Death in Sandpiper Bay

Riley Harper Mystery #1

by Traci Hall, Patrice Wilton

DEATH IN SANDPIPER BAY-- A Riley Harper Mystery is Book One in this exciting new series. Written by USA Today and NY Times bestselling authors, Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton have teamed up again to bring you more mysteries to enjoy! Sixteen months ago, Police Officer Riley Harper and her partner were on surveillance in downtown Phoenix. The suspect rushed from his apartment building, hands raised, when her partner fired and shot the man in the chest. It was a bad kill and she'd had to testify against her former brother-in-arms. Labeled a snitch, Riley has been bombarded by the police, the media, and her former friends. Her reputation is in tatters and her career in Phoenix over. On leave since then, she's only had one job offer…from a place called Sandpiper Bay, a remote island off the coast of Maine. Riley expects an uncomplicated life for her mother, and her daughter, who moved with her. Nothing more dangerous than settling feuds among the fishermen. She is dead wrong.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

196 pages, Paperback

Published November 24, 2021

About the author

also writing as Traci Wilton and Ellie Brannigan

From cozy mysteries to seaside romance, USA Today bestselling author Traci Hall writes stories that captivate her readers. As a hybrid author with over sixty published works, Ms. Hall has a favorite tale for everyone.

Mystery lovers, check out her Scottish Shire series, set in the seaside town of Nairn, or the Salem B&B Mystery series, co-written as Traci Wilton. Her latest project is an Irish Castle cozy as Ellie Brannigan. Whether it's her ever-popular By the Sea romances, an Appletree Cove sweet romance, or a fun who-done-it, Traci finds her inspiration in sunny South Florida, living right near the ocean.

Traci wants to hear from you!

Traci@TraciHall.com

Facebook.com/BytheSeaSeries

Twitter.com/Tracihallauthor

Reviews

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death in Sandpiper Bay the 1st instalment in the “A Riley Harper Mystery” by Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton. What a great start to a new series!

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this mystery and getting to know Riley, her daughter Kyra, and her mum Susan. I love the setting of Sandpiper Bay a small island off the coast of Maine and the locals all seem like a great bunch of side characters. I can’t wait to learn more about each of them over the course of the series. Only problem with reading in one day is the long wait till book 2 releases!

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, with lots of red herrings to keep you guessing. In fact I was second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end.

I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death in Sandpaper Bay is the first book in the Riley Harper Mystery Series by Patrice Wilton and Traci Hall.

Riley Harper is a police office with 15 years experience that had testified against her partner after he had shot a civilian in cold blood. Riley had been outcast in Arizona. The only place she could find a job was on the island of Sandpiper Bay, Maine.

She moved with her teenager daughter Kyra and her mom Susan.

Riley didn't exactly get a welcome reception at her new police station. On top of that a murder occurs.

I really liked the mystery. This is a good police procedural. The writing is well done.

What didn't work for me was how unlikeable the Captain was in Sandpiper Bay.

The book also seemed to end a bit abruptly.

I did enjoy the book and look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley Harper has had a few bumps in the road. One major one is her need to say the truth even when it costs her her job, friends and career. Moving her daughter and mom to a remote island to start over and rebuild her career or what’s left of it. Riley finds everything isn’t what it seems in this new place she calls home . When a girl is murdered it looks like she has a chance to prove her self and overcome what happened to her in her last job. With many twists and turns I was surprised by this ending! A new series with a bight start I’m excited for more and was left wishing I had more to read! A great edgy cozy with a twist I’m excited for this new series!

[Reading-for-life (Angela Sanford) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in in the Riley Harper Mystery Series, written by the combined talent of Authors Patrice Wilton and Traci Hall, had me mesmerized from page one! These two amazing Authors have created a series that had me wishing that Sandpiper Bay truly existed. A close knit community with characters that make you feel a kinship to, I know without a doubt that I have found my next all time favorite series! After Officer Riley Harper testified against her partner in a "bad shooting" case, she was labeled a snitch by those she trusted the most. Along with her currently unhappy teenage daughter, Kyra, and her upbeat mother Susan, Riley accepts a police officers position, for one year, on the small island of Sandpiper Bay. After all the trouble she endured in Phoenix, how hard can this job be? Will Riley's reputation as a snitch follow her all the way to Sandpiper Bay? After her first day on the job, Riley learns Chief Barnes is not happy about having her as the new officer. Determined to prove herself and make this beautiful island home for her daughter, Riley is determined to prove herself to the chief. When the town troublemaker returns to sell her grandparents house, she ends up dead. Will Riley solve the case and earn the respect she deserves? Will Riley get careless and become a victim herself? Go grab your copy to find out what happens! I cannot wait to read the next book in this amazing new mystery series!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

After risking everything doing the right thing, Riley Harper packs up her Mum and her daughter and sets off to start over on an island off the coast of Maine. No good deed goes unpunished, and her pasts threatens to destroy her, despite the thousands of miles between then and now. There's a fine line between justice and loyalty...

Having accepted the only precinct willing to take her, Riley is now the newest addition to the Sandpiper Bay Police Department. Riley will have to prove herself worthy, or spend the next year in misery. Chief Barnes has let it be known that her being there wasn't at his recommendation...

For the most part, Sandpiper Bay is a community with a low crime rate, so the discovery of a dead girl, who was previously a "local," comes as a shock. Even more shocking, Lacey's death doesn't seem to be mourned by anyone on the island, except for the possibility of her best friend Chloe.

Initially, Chief Barnes seems certain that Lacey's death is suicide, but Riley feels differently. And, when the medical examiner agrees that the death is foul play, the chief designates Riley as lead investigator. With her past working against her, and everyone in town certain that "one of their own" couldn't possibly be the murders, Riley's investigation already has two strikes against it...

Who killed Lacey Killian? Was it an islander or an outsider? Can Riley figure it out, or did all the evidence and her future as an officer get washed out to sea?

Traci Hall & Patrice Wilton have given their readers a fantastic work of mystery/suspense/who dunnit. I look forward to more titles featuring Riley Harper and the rest of the Sandpiper Bay.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death in Sandpiper Bay is the first in a new series by co-authors, Traci Hall and Patrice Wilson. As the series begins, Office Riley Harper, her mom Susan, and her daughter Kyra, are crossing on a ferry to Sandpiper Bay. Riley has left Phoenix, AZ after fall out from her testimony that her partner killed a suspect in an unwarranted shot. Labeled a snitch, and harassed by her fellow officers, Riley commits to a one-year position on the small, remote, island, Sandpiper Bay. Riley is hoping for a fresh start, putting her past behind her. When her past precedes her arrival though, Riley finds she must prove herself to the police chief of this small town, as well as the residents, or she would be leaving the island that many refer to as paradise.

I enjoy this writing duo in other series of theirs, and this one did not disappoint. Riley is a strong woman, doing what she needs to support herself and her family in completely new town, the exact opposite of Phoenix. When Riley is suddenly thrown into a murder as the lead investigator, it seems like it’s sink or swim. This one was a page-turner for me as Riley begins to meet the residents, and discover the secrets of this small town. Many suspects to choose from as well as red herrings. The killer was not on my radar! Congratulations to this writing team. I feel that have another successful series. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for Riley, her family, and the residents of Sandpiper Bay. I requested this book from the publisher, the opinions are entirely my own.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death in sandpiper Bay.
Book 1.

Riley Harper is the new officer in town.. Moved from Phoenix Arizona where she once was an officer. Un till she testified against a fellow Officer and things went Bad.

But now living in sandpiper Bay being the new cop things could look up... Only the boss thinks your not that great because of your past..
Being a Good cop has always been Riley's Top priority..


Fitting in, Will be a big part of this job.. Getting to know the island people. Doing what's right for the job. As well as for Riley's family.
Riley has a 14 year old daughter and her mother who has moved to the island with her.

Finding a body by the lighthouse.. Will be the big investigation. Will prove to the boss that Riley can do her job and do it well.

Things seem to get swept under the carpet persei on the island but Riley wants to prove this was no suicide this was murder. Riley is a good cop she's here to do her job.

Death in sandpiper Bay book one Riley Harper mystery volume 1 by Patrice Wilton this was a really good book I read it as an Arc. For the author and I truly enjoyed it. I hope you do enjoy it as much as I did it comes out on the 29th of January.2021.

[Dana Halek Damato · Rating 4 out of 5]

At 166 pages, this is a very quick read and is the first in the Riley Harper series. This book is devoted to introducing the characters and location of Sandpiper Bay, along with the first murder Riley must solve as the island's newest police officer.

I liked the scenic location and could picture the island and it's residents. Abundant restaurants and descriptions of delicious meals make you wish you were there.

I found Riley's back story a bit cliche', but she is still a strong female protagonist. I didn't figure out the mystery before the end, but felt it took a back seat to the island and the food.

[Valerie Clarizio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death in Sandpiper Bay is a cozy mystery that delivers. Riley Harper is Police Officer with high moral standards who ended up having to testify against her partner. Unfortunately, that landed her on the ‘blacklist’ with her fellow officers in Phoenix. Relocation became her best option so she took a job on the small island of Sandpiper Bay, off the coast of Maine. With only about 1,000 residents, how much trouble could there be on this island?

Riley had hardly unpacked her suitcase before a former resident returned to the island for a visit and turned up dead. Riley sets out to find the killer even though the Chief believes the woman’s death was likely a suicide. Though the islanders stick together, it doesn’t take Riley long to get them to start opening up about the history of the dead woman and her past relationships with a handful of locals. As she narrows in on the killer, she worries about the safety of her family, her teenage daughter, and mother who live with her.

Riley solves the case but not before she comes within an inch of death.

Death in Sandpiper Bay is a fulfilling cozy mystery with an interesting cast of characters. The book has the perfect amount of mystery and intrigue to keep the reader turning pages and trying to guess who the killer is. I’m looking forward to book 2!

[Christine Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this mystery. At first I thought this was a cozy mystery- it is not. This is a great mystery with fun likeable characters. It’s a story of a woman police officer who moves to a remote island off Maine with her mom and daughter. Definitely take the time for this book.

[Katie Mettner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death in Sandpiper Bay was my first book by Patrice Wilson and Traci Hall. The book opens with Riley, her daughter, and Riley's mother all headed to Sandpiper Bay for Riley to fill a position in the police department there. Riley's backstory is not an untold story. She had to testify against her former partner and then she was ostracized and needed to find a new position far away from Phoenix. Of course, everywhere she goes, now she thinks people are out to get her, which did get a bit annoying after a while. I did understand why the character would feel that way, though.

Enter Sandpiper Bay, an island in Maine where the locals all work together to serve the tourists who come in the summer. The chief of police was very hot and cold to Riley, which I found odd. I didn't like him very much, so I'm hoping the authors have a character arc for him that will redeem him.

The majority of this book was setting up the town, characters, and reasons why Riley was on the island, and it was done in a fun, small-town, encouraging, and interesting way by weaving in murder and who on the island, if anyone, did it. The mystery aspect felt much more like a cozy mystery than a police procedural, simply because of the town and the people in it. While Riley did the detecting, there was no big city forensics or ERT teams that showed up to help. I rather enjoyed the change of pace from some of the hardcore police procedurals on the market.

If you love a cozy setting with a mystery to solve, and a wonderful cast of characters to round out the book then you'll love Death in Sandpiper Bay! I highly recommend picking up this fun read, and I'll definitely be back for book 2!

[Brittani · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful first book in a new series by two of my favorite authors!

Riley Harper, her mother, Susan, and her daughter, Kyra all move to Sandpiper Bay when Riley accepts a job at the local precinct. Hoping for a fresh start and to move away from her past, Riley eagerly jumps into her new role only to have a murder occur within the first few days on the job. Riley now must solve whodunit and prove her capabilities to her workmates while pushing past her own insecurities.

I really liked the story and the setting. As a first book in the series, the authors set up a lot of the character dynamics and I enjoyed their interactions with each other and Riley. I appreciated that Riley is written as a strong, independent woman working in a role in society that we don’t often get to read about in cozy mysteries — the police officer. Often with cozy mysteries the female protagonist will have a romantic entanglement with the local law enforcement but I loved that the protagonist was the local law enforcement. I also loved that there wasn’t a romantic interest right off the bat for the series— we can have female characters without them having to be paired up romantically for a storyline.

I did find myself wondering more about the Mackabee Park that’s mentioned. It seemed like the authors were setting it up to be a major part of this story’s plot line (maybe with possible ghosts?) but that didn’t really happen. I do hope it’s revisited in future stories.

Overall, a very enjoyable read and I can’t wait for the next installment!

[Kris Rubi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death in Sandpiper Bay by Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton
After testifying against fellow officers in Phoenix, Riley is forced to move. She accepts a job offer in Sandpiper Bay. She and her mother and daughter pack up and move across the country to the island of Sandpiper Bay. A fresh start. Except the chief of police is aware of what happened in Phoenix and is skeptical to say the least. Small towns are their own breed. Everyone is weary of outsiders and newcomers. Riley must prove herself.
But when a woman is found dead, Riley’s big city training kicks in. She is determined to let the evidence speak instead of jumping to obvious conclusions.
This is a great read. The characters are lovable and the reader can empathize with their plights. I was able to put myself in their shoes immediately. This is an easy read and a great story. I would love to move to Sandpiper Bay. It sounds like a great town. Kick off your shoes and enjoy Sandpiper Bay!

[Valerie Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early copy of this book from the author/publisher is exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I found myself admiring Riley, and how she did the right thing at her old precinct. It wasn't an easy thing for her to go through with everyone turning their backs on her.
Moving to Sandpiper Bay with her mother and daughter will hopefully give Riley a fresh start. Sandpiper Bay seems like a really beautiful place to live. The ocean, restaurants, light house, and over all atmosphere seems amazing. Traci and Patrice described it so well. I would love to visit a place like Sandpiper Bay. Things are not always paradise, though, because a body shows up. Riley's first week on the job is to find the murderer, and hopefully get on better ground with her new Chief. I am already looking forward to book 2!

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death in Sandpiper Bay is the first in the new Riley Harper Mystery series by Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton . The setting is a beautiful --but remote-- island off the coast of Maine; the characters are engaging and well developed. Our MC is an honorable police officer who must be truthful when reporting the wrongful death of a suspect-- at the hands of her partner. This breach of the 'blue wall' costs Riley her job, friends and home. Fortunately she is resilient and lands a new job -- one she thinks will be very calm and easy. Not! When things heat up, will Riley be up to the task? This is a great mystery---don't miss it.
Thank you to #TracieHall and #PatriceWilton for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I always review books I enjoy so that others can enjoy them, too. #TeamCharlene

[Tiffany Coffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great start to a new cozy series. It’s a little darker than the authors’ other stories but I’ve always enjoyed darker elements in mysteries.

After testifying against her partner for making a bad kill, Riley Harper is blackballed by the Phoenix PD. In an effort to start over, she moves with her mother and daughter to Sandpiper Bay, MA, where nothing bad happens. Or does it? When a local dies, is it an accident or something more heinous?

With interesting characters and even more interesting character history, this is series to keep an eye on because it’s going to be a doozy of a ride!

I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death in Sandpiper Bay is the first book in the Riley Harper Mystery series by Patrice Wilton and Traci Hall.
Riley Harper accepts a new job on the Island of Sandpiper Bay, Maine. She is now a new Police Officer on the Island. So that means moving with her daughter Kyra and her mother Susan makes the move with them.
This is a fresh start for Riley since she had to move on from her Police Officer job in Arizona.
A murder occurs and Riley is ready to prove she is capable of solving it.
This is a wonderful start to a new series. Already loving the Island and the Bake and Shake Bakery.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book of this great new series! Getting to know the characters of this small and remote town that Riley Harper has just moved to, in a necessary job change, is interesting as she is an outsider with a reputation preceding her. I was impressed how Riley adapted and seemed so tough no matter what came at her. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in this series and continuing to get to know this little town and the residents. A definite must read for mystery fans!

[Candy Laine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley Harper moves to Sandpiper Bay with her daughter Kyra and mom Susan. The hostility she faced in her old precinct in Phoenix when she had to testify against a brother officer made her think about relocation. The island is low crime, and a natural paradise with a close knit community. It should be the ideal location for a new beginning, but then a body shows up on the rocks at the base of an iconic lighthouse... beautiful story. Enjoyed it thoroughly.

[Lucinda Race · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by these authors and I was hooked from the opening ferry ride to the island. I liked that the "murder" didn't happen on the first few pages but laid the ground work introduction to characters moth major and minor adding to the tapestry of this town.
In thinking about the clues they were there and plenty of red herrings so it was well written and I'm looking forward to book 2 in this series, which I've already purchased.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome book I just could not put this book down. Once I started reading it there were so many emotions going through my head that I just could not get enough of it.

Riley testified against a corrupt Police Officer and she was in the right to do so, but all the other Officer's considered her a Snitch and did some awful things to her. So she quits her job to find one in Sandpiper Bay and her daughter isn't happy that Mom made her leave her friends and move. And Riley gets there to discover that the Chief their isn't a fan of hers either.

Can she handle the job and what Sandpiper Bay has to offer her. Can she make her daughter realize that this is for their own good and can she prove to her boss that she deserves the job.

Just check it out and see what Riley has to offer. Loved her and the story line. Can we move to Sandpiper Bay or at least have more stories set there

[Uvi Poznansky · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEATH IN SANDPIPER BAY (the first book in the Riley Harper Mystery series) introduces Police Officer Riley Harper. Riley is on leave from her former job in downtown Pheonix, where she was labeled a snitch for telling the truth about her partner, who shot a suspect in the chest while she was raising her hands in the air.
 
Since then, there were no job offers—except one, in a remote, isolated island off the coast of Maine, approachable only by ferry: Sandpiper Bay. It offers a chance to unwind into a simple life, together with her mother and her daughter, Kyra—or so Riley thinks.

“The woman is dead. She was found in the water beneath Sandpiper lighthouse… Too much partying and drinking, I suppose.” Will Riley get to know the island, its characters and the intrigues between them well enough to uncover the real cause of death? What stands in the way is a secrecy that is in contrast to her own honesty. “People around here protect their own. They don’t snitch.”

Five stars.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very well written and took me away from the big city for a few hours. It moved along at a great pace making for an enjoyable read. It has interesting characters that you want to know more about and you want to see them overcome whatever may be in there way. the story will grab you and keep you reading till the end. This book needs to be on your TBR list for 2021.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Detective Riley Harper does the right thing and testifies against her partner for a bad shooting, she pays the professional price of being ostracized by her fellow officers and her now former friends as well.

With her career over in Arizona, Riley moves cross country to a small isolated town called Sandpiper Bay on an island off the coast of Maine. It's the only job that would have her. Moving with her teenage daughter and her own mother, Riley is looking for a fresh start and the chance to rehabilitate her reputation.

But that may be easier said than done. While the rest of the small police force welcome her, the chief knows the circumstances of why Riley took the job and isn't convinced that he wants her on the job.

As Riley settles in to her new home and job, she starts getting to know the various inhabitants of the island. But a chance encounter with a local "bad girl" becomes more involved when the woman later turns up dead.

Finding her killer will prove a challenge for Riley because the woman left a path of chaos in her wake. She lived up to her reputation and had more than a few people that would love to see her gone from the island...or the world.

The path that led Riley to Sandpiper Bay may not have been what she had hoped for, but she's determined to discover who killed the victim and bring them to justice. But to do that, she'll end up putting herself in the path of a killer unafraid to kill someone to avoid discovery.

It took me a while to get my hands on this book because DEATH IN SANDPIPER BAY was initially only available as an ebook. But when it became available in print, I knew I was going to get it.

The writing team of Traci Hall & Patrice Wilton do an excellent job of getting readers introduced to Riley Harper, her co-workers, townsfolk and family in this first book of the series. The murder mystery not only serves as the main plot but as a way for Riley to prove herself against the undeserved reputation she had acquired. Her family is a mix of sweet and sour. Her mom Susan is a look on the bright side woman while her teenage daughter Kyra is a moody and sullen girl. This is at least understandable because of the uprooting of her life but at times you just wanted to give her a wake up call dose of reality.

Riley's co-workers are a good bunch and despite his misgivings, even the Chief has his good points. The townsfolk are welcoming and you can't help but look forward to learning more about them.

I loved seeing Riley's investigational skills on display as she investigated the murder. Knowing she was a detective in Arizona means it wasn't a surprise but that she's really good at the job is always nice to see portrayed.

Other than a huge mistake in the text, the only real problem that stuck out to me was it took 73 pages before the body dropped. In a prose novel that ran a scant 166 pages, that's a long way to go before you get to the mystery part of a "murder mystery". It didn't affect my enjoyment of the overall reading of the book but it does seem like the pacing was thrown off by taking such a winding road to get to "the body".

That said, DEATH IN SANDPIPER BAY was an otherwise intriguing read with a series lead you can't help but find yourself rooting for. I'm eagerly awaiting for Book 2 from Traci Hall & Patrice Wilton because the Riley Harper series is one I find has me wondering where they are going to take me next.


FULL DISCLOSURE: I received my copy of the book direct from the authors after emailing them a question about the print availability and an issue with an Amazon listing. I received a reply thanking me for bringing the issue to their attention and the offer of an author copy. However, the review remains my honest evaluation of the book.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the authors and Southern Sisters Book Groups (FB).

I finished this book in a day it was that good and fast reading. It was a good cozy mystery with a whodunit and it wasn't obvious like in other murder mysteries that I usually read that I can sometimes figure out.

Can't wait to read the second in this series.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set on a small island where everyone knows everyone else’s business, this cozy mystery features new to the island Officer Riley Harper. Escaping a past in Arizona that almost destroyed her reputation as a good cop, Riley is determined to stay on Sandpiper Bay for a year and prove her worth. She has obstacles to overcome, like the reputation that preceded her and a chief who doesn’t like her before he has even met her. She ends up solving a murder on the island and proves to herself and others that she is a good detective. Nice cozy mystery with a murder, plenty of possible suspects and a lot of townspeople who are welcoming but wary of strangers. The characters were well developed and promise to lend themselves to more discoveries in future books in the series. This is a good start to a well-written and fast-paced book that was entertaining and fun to read.
The opinions expressed here are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one! It was an easy read and a great start to a new series. I look forward to reading the next one! Thank you Patrice and Traci for sending me your new book!

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the stories from this writing duo and this was a really good start to a new series. Riley Harper is a strong protagonist who did the right thing to protect her family and see justice served. As a result, the only job she can get on the police force is on a small island in Maine. Riley is accompanied by her mother and daughter who are both good characters. The town is populated by a good cast of secondary characters the round out the story. I enjoyed reading as Riley won over Chief Barnes as the story progressed. The mystery was well done; the killer wasn't even on my radar. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Police officer Riley Harper is relocating with her daughter and mother from Phoenix to Sandpiper Bay, a beautiful island off the coast of Maine. Not long after arriving, a body is found washed up by the lighthouse and ruled a suicide. Riley is suspicious and sets out to find the murderer.

This is a great start to a new series. I enjoyed that it’s a little darker. The characters are strong, well-developed and interesting. The setting is one of the best in a cozy. Looking forward to the next book.

[Jane Pettitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Book one of a new series. Riley does the right thing has we have been taught, but it ruins her career has a snitch, Moving her family to a island/ 12 miles in width she starts her new
Job. As the writer describes the small quaint restaurants and bakeries , and their cute cottage Riley has rented for a year, Murder and Mayhem begin, squeezing into her little car provided by the chief of police to look for clues, a story were she has to prove herself, keep her family happy, and the island safe. I enjoyed this read very much. Five stars out of five.