
2nd Time Just As Good
I saw the first in the Ravenswood Cove Series, and didn't realize I'd already read it. By the time I realized I was doing a repeat, I'd fallen for the town and its characters again. I like that Dean show the main character VERY slowly exploring faith. Flows well, entertaining
.
I saw the first in the Ravenswood Cove Series, and didn't realize I'd already read it. By the time I realized I was doing a repeat, I'd fallen for the town and its characters again. I like that Dean show the main character VERY slowly exploring faith. Flows well, entertaining
.
September 22, 2025
Soo good
A TV crew is in town to report on Ruby winning a blue ribbon for her cake. The host dies while filming.
Now to narrow down the person responsible with so many people involved.
The wedding is getting closer and so much to get done. Hopefully Amanda can get everything done and this case is solved before the big day.
A TV crew is in town to report on Ruby winning a blue ribbon for her cake. The host dies while filming.
Now to narrow down the person responsible with so many people involved.
The wedding is getting closer and so much to get done. Hopefully Amanda can get everything done and this case is solved before the big day.
August 16, 2017
Enjoying this cozy mystery series
I always look forward to the next story in the series. Always a quick read that I try to make last. Characters are nice in a small town on the Oregon coast.
I always look forward to the next story in the series. Always a quick read that I try to make last. Characters are nice in a small town on the Oregon coast.
August 25, 2017
Great easy read
I loved the whole series. I would recommend to anyone who just wants to relax with a who-dunn-it. Characters are believable and each of them have their little quirks. Love it.
I loved the whole series. I would recommend to anyone who just wants to relax with a who-dunn-it. Characters are believable and each of them have their little quirks. Love it.
August 26, 2017
Slapdash. Poor effort. No heart in this one.
Sloppy. Not a patch on the previous books. Millions of typos and garbled sentences. Plot was wafer thin. Seems like the author rushed this one out. Disappointing, considering the quality of the others.
Sloppy. Not a patch on the previous books. Millions of typos and garbled sentences. Plot was wafer thin. Seems like the author rushed this one out. Disappointing, considering the quality of the others.
November 3, 2017
I love these books!
Easy, quick reads that have mystery and suspense, but no foul language or gore. Just nice book series to read especially before bed. Love the characters, location, vocations, and details of the Inn!
Easy, quick reads that have mystery and suspense, but no foul language or gore. Just nice book series to read especially before bed. Love the characters, location, vocations, and details of the Inn!
November 25, 2017
Enjoyable
After so many books, they can tend to get tedious or redundant but not these. The mystery is always entertaining and it is never dull. Amanda and James are due to get married and I love reading about the townspeople.
After so many books, they can tend to get tedious or redundant but not these. The mystery is always entertaining and it is never dull. Amanda and James are due to get married and I love reading about the townspeople.
December 1, 2017
Another Great Cozy
Amanda and James pull you through this book with lots of suspense as they solve the latest murder in Ravenwood Cove.
Vivid,memorable characters stride through the book adding an entertaining dimension.
I recommend this book to cozy mystery aficionados.
Amanda and James pull you through this book with lots of suspense as they solve the latest murder in Ravenwood Cove.
Vivid,memorable characters stride through the book adding an entertaining dimension.
I recommend this book to cozy mystery aficionados.
February 19, 2018
This series is pleasant to read, if easily predictable. My biggest complaint, however, is the number of typos that consistently occur in the series. Whoever is editing should understand that there are so many errors it is distracting from the stories.
March 24, 2018
A good mystery with a lot of good characters
I enjoyed reading this book. I really like this author. I would've given it 5 stars but the editing was terrible. A lot of misspelled words and wrong names, etc.
I enjoyed reading this book. I really like this author. I would've given it 5 stars but the editing was terrible. A lot of misspelled words and wrong names, etc.
May 24, 2018
Another good story
I have enjoyed reading these last few mysteries with Amanda and her friends. Always enjoyable company. Highly recommended for refreshing, light reading. Pick up a couple to enjoy one right after the other!
I have enjoyed reading these last few mysteries with Amanda and her friends. Always enjoyable company. Highly recommended for refreshing, light reading. Pick up a couple to enjoy one right after the other!
December 28, 2018
The good guy always finishes last
Quick clean read. I have enjoyed this series from the start. Could be a stand alone. Was a little disappointed that the wedding was not more of a story. Highly recommend this series and author.
Quick clean read. I have enjoyed this series from the start. Could be a stand alone. Was a little disappointed that the wedding was not more of a story. Highly recommend this series and author.
November 2, 2022
Rocks, Roses & Riptides (7)
I am truly devoted to reading every last book Ms Dean has ever written. She is a wonderful writer. She makes her readers feel like they are being graciously doted on. Ok gotta run get her next book in this series. Hurry to get yourself a copy!!
I am truly devoted to reading every last book Ms Dean has ever written. She is a wonderful writer. She makes her readers feel like they are being graciously doted on. Ok gotta run get her next book in this series. Hurry to get yourself a copy!!
August 19, 2017
Fun read
I Read all 7 back to back and fell in love with the characters.. Hope there will be more adventure I n the future
I Read all 7 back to back and fell in love with the characters.. Hope there will be more adventure I n the future
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews