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Lucy McGuffin, Psychic Amateur Detective #4
Stranger Danger
Lucy is a human lie-detector. Her rescue dog Paco is a ghost whisperer. Together, they solve crime in this laugh-out-loud cozy mystery series!
When world-famous, highly reclusive author J.W. Quicksilver chooses a local book club for his first public appearance, the residents of Whispering Bay have trouble containing their excitement. That is until he’s found murdered. But things are not always what they seem. It turns out that the dead man wasn’t J.W. Quicksilver after all, but a shifty conman who’d been running a publishing scam leaving a mile-long trail of victims.
When the real J.W. Quicksilver becomes the prime suspect in the murder, he turns to Lucy for help. And then the FBI gets involved, causing the local cops to issue an ultimatum. Now, Lucy and her little rescue dog Paco have less than twenty-four hours to find the real killer before a big secret turns all their lives upside down.
Can Lucy find the killer, protect the real J.W. Quicksilver’s identity, and finally choose between the two men in her life? Who knew book clubs could be so dangerous?
NOTE: This book was previously published under the name Maria Geraci
When world-famous, highly reclusive author J.W. Quicksilver chooses a local book club for his first public appearance, the residents of Whispering Bay have trouble containing their excitement. That is until he’s found murdered. But things are not always what they seem. It turns out that the dead man wasn’t J.W. Quicksilver after all, but a shifty conman who’d been running a publishing scam leaving a mile-long trail of victims.
When the real J.W. Quicksilver becomes the prime suspect in the murder, he turns to Lucy for help. And then the FBI gets involved, causing the local cops to issue an ultimatum. Now, Lucy and her little rescue dog Paco have less than twenty-four hours to find the real killer before a big secret turns all their lives upside down.
Can Lucy find the killer, protect the real J.W. Quicksilver’s identity, and finally choose between the two men in her life? Who knew book clubs could be so dangerous?
NOTE: This book was previously published under the name Maria Geraci
- GenresMysteryParanormal
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2019
237 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Maggie March
23 books103 followersLooking for your next addictive cozy mystery series? Maggie March delivers heartwarming whodunits that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Her stories blend clever mysteries with humor and just enough romance to make your heart flutter.
She brings the same warmth and humor from her close-knit family life – complete with a very patient husband, three grown children, two granddaughters, and one grumpy old pup – into her engaging mysteries that readers describe as "impossible to put down."
When she's not plotting her next murder mystery, you'll find Maggie at her favorite beachside café in Central Florida, testing yet another key lime pie in her quest for the perfect recipe.
Maggie loves hearing from her readers. You can write to her at maggie@maggiemarch.com
Maggie also writes heart-warming small-town contemporary romance as her alter ego Maria Geraci.
She brings the same warmth and humor from her close-knit family life – complete with a very patient husband, three grown children, two granddaughters, and one grumpy old pup – into her engaging mysteries that readers describe as "impossible to put down."
When she's not plotting her next murder mystery, you'll find Maggie at her favorite beachside café in Central Florida, testing yet another key lime pie in her quest for the perfect recipe.
Maggie loves hearing from her readers. You can write to her at maggie@maggiemarch.com
Maggie also writes heart-warming small-town contemporary romance as her alter ego Maria Geraci.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 17, 2019
“Stranger Danger” kept me engaged until the end. There are so many twists that the reader is anxious to find the real culprit. Paco keeps doing his job although he was not as involved as in some previous books. Geraci writes an entertaining story
December 1, 2019
My most favorite parts is the funny parts, I love being able to laugh, And trying to solve a mystery.Such a great read and I love this book.
November 20, 2019
Maria Geraci does it again with a cozy mystery set in Whispering Bay, Florida with Lucy, the human lie detector and her dog, Paco, who is a ghost whisperer. Throw in the local law enforcement, including one who is a love interest for Lucy, some FBI, a reclusive author, a book club, her best friend Will, who is another love interest, her brother who is a priest and many others and we get a rich cast of characters.
Lucy's cafe, The Bistro by the Beach, which she co-owns with her friend Sarah, tempts us once again with her divine muffins even if her rival's bakery tries to pull out all the stops and give her a run for her money, or not! It was nice to return to the small town and I liked how previous stories in the series, all involving murder of course, were brought up, mentioned in passing or reminisced about. It really tied the books together since this is the fourth book and definitely not the last book in the series.
There were twists and turns to the story as I tried to figure out whodunit. Lucy and Paco were once again front and center throughout a body was found, clues were gathered and suspects were interviewed even if not by the police or FBI. There was some playfulness and sometimes the book was more serious, but I definitely kept turning the pages to see what would happen next. There was nice closure with Lucy's love interest chosen and some hints of what is to come in the next book in the series, Two Seances and a Funeral. I can't wait to read it.
Ms. Geraci is an author whose books I enjoy reading whether in the romance or mystery genre. Give her books a try if you haven't already.
Lucy's cafe, The Bistro by the Beach, which she co-owns with her friend Sarah, tempts us once again with her divine muffins even if her rival's bakery tries to pull out all the stops and give her a run for her money, or not! It was nice to return to the small town and I liked how previous stories in the series, all involving murder of course, were brought up, mentioned in passing or reminisced about. It really tied the books together since this is the fourth book and definitely not the last book in the series.
There were twists and turns to the story as I tried to figure out whodunit. Lucy and Paco were once again front and center throughout a body was found, clues were gathered and suspects were interviewed even if not by the police or FBI. There was some playfulness and sometimes the book was more serious, but I definitely kept turning the pages to see what would happen next. There was nice closure with Lucy's love interest chosen and some hints of what is to come in the next book in the series, Two Seances and a Funeral. I can't wait to read it.
Ms. Geraci is an author whose books I enjoy reading whether in the romance or mystery genre. Give her books a try if you haven't already.
November 20, 2019
Loved this book. Loves this series. Ms. Geraci has done it again in Stranger Danger Book 4.
I couldn’t put this book down. There is someone in the town of Whispering Bay impersonating an author. It happens to be a person Lucy knows well. When she meets the imposter she is mad to find out what’s really going on, and turns to Travis. But when she and her sweet pup dog Paco are smack dab in the middle of another dead body. She doesn’t know who did it, but won’t stop until she finds that person. Travis doesn’t like it one bit. Especially when he sees her coming out of the interrogation room.
This is my favorite scene.
It’s also some of my favorite lines and here they are-
“You know me. I brought muffins to the station. Our police work so hard. We have to keep them motivated.” I pump my fist in the air for emphasis.”
Travis doesn’t buy it. Did you just come out of the interrogation room?”
“what?” I ask, playing innocent. “Is it around here somewhere?”
Don’t think for a minute that either Billings or I buy that lost lamb routine of yours. What are you really doing here?”
“Talk about ingrates. Next time I’ll bring my muffins to the fire department”.
Amazing book I highly recommend it. You will be at the edge of your seat.
Also a surprise twist between Lucy, Will and Travis.
Buy the book to see what happens...
Loved every minute of it.
I couldn’t put this book down. There is someone in the town of Whispering Bay impersonating an author. It happens to be a person Lucy knows well. When she meets the imposter she is mad to find out what’s really going on, and turns to Travis. But when she and her sweet pup dog Paco are smack dab in the middle of another dead body. She doesn’t know who did it, but won’t stop until she finds that person. Travis doesn’t like it one bit. Especially when he sees her coming out of the interrogation room.
This is my favorite scene.
It’s also some of my favorite lines and here they are-
“You know me. I brought muffins to the station. Our police work so hard. We have to keep them motivated.” I pump my fist in the air for emphasis.”
Travis doesn’t buy it. Did you just come out of the interrogation room?”
“what?” I ask, playing innocent. “Is it around here somewhere?”
Don’t think for a minute that either Billings or I buy that lost lamb routine of yours. What are you really doing here?”
“Talk about ingrates. Next time I’ll bring my muffins to the fire department”.
Amazing book I highly recommend it. You will be at the edge of your seat.
Also a surprise twist between Lucy, Will and Travis.
Buy the book to see what happens...
Loved every minute of it.
November 24, 2019
Another hilarious murder mystery from the pen(?), computer(?), imagination of Maria Geraci. What was once known as the safest town in America, has experienced a spat of murderers, all solved by human lie detector, Lucy McGuffin, the muffin baker and her little dog, Paco. Lucy has been picking up the vibe, that the people closest to her are lying to her, people who have never lied to her before and know that she can tell when they do. When a con artist comes to town, claiming to be mysterious author, J. W. Quicksilver, Lucy doesn't need her powers to know that he is a con artist, since she knows who J. W Quicksilver's real identity is: Will Cunningham, her best friend, who she has been in love with since she was 7. She tells her other love interest, policeman Travis Fontaine about her suspicions, but he doesn't believe in her abilities, or Paco's. However, he cares enough about Lucy to check out the suspect. After several residents have been conned out of their money, the con artist is found dead- waiting at Betty Jean's house for Book Club. Now Lucy not only has to find the real killer, before Will's identity is revealed, but she also has to make a decision about her true feelings about Will and Travis. Who will she pick?
November 18, 2019
This series of cozy mysteries is so hilarious, I laughed out loud! Stranger Danger is full of snappy dialog, quirky characters, madcap situations and a murder mystery to boot. Lucy bakes muffins for her Bistro but she ends up deep in intrigue and murder in each book. This time, reclusive author J.W. Quicksilver is due to make his first public appearance in little old Whispering Bay, Florida. The head of the book club is beside herself, but Lucy smells a rat. And with her special talent as a "human lie detector", she along with her clever dog Paco who finds dead bodies, are the perfect team to solve the mystery. This time she has special incentive since her best friend might be charged with the murder! The plot is so full of fun and adventure, you will not want to put the book down until you finish it. Trust me. And the great characters of the beach town all return. I loved it.
November 17, 2019
Oh boy, do I love the Maria Geraci books about Whispering Bay. There are several but they certainly can be read as standalones. If you have read any of the previous murder books, it is fun to continue to read about this little town in Florida. Lucy owns a bakery specializing in mouthwatering muffins. Her dog is a cadaver finder and in each book, he finds the body. These are fun mysteries and I love figuring out “who dun it” in these books. They are very light reading and most of the time can be read in one sitting. Love all the continuing characters, and must say I am glad that Lucy has chosen between her two male friends! Can’t wait for the next story about the fun group of people and their charming little town!
November 21, 2019
I was highly anticipating Stranger Danger, the 4th book in the series, and it did not disappoint.
Lucy is an amature sluth, master muffin creator, loyal best friend and a local legend in Whispering Bay.
When she find out J.W. Winchester is coming to town she cant wait to catch an imposter in the act. Will she be able to prove he's an imposter and keep everyone in town alive?
If you love cozy mysteries with strong and determined female leads, laugh out loud scenes, a heartwarming love story, and a story that will keep you guessing what will happen next, and a human lie detector then I highly recommend The Whispering Bay Mystery Series by Author Maria Geraci.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to express my own and honest opinion of this story.
If you enjoy stories
Lucy is an amature sluth, master muffin creator, loyal best friend and a local legend in Whispering Bay.
When she find out J.W. Winchester is coming to town she cant wait to catch an imposter in the act. Will she be able to prove he's an imposter and keep everyone in town alive?
If you love cozy mysteries with strong and determined female leads, laugh out loud scenes, a heartwarming love story, and a story that will keep you guessing what will happen next, and a human lie detector then I highly recommend The Whispering Bay Mystery Series by Author Maria Geraci.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to express my own and honest opinion of this story.
If you enjoy stories
November 19, 2019
Enjoyed reading this addition to the Lucy & Paco adventurous mysteries in Whispering Bay. I am glad that romantically a decision was made, I've been riding the fence about it, lol. I went back and forth about that mystery but the author does a smooth job of making it the sensible choice and I can't wait to see where that goes. The identity of & the mystery surrounding the infamous J.W. Quicksilver really stirs up things. I think Lucy needs a vacation after the many twist her sleuthing has to muddle through. Never a dull moment, very entertaining and cozy. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author.
November 18, 2019
This is the best yet in the series. I am happy that Lucy makes a personal decision in this book. I am happy with who she chooses too. Pace is again an awesome dog in this book. Lucy finds another killer but like all her mysteries it takes some work to figure out who it is. Makes sense once you know why the person did it. This was another fun book to read. I can't wait for the next one.
*I received a free copy of this book via author and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
*I received a free copy of this book via author and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
November 22, 2019
There's always a twist. Intrigue takes a humorous turn in a sweetheart of a town. Geraci stirs up trouble with her own brand of over the top suspense. Stranger Danger will have your emotions all over the place. Lucy and Paco are different kind of investigative duo. They don't go looking for the trouble that never ceases to find them. With murder on the menu and danger on the horizon, life is forever interesting in Whispering Bay.
November 21, 2019
Nobody combines humor, suspense and romance and muffins quite the way Maria Geraci does. I love the Whispering Bay Mystery series. She keeps you guessing in the romance department as well. I highly recommend this book
May 20, 2025
Lucy is at the height of her pushiness in this book because she keeps wanting Will to out himself as J.W. Quicksilver at what she considers the best moment. She is so hellbent on outing the phony author and she doesn’t really consider Wills feelings and why he wants to remain anonymous. It’s not until the imposter is murdered that she understands that Will revealing himself wouldn’t be a great idea because it would leave him as the prime suspect 😒 Lucy decides she has to figure out who the real murderer is before Wills identity as the author is uncovered. I liked that this book wrapped up the love triangle aspect and Lucy decides who she wants to date. I don’t love when Lucy knows someone is lying 🤥 and just lets it slide 🛝 because I would be calling them out left and right 🤭 but overall this was an okay read but not my favorite in the book series 📚 I might take a break here and explore other cozy mysteries 🕵🏼♀️
October 6, 2024
wow.. seriously Travis!?!?!
As this series progresses I like Travis less and less. His inability to believe Lucy as she tells him the truth really grinds my gears! Someone who was like that about something so fundamentally unchangeable about me, would not even be an option romantically.
Love that the ending on this one didn’t present as a traditional cliffy!
On to the next one!
As this series progresses I like Travis less and less. His inability to believe Lucy as she tells him the truth really grinds my gears! Someone who was like that about something so fundamentally unchangeable about me, would not even be an option romantically.
Love that the ending on this one didn’t present as a traditional cliffy!
On to the next one!
August 17, 2023
Great story!
I love it when Lucy catches the killer and it's also nice that she decides to date the Sheriff. She and Will had a great friendship, which they decide is enough, and Travis tells her he's going to be the new sheriff in town. It's a happy ending for everyone, except the killer.
I love it when Lucy catches the killer and it's also nice that she decides to date the Sheriff. She and Will had a great friendship, which they decide is enough, and Travis tells her he's going to be the new sheriff in town. It's a happy ending for everyone, except the killer.
October 9, 2025
Not Always What You Think.
The greatest muffin maker, Lucy, figures out another murder. Only her best friend and love of her life, could be the one who committed the act. He isn't at the library, where he works, and does not answer his phone.
I enjoy reading Maggie March books. If you like a bit of a mystery with some humor included. Then these are for you.
The greatest muffin maker, Lucy, figures out another murder. Only her best friend and love of her life, could be the one who committed the act. He isn't at the library, where he works, and does not answer his phone.
I enjoy reading Maggie March books. If you like a bit of a mystery with some humor included. Then these are for you.
November 4, 2025
I am LOVING this series! Oftentimes, a series starts off with a bang and then fizzles, but this one just keeps getting better! I love the characters. I love the mysteries. I love the hint of romance. I love the comedy. I love the setting. I love the dog. Seriously, I haven't found anything I don't love about this book or this series. I highly recommend.
October 5, 2023
Fun Read
There are always surprises when Lucy is around. Her ability as a human lie detector makes it easy for her to find out interesting things about people. She finds out someone's most well kept secret in this book.
There are always surprises when Lucy is around. Her ability as a human lie detector makes it easy for her to find out interesting things about people. She finds out someone's most well kept secret in this book.
November 1, 2023
Another murder to solve
Lucy and Paco need to solve the murder of the author who came to town. He wasn't the real author and was trying to scam people. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Lucy and Paco need to solve the murder of the author who came to town. He wasn't the real author and was trying to scam people. I'm looking forward to the next book.
February 1, 2024
Lucy is just hilarious! Had a great time reading this one. I laughed, I gasped, I had a hard time putting it down. Things took turns I didn't expect. Very happy I stumbled upon this series. I'm excited for the next one!
October 2, 2025
Twisted tales
This was even better than the last episode! Just when it seemed that all the town was getting to meet the author that had been garnering rave reviews there is a totally unexpected happening that you will be amazed to read about. Keep reading for a great tale!
This was even better than the last episode! Just when it seemed that all the town was getting to meet the author that had been garnering rave reviews there is a totally unexpected happening that you will be amazed to read about. Keep reading for a great tale!
October 15, 2025
Lucy shines as a compelling protagonist, bringing depth and nuance to the series with her captivating storyline and dynamic personality. Her character development is truly engaging and adds significant richness to the narrative.
September 15, 2021
finally the love triangle is solved!
I love these books. Makes me want to be part of a small town. This book also makes me want to bake muffins.
I love these books. Makes me want to be part of a small town. This book also makes me want to bake muffins.
November 18, 2021
Very entertaining series!
January 27, 2023
Loved this book. Lucy does it again, and figures out the killer.
September 16, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book and I think the series is excellent. The cozies are well-written, and the characters are likeable. Looking forward to the next book. Recommend reading.
February 25, 2023
Another fun Lucy detective novel - can't get enough of this series!
November 22, 2019
I am not ashamed to admit it, I have loved every story that has taken place in Whispering Bay. No matter rather it was romance or cozy mystery, I have loved them all including the latest by Maria Geraci, Stranger Danger, Whispering Bay Mystery #4. I love Lucy, wishing I could stop in her bakery for muffins and I simply adore Paco.
Of course, there is a murder again in this small town but for me that wasn’t the biggest suspense. That is solved by the end with Lucy and Paco’s help. The biggest mystery for me is does Lucy chose Will or Travis. At the end of each book I think I know but then it changes again. Also the author gives the reader inside information on who J. W. Quicksilver is but does the town find out, is also a keep reading suspense for me..
Fans of cozy mysteries will love Lucy, family, friends and quirky town residents if they haven’t already discovered this series. As for me, I’ll read anything Marci Geraci writes. Don’t know this author personally, never met her but I am so glad that I discovered her books. Always a smile on my face when I finish one of her books.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Of course, there is a murder again in this small town but for me that wasn’t the biggest suspense. That is solved by the end with Lucy and Paco’s help. The biggest mystery for me is does Lucy chose Will or Travis. At the end of each book I think I know but then it changes again. Also the author gives the reader inside information on who J. W. Quicksilver is but does the town find out, is also a keep reading suspense for me..
Fans of cozy mysteries will love Lucy, family, friends and quirky town residents if they haven’t already discovered this series. As for me, I’ll read anything Marci Geraci writes. Don’t know this author personally, never met her but I am so glad that I discovered her books. Always a smile on my face when I finish one of her books.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 21, 2019
When is enough enough?
Another fab read in the series. She becoming more centred, even if more confused about her love life. Whilst Paco is as smooth, debonair and self assured as always. The plot is based on a con. A con based on the fact that Will hasn't revealed his status as a famous author. Now a fake author has agreed to do a book signing and has arrived with his PA. However she gets suspicious when she finds out that wannabe authors are handing over money to have their work 'published'. When the fake author is found dead, the real author is wanted for questioning. Can she solve who is the killer before Will has to confess to his celebrity status?
Okay i guessed the identity early on but not the motive. A nice slick plot and the way her normal life is interwoven into the plot is great. From her 'fake' boyfriend, her kiss with Will, her partners new venture with her nemesis and of course Paco.
Another fab read in the series. She becoming more centred, even if more confused about her love life. Whilst Paco is as smooth, debonair and self assured as always. The plot is based on a con. A con based on the fact that Will hasn't revealed his status as a famous author. Now a fake author has agreed to do a book signing and has arrived with his PA. However she gets suspicious when she finds out that wannabe authors are handing over money to have their work 'published'. When the fake author is found dead, the real author is wanted for questioning. Can she solve who is the killer before Will has to confess to his celebrity status?
Okay i guessed the identity early on but not the motive. A nice slick plot and the way her normal life is interwoven into the plot is great. From her 'fake' boyfriend, her kiss with Will, her partners new venture with her nemesis and of course Paco.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews