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Moon Garden Mysteries #1
Secrets by Starlight
I always knew I'd inherit Covett House. But the timing couldn't be worse.
My divorce is still fresh. I’m not even forty. Quite. The last thing I need is pressure to step right into the life Nanna made for herself in Crescent Bay. What do I need with an 1888 Victorian mansion in a tiny northern California coastal town? I live by myself now.
But I'm not alone here. There are those half-heard whispers in the night, the reappearance of Nanna's lost cat...and then there's the murder.
Cherise Tillson died on the floor of the Museum of the Odd and Wondrous, the most eccentric piece of my inheritance, the day after I got to town. But why did she have my name on her person? And what was she doing in the museum at night?
To clear my name – and my way out of this small town – I need answers.
Nanna’s secrets are more than I bargained for when the cat’s antics reveal an old, ornate key. The key to a hidden garden in the woods behind Covett House, where pale blooms glow under the waxing moon. Where the creatures are strangely attentive. And a dryad waits to give me a piece of her mind.
The moon garden threatens what little is left of the life I knew.
But discovering midlife magic has made me bold. Or maybe that’s all the strong coffee I’m currently running on.
Either way, I’ll make a better life with this second chance.
Welcome to the Moon Garden Mysteries paranormal cozy mystery series, a magical blend of paranormal women’s fiction and cozy mystery for those who believe forty marks a new beginning, cats can talk (and you’d better listen), and when you’re guarding a fae portal, chocolate is a girl’s best friend.
My divorce is still fresh. I’m not even forty. Quite. The last thing I need is pressure to step right into the life Nanna made for herself in Crescent Bay. What do I need with an 1888 Victorian mansion in a tiny northern California coastal town? I live by myself now.
But I'm not alone here. There are those half-heard whispers in the night, the reappearance of Nanna's lost cat...and then there's the murder.
Cherise Tillson died on the floor of the Museum of the Odd and Wondrous, the most eccentric piece of my inheritance, the day after I got to town. But why did she have my name on her person? And what was she doing in the museum at night?
To clear my name – and my way out of this small town – I need answers.
Nanna’s secrets are more than I bargained for when the cat’s antics reveal an old, ornate key. The key to a hidden garden in the woods behind Covett House, where pale blooms glow under the waxing moon. Where the creatures are strangely attentive. And a dryad waits to give me a piece of her mind.
The moon garden threatens what little is left of the life I knew.
But discovering midlife magic has made me bold. Or maybe that’s all the strong coffee I’m currently running on.
Either way, I’ll make a better life with this second chance.
Welcome to the Moon Garden Mysteries paranormal cozy mystery series, a magical blend of paranormal women’s fiction and cozy mystery for those who believe forty marks a new beginning, cats can talk (and you’d better listen), and when you’re guarding a fae portal, chocolate is a girl’s best friend.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2022
362 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Pearse Nelson
55 books61 followersJ.R. Pearse Nelson is a fantasy and romance writer who has authored more than 20 novels. She hails from Oregon, USA, where she lives with her husband, two teens, and two dogs among the plentiful trees and clouds of the Pacific Northwest. J.R. weaves tales rooted in mythology, bringing legend to life in modern-day settings and fantasy realms. When not writing, you can find her making magic in the kitchen and enjoying long walks or “rambles” outdoors. J.R.’s books include the Moon Garden Mysteries paranormal cozy series, the Aeon Society fantasy romance series, and the Water Rites fantasy trilogy.
You can connect with J.R. and learn more about her fiction at her website. Visit jrpearsenelson.com.
You can connect with J.R. and learn more about her fiction at her website. Visit jrpearsenelson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 13, 2024
Newly divorced woman looses her grandmother, her only relative and inherits grandmothers house and businesses. And her cat. A good paranormal read, I look forward to the next in series
February 13, 2024
Good story but not real deep
I liked this story even though it felt rushed to me. To me it was obvious who the "bad guys" were but still an enjoyable read. Too fast and quick though. Hopefully #2is better.
I liked this story even though it felt rushed to me. To me it was obvious who the "bad guys" were but still an enjoyable read. Too fast and quick though. Hopefully #2is better.
February 9, 2024
Needs edititing
Loved the book, and the very imaginative story line however many grammatical errors, got lost a few times, and had to re -read.
Loved the book, and the very imaginative story line however many grammatical errors, got lost a few times, and had to re -read.
March 25, 2023
Coming Home . . .
There are so many elements to this story line that make it very intriguing. Naomi Monday knew she would one day inherit Covett House, an 1888 Victorian mansion, from her Nana Rose. But as she drove to Crescent Bay, she knew that this time, Nanna Rose wouldn’t be there to greet her.
With the occurrence of a death in the museum that was also an odd part of her inheritance, she now has to clear her name so she can leave this place. She will need to find out who killed Cherise Tillson, who died of blunt force trauma to her head, and why Naomi’s name was found on the victim’s body.
Her Nanna’s cat uncovers a peculiar old key that takes her to a hidden garden in the woods. And now her strange adventure truly begins. Will she stay here and explore these new wonders? Will she clear her name? Will she find an entirely new start in her strange new life now? And would she ever get used to talking to that feisty tree (dryad)?
I loved this story line mixing humor and intriguing characters. Naomi is perfect in this new environment as she learns much more about herself and her family line. Grab your copy and enjoy this combination of the paranormal and a good mystery to solve!
There are so many elements to this story line that make it very intriguing. Naomi Monday knew she would one day inherit Covett House, an 1888 Victorian mansion, from her Nana Rose. But as she drove to Crescent Bay, she knew that this time, Nanna Rose wouldn’t be there to greet her.
With the occurrence of a death in the museum that was also an odd part of her inheritance, she now has to clear her name so she can leave this place. She will need to find out who killed Cherise Tillson, who died of blunt force trauma to her head, and why Naomi’s name was found on the victim’s body.
Her Nanna’s cat uncovers a peculiar old key that takes her to a hidden garden in the woods. And now her strange adventure truly begins. Will she stay here and explore these new wonders? Will she clear her name? Will she find an entirely new start in her strange new life now? And would she ever get used to talking to that feisty tree (dryad)?
I loved this story line mixing humor and intriguing characters. Naomi is perfect in this new environment as she learns much more about herself and her family line. Grab your copy and enjoy this combination of the paranormal and a good mystery to solve!
March 25, 2024
A couple of large issues drop this from a 4-star review to a 3.
The storyline is good, if a bit formulaic. Seriously, does anyone who has ever read a paranormal cozy mystery not know that the demon has taken over a character? Does anyone not know which character, and precisely when it's revealed in the story?
First big issue - the use of the singular "they" to describe Marty. It's difficult enough in person to use this abomination of a construct to show respect to someone who can't accept that our language doesn't have a recognized word. Zhe would at least be better. The annoying part, though, is we get zero sense of Marty or "their" back story. When we first meet Marty, it's with another person, so the singular "they" is really really confusing for a few paragraphs. After that, it's just annoying -- moreso because we're not told *why* this one character is treated differently.
Second big issue - I get the whole "accept with little question" of the paranormal life, and the "we can't tell others in the town" -- but now we have a character who has been possessed, the possession has ended, and the un-possessed character is facing murder charges, with no one to speak for her. This seems contrary to the vibe of the story and the town.
The storyline is good, if a bit formulaic. Seriously, does anyone who has ever read a paranormal cozy mystery not know that the demon has taken over a character? Does anyone not know which character, and precisely when it's revealed in the story?
First big issue - the use of the singular "they" to describe Marty. It's difficult enough in person to use this abomination of a construct to show respect to someone who can't accept that our language doesn't have a recognized word. Zhe would at least be better. The annoying part, though, is we get zero sense of Marty or "their" back story. When we first meet Marty, it's with another person, so the singular "they" is really really confusing for a few paragraphs. After that, it's just annoying -- moreso because we're not told *why* this one character is treated differently.
Second big issue - I get the whole "accept with little question" of the paranormal life, and the "we can't tell others in the town" -- but now we have a character who has been possessed, the possession has ended, and the un-possessed character is facing murder charges, with no one to speak for her. This seems contrary to the vibe of the story and the town.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2025
Sorry this one was just not for me. There was nothing wrong with the story, I think it was just me. I couldn't connect with the characters, Naomi just seemed to indecisive and she would start to learn about something then go off and do something else or take a nap. There was too much going on and at the same time I couldn't help but feel like nothing really happened, there is potential here with the unique creatures from the other side. I did enjoy meeting the brownie. The murder wasn't investigated as in questioning suspects and just unfolded while she was busy learning about the secret her Nanna was keeping.
Naomi returns home to claim her inheritance but she quickly discovers her Nanna has left her more than a house and an unusual curiosity museum. Already decided she won't be staying Naomi will have to work fast to solve a murder at the museum so she can sell it and get back to her real life. The problem is the more she learns the more she finds she might just have to stay.
I liked the narrator. She had a pleasant voice that was easy to listen too.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Naomi returns home to claim her inheritance but she quickly discovers her Nanna has left her more than a house and an unusual curiosity museum. Already decided she won't be staying Naomi will have to work fast to solve a murder at the museum so she can sell it and get back to her real life. The problem is the more she learns the more she finds she might just have to stay.
I liked the narrator. She had a pleasant voice that was easy to listen too.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 5, 2024
A Magical Garden
Like most books, there were parts of this that I loved, and other parts not so much. The first part of the book seemed slow to me. Then the ending felt very rushed. We’re going along, with Naomi waffling between staying in her newly inherited grandmother’s home, or going back to Sacramento and her life there. That got a little old after a while. And all the angst about not having kids. In other words, I wasn’t overly fond of Naomi. But… the paranormal stuff was really good. Brownies helping around the house, a magical garden, the white stag, a griffin… perfect.
There were just too many things that didn’t quite add up to a great story. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a “good” story, just not a great one. But I’m still interested enough to look for others in the series to find out what happens next.
Recommended for the magical parts of the book if nothing else.
Like most books, there were parts of this that I loved, and other parts not so much. The first part of the book seemed slow to me. Then the ending felt very rushed. We’re going along, with Naomi waffling between staying in her newly inherited grandmother’s home, or going back to Sacramento and her life there. That got a little old after a while. And all the angst about not having kids. In other words, I wasn’t overly fond of Naomi. But… the paranormal stuff was really good. Brownies helping around the house, a magical garden, the white stag, a griffin… perfect.
There were just too many things that didn’t quite add up to a great story. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a “good” story, just not a great one. But I’m still interested enough to look for others in the series to find out what happens next.
Recommended for the magical parts of the book if nothing else.
December 8, 2025
It was enjoyable. I've read another book that was similar to it so I didn't feel it was as unique as it could be. It was obviously the first of a series. If I came across the series without having to pay for it, I would read them, but I'm broke at the moment so....
I did appreciate that the MC's friend was non-binary. It took me a minute to figure out what was going on, but that's only because I think it was the first thing I've read that had an NB character in it.
I liked this novel, think the next book might be even better when we know more about the world the characters live in.
I also guessed whodunnit but I didn't mind that at all.
I did appreciate that the MC's friend was non-binary. It took me a minute to figure out what was going on, but that's only because I think it was the first thing I've read that had an NB character in it.
I liked this novel, think the next book might be even better when we know more about the world the characters live in.
I also guessed whodunnit but I didn't mind that at all.
August 7, 2024
Naomi comes home
Naomi comes home to the unexpected, a mixture of fantasy and normalcy. The home that she remembers as normal slowly reveals its fantasy to her, each a bit more surprising than the one before.
The characters were well defined, I could more than empathize with Naomi, the other characters were also relatable. Thomas was a charmer, will eventually communicate with Naomi? I guess I will have to read on to find out.
I could also recognize threads of future stories being introduced. Not the usual paranormal but interesting nevertheless.
Naomi comes home to the unexpected, a mixture of fantasy and normalcy. The home that she remembers as normal slowly reveals its fantasy to her, each a bit more surprising than the one before.
The characters were well defined, I could more than empathize with Naomi, the other characters were also relatable. Thomas was a charmer, will eventually communicate with Naomi? I guess I will have to read on to find out.
I could also recognize threads of future stories being introduced. Not the usual paranormal but interesting nevertheless.
October 28, 2024
Murder Mystery is Backdrop For Another World
Great story telling and character development in what appears to be another murder mystery. Instead, the murder is the vehicle for exposing a whole hidden world that is the true main plot. The story provides a satisfying conclusion while clearly setting up the series that will follow.
The outcome of the mystery and the underlying story were not obvious. There were clues but more than one possibility. I enjoyed the story and the writing.
Great story telling and character development in what appears to be another murder mystery. Instead, the murder is the vehicle for exposing a whole hidden world that is the true main plot. The story provides a satisfying conclusion while clearly setting up the series that will follow.
The outcome of the mystery and the underlying story were not obvious. There were clues but more than one possibility. I enjoyed the story and the writing.
January 8, 2026
tried to like this
Made it to chapter 7 before being so disgusted with the lack of basic english usage...something an author should have learned in grade school. I'm talking about referring to a SINGLE person as they...what a load of rubbish. As another reviewer mentioned, at the first mention I reread previous parts, thinking I missed the other person/s being talked about. Nada. Sadly, I like reading a 'first' book knowing there are others in the series, but I am giving up on this one unless she corrects the grammar. The story had the potential to be interesting...
Made it to chapter 7 before being so disgusted with the lack of basic english usage...something an author should have learned in grade school. I'm talking about referring to a SINGLE person as they...what a load of rubbish. As another reviewer mentioned, at the first mention I reread previous parts, thinking I missed the other person/s being talked about. Nada. Sadly, I like reading a 'first' book knowing there are others in the series, but I am giving up on this one unless she corrects the grammar. The story had the potential to be interesting...
November 13, 2022
this was a great start to the Moon Garden Mysteries series, it was what I was hoping for. It had a great mystery going on and did everything that I was hoping for. The characters were interesting and smart, i really enjoyed reading this and it was a great world. I look forward to read more in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2024
Could not finish
I read half this book before finally giving up. 113 pages of the most boring book. 113 pages of going on and on about mundane (including a murder) drivel. "I need to sell", "I need to get out of here", "oh dear, who could the murderer be". Not a reason to keep reading. Skip this for your own sanity!
I read half this book before finally giving up. 113 pages of the most boring book. 113 pages of going on and on about mundane (including a murder) drivel. "I need to sell", "I need to get out of here", "oh dear, who could the murderer be". Not a reason to keep reading. Skip this for your own sanity!
May 20, 2024
I did enjoy this story, however, there was an issue for me with the grammar used for Marty one of the characters. Why was she a 'they' and everything to do with her the grammar was about they or them etc. etc. I found it very unnecessary and very aggravating.
Apart from that, the plot was brilliant, and led us into wanting to read the next book in the series, which I shall probably do.
Apart from that, the plot was brilliant, and led us into wanting to read the next book in the series, which I shall probably do.
January 18, 2025
Strange
Great if one likes paranormal. Didn’t like the political pronouns being used for just Marty. Either use them for everyone or not at all, which is my preference. How many Marty’s were there? Takes one away from the story when one has to stop to figure out to whom she is speaking.
Great if one likes paranormal. Didn’t like the political pronouns being used for just Marty. Either use them for everyone or not at all, which is my preference. How many Marty’s were there? Takes one away from the story when one has to stop to figure out to whom she is speaking.
April 18, 2023
Interesting!
Yes, I know people use this word to say they don’t like something, but I really mean truly interesting. The pageturning kind of interesting! I gobbled this up so quickly, my eyes were racing across the pages. Great book!
Yes, I know people use this word to say they don’t like something, but I really mean truly interesting. The pageturning kind of interesting! I gobbled this up so quickly, my eyes were racing across the pages. Great book!
May 1, 2024
Naomi's Nana died and she ingredients inherent everything. Including secrets and duties to another world. It's a fast and furious ride, fun and even murder. All ends well . Well at least until the next book. It should be interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2024
Secret World
The imagination of the author is unbelievable. She creates a world and a story that draws you in. Imagine inverting all these secrets. I felt as if I was apart of the story. Trying to solve before Naomi.
The imagination of the author is unbelievable. She creates a world and a story that draws you in. Imagine inverting all these secrets. I felt as if I was apart of the story. Trying to solve before Naomi.
December 26, 2025
Naomi is recently divorced and her grandmother has died. Moving in to the historic home, Naomi finds out that her Nanna wasn't the simple woman she had thought.
Murder and magic get involved. Good story
Murder and magic get involved. Good story
April 29, 2024
great read
Kept you guessing the book. It was hard to put down. Will read the other later. Keep up the great writing
Kept you guessing the book. It was hard to put down. Will read the other later. Keep up the great writing
May 15, 2024
Amazing new story
You will get swept away in the mystery in the excitement in the changes. this is a story you can relate to.. you'll find yourself in a bit of each character
You will get swept away in the mystery in the excitement in the changes. this is a story you can relate to.. you'll find yourself in a bit of each character
June 9, 2024
I really enjoyed the book. It keep me interested and wanting more. Well worth your time.
July 11, 2024
This was a great read. I enjoyed it very much.
August 6, 2024
Quite a good read
Builds a little slow. But I did find that I liked the story line. I will go ahead and read the second book.
Builds a little slow. But I did find that I liked the story line. I will go ahead and read the second book.
October 11, 2024
An amazing tale
The author has created an unusual and unique plot to go with an imaginative group of characters making this hard to put down
The author has created an unusual and unique plot to go with an imaginative group of characters making this hard to put down
October 16, 2024
3+. Interesting start to a series. Would consider reading the next even though I wasn't fully entranced by this one.
April 9, 2025
Such a fun reluctant witch who was thrust into a mystery reality enjoyed this book and the audiobook was fabulous!! 😻😻😻
July 22, 2025
Really enjoyed this paranormal murder mystery. Definitely interested in reading more.
August 5, 2025
Enjoyable, but it had the potential to go deeper.
September 14, 2025
In Wonder
I loved this book because it IS full of wonder. I believe there are places like this where animals watch over us, and the stars shine, for us, a welcome place to be.
I loved this book because it IS full of wonder. I believe there are places like this where animals watch over us, and the stars shine, for us, a welcome place to be.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews