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Sweetfern Harbor #3
Captain Dead Man
Sweetfern Harbor Bed and Breakfast Cozy Mysteries can be read in one to two hours. It is perfect for those moments when you are waiting at an appointment or want to enjoy a quick read.
Excitement races through Sweetfern Harbor as the famous July boat races near. Brenda Sheffield finds herself busier than ever at Sheffield Bed and Breakfast. Her place is booked solid and calls come daily from potential and hopeful customers that have to be turned down. Brenda has never been as happy as she is now. Detective Mac Rivers asks her to marry him and she accepts. Her disappointment comes when he wants her to wait to announce the news until after the long weekend is over. She reluctantly agrees.
In the meantime, he suggests they go to Morning Sun Coffee Shop where the famous three Captains are hanging out. They are close friends and fierce competitors and the stars of the race. Scully proves to be boisterous and reigns with bragging rights of winning this race. He jabs his friends in friendly banter and Captain Pratt joins in. They entertain the crowd that moves closer to their table. Captain Eddy joins in but speaks less words than the other two. He is affable and draws a group of fans, too, but he allows the other two to have their good fun. Brenda and Mac are invited to tour the new boats crafted by local boat builder Wally Doyle before the races the next day. Brenda is excited to see the inside of a racing boat for the first time in her life.
The next morning when the Captains tell them to go on and take tours by themselves, Mac and Brenda first enter Captain Eddy’s boat. They presume he is inside since he wasn’t with the other two down on Main Street. Shock sets in when they discover Captain Eddy is dead in his cabin. After calling for back-up, they discover signs around the boat that indicate this was not a natural death.
A visiting Detective and long-time friend of Mac’s suddenly becomes the Captain of Eddy’s boat. A Judge deems the races go forward as planned. It isn’t long into the race when all evidence left on the boat sinks to the bottom of the ocean with the vessel. Bryce Jones barely escapes with his life intact. With all evidence now gone, Mac enlists Brenda’s help and together they must find out who had a reason to not only kill Captain Eddy but also make sure the crime would not be solved. Plenty of suspects come to their minds. Wally, the boat builder, Detective Bryce Jones, now Captain of the dead man’s boat and the two other Captains. It won’t be easy to prove who committed the crime, but Brenda delves into the matter on the side and has her suspicions found to be true when the suspects are called together.
Excitement races through Sweetfern Harbor as the famous July boat races near. Brenda Sheffield finds herself busier than ever at Sheffield Bed and Breakfast. Her place is booked solid and calls come daily from potential and hopeful customers that have to be turned down. Brenda has never been as happy as she is now. Detective Mac Rivers asks her to marry him and she accepts. Her disappointment comes when he wants her to wait to announce the news until after the long weekend is over. She reluctantly agrees.
In the meantime, he suggests they go to Morning Sun Coffee Shop where the famous three Captains are hanging out. They are close friends and fierce competitors and the stars of the race. Scully proves to be boisterous and reigns with bragging rights of winning this race. He jabs his friends in friendly banter and Captain Pratt joins in. They entertain the crowd that moves closer to their table. Captain Eddy joins in but speaks less words than the other two. He is affable and draws a group of fans, too, but he allows the other two to have their good fun. Brenda and Mac are invited to tour the new boats crafted by local boat builder Wally Doyle before the races the next day. Brenda is excited to see the inside of a racing boat for the first time in her life.
The next morning when the Captains tell them to go on and take tours by themselves, Mac and Brenda first enter Captain Eddy’s boat. They presume he is inside since he wasn’t with the other two down on Main Street. Shock sets in when they discover Captain Eddy is dead in his cabin. After calling for back-up, they discover signs around the boat that indicate this was not a natural death.
A visiting Detective and long-time friend of Mac’s suddenly becomes the Captain of Eddy’s boat. A Judge deems the races go forward as planned. It isn’t long into the race when all evidence left on the boat sinks to the bottom of the ocean with the vessel. Bryce Jones barely escapes with his life intact. With all evidence now gone, Mac enlists Brenda’s help and together they must find out who had a reason to not only kill Captain Eddy but also make sure the crime would not be solved. Plenty of suspects come to their minds. Wally, the boat builder, Detective Bryce Jones, now Captain of the dead man’s boat and the two other Captains. It won’t be easy to prove who committed the crime, but Brenda delves into the matter on the side and has her suspicions found to be true when the suspects are called together.
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2017
About the author
Wendy Meadows
193 books438 followersWendy Meadows is a USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author who creates the perfect escape for readers who love amateur sleuths, small-town secrets, and mysteries you can solve with a cup of tea in hand.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 19, 2020
A coffee shop where the three captains hang out. That in itself of who are they. Another interesting story in this small town with a Victorian Inn.
Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
May 8, 2021
I enjoyed this book.I have listened to a few book by this author and not in the right order, so I can honestly say that they don't need to be read or listened to in the right order to enjoy them. The relationship does progress with each book but the author explains the characters well enough that if this is your first time or you are long term fan of the series it is just as much fun. I liked the characters but it was the mystery that had me captivated. I really wanted to find out how they were going to solve the murder after the crime scene sank, very unusual situation but it made for an interesting story line. Off to start the next book in this fun and quirky series.
Brenda now the owner of her uncle's Bed and breakfast is excited to see her first annual boat race take place. The grand prize and coveted cup is usually won by one of the three main captains. The three men are great friends and often compete against each other for bragging rights. Brenda having never witnessed the race before is invited by all three men to view there identical boats on tour. The morning of the race she and her boyfriend Detective Mac Rivers step on board only to find one of the captains dead and it looks like murder. The police barely get a chance to investigate before a court judge orders them to leave and a substitute captain is found so the race can continue. A lot of tourist come for the event and nothing not even a little case of murder should get in the way. But then the unthinkable happens and instead of a contaminated crime scene Mac is faced with the difficult case of no crime scene at all. With the boat laying at the bottom of the water can Mac still find the reason the captain was killed? With Brenda's help and keen eye he just might.
I liked the narrator have heard her read a few audio book and she has always made them fun and entertaining.
I was given this free review copy audiobook from audiobooksunleashed and have voluntarily left this review.
Brenda now the owner of her uncle's Bed and breakfast is excited to see her first annual boat race take place. The grand prize and coveted cup is usually won by one of the three main captains. The three men are great friends and often compete against each other for bragging rights. Brenda having never witnessed the race before is invited by all three men to view there identical boats on tour. The morning of the race she and her boyfriend Detective Mac Rivers step on board only to find one of the captains dead and it looks like murder. The police barely get a chance to investigate before a court judge orders them to leave and a substitute captain is found so the race can continue. A lot of tourist come for the event and nothing not even a little case of murder should get in the way. But then the unthinkable happens and instead of a contaminated crime scene Mac is faced with the difficult case of no crime scene at all. With the boat laying at the bottom of the water can Mac still find the reason the captain was killed? With Brenda's help and keen eye he just might.
I liked the narrator have heard her read a few audio book and she has always made them fun and entertaining.
I was given this free review copy audiobook from audiobooksunleashed and have voluntarily left this review.
December 28, 2021
This book picks up right where the last one ended, with Mac proposing to Brenda. She accepts of course but is dismayed when he asks her to withhold telling anyone, since the town is still reeling from the death of actress Ellen Teague.
Brenda pushes the sadness aside and starts preparing for the sailboat race that has returned to Sweetfern Harbor. The bed and breakfast is booked solid and the town is bustling with people who have come out to not only see the race but the captains as well. Along with the locals and the tourists is an old friend of Detective Macs, Bryce Jones, a detective from Brooklyn.
Captains, Eddy, Pratt and Scully are local celebrities and have been best friends for decades. Having not only sailed against each other in this race but also all over the world, the locals and tourists are looking forward to seeing the go up against each other. The Captains, tell Brenda and Mac to come down the next morning for tours of their boats. They agree and show up the next morning, only to discover Captain Eddy, dead in his living quarters aboard his boat.
They start investigating and soon realize they have no leads and no good suspects. No one can fathom that Captain Eddy had any enemies, or none that might actually want to kill him. The race goes forward and Bryce is asked to pilot, Captain Eddys ship. Not too long after the race starts, the boat starts to sink, and Bryce has to be rescued while the ship sinks to the bottom of the harbor. Detective Mac is more than a little upset that the evidence is now definitely gone. Who would want Captain Eddy dead and more importantly why? Can Brenda and Detective Mac find the culprit before it's too late?
Another great, short, cozy read. Perfect on a chilly day, sitting in my recliner, watching the squirrels. I really like the characters of this series. I am excited to see Mac and Brenda tie the knot and to see what other kinds of mysteries they can solve together.
Brenda pushes the sadness aside and starts preparing for the sailboat race that has returned to Sweetfern Harbor. The bed and breakfast is booked solid and the town is bustling with people who have come out to not only see the race but the captains as well. Along with the locals and the tourists is an old friend of Detective Macs, Bryce Jones, a detective from Brooklyn.
Captains, Eddy, Pratt and Scully are local celebrities and have been best friends for decades. Having not only sailed against each other in this race but also all over the world, the locals and tourists are looking forward to seeing the go up against each other. The Captains, tell Brenda and Mac to come down the next morning for tours of their boats. They agree and show up the next morning, only to discover Captain Eddy, dead in his living quarters aboard his boat.
They start investigating and soon realize they have no leads and no good suspects. No one can fathom that Captain Eddy had any enemies, or none that might actually want to kill him. The race goes forward and Bryce is asked to pilot, Captain Eddys ship. Not too long after the race starts, the boat starts to sink, and Bryce has to be rescued while the ship sinks to the bottom of the harbor. Detective Mac is more than a little upset that the evidence is now definitely gone. Who would want Captain Eddy dead and more importantly why? Can Brenda and Detective Mac find the culprit before it's too late?
Another great, short, cozy read. Perfect on a chilly day, sitting in my recliner, watching the squirrels. I really like the characters of this series. I am excited to see Mac and Brenda tie the knot and to see what other kinds of mysteries they can solve together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2021
Great book!!!!
Brenda and Mac had a hum dinger of a mystery on their hands!
When the sailboat race came back to Sweetfern Harbor and the three famous Captains Pratt, Scully and Eddy.
They are best friends more family they have sailed together around the world to different places.
The town is getting ready for the biggest event of the year, celebrating the return of the Captains in town with food and dancing. The town's people and tourist wanting to meet them.
In the meantime one of the Captains went missing the night before the big race, which Mac and Brenda found when they had accepted the invitation to tour the sailboats, because Brenda had never been on one.
Mac and Brenda went to the first sailboat and had the shock of finding him and that's were the mystery came in. And boy they kept running into brick walls as to who and why.
The race was forced to still race and they found another person to sail the missing captain, that was Mac's fellow detective from Brooklyn, Bryce Jones.
At the race there was a serious accident.
Now it gets even more puzzling of what the heck is going on. And they had mass people to talk to, to see who or what was heard or seen.
You really have to read for details!!!!
Brenda and Mac had a hum dinger of a mystery on their hands!
When the sailboat race came back to Sweetfern Harbor and the three famous Captains Pratt, Scully and Eddy.
They are best friends more family they have sailed together around the world to different places.
The town is getting ready for the biggest event of the year, celebrating the return of the Captains in town with food and dancing. The town's people and tourist wanting to meet them.
In the meantime one of the Captains went missing the night before the big race, which Mac and Brenda found when they had accepted the invitation to tour the sailboats, because Brenda had never been on one.
Mac and Brenda went to the first sailboat and had the shock of finding him and that's were the mystery came in. And boy they kept running into brick walls as to who and why.
The race was forced to still race and they found another person to sail the missing captain, that was Mac's fellow detective from Brooklyn, Bryce Jones.
At the race there was a serious accident.
Now it gets even more puzzling of what the heck is going on. And they had mass people to talk to, to see who or what was heard or seen.
You really have to read for details!!!!
February 11, 2019
It’s July and that means boating season in Sweetfern Harbor. Brenda and the staff at Sheffield B&B are gearing up for the annual boat races. Mac introduces Brenda to the famous three Captains; Sully, Eddy, and Pratt. They are close friends and very fierce competitors that like to rib each other and brag about past wins. Captain Eddy invites Brenda to take a tour of his boat, which happens to be an exact replica of Captain Scully and Captain Pratt’s boats. It seems boat builder Wally has crafted 3 of the exact same boat so none of the captains have a competitive edge.
The next day when Brenda and Mac go to tour Captain Eddy’s boat, they find him dead in his cabin. They soon discover that the death is not from natural causes and find themselves on the hunt for a killer. Who would want to kill Captain Eddy and why? The clues seem to point in many different directions.
Once again author Wendy Meadows spins a perfect cozy mystery with a well-thought-out storyline, lots of mystery and suspense, the perfect amount of romance and humor, and enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
The next day when Brenda and Mac go to tour Captain Eddy’s boat, they find him dead in his cabin. They soon discover that the death is not from natural causes and find themselves on the hunt for a killer. Who would want to kill Captain Eddy and why? The clues seem to point in many different directions.
Once again author Wendy Meadows spins a perfect cozy mystery with a well-thought-out storyline, lots of mystery and suspense, the perfect amount of romance and humor, and enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
December 4, 2017
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
June 14, 2018
The winner takes it all?
Another light fluffy cozy - really not in the same league as the author's Alaskan series. An engagement (that isn't), a dead body, a boat race, a sunken boat and another detective trying to muscle in. Who wanted to kill the Captain ? What made the boat sink? Will the engagement ever be real? The characters were just slightly "off" and the plot could have been a bit tighter.
Another light fluffy cozy - really not in the same league as the author's Alaskan series. An engagement (that isn't), a dead body, a boat race, a sunken boat and another detective trying to muscle in. Who wanted to kill the Captain ? What made the boat sink? Will the engagement ever be real? The characters were just slightly "off" and the plot could have been a bit tighter.
January 9, 2025
Billed as a cosy short read mystery I found it interesting for the style of writing more than the story. The plot was somewhat predictive. There were parts that even stretching the imagination were quite unbelievable. During the questioning I found that some of the time lines were a bit suspect. Going by the available evidence I don't believe the murderer would have ever been discovered at all if it wasn't for the unwarranted confession
October 6, 2017
Great series
Having read the first several books of this series, I’m hooked. The characters are people you want to get to know better. The setting of this series, a lovely town and Victorian B&B, lend itself to many more opportunities for murder and mystery. Can’t wait for next book.
Having read the first several books of this series, I’m hooked. The characters are people you want to get to know better. The setting of this series, a lovely town and Victorian B&B, lend itself to many more opportunities for murder and mystery. Can’t wait for next book.
February 11, 2019
Interesting location
I started reading this series after it was recommended by my sister. I appreciate that all three books I've read have been offered on kindle unlimited as I couldn't afford them otherwise I guess the best review is that I have read all three books in the last two days. Bedtime now!!
I started reading this series after it was recommended by my sister. I appreciate that all three books I've read have been offered on kindle unlimited as I couldn't afford them otherwise I guess the best review is that I have read all three books in the last two days. Bedtime now!!
August 23, 2020
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title.
Annual boatrace has three main contenders, each having an identical boat built, in an attempt to prove who was the better skipper.
Unfortunately, a dreadful find, but the local detective and Brenda, our amateur detective, puts the race in jeopardy.
You'll be surprised what happens next, and who is responsible.
Annual boatrace has three main contenders, each having an identical boat built, in an attempt to prove who was the better skipper.
Unfortunately, a dreadful find, but the local detective and Brenda, our amateur detective, puts the race in jeopardy.
You'll be surprised what happens next, and who is responsible.
September 24, 2017
Very good book
Definitely a 5-star read. This has a well thought out plot and the characters manage to come to life by the end of the story. The ending comes as a surprise as the pot unfolds.
Definitely a 5-star read. This has a well thought out plot and the characters manage to come to life by the end of the story. The ending comes as a surprise as the pot unfolds.
October 13, 2017
Another great cozy mystery
I really enjoy reading these short cozy mysteries. In this one, I liked the introduction of the new character. I can't wait to see how Mac handles having both Brenda and his friend joining in solving mysteries.
I really enjoy reading these short cozy mysteries. In this one, I liked the introduction of the new character. I can't wait to see how Mac handles having both Brenda and his friend joining in solving mysteries.
October 26, 2017
Very good
I like the main characters. It was nice to see the relationship end in an engagement. Keep up the great writing. I always like your characters and that's me to e joy the story more. Thanks again and stay well.
I like the main characters. It was nice to see the relationship end in an engagement. Keep up the great writing. I always like your characters and that's me to e joy the story more. Thanks again and stay well.
February 22, 2018
Slightly entertaining
Dry egg get bcc but boy the the get gym John jjyf got them see study sheet of paper that 30th and I'll gladly do it is a great teacher is not to be confused with dried apricots are incredible.
Dry egg get bcc but boy the the get gym John jjyf got them see study sheet of paper that 30th and I'll gladly do it is a great teacher is not to be confused with dried apricots are incredible.
April 26, 2018
Captain Dead Man
This was an exciting book, I couldn’t put it down. I just love the characters in Sweetfern Harbor and can’t wait to read the next book. Thanks for a great cozy mystery series.
This was an exciting book, I couldn’t put it down. I just love the characters in Sweetfern Harbor and can’t wait to read the next book. Thanks for a great cozy mystery series.
June 11, 2018
This is a continuation in this series. Well worth the time to read.
It’s enjoyable even though it’s fairly easy to discern the answer to the mystery. A romance Entwined with murder mystery.
It’s enjoyable even though it’s fairly easy to discern the answer to the mystery. A romance Entwined with murder mystery.
September 10, 2019
Exciting story
Very creative story with a happy ending that made me shed tears along with the b & b staff. I was afraid that mac an d brenda were never going to get around to getting engaged.
Very creative story with a happy ending that made me shed tears along with the b & b staff. I was afraid that mac an d brenda were never going to get around to getting engaged.
November 5, 2019
Excellent as usual
I gave this book a five star rating because it deserved it. I think the author is a very talented and creative writer. I have read many books by her and loved them all. I would recommend reading this book to a.
I gave this book a five star rating because it deserved it. I think the author is a very talented and creative writer. I have read many books by her and loved them all. I would recommend reading this book to a.
November 26, 2019
Interesting book!
I have really been enjoying this series. I feel like I get to know the characters and town a little better with each book. This story kept me guessing. I look forward to the next one.
I have really been enjoying this series. I feel like I get to know the characters and town a little better with each book. This story kept me guessing. I look forward to the next one.
September 28, 2020
Fun reading
Enjoyed this sequel. Nice mystery with no graphic violence. New character added which should provide an interesting personality to the mix. Characters have depth which makes them more complex and interesting. Will continue on.
Enjoyed this sequel. Nice mystery with no graphic violence. New character added which should provide an interesting personality to the mix. Characters have depth which makes them more complex and interesting. Will continue on.
August 8, 2021
This was a basic and simple cozy mystery. Very predictable for me. I don't necessarily care for the style of the narrator or some of the voices she uses for the various characters. It was a good enough murder mystery.
May 12, 2022
The story was good but for those , like myself who listen , unfortunately, it is not well edited and there are several repeats of sentences and on one occasion the same series of paragraphs was repeated three times. Very frustrating indeed.
September 22, 2017
Excellent quick read
I enjoyed the interaction between the characters. There was a bit of a twist at the end. This is a great quick read.
I enjoyed the interaction between the characters. There was a bit of a twist at the end. This is a great quick read.
October 2, 2017
Great book
I love the way Wendy's books always end on a happy ending and gives you that feeling where you can't wait until the next book, in the series, is published.
I love the way Wendy's books always end on a happy ending and gives you that feeling where you can't wait until the next book, in the series, is published.
October 28, 2017
Cheesy, but steady
There's something off in the sentence structure sometimes and I just can't place what it is. Overall, not too shabby.
There's something off in the sentence structure sometimes and I just can't place what it is. Overall, not too shabby.
December 9, 2017
Stupendous
I really enjoyed this story. I am so happy Brenda and Mac worked together. What great stories. I can't wait to read the next book.
I really enjoyed this story. I am so happy Brenda and Mac worked together. What great stories. I can't wait to read the next book.
January 12, 2018
Loved loved and loved
Wow what a series this is great! I loved the mystery and Mac +Brenda is wonderful too ! Thanks and I want more!
Wow what a series this is great! I loved the mystery and Mac +Brenda is wonderful too ! Thanks and I want more!
April 22, 2018
Truly cozy
Fast mystery with fuzzy good feelings. A nice small town were everyone gossips and knows everyone’s business. Great for a rainy day read.
Fast mystery with fuzzy good feelings. A nice small town were everyone gossips and knows everyone’s business. Great for a rainy day read.
May 27, 2018
enjoyed the book, looking forward to the next
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews