Jensen Beach, Florida is a quaint coastal town once revered as the “land that time forgot.” The place where big city dwellers come for vacation. It was once known for its beautiful sandy beaches, breezy ocean air, pleasant year-round weather, frilly cocktails, hometown boutique shops and restaurants, and ocean activities.
The town is also home to some unsavory characters and its many hidden skeletons—literally.
When Aunt Adeline goes missing, it is up to her niece, Charlotte, to uncover the clues of her deeply hidden family secrets and the town she calls home.
Enjoy the dual narrative from both Aunt Adeline’s and Charlotte’s point of view. Discover secrets the She Shed holds, the importance of friendship, and the true meaning of family.
Leah Orr, a resident of Jensen Beach, Florida, is not just a mother and wife, but also a #1 best-selling Amazon children’s author and thriller novelist. Her success in the literary world is evident in her 17 published books, each one a testament to her storytelling prowess.
Leah donates the profits from her books to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Upon learning that her daughter Ashley was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (while still in the womb), Orr knew she wanted to do something special. With some input from her mother and three daughters, it was decided that she'd write books to benefit the (CF) Foundation. The Orr Family has raised over $1,400,000 over the past 22 years to help find a cure.
Leah has recently been featured on ABC’s Health Watch, NBC Today South Florida, CBS South Florida, CBS This Morning Virginia, NBC the 10! Show Philadelphia, Fox 4 News Morning Blend, National Syndicated, “The Daily Buzz”, and Lifetime TV’s “The Balancing Act.”
Leah has been featured in Publications such as: Forbes Magazine, Medical News Today, The Boston Globe, The Miami Herald, The Sun-Sentinel, etc. Ashley was also a recipient of Oprah’s generosity in “The Big Give”.
Books by Leah Orr include children’s books: Goodnight, Molly, Messy Tessy, It Wasn’t Me, Kyle’s First Crush, & Kyle’s First Playdate. Her thrillers include The Executive Suite, The Bartender, The Champagne Toast, and #1 Amazon Bestseller, The She Shed, and The Fruitcake. Coming soon: The Retirees
Orr and her husband were recently nominated as one of Florida’s Finest Couples by the CF Foundation and included in “IN THE SPOTLIGHT on CFF.ORG. Leah was also nominated as one of Broward County’s top 100 Outstanding Women. Orr grew up in Boston, MA, and is a graduate of the University of Miami. More information is available at www.leahorr.com
I was drawn to this book because of the title and the cover. An acquaintance has a she shed and I find them intriguing. But the book itself was a shocker. Bad language though out the entire book. The story itself was alright but bordered on bazaar . I couldn’t really call it a mystery because readers are informed about what is going on. I did finish the book but don’t recommend it to people who are uncomfortable with swearing and taking the Lords name in vain. I should have read the reviews before requesting this book. My bad. Let’s just say the characters in this book kept a lot of secrets.
This book is definitely for adults and is listed as 18+, Historical Fiction,Mystery &Thrillers, Novellas and short stories. It isn’t cozy mystery.
I read an advanced readers copy . All thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Thank you, Leah Orr and goodreads.com, on winning this incredible book. First off, I want to say a big shout out to the author who sent this to me personally with a note how her proceeds go to the cystic fibrosis foundation. The authors mother dud the artwork on this book.
Okay, now to my review! I loved this book. I loved the short chapters, the diverse group of neighbors on Jenson Beach, Florida neighborhood. When a neighborhood dog finds a human jaw bone from Adelines property, and on top of that, she's now missing herself. So they get in touch with her niece Charlotte. She rushes from the Atlanta area to her Aunt's house in Jensen Beach. There's the really weird neighbor Betty, the perpetual bachelor Randall a grateful dead lover, and then there's Millie rounding up the group of neighbors. Part 2 of this explains 40 years of Adelines life in that home. It was wonderful and a very quick read. I highly recommend it.
Leah Orr’s The She Shed unravels an intricate web of mystery, family secrets, and hidden truths in the picturesque coastal town of Jensen Beach, Florida. Known for its serene beaches and small-town charm, Jensen Beach becomes the haunting backdrop for a suspenseful tale that explores the deep bonds of family, friendship, and community. With dual narratives and a cast of fascinating characters, Orr takes readers on an imaginary ride, exploring what is believable, and she makes the reader wonder in a very creepy way, could this be true in a sick way?
The story begins with a shocking event—Adeline, a well-respected and meticulous woman in Jensen Beach, goes missing. Her disappearance raises immediate concerns, which escalate into a full-blown mystery when four unidentified bodies are discovered on her property. How did these bodies get there? And more puzzling, where is Adeline?
Adeline's niece, Charlotte, receives the alarming news a week later and rushes back to her aunt’s home, which is now a fully-fledged crime scene. Raised by Adeline and her outrageous neighbors, after the loss of her parents at the age of six. Charlotte is determined to uncover the truth behind her aunt’s disappearance. Through her investigations, she discovers deeply hidden family secrets and learns more about the dark underside of the seemingly idyllic town.
The story alternates between Charlotte’s and Adeline’s perspectives, offering readers a glimpse into both the present-day mystery and the long-guarded secrets of the past. Supporting characters like Randall, Millie, and Betty enrich the narrative, each playing a critical role in unraveling the truth behind the enigma of the She Shed.
The supporting characters Randall, Millie and Betty seem like outrageous characters, but they all join to keep the small communities’ secrets.
Orr's writing in The She Shed seamlessly blends mystery, family drama, and social commentary, making the novel engaging from start to finish. Discussing the realities of living with post traumatic symptoms, spousal abuse, bigotry, and raising children in your sixties. How did they cope with no professional intervention? It is amazing what these people did to survive, does it have anything to do with the four dead bodies at Aunt Adeline’s house?
Using dual narratives, Orr effectively builds suspense while supplying just enough backstory to keep the reader invested. The vivid descriptions of Jensen Beach, from its sandy shores to its quaint shops, juxtapose beautifully with the darker tone of the story, enhancing the eerie atmosphere. The She Shed itself becomes a symbolic space where truths, long buried, finally become known.
The most notable achievement of The She Shed is its ability to make readers question the layers of truth behind everyday appearances. The seemingly perfect lives of the characters contrast sharply with the secrets lurking beneath the surface, a storytelling technique that keeps readers both intrigued and unsettled. The title itself is a clever play on words—a nod to a cherished private space while hinting at the sinister discoveries within.
Leah Orr’s ability to create tension is masterful. Each chapter draws the reader in, with twists and turns that keep the mystery alive. The pacing is well-balanced, with a steady build-up and satisfying reveals that do not feel rushed. Unlike some thrillers, The She Shed focuses not only on solving the mystery but also on the emotional impact of these events, which only happened on holidays to these eccentric characters.
Leah Orr is no stranger to compelling storytelling. Best known for her children’s South Florida thrillers, the author brings her signature blend of sharp dialogue and descriptive prose to The She Shed. Her dual narrative approach is particularly effective, offering readers a glimpse into both Adeline’s and Charlotte's inner thoughts. The shifts between past and present provide a richer understanding of how the events at Jensen Beach unfolded, making the story feel layered and immersive.
Reading The She Shed almost feels like peering into a world where appearances are deceiving, and everyone has something to hide. Leah Orr masterfully creates a sense of nostalgia for small-town life while unraveling its hidden complexities. The dual narrative structure allows readers to connect with both Adeline's and Charlotte’s stories, making the mystery feel personal and close to home.
The story’s deeper reflection on family, community, and loyalty resonated strongly with me. Could this have really happened? What would I do if I were in Charlotte’s shoes? These are the kind of questions Orr provokes, making the book linger in your mind long after you have turned the last page.
If you are looking for a book that keeps you guessing while tugging at your heartstrings and keeps you laughing, The She Shed is the perfect pick. With its evocative setting, complex characters, and gripping plot, it is no surprise that this novel has garnered praise from readers and critics alike.
For sensitive readers, this book may not be for you, frank discussions about murders and swearing may offend you.
For Leah Orr enthusiasts and newcomers to her work, The She Shed is a must-read—and it just might make you reconsider how many secrets are hidden in plain sight? I was too late to receive a free copy from Netgalley, but I did buy a copy on old Amazon.
This one did not grab me right away, unlike other Leah Orr books I’ve read. But once the book switched to part II, I was hooked! I absolutely loved Adeline’s side of the story!
Leah Orr has a way of writing that incorporates friendships and her Florida culture in every book. This story was quick and easy to read- and comes full circle. Highly recommend!!
A cosy mystery/thriller with writing that isn’t very good and a plot that isn’t very realistic. It was engaging enough to read but I was put off by the writing, and then further put off how the plot reveal is told twice, one by dual timeline and one by present-day characters meeting. The romance disturbed me greatly. What I did like was a lot of the quotes.
“When you take care of yourself, everyone gets the best of you.”
“Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”
“A woman can only live in one of two houses—fear or love. She cannot live in both at the same time.”
Leah Orr has written the perfect summer read, especially if you live in Florida. Her references to Florida events, history and everyday happenings set the right backdrop for a mystery novella set in Jensen Beach. Charlotte was 5 years old when she was orphaned and happily adopted by her 65 year old aunt. Aunt Adeline has an assortment of eccentric neighbors and friends. These seniors share a history and many secrets. Growing up, Charlotte is blissfully unaware of their past escapades. But now Charlotte has been called back to Jensen Beach. Aunt Adeline has disappeared and the neighbor’s dog has unearthed a human skull in Adeline’s backyard. With quirky characters, witty dialogue the story is told by both Charlotte and Adeline. There are even muffin recipes from neighbor Millie. And, of course, there is the handsome policeman that Charlotte has not seen in years. His support is just what she needs, or is it? Read as an ARC from LibraryThing.
#TheSheShed #NetGalley is a mind blowing mystery that will have every reader shaking their head throughout the book. Charlotte receives a phone call alerting her that her Aunt Adeline is missing, she hasn't been seen in a week. Charlotte returns home to Jensen Beach, Florida, hoping to find out what happened to her aunt. Charlotte is greeted by Millie, a strong, loving friend of her aunt, Randall, a neighbor and another close friend, and Betty, the odd neighbor who yells profanities at everyone and honestly had me laughing out loud so many times. Charlotte insists on finding her aunt, and when she discovers clues left behind, she begins to put the pieces together, uncovering secrets and proving that family and friendship means everything to the people. There is some language that others may find inappropriate, but it was an important part of the story, so I hope others aren't discouraged from reading it. I'm happy to recommend The She Shed to all readers! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
This was a very quick read. The storyline was simple, but amusing. You don’t really get much information on the characters but you end up loving all the main ones.
I will say this is a 3/3.5, but I’m giving it a 5 because the author donates the profits from her books to the cystic fibrosis foundation.
Lovely short, shorter book ~ I was pleasantly surprised with the witty & caring characters and storyline. Generally you can figure out how these sorts of books go, their formats are similar BUT I didn't. I looked forward to reading to the end, also not usual for me as again these books are often predictable. I wish this was part of a series as I really grew fond of the characters ~
The author gives a deep dive into human nature and all its complexities. As is her awesome style, Leah Orr is able to mix the tragic with the quirky and the humorous.
I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable short listen, which didn’t need too much brain power. Just the tonic for a day when I felt unwell. And the narrator, Annalee Scott, does a great job of bringing the people alive.
I would recommend both the narrator and author one-hundred percent. This is the second of Leah Orr’s books I’ve listened too, and she’s fast becoming a fave. The She Shed is well worth a listen!
I read in one sitting, turning the pages faster as the story progressed. It was full of surprises and twists, but mostly of friendship that endures all! I lived near Jensen Beach for 30 yrs until my recent move to the center of the state, and found myself remembering the locations in the book, enjoying Ms Orr's inclusion of them into her story. I will be on the lookout for more of this author's books and highly recommend anyone who loves a mystery with a twist and a few shocks to pick this one up!
This was an excellent cozy read! Full of twists and turns and wonderful, lovable characters! She kept me interested with the perfect balance of all the elements of a great story writer!!
From the Author: This book is my favorite. It was really fun to write. The setting is Jensen Beach, Florida. The best part about writing this book was spending time with local 70 and 80-year-olds in my beautiful coastal town, where I currently live, to help me get all the facts just right when my characters return to 1970 to unravel this mystery. The places in this book are real, and the characters are based on real people. Some aspects of the storyline are rumored to be true. This book is an Amazon #1 best seller. These characters still talk to me from time to time. Millie makes a cameo in my Christmas thriller, The Fruitcake, and be on the lookout for some of these folks to show up in my future novellas or novels. Warning: don't be fooled by the cover. It looks like a cozy mystery, but it is NOT! Recommended for readers 17+. Fun fact: I get hate mail from time to time about a controversial reveal in the plot. You've been warned...Enjoy!
What a perfect little mystery novel. It has just enough spunk, surprises and murder to make me completely happy. Charlotte is called to Jensen Beach, Florida by a distress call from her old childhood friend Derek that Aunt Adeline has been missing for a week and no one can find her. Can Charlotte come immediately. When she arrives she is welcomed by her Aunts closest friends and they are concerned as several buried bodies have been discovered on her Aunts property. Could her Aunt be responsible? Charlotte sets to finding out the truth and in her quest discovers so much more. The main characters Charlotte and her Aunt Adeline are just plain likable and fun. I appreciated the short length of this book, it was a quick read and gave me all the information I needed without droning on. Highly Recommended.
The She Shed is a short story, It only took a couple hours to read. Its a mystery about a women's aunt going missing. She travels home to find out what happened and finds out there was also human bones discovered in her aunts back yard. So the mystery starts. Her aunt leaves her a note and video on her laptop. She also meets up with a long ago male friend she grew up with who is now a cop.
The story is pretty good, it kind of reminds me of a cozy mystery, which I really dont care for. But the author did a good job keeping me engaged and entertained.
Good book because it was short and you can finish it in one sitting.
This was such a quick, easy, fun read! If you’re looking for a cozy mystery, this would be a great option. I thought the characters as well as the twists and turns in this book were so well done for how short the book was, but I would have loved for a longer book with more development of the characters because I was super intrigued by them! The last twist at the end was a big reason for my rating, I wish it didn’t have that twist/end!
I finished this captivating story within two days - certainly a page turner! This was a phenomenal read - full of mystery, loss, love and the ability to engage and entertain the reader with enduring details and an ever guessing twisty and turny plot. I felt like I was going through experiences with the characters. I loved the short chapters and how the author weaved the lives, secrets and friendships together. Highly recommend!
I really wanted to love this, the basic story was great and being from the area that was written about was exciting but it felt a bit incomplete and like it was trying too hard with the poor language. The twist at the end was kind of gross but the bones of the story were good.
The character I liked but felt it needed more character development ,parts of the story I liked ,but it felt rushed in part so spots felt odd and out of place
Easy summer read full of lovable characters. A true mystery that has a great resolution. I loved these characters and wouldn’t mind more of their stories!
Trigger Warning(s): Murder, Death, Death Of Spouse, Suicide, Mental Illness (PTSD brought on by military combat), Animal Death POV: Dual, First Person Series/Standalone:Standalone Genre: Cozy Mystery Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Safe or Dark: Safe
Quick Take Review 💥:
This is a fun and easy cozy mystery that has a hint of romance. Easy writing paired with short chapters makes the pages fly by. This is a bizarre but still enjoyable journey finding how the disappearance of an elderly lady was solved.
The characters were a quirky cast that were all relatively enjoyable.
In Depth Review 👇
Plot 📖:
The quaint coastal town of Jensen Beach, Florida, with its beautiful sandy beaches and wonderful year-round weather, makes it a popular vacation spot. It is also home to an interesting cast of characters, most likeable and some you wish you’d never met. However, Jensen Beach isn’t all ocean air, delicious restaurants, and niche shopping; it’s also hiding some secrets, and... well, skeletons.
When Charlotte Murphy’s Aunt Adeline goes missing, it’s up to her niece to find her. In doing so, Charlotte will have to dig deep into her family history, which shares some secrets that she wishes she stayed ignorant of. The journey also makes her realize that the place she grew up might not be as innocent as it seems.
Stop by Jensen Beach, Florida, to discover secrets, the importance of friendship, and the true meaning of family.
Writing 📝:
Leah Orr’s writing has a nice and easy flow that is enjoyable to read. Witty banter and a touch of humor keep things interesting and engaging. We don’t get bogged down with flowery prose or unnecessary details; everything is straight to the point and keeps the story chugging along.
Main Character(s) 👫:
Charlotte Murphy - Adeline's niece who heads back home from Chicago upon learning of her aunt’s disappearance. She’ll take matters into her own hands to solve a mystery and bring her beloved aunt home. Character Rating: B-
Adeline - Charlotte’s aunt who raised her and the missing woman. Adeline might be a sweet old lady, but she is more complex than one might think. Character Rating: C-
Side Character(s) 👫:
Lilly Mae - Adeline's next-door neighbor and the owner of a dog named Dexter, who innocently found a bone buried in Adeline’s backyard. Character Rating: Undetermined
Officer Derek McAllen - Charlotte’s childhood friend and an officer with the local Jensen Beach police force. Character Rating: B-
Millie - Adeline’s next-door neighbor and quirky and eccentric best friend. She has known Adeline since Charlotte was a little girl and is like family to her. Character Rating: A
Randall - Adeline's neighbor who lives two houses down. He is a happy-go-lucky and sweet man who is a hippie still stuck in the 1960s. Character Rating: A
Betty - Adeline’s neighbor who lives across the street and is less than friendly. She is rude, brash, and not wrapped too tight. Character Rating: B+
Tina - A friend of Adeline, Millie, and Randall who suddenly stopped hanging around one day. Character Rating: Undetermined
Lenny Murphy - Charlotte’s uncle and Adeline’s late husband, who was twenty years her senior. Character Rating: Undetermined
Thoughts 💭:
This is my first read by Leah Orr, and I rather enjoyed it.
Came for the cozy mystery, stayed for the fun characters.
As I usually mention first, this book has short chapters that made it easy to get through. The pages just fly by. I got almost one hundred read in one day. That’s a pro for me. However, if you follow my other reviews, you already know that, and I probably shouldn’t repeat myself every single time, but I’ll continue to do so for those new to my reviews or just checking one out that’s related to a specific book.
This was such a fun read! We get a lot of humor and witty banter between characters, which I was thoroughly on board with. I found myself chuckling numerous times while reading. It was snappy, sassy, and highly entertaining.
The only jokes that got old fast were the ones referring to Detective Willis’s severe bad breath. I’m just not sure why his halitosis was such a hot topic since it didn’t bring any importance to the story. Oh, well, I guess it was just tossed in there for good measure and to ensure more laughs from the readers.
I usually don’t like when romance is involved in cozy mysteries. I don’t know why, but it just isn’t my cup of tea. Maybe it’s because more often than not it feels as if it’s forced into the story. As if it’s another box that needs to be checked when writing this genre. That being said, I didn’t mind the romantic aspect of the plot in this book at all. I think it was nicely done and didn’t feel forced at all. I found it to be rather sweet and refreshing. So, a big round of applause for you, Leah Orr.
All the characters in this story were quirky, fun, and overall likeable. A few of them were an absolute hoot that kept me laughing. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book where I didn’t find any flaws or issues with at least one character. So, let’s give Ms. Orr another round of applause for that one.
My only qualm with the book is the fact that the story was a bit bizarre and unbelievable. The more I read, the sillier things got. However, I suppose that’s just part of the fun.
If you like your mysteries with a lot of detailed death, violence, and gore, I would pass on this book. This is a very clean mystery that has very little to no violence or detailed murders. Hey, I’m not going to judge if that’s what you’re into. To be honest, I usually prefer those types of books myself.
Overall, I liked my little trip to Jensen Beach, Florida. I wouldn’t mind checking out other books in Leah Orr’s catalogue.
Final Verdict ⚖️
A sweet and fun cozy mystery that’s a breeze to get through and features a cast of humorous characters.
As always, remember that reading is totally subjective, and that’s exactly what makes it so wonderful. 😊
I would like to thank the author, Leah Orr, for sending me a copy of this book.
This is my voluntary, unbiased, and honest review.