What do you think?
Rate this book
Sage Gardens #1-10
Sage Gardens Cozy Mysteries Box Set Books 1 - 10
Who said retirement was boring? Join four unlikely friends as they solve perplexing murders in the seemingly idyllic retirement village and beyond.
Start a new cozy mystery series by getting the first 10 books in the Sage Gardens Cozy Mystery Series in this boxed set.
When Samantha, Jo, Eddie and Walt moved into Sage Gardens they worried that retirement would be uneventful and lonely. They couldn’t have been more wrong. The four become loyal friends and join forces to combine their varied skills to do a little sleuthing. The Sage Garden Sleuths come from vastly different backgrounds and have a few secrets of their own, but in their quest for the truth they form a strong bond. They end up on more than a few fun adventures and in a whole lot of trouble.
This box set includes:
Birthdays Can Be Deadly
Money Can Be Deadly
Trust Can Be Deadly
Ties Can Be Deadly
Rocks Can Be Deadly
Jewelry Can Be Deadly
Numbers Can Be Deadly
Memories Can Be Deadly
Paintings Can Be Deadly
Snow Can Be Deadly
Join the Sage Gardens Sleuths in these heartwarming cozy mysteries, as they form an unlikely bond and help solve more than their fair share of murders.
If you like page-turning cozy mysteries with quirky characters, puzzling mysteries and a long list of suspicious characters, you'll love these heartwarming whodunnits by USA Today and WSJ Bestselling Author Cindy Bell.
Start a new cozy mystery series by getting the first 10 books in the Sage Gardens Cozy Mystery Series in this boxed set.
When Samantha, Jo, Eddie and Walt moved into Sage Gardens they worried that retirement would be uneventful and lonely. They couldn’t have been more wrong. The four become loyal friends and join forces to combine their varied skills to do a little sleuthing. The Sage Garden Sleuths come from vastly different backgrounds and have a few secrets of their own, but in their quest for the truth they form a strong bond. They end up on more than a few fun adventures and in a whole lot of trouble.
This box set includes:
Birthdays Can Be Deadly
Money Can Be Deadly
Trust Can Be Deadly
Ties Can Be Deadly
Rocks Can Be Deadly
Jewelry Can Be Deadly
Numbers Can Be Deadly
Memories Can Be Deadly
Paintings Can Be Deadly
Snow Can Be Deadly
Join the Sage Gardens Sleuths in these heartwarming cozy mysteries, as they form an unlikely bond and help solve more than their fair share of murders.
If you like page-turning cozy mysteries with quirky characters, puzzling mysteries and a long list of suspicious characters, you'll love these heartwarming whodunnits by USA Today and WSJ Bestselling Author Cindy Bell.
1470 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2022
1393 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 23, 2022
Enjoyable
An easy and enjoyable read, this series follows a group of friends at a retirement home as they solve a variety of murders.
An easy and enjoyable read, this series follows a group of friends at a retirement home as they solve a variety of murders.
October 15, 2022
Well, at least I got through all the books. Sadly, not one of the "heroes" was arrested, shot or serious harmed for their idiotic, interfering ways. Yep, by the third book I was rooting for the bad guys.
There are few redeeming qualities in any of the main characters. They break and enter, sometimes as a group. They accost and accuse their prey as often as possible, blaming totally innocent folks for heinous crimes they had nothing to do with. Follow someone? Sure! Break in? Yep. Steal things from folks? Why not.
Now add a totally unbelievable series of access to information and lack of any manners or decorum. You want someone's complete financial history? Hey, Walt will have it in under an hour even if you don't know their full name. Want the police report? No sweat, Eddy's friend will happily copy the report and drop it off in no time at all -heck, he apparently doesn't care about his regular job anyway. Break in? That's a job for Jo. Yeah, theoretically she quit being a cat burglar but as long as she isn't stealing anythin of great value, she's good. Be nosey, open and enter unlocked buildings, accost and accuse folks of terrible things? We've got Sam, as an investigative reporter she learned her dreadful manners and she's not afraid to use them.
Now, ask yourself why with such sappy characters and mundane writing would anyone wade through all 10 books? My personal pledge is to finish any book that I start to discover something I didn't know, be it a new word, an interesting phrase or a solution I didn't envision. In this case my achievement was actually getting to the end...a whoop and a cheer and I may even rethink that "reading the entire thing" rule.
And, sadly none of the "heroes" were shot, arrested or censured, too bad as they really deserve it. I was rooting for the last bad guy, he had them all exactly where they should be...on ice and out of the way, would have been a great ending to these 10 books.
There are few redeeming qualities in any of the main characters. They break and enter, sometimes as a group. They accost and accuse their prey as often as possible, blaming totally innocent folks for heinous crimes they had nothing to do with. Follow someone? Sure! Break in? Yep. Steal things from folks? Why not.
Now add a totally unbelievable series of access to information and lack of any manners or decorum. You want someone's complete financial history? Hey, Walt will have it in under an hour even if you don't know their full name. Want the police report? No sweat, Eddy's friend will happily copy the report and drop it off in no time at all -heck, he apparently doesn't care about his regular job anyway. Break in? That's a job for Jo. Yeah, theoretically she quit being a cat burglar but as long as she isn't stealing anythin of great value, she's good. Be nosey, open and enter unlocked buildings, accost and accuse folks of terrible things? We've got Sam, as an investigative reporter she learned her dreadful manners and she's not afraid to use them.
Now, ask yourself why with such sappy characters and mundane writing would anyone wade through all 10 books? My personal pledge is to finish any book that I start to discover something I didn't know, be it a new word, an interesting phrase or a solution I didn't envision. In this case my achievement was actually getting to the end...a whoop and a cheer and I may even rethink that "reading the entire thing" rule.
And, sadly none of the "heroes" were shot, arrested or censured, too bad as they really deserve it. I was rooting for the last bad guy, he had them all exactly where they should be...on ice and out of the way, would have been a great ending to these 10 books.
October 9, 2022
Two murders for the price of one
Samantha finally was accepted as a member of the Sage Garden Women's club. She planned an event at a mountain resort -- a murder mystery weekend. When they arrived, Eddy found the dead body of one of the actors, but the body disappeared. The four friends began to search for the body while searching for the murderer. The story continues along with the real murder Eddy had discovered. This was a great plot with lots of interesting characters. I love how the fake mystery was solved at almost the same time as the real murder, and to Samantha's surprise, the ladies in the club said they had such a good time that they appointed Samantha to plan future activities. Great story!
Samantha finally was accepted as a member of the Sage Garden Women's club. She planned an event at a mountain resort -- a murder mystery weekend. When they arrived, Eddy found the dead body of one of the actors, but the body disappeared. The four friends began to search for the body while searching for the murderer. The story continues along with the real murder Eddy had discovered. This was a great plot with lots of interesting characters. I love how the fake mystery was solved at almost the same time as the real murder, and to Samantha's surprise, the ladies in the club said they had such a good time that they appointed Samantha to plan future activities. Great story!
February 22, 2025
The thing I like most about Cozy Mysteries is the lack of blasphemous, crude, or rude language. I can only recall one such book where this was not the case.
This series lived up to expectations. However the stories, themselves, stretched the imagination just a little too far. Having served with the former Strathclyde Police Force, I cannot believe that Eddy is still able to access so much information from the local PD. The way in which Samantha and Walt can do the same with computers - and even phones - is beyond believable. As for Jo, I'm not sure how much of her activity is within legal parameters!
At least these ten volumes are, indeed, a series, and not the usual serial. Each book can stand alone, and each situation is fully resolved.
This series lived up to expectations. However the stories, themselves, stretched the imagination just a little too far. Having served with the former Strathclyde Police Force, I cannot believe that Eddy is still able to access so much information from the local PD. The way in which Samantha and Walt can do the same with computers - and even phones - is beyond believable. As for Jo, I'm not sure how much of her activity is within legal parameters!
At least these ten volumes are, indeed, a series, and not the usual serial. Each book can stand alone, and each situation is fully resolved.
Read
January 9, 2025Not interested.
Amazon synopsis:
When Samantha, Jo, Eddie and Walt moved into Sage Gardens they worried that retirement would be uneventful and lonely. They couldn’t have been more wrong. The four become loyal friends and join forces to combine their varied skills to do a little sleuthing. The Sage Garden Sleuths come from vastly different backgrounds and have a few secrets of their own, but in their quest for the truth they form a strong bond. They end up on more than a few fun adventures and in a whole lot of trouble.
Amazon synopsis:
When Samantha, Jo, Eddie and Walt moved into Sage Gardens they worried that retirement would be uneventful and lonely. They couldn’t have been more wrong. The four become loyal friends and join forces to combine their varied skills to do a little sleuthing. The Sage Garden Sleuths come from vastly different backgrounds and have a few secrets of their own, but in their quest for the truth they form a strong bond. They end up on more than a few fun adventures and in a whole lot of trouble.
October 24, 2022
Meh
Got the set for free on Kindle via BookBub - barely made it through the first book - scrolled to the end just to have it 'read'
I couldn't get a good feel for the characters, supposedly all retired, but my mental picture kept putting them all a bit younger - and the end of the first book? As a retired cop Eddy would know better than to remove possible evidence - just inane - glad I didn't actually pay for this drivel
Got the set for free on Kindle via BookBub - barely made it through the first book - scrolled to the end just to have it 'read'
I couldn't get a good feel for the characters, supposedly all retired, but my mental picture kept putting them all a bit younger - and the end of the first book? As a retired cop Eddy would know better than to remove possible evidence - just inane - glad I didn't actually pay for this drivel
November 16, 2022
Loved this series
Great mystery series with wonderful characters. I enjoyed each book. The books were all good by themselves but each one added layers of interest to each character and the story lines. I was also happy that there were no issues with bad language or explicit scenes. It was so good to be able to read a good, clean and interesting series.
Great mystery series with wonderful characters. I enjoyed each book. The books were all good by themselves but each one added layers of interest to each character and the story lines. I was also happy that there were no issues with bad language or explicit scenes. It was so good to be able to read a good, clean and interesting series.
February 22, 2024
A Good Start to the Books of Sage Gardens
I really liked the first ten books centered in and around Sage Gardens, A retirement community with separate villas for each resident. There is a mystery to solve in each book, but all the residents get to know others and together, they solve mysterious problems! I'm looking forward to reading several more!!
I really liked the first ten books centered in and around Sage Gardens, A retirement community with separate villas for each resident. There is a mystery to solve in each book, but all the residents get to know others and together, they solve mysterious problems! I'm looking forward to reading several more!!
March 11, 2024
Friends & Fiends
I really liked the camaraderie between the friends & how they brainstorm to figure out the killers. I recommend this set of books to anyone who likes mysteries and doesn't need the physical violence accompanying a murder. No swearing, sex, or gory details, just a good mystery.
I really liked the camaraderie between the friends & how they brainstorm to figure out the killers. I recommend this set of books to anyone who likes mysteries and doesn't need the physical violence accompanying a murder. No swearing, sex, or gory details, just a good mystery.
May 17, 2024
Read them all in a row!!
I very much enjoyed reading the first 10 Sage Gardens books one right after the other!
I love the cast of characters and how they interact with the other residents of Sage Gardens. The close knit group protect each other and back each other up, especially in a crisis.
Anyone who chooses this series will not be disappointed.
Thank you Cindy!!
I very much enjoyed reading the first 10 Sage Gardens books one right after the other!
I love the cast of characters and how they interact with the other residents of Sage Gardens. The close knit group protect each other and back each other up, especially in a crisis.
Anyone who chooses this series will not be disappointed.
Thank you Cindy!!
March 4, 2025
Interesting mix of characters and plots, things ate stretched for high reader focus but a bit too much to be realistic as far as investigating methods. But none of that detracts from the escapism of reading or the quirkiness of the people in the stories. The fact these are older and in a retirement community made for greater enjoyment. Light but has some darker scenes but I found it gripping.
May 3, 2025
Easy read. Cozy mystery.
It's easy to become acquainted with the characters in this series. I live in a retirement community as do the characters so I was eager to read about Sage Gardens. It is an interesting and adventurous foursome who find themselves solving murders near and far. Seems every where they go, murder is there.
It's easy to become acquainted with the characters in this series. I live in a retirement community as do the characters so I was eager to read about Sage Gardens. It is an interesting and adventurous foursome who find themselves solving murders near and far. Seems every where they go, murder is there.
October 8, 2022
Fun, clean stories
Yes, I read all ten stories and enjoyed each one. They are quick and easy reads. Even with all of the murders, I would love to reside at Sage Garden, and be friends with Eddy, Samantha, Walt and Jo.
Yes, I read all ten stories and enjoyed each one. They are quick and easy reads. Even with all of the murders, I would love to reside at Sage Garden, and be friends with Eddy, Samantha, Walt and Jo.
October 16, 2022
A great set of books
I liked how Cindy linked the books together along with the characters. She made each one seem like a real person, in my mind I could picture what each of them looked like. I highly recommend this set of books to anyone who really enjoys a great mystery!
I liked how Cindy linked the books together along with the characters. She made each one seem like a real person, in my mind I could picture what each of them looked like. I highly recommend this set of books to anyone who really enjoys a great mystery!
November 8, 2022
A Good Read
Well worth five stars, well thought out storylines with plenty of intrigue and mysterious twists and enough character details to let you get to know them quite intimately, to care about each one.
Well worth five stars, well thought out storylines with plenty of intrigue and mysterious twists and enough character details to let you get to know them quite intimately, to care about each one.
November 28, 2022
Very enjoyable read!
Cindy Bell did a great job of making these books easy and fun read. She gave us entertaining characters, interesting storylines, lots of drama and suspense. Give them a try I'm sure you will be pleased!
Cindy Bell did a great job of making these books easy and fun read. She gave us entertaining characters, interesting storylines, lots of drama and suspense. Give them a try I'm sure you will be pleased!
January 15, 2023
not for me.
I only read a handful of pages from the first book. I found it lacking in some key details, needed at the start of every good story. Now, those details may be revealed later in the book or books. It simply wasn’t for me.
I only read a handful of pages from the first book. I found it lacking in some key details, needed at the start of every good story. Now, those details may be revealed later in the book or books. It simply wasn’t for me.
February 4, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed the intrigue in all ten of the stories! It was fascinating how the four very diverse friends worked together to solve the murders. I highly recommend the boxed set for anyone who loves murder mysteries.
April 25, 2025
Willy nilly
4 people in a retirement community running around Willy nilly and end up solving crimes while never getting hurt by very shady characters. I finished the first 10 in series but have no interest in continuing the series.
4 people in a retirement community running around Willy nilly and end up solving crimes while never getting hurt by very shady characters. I finished the first 10 in series but have no interest in continuing the series.
Read
May 12, 2025Senior citizens in action.
Great series showing the knowledge and skills that seniors put to good use. Engaging characters make you want to follow there every move. Can't wait to read more.
Great series showing the knowledge and skills that seniors put to good use. Engaging characters make you want to follow there every move. Can't wait to read more.
October 2, 2022
Each book is a separate mystery solved by a quartet of retired professionals. Read ten in a row is just a little too much at one time. I suggest 5 at a time.
November 1, 2022
Fun Reads!
I really enjoyed this series and looking forward to your next one. The story lines kept me very engaged with a great group of characters.
I really enjoyed this series and looking forward to your next one. The story lines kept me very engaged with a great group of characters.
February 16, 2023
Sage Gardens
I love these collection of 10 books. The happenings in & around Sage Gardens were interesting and very intriguing. A really good resd.
I love these collection of 10 books. The happenings in & around Sage Gardens were interesting and very intriguing. A really good resd.
May 2, 2023
Excellent book. Couldn't put it down
May 30, 2023
always in trouble
This unexpected group solved mysteries but always going to be in danger. Keeps you interested in what happens next. Couldn’t stop reading.
This unexpected group solved mysteries but always going to be in danger. Keeps you interested in what happens next. Couldn’t stop reading.
October 28, 2023
very enjoyable easy read
Stories follow a group of friends from an retirement community and the crimes that they solve. Very entertaining with the antics that they get into.
Stories follow a group of friends from an retirement community and the crimes that they solve. Very entertaining with the antics that they get into.
February 10, 2024
Sage Gardens Mystery
This was a fascinating series of cosy mysteries. Loved the characters and setting. Great read. I highly recommend it. Enjoy!
This was a fascinating series of cosy mysteries. Loved the characters and setting. Great read. I highly recommend it. Enjoy!
January 18, 2025
Excellent Series
I loved this series! Each story grabbed me on the first page until the last page. I can't wait to read the next story in this series.
I loved this series! Each story grabbed me on the first page until the last page. I can't wait to read the next story in this series.
July 19, 2025
Amazing
These ten sleuth books were fun to read. It was great to try and guess whodunit and then finding out who really committed the murder was awesome.
These ten sleuth books were fun to read. It was great to try and guess whodunit and then finding out who really committed the murder was awesome.
August 9, 2025
Murder Mystery…
I loved ALL the Sage Gardens Cozy Mysteries. Snow Can Be Deadly was the 10th book. I wish there were more!
Thank you for a great series, Cincy Bell!
I loved ALL the Sage Gardens Cozy Mysteries. Snow Can Be Deadly was the 10th book. I wish there were more!
Thank you for a great series, Cincy Bell!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews