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Maddie Mills #1
Slain at the Sea
A heartwarming cozy mystery with two lovable Westies, a strong female sleuth and endearing friendships.
Maddie Mills never planned on starting over. After her no-good husband ends up behind bars the middle-aged divorcée along with her two adorable pups, reluctantly moves back to her late parents' oceanfront house. But her appreciation for her new view is blown out of the water when she spies a dead body in the bay.
Though the victim was the unpopular town busybody, Maddie can’t bring herself to live in a community with a murderer on the loose. So, with her loyal pooches by her side she does a little sleuthing. Sorting through the clues involves spending time with the hunky police chief, rediscovering her love for solving mysteries, and unearthing secrets that could send her from walking along the beach to being silenced once and for all.
Can Maddie dig up the truth or will she be stopped in her tracks?
Recipe Included: Chocolate Cupcakes
Slain at the Sea is the enthralling first book in the fun Maddie Mills Cozy Mystery Series. If you like cute canine companions, quirky characters and a dash of romance, then you’ll love this page-turning whodunnit by USA Today and WSJ Bestselling Author Cindy Bell.
Maddie Mills never planned on starting over. After her no-good husband ends up behind bars the middle-aged divorcée along with her two adorable pups, reluctantly moves back to her late parents' oceanfront house. But her appreciation for her new view is blown out of the water when she spies a dead body in the bay.
Though the victim was the unpopular town busybody, Maddie can’t bring herself to live in a community with a murderer on the loose. So, with her loyal pooches by her side she does a little sleuthing. Sorting through the clues involves spending time with the hunky police chief, rediscovering her love for solving mysteries, and unearthing secrets that could send her from walking along the beach to being silenced once and for all.
Can Maddie dig up the truth or will she be stopped in her tracks?
Recipe Included: Chocolate Cupcakes
Slain at the Sea is the enthralling first book in the fun Maddie Mills Cozy Mystery Series. If you like cute canine companions, quirky characters and a dash of romance, then you’ll love this page-turning whodunnit by USA Today and WSJ Bestselling Author Cindy Bell.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2022
253 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 11, 2022
Seems like a promising new series although I actually like Amber’s character better than Maddie at this point. Maddie was definitely persistent about sleuthing but she sure seemed to have an unusually vested interest in finding out what happened to her friend Chuck for having only been a school friend.
I liked Beatrice’s character and I’m sure as the series progresses we’ll learn more about all the characters and Maddie’ll no doubt seem like an old friend,
I liked Beatrice’s character and I’m sure as the series progresses we’ll learn more about all the characters and Maddie’ll no doubt seem like an old friend,
March 3, 2023
Though the victim was unpopular, Maddie can’t bring herself to live in a community with a murderer on the loose. So, with her loyal pooches by her side she does a little sleuthing. Sorting through the clues involves spending time with the police chief, rediscovering her love for solving mysteries, and unearthing secrets that could send her from walking along the beach to being silenced once and for all.
This is an interesting book and I couldn't put it down.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
This is an interesting book and I couldn't put it down.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
August 13, 2022
Covers always intrigue me
Picked up this book because of the cover. West Highland White Terriers, or dogs that resemble the breed always make me smile. Cities are like potato chips - I can never read just one. I'll be exploring more of Cindy Bell's works, and look forward to Homicide at the Beach when it is released. I like books with the beach as a setting, and returning to your hometown after being gone several years is sometimes tempting Maddie, her canine companions, and friends and acquaintances from her past, make this a nice read. Looking forward to more.
Picked up this book because of the cover. West Highland White Terriers, or dogs that resemble the breed always make me smile. Cities are like potato chips - I can never read just one. I'll be exploring more of Cindy Bell's works, and look forward to Homicide at the Beach when it is released. I like books with the beach as a setting, and returning to your hometown after being gone several years is sometimes tempting Maddie, her canine companions, and friends and acquaintances from her past, make this a nice read. Looking forward to more.
August 23, 2022
After the loss of her mother and subsequent divorce, Maddie Mills has returned to her childhood home to start over. She has three adult children that are on their own, so this is the perfect time to once again get her childhood home in order and start the new chapter in her life with her two West Highland Terriers Bella and Polly. Maddie is enjoying being back in her old town, catching up with friends, and feeling like things are starting to look up. Until she finds the body of one of the locals. A woman that liked to butt heads with everyone in town.
Slain at Sea is a new series from author Cindy Bell. I have always enjoyed Cindy’s various series. They are light and easy to read with everything that makes it a cozy. Maddie is a strong, independent protagonist, in a small town with some quirky people and a best friend that supports her completely. There are several suspects and enough clues to keep you guessing as to who the murderer is. This is a fast-paced story, one that will keep your attention throughout. As Maddie discovers along the way, coming home may have been her best choice. This is series is off to a great start. The cover alone will grab your interest. Two cute Westies, ocean landscape and a chocolate cupcake! Cindy has another winner in the works, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
I received an advanced readers copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Slain at Sea is a new series from author Cindy Bell. I have always enjoyed Cindy’s various series. They are light and easy to read with everything that makes it a cozy. Maddie is a strong, independent protagonist, in a small town with some quirky people and a best friend that supports her completely. There are several suspects and enough clues to keep you guessing as to who the murderer is. This is a fast-paced story, one that will keep your attention throughout. As Maddie discovers along the way, coming home may have been her best choice. This is series is off to a great start. The cover alone will grab your interest. Two cute Westies, ocean landscape and a chocolate cupcake! Cindy has another winner in the works, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
I received an advanced readers copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 12, 2022
This is a new cozy series by Cindy Bell. Maddie Mills is divorced. Her ex-husband is in jail for crimes he has committed. Her three grown children and grandchild have all moved away. Maddie returns to Bayview to a home she and her sister, Tammy, inherited from their deceased parents. She doesn't have much money and no job. She thinks about reopening the bakery her parents owned that has been empty.
She visits Janet's Cafe and runs into her best friend, Amber West. She is introduced to Helen, who apparently has been trying to run the town. When she returns home, she sees a body in the bay and calls the police. Chief Jake Holden, a man she doesn't recognize from school, arrives on the scene to investigate.
She discovers that Chuck, one of her best friends from school, who was married to Helen, has died.
There are so many secrets in her hometown so she decides to start investigating on her own. The answers she discovers are intriguing.
I cannot wait for the second book.
I received an advance copy of the book. This is my honest opinion.
She visits Janet's Cafe and runs into her best friend, Amber West. She is introduced to Helen, who apparently has been trying to run the town. When she returns home, she sees a body in the bay and calls the police. Chief Jake Holden, a man she doesn't recognize from school, arrives on the scene to investigate.
She discovers that Chuck, one of her best friends from school, who was married to Helen, has died.
There are so many secrets in her hometown so she decides to start investigating on her own. The answers she discovers are intriguing.
I cannot wait for the second book.
I received an advance copy of the book. This is my honest opinion.
July 27, 2022
The first in a new series by Cindy Bell, Slain in Sea, follows Maddie as she returns to her childhood home in Bayview after a divorce and discovers a body before she's even had the chance to get settled. As she reacquaints herself with old friends, she feels the need to investigate. I loved the twists as well as the actual reveal which really surprised me. I absolutely love Maddie's adorable furry four-legged friends, Polly and Bella. I'm a huge fan of Cindy Bell's other series so I wasn't surprised to love this and I am very much looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend this series. Happy Reading!
* I received an ARC from the author but this review is my honest opinion.
* I received an ARC from the author but this review is my honest opinion.
August 28, 2022
Following her mother’s death, Maddie Mills returns to her childhood home. After the disaster of her marriage, it was the only option—not a choice. Fortunately, it hasn’t been so bad since the people from the small town just welcomed her back—everyone except Helen, who spoke of how atrocious Maddie’s house had become. Nobody liked Helen. Was it any wonder that the woman was found dead? Was there anyone in Bayview that would grieve her death? With so many suspects surrounding her, Maddie had her work cut out in finding the killer.
A good mystery!
A good mystery!
May 2, 2024
Returning to her small hometown to start again Maddie reaquaints herself with friends and gets introduced to newer people, but soon gets embroiled in a murder. I quickly figured out the villain but loved the mystery and twists that sent false leads my way and had me doubting my own sleuthing. There was some suspense and action, lots of great characters and what sounded like a lovely setting. I'd love to dive into the next book but it will need to wait for now. Loving this author who weaves fascinating stories that hold and intrigue.
July 23, 2022
The series by Cindy Bell…
…is very good - she keeps the identity of murderer until the end. Maddie who grew up in Bayview returns just before an abrasive town’s woman is found dead. Maddie questions all her old friends and new acquaintances looking for the killer. I have to admit I didn’t figure this one out (which I sometimes do). Looking forward to book2.
…is very good - she keeps the identity of murderer until the end. Maddie who grew up in Bayview returns just before an abrasive town’s woman is found dead. Maddie questions all her old friends and new acquaintances looking for the killer. I have to admit I didn’t figure this one out (which I sometimes do). Looking forward to book2.
July 26, 2022
A good solid four stars!
A very pleasant read, it has that cozy vibe. The characters are well developed and likeable. And Bella and Polly the cute dogs, can’t forget about them! It has all the elements of a cozy mystery, a new start in a small town, a likeable main character who is also nosy (Maddie), cute pets and a puzzling murder mystery.
A very pleasant read, it has that cozy vibe. The characters are well developed and likeable. And Bella and Polly the cute dogs, can’t forget about them! It has all the elements of a cozy mystery, a new start in a small town, a likeable main character who is also nosy (Maddie), cute pets and a puzzling murder mystery.
October 12, 2022
Slain at the Sea
I loved it! Maddie is desperate to move on after she is betrayed by her husband. Returning to her home town and the home she was raised in opens the memory box of her heart. A friend she discovers has died and a few years later his wife is found murdered. Maddie is determined in the memory of her late friend she would find his wife's killer
I loved it! Maddie is desperate to move on after she is betrayed by her husband. Returning to her home town and the home she was raised in opens the memory box of her heart. A friend she discovers has died and a few years later his wife is found murdered. Maddie is determined in the memory of her late friend she would find his wife's killer
March 15, 2023
Great read!
Great story that reads at a good pace. Lots of great characters and relationships that I'm excited to see grow and develop. I liked that there was a history to learn but it didn't overwhelm the current story. Definitely a page turner! Excited to read the next installment .
Great story that reads at a good pace. Lots of great characters and relationships that I'm excited to see grow and develop. I liked that there was a history to learn but it didn't overwhelm the current story. Definitely a page turner! Excited to read the next installment .
April 25, 2023
Love me some Westies
It was a good read but not very realistic story. First problem is who keeps a house vacant for 20 years and not rent it out? Who breaks into a house and gets away with it? This book has many plot issues but I might try the next tale to see if it gets better. Maybe
It was a good read but not very realistic story. First problem is who keeps a house vacant for 20 years and not rent it out? Who breaks into a house and gets away with it? This book has many plot issues but I might try the next tale to see if it gets better. Maybe
September 13, 2023
Maddie was starting over after finding out her husband had lied to her for years. He ended up in prison and she decides to go back to her hometown and live in the house her mother left her. She finds a dead body in the woods. She doesn’t want to live in a town with a murderer so she starts looking for who did it.
April 19, 2024
Great beginning to this series
So many possibilities open up when Maddie Mills returns to her hometown. Reconnecting with old friend gets short-circuited when Maddie discovers the dead body of the widow of one of her childhood friends.Despite resistance from local law enforcement, Maddie is on the case.
So many possibilities open up when Maddie Mills returns to her hometown. Reconnecting with old friend gets short-circuited when Maddie discovers the dead body of the widow of one of her childhood friends.Despite resistance from local law enforcement, Maddie is on the case.
September 3, 2024
Slain at the sea
A good start to what is shaping up to be a good series. Maddie's return to her home town seems realistic. Old friends are the same or maybe not the same.
When Maddie finds the body of an old friend's widow, she sets out to find if her home town really has changed.
A good start to what is shaping up to be a good series. Maddie's return to her home town seems realistic. Old friends are the same or maybe not the same.
When Maddie finds the body of an old friend's widow, she sets out to find if her home town really has changed.
August 7, 2022
Nice start to new series
I enjoyed this cozy Mystery. I think it will get even better as character’s evolve. No graphic sex or violence. Nice little mystery to try to solve. Look forward to the next one.
I enjoyed this cozy Mystery. I think it will get even better as character’s evolve. No graphic sex or violence. Nice little mystery to try to solve. Look forward to the next one.
August 16, 2022
Home coming.
The Maddie has moved back home, to the house she was raised in. She characters we meet in this book we will likely meet a gain as we read this new series. A surprise ending leaves you guessing what might come next
The Maddie has moved back home, to the house she was raised in. She characters we meet in this book we will likely meet a gain as we read this new series. A surprise ending leaves you guessing what might come next
August 16, 2022
Slain at the Sea (1)
An exciting and very interesting story. Going home with your tail between your legs isn't the best way to start over. However, moving back, seeing friends from years ago and helping solve a mystery are all very positive things!!
An exciting and very interesting story. Going home with your tail between your legs isn't the best way to start over. However, moving back, seeing friends from years ago and helping solve a mystery are all very positive things!!
July 27, 2023
Cozy mystery in a small lakeside town
This is the first that I've read in this series. Loved it and can't wait to read more! Suspense, coziness and fun characters made this a very enjoyable and fat read!
This is the first that I've read in this series. Loved it and can't wait to read more! Suspense, coziness and fun characters made this a very enjoyable and fat read!
July 28, 2023
Just another new author!
I have enjoyed reading all of these new authors. They have put new joy into my reading experiences.
I have enriched my reading so much.
It is so nice to read stories that are so good it makes me happy!
I have enjoyed reading all of these new authors. They have put new joy into my reading experiences.
I have enriched my reading so much.
It is so nice to read stories that are so good it makes me happy!
August 8, 2023
good first book in the series
I hope the rest are on kindle unlimited. Welcome to Bayview as Maddie moves back home after her divorce. She solves the murder of the most hated woman in town
I hope the rest are on kindle unlimited. Welcome to Bayview as Maddie moves back home after her divorce. She solves the murder of the most hated woman in town
May 29, 2025
I am finding that I have been enjoying many of Ms. Bell's books lately, and I will add another one to the list. This was a great start to a new series and the mystery was first rate. The first book left so many doors to be opened. Loved the characters. Recommend reading.
July 21, 2022
Great book
This is a great first book in what looks to be a wonderful new series by Cindy Bell. I love the characters and the small town setting.
This is a great first book in what looks to be a wonderful new series by Cindy Bell. I love the characters and the small town setting.
July 24, 2022
Who killed Helen and why??? I never liked her either!!! Maddie and Jake will solve it, won’t they??? I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
July 27, 2022
A great cozy
I already love this series but I shouldn't be surprised I love all of Cindy Bells books. I can't wait for the next one.
I already love this series but I shouldn't be surprised I love all of Cindy Bells books. I can't wait for the next one.
July 29, 2022
Great story! I love Maddie and her special relationship with her pups.
October 11, 2022
I mostly enjoyed this book inspite of the annoying main character.. I like the friend better. Nosy and meddling more than sleuthing not sure I would read the next book.
December 31, 2022
Keeps you guessing til the end!
A nice easy read with twists and turns to keep the reader thinking throughout. Can't wait to read the next book.
A nice easy read with twists and turns to keep the reader thinking throughout. Can't wait to read the next book.
February 11, 2023
This was excellent. I found it very hard to put down. Guess I just enjoy the little town atmosphere & dogs. Who can ask for more.
Roberta Wilson
Roberta Wilson
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews