Donuts, Deception, and Death

by Eloise Brightly

Daisy Elliot doesn’t expect to end up embroiled in a murder mystery. She’s the owner of a bed & breakfast just minutes from the beach, but her neighbor opened a new B&B and used Daisy’s business name as her own. Daisy believes kindness and talking can solve everything. She’s ready to brew up a cup of tea and sit down to discuss the problem...until her neighbor ends up murdered.With the spotlight on Daisy, she needs to solve this crime, or she’ll end up behind bars. Pure grit and determination lead Daisy to focus on those closest to the victim. But when Daisy gets too close, the perpetrator lashes out, putting Daisy in harm’s way.A web of half-truths and outright deceptions keep Daisy in the dark. Will she end up lost, or can she find the truth?

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Fiction, Ebooks, Cozy, Mystery Thriller

189 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2021

Reviews

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Normally I enjoy a good cozy mystery but this one just aggravated me. I disliked Daisy right from the very beginning and the conversations between her and Detective Thomas were just annoying and the language used just didn’t feel natural. I did love Mr. Mittens!

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Donuts, Deception & Death is a quick, light read with an idyllic setting and a layered plot. In true cozy mystery fashion, the victim is completely unlikable (this one even more than most, in my opinion) and you’re not sad that she’s the one killed off. We can explore the deeper psychological issues around that reaction later lol. (I mean… come on. Running a B&B right next door to hers with basically the same name? Among other things). On the other hand, I instantly felt sympathy for Daisy, for having to deal with her awful neighbor who is stealing her business and damaging her reputation, and I liked her a lot as a protagonist. It doesn’t hurt that Daisy stands in stark contrast to Shania, likable in all the ways that Shania isn’t – and then some. I also enjoyed the addition of swoony detective Tanner Thomas, because when I have not enjoyed the introduction of a spark-filled romantic possibility?

There were a couple of things that took me out of the reading a bit, though. Mainly, it just needed a little tighter editing. Particularly at the beginning of the book, the narrative felt like it hopped around a bit without good transition or focus, but this improved as the story progressed. Additionally, some reactions seemed over the top or without solid reason, and (along those lines) the romantic connection between Tanner & Daisy felt too quick or too surface or something. I can’t quite put my finger on what didn’t ring true to me about their chemistry – and again, this gets better as the book goes on. In fact, there are a couple of lines that he says to her at the end that had me all a’swoon.

Bottom Line: Donuts, Deception & Death brings a charming setting, interesting characters, and a plethora of suspects to the cozy mystery table. The plot will keep you guessing as the death count keeps rising, and you’ll be rooting for Daisy to solve the case (and to kiss Tanner haha). Yummy baked goods, two loyal cats, and Daisy’s siblings all add to the enjoyment factor in the story. If you’re looking for a cute, light read for your evening or weekend, make sure you check this one out!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Reviewer’s Note: Readers may want to be aware that there is some mild cursing scattered throughout the book, as well as a couple of profanities and (sometimes borderline-crude) discussion of adult situations.

[Nevena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐

I enjoyed reading, the story was completely relaxed.
I liked how it all took place in a small town, where everyone 'knows' everyone. The relationship between Daisy and Detective Tanner Thomas was very interesting and cute.
I guessed who the bad guy was in this story, although I expected it to be some big turnaround, as if someone very close to her was actually involved in all these events.
Anyway, the story is interesting, refreshing and attention-grabbing.

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

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is going to sound harsh but as I read this book the phrase "You get what you pay for" kept going through my mind. But that being said I fully intend to buy the next book in the series.
The plot and the main characters are mostly good and I want to read more about Daisy and her B&B, but there is a lot of inconsistencies and "extras" added to the book that are not needed to tell the story. There needs to be some really good editing to polish the book up.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily leaving my review.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donuts, Deception and Death is the beginning of a cozy mystery series by Eloise Brightly that takes place in Paradise Beach. It's a nice little coastal island paradise of where vacationers like to come especially during the summer to spend time and just relax. The story starts off promising enough with Daisy wondering exactly who she's going to deal with the situation of her problematic neighbor. Emphasis on problematic. I mean...who comes into town, buys property next door to a B&B, and then decides to start a "rival" one and use the same name?! All arrows point to someone who is intent on starting up some serious problems that aren't going to go away anytime soon. But it seems Daisy wants to take the high road...okay. But then...things turn sour when Shania ends up dead. Yikes!
For whatever reason, I managed to forget that this book was the first in a series. Honestly, it doesn't read like a first. It reads like everything is pretty much established and then there's a new sheriff in town. I get that this is a small island town and that the community is close-knit, but I would have liked some more...description. As it's written, readers are just thrown out there and piece certain aspects of the story together. I really wanted to like Daisy, but I while I get that this is a cozy mystery...she just comes off as weak to me. I wanted her to be stronger...more of a go-getter. I don't know very many who just roll over if someone came in and stole their business name and was creating problems. But Daisy keeps deferring on handling things.
A lot of decisions and things that Daisy does don't really make sense in this book either. Her wearing a dress and the author pointing out the details and the potential meanings behind it? Odd to say the least. I doubt the characters would have seen it that way. There are quite a few details that are made to seem important...but they literally fall by the wayside. I kept holding out some hope for a spark of romance between Daisy and the sheriff, but there's just a bit too much angst going on there.
The "reveal" is more than a little jaw-dropping for me. I couldn't believe this character had done so many horrible things. I was well and truly shocked. I wanted more from this book overall, but it's not that bad when you get down to it. The author does a good job at keeping me page-turning so that's a plus for this book at the end of the day.
I'm rating this book 4 out of 5 stars. I really wanted to like this book more, but Daisy's character needs some serious work. I'm hopeful that the next book will have more structure, fewer "red-herrings" and that Daisy will become stronger and smarter as a character.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a new author to me. I would have given a higher rating but at times I felt lost, almost as if I had missed a book preceding this one, even though this was a first book of the series. I didn't really get engaged with the protagonists and while the mystery was well plotted I had trouble staying interested in the story.

Daisy runs a B & B in a small idyllic town. But Murder threatens the towns-folks peace of mind. Since Daisy doesn't feel the detective is doing his job she sets out to do it for him.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Daisy has had alot of bad things happen to her but she doesn't let that get her down and believes you can solve any problem by talking it over tea even though those around her don't. She's not your typical confident lead character and it sometimes makes you wonder how she's gonna get this murder solved. I loved the plot twists and turns. Looking forward to what happens next in Paradise Beach.

[Perrin Larton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know cozy mysteries many times make you suspend belief...but this one was over the top. Not once, not twice, but three times, Daisy chose not follow the advice of the investigating officer to stay off the case. She bumbles and fumbles around, possibly contaminating evidence, and, for sure allowing the murderer to know she's 'investigating'. She put herself in danger. Every time she's about to 'investigate' she thinks perhaps she should call the officer in charge and report what she sees. Every time she doesn't do it. OK...this is a cozy and these things happen.

I was really bothered by things that should not have been ignored. The father of one of the victims, Abigail, is a 'secret', except the reader is clued in on his paternity very early on. When the chapter revealing who the father is comes up...I was confused and went back to reread the revelation I remembered from much earlier in the book. Hmmmm.

Another instance was the scene of the breaking and entering into Mariam's house, where Daisy goes in, breaks a nail and picks up the broken nail, touches everything in the house, picks up a brooch, and as she's leaving the house she takes off her gloves? Again I went back and tried to find the notation that she'd DONNED gloves. Nope...not there.

There were way too many 'things' going on. The beginning of a romance between Daisy and Detective Tanner Thomas, except they didn't seem to like each other much. Well maybe in a Jr. High kind of way. Weird. High heels that broke. Two different broken nails. A Corpse Flower. A dead dog. I kept thinking these would be instrumental in the plot, but they weren't. Daisy's general ditsyness made me wonder how she could even follow a murder investigation.

Three stars because the author WROTE A BOOK. Everyone should be given credit for having an idea and putting it on paper. It's difficult and I admire anyone who can do this. The story had good bones and it just had way too many 'defies belief' moments.

[Andra Weis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Donuts, Deception, and Death is the first book in the new Paradise Beach Cozy Mystery series by Eloise Brightly. This book is a light cozy read with interesting characters (Daisy and her sister Dianne to name but a couple) and a “whodunit” that will keep you guessing.

The crux of the story is that Daisy owns and has run for more than four years a quaint B&B, Ocean Walk Boulevard B&B, and her next door neighbour Shania has just recently opened her own B&B - Ocean Walk Bed and Breakfast! The audacity of that woman naming her new establishment the same (essentially) as Daisy’s business! But Daisy, being mild mannered, wants to try and solve this problem with as little fuss as possible (unlike her sister and brother who wanted her to see a lawyer). Before a meeting can take place, Shania turns up dead! And given the animosity (and some items found at the scene of the crime), it seems that Daisy is the prime suspect of the handsome Detective Tanner Thomas. And we all know what that means - Daisy must put on her amateur sleuthing hat to solve the mystery of whodunit before she is arrested.

As Daisy sifts through all the possibilities, we get to meet various townspeople (including her sister and brother). We also get to know Daisy’s live-ins - two cats named Mr. Mittens and Doc. Daisy frequently talks with the cats to bounce ideas off. I loved that the rooms were known by the colour of their door - green room, lavender room, orange room, blue room and red room. Ingenious I say 
Weaving through the myriad of potential killers, we get a sense of Paradise Shores. I must say, some of the characters were odd. And the interconnectedness of many of the residents… interesting is all I am going to say.

I did find the story transitions a wee bit choppy when moving from one scene to another. However, nothing too serious as to interfere with my enjoyment of Ms. Brightly’s storytelling.

Happy to report that I did not figure out “whodunit” until close to the end - just the way I like my cozy mystery reads. And not surprisingly, a bit of a romance (or at least the start of a romance) was thrown in as well - an added bonus for those of us who like romance and mystery all in one book :)

If you enjoy interesting amateur sleuths (with strong family connections), a couple of cats, a dead person no one seemed to like, annoying law enforcement and a bunch of potential suspects you need to weed through…along with a wonderfully described location - then I suggest picking up Donuts, Deception, and Death for your next cozy read.

[Tam Sesto · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Donuts, Deception, and Death by Eloise Brightly, Daisy runs a B&B on the island of Paradise Shores. Her neighbor, Shania has been murdered and Daisy is the top suspect as Shania had stolen her business name and some of her customers.

The book is well written and very enjoyable. I liked how the author detailed Daisy’s sadness over the loss of her husband, even though it was 6 years ago. You could feel the broken heart and pain Daisy was still carrying around. Too many cozy mysteries just skim the subject with a line or two about the protagonist losing her husband. Parts of the mystery reads like a romance novel with two people meeting, fighting, and falling in love. Again, the author wrote it in such a way that it didn’t take away from the mystery and in some ways enhanced it.

My only complaint about the book is that the father of one of the characters was supposedly a secret that no one knew about, including Daisy. Yet early on in the book, the Daisy mentions that the person is the father of the character. Huh?

My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daisy has survived a lot of tragedy but continues to remain a rather optimistic upbeat person. It is this rosy view on the world that keeps her from confronting her horrible neighbor and facing other difficult situations. I will admit this characteristic turned me off to her a bit. Meek and mild does not make for a good protagonist. Thankfully, Daisy is able to come out of her shell to investigate the murder after realizing she might end up being arrested herself. Still, while Daisy remains a quite naïve character and puts herself in several precarious positions, she remains someone the reader roots for! By the end of the book, I wished it were longer. I wanted scenes to be more fleshed out, more details, and less of an abrupt transition between events. But, I think there is more to Daisy and Paradise Beach and I want to read about!

Thanks to the author and Cozy Mystery Review Crew for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.

[Meesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a first in the series this book has quite a backstory. It’ll be interesting to read the next book in line to see where it goes.
Daisy, who runs a quaint B&B, is the main character in this story. She’s had a tragedy in her life that continues to keep her single. At least until a crazy murder happens to her next door neighbor Shania who also owns a B&B and who named it basically the same as Daisy’s! Officer Thomas seems to be investigating more than just a murder with Daisy! Especially when another person who is actually a friend of Daisy’s is murdered as well.
The characters are interesting and Daisy is definitely in over her head when trying to solve the murders. It’s an easy read and keeps you interested but there are some aspects of both Daisy and Officer Thomas that I wasn’t sure if either were going to make it to the end!

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful debut to the Paradise Beach Series from new-to-me author Eloise Brightly with a fast-paced, easy-to-read cozy that caused me to instantly fall in love with this book and kept me glued to this page-turner until I read the last word. I really liked Daisy Elliott, owner of a bed and breakfast just minutes from the beach and enjoyed her dynamic with the other characters, especially Detective Tanner Thomas, her sister Dianne and brother David. If you enjoy cozies with twists, secrets, a bit of humor, and a touch of maybe a budding romance set in a sleepy little beach town, "Donuts, Deception, and Death" is a perfect read for you. I look forward to more adventures from this entertaining new series. I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Kara Marks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in a cozy mystery series and it’s an interesting, if slow, start. I like the protagonist, Daisy, although she seems like she’s much fresher in her grief since losing her husband, not 6 years along. I like the aspect of her running a bed and breakfast, but she has so little backbone when her nasty neighbor opens a bed and breakfast with a strikingly similar name, that it makes me wonder how she could run a business. I found the book really tedious at times, and I think it needed better editing. The story probably should have been tightened to about 2/3 of its length or less, in my opinion. I love cozy mysteries, and although this series could show promise, this first book wasn’t my favorite. I was provided an arc and appreciate it; these opinions are my own.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, solid beginning to a new series. Daisy runs a B&B and her neighbor opened one too with practically the same name. Yikes! If that's not bad enough, the neighbor has all sorts of run-ins with
people in a very short time. It's no surprise when she's murdered but still...you can't just murder someone for being a jerk. Can you? LOL!! The mystery was entertaining and Daisy is very likeable. The detective is a good love interest for Daisy. While there was some rambling, things did tighten up as the book progressed. All in all, a really good read.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in a new series Donuts, Deception and Death is a bright start. Ms. Brightly's description on the villain will certainly creep you out. Daisy's family is an important part of her life and the sibling interactions read true to life. And adding to the character list Doc and Mr. Mittens up the cozy factor. Paradise Beach Seems to be an interesting place to live. Daisy's backstory turns out to be very important but not in the way you might think. I look forward to more in Paradise Beach.

[Tracy Fritts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

I thought was a delight and enjoyable to read. It had mystery, twists and turns. It was well written story. It has a good storyline. I enjoyed all the characters. It kept my interest through out the story.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off to a Good Start . . .

Daisy Elliot has run her Ocean Walk Boulevard B&B for more than four years. It keeps her busy as she makes her guests comfortable. But a new neighbor, Shania, moves in and opens a B&B of her own right next door which she names "Ocean Walk Bed and Breakfast". Daisy intends to talk to her about it, but she finds Shania dead! With finding the body and having a reason to be upset with the victim, handsome Detective Tanner Thomas is looking at Daisy for the prime suspect. Can she track down the murderer before he locks her up for a crime she did not commit?

This was a delightful cozy mystery starting off the series! The characters were intriguing, and with a fast-paced plot and mystery to tackle, the author keeps the reader avidly following along trying to figure out who did what and why! Grab your copy and join the hunt for the murderer!

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

What a fun start to a new cozy series. We meet Daisy a widow that runs her own B&B living with two adorable cats. She also makes weekly donuts for her sisters bakery that are wildly popular. Things ate going pretty good except for a new neighbor that has created a cheap knockoff of her business. This puts them at odds as well as placing Daisy as the first suspect when the woman turns up dead with her face squished into one of the spider cupcakes. Daisy starts nosing around much to the detectives dismay until she ultimately finds herself in danger. A well written cozy filled with relatable characters living in an adorable small island town that is sure to delight fans of the genre. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt bad for the main character but at the same time not. She was getting herself into the trouble and getting upset. It was an ok story kinda short.

[Wannee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Fun Cozy Mystery filled with Donuts and small town secrets!!!

Daisy Elliot has owned Ocean Walk Boulevard B&B in a Small Ocean town of Paradise Shores for over four years, she opens this B&B after the loss of her beloved husband, Travis. She is still struggling over the passing of him but with loving supports from her sister and brother, Dianne and David and her cats - Mr. Mittens and Doc she find strength and concentrate her energy on taking care of her guests and running her little business.

When her new neighbor, Shania, suddenly opens her place as "Ocean Walk Bed and Breakfast" right next door and steals Daisy's business, it's a big upset but Daily hopes to be able to discuss with Shania to resolve the issue but then Shania turns up dead and Daisy is the one who find Shania's body and also the prime suspect, Daisy needs to figure out who the murderer is before she is arrested for the crime she didn't commit.

Who is the killer, is it Mr. Daulton, the other neighbor across the street; Daisy's longtime friend, Abigail; Miriam, a 70 years old lady who works at Dianne's bakery and hates Shania; an unhappy couple who were guests at Shania's B&B or someone else in Paradise Shores? The more Daisy dig around she finds more secrets in this small town.

Shania's death also bring back rumor about the mysterious death of her-in-laws many years ago that Daisy was also a prime suspect. Dealing with the handsome Detective Tanner Thomas who seems ready to put her in jail if he can find solid evidence against her is also frustrating and very confusing for Daily. Who can she trust?

I really enjoy this book, it's entertaining, and filled with action, mystery, and some romance. The plot is filled with depth that keeps you entertained as you try to figure out the mystery. This book is a must read for cozy mystery fans. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

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

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting although tragedy filled introduction to a new series.
Small town, island life is wonderful for the tourists, but making a living there can be very difficult.
B&B owner Daisy Elliot lost her husband shortly after opening her doors. Now her neighbor is attempting to steal her customers and the odd man across the street is threatening Daisy and her cats!
Full of quirky characters and a police department who are not used to dealing with murder, Daisy finds herself defending nor only her own name but her friends from accusations of murder.
I don't want to tell you more about the plot, but that is not where the tragedy ends.
Plenty of suspects as we learn dark secrets about the island residents and their obsessions.
Can Daisy help herself from asking too many questions and placing herself in danger?
Has she recovered from her grief and betrayal to allow feelings of romantic interest to rise to the surface? Will any of it matter if a killer decides she knows too much?

We'll have to see where this series goes next.

[Bobbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually like a quick cozy mystery. It was written simply, but the kindle version does have a few editing errors in it. In an early chapter, a statement is made about a secret not revealed until halfway through the book. Another character is given 2 different names within the same 1-2 pages of the story, just paragraphs apart.

The story itself was cute and there were enough little twists to keep me guessing about who did it until near the end. This is the first book in a trilogy and I look forward to reading the other books.

Rated 3.5/5 stars and recommended for fans of cozy mysteries.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy has run a B & B for four years and now a new neighbor has opened one as well, using almost the same name and stealing her business. Before she can talk to Shania about it, she finds the lady dead and becomes the prime suspect. The storyline has some great twists and surprises, along with quirky townspeople that could also have done the deed. The story had me hooked from the beginning. The ending is great. Can not wait to read more by this author.

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

[Melissa Lowrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donuts, Deception and Death: A Cozy Murder Mystery by Eloise Brightly is the first book in the new series Paradise Beach Cozy Mystery Book. I found it to be a light, easy read with enjoyable characters. Initially I found it to be a bit difficult to become “invested” in the characters-I think I would have liked a bit more “backstory”. However, as I read further into the book I found the storyline and characters became more and more enjoyable. Overall I found it to be delightful and it will be a series I will continue to follow.

[sarasofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery set in the lovely small town of Paradise Shores. It kept me guessing all the way through and I liked the way the female main character was persistent despite her misgivings. All the mention of cakes and donuts and other sweet treats might make you hungry! A good read. Five Stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donuts, Deception, and Death is the first book in the Paradise Beach Cozy Mystery series and is a fantastic start to this series. This is the first book I have read by this author and I loved it! The characters are likable and relatable. The story is well written and engaging, with family, felines, murder, mystery, and a touch of romance. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.

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

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a book from this author but I am hooked now. What can I say the characters are on point for me and I have to say the storyline was amazing. Lets face it who doesnt love a book about donuts but getting to sleuth and find a murder so much better I am hooked and I recommend you read this book too.

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

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists and turns keep you glued to the pages while surprises along the way keep you guessing what will happen next. The characters are well developed and easy to get to know. Some are a bit quirky and put a smile on your face as you try to figure out who did it.

A new to me author and I will definitely be reading more of her work.

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

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dear friend in dire straits , followed by malicious threats to her own business livelihood and her own life
Maybe she wasn’t in such a quiet untroubled neighborhood after all

What lies beneath harmless appearing facades could be lethal in more ways than one

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