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Sweet Cove Mystery #15
The Bitter With The Sweet
This is book 15 in the Sweet Cove Mystery series. The main mystery is solved in each book but you will enjoy the stories more if they are read in order as some character threads run from book to book. It is the beginning of summer and only a few weeks since Angie and Josh tied the knot. Angie and Mr. Finch arrive at the beautiful Sweet Cove boarding house to deliver morning baked goods when the owner of the house rushes onto the porch in a panic and calls for their help. A young man who rents a suite of rooms has died in his bed and when natural causes are ruled out, the search begins for the person responsible for the untimely death. Will the Roseland family and their two fine felines be able to stop the killer before he or she can strike again? A cozy mystery with recipes ! This story has some mild paranormal elements.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2018
498 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Whiting
168 books319 followersUSA 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 10, 2025
4.5 stars
This story and series is fairly simple, a bit silly, definitively sweet, and ultimately satisfying. I love these sisters and the family they have formed with Mr. Finch, the police chief, the significant others and, of course, the cats! The cozy mysteries are varied and interesting. The Bitter with The Sweet has some thought-provoking themes (cue title) that are worthwhile and meaningful. Is the plot realistic? No, but it is entertaining, fun, charming, feel-good & I will continue to read and enjoy them.
This story and series is fairly simple, a bit silly, definitively sweet, and ultimately satisfying. I love these sisters and the family they have formed with Mr. Finch, the police chief, the significant others and, of course, the cats! The cozy mysteries are varied and interesting. The Bitter with The Sweet has some thought-provoking themes (cue title) that are worthwhile and meaningful. Is the plot realistic? No, but it is entertaining, fun, charming, feel-good & I will continue to read and enjoy them.
November 17, 2018
Great read
Wow now I can't wait till the next book I love all the characters in this series by J A Whiting and you will too if you love a great cozy
Wow now I can't wait till the next book I love all the characters in this series by J A Whiting and you will too if you love a great cozy
November 27, 2018
Another great read!
I love all of J A Whiting's books and can't wait to read each one as soon as they are released. This story did not disappoint. Thank you for another great book. I'm looking forward to the next.
I love all of J A Whiting's books and can't wait to read each one as soon as they are released. This story did not disappoint. Thank you for another great book. I'm looking forward to the next.
November 15, 2018
Unrequited love or plain old fashioned jealousy
Another winner. A terrific plot loved the twists and turns but just wish that all the guilty could have been held responsible. Shame the cats had such a small role.
She is on her daily rounds of baked goods when the owner of the boarding house comes running out in a panic. One of the boarders cannot be woken up. On investigation the boarder died through an overdose of a drug he used to fight his migraines. Was it self administered in error or was it cold blooded murder. The more the sisters, Mr Finch and the Captain look into it the more they uncover. However the going is slow as information comes piecemeal. Further Angie has been offered the chance to expand her business into the bakery. Her feelings are mixed. Will she have enough time for everything? What if a family comes sooner than she thinks? As another "threat" is made to a boarder will the sisters find the killer before it's too late?
Another winner. A terrific plot loved the twists and turns but just wish that all the guilty could have been held responsible. Shame the cats had such a small role.
She is on her daily rounds of baked goods when the owner of the boarding house comes running out in a panic. One of the boarders cannot be woken up. On investigation the boarder died through an overdose of a drug he used to fight his migraines. Was it self administered in error or was it cold blooded murder. The more the sisters, Mr Finch and the Captain look into it the more they uncover. However the going is slow as information comes piecemeal. Further Angie has been offered the chance to expand her business into the bakery. Her feelings are mixed. Will she have enough time for everything? What if a family comes sooner than she thinks? As another "threat" is made to a boarder will the sisters find the killer before it's too late?
January 21, 2019
Not as good as previous stories
This story was a little slow and circling the same facts.
Angie and Mr Finch are making deliveries. They get to the boarding house run and owned by Maribeth, when an uneasy feeling hits them both followed by Maribeth screaming for help.
Perry one of her long term boarders was not breathing.
After investigation they conclude it was murder.
The story was lacking a lot in intricacies in the murder and in the interactions of the family. It was lacking a lot of the fun and lighter moments that usually make these an enjoyable read. As stories go it was ok. The killer was a little too obvious which is not usual with this series.
A good read to pass the time but previous stories are a lot better. It is worth it if you are following the series.
This story was a little slow and circling the same facts.
Angie and Mr Finch are making deliveries. They get to the boarding house run and owned by Maribeth, when an uneasy feeling hits them both followed by Maribeth screaming for help.
Perry one of her long term boarders was not breathing.
After investigation they conclude it was murder.
The story was lacking a lot in intricacies in the murder and in the interactions of the family. It was lacking a lot of the fun and lighter moments that usually make these an enjoyable read. As stories go it was ok. The killer was a little too obvious which is not usual with this series.
A good read to pass the time but previous stories are a lot better. It is worth it if you are following the series.
January 6, 2019
some people can turn bitter!!!!
20 stars!!!!
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!
Wow, did the girls and chief Martin have a mind boggling case this time, so many had reasons, but who wanted it more was the $64 dollar question.
Angie has a live changing decision to make, and she and Jenna got closer in this book.
Mr Finch was helping when he could, but this person they were looking for was rear smart for awhile. Too much was going on to pinpoint exactly what happened.
You don't hear of boarding houses much anymore, but they still do exist.
YOU REALLY WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!
Hurry up J A Whiting, PLEASE write the next one, I can hardly wait for the next book. You loyal customers will also say the same. I brought HAPPY tears to my eyes.
20 stars!!!!
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!
Wow, did the girls and chief Martin have a mind boggling case this time, so many had reasons, but who wanted it more was the $64 dollar question.
Angie has a live changing decision to make, and she and Jenna got closer in this book.
Mr Finch was helping when he could, but this person they were looking for was rear smart for awhile. Too much was going on to pinpoint exactly what happened.
You don't hear of boarding houses much anymore, but they still do exist.
YOU REALLY WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!
Hurry up J A Whiting, PLEASE write the next one, I can hardly wait for the next book. You loyal customers will also say the same. I brought HAPPY tears to my eyes.
April 17, 2022
I am still totally engrossed in this series. The mysteries are well done and I enjoy keeping up with the Roseland sisters, their husbands, and boyfriends, Mr. Finch, the police chief, and the wonderful two cat!
Amazon synopsis:
t is the beginning of summer and only a few weeks since Angie and Josh tied the knot. Angie and Mr. Finch arrive at the beautiful Sweet Cove boarding house to deliver morning baked goods when the owner of the house rushes onto the porch in a panic and calls for their help. A young man who rents a suite of rooms has died in his bed and when natural causes are ruled out, the search begins for the person responsible for the untimely death. Will the Roseland family and their two fine felines be able to stop the killer before he or she can strike again?
Amazon synopsis:
t is the beginning of summer and only a few weeks since Angie and Josh tied the knot. Angie and Mr. Finch arrive at the beautiful Sweet Cove boarding house to deliver morning baked goods when the owner of the house rushes onto the porch in a panic and calls for their help. A young man who rents a suite of rooms has died in his bed and when natural causes are ruled out, the search begins for the person responsible for the untimely death. Will the Roseland family and their two fine felines be able to stop the killer before he or she can strike again?
December 28, 2022
Love Sweet Cove Mysteries, but….This book was not as good as the previous 14 books. There is always sufficient character development so you have an understanding of the characters…..but, other than the “family” (sisters, husbands, cats, and Mr Finch) I didn’t much care about the rest of the characters. I love the cats!
There is no sex, no graphic violence, and no cliffhanger endings. But, this time it was kinda hard for me to decide who was the evil doer doing evil deeds, because they ALL seemed likely candidates. But, the Police Chief, the sisters, and the cats all figure it out in the end and I’m glad they did.
I have the next one on my “to be read” stack…..ready to curl up in a comfy chair with my morning tea and dive into the next mystery.
There is no sex, no graphic violence, and no cliffhanger endings. But, this time it was kinda hard for me to decide who was the evil doer doing evil deeds, because they ALL seemed likely candidates. But, the Police Chief, the sisters, and the cats all figure it out in the end and I’m glad they did.
I have the next one on my “to be read” stack…..ready to curl up in a comfy chair with my morning tea and dive into the next mystery.
January 2, 2023
Suicide or murder
Angie delivers the boarding house they find one of the residents is dead. Chief Martin is called in, they can't tell if he died from natural causes, suicide or murder. The sisters are involved in the investigation, speaking to all the residents of the boarding house. The Historical Society wants Angie to open a second bakery in the Museum's building, they even have blueprints for the change. Circe finds a syringe cap under the radiator but they didn't find a syringe. They know that they are missing something and not everyone is telling them all that she know. Enjoyed the book, good story.
Angie delivers the boarding house they find one of the residents is dead. Chief Martin is called in, they can't tell if he died from natural causes, suicide or murder. The sisters are involved in the investigation, speaking to all the residents of the boarding house. The Historical Society wants Angie to open a second bakery in the Museum's building, they even have blueprints for the change. Circe finds a syringe cap under the radiator but they didn't find a syringe. They know that they are missing something and not everyone is telling them all that she know. Enjoyed the book, good story.
December 29, 2018
Reading this was worth every minute it took.
The connection between these sisters is enviable. The way they were so willing to help each other, and how they easily brought others into their family was heart warming. Through 15 books they've assisted the police in solving crimes, even when they knew their lives may be threatened. The writing was always high quality, the stories always interesting. This has been my favorite cozy so far.
This is the last book of the series, unless the author decides to add more. Please J. A., write more to this series!!
The connection between these sisters is enviable. The way they were so willing to help each other, and how they easily brought others into their family was heart warming. Through 15 books they've assisted the police in solving crimes, even when they knew their lives may be threatened. The writing was always high quality, the stories always interesting. This has been my favorite cozy so far.
This is the last book of the series, unless the author decides to add more. Please J. A., write more to this series!!
April 24, 2024
Rating is for entire series
I like to read the entire series before I rate it. I do like it when the characters change and grow. I am 80 so tend to have little patience with hand wringers, "the sky is falling", or just plain lazy people. It is a pleasant surprise when they grow up and take responsibility for making their lives work. Fallible or obnoxious characters in books also force me to become more compassionate and to dig into myself to understand what is triggering my feelings. This series does that for me.
I like to read the entire series before I rate it. I do like it when the characters change and grow. I am 80 so tend to have little patience with hand wringers, "the sky is falling", or just plain lazy people. It is a pleasant surprise when they grow up and take responsibility for making their lives work. Fallible or obnoxious characters in books also force me to become more compassionate and to dig into myself to understand what is triggering my feelings. This series does that for me.
July 7, 2019
Visiting Sweet Cove is always fun and intriguing and The Bitter with the Sweet did not disappoint.
Characters I just love, the sisters are amazing their connection is just awesome and Mr. Finch is a favorite, Cheif Martin is just wonderful and the sister's guys are always around to offer support when needed... oh and I can't forget the cats make the story...lol
PLenty of twists and turns to keep me glued to the pages, this series just gets better with each story.
Characters I just love, the sisters are amazing their connection is just awesome and Mr. Finch is a favorite, Cheif Martin is just wonderful and the sister's guys are always around to offer support when needed... oh and I can't forget the cats make the story...lol
PLenty of twists and turns to keep me glued to the pages, this series just gets better with each story.
July 11, 2019
Best suspense storyline yet!
I am loving this series, I’ve been enjoying reading about the Sisters and Mr. Finch on KU. You most definitely should read these from the beginning to fully enjoy the dynamics of the family. I love all the strong personalities and friendships of every sister. I can’t choose a favorite because they all are wonderful, caring family. I don’t want the stories to end. I highly recommend this book and series.
I am loving this series, I’ve been enjoying reading about the Sisters and Mr. Finch on KU. You most definitely should read these from the beginning to fully enjoy the dynamics of the family. I love all the strong personalities and friendships of every sister. I can’t choose a favorite because they all are wonderful, caring family. I don’t want the stories to end. I highly recommend this book and series.
October 30, 2022
Delightfully Entertaining
As always, J A Writing has done a masterful job with this Sweet Cove Mystery. The Roseland sisters and their significant others, as well as intimates family friends along with the whole Sweet Cove cast of neighbors and business owners draw you into the mystery every time. Every twist and turn has you questioning whether you've figured out "who-dun-it" or if you have to rethink your conclusion. I can't wait for the next book in this riveting series.
As always, J A Writing has done a masterful job with this Sweet Cove Mystery. The Roseland sisters and their significant others, as well as intimates family friends along with the whole Sweet Cove cast of neighbors and business owners draw you into the mystery every time. Every twist and turn has you questioning whether you've figured out "who-dun-it" or if you have to rethink your conclusion. I can't wait for the next book in this riveting series.
November 18, 2018
Loved It
The Sweet Cove series is one of my favorites. The Roseland sisters have intriguing gifts. I like the recipes at the end. Couldn’t guess the identity of the killer. Glad to learn more about Mr Finch. I love the difference between the 2 cats. Nice surprise about Angie and Jenna.
The Sweet Cove series is one of my favorites. The Roseland sisters have intriguing gifts. I like the recipes at the end. Couldn’t guess the identity of the killer. Glad to learn more about Mr Finch. I love the difference between the 2 cats. Nice surprise about Angie and Jenna.
November 22, 2018
Sweet as the Desserts
I truly enjoy this sweet series. It is a fast read with a fun family. The paranormal and mystery are the perfect mix. I have come to love the family and the cats. Fun surprise at the end! Love that she includes recipes. More of this and Lin on Nantucket series please
I truly enjoy this sweet series. It is a fast read with a fun family. The paranormal and mystery are the perfect mix. I have come to love the family and the cats. Fun surprise at the end! Love that she includes recipes. More of this and Lin on Nantucket series please
January 14, 2019
Another Hit
I absolutely love these books. Always a nice interesting mystery and the family interactions along with Finch. Perfectly written characters and a real twist at the end. All cost mystery readers must read. If your new to cost mysteries start with book one. Character build ups are worth it.
I absolutely love these books. Always a nice interesting mystery and the family interactions along with Finch. Perfectly written characters and a real twist at the end. All cost mystery readers must read. If your new to cost mysteries start with book one. Character build ups are worth it.
January 23, 2019
Does not disappoint
As usual, the series is a light and easy read, with plenty of little details and a continuing storyline that showed a good amount of development in this installment. I already can’t wait for the next one! Perfect for a relaxing read and a good story to get lost in for a bit.
As usual, the series is a light and easy read, with plenty of little details and a continuing storyline that showed a good amount of development in this installment. I already can’t wait for the next one! Perfect for a relaxing read and a good story to get lost in for a bit.
February 13, 2019
Very good
I love this series. The girls are lovely . They're happy with their husbands or boyfriends. Mr. Finch , the cats Captain Martin and the girls solved another murder. Hopefully there will be future books in series. We have to see babies born. Thanks again another great story.
I love this series. The girls are lovely . They're happy with their husbands or boyfriends. Mr. Finch , the cats Captain Martin and the girls solved another murder. Hopefully there will be future books in series. We have to see babies born. Thanks again another great story.
September 18, 2021
Always a fun read
All my J A Writing reads have been enjoyable, an indulgence I gift myself when I want to relax go with the flow. In these days of covid and general unrest, it is nice to know I have an author I can trust to provide a wonderful read without any stress and I thank you💞
All my J A Writing reads have been enjoyable, an indulgence I gift myself when I want to relax go with the flow. In these days of covid and general unrest, it is nice to know I have an author I can trust to provide a wonderful read without any stress and I thank you💞
April 25, 2022
Another sweet treat
I enjoy my visits to Sweet Cove! The mystery is not particularly compelling, but the Roselands and there extended family are so sweet, and the surprise reveals at the end are delightful. These are sweet, clean cozies with just the barest touch of the paranormal and suitable for just about everyone.
I enjoy my visits to Sweet Cove! The mystery is not particularly compelling, but the Roselands and there extended family are so sweet, and the surprise reveals at the end are delightful. These are sweet, clean cozies with just the barest touch of the paranormal and suitable for just about everyone.
November 21, 2018
I have to admit that I enjoyed this volume of mystery and murder as much as I did the very first book in this excellently written adventure of the four Roseland sisters and Mr. Finch. I am already waiting for the next volume and the endless possibilities presented by the enchanting ending.
November 22, 2018
Great series...........
I love the stories about the four sisters who have a life together in a old Victorian Mansion, left to them. The sisters always seem to be involved in a mystery of murder and romance.
I love the stories about the four sisters who have a life together in a old Victorian Mansion, left to them. The sisters always seem to be involved in a mystery of murder and romance.
December 4, 2018
Another Exciting Cozy.
We see Angie in the crew involved in solving another cozy mystery.
I enjoyed the storyline and the endearing characters.
Cozy Mystery fans need o add this book to their to be read list.
We see Angie in the crew involved in solving another cozy mystery.
I enjoyed the storyline and the endearing characters.
Cozy Mystery fans need o add this book to their to be read list.
July 28, 2020
Disappointed
While I've loved this series and the characters, the story line just seemed repetitive as they constantly kept questioning the same people and getting mostly the same answers. But I still look forward to the next book to see how the characters develop
While I've loved this series and the characters, the story line just seemed repetitive as they constantly kept questioning the same people and getting mostly the same answers. But I still look forward to the next book to see how the characters develop
November 16, 2018
I love JA Whiting and the Sweet Cove mysteries.
5 stars. Romance and mystery with likeable characters. A must read. I can't wait for more of this series. Thanks.
5 stars. Romance and mystery with likeable characters. A must read. I can't wait for more of this series. Thanks.
November 17, 2018
Spellbinding
Couldn't put down! The culmination of these feel good stories! Please write more! ! Can't wait for more . Hopefully with lots of the next generation!
Couldn't put down! The culmination of these feel good stories! Please write more! ! Can't wait for more . Hopefully with lots of the next generation!
November 21, 2018
What a cracker!!!
I love these books. I love the characters. I read the story in one sitting I couldn't put it down. J A Whiting has done it again.
I love these books. I love the characters. I read the story in one sitting I couldn't put it down. J A Whiting has done it again.
November 29, 2018
Love this series
I love those series. The only problem is they are too far in between. They have wonderful characters and they are well written.
I love those series. The only problem is they are too far in between. They have wonderful characters and they are well written.
December 1, 2018
I really enjoy this series. It’s exciting and I can’t stop reading until the end. I’m looking forward to the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews