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Poppy Lewis Mystery #1
Murder in Starry Cove
Nothing spoils a fresh start like cold-blooded murder.
Poppy Lewis has left her past life behind—ex-husband, friends, a successful hotel business—to start anew in the charming northern California coastal village of Starry Cove. Will this be the new beginning she so desperately wants, or will the mysteries and secrets of this small town bring it all crashing down?
After Poppy unexpectedly inherits her uncle’s Victorian mansion in Starry Cove, she makes grand plans to open a bed-and-breakfast. But when the local handyman winds up dead and the bodies start to pile up, Poppy’s recent arrival in the town raises eyebrows and sets tongues wagging. To make matters worse, she soon discovers the mansion has hidden secrets of its own that threaten her very safety.
With the help of two faithful new friends, Poppy hatches a plan to track down the killer and clear her name. But can she nab the murderer before one of them becomes the next victim?
Poppy Lewis has left her past life behind—ex-husband, friends, a successful hotel business—to start anew in the charming northern California coastal village of Starry Cove. Will this be the new beginning she so desperately wants, or will the mysteries and secrets of this small town bring it all crashing down?
After Poppy unexpectedly inherits her uncle’s Victorian mansion in Starry Cove, she makes grand plans to open a bed-and-breakfast. But when the local handyman winds up dead and the bodies start to pile up, Poppy’s recent arrival in the town raises eyebrows and sets tongues wagging. To make matters worse, she soon discovers the mansion has hidden secrets of its own that threaten her very safety.
With the help of two faithful new friends, Poppy hatches a plan to track down the killer and clear her name. But can she nab the murderer before one of them becomes the next victim?
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2021
512 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 22, 2021
Great characters! Alluring setting! Interesting Murder mystery! I’ll definitely be reading more books in this series.
August 18, 2021
Book 1 Poppy just inherited her uncle Arthur's purple Victorian house. She is going to make into a Bed and Breakfast. So Poppy went to Starry Cove and claimed it ( uncle Arthor died). Her sister Lily was trying to take it away from Poppy. ( Lily was very mean spirited even slept with Poppy husband) Harper ( a maillady) and Angie ( owned a bakery with her husband Roy) befriended her. When Poppy went to the Victorian house a man Bobby was suppose to come and turn on lights in the Victorian but he never did it. Come to find out something happened to him. So Poppy and her friends wanted to figure out what had happened. Then another man died. And people were blaming Poppy cause it seemed that no One died like that in Starry Cove until Poppy came there. Poppy like a pharmacist Ryan but she saw her sister Lily with him so Poppy believe that Lily is up to her old tricks.Uncle Arthur had some antiques in his Victorian that Poppy did not know about. And some secrets too. Lily also had secrets. I will read the 2nd book of this series. It is interesting
April 7, 2024
"Murder in Starry Cove (Poppy Lewis Mystery #1)" by Lucinda Harris is a good start to a series. Poor Poppy has had all sorts of troubles lately. Her mom dies, then her husband cheats on her with herself centered sister who is out take the house Poppy inherited from their uncle who also just died. Poppy at least makes a couple of friends shortly after moving into the house she inherited.
Mystery wise, I didn't have one suspect in mind really. At least not until right before the reveal. Then I was starting to put it together.
Mystery wise, I didn't have one suspect in mind really. At least not until right before the reveal. Then I was starting to put it together.
February 22, 2024
Fun cozy mystery
I enjoyed this book and meeting the quirky characters of Starry Cove.
Poppy is a great character and I enjoyed getting to know her and the friends she's made.
I enjoyed this book and meeting the quirky characters of Starry Cove.
Poppy is a great character and I enjoyed getting to know her and the friends she's made.
October 11, 2024
Nicely crafted mystery. The friendships seemed a little too easily developed with a stranger in a small town. Crew of villains was an interesting element.
September 26, 2021
Poppy Lewis inherited a large Victorian house. (Who doesn't, these days?) But there's something different about Starry Cove. It's small, costal, quaint, and about to host a murder or two--as well as an annual Pie Parade. It's a busy schedule for everyone, but Poppy was fortunate to make some devoted friends early on, so they will show her the ropes.
Another question to ponder; who will draw more blood, the "reporter" of created news for the newspaper, or Poppy's own sister, Lily (who systematically sabotaged Poppy's life)?
This is a light read with a couple of murders I wanted to care about, but didn't really. I had hoped to learn more about the house, but that wasn't in the cards either (joke there, haha). There were lots of visits to the diner and bakery, which sounded nice though!
It was a mildly enjoyable book about a place and people I was starting to know and feel comfortable with, just as it ended. There were some good themes within, but only touched on. I hope the second book will make good use of this basis for a good story and build on it. (No cliffhanger.)
Content: Clean, but with themes of infidelity.
3/5 Stars
Another question to ponder; who will draw more blood, the "reporter" of created news for the newspaper, or Poppy's own sister, Lily (who systematically sabotaged Poppy's life)?
This is a light read with a couple of murders I wanted to care about, but didn't really. I had hoped to learn more about the house, but that wasn't in the cards either (joke there, haha). There were lots of visits to the diner and bakery, which sounded nice though!
It was a mildly enjoyable book about a place and people I was starting to know and feel comfortable with, just as it ended. There were some good themes within, but only touched on. I hope the second book will make good use of this basis for a good story and build on it. (No cliffhanger.)
Content: Clean, but with themes of infidelity.
3/5 Stars
August 17, 2022
Poppy is stupid
She notices one door open and doesn't think much of it. Basement door is open with footprints on the dusty step, so she goes to explore. Stupid. I stopped reading.
Oh and these twits comment on oh look what Arthur was hiding. It was his house...was his furniture supposed to be public knowledge?
She notices one door open and doesn't think much of it. Basement door is open with footprints on the dusty step, so she goes to explore. Stupid. I stopped reading.
Oh and these twits comment on oh look what Arthur was hiding. It was his house...was his furniture supposed to be public knowledge?
April 8, 2024
Poppy Lewis - Inherits a purple house from Uncle Arthur- wants to turn into a Bed and Breakfast;
Kelly Newman - Lovey, town gossip;
Walter Dogger had a dealership; The KILLER of - Vernon Dogger, his brother - owns Treasures of the Coast salvage shop, found dead at his shop; He killer Bobby Teach.
Shelby Shepard - owns diner;
Harper Tillman - mailperson;
Bobby Teach - hired to turn on utilities - found dead on the bluff
Deputy Todd Newman, married to Lovey.
Jim Thornen - mayor having an affair with Lovie
Angie Owens - bakery owner, husband Roy.
Nick - handsome - handyman;
Lillian Lewis - Poppy's sister; hat designer
Cat - Mayor Dewey
Kenny and Bea Trotter
Possible treasure - secret room in basement, took hidden book to safety deposit box, got blueprints of house;
Veronica Valentine - reporter for Vista View;
Dr Ryan MacKenzie - pharmacist;
The Pie Parade;
Trevor French - owns hardware store, Walter works for him;
Georgia and Beatrice
Pastor Basil
Kelly Newman - Lovey, town gossip;
Walter Dogger had a dealership; The KILLER of - Vernon Dogger, his brother - owns Treasures of the Coast salvage shop, found dead at his shop; He killer Bobby Teach.
Shelby Shepard - owns diner;
Harper Tillman - mailperson;
Bobby Teach - hired to turn on utilities - found dead on the bluff
Deputy Todd Newman, married to Lovey.
Jim Thornen - mayor having an affair with Lovie
Angie Owens - bakery owner, husband Roy.
Nick - handsome - handyman;
Lillian Lewis - Poppy's sister; hat designer
Cat - Mayor Dewey
Kenny and Bea Trotter
Possible treasure - secret room in basement, took hidden book to safety deposit box, got blueprints of house;
Veronica Valentine - reporter for Vista View;
Dr Ryan MacKenzie - pharmacist;
The Pie Parade;
Trevor French - owns hardware store, Walter works for him;
Georgia and Beatrice
Pastor Basil
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2021
Start of a New Cozy Series . . .
In this new cozy mystery series, we have a great start to what I am sure will be an intriguing adventure. The characters are well-developed and interesting. Poppy Lewis has left everything she knew behind – an ex-husband, old friends, a hotel business – and she is ready to start over in charming Starry Cove. Inheriting her uncle’s Victorian mansion lets her get back into what she knows best as she hopes to open a bed-and-breakfast. Things go awry when the local handyman is murdered and more bodies continue to pile up! This is not doing the newcomer’s reputation much good! Can she stop the murderer and clear her name before they lock her up or boot her out of town?
The story line itself was full of suspense as Poppy risks her own life to track the murderer. Grab your copy and see if she can help in finding the culprit!
In this new cozy mystery series, we have a great start to what I am sure will be an intriguing adventure. The characters are well-developed and interesting. Poppy Lewis has left everything she knew behind – an ex-husband, old friends, a hotel business – and she is ready to start over in charming Starry Cove. Inheriting her uncle’s Victorian mansion lets her get back into what she knows best as she hopes to open a bed-and-breakfast. Things go awry when the local handyman is murdered and more bodies continue to pile up! This is not doing the newcomer’s reputation much good! Can she stop the murderer and clear her name before they lock her up or boot her out of town?
The story line itself was full of suspense as Poppy risks her own life to track the murderer. Grab your copy and see if she can help in finding the culprit!
February 26, 2024
interesting but confusing. Plot and clues all over the place! (see note)
Amazon synopsis:
Poppy Lewis has left her past life behind—ex-husband, friends, a successful hotel business—to start anew in the charming northern California coastal village of Starry Cove. Will this be the new beginning she so desperately wants, or will the mysteries and secrets of this small town bring it all crashing down?
After Poppy unexpectedly inherits her uncle’s Victorian mansion in Starry Cove, she makes grand plans to open a bed-and-breakfast. But when the local handyman winds up dead and the bodies start to pile up, Poppy’s recent arrival in the town raises eyebrows and sets tongues wagging. To make matters worse, she soon discovers the mansion has hidden secrets of its own that threaten her very safety.
With the help of two faithful new friends, Poppy hatches a plan to track down the killer and clear her name. But can she nab the murderer before one of them becomes the next victim?
Amazon synopsis:
Poppy Lewis has left her past life behind—ex-husband, friends, a successful hotel business—to start anew in the charming northern California coastal village of Starry Cove. Will this be the new beginning she so desperately wants, or will the mysteries and secrets of this small town bring it all crashing down?
After Poppy unexpectedly inherits her uncle’s Victorian mansion in Starry Cove, she makes grand plans to open a bed-and-breakfast. But when the local handyman winds up dead and the bodies start to pile up, Poppy’s recent arrival in the town raises eyebrows and sets tongues wagging. To make matters worse, she soon discovers the mansion has hidden secrets of its own that threaten her very safety.
With the help of two faithful new friends, Poppy hatches a plan to track down the killer and clear her name. But can she nab the murderer before one of them becomes the next victim?
April 25, 2022
I've been wanting to read this series for quite a while now, and I'm so glad I started it. I really enjoyed meeting Poppy and seeing her get used to life in Starry Cove. Her two new friends, Harper and Angie were just the best, and they made for good sleuthing buddies too. I love that community cat, Mayor Dewey who's always around when someone needs him.
I hadn't quite guessed whodunit, but it made sense once it all came out. The showdown was exciting and once the perp was safely away, the side mystery of Poppy's sister's reason for showing up in town came out. It was bittersweet, and I don't want to give it away. Another little mystery looks like it'll be an ongoing thread. I'm eager to borrow the next in KU and watch as Poppy makes some progress with her B&B
I hadn't quite guessed whodunit, but it made sense once it all came out. The showdown was exciting and once the perp was safely away, the side mystery of Poppy's sister's reason for showing up in town came out. It was bittersweet, and I don't want to give it away. Another little mystery looks like it'll be an ongoing thread. I'm eager to borrow the next in KU and watch as Poppy makes some progress with her B&B
January 16, 2026
Murder in Starry Cove is a wonderfully engaging start to what promises to be a fantastic cozy mystery series. Lucinda Harrison brings Starry Cove to life with vivid detail, it’s the kind of small town you want to wander through, even while keeping an eye out for secrets lurking behind lace curtains and Victorian walls.
Poppy Lewis is a compelling and relatable heroine. Her desire for a fresh start feels authentic, and watching her navigate grief, suspicion, and danger while rebuilding her life makes her easy to root for. The inherited mansion, complete with hidden secrets, adds a perfect layer of atmosphere and mystery, while the friendships Poppy forms bring warmth and charm to the story.
Poppy Lewis is a compelling and relatable heroine. Her desire for a fresh start feels authentic, and watching her navigate grief, suspicion, and danger while rebuilding her life makes her easy to root for. The inherited mansion, complete with hidden secrets, adds a perfect layer of atmosphere and mystery, while the friendships Poppy forms bring warmth and charm to the story.
July 11, 2023
Unbelievable Murder
After Poppy unexpectedly inherits her uncle’s Victorian mansion in Starry Cove, she makes grand plans to open a bed-and-breakfast. But when the local handyman winds up dead and the bodies start to pile up, Poppy’s recent arrival in the town raises eyebrows and sets tongues wagging. To make matters worse, she soon discovers the mansion has hidden secrets of its own that threaten her very safety. It was an unlikely murder mystery. Someone was killing people in this small town. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
After Poppy unexpectedly inherits her uncle’s Victorian mansion in Starry Cove, she makes grand plans to open a bed-and-breakfast. But when the local handyman winds up dead and the bodies start to pile up, Poppy’s recent arrival in the town raises eyebrows and sets tongues wagging. To make matters worse, she soon discovers the mansion has hidden secrets of its own that threaten her very safety. It was an unlikely murder mystery. Someone was killing people in this small town. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
March 25, 2021
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Poppy moves to Starry Cove to start over and makes two new friends, Harper and Angie. When a dead boy turns up followed shortly by another in the small town, the three try to solve it but only succeed in eliminating suspects. It does seem to be tied to the house Poppy inherited. The killer was a surprise and one I never suspected. I hope the mystery of the house will be solved in a future book.
February 26, 2024
To new beginnings
I have just finished reading this story and I have loved every minute of it,I think that poppy new start was a bit more of adventure from the start one bead body to an other and no one could make out who had killed them until poppy worked it out they were killed by an old man called Walter for money but unlucky for him he was found out before he killed anyone else.
I have just finished reading this story and I have loved every minute of it,I think that poppy new start was a bit more of adventure from the start one bead body to an other and no one could make out who had killed them until poppy worked it out they were killed by an old man called Walter for money but unlucky for him he was found out before he killed anyone else.
March 23, 2024
It’s a nice simple mystery novel with not too much complexity. I was trying to see if I could figure out who the murderer was before it was revealed but I wasn’t paying attention. The main character is easy to root for doesn’t seem to have any special skills but she was surprisingly very good at detecting, interviewing people, and connecting dots. I like that there’s an unexplained plot line in the novel so readers can be curious to read the next one.
April 10, 2024
Ugh a mess
I struggled to finish this. It was all over the place. Quirky characters that are not really likeable. The female lead is annoying. The family drama is so unnecessary.
The solution at the end came out of nowhere. This is a town of unconscionable or oblivious residents. Unsatisfying. There's an underlying mystery that will probably tie the series together but I'm not curious enough to bother.
I struggled to finish this. It was all over the place. Quirky characters that are not really likeable. The female lead is annoying. The family drama is so unnecessary.
The solution at the end came out of nowhere. This is a town of unconscionable or oblivious residents. Unsatisfying. There's an underlying mystery that will probably tie the series together but I'm not curious enough to bother.
April 23, 2024
Greed does not lessen with aging.
Well developed characters, some quirky, some normal? A town with many secrets hidden right under the noses of its inhabitants. The main character, Poppy, finds herself thrown in at the deep, being forced to reveal some of these secrets as she tries to solve two murders. Fate provides her with good friends who will never fail to support her. Their efforts help to reveal an unlikely murderer.
Nice easy read.
Well developed characters, some quirky, some normal? A town with many secrets hidden right under the noses of its inhabitants. The main character, Poppy, finds herself thrown in at the deep, being forced to reveal some of these secrets as she tries to solve two murders. Fate provides her with good friends who will never fail to support her. Their efforts help to reveal an unlikely murderer.
Nice easy read.
July 28, 2024
Great Cozy Mystery
I enjoyed book one in anew series. The characters are likeable and well developed. I was completely surprised at the identity of the murderer.
Poppy Lewis, hoping to start a new life, has inherited an old Victorian house that she plans to turn into a Bed and Breakfast. Shortly after her arrival in town, not one but two murders happen in the quiet town of Starry Cove.
I enjoyed book one in anew series. The characters are likeable and well developed. I was completely surprised at the identity of the murderer.
Poppy Lewis, hoping to start a new life, has inherited an old Victorian house that she plans to turn into a Bed and Breakfast. Shortly after her arrival in town, not one but two murders happen in the quiet town of Starry Cove.
September 4, 2025
"A cozy mystery that hooks you from page one!"
Murder in Starry Cove is the perfect blend of charm, suspense, and small town intrigue. Poppy Lewis is a heroine you can’t help but root for brave, witty, and determined to rebuild her life, even when fresh beginnings are threatened by murder. The picturesque coastal setting, quirky townsfolk, and the secrets hidden inside her inherited Victorian mansion create the ideal backdrop for this clever whodunit.
Murder in Starry Cove is the perfect blend of charm, suspense, and small town intrigue. Poppy Lewis is a heroine you can’t help but root for brave, witty, and determined to rebuild her life, even when fresh beginnings are threatened by murder. The picturesque coastal setting, quirky townsfolk, and the secrets hidden inside her inherited Victorian mansion create the ideal backdrop for this clever whodunit.
March 30, 2021
Poppy moves to starry cove to open a b&B in her uncle Arthur's house but then one body then another shows up and her sister is trying to take the house from her. Luckily Poppy meets two new friends Harper and Angela and the three set out to find out who killed the two gentleman.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2024
an interesting read
While this story is an interesting read I won’t be reading any more books in this series, it simply isn’t that compelling, or riveting or ‘must find out - gripping. I think I read it’s a Christian or sweet read, when in fact it has at one moment some blasphemy. Not worth 4 stars .
While this story is an interesting read I won’t be reading any more books in this series, it simply isn’t that compelling, or riveting or ‘must find out - gripping. I think I read it’s a Christian or sweet read, when in fact it has at one moment some blasphemy. Not worth 4 stars .
April 2, 2024
Well Developed Story but too many typos and grammatical mistakes
If not for the typos and grammatical errors, I would want to dive in to the second book in the series to read about the house renovations, to find out how soon Poppy learns to cook, to learn more about Poppy’s love interest, and also to solve the town’s next crime.
If not for the typos and grammatical errors, I would want to dive in to the second book in the series to read about the house renovations, to find out how soon Poppy learns to cook, to learn more about Poppy’s love interest, and also to solve the town’s next crime.
January 8, 2025
3.5. Really enjoyed this first in a series. Cozy mystery of a mysterious bequest of a Victorian mansion soon turns to murder. Amateur sleuths are a bit fool hardy but interesting & underestimate both their danger and the intelligence of the police in their small town. Look forward to reading the next one.
June 23, 2021
Nice cozy mystery
I liked the setting for this book and the characters. I did have problems with the way Poppy interrogated people. I also was confused at times which person was speaking.
I liked the setting for this book and the characters. I did have problems with the way Poppy interrogated people. I also was confused at times which person was speaking.
October 11, 2021
New B & B Cozy Mystery Series
Pretty well-written cozy. Interesting characters. I don't recall how I was referred to this series, but I already have lined up the others in this series with new beginnings and friendships and twisty plots. Recommended.
Pretty well-written cozy. Interesting characters. I don't recall how I was referred to this series, but I already have lined up the others in this series with new beginnings and friendships and twisty plots. Recommended.
January 25, 2024
Murder in Starry Cove
First time reading this author. While the story line get a little off track, the main characters are very likeable. And I'm vested in knowing what happens next.
First time reading this author. While the story line get a little off track, the main characters are very likeable. And I'm vested in knowing what happens next.
February 27, 2024
Murder in Starry Cove, Book 1
The book was great the characters were great people you could relate to and the cat was precious. I would love to live there. Can't wait for the next book.
The book was great the characters were great people you could relate to and the cat was precious. I would love to live there. Can't wait for the next book.
March 3, 2024
First of a Cozy Mystery series
Starry Cove is Mayberry kind of village and so are the town folks. It's an easy read for a rainy day. Poppy and her friends are likable and the story is almost a stand alone. I might even Redbook 2.
Starry Cove is Mayberry kind of village and so are the town folks. It's an easy read for a rainy day. Poppy and her friends are likable and the story is almost a stand alone. I might even Redbook 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews