Baubles to Die For

Shell Isle #1

by Tonya Penrose

Gifted sleuth Page Wright’s inner world is anything but ordinary, yet her outer world craves a revamp from her mountain bookshop’s continuing demands. A summer escape to her beloved cottage on Shell Isle with cousin Betsy Ross always promised fun and relaxation…until this latest holiday. Two constants exist that Page can’t escape: Betsy’s spicy culinary fiascos she’s obliged to chase with endless antacids, and the special guidance she receives from ‘inklings’ when her sleuthing gifts are needed.

While the ever-curious Page and Betsy savor lunch at the Bistro, the sleuth observes a cryptic exchange between her la-di-da neighbor, Catherine Lange, and a seedy-looking guy sitting a few feet away. Their words travel across the café’s table on a paper napkin. However, it’s the pistol passed under the table that awakens Page’s first inkling that unknown forces are conspiring to muck-up her and Betsy’s carefree sojourn.

The cousins witness subsequent sightings of Catherine, dripping in her canary diamond jewelry and making ominous threats to five people in her inner circle. On alert now that trouble lurks, Page must entice an always reluctant Betsy to help when the nudge comes to act, knowing time is pressing.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2019

About the author

Multi-genre Author~Inner Explorer~Humor Chaser~Labyrinth Lover~Waterfall Wanderer

Author Tonya Penrose (pen name) is a storyteller who believes in the power of humor and narratives to touch her readers’ hearts. She's always been moved by how a story can invite personal exploration and leave a lasting impression on those who read it.

When Tonya sits in her favorite writing chair gazing at a lake, she aspires to create beguiling characters that leap from the page and capture a reader’s fancy. Her characters aren't just words on a page. They become real, breathing people with their own flaws and quirks. She enjoys sprinkling her romps with moments that offer readers grins or even bursts of laughter.

But for Tonya, it's not only about the characters or the humor. The dialogue is where her stories shine. As a multi-genre author, she feels that engaging dialogue provides the heartbeat for any truly wonderful tale. It breathes life into the narrative and allows readers to feel they're with the characters in every conversation.

Whether you're seeking an entertaining escape or a thought-enlivening journey of inner discovery, Tonya's books are waiting to whisk you into her world. Embark on a path where humor meets introspection and unforgeable characters await at every page turn.

Tonya invites readers to explore the familiar and fantastical settings with her. To uncover secreted truths, share inspiring moments, and awaken to her deeper message—that living in the now is how.

Tonya's fiction and non-fiction stories are published in numerous anthologies, e-magazines, local press, and literary magazines.

Find Tonya Penrose listed in the Poets and Writers Directory.

If you enjoy Tonya's novels, please tell others.

Visit:
Website: http://www.tonyawrites.com
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Represented by Birch Literary Agency

BOOKS BY TONYA PENROSE

Old Mountain Cassie: The Three Lessons
A Secret Gift
Welcome to Charm
Venetian Rhapsody
A Shocking Murder Releasing Dec. 2024

The Shell Isle Mystery Series:
Baubles to Die For
Red, White, and Boom
Murder by Numbers
Teatime Trouble

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Page Wrights and her cousin Betsy Ross need a break from their busy lives and escape to their cottage on Shell Isle. Page did not mind putting up with Betsy's terrible cooking for a quieter life. However, this did not happen. While sitting in a local cafe, they saw something suspicious that sparked Page's sleuthing, and with Betsy's help, they began investigating. Readers of Baubles to Die For will continue to follow Page and Betsy to discover what happens next.

I had not read any of Tonya Penrose'sbooks before Baubles to Die For, and I enjoyed it very much. Baubles to Die For is a lovely, cozy mystery that you will enjoy reading on a wet, cold Sunday afternoon with a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit. I engage with the story and the characters from the first page, and the book keeps me engaged to the end. At times, I had to laugh at some of the ccharacters'actions. By reading this book, I understand the demands on small business owners.

I love Tonya Penrose's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Baubles to Die For is well-written and well-researched by Tonya Penrose. I like Tonya Penrose's description of Baubles to Die For, which complements the book's plot.

Thank you to the author for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book.

[Veronica Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

When cousins Page Wright and Betsey Ross meet up for a relaxing stay at the beach, their holiday plans soon turn into a mysterious investigation. Their wealthy neighbor is up to something. Will Page's uncanny intuition help to uncover her nefarious plans?

A deadly find puts the cousin's lives in danger. Will they continue on the hunt for clues on their own? Or team up with the neighbor next door who's there on official business to investigate? As the sleuthing progresses, the danger intensifies as they quiz the list of suspects. Will Page's insights be enough to keep her out of harm's way?

Author Penrose weaves a charming whodunnit with captivating characters, an enviable setting by the shore, a hint of romance, and some culinary side-adventures that will keep you giggling. Sit back, dig your toes in the sand, and enjoy this entertaining whodunnit!

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If cozy mysteries had a cocktail menu, Baubles to Die For would be the sparkling beachside spritzer with a twist of sass and a dash of “what the actual heck just happened?” I devoured this book like a plate of Betsy’s questionable shrimp surprise—minus the digestive regret (thanks, Page, for the heads-up about the antacids).
Tonya Penrose totally nailed the tone here. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill murder mystery—it's witty, weird in the best way, and full of charm. Page Wright (first of all, I see what you did there with the name—brilliant) is my kind of heroine: observant, dry-witted, and just mystical enough to keep things spicy. Her “inklings” were such a cool twist. It’s like her intuition moonlights as a mystery-solving GPS, and I loved it.
And don’t even get me started on Betsy Ross. Bless her chaotic little culinary heart. Her love for cooking is as fierce as her disregard for flavor combinations, but she is ride or die. Their cousin dynamic is peak cozy-mystery vibes—banter, bickering, and begrudging teamwork when the clues start flying faster than Betsy’s questionable spices.
The setting of Shell Isle was the cherry on top. It had that perfect summery, slightly off-kilter vibe I adore in a vacation-gone-wrong mystery. And the drama? Oh, honey. We’ve got secret napkin messages, diamond-dripping drama queens, pistol-passing weirdos at the café, and a full-on social circle of suspects who are shady enough to block out the sun.
But what really won me over was the humor and heart stitched into every scene. Page doesn’t just want to solve the mystery—she wants to protect people. Even if she has to drag Betsy (and her recipe disasters) along for the ride. The pacing was perfect, the mystery kept me guessing, and I was laughing out loud more than once.
Baubles to Die For is like slipping into your favorite sandals and discovering they now come with crime-solving powers. It’s smart, sassy, and a little bit sparkly—just like Page herself. I already can’t wait to head back to Shell Isle for book two… though I might pack my own snacks this time.
Highly recommend for fans of quirky cozies, cousin chaos, and mysteries that shine as much as Catherine’s canary diamonds.

[Ivy Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're put off by the sad reality that all the mystery solving sleuths in books of late are sixteen or even younger then this is the book for you. Betsy and Page make a great combination and they are 50 not 16! But to tell you the truth they are so inventive, full of zest and vitality that I could never see then as matronly types. They're cool modern women, so like the real women you know in real life, who have families but it doesn't stop them from doing their own thing.
The chemistry between the two detectives is reminiscent of the bond between the detective, Nancy Drew and her friend, Beth. In Baubles to Die for Page is the one who runs towards trouble. Beth, preferably away from it. But Beth would never abandon her friend for anything in the world. The camaraderie between the two women makes for excellent reading, with Beth always experimenting in the kitchen and dishing out exotic dishes which has Page running for cover.
If you've seen the comedy drama series, Pysch, Shawn the main character pretends to have physic abilities to disguise his case solving abilities. In Baubles to die for, Page really does have an intuition that gives her a nudge to make a move out of the blue. As a result she is always at the right place at the right time , mystifying her neighbor, Steve, who seems to have secrets of his own to hide.
The case .
Diamonds. Murder. And a horde of suspects who wanted to victim dead.
Will Page's legendary nudges lead her down the right path?
What of her chemistry with Steve? What is he hiding? Why is always around when something happens? Is there more to him than just his taciturn personality and his good looks?
Will Page and Beth emerge victorious? Will Shell island hold its sway over them and convince them to stay?

[Rox Burkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Tonya Penrose immediately grabs her reader with a hidden, undiscovered mystery. She creates the exchange between Page and Betsy as two women who have tripped across strange behaviors in their past. The economized descriptions paint a picture of the location and characters.

Page owns a bookstore and is on a sojourn. Betsy is joining as a long-time friend. You get a sense of their previous exploits early on.

Betsy caught up with Page, bringing plenty more words with her. Short of breath, she managed to release a few of them. “Need I remind you of the promise?”
“Nope.” Page stepped behind a palm tree, pulling Betsy alongside.
Ignoring the nope, Betsy pressed on whispering, “You promised your buddy, Detective Larsen, that if he ran your bookstore for the summer, you’d stay out of mischief, and not even say hello to a cop at Shell Isle. That was your solemn promise, kiddo. And, this I know because he told me when I called to confirm you were at Hibiscus. And right now, this feels like mischief to me.”
“Shh. I know. I know, but you forget Larsen just retired and was bored out of his gourd.

The exchanges between the sleuth cousins is fast paced with a language all their own. Readers can sit on either character’s shoulder to hunt for the answers to the murderer. The clues and twists and turns keep you guessing until the unexpected but satisfying conclusion.

If you like cozy mysteries this one is a keeper. Even though this is my first foray into the work of this author, I am a fan. I recommend you pick up her story and get hooked on this series. I looked forward to Tonya’s next installment.

[John Podlaski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading BAUBLES TO DIE FOR by Tonya Penrose. It's a mystery and a doozy of a whodunit. A pair of amateur sleuths, Betsy and Page, cousins actually, come to Shell Isle for the summer - staying at a cottage that was bequeathed to Betsy by her aunt. Page has a gift of 'inklings and nudges' that have aided the duo in working with the police and solving prior mysteries back home. Their beach row has a lot going on. Their next-door neighbor is a former Navy Seal and currently works for the FBI, his neighbors are rich and 'stuffy'. They all interact when one of the rich neighbors is killed and a search for the killer begins.

The story is an easy read, without errors, and the characters are well fleshed out. Several of the small-town residents are involved - I've changed my mind about who was guilty at least once for each of them as the story progressed. The ending may or may not be surprising.

I found the cousin's fun - their sense of humor and snarky dialog mixed well with Betsy's cooking expertise - laughing out loud on several occasions at Page's reaction to these delicacies and other events. In fact, the author includes recipes for these outrageous delights at the end of the story. I highly recommend reading this book when in the mood for a nice cozy mystery. Great job, Ms. Penrose.

[Jan Romes]

I absolutely loved Page and Betsy's characters. These two amateur sleuths were incredibly smart, witty women. They followed their guts and poked around to get answers regarding the murder of a woman who lived two doors down from their beach house. A robbery had accompanied the murder, which made the case even more difficult to break. Ms. Penrose added hunky neighbor Steven to the mix, who turned out to be undercover FBI. There's chemistry between Page and Steven. The attraction is subtle and doesn't take over the story, it just adds a bit of flavor. It takes a while, but Page and Betsy earns Steven's trust and he allows them to help with the case. This story is an adventure with plenty of chaos, danger, and humor. As a reader, we become amateur sleuths too, trying to figure out whodunit. The author did a great job of throwing red herrings in to throw me off course. Just when I thought I had things figured out, I was proven wrong. When the story drew to a close, loose ends were neatly tied and the author provided a remarkable and surprise ending. I look forward to book number two in the series.

[Lisette Brodey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this author after she published the third book in this wonderful cozy mystery series, Murder by Numbers, and I then went on to read the fourth book, Teatime Trouble.Enjoying every page of both books so thoroughly, I just had to read more.

I usually don’t read books out of order, but with a series like this, each novel works fine as a standalone. So, I decided to read book one, and I’m so glad I did. It was especially fascinating to learn how quirky cousin sleuths Page Wright and Betsy Ross “set up shop” on Shell Isle.

This cozy has all of the elements: intrigue, humor, romance, a tropical setting, and yes, a very twisty mystery. I know it seems out of place, but you can add bad cooking to that list of charming elements. And if that isn’t enough, there are original recipes at the end.

I know this is a cliché, but Tonya Penrose structured this mystery so well that I was, yes, guessing until the end. But more than anything, this author has a way of uplifting readers with her special brand of storytelling and humor. She knows how to brighten a day; she truly does.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page and Betsy on the Move . . .

Betsy Ross showed up at her cousin Page Wright’s door declaring she needed a vacation with Page on Shell Isle after yet another relationship issue. While having lunch, Page noticed strange behavior of a couple up to something devious as she watches a paper napkin get passed back and forth between the couple to avoid having to speak out loud. Then Page saw the woman go into Garrett’s Insurance office then come out with a manila envelope. Page insisted they follow her. Then she saw the woman shove a smaller envelope in a drop box outside the Brakem Law Firm. She had promised Detective Larsen she would stay out of mischief, but here she was, following this stranger! Betsy had driven them here, so she turned away and threatened to leave if Page did not come with her now.

A robbery and murder in the neighborhood definitely got Page’s attention again. Steven Tanner, a neighbor living close to her beach house, was actually an undercover FBI who gradually started to trust Page’s skills. Will they help each other find Catherine Lange’s killer? And is something going on between Steven and Page?

[MJ LaBeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baubles to Die For by Tonya Penrose has everything a reader would expect from a cozy mystery.

Two amateur super sleuthing cousins, Page Wright and Betsy Ross find a dead body on the beach near their cottage and go on high alert to find the woman’s killer. They insert themselves into the local police investigation, at first being a bit of an annoyance especially to FBI agent Steve Tanner. Page’s inklings and Betsy’s bumbling observations soon earn the agent’s respect as they both start adding value to the case. There are plenty of suspects to keep the cousins and readers engaged and wondering whodunit.

Penrose adds layers upon layers of intrigue surrounding the suspects and captures the greed of humanity. Her writing is witty and snappy, and she gracefully moves this murder mystery like an ocean breeze sweeping across Shell Isle.

[Beth Haslam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take two accidental sleuth cousins, one plagued by ‘inkles’, another with terrible culinary skills and a love of desserts. Add a hunky neighbour with a secretive side and a gorgeous dog. Mix in the cousins’ overheard altercation in a cafe between a shady couple where a pistol changes hands. And these are the ingredients of a winning whodunnit.

Tonya Penrose expertly weaves a web of intrigue around a crime laced with conspiracies and complexities. As the crime-busting cousins work to solve the riddles, a subplot emerges. Will a romance develop with the man next door? And who did commit the murder? These questions leave the reader guessing right up to the end.

This book, set on an idyllic, beautifully described island, is fun, dramatic, and highly entertaining. I loved it and can’t wait to start book two.

[D.L. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A widow who runs a bookstore, Page, is on vacation with her cousin Betsy at a seaside she had inherited. While Page contemplates selling the house, she gets an intuition about a neighbor. In the past, the cousins have been involved in murders and helped the police solve them with Page’s gift. Despite her vow to stay out of it, there’s a murder and theft that require investigation. Plus, the good-looking neighbor intrigues Page, who appears to be involved somehow in it. I liked how Page and Betsy connected with their zest for life and their effortless humor. The author’s vivid description of the setting enabled me to easily imagine myself sitting on the beach with them. A sweet, cozy mystery with plenty of suspects to keep me guessing. A great start to A Shell Island Mystery Series with two entertaining middle-aged sleuths.

[Amanda✨️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baubles to Die For is a charming, lighthearted cozy mystery that delivers a relaxing escape with a touch of danger. Page Wright is a fun, gifted sleuth whose inner inklings add a unique, whimsical layer to the story. Her dynamic with cousin Betsy is entertaining especially with Betsy's hilariously disastrous cooking (recipe fans, take note: they're included!).

The island setting is delightful, and the mystery unfolds with enough intrigue to keep the pages turning, though the pacing lags in a few spots. Some character moments felt a bit over-the-top, but the quirky charm mostly balances it out. If you're in the mood for a breezy read with a bit of sparkle and sass, this one's a solid choice.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Genesia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paige and Bets are on vacation. Paige must decide whether to keep the house she inherited from her aunt. While drinking coffee in a cafe, Paige saw a man hand over a gun to a woman. That night, while they went for a walk on the beach, they stumbled upon a body. The police want them to believe that it was a suicide drowning, but Paige saw the bullet hole in the woman's head. And the two started to investigate. I love the book! It's entertaining, with lovable characters, enough mystery to hold your attention, and a hint of romance in the making. The danger kept me turning the pages, and I couldn't wait to read what would happen next. And a must-read for mystery fans.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not going to lie, I wasn't sure I was going to like this at first. Not that this book is bad. It so isn't. I wasn't sure I was going to like Page & Betsy. At first, for me, they felt a little annoying BUT that definitely changed. They're very much fun loving characters. I got tickled at Betsy's quick wit and sharp comebacks, and Page is just one of those characters you can't help but like. If that makes sense. As far as the mystery itself, it was good. lots of different threads to follow. I had a feeling who was behind it all but with the way it came out, I liked that. I really enjoyed it. I hope everyone else will too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charles Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way the lead characters are introduced and past events are discussed, I thought Baubles to Die For was two or three in the series. Then I noticed the statement in parenthesis, A Shell Isle Mystery Book 1.

The story follows Page Wright and her cousin Betsy Ross as they unravel a mystery that falls onto their laps while vacationing on Shell Island. There was so much in the first half of the book that made it feel like I’d been reading it for weeks that when I reached that fifty percent mark, I was on the verge of boredom. But since I made it that far, I finished it. Once the clues fell into place for Page and Betsy, it went fast, and then it ended, abruptly.

[M.A. Quigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betsy was bequeathed a cottage on Shell Isle by her aunt and invites Page to stay with her. While they’re there, a murder and a robbery occur two doors down. The two women poke around asking questions to find out who killed Catherine. They embark on an adventure with their neighbor Steven, a former Navy Seal who is now working for the FBI to help them. Penrose made me feel like I was in each scene with Page and Betsy. The book offers layers of mystery and intrigue and kept me wondering who did it until the end.

[Trina Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, Baubles to Die For! Page Wright is such a memorable main character she is clever, relatable, and has a bit of a quirky personality. The story is lighthearted fun and intriguing mystery, with lots of moments that made me smile. As for the setting it is vivid but cozy, the pacing kept me turning the pages, and the writing is wonderful it really draws the reader in. I cant wait to read more in the Shell Isle Mysteries!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two cousins Page and Betsy cracked me up with their banter and antics. Page seemed to see a mystery in everything and even though this book’s shown as book 1 in the series, I felt like I was missing something but it did eventually make sense. Just when poor Betsy thought it was safe to go read, her cousin wanted to drag her out and sleuth which was usually pretty funny. A well-written mystery with lots of normal life tossed in for good measure.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book, and my opinions are my own.

[Mary Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

Wow. Where do I start???? How do I not giveaway the story? Two cousins travel to Shell Isle for a vacation at their dead aunt's gifted home to Betsy. The local is gorgeous. Page seems to find her way into mysteries and murders rather I tuitively. The man in the cottage next door works for the FBI. Mayhem ensues, thefts occur, and a woman is murdered. The story is tightly woven and I couldn't figure out the main culprit until the end. Five stars!

[Barbara Daniels Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A piece of cake!

Solving this mystery wasn't a piece of cake, but it sounded like a tasteful beginning to a review. There were so many characters in the mix of possibles, it was hard to choose who I felt would be burned by the other suspects. Loved the combo dish of Page and Betsy sleuths. Their antics were hilarious and adding the closed mouth, Steve was the topping to the story, so to speak. Highly recommended for a relaxing weekend read. Easy 5 stars.

[Susanne Leist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love cozy mysteries, and this one does not fail to provide delight. Cousins Page Wright and Betsy Ross stay at a Shell Isle cottage where they can enjoy the beach and watch the quirky antics of their wealthy neighbors. One such neighbor is murdered, and the Page finds herself involved. She can't resist a murder, and this one she predicted before it happened. Great dialogue and descriptions make this novel a must-read.

[Cathleen Maza · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Baubles to Die For" is the first installment of the Shell Isle Mystery series by author Tonya Penrose. Cousins Page and Betsy become an engaging investigative duo when they happen across a mystery while vacationing on the lovely (though quirky) Shell Isle. I really enjoyed the relationship and banter of this refreshingly older pair of active, interesting women. I didn't have much luck at out-guessing them at solving the crime, though! Highly recommended for fans of cozy mystery.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page and Betsy might just be ready for some new adventures or at least a more extended change of scenery.

with gifts of insight and magical honey cakes, craking new cases might now be easier, though perhaps no less dangerous.

scenic vistas, and quirky thieves and whodunnits make for humorous and tangled mysteries, friendships and maybe hints of romance - uf they can survive the not getting dead parts of their plans.

[Lacynda Mathes · Rating 4 out of 5]

""Baubles to Die For" by Tonya Penrose is a fun read with an intriguing mystery. It took me a little while to get engaged with the plot, but the characters are well developed, and the writing is clear and concise, yet descriptive. I would have awarded 4 stars except for the fact that I struggled with getting interested at the start.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Page Wright owns a lovely mountain bookstore but it's demanding and stressful work. Page gets a chance at a summer vacation to the cottage on Shell Isle with her cousin Becky and is ready for some rest and relaxation. When Page and Betsy go into town for lunch she hears a conversation between Catherine a very polished a proper lady and some shady looking character that is very hush hush. What are they up to and why is Catherine threatening some of her closest friends?

[Martine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. Two cousins on an island and a murder. The sleuths just can't stop sleuthing. I really enjoyed the story, the well developed characters, the banter and fun bits, and the touch of romance. I can hardly wait to start reading the next book in this series. A recommendation.
I received a review copy via Booksprout and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Robert Foland · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Baubles to Die For" is slightly unconventional, somewhat quirky, yet thoroughly enjoyable. Tonya Penrose has created a duo of unique and captivating detectives. The supporting characters are well-crafted, and the mystery is compelling. Overall, it is a delightful read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remarkable

I loved Page and Betsy. Their unique skills definitely set them apart in tracking down a murderer. Add Tanner to the mix and I see romance in the future for Page. A good clean read.

[Linda O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a delightful escape set in an idyllic seaside town. Everyone needs a friend like Betsy! She is the perfect sidekick for Page and her clairvoyant sleuthing.