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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!

Lucy McGuffin’s life is about to change. Her police chief boyfriend Travis is whisking her away on a romantic weekend getaway, and Lucy is convinced that Travis is about to drop the L-word. The night before the trip, Lucy attends the local neighborhood association debate. Her mother Molly is running against Frank Milhouse, the HOA’s current president and the meanest man in the neighborhood.

The debate soon turns contentious, and Frank storms off, threatening to do everything in his power to stop Molly from winning the election. Minutes later, Frank is found dead. He’s been run over by a car. And the driver? None other than Molly.

But not all is as it seems. Lucy is convinced that Frank was already dead before her mother ran him over. Complicating matters, an anonymous food blogger, The Fussy Foodie, has panned a local bakery, and Lucy fears that her beloved café could be next.

Now, before Lucy can cross the finish line to her happily-ever-after, she and her little rescue dog Paco must discover who really killed Frank, avoid The Fussy Foodie, and convince her boyfriend Travis that she isn’t interfering with his police investigation. She’d better get on the ball, or she’ll be spending next Mother’s Day boyfriendless, without a job, and visiting Molly in the big house.

190 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2021

133 people are currently reading
68 people want to read

About the author

Maggie March

23 books105 followers
Looking 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Elaine .
660 reviews8 followers
October 3, 2021
Wow, another crazy, witty, convoluted and quirky cozy mystery from Maggie March (Maria Geraci). This is a madcap murder case with the hilarious characters from Whispering Bay. This time it is election time for the HOA president and things go bad after the debate with Lucy's mother running over her competitor for the position. Many twists, turns and blind alleys later, not to mention many scrumptious muffins, Lucy and her ghost whispering dog are on the trail of the murderer. Well actually several along the way. It is enough to drive her chief-of-police-boyfriend Travis crazy. There are also dog mysteries, garden gnome heists, rose secrets and bad food reviews to complicate things. You cannot help but love Lucy and Paco. They have a knack for getting in scrapes and they cannot seem to stop snooping into murders. In this story, the romance between Lucy and Travis is starting to heat up and the fact that Lucy's mother is a suspect in the death puts lots of tension on their relationship. I could not put the book down until the murderer was revealed. You will love it!
Profile Image for Amary Chapman.
1,665 reviews27 followers
October 6, 2021
A fun cozy with paranormal elements.
Baker Lucy McGuffin can tell when she's being lied to. That little trick has helped when she has nosied her way into investigations in her past, much to the dismay of her boyfriend Travis, Police Chief Travis Fontaine.
In this book she involves herself in the murder of the president of the HOA her mother belongs to, a man she'd had a loud argument with at the meeting...just before he was found dead....under her car.
Lucy and her pup Paco, who can communicate with the dead are on a mission to found out who and why to keep her mother from being charged. Ms. March gives her characters some quirks and some endearing qualities along with a few that, well let's just say not so friendly. No gore or sex, suitable for any age.
I received this ARC to review and my opinions are given gratis.
1,604 reviews14 followers
October 6, 2021
Meghan's about to go on a weekend vacation with her boyfriend. Her mother is running for the HOA board of directors. When her competitor ends up dead, under the wheels of her car, the get away is canceled while Meghan's boyfriend, who happens to be the chief of police, investigates the death. Meanwhile, Meghan is doing her own investigation, with her "ghost whisperer" chihuahua, as she always does. Her shop is thriving not only because she makes the best muffins, but because the competing donut shop in town has received a devastating review. Meghan tries to come to the rescue.

This is a fun cozy mystery. Paco, the Chihuahua, now directly "speaks" with Meghan. Anyone can read this book and enjoy it.

I received an advance reader copy from the author. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Bobbie.
1,205 reviews10 followers
October 2, 2021
Another very cute read featuring one of my favorite character, Lucy, owner of the Bistro Bakery, and her dog, Paco, who solve mysteries in the most interesting way. Each book is a standalone but if you enjoy small town mysteries with quirky characters these are the books for you. This murder mystery affects Lucy’s mom, the HOA of the neighborhood where her parents live, and Lucy has to become involved. All the usual people from previous books are there, and we finally see Lucy and Travis, the police chief Whispering Pines actually having a relationship. It was fun guessing who the murderer actually fun. This is a quick easy, one sitting read for me and very enjoyable.
Profile Image for Jennifer Artiles.
484 reviews6 followers
October 6, 2021
Lucy and Paco are at it again (and of course, Travis)! Lucy's mom is accused of accidentally killing her rival for the HOA presidency but Lucy is sure she was framed. With Paco's help, she unravels the mystery and catches the murderer, as usual. Her relationship with Travis gets a bit strained but true love prevails. This enjoyable series is full of clever quips and dialogue. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,999 reviews173 followers
October 3, 2021
Scary gets an adorable facelift. When chaos ensues Lucy and Paco are once again on the case. Dead and Deader takes over the top to a whole new level and runs with it. From cute to intriguing, Maggie March has all the right moves to keep readers hooked on unpredictable fun.
Profile Image for Neena Christianson Martin.
1,185 reviews11 followers
October 3, 2021
Molly runs over a body and everyone thinks it's on purpose as the man was her rival for HOA president. It's up to Lucy and Paco, with some help from Ellie, Brittany and Will, and the reluctant police chief Travis.
243 reviews11 followers
October 4, 2021
I love Lucy McGuffin! Baker extradonare and imagination gone wild describe Lucy in another mystery with Paco at her side. Fun and entertaining. I highly recommend this read
Profile Image for Beth Temin.
290 reviews
August 30, 2023
Lucy & Paco solve another crime

When Lucy's mom backs over a political rival and is arrested, Lucy & Paco investigate. I loved the addition of Travis' retired police German Shepherd to the mix. Lucy figured out that Frank was killed before her mother backed over the body, and the adventure was in play. Lucy gets the real killer with Paco's help, which always makes a great story.
93 reviews
December 8, 2025
The Girl Her Dog and the Policeman

A cute story that's wonderful to read.
The girl owns, in partnership, a small town breakfast place. She makes muffins for the restaurant that as she puts it, the best. Her little dog can communicate with the dead, also with her. She is now dating the new police chief in town. Only he isn't sure the dog can communicate with the dead. She has her own talent that sets her apart from others, she knows when someone is lying.
Profile Image for Liz Whelan.
69 reviews7 followers
January 5, 2023
FANTASTIC

This was a Fantastic Series. I hope there's more to follow in this Series. I don't usually read Psychic Books, but this Series was Amazing. Maggie March is a Fabulous Writer. I Love that Dog Paco. Please Maggie March add more to this Series to follow Lucy, Travis, Paco & all the other Characters in Whispering Bay.
Profile Image for Misha.
166 reviews
March 22, 2023
Loved!!

Who knew that a HOA debate could lead to murder? When a debate for the presidential hopefuls including Lucy's mother, Molly and the current president comes to a argument with the current president ending up dead under her mothers car, it's up to Lucy and Paco investigating to prove her innocence and delve into the mystery of who wanted him dead. Great read.
Profile Image for EE.
60 reviews
December 23, 2021
Slam dunk.

Mari-- err-- Maggie March has given us another quirky, sweet, entertaining shenanigan in Small Town Florida. This is a happy who dunnit, and I've been waiting for the 'I Love Lucy' line to show up somewhere in this series!
Profile Image for Lisa Hudson Hemming.
10 reviews
November 1, 2022
5 star Book series!!

I really love this 7 book series. I love the murder mysteries and the laugh out loud characters. I would recommend these Series of books. I gave them all 5 stars.
3 reviews
January 28, 2023
Great books make u want more

Really good book. Was so glad she picked Travis over will the way she puts in the movies are classic. Easy read. Wanting u t read the next book t see what happens the murders are good also keeps u guessing.
Profile Image for Monica.
1,530 reviews
May 3, 2023
Coming up roses

I really enjoy this series. All the quirky people who live in Whispering Pines. Paco is the star of this series. Have fun trying to figure out who did it. This book is fast-paced, fun and a joy to read.
324 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2024
What Fun!

I get a real kick out of Maggie Matches Lucy McGuffin series. It's laugh out loud entertainment and filled with Lucy and the colorful cast of characters that make up Whispering Bay, Florida where Lucy co-owns the Bistro on the Beach restaurant. Don't miss the fun!
143 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2025
who gnome the killer?

Great story line, Travis is going to have to believe in Pavo eventually. But, it looks like he might be coming round. So happy that they finally get to spend some time together, where he won’t be called to work.
326 reviews
September 22, 2025
An enthralling narrative that captivates from the first page, with richly developed characters who leap off the page and into the reader's imagination. The story leaves me eagerly anticipating the next installment in what promises to be an exceptional series.
2,835 reviews14 followers
September 28, 2023
Great story--love this series. Lucy and Paco are the best and am glad that Travis is getting on the bandwagon (at least a little). The story was good, kept my attention. Recommend reading.
Profile Image for MK.
1,633 reviews22 followers
August 10, 2024
Great mystery with Lucy and Paco. I loved all the ones before it. This series is a must.
Profile Image for Bex’s reading corner.
1,042 reviews12 followers
January 12, 2025
always good for a giggle

These books make me laugh while trying to figure out the newest mystery at hand! Can’t wait to move onto the next one.
228 reviews6 followers
October 3, 2025
Better and better

Definitely on a winning streak here! Lots of action, angst, confusing evidence, but Lucy, Paco, Ellie Will and Travis are an all star team !
900 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2023
I love this series, and sure hope there are going to be more books in this series. Maggie March was a great find!
Profile Image for Rhonda Jones.
2,794 reviews17 followers
October 13, 2023
Humorous and Frantic

This is probably my least favorite book in the series, but it was still good. There was no murder. There was a lot of Lucy frantically running around trying to find a missing item. The book was quite clever in the telling. It even made me feel tired of all the racing from one clue to another. And it had a cute ending.
1,344 reviews8 followers
February 25, 2023
Loved this series. Will read more by this author. Fun!
4,153 reviews21 followers
October 28, 2021
Dead and Deader by Maggie March is the seventh Lucy McGuffin, Psychic Amateur Detective, book. I think you could also call this series the Lucy McGuffin, lucky owner of Paco Series. I do love that dog. If you want to know all the details of how Lucy became to be an amateur Detective and the owner of Paco look to read book one, Beach Blanket Homicide. You will be sure to love little Paco as all the characters in the book do.

Lucy has a wonderful family, a hunk of a boyfriend, a ghost whispering dog, and the ability to detect a lie. While Travis, the police chief boyfriend may not always appreciate this gift of hers it has come in handy. She will certainly need it now as she tries to help her family when one is accused of running down an opponent after a debate for a neighborhood association president election.

Sounds a bit crazy, complicated, and quirky? You bet it is. Murder has never been so much fun. This book will have you laughing and scratching your head as you are doing your dead level best to beat Lucy and Paco in solving this crime. I never do put it all together before they do in these stories, but so enjoy trying to do that as I read. This is a keeper.

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.
Profile Image for JoAnne.
3,158 reviews32 followers
October 7, 2021
Another fun read in the series that has a new name and a new pen name for the author. The wonderful storytelling of murders to be solved in the small town of Whispering Bay continues. There are lots of twists and turns to the story as Lucy along with her dog Paco and her boyfriend's dog, Ellie, seem to be in the thick of things trying to solve the murder. Could be she has a vested interest in getting it solved quickly since someone close to her is a suspect.

There are clues galore as we meet up with characters we've met before along with some new ones. Muffins and donuts seem to be front and center as well. It was nice to be back in Whispering Bay for the camaraderie of family and friends. Detailed descriptions made me feel like I was there. There was nice closure with the solving of the crime. There's even some romance. The cover is cute and colorful. I look forward to reading more books in this cozy mystery series.
Profile Image for Pamela Devereux.
1,032 reviews2 followers
October 8, 2021
This book was so much fun to read. Lucy and Travis are going away for a romantic weekend. That was the plan until Frank Millhouse is found dead. It seems Lucy's mom becomes a person of interest. The words coming out of her mouth are hilarious. With Will, Brittany and Lucy on the case with Paco, they are sure to solve the case. Just when I think I've figured it out, it pivots in another direction. With Lucy and Travis on the outs because he refuses to believe she can communicate with Paco. In the end, Paco and Ellie come to the rescue and case is solved. As the book starts with a romantic getaway, so does the book end.
1,344 reviews8 followers
April 6, 2023
Dead and Deader 5 STARS
Loved this series. Will read more by this author. Fun!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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