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Sandy Bay #1-3

The Sandy Bay Cozy Mystery Series: Box Set 1

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"Each of the Sandy Bay mysteries are great! I think they just keep getting better."

Discover how Meghan Truman, Sandy Bay's latest resident and new bakery owner, navigates her way through three murder mysteries as she gets to know the quirky characters in her adopted hometown after failing to make a career as an actress in Hollywood. The town's local detective, Jack Irvin, has an eye for Meghan but will she find time to build a romance while she tries to clear her name? 3 complete BESTSELLING cozy mystery series in 1 boxset!


Apple Pie and Trouble (Book 1)
Meghan Truman always had a dream to become a Hollywood actress. Hollywood decided she wasn’t good enough. She left Hollywood broken but with a burning desire to start afresh in the Pacific Northwest, pursuing her second dream – opening a bakery.

She never expected that the owner of a rival establishment would be found dead and all eyes would be focused on her as the prime suspect.

As the new girl in town with a new bakery store, she’s determined to clear her name and find the murderer; otherwise she’ll have to leave Sandy Bay penniless and pitiful and possibly the murderer’s next victim.


Brownies and Dark Shadows (Book 2)
When Sandy Bay’s crème de la crème congregate to raise money for charity, Meghan Truman is proud to have her tasty desserts the talk of the party. She’s not so proud when the wealthiest couple in Sandy Bay are discovered dead and rumors circulate around town that her brownies are the cause of this tragedy.

This murder case casts a dark shadow over Meghan’s budding romance with handsome Officer Irvin who’s disappointed that she’s once again at the center of another murder investigation.

With everything to lose, Meghan must work hard to clear her name, restore broken relationships and solve this murder mystery before everything she’s worked so hard to build comes crumbling down.


Cookies and Buried Secrets (Book 3)
When a beautiful stranger sashays into a birthday party, Meghan Truman, along with other guests, is surprised to discover her relationship to the birthday celebrant.

This beautiful stranger attracts more shady characters to Sandy Bay. When one of these characters is found dead in an alley, the whole town is set on edge.

Will Meghan’s attempt to link the owner of a golden antique gun to the murder prove helpful to handsome Officer Irvin’s investigation or will the discovery of a buried secret lead to more murders?

The first 3 books in the Sandy Bay Cozy Mystery series! Perfect for a lunchtime read or on a commute to/from work. If you want to enjoy a quick light-hearted read, with an amateur female sleuth, mouth-watering culinary desserts and a gripping murder mystery with a touch of romance, then you'll love Meghan Truman and all the quirky characters in Sandy Bay.

No cliffhanger, swearing or graphic scenes!

THE FULL SANDY BAY READING ORDER:
1. Apple Pie and Trouble
2. Brownies and Dark Shadows
3. Cookies and Buried Secrets
4. Donuts and Disaster
5. Eclairs and Lethal Layers
6. Finger Foods and Missing Legs
7. Gingerbread and Scary Endings
8. Hot Chocolate and Cold Bodies
9. Ice Cream and Guilty Pleasures
10. Jingle Bells and Deadly Smells

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 9, 2018

395 people are currently reading
224 people want to read

About the author

Amber Crewes

63 books219 followers

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5 stars
179 (41%)
4 stars
120 (27%)
3 stars
86 (19%)
2 stars
38 (8%)
1 star
12 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Author 3 books6 followers
July 5, 2022
So glad that I didn't have to pay for these books! Good fiction should, at the very least, be believable.
861 reviews15 followers
June 17, 2020
Apple Pie and Trouble - short, fun cozy with the kind of story line that only happens in cozy mysteries and Hallmark world. This is the first book in the Sandy Bay series and introduces Meghan and the small town in the Pacific Northwest she has relocated to. It is of course full of all the stereotypical small town politics and gossip and includes the requisite attractive potential love interest - but all teasers for now. Lots of potential in this small town.

Brownies and Dark Shadows - this second installment of the Sandy Bay series continues in the small Pacific Northwest town that Jessica Fletcher would find herself at home in, although by the end some of the events seemed more reminiscent of Home Alone. Another desert, another community member poisoned. This book is far from a rehash of the first book though - the motivations and events take a far different turn. Still no real romance, but it is seeming more likely. Great read for when you are in the mood for something short and light.

Cookies ad Buried Secrets is book 3 in the Sandy Bay series and I'm starting to feel like I am getting to know some of the characters in this town only to have a stranger waltz in. And from there the plot twists and turns like a telenovela! The drama is high with this one. Fear not, Meghan will have it all sorted by the end of this quick read - and might even snag a date! Get ready to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride :)
Profile Image for Larissa.
681 reviews8 followers
April 7, 2024
* Apple Pie and Trouble
Meghan opens a bakery, i, until a death in the community turned public opinion against her. However, be carful where you get assistance from, they might be the killer. And when they are found, things are back to perfection? Jesus. Realism is q good thing, and it was missing. Also, a tiny bit of infatuation with a police officer might exist.
Honestly, the whole story was fast, unbelievable and definitely something mindlessly to kill time with. If you like crime investigations, skip this book.
* Brownies and Dark Shadows
And the theme continues. The lucky strike, bad luck and lucky strike again.
But before thing run smoothly once again, Meghan is tasked to do some detective work, break-ins and whatelse. She ends up discovering some paperwork and getting a confession; but good timing had a certain officer appear and save her life. Oh, and lots of cake talk.
* Cookies and Buried Secrets
Oh my, again and again, Meghan isn't a lucky lady for long, but things seems to get back on course rather magically. But she's a terrible investigator, and often times you scream for her to do the right thing, but no... even Jack was a bit irritated. And often information, sensitive information, is shared with third parties, even suspects for the sake of it, or people connected to it. But at least, this time, Meghan wasn't a suspect.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,648 reviews28 followers
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December 17, 2019
Apple Pie and Trouble (Sandy Bay Cozy Mystery Book 1), my second read from author Amber Crewes.
Brownies and Dark Shadows (Sandy Bay Cozy Mystery Book 2), my third read from author Amber Crewes.
Cookies and Buried Secrets (Sandy Bay Cozy Mystery Book 3), my fourth read from author Amber Crewes (all in the last day). Well-written & enjoyable. another cute, clean cozy mystery. Well-written & enjoyable. another cute, clean cozy mystery. I was given an Audible copy of Ice Cream and Guilty Pleasures (Sandy Bay Cozy Mystery Book 9 and now of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. I was impressed and enjoyed the vocal variety & inflections of narrator Stephanie Elena Marino who was absolutely outstanding. I look forward to reading more in this series & from this author when I get them. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
164 reviews
August 13, 2023
Simplistic murder mysteries

These stories are straightforward, with characters who are mostly common types or caricatures. The main character, Meghan, is a young woman who relies more on instinct than common sense. She is often offended by the local cop who is something of an insensitive chauvinist who jumps to incorrect conclusions, though he treats her better as they are mutually attracted to each other and she solves the murder cases, mostly by coincidence and being in the right place and time to confront the killer. She would wind up dead too if the cop didn't always show up just in time. Meghan doesn't have the nerve to tell off the cranky old lady who constantly insults her bakery products so she can get a refund.
Profile Image for Short, Sweet and Cozy.
1,504 reviews
August 4, 2019
This is a very enjoyable cozy mystery series! It has everything I like about cozy mysteries - likable characters, friendship, interesting cozy mysteries, and potential romance. Meghan Truman moves to Sandy Bay when her life as an actress doesn't work out. Her friend Karen lives there so she goes to visit and falls in love with Sandy Bay. She decides to stay and buys a bakery. The cozy mysteries have no swearing, graphic or intense scenes. All 3 books are fairly quick reads and very enjoyable! I received this box set from the author as an audiobook and it was a great distraction while walking and doing chores. Very enjoyable!
599 reviews5 followers
August 6, 2022
Pretty good mystery novellas

Other than a few words used by the author, such as Jack saying sayonara when his suspect has recently spoken Spanish words & Meghan calling dogs puppers, the novels were well written. I read all 3 books within 1 & 1/2 hours, so they're pretty short, but good! I liked the main characters..though Karen exhausted me though with all of her exercising. I don't know anyone over 70 with that much energy.. running 20 miles every day on top of swimming 2 hours & doing yoga & who knows what else! Just a little extreme. But I loved Meghan & Jack. They made a great team.
1,230 reviews11 followers
February 16, 2019
Murders in Sandy Bay!

Three short and entertaining cozy murders. As Meghan moves to town and opens her new bakery, it’s one thing after another. Accused of poisoning someone, she’s beginning to think her bakery isn’t going to make it. The town people were welcoming but quickly turned suspicious as she is accused of murder again. again. Luckily the third murder doesn’t hit as close to home. Turns out Meghan has a knack for solving murders even before the police! I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,846 reviews9 followers
August 28, 2019
Meghan Truman moves to Sandy Bay when her life as an actress doesn't work out. Her friend Karen lives in this town. Meghan opens a bakery, is accused of poisoning someone and then has to investigate to clear her name. The second book has a similar theme with brownies from her bakery as the suspected vehicle for killing the victims. Thank-goodness by the third book, it isn’t Meghan trying to clear her name.

These are clean, quick, simple mysteries that can be read in a short amount of time.

Give them a try.
4,720 reviews41 followers
August 8, 2019
Wonderful cozies!
These three short and entertaining cozy murders will make your day. Meghan our bakery owner seems to have a knack of solving who done it. Each book has an entertaining and clever cozy to read and enjoy these are great stories for quick reads. These books are simply just good clean fun reads that almost everyone could read and enjoy. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
287 reviews3 followers
February 24, 2021
Murders and muffins with a side of Murder

Megan wanted so much to become an Actress in LA., But it wasn't going too well. When Karen, Megan"s friend, decides to move to Sandy Bay she talks Megan into going with her. Megan opened a bakery and the rest is history. Murder after murder Megan becomes the best amateur detective in Sandy Bay. I bought book #1,than the 3 book set , and now the 14 book set. I can't get enough of Sandy Bay.
56 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2023
3 books 3 mysteries - short & quick reads

The stories are cute but there is no character development nor any real baking going on in a series based on owning a bakery.

Super quick reads and no vulgar language. The spark between the cop & Meghan definitely needs to be developed more. Characters tend to appear out of nowhere too. The stories are just way to short and read more like short stories than a true cozy book

I won't be continuing the series.
1,187 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2020
These are three delightful cozy mysteries full of wonderfully crafted characters and set in a small town. The mysteries flowed well and were full of suspects, great clues, surprising twists and unexpected turns, and a smattering of romance. The stories kept me engaged until the end. I look forward to more books from this series.

The presentation was excellent and enjoyable.
230 reviews
February 14, 2022
Good fun and murder make a marvellous mix

These first three books in the Sandy Bay series introduce the regular characters seen in most of the books. All can be read as standalone. Bodies turn up without us needing to see the gritty side of murder.Go and join in the puzzle solving.
2,525 reviews6 followers
March 21, 2022
These are quick and easy cozy mysteries that are good for brief relaxing interludes. The protagonist is naive but well-intentioned and the plots are simple and loose.

APPLE PIE AND TROUBLE:
This is a short and sweet cozy mystery with a tiny touch of romance. Meghan and Karen are fun characters.
BROWNIES AND DARK SHADOWS:
Short, simple, cozy murder mystery. Meghan’s bakery just survived one scandal and another comes along.
COOKIES AND BURIED SECRETS:
This is a simple and quick, entertaining cozy mystery. Karen’s long lost daughter shows up unexpectedly and almost immediately there’s a murder in Sandy Bay. Meghan and Karen are once again embroiled in a mess!
19 reviews
March 23, 2022
Cozy Mystery Series : Box Set 1 (Sandy Bay Series Box set Book 1

I liked the mystery & added Romance. Meghan is always getting into something, especially with Jack. They make a great couple. I also like the fact that Meghan is so very close to Karen almost like she is a daughter to Karen.
166 reviews
December 16, 2019
This series is a seriously "couldn't put it down" set. The characters were unique, the scenery descriptions were so vivid it made you feel like you were there. Lots of red herrings and twists. Can't wait for the next series.
56 reviews
February 14, 2022
More of same

This book was okay but didn't really enjoy it as the main characters were not residents of Sandy Bay. The details of the new gun store being unknown by the police just didn't seem reasable.
590 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2022
Entertaining

This cozy mystery series will satisfy the reader who enjoys a bit of sweetness with a mystery. All is not truly sweet when the newcomer and bakery owner becomes too involved in the recent murders. This tells her adventures.
348 reviews7 followers
August 20, 2025
3 cozy mysteries bundled

Too bad that:

1. I figured out who the murderer was from the time we meet the character.

2. The method of murder is the same down to who the first suspect is in the first 2.

3. The plot of the 3rd is quite convoluted.

At least there are dogs.
Profile Image for Michelle Ferrari-Johnson.
1,559 reviews39 followers
July 7, 2019
Delicious and Deadly

Cute and quaint who dunnit that will keep you guessing. Short enough to read on a break and long enough to fill you up~
Profile Image for Mary.
635 reviews4 followers
May 27, 2020
A good laugh

This series is so funny and a short read. It is about a small town, murders and friends and how the new bakery owner is always in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Profile Image for Barbara Andrews.
322 reviews4 followers
February 17, 2022
Short cozy mysteries

Thus set consisted if 3 short cozy mysteries that where a fast read and very good. Can't wait to read the rest.
68 reviews
February 17, 2022
The best

I enjoyed this book very much. It was entertaining and I loved the characters. The storyline was a little weak (blamed for 2 murders in just a few weeks).
Profile Image for jean barnes.
226 reviews3 followers
March 14, 2022
Good read

I enjoyed these books, great characters and relationships, will be looking out for more and would recommend as a good cosy read
846 reviews7 followers
May 26, 2022
Great mysteries

These books were interesting to read. I liked the way Meghan always found out who the murderer was. Can't wait to read the series.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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