Closely Harbored Secrets

Seaside Cafe Mystery #5

by Bree Baker

In the fifth book of the popular Seaside Café Mysteries, Closely Harbored Secrets, Everly Swan just wants to make Halloween-themed treats and specialty teas for her customers. But when it seems that she's being haunted by the phantom of a sailor straight out of a ghost story, her plans are capsized. Could this be the bitter end for Everly?

It's almost Halloween, and the small island of Charm, North Carolina is decked out for the festivities. When Everly Swan agrees to close her iced tea shop early to help her aunts host their annual haunted historic walking tour, she expects some good-natured spooks. But the night turns grave when one of the ghostly actors is found dead. To complicate matters, the victim scratched Everly's name into the ground before she died, making her a key suspect.

The murder mystery heats up when Everly's potential boo, Detective Grady, takes the case―and he definitely doesn't want her getting involved. Will their seaside romance be threatened by all the ghostly drama? But when a phantom sailor straight out of local legend starts leaving Everly threatening messages, she has to get involved... With a local election under way, ghosts on the loose, and a search for long-lost buried treasure, Everly can't help but stir the pot!

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Audiobook, Adult, Adult Fiction

308 pages, Paperback

First published December 29, 2020

About the author

Bree Baker is a Midwestern writer, obsessed with small town high jinks, sweet tea and the sea. She's been telling stories to her family, friends and strangers for as long as she can remember, and more often than not, those stories feature a warm ocean breeze and recipe she's sure to ruin. Now, she's working on those fancy cooking skills and dreaming up adventures for the Seaside Cafe mysteries. Her debut title, Live & Let Chai releases from Sourcebooks in July 2018. Bree is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers and the Romance Writers of America. She is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful book in the charming and amusing cozy series, Seaside Café Mysteries, written by Bree Baker -- Closely Harbored Secrets. It's Halloween. There's a secret from two-hundred years ago. Something connected w/ Everly Swan's family tree is about to be revealed. And Aunt Fran's mayoral race is close to voting day. What a superb installment!

Maps and ancient curses, but what they have to do with one another is very murky. Everly stumbles upon her fifth dead body, and this time its her hands being coated with the victim's blood. A walking ghost tour should've been fun; instead it leads to personal disaster for Everly. Detective [Hottie] Grady can't deal with Everly's constant connections to the murder investigations - the ones the island's never seen before until she returned home. He's a broken man, and Everly runs to someone else!

What kind of trouble does this spell? Too much, and I was wavering mid-book on where to go next... but Baker pulls you back in with the magical spells of romance and suspense. A thrilling finish connected to the home's previous owner, a story we knew from previous books was begging to be told. Really enjoyed this one. 4.5 stars, and now I'm ready for the 6th book which was released (coincidentally) on this very day! I will get cracking on it next month too.

[Natalia R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in Bree Baker's Seaside Café Mystery series. It's almost Halloween on the picturesque island of Charm, North Carolina, and tea shop owner Everly Swan is helping her aunts host their annual haunted historic walking tour. But what should have been a fun evening filled with some good-natured spooks quickly turns into a nightmare when an actor is murdered during the tour. To make matters worse, the victim scratched Everly's name into the ground before she died, making her a suspect. Everly is determined to get to the bottom of things, especially when someone, possibly the killer, starts following her and leaving threatening messages.

I thought this was a great addition to the Seaside Café Mystery series. This is wonderful series, with interesting characters, puzzling mysteries, and strong themes of family, friendship, and community. As always, I enjoyed catching up with the characters and spending time on the lovely little island of Charm. It was fun learning more about the town's rich history and Everly's ancestors. As for the mystery, I thought it was fast-paced and it kept me on my toes. I loved the role the supernatural played in the story.
Overall, I'm happy with the way things are going for Everly and the people in her life and can't wait to see what more is in store for these characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Seaside Cafe story is always a deliciously refreshing treat to read! The book contains interesting historical items and facts that are fun to read about. The main characters are appealing, and protagonist, Everly Swan, is still attracted to the handsome Homicide Detective Grady Hays. Everly seems to be a murder magnet, and in this fifth installment, an unpleasant family adversary who seeks rare maps in hopes of locating treasure, dramatically meets her Maker and Everly is an instant suspect. Rumors fly like the flag with a skull and crossbones that someone is copycatting a ghost pirate nicknamed ‘The Sandman’, who leaves scattered sand along with written warnings for Everly to back off investigating the latest crime scene.

I enjoyed all the lovely descriptions of the fall decor and seasonal touches the author sprinkled into the storyline. The story moves at a brisk clip, and humor is mingled throughout. When the killer is unmasked, I was surprised; however, it then made perfect sense. This is a fantastic story and a fantastic series that all cozy readers will love! The author also shares yummy recipes with her readers!

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press. Thank you. All opinions are my own.

[Jeffrey Caston]

It's formulaic but a decent story. That being said, you'd think by this point Everly and/or Det. Grady would have gotten Everly to a point where she's packing heat for all the times she gets in jeopardy when she discovers the killer.

And why the heck hasn't she turned these impressive, innate sleuthing skills to find out who's doing the anonymous Charm blogger so she can root that part out of what gives her grief?

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another enjoyable addition to the Seaside Cafe Mystery series set in Charm on the Outer Banks of North Carolina with likable, interesting characters, a great island setting with a rich history of pirates and treasures, and a murder mystery to solve. It is Halloween week and the story begins with a Ghost Walk along the island led by Clara Swan with different stops along the way. Everly Swan owns a tea shop in her Victorian home and is supplying food for the event. All is going well until one of the character ghosts is found injured and then dies at one of the stops on the walk. Everly S is written in the dirt by her. Everly didn't even know the victim, Dixie Wetherill, but she is still a suspect. Detective Grady Hays, a very close friend of Everly's, has to investigate and Everly cannot resist helping him against his wishes. Dixie is not well liked so a lot of people could have wanted her dead, including someone she outbid for a collectable book, and others. Someone is leaving clues around threatening Everly and all seem to be from a man dead almost two hundred years. In addition to layers of clues, all is not well between Grady and Everly but someone is waiting to date Everly. Everly's aunts Clara and Fran are busy with their bee products shop and Fran is running for mayor with some stiff opponents. Everly's best friend and book shop owner, Amelia, has a new children book and release party. There's never a dull moment in Charm and this is a story that kept me interested to the end. Looking forward to the next one.
I received a complimentary ARC from Poisoned Pen Press through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Halloween means a big celebration in Charm, North Carolina that includes a haunted walking tour. Clara and Fran Swan have key roles in the event and Everly is providing tea and treats for those attending. The night of the walk Everly joins her aunt’s group to hear ghost stories she has heard repeated several times but her aunt always adds something new. This year the something new is a dead body. Dixie Wetherill was to be playing the part of a local legend but when she misses her cue, a quick search finds Dixie dead with Everly’s name spelled out in the ground beside her.

Detective Grady Hays has to follow the evidence even if that means investigating his girlfriend. But then Everly receives several threatening messages. The messages appear to be from the legendary ghost pirate, The Sandman. Threats that are meant to scare Everly only make her mad and set her off on her own investigation to catch the real killer. Although finding that person just may get her killed . . .

What a wonderfully written spooky mystery!

Charm, North Carolina has a rich history and the stories that have come from that history can be downright chilling, especially on a Halloween Haunted Walking Tour. Ms. Baker paints some eerie pictures with her words. I felt like I was right there to enjoy the event and as the body was found. It was so easy to visualize. Her descriptions throughout the story kept me right there at every scene.

The author also breathes great life into each of her characters and she keeps them busy too. In addition to the Halloween festivities, the mayor’s race is right around the corner and Everly is pulling out all the stops to help her Aunt Fran win. Grady is dealing with some family issues that could create havoc in his already complicated relationship with Everly. Everly is busy concocting new tea drinks and running her shop along with a little home renovation. And then, there is that murder and the threats against Everly that has everyone worried. Bree Baker’s development of all her characters is top-notch.

The mystery is very well-plotted and sets a nice pace that really ratchets up as we get to the big reveal. It was so exciting. Again, the descriptive writing style had me feel like I was watching a movie. I could see all the action so clearly. I truly was on the edge of my seat and may have even been holding my breath.

This Halloween story was a terrific treat! Closely Harbored Secrets blends a fascinating mystery with fabulous characters. There is a light paranormal element or two and that just adds to the fun. Charm, Blessed Bee, and the Sun, Sand, and Tea are places I can’t wait to visit again.

[Annu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had both ghosts and murderers. On Aunt Fran and Aunt Clara's annual haunted historical walking tour, which consisted of actors dressed up as ghosts, one of the ghost actor ends up dead. As usual, Everly stumbles upon the dead person who has carved her name on the ground before she died. Grady is not pleased that Everly is involved in another murder, this time, unintentionally. Even Everly is surprised as to why the murder victim had written her name with her last breath. And it was known that the murder victim was not very fond of the Swan family. So that triggers Everly to do some research on the victim's background, which opened the Pandora's box. And in true style of this series, Everly is threatened multiple times (this time by a ghost sailor), with the spookiness level being just the right amount.

We also see Aunt Fran running for Mayor and competing with Mary Grace and Grady's mother-in-law. All the regular characters were present in the book but I must say I missed seeing Ryan. Maggie and Lou were adorable, always helping Everly from danger. The mystery was good but the romance angle was also explored. So this book was perfect, in the sense, it was 50-50. I have to say that I was bit shocked about the route the romance took about half-way through the book. But I'm glad everything turned out to be perfectly right towards the end, both the mystery and the Everly's romance. I'm getting curious and curious-er now as to who the Town Charmer is. I think I know who it is but I could be wrong. With every book, I feel the author would reveal who the person is but I guess I have to keep reading on to find out. All in all, this book made me laugh and cry and laugh more :D

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read and review this book.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cosy, entertaining, and atmospheric!

Closely Harbored Secrets is a whimsical, murder mystery set in Charm, North Carolina that features Everly Swan, a tea shop owner who after stumbling upon a murder victim lying on the sand during the annual historic haunted walk joins together with the handsome, reluctant, Detective Hays to try and solve this baffling case that seems to revolve around ancient maps, old legends, and long-lost treasure.

The writing style is light and witty. The characters are unique, impulsive, and endearing. And the plot is a well-paced whodunit full of amateur sleuthing, red herrings, suspects, deduction, attraction, community, scrumptious treats, and small-town living.

Closely Harbored Secrets is the fifth book in the Seaside Café Mystery series, and if you love cosy mysteries with a touch of romance this novel won’t disappoint. It is a quirky, enjoyable, fun read that is the first novel I’ve read by Baker but undoubtedly won’t be my last.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another fun entry in this series about Everly Swan, tea shop owner and a woman who has the most utterly bad luck to keep finding murder victims in her small town named Charm. Plus she believes her family is cursed too! The Swan women are apparently fated to be alone, any males they get die in accidents... Will this happen to Everly?

No matter how Everly tries to avoid the dead bodies she found another one at the beginning of the book. It's Halloween and everyone was dressed up in costumes for a Ghost Walk outside in the dark as creepy local stories were told. And poof... There was a dead body! And the person wrote her name before they died! Of course Everly didn't do it...even if she had blood on her hands. But who did? Soon the threats start appearing. Someone thinks she has the thing he / she wants. But Everly is clueless.

So like the previous books, it's a fun story. I find these rather relaxing to read. And I am very fussy about these "cozy mysteries" too. Many other series bore me to death because of how they are written but these move at a good pace. Nor do you have to read far to get to the actual murder (because in other series you have to read 60 pages before the murder). But more importantly I like the characters in here. You get to know them and they are like old friends. The books also have plot details that continue from book to book as well so you can see how their lives change as time passes.

I didn't guess the killer in here and that is okay. But the story gives you clues so you can take a guess if you pay attention. And this story involves pirates and an old hidden treasure! What could be more exciting??

Everly is often in danger too. She doesn't play it safe and often makes poor decisions. Sometimes the killer is right in front of her and she thinks it's someone else. So she is far from perfect. But she just can't help snooping a bit, especially when these people are threatening her. And since she lives alone in a huge old house on the beach, only with a cat and a seagull for company, she is an easy target.

Over the course of reading these books I have grown to really like Lou the seagull. I've never cared for birds very much but for some unknown reason I like him. And he certainly plays important parts in these books too. That's why he's on the covers.

I hope there are a lot more of these. They are just fun... And even though I am allergic to wheat and corn and barley I really don't mind reading about her baking all of these cakes, etc. Years ago it would have bothered me way more. I guess I have grown up a bit.

I would definitely read these again. These books always have action, lots of events going on (did I mention that her Aunt Fran is running for Mayor in this book?), tons of threats (with pirate swords no less), and creepy walks at night. The atmosphere is terrific!

Make sure you read these in order. I did skip book #1 but I am reading the others in the proper order.

And I am hoping in the future we will find out if the Swan family curse is real!

[Rebecca Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bree Baker’s Closely Harbored Secrets is an entertaining and spooky cosy. This is the fifth entry in the Seaside Café Mystery series but it works as a standalone. I love the picturesque setting, the eerie atmosphere, and the interesting mystery. However, the writing can be distractingly choppy and the characters are sometimes inconsistent.

It’s almost Halloween in Charm and our protagonist Everly Swan has stumbled into another mystery! While helping her aunts with their annual haunted historic walking tour, Everly discovers the body of Dixie Wetherill. She was the actress portraying one of the island’s most popular legends. Everly becomes a key suspect because Dixie scratched Everly’s name into the ground before she died. Everly’s plate is already overflowing as she’s helping her aunt with the local mayoral elections, running her iced tea-shop, and figuring out her complicated relationship with her crush Detective Grady Hays. However, things turn deadly when a ghostly sailor from local legends begins leaving threatening messages for Everly…

The well-paced plot is interesting with great suspense and viable suspects. I love the spooky atmosphere and the role that the supernatural played! Charm’s history is fascinating and well-written. I like that I couldn’t guess the killer’s identity until nearly the end. The killer’s motives made sense and were well-thought out. There are a few subplots but they are nicely done and fit well. I especially liked reading about Everly’s beloved Aunt Fran’s run for Mayor.

This is a great cast of interesting, memorable, and realistic characters. I love the warm feelings of family, friendship, and community. Everly is a relatable protagonist as she struggles with her annoying fitness bracelet, whips up delicious confections, and snoops! I love Everly’s fun Aunts Fran and Clara. There is a lot of romantic drama but it nicely complements the main plot. I like Matt, the sweet and hunky paramedic who catches Everly’s eye. However, I’m no longer a fan of Everly’s relationship with brooding Grady. I am tired of the will they or won’t they between them. It’s time that they become a couple or Everly moves on. Moreover, the characters, especially Everly and Grady, sometimes act inconsistently. Grady is also a bit flat in this book.

I love the wonderfully written description of Charm and small-island life as well the yummy food and fun Fall festivities. However, the book really could have used some editing as the transitions are sometimes distractingly choppy, abrupt, and a bit confusing.

Closely Harbored Secrets is a great cosy Halloween read. Although I wish the characters and writing were a little stronger, I enjoyed this fun and spooky book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this book in exchange for an honest review.


🎃🎃🎃🎃 out of 5 jack o’ lanterns!

[Heidi Prockish · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to choose one series to be the definition of a cozy, it would be this one. I love spending time in Charm with Everly and crew. This might be my favorite so far, I totally feel like I am there. I love Everly's relationship with her aunts and the community that they are part of. I would HIGHLY recommend you read this series if you haven't already, and I would also recommend to read in order.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I loved the history and the bit of spookiness that it contained. It is just a fun read! Everly Swan is a great character and the aunts were amazing!

My only problem is that it took me awhile to get into the story. I really think that I need to go back and read the first 4 installments.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Antonella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cozy mystery novel in the Seaside Cafe Mystery series. It is book five that follows the same protagonists as previous books. Delightful read in this genre that I read "for real" this year. As a matter of fact, this author was my first foray into the cozies. I enjoy her writing style whether it is as Bree Baker or as Julie Anne Lindsey.

In this one, we follow the same simple pattern of Everly stumbling on a murder scene and then discovering who the killer is. The setting of this book in a small town in Otter Banks is charming and picturesque. There are many interesting side characters throughout the series.

I was a little put off by yet another "love triangle". I wanted Everly and Grady to finally move somewhere in their relationship. These two seem to go one step forward two steps back.

I would recommend this series to all readers of the genre.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so happy I finally decided to binge read this series. Everly is one of those characters that I just instantly liked. She is a magnet for dead bodies, but she is strong and independent, even if she is also a bit stubborn as well. I also like where things are headed between her and Grady. The secondary cast of characters are delightful and some a bit quirky. The mystery was a page turner and kept me guessing. Everly came a bit too close for comfort to serious injury in this book. Let's hope she isn't in as much danger in the next book.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!!

[Mystereity Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just….okay.

A lot of my Goodreads friends rated this highly, so I was looking forward to reading it and it’s the r/CozyMystery Book club read for October. Overall, it was an okay book, but didn’t live up to its potential. I loved the plot but unfortunately it got buried under a ton of other side plots and the pace was way too slow. The middle of the book felt like it was just circling around and around, which dampened my interest to the point that I ended up skipping a few chapters because I just wanted to find out whodunit.

But I liked the characters, and like I said it was a great plot that was unfortunately buried and wasn’t the main focus of the book. I mean it had everything that I love; secret rooms, buried treasure, ghosts, and food. But it was the other story lines that were nothing more than unnecessary filler; the mayoral election had far more attention paid to it than the actual mystery in some parts of the book, and the on-going drama with the sheriff was just a distraction and didn't hold my attention. And I don't know how many times the MC discussed her golf cart and wagon (don't get me wrong, I love that she calls the golf cart Blue and her wagon Wagon. I just don't need repeated descriptions.) and you know, I kinda feel bad for that kind and understanding paramedic, I felt like he got the shaft.

So while I liked the book, I didn't love the book. I'd be up for reading the other books in the series, but I have other books I want to get to first. 3 stars.

[Bridget]

I have dipped in and out of this series and kicked things off in book 2 with No Good Tea Goes Unpunished, followed by book three Tide and Punishment. I have yet to read book one, Live and Let Chai and book four, A Call For Kelp.

In this one, Closely Harbored Secrets, the fifth instalment in Bree Baker's Seaside Café Mystery series, protagonist Everly Swan is closing her seaside café and iced tea shop, Sun, Sand and Tea early to help out her great aunts with their annual Halloween haunted walking tour. However, when one of the ghostly actors playing a local legend is found dead, Everly becomes the main suspect as her name was scratched into the dirt nearby.

What highly entertaining mix of mystery and mayhem! This wonderful cozy mystery, set on the small island of Charm, North Carolina was both compelling and enjoyable. It made perfect reading for me between other more intense novels. It was funny, witty and quirky with a fantastic plot. The characters were very well drawn by Bree Baker, and I especially liked Everly’s great-aunts, Clara and Fran for their spirit-lifting moments.

This book was a great package of fun and excitement and it was a perfect book to enjoy with a drink of specially blended tea and a homemade scrumptious treat or two. I really appreciated the clever writing from Bree Baker in this novel which kept me intrigued right to the end. The conclusion was a surprise and the author did a wonderful job wrapping up the story.

With its great story and wonderful characters, I would recommend Closely Harbored Secrets to all cozy mystery lovers out there who are wanting an easy weekend read. I hope it won't be very long before I'm back visiting Charm and Sun, Sand and Tea.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one wasn’t my favorite of the series because of the heavy “spooky” flavor as Everly and the town have a Murder happen during a ghost walk and have to solve it. There’s a secret chamber, a missing map, a ghost, and all sorts of twists.

Aunt Fran running for mayor was one of my favorite subplots in the books so far.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this book had it all! I wasn’t too happy with how things were going but was trying to just go with it and then it all turned around. I can never solve the murder until the reveal and this one was a total page turner. I love Everly and Grady, you can’t help but root for them. Now to see which bingo themes fit the next book!

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closely Harbored Secrets the 5th instalment in the A Seaside Cafe Mystery Series by Bree Baker. I loved visiting Charm, NC over my Christmas holidays! I wasn’t disappointed either another great instalment to the series.

This time it’s all about secrets and maps as Everly tries to solve the murder before someone takes her out. One of my favourite things about the books is the sense of family, friendship and how the community comes together and rallies behind the aunts. I love Everly’s aunts and Amelia, I was a little worried we were in for a love triangle but the ending was a nice surprise.

I love Lou and Maggie her adopted pets which play a big role this time and we learn more about the people they are named after.

I didnt suspect who the killer was until Everly did, as there were just enough red herrings and twists and turns to keep me enthralled and guessing.

I cannot recommend this series enough!

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Poison Pen Press and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited and waited and waited for Closely Harbored Secrets to come out on audible but, alas, for some reason the audio edition of this book was skipped over because the next two already have audible release dates. This is one of my favourite cozy mystery series and I have loved visiting Charm courtesy of Therese Plummer's excellent narrating skills. I held off as long as I could, hoping that this book's audible edition would release before Book 6 does (January 25) but that doesn't look likely so I broke down and borrowed the paperback copy from the library. :-)

I'm just as charmed by Everly and her aunts and their penchant for getting mixed up with murder. Love this town and all the secondary characters. And I adore Everly's detective and the way their romance is heading. I'm already giddy with anticipation over the January release of Partners in Lime -- especially since I'll be able to listen to it on audible! Eeeepppp!!!!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun cozy mystery with great characters with recipes at the end

[Patrizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella storia, non solo per quanto riguarda il mistero da risolvere e la cui soluzione è stata in parte una sorpresa. Non mi ha disturbato neanche l'aspetto paranormale che c'è alla fine...

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

We meet up with Everly and the gang at Halloween. They have organized a ghost walk with some of the historical members of the Kitty Hawk society. A woman named Dixie is playing the Headless ghost. During the tour, Aunt Clara is leading the tour and Everly and Aunt Fran are hanging in the back, Dixie misses her que and Everly looks for her and finds her laying on the ground, gasping her last breath. She had been stabbed and had started to write Everly's name in the ground next to her.

Everly learns that Dixie collected historical books and maps of the area, many of which are considered treasure maps. And soon Everly is being targeted, demanding she return the map. Her house is broken into, her golf cart is marked with a jolly roger, and her seat at dinner had been stabbed with a knife.

Detective was dealing with his own doubts. His son was having nightmares and so Grady told Everly that they could only be friends. Conveniently, Matt (the hot EMT) immediately asked her out. She likes Matt and thinks he's attractive so agreed to go out with him. And of course Grady sees them together and doesn't like it. So he of course changes his mind and finally makes their relationship official.

Everly was working on renovations of her centuries old Victorian mansion and discovered a hidden room behind the bookshelf. Lou was the legendary man who had owned her house, and she realized he was also the sad man of the legend, as he couldn't be with Maggie, his love. In the hidden room Everly found all the letters from Maggie to Lou, and she realized that the letters were the Sad Man's treasure, not actual gold or jewels.

She had sent texts to Grady and Amelia (her BFF) to come look at what she had found. Coincidentally she had also been in the 3rd floor attic and found a truck of what looked to be Maggie's clothes. And Everly put on this long white gown. And then lounged in it for awhile. Cause that's what people do, put on really old dresses that probably smell and/or don't fit perfectly and then just hang out in them. Whatever. She's back in the attic when she hears a noise. Someone has broken into her house (again) and they are coming for her.

The bad guy was a man named Finn. He owned a bookstore in Kitty Hawk, and his uncle was courting Clara. Finn was determined to find the treasure and killed Dixie to get the books/maps to keep her from finding it first. He chased Everly onto the roof of the house where a small widow's walk was all that kept her from going off the edge. She was pushed and fell and hit her head, giving her a concussion and a major cut. Her arm had already been dislocated when she was going through the trapdoor and he tried to yank her back down.

But the spirit of Lou and Maggie (now in the seagull and cat) distracted Finn and got Grady to where he needed to be to arrest Finn and get Everly help.

The story ends with the election for town Mayor and they are all thrilled when Fran wins. And Clara was asked to set up a Charm Town chapter of the historical society so both sisters seem needed and busy and happy.

I liked the story. I do think too much of these stories are starting to focus more on the supernatural and the 'swan family curse' and ghosts. These are cute little murder mysteries and I don't think throwing in those tangents is necessary or needed.

Also, it is a little annoying when Everly is always complaining and worrying about her weight, and *horror* she's a size 12 now. I mean, yes, she's not a stick skinny size 2 lead that is common in tv/movies/books that we're used to reading about. But I have a hard time picturing a size 12 being 'overweight'. Just my own minor little gripe. Otherwise another fun story in the series.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the seaside café series. It is time for the annual harvest festival and the upcoming mayoral election. Everly is doing what she can to help Aunt Fran win the election. A murder occurs at the walking tour event in Charm. Naturally Everly is the one who finds the body with her name etched in the dirt next to the body. Now she thinks she is being stalked by a ghost sailor. Detective Grady Hayes is not happy when Everly inserts herself in the investigation, but she is determined to find out who is threatening her.

I absolutely loved this book. Bree Baker has created a wonderful town that I wish I could visit. The characters are warm and inviting. I love the quirkiness of Everly's aunts. I love Everly and Grady together. That ending was perfect. And little Denver is always lovable. A five star read. I can't wait to read more. I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun seasonal Halloween cozy mystery taking place in Charm, North Carolina.
This is the fifth book in the Seaside Cafe Mystery series. Though I haven't read the others and I do need to I don't feel like I'm not able to keep up with the story presented.
Everly Swan is closing her iced tea shop early to help her aunts with their annual haunted historic walking tour. Now Charm really gets into the Halloween spirit. Everly expects some spooky shenanigans but then a costumed actor turns up dead and she's the prime suspect because the victim scratches Everly's name into the ground before her death.
Then characters were well thought out and believable, the plot had me guessing right til the end.

Published December 29th 2020 by Poisoned Pen Press
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Brooke Blogs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closely Harbored Secrets is another fantastic book in the Seaside Cafe Mystery series, and I don't think I've ever wanted to move to Charm, NC more. Everly finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer once again when they suspect she has a map they want...which would lead them to buried treasure. Between Aunt Fran's mayoral campaign, Amelia's book launch, the Ghost walk, and even-more-confusing-than-normal love life, Everly finds herself stretched thin and struggling to juggle it all. So of course, in the midst of all that, she is the first one to find the body of Dixie Wetherill.

I loved that this was set around Halloween - it was the perfect book to pick up as I'm feeling super fall-ish right now. I really liked that we spent some time in Kitty Hawk as well - it was neat to see Everly out of Charm. I loved the ghost story elements and the light paranormal that have Everly questioning if ghosts really do exist. The buried treasure possibility added a fun twist and increased the suspect list. The storyline was great and, as with earlier books in the series, I found myself reading this one slowly to make it last. With each book, I'm getting nearer to the end of the series, and I'm not quite ready to let Everly, Grady, Aunt Fran, Aunt Clara, Amelia, and the rest of Charm go.

If you are looking for a perfect seasonal cozy for fall, this is it! While I can't recommend reading the whole series in order to really get a feel for the characters and setting, you would be able to read this as a stand-alone. Be sure to have a glass of iced tea near when you pick this up...Everly will have you craving one of her signature blends in no time.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Located in the barrier islands of North Carolina the small town of Charm has become less than charming. There has been a murder and a tea cafe owner, Everly Swan, is in danger because the killer thinks she has a valuable map. There are also rumors of ghosts sightings near her cafe and she frequently feels like she is being watched. Add to that is the fact that her aunt is a victim of mudslinging in her race for mayor and her romantic life is shaky.

I really enjoy this series. It has a great setting, likeable and relatable characters, a bit of humor and an interesting mystery. Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite in the series so far!
Halloween season at Charm. With the election looming a gruesome discovery during the annual ghost walk started a chain of events that were just the right amount of spooky.
My heart broke and swelled with Everly during this story and that ending has me eagar for the next book!

[Daijah · Rating 5 out of 5]

actual rating: 4.5/5 stars

read for summerween 2024: vlog coming soon

i love this series and the fact we got a halloween edition made me so happy