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Travel is Murder Cozy Mysteries #1
Peril on the Peninsula: Travel is Murder Cozy Mysteries Book 1
Blackmail. Betrayal. Murder. This is not the job Alex remembered.Although Alex Paige is anxious to get back in the field after a year off for cancer treatment, she's afraid she's forgotten how to be a travel writer. A visit to an idyllic resort seems like an easy way to get her feet wet. Lucky for her, she's put at ease when she meets a fellow survivor.
But that comfort is destroyed when Alex discovers a greedy developer she’d put in jail during her journalism years is buying the resort. Alex knows if he’s involved, something must be fishy.
She’s quickly proven right when his plans are revealed. But the real threat comes when the evil felon’s partner is murdered.
With the help of her irrepressible friend William and a lantern-jawed boat captain, Alex is determined to save the resort and marina. Can she expose the real killer before she becomes the next victim?
Peril on the Peninsula is the first book in the Alex Paige Travel Mysteries Series. If you love engaging characters, dastardly villains, and armchair travel, you'll love Theresa L. Carter's debut novel.
Buy Peril on the Peninsula for a fun escape today!
But that comfort is destroyed when Alex discovers a greedy developer she’d put in jail during her journalism years is buying the resort. Alex knows if he’s involved, something must be fishy.
She’s quickly proven right when his plans are revealed. But the real threat comes when the evil felon’s partner is murdered.
With the help of her irrepressible friend William and a lantern-jawed boat captain, Alex is determined to save the resort and marina. Can she expose the real killer before she becomes the next victim?
Peril on the Peninsula is the first book in the Alex Paige Travel Mysteries Series. If you love engaging characters, dastardly villains, and armchair travel, you'll love Theresa L. Carter's debut novel.
Buy Peril on the Peninsula for a fun escape today!
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 14, 2026
Alex Paige is a former investigative journalist who has survived breast cancer. After a year largely spent undergoing treatment, she is trying to rebuild her life and return to work—not as the hard-edged investigative reporter she once was, but as a travel writer. She is invited to a writers’ gathering at The Mast, an idyllic resort in the small community of Alvin’s Landing.
Alex is delighted to reconnect with her old friend William, another writer. She also becomes acquainted with the people connected with The Mast and the surrounding nature reserve and marina.
Things change dramatically when Trevor Kaine arrives. Alex knows Kaine from her investigative-journalism days: she had helped expose him and his criminal activities, ultimately contributing to his imprisonment. Now he is back—and he wants to acquire The Mast and the surrounding property.
Alex immediately becomes suspicious. Kaine claims that his plans are legitimate development, but Alex’s old investigative instincts tell her that there is much more going on. The proposed development threatens the character of the resort and the surrounding natural area.
Then comes the murder
Kaine’s involvement becomes even more sinister when his business partner/associate Nick is found murdered. Nick has been shot in the nature reserve during an outing involving the people connected with The Mast.
The murder transforms what had initially looked like a property-development dispute into a genuine criminal investigation.
Alex cannot resist doing what she used to do as an investigative journalist. Together with William—and with assistance from a rugged local boat captain—she begins putting together the pieces.
There are several possible motives:
* Kaine’s desire to acquire The Mast and the surrounding land
* longstanding relationships and resentments among the local residents
* secrets concerning the resort and the proposed development
* blackmail and financial interests
* the complicated history of the people connected with Nick
Alex gradually realizes that Nick’s murder is not simply a random killing connected to Kaine’s business dealings. The seemingly respectable people around The Mast have their own secrets.
The investigation :
Alex’s greatest strength is her ability to talk to people and notice inconsistencies. Her experience as an investigative reporter returns surprisingly quickly.
She works with William while also involving the police rather than simply trying to solve the crime entirely on her own. Clues gradually point away from the obvious explanation that Kaine himself is responsible.
The investigation also puts Alex in increasing danger. Her questions are getting too close to the truth, and someone clearly wants her to stop digging.
The book deliberately makes Kaine look like the obvious villain, but the mystery is more complicated than that. Readers are encouraged to suspect several characters before the final revelations.
The final revelation
The murderer turns out not to be Trevor Kaine. The killing is ultimately connected to the personal relationships and secrets surrounding Nick and the people at The Mast rather than simply being an act of Kaine’s criminal revenge.
Alex’s persistence allows her to uncover the truth and expose the person responsible. The police are able to put the pieces together, while the larger scheme involving the attempted acquisition of The Mast and the surrounding property is also brought to light.
The important outcome is that The Mast, its marina and the surrounding natural reserve are saved from the destructive development scheme. Alex has once again demonstrated that her investigative instincts have not disappeared after her cancer treatment.
And, perhaps more importantly, Alex realizes that she hasn’t lost herself during the years of illness. Her return to travel writing has unexpectedly brought back the investigative journalist within her.
Overall
It is less a dark thriller and more a gentle, character-driven cozy mystery, with travel, friendship, humour and a beautiful lakeside setting alongside the murder investigation. The author herself describes the series as a combination of engaging characters, villains and travel/armchair exploration.
One interesting aspect is Alex’s status as a breast-cancer survivor. Her recovery isn’t merely background information—it is an important part of the character’s emotional journey as she learns to enjoy life again. I Found the style of writing a little similar to Agatha Christie though she still is the undisputed queen of detective fiction ! I would give the book which I read on Kindle 3.5 stars.
Dr.Javed Rasheed
Alex is delighted to reconnect with her old friend William, another writer. She also becomes acquainted with the people connected with The Mast and the surrounding nature reserve and marina.
Things change dramatically when Trevor Kaine arrives. Alex knows Kaine from her investigative-journalism days: she had helped expose him and his criminal activities, ultimately contributing to his imprisonment. Now he is back—and he wants to acquire The Mast and the surrounding property.
Alex immediately becomes suspicious. Kaine claims that his plans are legitimate development, but Alex’s old investigative instincts tell her that there is much more going on. The proposed development threatens the character of the resort and the surrounding natural area.
Then comes the murder
Kaine’s involvement becomes even more sinister when his business partner/associate Nick is found murdered. Nick has been shot in the nature reserve during an outing involving the people connected with The Mast.
The murder transforms what had initially looked like a property-development dispute into a genuine criminal investigation.
Alex cannot resist doing what she used to do as an investigative journalist. Together with William—and with assistance from a rugged local boat captain—she begins putting together the pieces.
There are several possible motives:
* Kaine’s desire to acquire The Mast and the surrounding land
* longstanding relationships and resentments among the local residents
* secrets concerning the resort and the proposed development
* blackmail and financial interests
* the complicated history of the people connected with Nick
Alex gradually realizes that Nick’s murder is not simply a random killing connected to Kaine’s business dealings. The seemingly respectable people around The Mast have their own secrets.
The investigation :
Alex’s greatest strength is her ability to talk to people and notice inconsistencies. Her experience as an investigative reporter returns surprisingly quickly.
She works with William while also involving the police rather than simply trying to solve the crime entirely on her own. Clues gradually point away from the obvious explanation that Kaine himself is responsible.
The investigation also puts Alex in increasing danger. Her questions are getting too close to the truth, and someone clearly wants her to stop digging.
The book deliberately makes Kaine look like the obvious villain, but the mystery is more complicated than that. Readers are encouraged to suspect several characters before the final revelations.
The final revelation
The murderer turns out not to be Trevor Kaine. The killing is ultimately connected to the personal relationships and secrets surrounding Nick and the people at The Mast rather than simply being an act of Kaine’s criminal revenge.
Alex’s persistence allows her to uncover the truth and expose the person responsible. The police are able to put the pieces together, while the larger scheme involving the attempted acquisition of The Mast and the surrounding property is also brought to light.
The important outcome is that The Mast, its marina and the surrounding natural reserve are saved from the destructive development scheme. Alex has once again demonstrated that her investigative instincts have not disappeared after her cancer treatment.
And, perhaps more importantly, Alex realizes that she hasn’t lost herself during the years of illness. Her return to travel writing has unexpectedly brought back the investigative journalist within her.
Overall
It is less a dark thriller and more a gentle, character-driven cozy mystery, with travel, friendship, humour and a beautiful lakeside setting alongside the murder investigation. The author herself describes the series as a combination of engaging characters, villains and travel/armchair exploration.
One interesting aspect is Alex’s status as a breast-cancer survivor. Her recovery isn’t merely background information—it is an important part of the character’s emotional journey as she learns to enjoy life again. I Found the style of writing a little similar to Agatha Christie though she still is the undisputed queen of detective fiction ! I would give the book which I read on Kindle 3.5 stars.
Dr.Javed Rasheed
January 9, 2024
Exciting Start to Series!
This book had me hooked from the beginning, and by the time I was halfway through, I purchased the remaining available books in the series! I love the strength of the main character, and how she has weathered the storms of her life with grace. The descriptions of the small town she is visiting and the lodge where she is staying are so vivid, it makes you feel like you are right there with Alex as she works to solve the mystery. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery.
This book had me hooked from the beginning, and by the time I was halfway through, I purchased the remaining available books in the series! I love the strength of the main character, and how she has weathered the storms of her life with grace. The descriptions of the small town she is visiting and the lodge where she is staying are so vivid, it makes you feel like you are right there with Alex as she works to solve the mystery. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery.
March 6, 2024
This really was much better than the average cozy mystery. A long time reporter would be pulled into a story like this. They didn't avoid the police, even if they weren't first on the list of contacts. The reader was actually able to follow the twists and turns as Alex slowly unraveled the details of the events. The setting was awesome, felt like I was really there. Actually wanted to go visit until the disclaimer at the end indicated the Reserve didn't really exist. Easy to follow along and very believable.
October 19, 2022
A sure page-turner written by first-time novelist Theresa L. Carter. Chock full of interesting characters, both good guys and bad. And just when you think you’ve got the plot figured out…. TWIST! Can’t wait for the next in the series! Keep ‘em coming, Theresa with an H!
November 29, 2023
Better than cozy
I liked this one better than most cozies. No instant love attacks , no long reacts of every good or clothing item, very little sappiness. Not as predictable as so many copies are,
I liked this one better than most cozies. No instant love attacks , no long reacts of every good or clothing item, very little sappiness. Not as predictable as so many copies are,
September 11, 2024
Excellent mystery in a heartwarming story. Alex is a very talented writer who also has wonderful insights and ability to ferret out the truth. If she hadn't been invited to The Mast for a writers' workshop, the whole series of events would have been different. She is definitely the most important character in this story. Another one is her friend William, who is also a writer. He and Alex hit it off, encouraging each other and teasing each other at the same time. His role in the story is almost as important as Alex's.
Now a bit about the story and the mystery. The Mast is a hotel in the quaint town of Alvin's Landing. Everybody living there knows everybody else. Not many secrets or surprises...until Trevor Kaine shows up and everything is turned upside-down. He's going to purchase The Mast and all of the property that goes with it, and the story revolves around what his plans are, including who is on his side and who is against him. I shouldn't tell any more or it will spoil the suspense. I can safely guarantee that you will love this book. I sure did!
Now a bit about the story and the mystery. The Mast is a hotel in the quaint town of Alvin's Landing. Everybody living there knows everybody else. Not many secrets or surprises...until Trevor Kaine shows up and everything is turned upside-down. He's going to purchase The Mast and all of the property that goes with it, and the story revolves around what his plans are, including who is on his side and who is against him. I shouldn't tell any more or it will spoil the suspense. I can safely guarantee that you will love this book. I sure did!
February 18, 2024
Wonderful book to cozy up with on a cold day. If you like murder mystery. The story was plausible as the character was an investigative journalist, which cannot be said for other murder mysteries I have read.
February 17, 2025
Absolutely loved this book! So many characters but they were woven into the story in ways that made them easy to keep track of. Now I’m moving on to the next book from this author— can’t wait!!!
April 10, 2025
Absolutely loved this mystery. Could not put it down. Excellent characters and story. Will be reading more from this author.
June 10, 2026
A breast cancer survivor solving a murder mystery.
April 18, 2025
RATE 3.5/5
Setelah berhasil selamat dalam perlawanannya terhadap Kanker, Alex Paige, kembali sebagai dirinya dahulu, seorang Jurnalis yang menulis untuk blognya sendiri. Alex diundang ke sebuah negara bagian untuk menghadiri pertemuan para jurnalis. Setelah bertahun-tahun vakum, Alex akhirnya bisa bertemu teman sesama jurnalis.
Alex bertemu William, teman sejawatnya yang sudah cukup lama tidak ditemuinya. Bersama dengan camper van milik William, mereka mengenang masa-masa lalu. Diluar dugaan, ternyata Alex mengungkap sesuatu yang menyebalkan. Alex bertemu dengan Kaine, orang yang dulu pernah Alex lawan. Sekarang Kaine berusaha untuk mendapatkan The Mast (penginapan tempat Alex menginap), beserta wilayah di sekitarnya.
Insting Alex mengatakan bahwa ada sesuatu yang salah pada proses jual-beli The Mast. Saat ada Kaine, bisa dipastikan bahwa ada motif tersembunyi dibalik usahanya membeli The Mast dan Reserve. Sampai suatu pagi, saat tur para jurnalis sedang berjalan. Tunangan pemilik The Mast ditemukan mati tertembak di Reserve.
Secara garis besar kisah misteri karangan Theresa L. Carter cukup menarik. Tidak terlalu banyak plot twist, namun tetap ada hal yang membuat kita terheran-heran. Sesuai dengan tajuk "cozy mystery series", kisah Alex Page dan kawannya, William, memang membuat pembaca merasa nyaman dan ngeflow dengan alur cerita yang disajikan. hanya saja, menurutku karakter tiap tokoh bisa digali lebih dalam dan intens. Karena beberapa karakter penting seperti Kaine dan Evelyn kaya kurang "dikenal" oleh pembaca.
Aku beri rate 3,5 karena memang se cozy itu kisahnya, cenderung gaada naik turunnya. Nyaman tapi gak menantang.
Setelah berhasil selamat dalam perlawanannya terhadap Kanker, Alex Paige, kembali sebagai dirinya dahulu, seorang Jurnalis yang menulis untuk blognya sendiri. Alex diundang ke sebuah negara bagian untuk menghadiri pertemuan para jurnalis. Setelah bertahun-tahun vakum, Alex akhirnya bisa bertemu teman sesama jurnalis.
Alex bertemu William, teman sejawatnya yang sudah cukup lama tidak ditemuinya. Bersama dengan camper van milik William, mereka mengenang masa-masa lalu. Diluar dugaan, ternyata Alex mengungkap sesuatu yang menyebalkan. Alex bertemu dengan Kaine, orang yang dulu pernah Alex lawan. Sekarang Kaine berusaha untuk mendapatkan The Mast (penginapan tempat Alex menginap), beserta wilayah di sekitarnya.
Insting Alex mengatakan bahwa ada sesuatu yang salah pada proses jual-beli The Mast. Saat ada Kaine, bisa dipastikan bahwa ada motif tersembunyi dibalik usahanya membeli The Mast dan Reserve. Sampai suatu pagi, saat tur para jurnalis sedang berjalan. Tunangan pemilik The Mast ditemukan mati tertembak di Reserve.
Secara garis besar kisah misteri karangan Theresa L. Carter cukup menarik. Tidak terlalu banyak plot twist, namun tetap ada hal yang membuat kita terheran-heran. Sesuai dengan tajuk "cozy mystery series", kisah Alex Page dan kawannya, William, memang membuat pembaca merasa nyaman dan ngeflow dengan alur cerita yang disajikan. hanya saja, menurutku karakter tiap tokoh bisa digali lebih dalam dan intens. Karena beberapa karakter penting seperti Kaine dan Evelyn kaya kurang "dikenal" oleh pembaca.
Aku beri rate 3,5 karena memang se cozy itu kisahnya, cenderung gaada naik turunnya. Nyaman tapi gak menantang.
May 26, 2026
3.75 stars - I don't think I would place this in the "cozy" bracket. While it isn't full of gore or detailed criminal scenes, there also wasn't that lace and cakes vibe. Rather, the main character, Alex Paige, a former reporter now turned travel blogger is getting back into the blogging game after going through cancer treatment. She's smart and intuitive, and irresistibly drawn to solving the murder mystery that unfolds during her first trip. Along with her best friend and fellow writer William, they pursue the case until it is solved. William is a bit stereotyped as the gay best friend, so you will no doubt have to overlook that issue. It wasn't hard to guess well ahead of time who the killer was, but I enjoyed the setting and the characters and the writing is solid.
January 13, 2025
This is my first book from this author and I absolutely loved it! The murder mystery is interesting and well written, but it is the MC Alex Paige and one of the important side character Evelyn that are most unique, there are very few books with the main characters suffering from cancer, going through Chemo, and yet still came out a winner, this book is special that it not only showed us the tough and smart cancer survivor enjoying life, but also fully functional, and help caught the killer. It is uplifting and inspiring. Also I love the small town setting and the author showed us some characters that are not all bad, like in real life, there are gray zones.
January 16, 2025
Alex is a former investigative journalist who is now a travel writer after surviving cancer. Her first writers gathering turns out very differently than she expects. Well-written with excellent character development and an interesting mystery. Alex hasn't lost her touch and keeps going until the villain is revealed. Twists and turns along with intrigue and danger throughout. I received a copy of the book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
January 5, 2026
William keeps nabbing the hunks
Door county is beautiful and a great location for a travel writer to visit. Especially if you love a rustic environment next to a lake, a view, and nature all around you. When a developer swoops in to destroy it all, and uses amoral means to obtain the property, Alex with the help of William will do her best to help her new friends solve a murder, save a nature reserve, and the lovely inn.
Door county is beautiful and a great location for a travel writer to visit. Especially if you love a rustic environment next to a lake, a view, and nature all around you. When a developer swoops in to destroy it all, and uses amoral means to obtain the property, Alex with the help of William will do her best to help her new friends solve a murder, save a nature reserve, and the lovely inn.
September 8, 2026
Enjoyed this evenings read.
A trip to a small town in Wisconsin for a writer's tour brings Alex to an excellent inn on the shore of Lake Michigan. The inn is not going to be there for long and nether is the Reserve. It was going to be a nineteen hole golf course and a Pro shop much to many peoples dismay.
Things become very interesting when on the tour of the Reserve where they are getting a blow-by-blow description of the proposed golf course a body is found.
A trip to a small town in Wisconsin for a writer's tour brings Alex to an excellent inn on the shore of Lake Michigan. The inn is not going to be there for long and nether is the Reserve. It was going to be a nineteen hole golf course and a Pro shop much to many peoples dismay.
Things become very interesting when on the tour of the Reserve where they are getting a blow-by-blow description of the proposed golf course a body is found.
February 25, 2024
Alex had the life from investigative reporter, travel writer to beating cancer. She’s back! That’s right, her first writers gathering proves to be more than she expected. The character development was spot on. This story had me held captive from the first chapter surprising to the final twist at the end.
February 2, 2025
Great story of development in Door County! Small town politics connected to Chicago crime. Close friends and family with lifelong history. What brings people to vacation in Door county? Cherries are mentioned a few times. The Mast is definitely a legacy property in Alvin’s Landing. Did I mention blackmail and murder?
February 28, 2025
Great start to an excellent written cozy mystery. It caught and held my attention throughout the book. The characters were fun, and even though, the mystery was serious, there was still plenty of humor. Recommend reading.
December 26, 2023
Who killed Nick and why??? Regection??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
November 10, 2024
Ok read. Supposedly set in the area where I live, but not too much familiarity in the story. I had trouble keeping the characters straight.
November 16, 2024
This book has great characters and a plot with several twists that may surprise you. An enjoyable read.
August 21, 2025
I thought I knew but also thought I was wrong. I enjoyed the plot.
November 14, 2025
Loved the book.
This book was a joy to read. It just pulled you in and kept you guessing right to the very end. I
This book was a joy to read. It just pulled you in and kept you guessing right to the very end. I
February 15, 2026
Very enjoyable cozy mystery with lots of intrigue.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews