Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Sweet Cove Mystery #12

Sweet Lies and Deception

Rate this book
This is book 12 in the Sweet Cove Cozy Mystery series from USA TODAY Bestselling Author J A Whiting.
When the Roseland sisters, Mr. Finch, and the two family cats are sitting on the Victorian's front porch enjoying the late summer weather, some of them smell a strange scent on the air. A burning car near the state park signals a new crime that will draw the group into investigating a double murder. Suspects pile up and lies and deception swirl around the family as they attempt to sort through motives, whereabouts, and opportunities. Will the sisters, Mr. Finch, and two fine felines find the answers before one of the family falls victim to the killer?
A cozy mystery with recipes !
The story has mild paranormal elements.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2017

511 people are currently reading
149 people want to read

About the author

J.A. Whiting

173 books321 followers
USA TODAY Bestselling Author and Amazon All Star, J A Whiting is the author of over 100 cozy mysteries. She lives with her family in Massachusetts. Whiting loves spending time with family, reading, traveling, cycling, following New England sports teams, exercising, and being outdoors.

For exclusive content and new book announcements please visit www.jawhiting.com and sign up for my mailing list.

Also please "like" my Facebook page www.facebook.com/jawhitingauthor

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

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

Community Reviews

5 stars
949 (69%)
4 stars
315 (23%)
3 stars
88 (6%)
2 stars
10 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Shelley Lawrence.
2,065 reviews103 followers
November 18, 2023
4.5 stars
Sweet Lies and Deception is the 12th book in the Sweet Cove Mystery series, and despite it being rather far into the series, each mystery is varied and interesting. Though I enjoy the mysteries, the Roseland sisters, their significant others, Mr. Finch, Chief Martin and the cats, all with their special, unique abilities, are the best part of every story.

In Sweet Lies and Deception, we have a successful, wealthy elderly business couple who is brutally murdered in their home. They don’t seem to be well-liked by others due to their somewhat ruthless ways, so the potential suspects are many. The extended family also has an odd dynamic and seem to be unaffected by the murder. Each seems intent on telling lies and half-truths, and are generally deceptive lot.

These are easy, somewhat simplistic, but cozy mysteries, and the added the paranormal element is fun and conveniently helpful. The series is delightful, quick, and entertaining, and the stories often have seasonal themes. I love the characters and their dynamics with one another, and I always look forward to reading the next.
Profile Image for Jeannie and Louis Rigod.
1,991 reviews40 followers
November 30, 2017
I truly enjoy visiting with the Roseland Sisters, Mr. Finch, and Chief Martin of Sweet Cove. The friendships are gentle and filled with sincerity. The murder mysteries are always something unexpected, and the Author does not make it a snap to figure out.

This time the murders of a wealthy couple stirs the town up. The couple had worked a lifetime for their accumulated wealth and were known for their charity work. Does that mean no one had a reason to kill them...not this go round, there were dozens of persons disliking the couple. From the maid to restaurant workers...the couple were not kind, however, what was the motive?

A very good book and enjoyable ending. I do like this series and Author.
214 reviews3 followers
November 19, 2017
Another Roseland sisters cozy mystery

It all started with a burnt out car which leads to a double murder.

It is best if you read them from the beginning as there are foundations and character development within those stories.

The Bartson's were a successful business team, over the years they had built up a fortune. They were however ruthless even to their families.

There is a daughter and her children, Megan and Steve.

All are suspects along with the housekeeper Grace.

Chief Martin asks the Roselands for their help and so they embark on another murder mystery.

This one however is made difficult by the suspects. They lie and don't divulge much. As the investigation happens they start to unravel the mess.

Angie and Josh are starting to sort out their on going relationship. The case gets more complex and several are injured before the conclusion is found.

The story was a little slow. It is great catching up with the Roseland family and their friends. The murderer was a little obvious spoiling the story a little.
2,023 reviews
April 11, 2022
Yjr votes are gutting more complex with many different clues to sort through. Again the violence level had increased. But the story and the family is till great to read about.


Amazon synopsis:
When the Roseland sisters, Mr. Finch, and the two family cats are sitting on the Victorian's front porch enjoying the late summer weather, some of them smell a strange scent on the air. A burning car near the state park signals a new crime that will draw the group into investigating a double murder. Suspects pile up and lies and deception swirl around the family as they attempt to sort through motives, whereabouts, and opportunities. Will the sisters, Mr. Finch, and two fine felines find the answers before one of the family falls victim to the killer?
693 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2018
Denying financial help can be deadly!!!!!!

10 stars for this book.
I have patiently waited for this book, and it didn't let me down.
Angie and the gang really helped the sheriff this time, when there were so many suspects
People who you work with and those that work for you, people that do jobs around your businesses and personal homes, think how you treat them.
Family members can be demanding for hand outs, but knows the rules of work for what you want will be more appreciated and mean more when it is worked for.
Some people don't take NO for an answer.
You will love this book, try it out.
Profile Image for Sharen.
622 reviews5 followers
September 14, 2022
Love this whole series! This cozy series has everything…..charming characters, cats who understand people, evil doers doing evil deeds (but, no graphic violence), romance (but, no sex), mysteries to solve, recipes, 4 sisters (and Mr Finch) with real psychic abilities. And no cliffhanger endings. The author gives you all the clues to solve the mysteries….can you solve it before the end? Each book can be a stand alone….but, read them in order so you get the whole backstory. So, curl up in a comfy chair with a cup of tea and enjoy the journey to solving the mystery. I am looking forward to the next book….it’s already in my “to be read” stack.
324 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2022
Such A Delightful Series

J A Writing has done it again! This series his such a treat. It's so nice to be entertained without being overwhelmed with intimate details you don't want to know about. The Roseland sisters, their significant others, Mr. Finch, and the cats are so charming and down to earth you feel as though you know them personally. The characters specific to each story are always intriguing and you are filled with emotions when encountering them as though you are part of the story. Ms. Whiting does a fabulous job of weaving you into each mystery so thoroughly you can't put the book down. I'm always ready for the next story by the time I finish.
963 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2022
Double murder

The gang smells something in the air, Rufus says he saw a car on fire near the state park. Angie feels it will effect them. Chief Martin ask Angie to come to the home of a rich couple. The couple have been brutally murdered with a baseball bat. Stephen had an argument with his grandson, Steve who he had fired at work because loan him the money to open his own restaurant. Steve his sister and his mother are the only relatives the rich couple has. Money was probably the reason but who killed them. Angie and the group need to help Chief Martin figure out who and why they were murdered. Good intriguing story.
47 reviews
December 31, 2017
Another Great Mystery

J A Whiting is consistent with well drawn characters, locations, & story lines. This is another example of her style - everything right up front and yet there is enough interweaving of other info that at the end the reader can say, "But of course. That makes sense."
It is "light" reading - not to say intense. But also not just "fluff" - the definite characterization, storyline, etc make the "Sweet Cove Bake Shop" a rewarding series to seek out. (And, quite possibly, pay money for!)
I am looking forward to reading many more books by this author!
185 reviews2 followers
January 20, 2018
Great book. Worthy of being read

While staying with a big online storyline about woman who help solve murders, this book was very good and the second i have read in the Sweet Cove series (way out of order - but the facts of the particular murder stand-alone though history of main characters may miss something). Each book has enough great description a of characters that gives both main (through the series) characters and in-story characters enough description to allow the reader good understanding of who is who and what their lives/priorities are about.
165 reviews
December 29, 2017
Perfect combo of mystery and cozy

Yet another fine addition to the Sweet Cove series. The books can be read individually, but reading as a series in order really helps you learn about and appreciate the family and characters. Mild paranormal paranormal elements, but mostly a cozy loving family if 4 sisters, 2 cats, sweet friends, beautiful setting, and an engrossing mystery. Even a few recipies. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
June 14, 2018
Find the motive, find the killer.

Another great little read in the series. Okay you might guess the culprit but I bet you'll have the wrong one as the whole thing has a great twist at the end. A wonderful tightly woven plot that will fulfil every cozy mystery reader. The characters keep getting better and better with every book but just wish the cats were given more involvement. A burnt out car, two dead bodies and a fortune are all mixed into a really enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Angela Griffin.
1,703 reviews5 followers
February 20, 2022
A mild diversion

Book 12 offers the opportunity for the Roseland sisters to compare the sweet perfection of their family to a sadly dysfunctional one while investigating a double murder. The main characters are sweet, the paranormal elements are light, the storyline holds interest, and the ending returns to sweet. Recommended for readers who appreciate clean, unchallenging cozy mysteries.
Profile Image for Kathy Fair.
295 reviews7 followers
November 15, 2017
Definitely a 5-star Plus read

This is a well written installment of the Sweet Cove Mysteries. The Roseland sisters run an inn and with their very good friend, Mr. Finish, cooperate with the sheriff in helping to solve numerous murders. I love this series and hope there will be another destroy commuting soon.
Profile Image for Rita Day.
80 reviews
November 17, 2017
Sweet Lies and Deception

The Roseland sisters and Mr Finch are back with a handful of murder and suspense. A prominent couple are murdered in their home. Chief Martin enlists the help of the Roselands and Mr Finch to help with the investigation. Well written a page turner and don't stop till the end.
Profile Image for Susan Clark.
549 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2018
Wow!

This series has become one of my favorites, and this one does not disappoint except in one small detail: author never explains why car is burned after the
murders. Please feel free to message me the reason, Ms. Whiting, or anyone else who caught the reason that i overlooked. I cannot WAIT for next in series, and i hope they never end.
193 reviews
July 11, 2018
“ and so it begins” Jenna said!

The continuing story of the Roseland sisters and all those they love goes on in this book. As he said in the book “ you just never know when something unexpected will happen, do you?” Learn more about the family, Mr. Finch in their friends who is this textbook, happy reading.
Profile Image for gary c lehn.
1,724 reviews7 followers
November 17, 2017
Great story..

I enjoyed this story. The characters in the story of adventure and suspense are a lot of fun to read about as they try to solve the mystery of of murder. The romance does add favor to it all. Enjoy....
Profile Image for Meryl Markowitz.
686 reviews6 followers
November 21, 2017
Great story

This series is a real gem and this book makes the storyline better and better. It's a mystery with just a hint of paranormal and a sweet romance. I look forward to the next one.
77 reviews4 followers
November 22, 2017
Enjoying this mystery series

This cozy mystery series takes place in a small town in New England with a family of sisters with special intuition. They and their friends solve murder mysteries.
2 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2017
Always delight in reading the Roseland sisters books. Light, enjoyable and humorous. Certainly takes my mind off ugly happenings in our world and transports one to a loving, serene, peaceful cove
(except for the murders of course!)
16 reviews
November 29, 2017
Near death experience

Always like this group of characters. Hated the victims & family which was justified by their greed & lack of feeling for those their lives touched. Like the happy ending that always seems to put things right again,
354 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2017
What a fabulous book.

I didn't just like the book I loved it. Angie, Courtney, Ellie, Jenna and their partners, Mr Finch and Betty, Circe and Euclid have made this book, this series into a wonderful read.
Profile Image for Karen.
Author 19 books132 followers
December 23, 2017
The sisters and Mr Finch are at it again! The double murder of a rich but not well-liked couple has the girls on the trail of a killer in this paranormal whodunnit! A well-written story with characters I count as book BFFS. Kudos to Ms. Whiting for excellent storytelling.
Profile Image for Dorothy   Peterson.
91 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2018
A Sweet Cove Mystery

I love this series. They are very good. I have told friends about this series and they have started reading from the start. You need to start with book one to understand the story.
Profile Image for Laurie.
321 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2018
Even though I’m not a huge fan of paranormal stuuf, I like this series because of the relationships between the characters. The books always have good plots that keep you guessing, but nothing too outlandish happens in the end.
59 reviews
May 12, 2018
J A Whiting

Loved the #12 book of A Sweet Cove Mystery. J A Whiting is a great writer with lots of imagination As usual, I love all the characters in this series as well as the furry friends. It was hard to put this book dowm


Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
June 19, 2018
Another Great Cozy

Suspense grabs you and pulls you through the book.
I loved the storyline and the engaging cast of characters.
Reading this series makes them feel like family.
Cozy Mystery fans will love this book.
1 review
October 24, 2018
Loved the series

Very easy reading for bedtime, hope more books will be comint. I relate to the cars, I have two that look like Euclid and Circe, same attitudes. Love the addition of cars in storyline.
11 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2018
This is a great series. Hard to put down once you start reading it. I recommend this series to everyone.

There is never a dull moment with the Roseland sisters Mr. Finch Euclid and Cerce. Read al in order for a real treat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.