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Shayla Murphy #3
Veiled Vengeance: A Shayla Murphy Mystery
Here comes the bride, murder on the side.
Shayla's wedding planning is nearly complete—the decorations are on order, playlists set in stone, and the perfect wedding venue has been reserved.
Everyone in Seamus' family has been married at the Ballywick Castle. And a June wedding in Ireland will be breathtakingly beautiful.
Until they find out that their date has been double-booked.
When Shayla tries to convince the other bride to choose a different date, the bride ends up in a deadly position, and everyone thinks Shayla's to blame.
Between a rapidly growing anti-Shayla group sending threatening letters and trying to clear her name, Shayla has her hands full. Who can she trust? And was she the real target of the murderer?
Don't miss the second book in the Shayla Murphy Mystery Series! Veiled Vengeance is a cozy mystery free of swearing, sex, and gore. Of course, there are dangerous situations and discussion of death and murder, but in the coziest way possible.
Shayla's wedding planning is nearly complete—the decorations are on order, playlists set in stone, and the perfect wedding venue has been reserved.
Everyone in Seamus' family has been married at the Ballywick Castle. And a June wedding in Ireland will be breathtakingly beautiful.
Until they find out that their date has been double-booked.
When Shayla tries to convince the other bride to choose a different date, the bride ends up in a deadly position, and everyone thinks Shayla's to blame.
Between a rapidly growing anti-Shayla group sending threatening letters and trying to clear her name, Shayla has her hands full. Who can she trust? And was she the real target of the murderer?
Don't miss the second book in the Shayla Murphy Mystery Series! Veiled Vengeance is a cozy mystery free of swearing, sex, and gore. Of course, there are dangerous situations and discussion of death and murder, but in the coziest way possible.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2022
253 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Stella Bixby
58 books567 followersStella Bixby is a native Coloradan who loves to snowboard, pluck at the guitar, and play board games with her family. She was once a volunteer firefighter and a park ranger, but now spends most of her time making up stories and trying to figure out what to cook for dinner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 24, 2022
Shayla is planning her wedding. Plans are not going well especially with a murder or two and dealing with the anti Shayla organization who want her to return to the United States.
Shayla and Seamus are one of my favorite literary couples. I enjoy the relationship the two have, and the way the author incorporates it into the story without turning the cozy mystery into a romance. The author has added a twist to this relationship, that will be interesting to see how it all plays out in future books. The plot was fun, even though I started to grow bored with the anti Shayla part of the story. Having said that, the story moved along like all of Ms. Bixby’s books. She has a way of getting you caught up in the book, and before you know it, you’ve finished and are longing for the next book.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
Shayla and Seamus are one of my favorite literary couples. I enjoy the relationship the two have, and the way the author incorporates it into the story without turning the cozy mystery into a romance. The author has added a twist to this relationship, that will be interesting to see how it all plays out in future books. The plot was fun, even though I started to grow bored with the anti Shayla part of the story. Having said that, the story moved along like all of Ms. Bixby’s books. She has a way of getting you caught up in the book, and before you know it, you’ve finished and are longing for the next book.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
July 29, 2025
The secret is out!!! Plus the anti-Shayla brigade is on the rampage determined to save Seamus from that “American gold-digger”. Poor Shayla is having a time of it.
September 30, 2022
Poor Shayla!! She’s really put through the ringer this time. Trying to plan her wedding and now this anti Shayla group! Lots of mystery and fun will keep you turning the pages. Looking forward to more mystery with Shayla and Seamus!
September 20, 2022
Excellent!!! i absolutedly loved it!
Shayla is a wonderful character i loved to see her stand her ground for her wedding preparation and to be with Seamus when some extremists are making their best to separate them.
She is comprehensive, loyal and intelligent .
Seamus is still loyal and protective of her and he can do worse when calling his mom for sure.
Shayla and Seamus wants to get married but a group, the anti shayla group, is sending hating mails...to scare her to leave him or worse. So when a tentative of murder happen and the victime has a ressemblance with Shayla the question beside who is the culprit is was the victime the right one or a mistake. With even more murders or dead bodies appearing, Shayla is not only suspect but also a potential victim.... determined to save her wedding date she is all set on finding the culprit finding allies along the way but also a bunch of ennemies she had no idea existed and uncovering secrets carefully buried.
It's a fun cozy mystery, Seamus's mother is a force to reckon, Shayla's horse cupid is too sweet, Seamus is just perfect....
You can easily read this book even if you have not read book 1 yet but i do recomment you read the series in order it's really worth it.
To be recommended without hesitation
Shayla is a wonderful character i loved to see her stand her ground for her wedding preparation and to be with Seamus when some extremists are making their best to separate them.
She is comprehensive, loyal and intelligent .
Seamus is still loyal and protective of her and he can do worse when calling his mom for sure.
Shayla and Seamus wants to get married but a group, the anti shayla group, is sending hating mails...to scare her to leave him or worse. So when a tentative of murder happen and the victime has a ressemblance with Shayla the question beside who is the culprit is was the victime the right one or a mistake. With even more murders or dead bodies appearing, Shayla is not only suspect but also a potential victim.... determined to save her wedding date she is all set on finding the culprit finding allies along the way but also a bunch of ennemies she had no idea existed and uncovering secrets carefully buried.
It's a fun cozy mystery, Seamus's mother is a force to reckon, Shayla's horse cupid is too sweet, Seamus is just perfect....
You can easily read this book even if you have not read book 1 yet but i do recomment you read the series in order it's really worth it.
To be recommended without hesitation
October 30, 2024
This is book 3 in the Shayla Murphy Mystery Series. This book also comes with bonus content at the end of the book which I downloaded from Book Funnel.
Everyone Seamus starts to grow on me something else from his past comes up and this time - it’s a doozie! I mean HUGE! Like life changing huge! I also did not like how Seamus got upset at Shayla and acted like a giant baby basically.
I’m getting the impression that Shayla’s mom may only be reaching out because of the fact she is marrying someone very, very, very rich and she’s been in the papers/magazines/online etc. It doesn’t seem like she has cared all that much until very recently.
I do love all the horses, especially Cupid! Molly’s character is growing on me and I understand her range of emotions with Lila and the truth being out in the open. Everyone’s lives are about to change drastically.
Everyone Seamus starts to grow on me something else from his past comes up and this time - it’s a doozie! I mean HUGE! Like life changing huge! I also did not like how Seamus got upset at Shayla and acted like a giant baby basically.
I’m getting the impression that Shayla’s mom may only be reaching out because of the fact she is marrying someone very, very, very rich and she’s been in the papers/magazines/online etc. It doesn’t seem like she has cared all that much until very recently.
I do love all the horses, especially Cupid! Molly’s character is growing on me and I understand her range of emotions with Lila and the truth being out in the open. Everyone’s lives are about to change drastically.
October 29, 2022
Book Two in the series delivers romance . . . with dollops of intrigue and revenge in equal measure.
Bixby has a way with characters that brings them to life and makes them people you wish you could number among your friends. There's backstabbing - and a possible attempt at murder - against the lead character, who is innocently planning her own wedding, and you just want to get to the bottom of it.
There is no lack of twists in Bixby's second instalment of the Shayla Murphy Mysteries. It will have you on the edge of your seat. I cannot wait for the next adventure.
[I was fortunate to receive an Advance Reader Copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
Bixby has a way with characters that brings them to life and makes them people you wish you could number among your friends. There's backstabbing - and a possible attempt at murder - against the lead character, who is innocently planning her own wedding, and you just want to get to the bottom of it.
There is no lack of twists in Bixby's second instalment of the Shayla Murphy Mysteries. It will have you on the edge of your seat. I cannot wait for the next adventure.
[I was fortunate to receive an Advance Reader Copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
September 18, 2022
Who would have thought just deciding on where to hold a wedding could be so dangerous. Shayla has a whole community against her just because of who she loves. But Seamus has no intention of letting anyone come between them. Filled with twists and turns and incredible descriptions of the Irish countryside Ms. Bixby brings Shayla and Seamus and all of the friends, family and villains to life. I haven't actually had such feelings of strong dislike until I met Patricia. And Shayla is not the only one with surprises. Perfect for the cooler fall weather I recommend curling up with Veiled Vengeance and enjoying the escape.
December 19, 2022
enjoyed
I enjoy the writing style of this author and the plots of the two books I read. This one is focused on a group who dislike her involvement with her Irish mate. They want the American to go home. Murder, harassment and mayhem follow. The murder is solved and along the way she gets a new friend who is also a computer whiz. Her fiancé also gets a present. I became so engrossed with the plot. So glad I decided to give this author a try. HEA, no cheating, no cliffhanger.
I enjoy the writing style of this author and the plots of the two books I read. This one is focused on a group who dislike her involvement with her Irish mate. They want the American to go home. Murder, harassment and mayhem follow. The murder is solved and along the way she gets a new friend who is also a computer whiz. Her fiancé also gets a present. I became so engrossed with the plot. So glad I decided to give this author a try. HEA, no cheating, no cliffhanger.
September 14, 2022
Veiled Vengeance is the second story in the Shayla Murphy series.
A group of people are out to force Shayla to return to America and not marry Seamus, or die.
As several attempts to kill Shayla go wrong and others are injured and even killed.
The leader of the Anti Shayla Brigade is getting more and more desperate to see Shayla dead.
Seamus also learns he's a father.
Along with developed characters and a solid plotline, there's lots of action and several red herrings.
A group of people are out to force Shayla to return to America and not marry Seamus, or die.
As several attempts to kill Shayla go wrong and others are injured and even killed.
The leader of the Anti Shayla Brigade is getting more and more desperate to see Shayla dead.
Seamus also learns he's a father.
Along with developed characters and a solid plotline, there's lots of action and several red herrings.
September 21, 2022
There is just not enough good things I can say about Stella Bixby's writing. I read this book in one day. Shayla and Seamus are such great characters. I love that these books take place Ireland. Shayla is trying to plan her wedding to Seamus when a murder occurs and now Shayla is the top suspect. Shayla wants to help solve this mystery so she can get married but has to also worry about a new group who wants her to leave. I enjoyed this book so much and can not wait for this series to continue. Definitely recommend reading this series.
I receieved an ARC from the author for my honest review.
I receieved an ARC from the author for my honest review.
October 5, 2022
A cute mystery series mixed in with a heaping spoonful of romance. The characters are interesting and fun with some very unique characters. The story held my interest while the mystery kept me guessing. An easy read that has some international flare.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
October 16, 2022
Veiled Vengeance by Stella Bixby is a fun mystery that I didn't want to put down! There are so many suspects, and I was guessing until the end. Just as in the first book, I enjoyed Shayla and Seamus's interaction and her relationship with his family members. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
November 28, 2022
Gold digger
What is Shadow to do? Every where she turns she is hearing gold digger. It seems like she like she is surrounded by people who hate her or worse may be trying to kill her. Her wedding day has been hijacked by another couple and she just discovered a huge secret about Shamus that he does not even know. What is one to do?
What is Shadow to do? Every where she turns she is hearing gold digger. It seems like she like she is surrounded by people who hate her or worse may be trying to kill her. Her wedding day has been hijacked by another couple and she just discovered a huge secret about Shamus that he does not even know. What is one to do?
January 21, 2024
Can You Guess Who
The killer is? Shayla's in danger. Seamus is being protective. A secret comes out and so much changes. As usual, Stella Bixby has given you plenty of suspects and clues to follow. Now it's on to the next Shayla mystery story for me. I think you'll enjoy this one first though! Happy reading!
The killer is? Shayla's in danger. Seamus is being protective. A secret comes out and so much changes. As usual, Stella Bixby has given you plenty of suspects and clues to follow. Now it's on to the next Shayla mystery story for me. I think you'll enjoy this one first though! Happy reading!
July 8, 2024
BRILLIANT
Love the characters the intertwining lives and, of course, Ireland!
. The only thing confusing is the continuance of the story. I thought I read the books out of sequence. There were statements where Shayls hasnt been to Dublin or picked out her dress, yet she did in the last book. Other than that, I love the series and can't wait to read the next one.
Love the characters the intertwining lives and, of course, Ireland!
. The only thing confusing is the continuance of the story. I thought I read the books out of sequence. There were statements where Shayls hasnt been to Dublin or picked out her dress, yet she did in the last book. Other than that, I love the series and can't wait to read the next one.
September 18, 2022
Awesome.
I think this was my favorite so far in this series. I just hate how poor Shayla gets treated by all the Irish turds. Bunch of bullies. But her strength and resilience is amazing. Can't wait for the next book.
I think this was my favorite so far in this series. I just hate how poor Shayla gets treated by all the Irish turds. Bunch of bullies. But her strength and resilience is amazing. Can't wait for the next book.
September 26, 2022
This was a fast paced who-done-it. Shayla is a former American cop who is now engaged to an Irish billionaire. Did she kill to keep their wedding date? If not, then who did?
This was definitely a fun, quick read!
This was definitely a fun, quick read!
September 27, 2022
Veiled Vengeance is the second book in the Shayla Murphy Mystery series. Will Shayla and Seamus be able to pull off their wedding or will murder get in the way? I am loving this series. The story is enjoyable and has murder, drama, and romance.
October 2, 2022
Wow o wow, this book was so good I finished it in one day. The author really makes these characters so rich and colorful you just feel like you know them. The mystery was full of twist and turns and had me guessing. Can’t wait to read more of this series
February 26, 2023
No Disappointment Here
Once again the author has delivered a great book. Just as good as the first one. Strong characters, multi inter woven plots. Can't wait for the next book. Hope this series goes on for awhile.
Once again the author has delivered a great book. Just as good as the first one. Strong characters, multi inter woven plots. Can't wait for the next book. Hope this series goes on for awhile.
August 16, 2023
Mystery with romance. Interesting story with great characters. The author has a great writing style with some nice character quirks. This is a spinoff series and the first book in this one explains the set up.
September 18, 2022
Catch up with Shayla
This was a fun, quick read. Shayla has to deal with the ASB and solve a crime. She makes a new friend. I’m looking forward to the next book!
This was a fun, quick read. Shayla has to deal with the ASB and solve a crime. She makes a new friend. I’m looking forward to the next book!
September 24, 2022
Exciting wedding prep and murder mystery set in Ireland. Shayla is accused of trying to murder another bride for the wedding venue . The mystery keeps one guessing about the outcome til the end.
October 3, 2022
thoroughly enjoyed the book...
October 17, 2022
Love anything I have read written by her, if she wrote more, I would be reading more
June 7, 2023
Great story.
September 25, 2023
Who killed Freya and Kellan and why??? They thought it was her??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
February 16, 2024
The best friend of Rylie Cooper and her story and character is absolutely undeniable
May 9, 2024
Shayla and Seamus sure had their hands full in this story. It was full of riveting action and hatred. Really enjoyed it. Recommend reading.
December 10, 2025
The captivating narrative and richly developed characters have completely drawn me into this remarkable series, leaving me thoroughly enchanted and eagerly anticipating each new installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews