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Dune House Mystery #1-10
Dune House Cozy Mysteries Box Set Books 1 - 10
Start a heartwarming cozy mystery series with endearing friendships, puzzling mysteries, and a little romance, with the first ten books in the bestselling Dune House Cozy Mystery Series in this box set.
When Suzie inherits a grand, old house on the beach, she together with her best-friend, Mary, go to see the dilapidated structure. With Suzie looking for a new challenge and Mary’s impending divorce, the friends decide to refurbish the old house back into its former glory as a majestic B&B. What started off as a few days away turns into a new beginning. In their fifties the two friends never expected the exciting adventures their decision would lead to. They love life in the beautiful beachside setting, filled with fun, new romances and a bit of sleuthing.
This box set includes:
Seaside Secrets
Boats and Bad Guys
Treasured History
Hidden Hideaways
Dodgy Dealings
Suspects and Surprises
Ruffled Feathers
A Fishy Discovery
Danger in the Depths
Celebrities and Chaos
If you like page-turning cozy mysteries with strong female sleuths, baffling mysteries and a long list of suspicious characters, you'll love these heartwarming whodunnits by USA Today and WSJ Bestselling Author Cindy Bell.
When Suzie inherits a grand, old house on the beach, she together with her best-friend, Mary, go to see the dilapidated structure. With Suzie looking for a new challenge and Mary’s impending divorce, the friends decide to refurbish the old house back into its former glory as a majestic B&B. What started off as a few days away turns into a new beginning. In their fifties the two friends never expected the exciting adventures their decision would lead to. They love life in the beautiful beachside setting, filled with fun, new romances and a bit of sleuthing.
This box set includes:
Seaside Secrets
Boats and Bad Guys
Treasured History
Hidden Hideaways
Dodgy Dealings
Suspects and Surprises
Ruffled Feathers
A Fishy Discovery
Danger in the Depths
Celebrities and Chaos
If you like page-turning cozy mysteries with strong female sleuths, baffling mysteries and a long list of suspicious characters, you'll love these heartwarming whodunnits by USA Today and WSJ Bestselling Author Cindy Bell.
1220 pages, ebook
First published October 3, 2021
1674 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 19, 2024
one book is ok, but not 10
Honestly by the time I got to book 5 I’d had enough. The main female character is written as an aggressively demanding entitled woman in her fifties, brassy died blonde hair and all. She is rude, obnoxious, demanding and just not the sort of person I want to read about in book. This character certainly took all of the ‘cozy’ out of these stories, always insisting she was right, that the police were dumb and worse and she would solve things herself! Ugh, who wants to read about an entitled 50 plus yrs old bully.
The stories while completely clean were also quite short and very breezy and light on for much but the main character’s anger, and her abrasive nature. I don’t know how her best friend stood her.
Honestly by the time I got to book 5 I’d had enough. The main female character is written as an aggressively demanding entitled woman in her fifties, brassy died blonde hair and all. She is rude, obnoxious, demanding and just not the sort of person I want to read about in book. This character certainly took all of the ‘cozy’ out of these stories, always insisting she was right, that the police were dumb and worse and she would solve things herself! Ugh, who wants to read about an entitled 50 plus yrs old bully.
The stories while completely clean were also quite short and very breezy and light on for much but the main character’s anger, and her abrasive nature. I don’t know how her best friend stood her.
January 20, 2022
I didn’t dislike the series
Suzie inherits a mansion and, of course, turns it back into the b&b it had been. She and her friend Mary host a variety of guests at Dune House. It amazes me that they had any guests at all. Murder after murder would surely keep me from registering. All in all, this series is average cozy mysteries. Bell has two stock phrases—“in handcuffs” and “a murderer under our roof”—which appear ad nauseam in every book. I would also recommend a tutorial on using commas. They’re everywhere, both overused and misused.
Suzie inherits a mansion and, of course, turns it back into the b&b it had been. She and her friend Mary host a variety of guests at Dune House. It amazes me that they had any guests at all. Murder after murder would surely keep me from registering. All in all, this series is average cozy mysteries. Bell has two stock phrases—“in handcuffs” and “a murderer under our roof”—which appear ad nauseam in every book. I would also recommend a tutorial on using commas. They’re everywhere, both overused and misused.
Currently reading
May 13, 2023
Seaside Secret
Finished 13/05/2023
3.5/5
Finished 13/05/2023
3.5/5
December 15, 2021
Vaycay?
The box set was a pleasant read. Lots of characters, plot twists and sleuthing. However, I don't think I would want to stay at that B and B...ever, despite the beautiful scenery and quietness. The two ladies were interfering busy bodies, who did as they pleased, ignored the Law and basically ran roughshod over everyone that came into their presence.
Notwithstanding the murders and intrigue, not a healthy place to vacation.
The box set was a pleasant read. Lots of characters, plot twists and sleuthing. However, I don't think I would want to stay at that B and B...ever, despite the beautiful scenery and quietness. The two ladies were interfering busy bodies, who did as they pleased, ignored the Law and basically ran roughshod over everyone that came into their presence.
Notwithstanding the murders and intrigue, not a healthy place to vacation.
March 3, 2023
Book one is interesting and a little quirky. A small town with a person who appears to have his hands in everything related to the town and people. A mysterious heart attack with no signs of health issues or drug use. A son who was estranged from his father and an old house in need of some love and care. Two friends who are at a bit of a crossroads when one is left the house. But she has a background of being very determined in investigating stories. I enjoyed it, it's well written and has a nice flow and wonderful characters, clues popping up all over the place so a fairly easy one to solve.
Book two
Only short but interesting with a treasure map. A mystery surrounding the suicide of a local artist inspires the friend duo into investigating, but the finding of a map puts them in the sights of a couple of undesirables. Didn't take long to read but the series is fairly light so makes a change from most of the books I read. There is a hint of romance in this one as well.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-readOriginalPage-turnerRealisticTwistedUnpredictableWittyWonderful characters
Book three
Wonderful characters with crazy hidden agendas arrive to stay at Dune house on opening day, they certainly keep Susie and Mary on their toes. A damaged pipe leads to another mystery to solve with at least two out four guests as suspects. A possible connection to the civil war is just one of the clues for the amateur sleuths and police detective Jason to look into. These stories only take about an hour to read but they fairly light and easy reading, well written with a little romance thrown in.
Book four
Boy! This got a bit worrying for a bit, suspense and some action in this close call mystery. Plus the romance moves on between Paul and Susie. The sleuths take on rescuing and proving someone is innocent as a body is washed up on a nearby beach. I loved Paul sticking up for Susie, Trent was out of order, Jason I know was only doing his job but I think if he had been there at the start he would have done the same, these two women have worked their way into several hearts in the few months they have been at Dune House. I love that each mystery has been very different and interesting, these stories are only short, more novella size than anything, but for readers who like different and a little quirky as well as fairly light, then this series is ideal. Well written with some fun and banter so not all heavy, this does have it's serious side but I found it a wonderful read.
Book five
More suspicious goings on at the B&B, intriguing conversations, a couple leaving a lot earlier than expected just have the two sleuths confused. What follows is a twisted path to a lot more than they bargained for. I love these two, I guess many would call them interfering busy bodies but their hearts are in the right place. We also have the spark of a second romance, we will see on that one. Suspenseful and exciting plot, I really enjoyed the cupboard scene, that was fun.
Book six
Another interesting and slightly nail-biting story from Susie and Mary. Their business is threatened with ruin when it appears a guest has fallen through the railings of one of the balconies. But the ladies are adamant it's foul play and murder. It's a race against time and help from a friend to solve this, clear their name all before Susie's surprise for Mary. A stolen rare book just adds to the mystery. Fabulous read.
Book seven
This was quite an intricately woven mystery, a few twists and turns and a tense and suspenseful climax. With a romance concern as well keeping Susie a bit off kilter and a talking bird mainly screaming pumpkin, it's fun and mayhem all the way. These books may only be short but they sure pack a punch. Each just gets better than the last.
Book eight
Romance is in the air as a wedding is prepared at Dune House, the ladies are busy trying to get everything organised. But when a body of a local fisherman is found it's a race to solve the murder in time for the main detective to be available for his own wedding. Suspenseful and action packed plot that has them out on a boat in bad weather and several suspects. Gripping and exciting story with fabulous characters. I love reading these books, I bought the 1-10 box set so it's ideal to just keep reading through. I'm leaving individual reviews for each as I go. This author writes interesting and intriguing twisted stories that also have a little fun and quirkiness, they are short so I guess the cheapest option to buy is the box set when there is an offer on it. Wonderful and unique.
Book nine
This started out so well for Mary and her kids, a nice visit and Susie insisting Mary take time off to spend with them. A diving lesson changes everything. Treasure and secrets, arguments and lies. I'm actually surprised Paul still leaves to go out on his boat coz every time he comes back to murder and mayhem and Susie usually smack bang in the middle of it. All the stunning scenery around them and a beautiful old house but I think I'd be worried staying there with the amount of dead bodies piling up all connected to it in some way. Curtis I feel was a dangerous diver though, he knew all the rules and was teaching others so he should have done final checks right before using anything. Lots of suspects in this one with false clues but I did guess right. Awesome plot.
And Action! Wow, Prima Donna's and entitled egotistic actors and crew. Filming on the beach and staying at Dune House keeping both Mary and Susie busy, poor Mary is struggling with the demands from one. Loads of suspects in this one, twisted and convoluted investigation, clues are there but it takes a whole team to solve this one. Interesting and lots going on, thoroughly enjoyable read.
Book two
Only short but interesting with a treasure map. A mystery surrounding the suicide of a local artist inspires the friend duo into investigating, but the finding of a map puts them in the sights of a couple of undesirables. Didn't take long to read but the series is fairly light so makes a change from most of the books I read. There is a hint of romance in this one as well.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-readOriginalPage-turnerRealisticTwistedUnpredictableWittyWonderful characters
Book three
Wonderful characters with crazy hidden agendas arrive to stay at Dune house on opening day, they certainly keep Susie and Mary on their toes. A damaged pipe leads to another mystery to solve with at least two out four guests as suspects. A possible connection to the civil war is just one of the clues for the amateur sleuths and police detective Jason to look into. These stories only take about an hour to read but they fairly light and easy reading, well written with a little romance thrown in.
Book four
Boy! This got a bit worrying for a bit, suspense and some action in this close call mystery. Plus the romance moves on between Paul and Susie. The sleuths take on rescuing and proving someone is innocent as a body is washed up on a nearby beach. I loved Paul sticking up for Susie, Trent was out of order, Jason I know was only doing his job but I think if he had been there at the start he would have done the same, these two women have worked their way into several hearts in the few months they have been at Dune House. I love that each mystery has been very different and interesting, these stories are only short, more novella size than anything, but for readers who like different and a little quirky as well as fairly light, then this series is ideal. Well written with some fun and banter so not all heavy, this does have it's serious side but I found it a wonderful read.
Book five
More suspicious goings on at the B&B, intriguing conversations, a couple leaving a lot earlier than expected just have the two sleuths confused. What follows is a twisted path to a lot more than they bargained for. I love these two, I guess many would call them interfering busy bodies but their hearts are in the right place. We also have the spark of a second romance, we will see on that one. Suspenseful and exciting plot, I really enjoyed the cupboard scene, that was fun.
Book six
Another interesting and slightly nail-biting story from Susie and Mary. Their business is threatened with ruin when it appears a guest has fallen through the railings of one of the balconies. But the ladies are adamant it's foul play and murder. It's a race against time and help from a friend to solve this, clear their name all before Susie's surprise for Mary. A stolen rare book just adds to the mystery. Fabulous read.
Book seven
This was quite an intricately woven mystery, a few twists and turns and a tense and suspenseful climax. With a romance concern as well keeping Susie a bit off kilter and a talking bird mainly screaming pumpkin, it's fun and mayhem all the way. These books may only be short but they sure pack a punch. Each just gets better than the last.
Book eight
Romance is in the air as a wedding is prepared at Dune House, the ladies are busy trying to get everything organised. But when a body of a local fisherman is found it's a race to solve the murder in time for the main detective to be available for his own wedding. Suspenseful and action packed plot that has them out on a boat in bad weather and several suspects. Gripping and exciting story with fabulous characters. I love reading these books, I bought the 1-10 box set so it's ideal to just keep reading through. I'm leaving individual reviews for each as I go. This author writes interesting and intriguing twisted stories that also have a little fun and quirkiness, they are short so I guess the cheapest option to buy is the box set when there is an offer on it. Wonderful and unique.
Book nine
This started out so well for Mary and her kids, a nice visit and Susie insisting Mary take time off to spend with them. A diving lesson changes everything. Treasure and secrets, arguments and lies. I'm actually surprised Paul still leaves to go out on his boat coz every time he comes back to murder and mayhem and Susie usually smack bang in the middle of it. All the stunning scenery around them and a beautiful old house but I think I'd be worried staying there with the amount of dead bodies piling up all connected to it in some way. Curtis I feel was a dangerous diver though, he knew all the rules and was teaching others so he should have done final checks right before using anything. Lots of suspects in this one with false clues but I did guess right. Awesome plot.
And Action! Wow, Prima Donna's and entitled egotistic actors and crew. Filming on the beach and staying at Dune House keeping both Mary and Susie busy, poor Mary is struggling with the demands from one. Loads of suspects in this one, twisted and convoluted investigation, clues are there but it takes a whole team to solve this one. Interesting and lots going on, thoroughly enjoyable read.
February 9, 2022
10 very good books!
Two friends work to reminder a lovely old mansion on the edge of a beach into a bed and breakfast. Each book covers the progressive work on the bed and breakfast plus a murder or mystery. These two friends, A cousin and two men who become very important to them. Interesting and well written mysteries.
Two friends work to reminder a lovely old mansion on the edge of a beach into a bed and breakfast. Each book covers the progressive work on the bed and breakfast plus a murder or mystery. These two friends, A cousin and two men who become very important to them. Interesting and well written mysteries.
April 4, 2022
Peril for the B&B owners
I enjoyed reading the books about Dune House, but was disappointed with the stupidity of the two owners who consistently put themselves at risk because they didn't trust the police to solve the crimes. It would have been wiser had they worked with the police rather than going after the murderers themselves.
I enjoyed reading the books about Dune House, but was disappointed with the stupidity of the two owners who consistently put themselves at risk because they didn't trust the police to solve the crimes. It would have been wiser had they worked with the police rather than going after the murderers themselves.
October 16, 2022
Enjoyable cozy mystery series
Not sure if I’ll continue next books in series, they’re nice, lightweight stories. Plot lines can be a bit far fetched, but I like the characters.
Not sure if I’ll continue next books in series, they’re nice, lightweight stories. Plot lines can be a bit far fetched, but I like the characters.
August 17, 2022
Predictable cozy murder mysteries
As cozy mysteries, these are appropriate for all ages. The storyline two friends running a B&B is classic. There are love interests, but never anything more than a hug or kiss. Toss in a murder in every story and you've got the series. Honestly, it's too much like Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys to hold my interest.
However, I read many genres and am always looking for things that are slow-paced to read at night. This fit the bill.
I also must honestly add that what was constantly off-putting was the poor attention to grammar and sentence structure. The author clearly needs an editor. Major historical events like wars are capitalized, i.e. the Civil War. Sentence structure is predictable. Author needs to vary her sentence structure and style. Improvement is greatly needed in these areas. Writing classes and professional editing are highly recommended.
As cozy mysteries, these are appropriate for all ages. The storyline two friends running a B&B is classic. There are love interests, but never anything more than a hug or kiss. Toss in a murder in every story and you've got the series. Honestly, it's too much like Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys to hold my interest.
However, I read many genres and am always looking for things that are slow-paced to read at night. This fit the bill.
I also must honestly add that what was constantly off-putting was the poor attention to grammar and sentence structure. The author clearly needs an editor. Major historical events like wars are capitalized, i.e. the Civil War. Sentence structure is predictable. Author needs to vary her sentence structure and style. Improvement is greatly needed in these areas. Writing classes and professional editing are highly recommended.
April 26, 2024
Fun stories, interesting plots that keep you guessing while providing just enough clues to help you guess along the way. Of course they're unrealistic in how quickly and perfectly everything is figured out, as well as how often the two main characters and their friends end up finding dead bodies, or having murders at Dune House, but that doesn't mean the books are not enjoyable. The only other issue is that the editor needs to learn when and how to use commas correctly.
January 28, 2022
Read all ten books in the Dune House series thanks to a collection made available through Goodreads. Two middle-aged friends decide to restore a bed and breakfast in a home inherited from an uncle. All the plots involve crimes in the small beach town as the restoration proceeds and the newly restored home opens for guests. Some plots are more complex than other but all are enjoyable due to well drawn characters that populate the series.
February 4, 2022
Ten of the best books I've read!
I have liked Cindy Bell's writing for some time now and I'm so glad I picked up these first 10 books of the Dune House series! I thoroughly enjoyed every one and am looking forward to getting the rest of the books soon! If you enjoy mysteries as much as I do, get into the Dune House series. You will be glad you got to enjoy them!
I have liked Cindy Bell's writing for some time now and I'm so glad I picked up these first 10 books of the Dune House series! I thoroughly enjoyed every one and am looking forward to getting the rest of the books soon! If you enjoy mysteries as much as I do, get into the Dune House series. You will be glad you got to enjoy them!
February 26, 2022
Great read
I had a hard time putting this series down. I would tell myself, at the end of this chapter, I will do what I need to get done. If you have work to do, don't try to take a few minutes of a break and pick up one of these books. You won't put it down. ☺️.
Thanks for the great read.
I had a hard time putting this series down. I would tell myself, at the end of this chapter, I will do what I need to get done. If you have work to do, don't try to take a few minutes of a break and pick up one of these books. You won't put it down. ☺️.
Thanks for the great read.
March 31, 2022
Great books
The author really knows how to write so you can imagine you’re right there. Dune House sounds wonderful and picturesque I would love to stay here on vacation. The books really flow from one to another and Cindy makes sure all the characters are in the book. Can’t wait to read the next book. Highly recommended
The author really knows how to write so you can imagine you’re right there. Dune House sounds wonderful and picturesque I would love to stay here on vacation. The books really flow from one to another and Cindy makes sure all the characters are in the book. Can’t wait to read the next book. Highly recommended
January 25, 2022
Absolutely astounding
Beautifully written,wonderfully characters in a fantastic setting, with intrigue thrown in as well as some wonderfully spirited women even if there were a few scary moments you never doubted them for a moment
Beautifully written,wonderfully characters in a fantastic setting, with intrigue thrown in as well as some wonderfully spirited women even if there were a few scary moments you never doubted them for a moment
January 31, 2022
Awesome murder mysteries
These books were full of mystery and drama. It was a great storyline throughout all the murder mysteries. I loved the characters that love into each of the stories and how the town played a role.
These books were full of mystery and drama. It was a great storyline throughout all the murder mysteries. I loved the characters that love into each of the stories and how the town played a role.
February 6, 2022
Mystery’s Galore
I had several books in line to read before these. For some reason I just had to check them out! Well I got caught up and I read one and went straight to the next. Wonderful series!
I had several books in line to read before these. For some reason I just had to check them out! Well I got caught up and I read one and went straight to the next. Wonderful series!
February 15, 2022
Best set of cozy mysteries I have read.
This collection of 10 cozy mysteries was a great read. Characters where really fun getting to know and there adventures where something else. Can't wait to see what happens next.
This collection of 10 cozy mysteries was a great read. Characters where really fun getting to know and there adventures where something else. Can't wait to see what happens next.
Read
February 24, 2022Couldn't put it down.
Each book was similar but totally different. Loved all the locals and even the new people in each book. Learned new things about pearls, fishing, movie making and running a bed and breakfast. Glad there were ten books. Thanks.
Each book was similar but totally different. Loved all the locals and even the new people in each book. Learned new things about pearls, fishing, movie making and running a bed and breakfast. Glad there were ten books. Thanks.
March 9, 2022
Dune House Owners Do it again
This 10th book in this series was as exceptional as Books 1-9. I Loved them all. Lots of Mystery and so much Drama that you are on edge until you find out The Who and Why. It was Amazing.
This 10th book in this series was as exceptional as Books 1-9. I Loved them all. Lots of Mystery and so much Drama that you are on edge until you find out The Who and Why. It was Amazing.
July 25, 2022
Don't mess with the Dune
Loved each of these stories. Everything seems normal until it dosent, then you never figure out who dun it until the last few pages. Excellent work definite 5 star and a pleasant read.
Loved each of these stories. Everything seems normal until it dosent, then you never figure out who dun it until the last few pages. Excellent work definite 5 star and a pleasant read.
November 7, 2022
Two best friends solve mysteries.
Suzie inherits a huge house. She and her best friend, Mary, turn it into a Bed and breakfast. They each find love as they solve murders and mysteries. I hope Cindy Bell writes more of this series.
Suzie inherits a huge house. She and her best friend, Mary, turn it into a Bed and breakfast. They each find love as they solve murders and mysteries. I hope Cindy Bell writes more of this series.
December 8, 2022
Good reading for a rainy day
Though formulaic, these books are an easy read. The killers aren't easy to figure. The setting of a small town with a beautiful house adds to the charm.
Though formulaic, these books are an easy read. The killers aren't easy to figure. The setting of a small town with a beautiful house adds to the charm.
May 31, 2023
Loved this series!
This was my first time reading anything by Cindy Bell but it surely will not be the last. If you're looking for entertaining characters, interesting storylines,a bit of drama and suspense then this is read for you!
This was my first time reading anything by Cindy Bell but it surely will not be the last. If you're looking for entertaining characters, interesting storylines,a bit of drama and suspense then this is read for you!
February 27, 2024
Great series. Enjoyed Susie and Mary's adventurous spirit
The books were very intriguing and suspenseful. The two heroine's worked together to solve each crime and never gave up on each other
The books were very intriguing and suspenseful. The two heroine's worked together to solve each crime and never gave up on each other
March 9, 2024
Read all 10!
A cozy cozy for sure. I liked the way the author introduced additional characters throughout the series and developed deeper relationships between them. The mysteries became more and more complex with key characters help taking on more of the sleuthing. Nice job!
A cozy cozy for sure. I liked the way the author introduced additional characters throughout the series and developed deeper relationships between them. The mysteries became more and more complex with key characters help taking on more of the sleuthing. Nice job!
August 11, 2024
The hardest thing for me when reading a set like this is that the formulaic aspect is definitely noticeable.
The amateur sleuths are two friends who decide to start an inn. One of them has a relative who is on the police force. Despite that, for some reason, she seems convinced that murders won't get solved unless she investigates.
The amateur sleuths are two friends who decide to start an inn. One of them has a relative who is on the police force. Despite that, for some reason, she seems convinced that murders won't get solved unless she investigates.
October 7, 2024
Great mysteries
These were short stories but had the same characters in every book and they were great! Every one of them was just long enough for great mystery! But not boring long. Great author.
These were short stories but had the same characters in every book and they were great! Every one of them was just long enough for great mystery! But not boring long. Great author.
December 16, 2024
Well, as in Murder She Wrote, I would never want to hang with Angela Lansbury nor would I want to hang with Susie or Mary because everybody dies around them. Was a fun read and nice to have the characters develop.
Read
January 24, 2022Great read for a snowy weekend or a beach weekend
The plots kept me entertained and guessing the wrong villain. I enjoyed the fast pace and the authors style of writing.
The plots kept me entertained and guessing the wrong villain. I enjoyed the fast pace and the authors style of writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews