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Sweetfern Harbor #11
The Bead Seller
Grab a script with the cast and crew and take the stage on the next adventure at The Sheffield Bed and Breakfast!Brenda Rivers has her hands full with an entire acting troupe checking into her beloved establishment The Sheffield Bed and Breakfast, with many other esteemed guests – including a physic – filling her rooms weeks in advance!
When all of Brenda’s guests arrive, the atmosphere is lively and amicable – until one evening when the cast head down to the idyllic beach for an after-show performance of ‘Mystery of the Nile.’ The usual drama happens, Kathryn Parker latching onto the lead actor, Scott Wilson, to get his attention – but his love burns for his beautiful fellow lead, Kelly Reed.
Sometimes the stage is a bitter spotlight.Tragedy strikes when Kelly’s body is found face down in the sand, causing the entire cast to turn against each other. Detective Mac Rivers heads the murder investigation – and both he and Brenda suspect everyone under her roof. As interviews are conducted, it becomes clear that everyone has an ulterior motive – but how long will it take for the murderer to drop the act? Or are they waiting in the wings to strike again?
When all of Brenda’s guests arrive, the atmosphere is lively and amicable – until one evening when the cast head down to the idyllic beach for an after-show performance of ‘Mystery of the Nile.’ The usual drama happens, Kathryn Parker latching onto the lead actor, Scott Wilson, to get his attention – but his love burns for his beautiful fellow lead, Kelly Reed.
Sometimes the stage is a bitter spotlight.Tragedy strikes when Kelly’s body is found face down in the sand, causing the entire cast to turn against each other. Detective Mac Rivers heads the murder investigation – and both he and Brenda suspect everyone under her roof. As interviews are conducted, it becomes clear that everyone has an ulterior motive – but how long will it take for the murderer to drop the act? Or are they waiting in the wings to strike again?
- GenresCozy MysteryAmazon
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2018
359 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Meadows
184 books436 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 36 reviews
October 24, 2018
Brenda has opened up her bed & breakfast to an acting troupe and a highly esteemed psychic. Even though there is past history amongst the B&B visitors, everyone seems to be getting along quite amicably until one fateful night. When the group heads down to the beach for a few minutes of peace and tranquility, the drama unfolds.
A jealous actress (Kathryn) is latching onto the lead actor (Scott) vying for his attention, but he is more interested in the lead actress (Kelly). Everyone witnesses an argument which leads Kathryn to declare “if Kelly where dead would I have a chance?” The very next day Kelly is found dead on the beach.
With lots of twists and turns, mayhem, jealousy, and red herrings, this mystery keeps you guessing as to whodunit and why. I enjoyed the writing style, quick wit, cast of characters, and nice cozy elements. While this is the 11th book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone without much reader confusion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A jealous actress (Kathryn) is latching onto the lead actor (Scott) vying for his attention, but he is more interested in the lead actress (Kelly). Everyone witnesses an argument which leads Kathryn to declare “if Kelly where dead would I have a chance?” The very next day Kelly is found dead on the beach.
With lots of twists and turns, mayhem, jealousy, and red herrings, this mystery keeps you guessing as to whodunit and why. I enjoyed the writing style, quick wit, cast of characters, and nice cozy elements. While this is the 11th book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone without much reader confusion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2018
Traveling Actors and Murder at the B&B
This is a pretty good cozy mystery. This is the first of the series that I've read so I have missed the entire backstory of all of the characters. It seemed to me that there were several flaws in the plot, major ones in my opinion. I know of no traveling ensemble that would not have a director, stage manager and understudies not only traveling with them, but also staying at the same venue as the rest of the group. I have never heard of a traveling group that brings along their own chef unless they are in a tour bus. The characters were all pretty well developed and believable. There are enough good things about the book to make it worth the read. I received this book for free and this is my honest review.
This is a pretty good cozy mystery. This is the first of the series that I've read so I have missed the entire backstory of all of the characters. It seemed to me that there were several flaws in the plot, major ones in my opinion. I know of no traveling ensemble that would not have a director, stage manager and understudies not only traveling with them, but also staying at the same venue as the rest of the group. I have never heard of a traveling group that brings along their own chef unless they are in a tour bus. The characters were all pretty well developed and believable. There are enough good things about the book to make it worth the read. I received this book for free and this is my honest review.
November 4, 2018
With a busy weekend of bookings at the B&B Brenda wants everything to run smoothly including having her staff and friends not bug the physic that is staying along with the acting troupe and she knows people will want readings. We get to know the characters pretty well and while there is some animosity between a couple of people and others have quirks things are going well until the readings begin then well all is not well. Who wanted Kelly dead, who would gain the most from it? there are some great red herrings to through you off and really enjoyed how we finally found out who dead it and why! This is the first book in the series I have read and will be going back to read others now.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2019
All in the mind
A okay read. Similar plot to several others I've read but with a twist at the end. Nicely constructed but it just felt lacking that special oomph.
A troupe of actors and a psychic cause mayhem at the boarding house. The psychic especially gets not only the actors into a state but also the community with her predictions. When one of the most popular members of the troupe is murdered things start boiling over. Why was the young woman killed? As she and her husband Mike pull together the information they can get to find the killer they come across a witness. Will they tell what they know and catch the killer? What effect will it have on everyone?
A okay read. Similar plot to several others I've read but with a twist at the end. Nicely constructed but it just felt lacking that special oomph.
A troupe of actors and a psychic cause mayhem at the boarding house. The psychic especially gets not only the actors into a state but also the community with her predictions. When one of the most popular members of the troupe is murdered things start boiling over. Why was the young woman killed? As she and her husband Mike pull together the information they can get to find the killer they come across a witness. Will they tell what they know and catch the killer? What effect will it have on everyone?
October 24, 2018
This was a great read but also sad. It showed how people can be so vindictive and evil. There is going to be an acting troupe coming to Sweetfern and staying at the B&B. Some were more excited about the psychic's arrival. But some of the people in the play are there for other reasons. That's where the murder comes in.
I loved this book. But I felt sad for the victim. It was a quick read and I couldn't figure out who the killer was.
I voluntarily agreed to review this book. My review is my own honest opinion.
I loved this book. But I felt sad for the victim. It was a quick read and I couldn't figure out who the killer was.
I voluntarily agreed to review this book. My review is my own honest opinion.
October 28, 2018
What started out as a great filled up Sheffield Bed and Breakfast for Brenda. An entire acting troupe has checked in along with her other guests including a physic. Everyone is having a wonderful time then when the cast go down to the beach for an after performance of "Mystery of the Nile". Kelly Reed's body is found...she has been murdered. Of course all the cast are suspects, but is one really the murderer? You will need to read the book to find the answer. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Booksprout.
September 25, 2022
Not about a bead seller, but it is useful at the end.
I am a jewelry maker that enjoys cozy mysteries surrounding beaders, jewelry, crafters. This has a peripheral character that sells beads, but that's it. I understand the title as it relates to the importance at the end, however, it was not what I'd hoped to read. I was thinking there might be the usual beading friends solving cases. Lol. Still, this is a calm way to pass the time if you enjoy a simple and fast story. Not a ton of imagery or character building in this, but it's an ok read.
I am a jewelry maker that enjoys cozy mysteries surrounding beaders, jewelry, crafters. This has a peripheral character that sells beads, but that's it. I understand the title as it relates to the importance at the end, however, it was not what I'd hoped to read. I was thinking there might be the usual beading friends solving cases. Lol. Still, this is a calm way to pass the time if you enjoy a simple and fast story. Not a ton of imagery or character building in this, but it's an ok read.
October 25, 2018
I love this series. I really want to move to Sweetfern Harbor! In this one an acting troupe has come to the Inn. They are doing a show in town. This is another mix of odd characters. Some are hiding secrets while others are open and friendly. Among the actors, there is also a fortune teller. When the leading lady is killed on the beach, Brenda and Mac dig in to solve the case. Everyone is surprised by the outcome.
October 31, 2018
Took awhile to get to the meat of the story but worth it. I love the story and how it worked out. Who could've guessed who was the culprit? In the end, the story is very satisfying to read. A bed and breakfast sounds so nice even though a murder might ruin your vacation. Still, with this story, a nice B&B on the ocean sounds lovely and this story makes me start to plan. It's a great cozy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2018
A well written short very interesting cozy mystery with unexpected twists and turns at every corner. The suspense was high in this quick, fun, exciting mystery where people can be so vindictive and evil allowing murderous mayhem to follow and love and jealousy playing out on many levels. I enjoyed it immensely where Brenda and Mac continue to make a great team.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2018
Love this series. Brenda and the gang at Sheffield B&B are a true delight. Despite the tragedy of another death, they manage to help each other and solve the mystery. This is a fun and entertaining series about a lovely town and the trouble that pops up from time to time to keep the residents on their toes. You will enjoy this book and anything written by Wendy Meadows.
October 22, 2018
I read this in one sitting, and it held my interest. Brenda and Mac have to solve a murder, and there are quite a few people to question. I had no idea who committed the murder, it keeps you in suspense. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2018
Her browsing house is full and life looks great. It is not going to end that way as a murder happens. The actors all turn on each other. They need to find out what is going on and who killed her. Will they find out? Will there be another murder? Follow their story
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2018
This was another great installment in the story of Brenda, Mac and the other characters of this Bed and Breakfast. The author keeps you in suspense as to how committed the murder of a young actress. I can't wait for the next installment of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2018
Wendy Meadows writes another cozy that is delightfully entertaining. The characters she draws are sharp. The community she describes comes to life on the book's pages. And everything turns out well. A good book to while away the dark days of winter..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2020
Such great writing.
I love the way Wendy writes. This is the eleventh book I've read. She is really good at never having the same murderer. I've read several other writers of cozy mysteries and they have the same conversation with the suspects. I really enjoy reading her books. After this series I will get another set.
I love the way Wendy writes. This is the eleventh book I've read. She is really good at never having the same murderer. I've read several other writers of cozy mysteries and they have the same conversation with the suspects. I really enjoy reading her books. After this series I will get another set.
October 14, 2018
Great read
I want to go to the Sheffield bed and breakfast. I love all of Wendy Meadows books and if you're like me and love a great cozy with characters you will love then this series is a must read I can't wait till the next one
I want to go to the Sheffield bed and breakfast. I love all of Wendy Meadows books and if you're like me and love a great cozy with characters you will love then this series is a must read I can't wait till the next one
October 17, 2018
Twisting tale
The Bead Seller was an excellent mystery. There were many possible guilty parties, but with side stories happening, and many twists, I never could have guessed the outcome! Terrific read. Highly recommended!
The Bead Seller was an excellent mystery. There were many possible guilty parties, but with side stories happening, and many twists, I never could have guessed the outcome! Terrific read. Highly recommended!
October 20, 2018
Great Story
I really love Brenda and Mac. This was a long awaited story. I can't wait for the next book. This one ended too soon. I hope the next one comes out sooner. I did figure it out before the end. A lot of twist.
I really love Brenda and Mac. This was a long awaited story. I can't wait for the next book. This one ended too soon. I hope the next one comes out sooner. I did figure it out before the end. A lot of twist.
January 9, 2019
Great series............................
Great story, the characters in this story were a very entertaining bunch. The author did a a very interesting job of keeping the crime a complete mystery till this very end.
Great story, the characters in this story were a very entertaining bunch. The author did a a very interesting job of keeping the crime a complete mystery till this very end.
September 17, 2019
Wonderful and sad story. Perfect depiction of human nature.
Very moving with the way the Mystery killing was resolved to a successful conclusion. Even the ending paragraph was so perfect.
Very moving with the way the Mystery killing was resolved to a successful conclusion. Even the ending paragraph was so perfect.
October 24, 2018
Meh
I saw this one coming a mile away. These just aren't quite as intriguing as they started out, maybe because of the small town setting and so many crimes not quite fitting together. Easy, quick read though.
I saw this one coming a mile away. These just aren't quite as intriguing as they started out, maybe because of the small town setting and so many crimes not quite fitting together. Easy, quick read though.
October 22, 2018
another interesting mystery solved by Brenda and friends
October 28, 2018
Couldn't really engage with the characters or the story. I expect this kind of cozy modern mystery is not for me. Though I believe readers who enjoy this genre will enjoy this book.
October 25, 2018
Cannot continue.
POV switches becoming strange and much telling instead of showing. Just cannot finish, though I am fond of these characters. Made it to chapter 3.
POV switches becoming strange and much telling instead of showing. Just cannot finish, though I am fond of these characters. Made it to chapter 3.
October 29, 2018
A group of actors book into a B&B
One of them will not leave..........
Who committed the murder and why?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One of them will not leave..........
Who committed the murder and why?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2018
Great quick read
I love this quick read series! The characters are awesome and the clientele at the inn can most times do rain a murderer.
I love this quick read series! The characters are awesome and the clientele at the inn can most times do rain a murderer.
November 6, 2018
The Bead Seller
Another exciting mystery solved. I love this series and recommend it to everyone. Thanks! Looking forward to the next book.
Another exciting mystery solved. I love this series and recommend it to everyone. Thanks! Looking forward to the next book.
November 12, 2018
Exciting.
Great read,it was easy to become absorbed in the characters.I enjoyed the story and will recommend to my reading friends.
Great read,it was easy to become absorbed in the characters.I enjoyed the story and will recommend to my reading friends.
November 20, 2018
Reads like newspaper
While the characters and locations were relatively well defined, the story read like a newspaper report. Sad as it could have been so much more.
While the characters and locations were relatively well defined, the story read like a newspaper report. Sad as it could have been so much more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews