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Ravenwood Cove Cozy Mystery #2

Dune, Dock, and a Dead Man

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Original Cover Edition can be found here

Amanda Graham should be happy with her newly-inherited historic inn, a fat cat named Oscar, and living in a small Oregon beach town, but a terrible discovery between the dunes on the coast and she’s right back in the soup, trying to solve a murder and save her friend!
Sure, maybe he was such a rotten person he deserved to die, but as secrets start to be revealed, Amanda is drawn deeper into danger and intrigue. With a harvest festival looming, and tourists starting to come back to visit, figuring out how and why he died is the best way to protect the town, and her sweet friend.

She’s turned her back on LA and life in a gray office cubicle, so her best bet is to dig in and fight for her new hometown.

Includes the free recipe for gluten-free blueberry coffeecake. Second novel in the Ravenwood Cove ebook series. Paperback and audiobook (with Whispersync) versions coming soon. Mild PG rating (because hey, there's a dead guy in it).

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 2016

1653 people are currently reading
683 people want to read

About the author

Carolyn L. Dean

70 books152 followers
USA 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.

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5 stars
1,430 (47%)
4 stars
1,013 (33%)
3 stars
455 (15%)
2 stars
89 (2%)
1 star
20 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
Profile Image for James.
Author 20 books4,370 followers
March 6, 2020
3 1/2 stars to Carolyn L. Dean's Dune, Dock, and a Dead Man, the second book in her "Ravenwood Cove" cozy mystery series. While I found the first book a little better, this one was also good and helps bring more structure and appeal to the series. I like the main character and she's starting to settle into Ravenwood Cove with ease, driving change in all the areas that were needed in the tourism-starved town.

Story
Amanda Graham has started making friends in Ravenwood Cove, and this time, she finds two friends who need help with men who won't leave them alone. Jennifer, the woman whose father saved Amanda in book 1, is having trouble with the mob trying to locate information her father hid before he died. Meg, Amanda's best friend, is having trouble with a man she met from an online dating site who is harassing her. When one of the men turns up dead, and the other potentially has a connection to the him, the town is in an uproar. As Amanda cozies up to James, the detective she's been flirting with, she gets access to more police information. But when she starts finding connection to many of her new friends and the core families of the town, she's concerned she may be close to the killer. When she puts all the clues together, one of the villains attacks her and the other admits his/her guilt and willingly goes off to jail. What's crime-hunting coming to these days???

Strengths
The town's setting and core families are filling out and readers get to know who's who in this release. Relationships are forming and future plots are likely being assembled.

I like how the two plots weave in and out throughout the story. You think you've figured it out, then you are confused. The primary one was complex. There were two obvious leads, both of which you find yourself leaning towards, then you realize different people had different pasts with the deceased and a likely motive.

Suggestions

As complex as it was for a cozy, take it further! Add another 60 to 75 pages and draw out the mystery just a bit more so we feel fully engaged.

Tell us about the uncle's secrets. It was mysterious in book 1, and I'd hoped it would keep growing... but no mention in book 2. Bring it back!

Final Thoughts
I like the series and it's a good filler as an e-read in between physical books. Easy to get thru in 2 hours. I like the author's style.

About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by.
Profile Image for Jaclyn.
624 reviews52 followers
June 8, 2017
This one was much less realistic than the first one. I know this is kind of typical for cozies, but this one was so unrealistic that I just couldn't wrap my head around it. Overall it was just ok for me.
Profile Image for Evan.
538 reviews56 followers
March 3, 2017
This Trump crap is still out of control so yeah I read the second book in this series. Again it was fine, got to me to relax a little which was the point.
Profile Image for Hastings75.
355 reviews16 followers
October 28, 2017
Second book in the series and took me a year to come back to this series.

Not sure why as loved the first book and this one was almost as good.

Great characters and a good whodunnit, made more fun by the fact that many of the suspects are characters you are getting to know well. Could one of them be the murderer??

Bring on Book 3!!!!
Profile Image for Bonnie Dale Keck.
4,677 reviews58 followers
March 29, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, too simplistic in places, too unbelievable in others, too convoluted and/or wordy and/or unnecessary in others.

A Ravenwood Cove Mystery series
1 BED, BREAKFAST, and BONES - 2 DUNE, DOCK, and a DEAD MAN - 3 MISTLETOE, MOONLIGHT, and MURDER - 4 SEA, SKY, and SKELETON - 5 TIME, TIDE, and TROUBLE {out soon}
Profile Image for Gabi Eagon.
492 reviews6 followers
November 8, 2016
Great mystery

A small town in Oregon on the ocean is a perfect place for mystery and suspense. James and Amanda are slowly falling in love while trying to solve two problems in Ravenswood. One is a murder that is perplexing.
6 reviews
October 20, 2016
Nice escape to the PNW

Thanks for taking us to Ravenwood Cove. I enjoyed the book and the mini vacation I am taking with your books during my break.
Keep on writing
Profile Image for Marisa.
1,074 reviews125 followers
apuntados
April 23, 2017
Amazon - 01/04/2017
Profile Image for D. Starr.
464 reviews8 followers
July 14, 2017
Rating PG -
Children wouldn't be interested.
No sex but references to one character suspected of rape.
Only one incidence, I think, of strong language.
Good presentations of characters needing to choose between what's morally or ethically right and wanting to spare another's feelings or avoid an uncomfortable confrontation.

The story loses one star because the first chapter rehashes, in a rather confusing way, too much of book #1 in the series, which I hadn't read. Throughout the story, references to the first book may have spoiled that one for me. If I can borrow it for free on Amazon Prime, I may read it anyway.

Writing style: Mostly quite good, except occasionally when I wanted to hand the writer a thesaurus to help out with a sentence that might be similar to, "The sunset was really pretty." Other times descriptions and dialog were faultless.

Plot - Well conceived. I'm not particularly good at guessing whodunit, and though the clues and foreshadowing were there, I did not guess.
Mystery (no spoiler here): Who would have had motive and opportunity to kill the person found out by the dock? How was it done?

Characters: Likable. I appreciate that the older characters were not presented as doddering or fairly incompetent, nor were the younger ones wide-eyed and naive. The main character was not the stereotypical amateur sleuth who sees and intuits more than the authorities.
I'd be willing to read another, but I'd sure be careful to read them in order!
Definitely light reading.
If you like cozy mysteries, you'll probably like this one.
Profile Image for Melissa Hartfiel.
96 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2017
This is the second book in the Ravenwood Cove Cozy Mystery series and I have to confess I've enjoyed the first two books much more than I expected to! Carolyn L. Dean's writing style is warm and inviting and the portrait of a small, coastal Oregon town full of charming and quirky characters makes this book and the first in the series charming with or without a mystery to be solved. I started the Joanne Fluke series a few months ago on the recommendation of many friends and have struggled to connect with any of the characters and even though the same stock characters (the girlfriends, the handsome detective, the other small town characters) appear in the Ravenwood books, for some reason they're just so much more likeable and 3 dimensional. That being said the plot is formulaic (but hey - that's what you expect with cozies) but the charm and warmth more than make up for it. With this second book, my only complaint is that I felt the author could have used a good story editor - one character's original back story didn't fit in with details that were revealed further along in the book. It was a small thing but it detracted from the story and could have easily been fixed with a good editor. But other than that, it was an enjoyable cozy misery and I look forward to getting to know the characters and the town better in the next one!
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,417 reviews12 followers
August 3, 2022
The second book in this lovely small town cozy mystery series sees Amanda out on an early morning walk along the breck, burying shells and glass for kids to find, a scheme she thought of to bring trade and good publicity to the town.

Of course, it wouldn't be a cozy mystery unless a body was found, and she's shocked to find out the body she finds is none other than the man who has been making her friend, Meg's life hell. When she realises Meg is a prime suspect in James's (local police Detective and friend of Ananda's) she has to get involved to find out who really did it.

There's a link to the first book when something happens to Amanda and Jennifer, her neighbour confesses something about her father, who recently passed away but before her did, he saved Amanda's life.

Thre bed and breakfast is becoming successful and is up and running, despite the hurdles Amanda had to overcome in the first book.

All in all a great book and I know this is going to be a series I'm going to have to binge read. The books are standalone stories but they do link together so they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series. I've already got the next book ready to read.
1,995 reviews
June 8, 2024
Another gripping murder mystery in a small town. I am enjoying this series and the characters. Have already grabbed the next book!

Amazon synopsis:
Amanda Graham should be happy with her newly inherited historic inn, a fat cat named Oscar, and living in a small Oregon beach town, but a terrible discovery between the dunes on the coast and she’s right back in the soup, trying to solve a murder and save her friend!
Sure, maybe he was such a rotten person he deserved to die, but as secrets start to be revealed, Amanda is drawn deeper into danger and intrigue. With a harvest festival looming, and tourists starting to come back to visit, figuring out how and why he died is the best way to protect the town, and her sweet friend.
She’s turned her back on LA and life in a gray office cubicle, so her best bet is to dig in and fight for her new hometown.
Profile Image for Janine.
438 reviews12 followers
October 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this. I like how Amanda is bringing the town together and trying to help the community thrive. I like the easy flirting she has with James. I like the simple mysteries and how everything unfolds sort of one hint at a time. I like that Jennifer Peetman's dad story line continued and then was sort of capped off. I think it's great that she works at the Inn. I also like how we get a little bit of back story from minor characters that normally wouldn't have one we really needed to know and how their involvement is huge in the case but not really in story. I'm really enjoying this small charming town vibe.
104 reviews3 followers
October 14, 2024
So Many Suspects

This 2nd book in this series keeps you guessing until the end. There are so many people who wanted Anderson Bowles dead after his terrible behavior. With the shady, criminal past of Amanda’s recently deceased neighbor, things are heating up around Ravenwood Cove. Will Amanda be able to solve the murder before becoming a victim herself? What will happen with her growing friendship with the handsome detective? I really enjoyed the various mysteries within this book, some about people’s pasts and some about the possible murder suspect. This was tough to put down!
2 reviews
February 20, 2022
Simple entertaining mystery

I really enjoyed the book just like I did the first one there was a mystery in it I would have had a surprise ending. But there was no gory violence in it. The filled with a lot of interesting points in it to keep the story going and and being of interest of how different people life intertwines. I'm not really good about writing reviews but it was a book that I found hard to put down from the very beginning and I will be reading your other ones as I go along
500 reviews8 followers
November 25, 2017
Fun, Games and Murder in a Small Oregon Town

Carolyn L. Dean really enjoys writing these enjoyable mysteries: her enjoyment shows clearly through this book, and readers will surely enjoy the story with her. This is definitely not a fast-paced adventure featuring ancient relics. The story is a small town who-dun-it, slowly meandering through both town and a small group of very memorable characters.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Profile Image for Judy G Spivey.
412 reviews8 followers
April 23, 2018
Mystery continues in Ravenwood Cove when Amanda discovers another body.

Your first time visiting Ravenwoid Cove or your second you will love discovering this small seaside town and it's sometimes eccentric characters. Amanda has her Bed and breakfast up and running and is developing deeper friendships with girlfriends, Lisa and Neg. Her friendship with local homicide Detective James, may or may not be developing into something more. A good, light, relaxing read.
96 reviews
June 7, 2019
Ravenswood Cove

Great book. Carries on nicely from book one. Really good story. Great characters and you just love e to hate the bad guy. A fun read and I never saw the bad guy I had no idea who done it. Was lots of fun to read and one day I might have to try the recipes they looked good. I really love this series nice stories and wonderful characters and keeps you in suspense until it clicks for Amanda and she explains it. Then you go duh! I highly recommend it.
117 reviews
November 12, 2019
I loved the first installment in this series: Bed, Breakfast, and Bones. This second installment was sadly long and drawn out. In it, we again find Amanda, who runs her historic inn in Oregon. She is shocked to find a dead body, and shocked again at the idea of her friend committing the murder. It is the perfect cozy setting, but it fell flat for me. I skimmed over several chapters to try to find out the gist and getting to who the killer ended up being. Sadly cannot recommend this one.
1,225 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2025
Fun, relatable characters with good development and chemistry. This is a quick, easy read in the cozy mystery genre. The older characters are not doddering, and the main character actually has a brain and listens to the police when needed. A few surprises with characters actions in this one and the murderer was unexpected. I enjoyed the environment presented in the town and the relationships that are developing. Some minor editing issues, but nothing too difficult to read through.
1,925 reviews5 followers
September 21, 2025
Keeps getting better

Amanda is settling well in her new town. With a new employee, she has more time for herself. While on a walk, it doesn't end well. Another body.
The person that Amanda found was not a good man. There are many people who you could say wanted him gone.
Amanda is working with James to figure out who actually done it.
It is time for the Harvest Festival and Amanda is also busy getting it ready. She has really settled in to her new home.
Profile Image for Dianne.
15 reviews
May 4, 2017
Love this Series!

I just finished the 2nd book in this series. I love all the characters & look forward to learning more about them, as well as more mysteries in Ravenwood Cove. Can't wait to see where the romance between Amanda & James goes. Hoping for marriage! This book is a good, clean read!
10 reviews
September 4, 2017
Charming read

A lovely little read that makes you smile and hope that everything works out for the characters. The read us easy and might and will make you smile and so let you escape into a world that is less horrific than our own. This is one of my favourite cosy mystery writers.
Profile Image for Kathy.
37 reviews4 followers
October 9, 2017
The second book in the series is not as good as the first. Disappointing since I like the first one so much. I’ll still continue in the series hoping it gets better. This story just seemed disjointed. A chapter would end with something good and the next chapter was a day or two later with no explanation or continuation.
7,757 reviews50 followers
December 8, 2017
Meg you can't take a date to a funeral, with that you are curious to know who this Meg is. Amanda, tells her funerals are not fun. Though the friends Amanda has,speak other wise, the one who wears a festive hat to funerals. Inheritance of the Inn in Ravewood Cove brings new friends. Friend with James a detective, she learn even more. A delightful funny,mystery to sit back and enjoy
24 reviews
February 5, 2018
Really nice quick little mystery.

Quaint little town with quirky people and lots of mystery. I liked the book very much. I love that the characters and their relationships seem to develop slowly, but more with each book. That along with mystery and murder make for a great read.
203 reviews3 followers
February 4, 2018
Very good

It was a great murder mystery. It was exciting, likeable characters. I felt bad for the man accused of the murder. You describe the characters so well that you want to meet them. Thank you for your writings. Stay well and I'm so happy that I found your books. You keep me we company.
Profile Image for Patti St.
Author 1 book14 followers
October 27, 2018
Small town cozy mystery with a touch of romance

This is one of those books that is fast paced and enjoyed in a comfortable chair while sipping on a cup of your favorite not beverage. It has a group of lovely characters and the storyline doesn't disappoint. Plus, any age would love it.
112 reviews
December 30, 2018
A quick, enjoyable read. Points lost for having the main character confront the killer while the cop stood behind her.... Guess I prefer the slightly more realistic approach of her presenting her theory to the cop and him taking it from there, but cozy mysteries take a lot of leeway, so not so surprising it was written this way...... I’ll read more in the series. I like the setting.
82 reviews
May 11, 2020
Worth your time!

Amanda, James, Meg and Lisa take you on a thrill ride trying to find a killer that nobody thought of including one of the principal players. Rave wood Cove , a sleepy little Oregon coastal town, that was until Amanda arrives on the scene from the hustle bustle of the big city. You won't regret spending a few hours enjoying this fast paced book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews

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