The Shadows in the Cove

Cook's Cove Mystery #1

by Judy Leslie

This book is not currently available.

Susan came to Cook’s Cove to follow her dreams but discovered nightmares instead.

Dreams of being happy and living life on her terms give way to nightmares about people who were murdered.

Susan isn’t ready to admit to herself or anyone that the dreams and visions she is having are real. After all, she moved to Cook’s Cove to begin a new life and doesn’t want the locals to shun her.

When she is whisked off her feet by Ryan Taft, she is sure she has found happiness and a diversion from her nightmares. But that doesn’t last long. His brother fills her head with doubt, and she doesn't know who or what to believe.  

Susan’s dreams come to her as puzzles--showing her where to find dead bodies---but never who the killer is.

Sometimes, the smallest towns hide the darkest secrets, and Susan’s dreams are about to take a darker turn. The clock is ticking with death in the future--will she put the pieces together before anyone else dies, or is it too late?

If you love a mystery mixed with the emotional elements of women’s fiction, a bit of romance, and a touch of the supernatural, you will enjoy THE SHADOWS IN THE COVE and the following books in the Cook’s Cove mystery series.

176 pages, ebook

Published June 4, 2022

About the author

Who doesn’t love a good story? Judy Leslie's story starts in the vibrant city of Pasadena, California, where she grew up in a family as unique as they come. Her mother, a farm girl drawn to the allure of Hollywood, and her father, a charismatic Texan with talents in dance, art, and photography, provided a childhood filled with diverse influences. Her extended family was no less interesting, featuring a successful aunt who broke barriers as a gay interior designer and an uncle who worked as a chauffeur for Hollywood stars, among others. This colorful family backdrop offered Judy endless material for her future stories.

By the age of 20, Judy had moved to Bellingham, Washington, a cozy coastal town that seemed to whisper stories from its every nook. Running Yesteryear Antiques, her days began with the crackle of logs in the woodstove and the brewing of morning coffee, a routine that grounded her in simplicity and sparked her creative mind.

Her next chapter unfolded in a quaint beach cottage on the Lummi Indian reservation. This tranquil spot, where night mysteries seemed to merge with the ocean's rhythm, inspired the Cook’s Cove collection. Here, Judy's real-life experiences blended with her imagination, creating tales where mystery and romance seamlessly intertwined.

Judy's life also included dating a successful musician and living abroad, adding layers to her personal narrative. She has traveled extensively across the United States, exploring numerous small towns while riding on the back of her husband's Harley motorcycle.

Now, Judy splits her time between a home near Seattle and a cabin in Leavenworth, Washington, a place buzzing with Bavarian charm and outdoor activities. This contrast of settings continues to fuel her writing, inspiring her to explore stories about a family's search not for adventure or riches, but for a deep, enduring love – as timeless and profound as the mountains that surround her mountain retreat.

Reviews

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as a review copy from Booksirens, this is an honest review. Cook's Cove is beautifully small town and its residents run the gambit of wealthy, poor and eccentric. When Susan meets a man named Ryan, both fall for each and wants nothing more all the time they have together; their relationship is often colored by Ryan's brother who wants Susan to be this and not so subtly tries to break the tow of them up. A she is not up in their rivalry, bizarre and harrowing dreams haunt Susan as they seem to foretell the deaths of several residents that have left their mark upon the town. Cook's Cove has a dark secret that for Susan it will cost her everything she love. Beautifully written with memorable characters, highly recommended.

[Annette Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully, well written story. It snagged me from the beginning, and I had to keep the pages turning since I was dying to know what happened next. The love story of Susan and Ryan is sweet and tender. It tugs on the heart strings.
I love it when an author can transport me from my couch and straight into their world. It keeps me coming back for more. Judy Leslie describes her scenes with excellent clarity. So much I could practically hear the ocean waves, smell the salty air, and feel the wind on my skin.
This story has lots of mystery with an ample dose of paranormal. I'm not one for spoilers, so I'll only mention the story ends with a cliff-hanger. I definitely look forward to reading the next book.

[Helen Causer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short read, but with more to come, this story centres on a young woman who has premonitions and can sense spirits. She doesn’t always trust her gut instinct though, which can make her own life difficult. I found myself shouting at her as I read, but that didn’t make any difference to the outcome, obviously.

The story is simply told, easy to follow, and has a strong plot. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story. A little love, a little mystery, a little murder. Lots going on on in the little town of Cooks Cove. The story was a quick read and seemed rushed at the end, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It has an interesting storyline with relatable characters. A good mix of mystery and romance, with a bit of the supernatural hovering in the background. I enjoyed the fact that the main character had flaws. She didn’t always trust her intuition and at times made bad choices. The twisted plot kept me guessing. I can’t wait to read the 2nd book in this series.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone whose dreams/nightmares have sometimes come true, this story resonated with me.

I was overcome with emotion several times while reading this story… thankfully it was a short one.

The only real thing I didn’t enjoy about this novella was the cliffhanger ending.

I received this review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[JoAnna McGarvie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shadows in the Cove was a wonderful story just the right amount of spice , Mystery , Settings and intruge .
Not to mentioned The Pacific Northwest Is my stomping Grounds so I definely loved that on a personal note .

I am looking forward to reading more in the Cook's Cover Series.

[Tala Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

When I was offered this book, I thought it sounded really good and upon receiving the book started right on it. The first chapter hooked me right in and that was about it. The story became tedious after the first chapter and I kept hoping it would get better, but unfortunately it just dragged on. And in the end I was just sad that it wasn't better. Other than Susan's dreams there wasn't much mystery that couldn't be figured out and the romance was sweet, but took up too much of the book. I think there should have been more of the mystery, less of the romance. The characters were good, but they didn't have much depth so I wasn't drawn to them.

I gave this a 3 star because it had a few moments of intrigue and mystery. The romance was sweet, but as I said, took up way too much time in the book. For the most part this book didn't keep my interest and definitely did not make me want more of the series.

[Emma Minazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really good! The story is gripping and I loved the characters! The writing style was really good and you really felt the same emotions that susan did about some of the residents of Cook's Cove. I had a mix of emotions while reading this but really enjoyed it and the people involved gave me a lot to think about! Cook's Cove definitely has a lot going on and it was a real page turner! Cannot wait to read more from the series!

I received this advance reader copy for free,  and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cricket1327_Zmob King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story and really well written characters! I finished it in quickly as I couldn't put it down! I can't wait to read part 2! I definitely recommend this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It's different then the usual murder mysteries. Susan starts having dreams about local murders that turn out to be true.

[Susan K. Slate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shadows in the Cove (Cook’s Cove) started off with characters who seemed familiar, people you know and could be friends with. Then they all began to be revealed with layers opening. Events took a turn that most of us have never experienced. Susan, Ryan, Ray, and Jack caught my interest with their secrets and hidden lives. I wanted to know more, and this book delivered. The fast pace, along with the revealing of the characters created a lively action thriller sprinkled with a love story and an overlay of mystical happenings. Even the local environment was a character, “She slammed the door behind her and ran toward the beach. The town took on surreal quality as if moving in slow motion. The houses she passed seem to inhale and exhale as she went by, their windows like eyes watching her. Ordinary sounds were muffled. The old brick buildings had cracks that oozed a vapor.”

So evocative and made me feel I was right there by Susan. I recommend this book to those who want action entertainment and a tasty first course with more to follow.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC for free, and leave the review voluntarily. Really not sure how to review this book. I can say that the writing seemed to lack finesse, and seemed kind of cheesy at times. And, I know people can fall in love quick, but this whole love story did seem ridiculous. The mystery did not seem like much of a mystery, and was quite stilted. This is the first book in a series, and I can say that I do not have plans to continue it.

[Katya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

As one famous football player said - "Your expectations are your problems" (c). This is what happens to me often, and this book was no exception - I expected something different after reading the synopsis. I thought it was going to be more about Susan and her paranormal abilities. Seeing dreams about people who have been murdered - is an interesting idea, and I expected Susan to be more of an amateur sleuth, that she would investigate the murders she has seen in her nightmares and we would follow her on this truth-seeking path.

What I got was - the majority of the book was about Susan's love life, and frankly she annoyed me so much with her romantic throwings. One sentence she is head over heels in love with Ryan, the next - she hates him because his brother told her bad things about him.
Here is another example that left me confused: Jack invited her out, and she was warned by Ryan to stay away from his brother (which is probably worth listening to, since they are brothers and know a lot about each other), but she still chose to wear a short dress which she herself felt might give Jack the wrong ideas. So, what's up with that, Susan? What are you thinking?

Despite all such minor things, it is an interesting story, I still wanted to find out what happens in the end. But the one thing that I did not like is the writing. It's very simple and is more of the "she said/he said or she did this and he did that"; not a lot of descriptions or details on the characters or the events, and the dialogues sometimes felt awkward.

The solution to the mystery was sudden and unexpected like it happened accidentally. The ending was too dramatic for my taste and left me wondering if it was really necessary to end the story like that.

Unfortunately for me, it was not the book I loved. But if you enjoy a romantic story with a touch of mystery - go for this story, it is easy and fast to read, and you might spend several hours enjoying it.

[Mariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE SHADOWS IN THE COVE
(Cook’s Cove Mystery #1)
by Judy Leslie

I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Susan Carrington currently lives in Cook’s Cove, a sleepy coastal town in need of a little tender loving care. Sharing a home with her best friend and roommate Tess, she works at the local diner while waiting for school to reopen and continue with her studies. She has her hopes and dreams of falling in love, settling down and even buying a house in the town. And then she meets Ryan Taft.
After convincing herself that she wasn’t looking for a summer fling, she is taken off-guard when her feelings quickly take over and she can’t deny the fact that Ryan is everything she always wanted. Their time together is some of the most memorable for her. Everything is perfect until the nagging dreams that haunt her nights eerily appear to come true.
Missing people and strange deaths. What is the secret of Cook’s Cove? Are her dreams a prediction of the future?

THE SHADOWS IN THE COVE is the first book in the Cook’s Cove Mystery series, and it intrigued me from the start. The romance that flourishes between Susan and Ryan is sweet and romantic and filled me with a sensation of contentment. Judy Leslie has created a charming impression with the unvarnished portrayals of Cook’s Cove and her writing is both eloquent and remarkable.
“After standing in the audience for a while, watching nature’s show, God decided to shut the curtains and end the performance”.
I felt, however, that at certain times some of the emotional context is missing pertaining to conversation and dialogue, or lacked depth somehow.

I definitely recommend this book and can’t wait to follow the series.

[Bette Reith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine having a dream, and waking up to find out it really happened! This is the premise behind The Shadows of the Cove by Judy Leslie. A story of Susan, a college student who comes to Cook's Cove during her summer break. The little coastal town has all the fixings of a tiny fishing village, crusty old fishermen, tight knit townspeople, rumors of evil spirits, and, of course, murders. Susan finds herself in the middle of haunting dreams and real life horrors, but at the same time, finds the love of her life. What are they mysteries behind the murders, the visions, and who is telling the truth?
A great little story which pulls the reader in with each page turned. The only part I did not like was the ending. Is there a continuation? Does the story really end here? Only way to find out is to read the next book in the Cook's Cove Mystery series - Shadows Left Behind.
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.3-

I really liked the idea of this book! The plot was original and I really enjoyed the setting of Cook's Cove. I loves the mystery surrounding the island and cover settles in for the long hall had there been more meat to the story.

Reason it didn't get five stars: I feel like I could've liked a lot of the characters, Paul, Mason, Ray, Ryan. They all had so much potential but the book was to short for the character development I was craving.

The romance felt like it happened quickly but again I think that had to do with length of development then anything else.

I loved the descriptions of Cook's Cove. The beaches where Susan ran had fantastic description. It was very well written. I defiantly fell in love with the place.

I received an advance review copy for free on BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lucille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Sirens gave me the opportunity to read an ARC of The Shadows in the Cove by Judy Leslie, the first book in a series called Cook’s Cove mystery, in return for an honest review.

This is a lovely, well-written, story with a good plot, taking place in a little town called Cook’s Cove. It has is a well-blended mix of mystery and romance, with some paranormal in the mix. The female protagonist has premonitions, as well as dreams and visions. She doesn’t fully trust her intuition and at times makes unfortunate choices. Two brothers vie for her attentions and she definitely falls for one of them, which causes the other brother to try to put him in a bad light.

I couldn’t put the book down and, as it left us with a cliffhanger, I am looking forward to book 2. I gave it a well-deserved four stars.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I gave three stars feeling like the storyline had so much potential but feel short.

The main character, Susan, I kept thinking she was so not smart. Then the character Tess told Susan sometimes she was as dense as a rock. Totally! Tess was my favorite character and she wasn’t a big player in the book.

I didn’t feel the characters were as well developed as they could have been. I felt there where parts that needed more detail in story and other parts that I wondered the significance. I felt the story was rushed. So much potential but feel short for me.

The cover is beautiful and story premise was interesting. Just wasn’t for me.

[Kayla McLendon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so I really enjoy a small town setting with a mystery vibe. This book definitely has that. It throws in some romance and some action. I felt that character development was a little lacking, but because this is book one of 3 I’m assuming we get a little more of that as the story goes on.
This was a quick and enjoyable read that may have felt a little bit rushed at some points and maybe a little bit drawn out at others but I definitely want to continue the series.

I received a free ARC from Booksirens, thank you for sending it my way! All opinions are my own.

[Gee · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting storyline set in what seems at first an idyllic location. I liked Susan, who comes across as very naive, but as she is a student, that’s fine. It felt very much like a scene setting for further adventures, with a storyline that was interesting. I look forward to reading the next in the series to see how it develops.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jude Liddell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this short little book - lots of romance, mystery, murder…. As a warning, it does end on a cliffhanger - really looking forward to reading the next book to see what happens.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rebecca Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short read that had a lot going for it.
But fell short at the ending.
A good read but could have been better…

[Kindlelover 1220 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A supernatural thriller with a touch of romance and mysteries. Susan moves to a small town hoping to start a new. Her secret is that she dreams of dead people and where their bodies can be found. But, the killer is never exposed in her dreams. What she doesn’t know is that this small town has deep and dares hidden secrets. This is a gripping thriller.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so excited for this book based on the blurb. It didn't take long to become horribly disappointed. The writing is very fractured and disjointed with short sentences and incomplete thoughts. I frequently had to scroll back thinking I must have missed a page with how the story skipped around. Instead of delving into the paranormal aspect touted in the book its like a romance short story you'd find as a serial in a teen magazine. I am thankful this was an ARC because I would have been upset if I had paid for this. I suffered through until the end and then deleted it from my kindle and removed myself from the ARC list for this series and author.