Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
A little sweet tea and a whole lot of spells won’t always put out the fire…

After a hurricane attacks the Crystal Coast, Ruby Mae Jewell and her friends and family will have to deal with more than just the wreckage of harsh weather. When the ancient shipwreck of the notorious pirate Captain “Bonny Anne” Bonnet is discovered off the shore, there’s a race to claim the uncovered treasure. Problem is...it’s cursed! And it’s up to Ruby Mae to try and protect everyone from the horrific effects.

Can the fiery witch gather all the pieces back in time before the pirate witch’s curse consumes the lives of everyone around her?

Batten down the hatches and find out in Pickups and Pirates, the third book in the Southern Relics Cozy Mysteries!

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2020

418 people are currently reading
277 people want to read

About the author

Bella Falls

32 books400 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
466 (48%)
4 stars
322 (33%)
3 stars
155 (16%)
2 stars
20 (2%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Emmalynn.
2,949 reviews28 followers
September 17, 2022
This was actually a good addition to the series. Now if only the author can temper Ruby’s habit of wanting to throw herself into danger when the authorities ARE LITERALLY ONSCENE, that would be helpful and make the books even better. The killer was pretty obvious but it was still a good mystery and “treasure” hunt. This book also revealed a bit more about Luke, and there’s a sweet surprise at the end.
Profile Image for Carlton Phelps.
556 reviews10 followers
December 6, 2024
A fun read. You have a coven of good witches and a werewolf and ghost a plenty.
Together in a small coastal town, they search for the treasure of a Bonny the pirate.
She left a trail of clues that the coven and others were on a wild search for the treasure.
There is love, murder, and a bit of sleight of hand.
This adds to a great way to enjoy the hunt and learn much about the Jewell family. Who are the Jewells, you'll need to read the book to learn more about them.
Profile Image for Mystic Forest Crafts.
641 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2023
Pros:

It was really lovely to have Charlie and Mason in this series as guest stars. They added a lot without taking over which isn’t easy for main characters usually.

I love the way pirates were involved and how we untangled mysteries about the family, history and the Luke.

Cons:

I hate that they still haven’t fixed cousin piggy.
Profile Image for Angela Griffin.
1,683 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2020
What a treasure hunt!

Another manifestation of Ruby Mae's crystal ball visions is once again keeping her busy and away from the family business! This time Rue and her crew are tracking down a pirate queen's lost treasure and preventing the release of a curse on unsuspecting humans. The pacing is appropriate, and the road through this mystery has plenty of detours, u-turns and dead ends leading to the surprise treasure. Charli and Mason are wonderful crossover additions from the "Southern Charms" series, former lieutenant (now deputy agent) Alwin has a cameo, and the overriding theme of powerful womanhood is a nice touch. Only the editing failures kept this from a five-star raring. I hope Rue and Luke have time to bask (NO SPOILERS!) before the next vision makes an appearance!!
Profile Image for Anastasiya M.
1,426 reviews13 followers
January 13, 2026
This story dives headfirst into coastal chaos, where small town charm meets supernatural mayhem and absolutely nothing stays simple for long. What begins as a relatively straightforward mystery quickly spirals into something far messier, layered with pirate lore, hidden motives, and more than a few surprises along the way. The plot moves at a brisk pace, scattering clues just enough to keep you guessing while still leaving room for humor, heart, and a few moments of genuine tension.

The characters continue to be the reason this series works so well. Rue is smart, stubborn, and learning when to trust her instincts instead of charging ahead blindly, which makes her growth feel natural rather than forced. Her family, both living and not so living, steal scenes with their quirks and fierce loyalty, and the wider cast adds depth without overcrowding the story. Even the antagonists feel grounded in believable motivations, which makes the conflict more satisfying.

Themes of responsibility, belonging, and choosing the kind of person you want to be run quietly beneath the mystery. The seaside setting is vivid and playful, blending Southern charm with eerie folklore in a way that feels tailor made for this genre. Pirates might sound over the top on paper, but they fit surprisingly well, adding flair without tipping the story into absurdity.

The writing is light, witty, and easy to sink into, with just enough detail to make the world feel lived in without slowing the momentum. Humor lands naturally, emotional beats are given room to breathe, and the mystery unfolds in a way that feels fair to the reader. This was fun, fast, and wildly entertaining, exactly the kind of cozy paranormal mystery that keeps me happily glued to the page.

Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
Profile Image for Meri Benson.
Author 16 books46 followers
February 17, 2022
After a hurricane hits the Crystal Cove, an old pirate ship and the myths behind the ship and the owner of the ship, notorious pirate Captain “Bonny Anne” Bonnet, a race to find her treasure befalls our story.

Honestly, I think this was my favorite of the books so far. I loved the pirates, the history, and the treasure hunt that we take part in from the perspective of Ruby Mae.

Spoilers beyond this point.

I have to say that I love both of the starts of this book - the dip into the past with the prologue of the book to set up the treasure hunt we'll be going on and helping us start already in the history of the events - but also just watching Ruby Mae and Luke as they walk along the cost and learn about the pirates themselves. The interaction with Cane's son is honestly just the absolute cutest, as was the inclusion of the fun way to 'find your pirate' name.

I loved the dive into the mystery and the riddles that had to be figured out, coupled with the fact that they were in a race against someone else to try and the treasure because they weren't the only ones hunting it. Though, thankfully, they had magic on their side to assist them.

As well, I actually liked the inclusion of Charli and Mason from Honeysuckle Hollow joining us for this adventure, on loan from their town. It helped both with Charli's magic helping to draw her toward the treasure, but it was also kind of fun to get a glimpse of them from another character's perspective.

Over all, I really loved the story, especially how it ended and what the treasure really was. It was a really sweet story to be told and I was glad to join the hunt and the resolution.
Profile Image for Sue-Dee Numb.
323 reviews3 followers
July 20, 2020
Wow, I could not put this down! From the first sentence to the last, from the 1700 to 2000's!
Ruby Mae is such a great character, she has great passion with everything she does whether it is trying to find treasure or the love for her family and boyfriend Luke
The characters are so well written, and a fab appearance from Charli (Bird Dog)Goodwin and her Beau Mason Clairmont from Bella Falls other Fabulous series Southern Charms, because if you need something found Charli is your gal!
From treasure maps to murder, just when you think you know whats happening, there is a right turn and it changes your while thought process. Keeping you on your toes.
There is such a great family and community feel in this series, they may tease but when it hits the fan everyone helps everyone out, they are there for each other,
Very well written the inclusion of Charli and Mason felt natural and not forced. you can read the series as a stand alone, but I do recommend you read from book 1 to get the whole experience.
2,009 reviews
October 18, 2021

This is the 3rd book in the series. I am enjoying the stories and the further character development. The book started off in a different century and it was difficult to understand the connection to the current world at first. This plot seemed a bit far-fetched but it came together in the end.


Amazon synopsis:
After a hurricane attacks the Crystal Coast, Ruby Mae Jewell, along with her friends and family, will have to deal with more than just the wreckage of harsh weather. When the history of the notorious pirate Captain “Bonny" Ann Bonnet catches up to the present, murder and mystery soon follow. Rue discovers that the storm and the discovery of her ship right off the shores of her home area are no coincidence, and she must race to claim the cursed treasure before anyone else gets hurt. Sounds like a good time to call in her friend Charli Goodwin from Honeysuckle Hollow to see if her tracking talents can help give her an edge!

Can Ruby Mae and her friends gather all the pieces together in time before the pirate witch’s curse consumes the lives of everyone around her?
Profile Image for Susan Otto.
832 reviews9 followers
November 7, 2020
Pirates and witches oh.my!

This book is a continuation of Southern Relics series where Ruby Mae Jewel is a finder of magical relics (good or evil). The witches are trying to solve the.mystery of the pirate ship Neptune Rose, where it can into ground after its captain was burned at the stake for being a witch, and the list treasure.

They follow various clues that doesn't led to the treasure. Will they find the Neptune Rose and it's treasure while solving the mysterious murder.

The characters are unique, quirky, and relatable to the content of the story. The fast paced keeps the reader entertained. The story has quirky characters that have hilarious moments. I didn't realized how the characters solved the mystery because I sure didn't until the fending of the story. Highly recommended for an enjoyable read.

bookwormsuzy
Profile Image for Mike Lewis.
1,761 reviews8 followers
December 12, 2020
Entertaining supernatural Cousy mystery series

This is an entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. With a great cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. A small coastal town were a family of witches live on a section of land that has belong to their family since before America was created. They go out in search of magical objects and recover them and if they are dangerous then they put them in a family vault that keeps them out of bad hands. They also collect other magical items that are out in the Mundane world among humans and bring those back as well. Follow along as The jewel family is on the hunt for magical artifacts. Read on and be entertained.
Profile Image for Rosemary Hughes.
4,192 reviews23 followers
January 11, 2025
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title within the series set box. (Audible Membership)

After listening to a lecture on a female pirate that had been part of the history of the coastal region, .. Ruby was called in to find a treasure that was supposed to have a Curse attached to it and the local covan leader believed the Jewel family had the ability tolocate and secure whatever the treasure contained without endangering either paranormal or humans alike.
Profile Image for Sherry Sias.
658 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2021
Ruby and the gang at it again.

Ruby is dragged into yet another mystery with her friends. This one is about a pirate name Ann and her treasure which involved one of Ruby's ancestors. Are they able to find the treasure and the person behind the thefts and attacks?
I am loving this cute mystery series.
Profile Image for Virginia.
334 reviews7 followers
March 20, 2025
3.5⭐️ This was an easy read, if a little corny in places. It was a fun little treasure hunt with a few differences. It holds a little bit from different genres including urban fantasy, romance, mystery, and historical fiction. I read this as a standalone even though it was the third in a series and it held up well on its own.
Profile Image for Ash.
270 reviews5 followers
May 18, 2020
I really like this little series so far and I'm very interested to see where it goes. This story, on its own, I really enjoyed today as well. Once you start, it's a quick read and had a good story line behind it. Can't wait for Vintage Vampire to be released next.
126 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2020
Loved this Book!

This book has a captivating story line and is a lot o fun. I enjoyed the new characters an how the regulars are evolving. Looking forward to the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Sheila Burke.
1,250 reviews3 followers
July 19, 2021
The third book in the Southern Relics series, this was much better than I thought it would be! A very enjoyable story, with a nice happy ending. Well-written, well-paced, and entertaining. Very well worth the time to read. Crossing my fingers that my library snags the rest of this series!
139 reviews2 followers
September 2, 2021
A love story wrapped up with pirate treasure!

As well written as book 1 was. These adventures takes us on a wild ride of pirates, witches, riches, and the reveal of blood lines and the story of a female's life as a pirate. You'll love this story and will want to read more!
Profile Image for Amy.
940 reviews2 followers
February 13, 2022
Aye, Matey

What a fun adventure! Pirates, maps, treasure, and murder....with a special visit from two beloved characters! There is also a very sweet surprise at the end you don't want to miss!
1,102 reviews4 followers
June 1, 2023
Great mystery and treasure hunt

This book totally did not turn out how I expected at all, so really good job hiding the ending. It was so much fun to follow the treasure hunt, all the unusual characters, and all the story twists.
21 reviews
April 30, 2020
Pirates and treasures!

This was so much fun to read. I loved the adventure and search for treasure. It was also a lot of fun to see Charlie and Mason too!
5 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2020
Great story!

I love how the story ended, with Rissa being the direct descendant. And also that Luke purposed to Ruby Mae.
Profile Image for Matthew Murray.
1,002 reviews
May 4, 2020
Enjoyed

I have really enjoyed this latest book of yours and I am really looking forward to many many more of this series.
100 reviews
May 7, 2020
Pirate booty and adventure

What a great book. Loved having Charli as a guest in the book and what a great year use of everyone's gifts. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Brenda Ellis.
662 reviews8 followers
May 9, 2020
Pirate Treasure

This is such a great series and never disappoints. A fun read with strong females, supportive men, lots of ghosts and plenty of surprises.
23 reviews
May 10, 2020
Love them all

I have read all of the books to date and preordered what I could. I can't wait for the next volumes to come. I'm totally hooked.
Profile Image for Kath.
1,066 reviews27 followers
May 10, 2020
Another fantastic fun read!
Profile Image for Corinna Zito.
40 reviews
May 16, 2020
Wow

I can’t get enough of these books. I absolutely love all the characters. I’m excited to read about the next adventure.
921 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2020
Took me a while to get into this book. But I finished the second half in a day. This book was about a pirate treasure and the hunt for it. I won’t spoil the surprise ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.