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Piper Sandstone Savory Mystery #3

Mystery on the Half Shell

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Going undercover just got complicated....

She's a Chicago detective hiding in a Gulf Coast town. When a dognapping and murder shake up the local community, Piper Sandstone finds herself tangled in the mystery. Now, keeping a low profile is not an option anymore if she wants to survive.

After solving a case involving dirty cops, Piper is forced to hide out in Savory, Alabama until the corrupt officers land behind bars.

Savory, better known as Alligator Alley, is not your typical tourist attraction Gulf Coast town. Why? Because it's home to the three-time AKC champion poodle Victory Cup Valentino, but this year bad things are about to go down. Even before Piper can get unpacked, there is a murder, and the poodle goes missing right before the Westminster Dog Show.

Suspicions run high, especially with two other newcomers with very sketchy backstories showing up in town. But before Piper can get any answers, all hell breaks loose when a body turns up in the bayou and she's at the center of the crime scene.

Fortunately for Piper, a group of retired ladies known as the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad is on her side, and they are a force to be reckoned with. Now, they must work together to solve the crime and stop the murderer before they end up in a body bag.

Mystery On The Half Shell, the third installment in the Savory Mystery Series, is a fun, suspenseful cozy mystery that will keep you riveted to your seat with twists and turns you won't see coming.

61 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2021

156 people are currently reading
67 people want to read

About the author

Karen McSpade

34 books226 followers
Raised in the Arkansas River Valley, Karen McSpade grew up with a fishing pole in one hand and her trusty .410 shotgun in the other. Exploring the creeks and woods around her hometown while hunting with her father kept her “entertained and out of jail,” as her mom likes to say.

As a child, her most prized possessions were her books and her Michael Jackson album collection. These led her to a brief venture into breakdancing and poetry slamming before discovering her true passion, bringing stories and characters to life. Today, she focuses on the two things that still inspire her creativity—her love for food and dishing up mysteries with a dash of humor.

Karen’s novels feature compassionate and strong-willed leading ladies determined to uncover the truth and seek justice. She loves creating stories filled with mystery, romance, magic, and adventure that allow readers to join her characters on their journey, leaving behind the real world for a few hours at a time.

When she’s not writing, Karen’s favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, cooking, reading, gardening, and enjoying nature. She lives in Northwest Arkansas with her family and a very spoiled Wheaten Terrier who doubles as her writing assistant.

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5 stars
104 (46%)
4 stars
81 (36%)
3 stars
32 (14%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
6,725 reviews5 followers
January 15, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶

This is a kindle e-book novella from my Kindle Unlimited account book 3 of 5 in the series.

Piper Sandstone is known as Sharon to the people on the Alabama coast. Her and the ladies crime club are investigating the kidnapping of a dog and murder of the handler. They find the dog down by the river. The mystery continues in book 4.

I would recommend this novella series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationship adventure mystery novels. 2024 👒😎🤔🏝
Profile Image for Jessica Welch.
167 reviews6 followers
December 27, 2021
This "series" is fun and light and it's really getting deeper into the mystery on this one. I am excited to keep reading and see where it ends up. My only real complaint is the timeline feels a bit rough. From one scene to the next you never know if what you are reading is moments later, hours later, or even an entire week later until you are already a bit into the new scene and casually thrown in is a mention of the previous scene saying something like "Was it really only __ hours ago?" or "Was it really __ days ago?" ... I am not sure why but I find it a bit distracting when it jumps days at a time with no indication of the time passing until you are already fully into the next scene. It makes me stop and go "wait, what?" It just doesn't seem to flow smoothly. I am still enjoying the story enough to keep reading though but it seems to bother me more with each "book"

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am reviewing voluntarily.
992 reviews9 followers
November 19, 2021
This is the continuing saga of Sharon & the Dentures & Diamonds Crime Squad. Sharon has been released from jail, bailed by the ladies. Jake is furious with her & is following her moves. A couple of weeks later Sharon decides she has to go to the river to see if she can find any clues. The others go with her & They do find something.
Profile Image for Julie Whyte.
60 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2021
Piper/Sharon just can’t seem to “lay low” the way she is supposed to be doing. She has become an honorary member of the Dentures & Diamond Crime Squad and she is becoming more involved than she should be!! Will Piper blow her cover? Will she be accused of murder?? Another great short cozy sequel!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book).
1,399 reviews27 followers
November 16, 2021
When Piper Sandstone moves to Savory, Alabama, it isn't her own choice. It's because she's in the middle of a trial involving dirty cops, and it's for her own safety. Since she's now Sharon, a waitress at the local diner, she needs to keep her identity secret. But it doesn't stop her from investigating crime -- it's inbred in her as a cop -- and she's investigating the death of a young woman whose body was found in the swamp. Joining her are a group of four retired ladies known as the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad, and they're just as concerned about justice for the dead woman.

But things get hairy when she's caught snooping by the local sheriff, who now doesn't trust her, and more involved when she finds something she didn't expect to find. Now she's wondering why things aren't looking the way they should, and if there's more to the story. But before she can do any more sleuthing, something occurs that stops everything temporarily...

This is the third installment in the series, and I have to say that I am really enjoying it. While these are short reads, it is difficult to put them down, and it makes you want to finish the entire series in one sitting. There is enough action to please anyone, and enough mystery to keep you guessing. Since these are short, I hesitate to give you any more information than I already have, but urge you to read the series, beginning with the first book. You won't be disappointed. Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy from the author but this in no way influenced my review.
1,308 reviews24 followers
October 25, 2022
This is part 3 of 5 so in this part the town is buzzing with the discovery of Susan’s body. Sharon (Piper) and the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad overhear bits of a conversation between Valorie Channing and Adam Kane that seems pretty incriminating. The girls decide to go to the scene of the crime to see if they can find any clues the cops might have missed and find instead the missing show dog Victory. Meanwhile Winston Channing is striking a deal with the new arrival in town but something unexpected happens in the last few pages that spells trouble for someone.

This 5 part series will continue where this one left off as the search for who killed Susan and turned Victory loose in the swamp will continue leading to the wrap up in part 5.

You really need to get the entire series so you don’t miss any of the clues to solve this cozy mystery. This series is now out in a complete box set so I’d suggest you get that box set instead of five separate books so the story will be all together. If you sign up for the authors’s newsletter, you’ll receive the free prequel book which tells how Piper Sandstone ended up in Savory, Alabama, hiding out from crooked cops in Chicago!

I recommend this 5 part series as one cozy mystery lovers will like. There is humor and a good whodunnit that will keep your attention to the end.

These parts (books) each only take a hour or two to read so you can probably read the whole series in a day if you get the box set! So just settle back and take a break from the troubles of the world and enjoy a good mystery!
Profile Image for Nancy (The Avid Reader).
3,089 reviews131 followers
October 30, 2024
The mystery continues in Mystery on the Half Shell the third story in the Piper Sandstone Savory Mystery series by Karen McSpade. Mystery on the Half Shell pulls you deep into its world as the mystery deepens.

The ladies from the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad bail Piper out of jail after she was arrested by Jake. Piper and the ladies are still looking for the champion poodle Victory Cup Valentino and his missing handler.

The investigation leads the ladies down to the water where the prize poodle handler’s body is found. What happened to Susan? Who killed her and why? Where is the champion poodle? Is he still alive?

Oh, so many unanswered questions. The mystery and suspense deepens. What is going on?

Piper is still trying to lay low but is she doing a great job? Piper is only being who she is a detective. Being a detective is who she is. Is being a detective worth more than her life? And the plot deepens.

I can’t wait to dive into the next book Killer Gumbo to see what awaits Piper and the ladies. I liked getting to know Piper’s little dog, Mister a bit more. Piper and Mister were on a stakeout and I read about Mister’s floppy ears I instantly thought about Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane's dog Flash.

Grab a copy of this wonderful story, Mystery on the Half Shell today and help solve the crime!
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,514 reviews47 followers
December 22, 2022
.More mystery and death to come.
It couldn't get more interesting than the last time.
The missing poodle is found and another murder mystery is started.
After solving a case involving dirty cops, Piper is forced to hide out in Savory, Alabama until the corrupt officers land behind bars.
Savory, better known as Alligator Alley, is not your typical tourist attraction Gulf Coast town. Why? Because it's home to the three-time AKC champion poodle Victory Cup Valentino, but this year bad things are about to go down. Even before Piper can get unpacked, there is a murder, and the poodle goes missing right before the Westminster Dog Show.
Suspicions run high, especially with two other newcomers with very sketchy backstories showing up in town. But before Piper can get any answers, all hell breaks loose when a body turns up in the bayou and she's at the center of the crime scene.
Fortunately for Piper, a group of retired ladies known as the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad is on her side, and they are a force to be reckoned with. Now, they must work together to solve the crime and stop the murderer before they end up in a body bag.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
961 reviews4 followers
August 30, 2022
by Barbara Kelley

Mystery on the Half Shell is Book 3 in the Piper Sandstone Mystery Series. This book started up where book 2 left off. Piper (Sharon) and Jake are on their date when a dead body shows up in the bayou. She goes with him to the crime scene, but instead of staying in the truck, she gets out and snoops. She goes to the victim's house to find out about the victim's lifestyle and gets caught by Jake. He is super angry with her and thinks she was just dating him to get information on the dog disappearance case, which she was. He arrests her and hauls her off to jail where he questions her. The Delta Queens bail her out of jail and she and the four ladies snoop around the Channings (owners of the missing dog) and Adam Kane who has been seen in a clandestined situation with Valorie Channing by Piper. Even though Sheriff Jake tells the ladies not to snoop around, they do so anyway, and end up finding the missing dog. Where did they find the dog, and more importantly, who has been taking care of him since his handler was found dead a week earlier? I gave this book 5 stars.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews361 followers
November 17, 2021
Still Investigating . . .

Piper Sandstone is a rookie detective from Chicago hiding in a Gulf Coast town for the duration of a trial involving dirty cops, posing as a waitress at a local cafe. As soon as she arrived in Savory, a dognapping and murder occurred that could expose her being here in hiding.

Piper and the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad are still working on figuring out who killed Susan and kidnapped Victory, the champion show dog. Piper, who can’t manage to stay under cover and has to get involved, is arrested after being found where she shouldn’t be. Her lady friends bail her out of jail. But interest is now focused on a business deal between Winston Channing and Mike Peligrino. Before we get answers about that, Mike collapses while eating at the Crabby Clam Cafe. With the Sheriff already suspicious of her, will Piper inadvertently reveal who she is?
Profile Image for Judy Johnson.
840 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2021
First thing's first...you need to read these books in order, so if you haven't read Murder and Grits, go back and start there...you won't be sorry, you'll just want to keep reading till you get to the part where after this book, you need to wait for the next one, but it's SO worth it. They are short enough where it really isn't a problem to read one after the other. Never a spoiler in my reviews, humor is at the forefront of this easy-to-read series that makes it (interesting) difficult to lay low in her undercover assignment in Savory, Alabama. Laugh out loud moments keep you enveloped in the storyline(s)~quirky characters keep you entertained, and of course, the wonderfully written mystery that demands your attention and interest. Added bonus recipes inside. Loved this book, LOVE this series.
229 reviews5 followers
November 16, 2021
Okay, no talk about cliff hangers this week. Karen McSpade has pulled me into an intriguing mystery and I'll keep reading until the end. Instead of laying low, Sharon (really Piper Sandstone) is hip deep into theft and murder in the small town of Savory, Alabama. She's become and honorary member of the Dentures and Diamond Crime Squad and they are hot on the trail of the culprit(s.) I love Piper's spirit and thirst of justice and the ladies that make up the Crime Squad are absolute hoots and extremely loyal. I recommend that you start with the first book in this series as it is a continuing story throughout. I can't wait for the next book because I'm dying for some answers. Happy Reading!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,234 reviews11 followers
November 18, 2021
Part three in in this short story series finds Detective Piper in the coastal town of Savory Alabama, where she has been sent undercover until the bad cops she identified in Chicago are arrested. Piper can’t help investigating, I guess it’s in her blood, but she can get herself in the strangest situations, like being arrested after a first date with the handsome sheriff! When a body is found in the river, the Dentures and Diamonds Crime squad, a group of would-be sleuths, talk Piper into sleuthing with them. This is a fun, short continuing story with interesting characters. My only complaint is that I can’t wait till the next one comes out! I’m on the author’s ARC team and write this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,674 reviews103 followers
November 18, 2021
Another installment of what's become my favorite book soap opera lol and yup, another cliffhanger alert. There were a couple of new developments that I can't really mention since it'd spoil the surprises. I love the four ladies and their camaraderie. It's so cute how they treat Piper (who they know as Sharon) as one of their own. I think Piper likes Jake a lot but in light of who she really is, she's keeping her distance especially since at the end of the last installment, he wasn't too happy with her.

Just like on TV, the scene ended as something crucial happened. You better believe I'm borrowing the next on KU as soon as it's out! :)
336 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2021
Fun Action Packed Cozy Mystery!!!

Chicago detective Piper Sandstone is hiding out in Savory, Alabama working as a waitress at a local café after she exposed the dirty cops. There is a murder and a poodle goes missing. Piper jumps right into investigate with the help from the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad.

This is a fast fun and very enjoying read with delightful characters, it's full of twist and turn, exciting mystery, action packed and humor. it keeps me entertained as I try to figure out the mystery and murder. I'm 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.
Profile Image for CR1017.
98 reviews
August 19, 2024
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Mystery on the Half Shell is part 3 of 5 in the Savory Mystery series.
Several hours have passed when the story picks up again to start the third book.
We find Sharon being released from jail, bailed out by her new gal pals the Delta Queens aka the Dentures & Diamond Crime Squad, a group she has now seemingly become a junior member of.
The mystery of the missing show dog is compounded by the discovery of a dead body.
Victory, the missing show dog, is found and reunited with his owners. The book ends on another cliffhanger at the Crabby Clam Café.
1,769 reviews24 followers
November 10, 2021
An intense and well written short cozey murder mystery. Vibrant,colorful characters carrying Karen Spades's latest series from one episode to the next with heightened expectations of what's to come next. If you enjoy cliffhangers in your mysterys this series is a perfect fit for you, one clue after another bringing more questions and twists. Who is behind what's going on and what exactly is going on keep following each exciting book to get answers. Acquire " Mystery on the Half Shell" today so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. 😀Kat
Profile Image for Terri McClean .
187 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2021
This is closer to two and half stars but I can't leave half star reviews here.

As this is part 3 , and it reads like a chapter of a book you really need to read the other parts first. You can't get any understanding from this part alone. These are quick reads that when you put them together form a mystery story. This part seems kinda disjointed if you don't know the story. .There are some great recipes included, that are featured in the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Linda Kuno.
18 reviews
November 20, 2021
If you think a bunch of retired ladies can't get into any trouble, you've never read about the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad. Their sense of humor helps them get through some tough situations. Being retired gives them an appearance of not to be taken seriously.
Often when reading mysteries you can figure out what is going to happen next. Not with Karen McSpade, she has some surprising twists. She gave me this book and the opportunity to review it. I am glad she did. I love the book and will be sure to read more of her books.
Profile Image for Sandra.
278 reviews3 followers
November 22, 2021
Lies galore

Sharon, waitress and amateur sleuth, is really a big city detective. Having botched the take down of corrupt policeman, she is hiding in a small town and trying, with limited success, to stay out of trouble. Having seen one dead body, then rescued a missing dog, she keeps ending up on the wrong place endangering her status quo. Written with humor and populated by likable characters, this mystery is written in sections which end in a crisis. It leaves readers waiting for the next installment.
459 reviews5 followers
November 14, 2021
Part 3 was soo good. I absolutely loved the "house guest" that came in uninvited. I love how the diamond ladies aren't afraid to get their feet dirty looking for clues. I love how Piper aka Sharon has just blended so well with them. Great to see how no matter what age you can be friends and have fun. Even though it leaves me on the edge every time, it's always a quick read so I can find out what happens. Soo can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for CarolAnn Williams.
56 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2021
Just when you thought the installments couldn't get any better Karen McSpade proves you wrong!
This is another page-turning installment of the Piper Sandstone Savory Mystery Series that will leave you full of anticipation for the next episode.

*This is part of a series and not meant to be read as a standalone book

I received an advanced copy of the book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,275 reviews98 followers
November 16, 2021
The saga of Piper Sandstone continues. She is suppose to be undercover and behaving herself while in hiding from those that wish to do her harm in Chicago. But Piper just can't help herself, and of course the Dentures and Diamond Ladies really are not a good influence in helping her behave either! This is a witty short story that introduces more characters and continues with life in Alligator Alley. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Staci.
Author 15 books81 followers
May 10, 2022
The plot thickens in this third installment of A Piper Sandstone Savory Mystery Series! I kept turning the pages faster and faster to find out what happens next. Piper, a.k.a. Sharon, is awarded honorary status as a member of the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad and gets embroiled deeper into the community of Savory and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the prize-winning dog. Now, there's also a murder to investigate. I can't wait to read the next installment!
Profile Image for Linda (ellsky) Jackson.
497 reviews6 followers
May 24, 2024
Another fast-paced installment of the mystery, wherein we see the Delta Queens in action assisting Piper with her investigations. The mystery deepens as there are new possible motives revealed. And will Jake's anger at Piper lessen soon? I would love to see them working together on the case. I will be continuing with the series right away.

I received a copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Laura.
725 reviews14 followers
November 1, 2021
Delightful short story in the continuing saga of Piper Sandstone. I understand that this is meant to be serialized, but I do wish they came out closer together! The plot continues to thicken as more characters are introduced and others done away with. McSpade does a good job of keeping you guessing what will happen next.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
284 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2021
Piper Sandstone and her Dentures and Diamonds squad of detectives continue their prowl for clues as to the who and why of a murder and dog knapping. Perhaps they have also uncovered a little "hanky panky" as well. Follow along as these daring dames snoop out the scoop in their own unique truth or dare approach to solving the mystery.
1,372 reviews8 followers
November 17, 2021
Sharon and the girls have found Victory but the owners don't seem too excited to get him back and then the next day they come into the crabby clam where Sharon works. Sharon is noticing that the channing's have never come into the restaurant and then she notices Adam Kane after he breaks a cup by accident or out of aggression we may never know. I can't wait to read the next book. I received this book as an Arc for an unbiased and honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
6,031 reviews45 followers
November 16, 2021
when police detective Piper Sandstone goes undercover in Savory, she likely expected a simple incognito situation

Instead, the dentures and diamonds ladies are keeping her on her toes, and on the radar of local law enforcement

humorous and insightful sisterhood murder cozy

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
98 reviews
November 18, 2021
Another piper sandstone undercover detective slash waitress mystery being served up with a side of dog napping and murder and joined by the dentures and diamonds crime squad equals one fun, engaging wild ride to a really good read. Start with the first book and keep going. This series shouldn't be missed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews

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