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Belle Harbor Cozy Mysteries
Belle Harbor Cozy Mysteries: Books 1 - 3: A Cozy Culinary Mystery
A light, cozy mystery series in a quaint beach town with a fun loving, amateur female sleuth, her quirky uncle, and enough antiques and pastries to fill your home and your belly.
Book 1 - Cupcakes and Catastrophe
Tilly Griffin did everything by the book. Everyone else’s book. Now it was her turn to write a new chapter, three thousand miles from her former life. Her dream of opening a bakery like her grandma Luna was now becoming a reality.
No sooner does she arrive in the charming beach town, when she and her quirky uncle are tangled up in a mysterious death. When a kite competition judge is found murdered in the bookstore next to her uncle's Checkered Past Antiques shop, Tilly questions her decision to move to Belle Harbor, and everything about her new life.
As the clues emerge, and the small-town secrets are revealed, Tilly’s uncle finds himself smack dab in the middle of the investigation, and surrounded by suspects. Will the murderer be nabbed in time for the bakery’s grand opening or will this close the book on Tilly’s dreams?
Book 2 - Muffins and Misdeeds
Tilly is settling into her new cottage and life in the quaint beach town of Belle Harbor. With her fledgling bakery partnering with the local coffee shop, she has high hopes that her business will soon take off.
Tilly’s new friend Fiona convinces her to rummage through her uncle's antique shop to find decor to fill her sparse home. But instead of the sought after beach treasures, they discover clues to a long ago unsolved mystery in the small town.
Coupled with the recent murder of a distillery owner, their investigation into the ancient family feud reveals shocking lies, sabotage, and the ultimate revenge. As they get deeper into the town’s historical secrets, they discover a stink they can’t ignore. Can Tilly’s budding friendship bloom into a dynamic duo of crime solvers in time to save her new friend from going to jail?
Book 3 - Birthday Cake and Burglary
Tilly Griffin is on top of the world. With her newfound freedom in quaint Belle Harbor she is learning to love life again. Her plans for an epic birthday bash for her cherished and kooky Uncle Jack are almost complete.
Tilly’s joy and whimsy soon turn to horror as she discovers the death of Poppy, a beloved local business owner. Rumors swirl about likely culprits that put the coming annual Arts Walk, which brings millions to the town coffers, in jeopardy.
As Tilly collects clues in the suspicious death, she learns of scandalous schemes, petty people, blackmailing busybodies, and snobby store owners, all who have a reason to want Poppy dead. Can Tilly put the pieces together in time to catch the killer and save the Arts Walk or will she be forced to pack up and find a new place to call home?
Book 1 - Cupcakes and Catastrophe
Tilly Griffin did everything by the book. Everyone else’s book. Now it was her turn to write a new chapter, three thousand miles from her former life. Her dream of opening a bakery like her grandma Luna was now becoming a reality.
No sooner does she arrive in the charming beach town, when she and her quirky uncle are tangled up in a mysterious death. When a kite competition judge is found murdered in the bookstore next to her uncle's Checkered Past Antiques shop, Tilly questions her decision to move to Belle Harbor, and everything about her new life.
As the clues emerge, and the small-town secrets are revealed, Tilly’s uncle finds himself smack dab in the middle of the investigation, and surrounded by suspects. Will the murderer be nabbed in time for the bakery’s grand opening or will this close the book on Tilly’s dreams?
Book 2 - Muffins and Misdeeds
Tilly is settling into her new cottage and life in the quaint beach town of Belle Harbor. With her fledgling bakery partnering with the local coffee shop, she has high hopes that her business will soon take off.
Tilly’s new friend Fiona convinces her to rummage through her uncle's antique shop to find decor to fill her sparse home. But instead of the sought after beach treasures, they discover clues to a long ago unsolved mystery in the small town.
Coupled with the recent murder of a distillery owner, their investigation into the ancient family feud reveals shocking lies, sabotage, and the ultimate revenge. As they get deeper into the town’s historical secrets, they discover a stink they can’t ignore. Can Tilly’s budding friendship bloom into a dynamic duo of crime solvers in time to save her new friend from going to jail?
Book 3 - Birthday Cake and Burglary
Tilly Griffin is on top of the world. With her newfound freedom in quaint Belle Harbor she is learning to love life again. Her plans for an epic birthday bash for her cherished and kooky Uncle Jack are almost complete.
Tilly’s joy and whimsy soon turn to horror as she discovers the death of Poppy, a beloved local business owner. Rumors swirl about likely culprits that put the coming annual Arts Walk, which brings millions to the town coffers, in jeopardy.
As Tilly collects clues in the suspicious death, she learns of scandalous schemes, petty people, blackmailing busybodies, and snobby store owners, all who have a reason to want Poppy dead. Can Tilly put the pieces together in time to catch the killer and save the Arts Walk or will she be forced to pack up and find a new place to call home?
296 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2023
766 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Sue Hollowell
371 books430 followersGet a free cozy story at https://dl.bookfunnel.com/nn1op4cew3
Sue Hollowell is a wife and empty nester with a lot of mom left over. Finding a lot of time on her hands, and as a lover of mystery novels, she began telling the story of a character who appeared in her head.
The Chemical Bond is a book about Meredith Markette, a young woman who reluctantly enters into the field of law enforcement when her police officer father is killed in the line of duty. Her quest is to discover his murderer and in the meantime come to terms with a tragedy of her youth.
Will this book ever see the light of day? Maybe. Sue really likes the story and character. And writing that book taught her a ton about the publishing industry. Through this experience she has discovered a love of writing stories, and especially mysteries. She hopes you enjoy her books as much as she enjoys writing them.
She and her husband are on the search to adopt a dog, really missing her spaniels that passed a couple of years ago.
Get a free cozy story at https://dl.bookfunnel.com/nn1op4cew3
Sue Hollowell is a wife and empty nester with a lot of mom left over. Finding a lot of time on her hands, and as a lover of mystery novels, she began telling the story of a character who appeared in her head.
The Chemical Bond is a book about Meredith Markette, a young woman who reluctantly enters into the field of law enforcement when her police officer father is killed in the line of duty. Her quest is to discover his murderer and in the meantime come to terms with a tragedy of her youth.
Will this book ever see the light of day? Maybe. Sue really likes the story and character. And writing that book taught her a ton about the publishing industry. Through this experience she has discovered a love of writing stories, and especially mysteries. She hopes you enjoy her books as much as she enjoys writing them.
She and her husband are on the search to adopt a dog, really missing her spaniels that passed a couple of years ago.
Get a free cozy story at https://dl.bookfunnel.com/nn1op4cew3
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 19, 2022
Keep practicing
First, these are short stories, not books. Limited character development. Didn’t find Tilly referring to Uncle Jack as endearing; it came across as childish. The constant repeating throughout all three stores of the mutual love and gratefulness that they were in each other’s lives became monotonous. I’m sure author tried her best, but I’m sorry to say that there is nothing that makes me want to read further episodes in this series.
First, these are short stories, not books. Limited character development. Didn’t find Tilly referring to Uncle Jack as endearing; it came across as childish. The constant repeating throughout all three stores of the mutual love and gratefulness that they were in each other’s lives became monotonous. I’m sure author tried her best, but I’m sorry to say that there is nothing that makes me want to read further episodes in this series.
August 14, 2022
I apologize first to the author but these stories were poorly written. Too many inconsistencies in dates and times and too many times a character does something that no one would do or doesn’t do the thing anyone would do. Very disappointed.
August 1, 2022
Not a mystery at all. Just because you throw in a murder and a couple of "clues" (which in the end don't even relate to the murder) does not justify to call this a "mystery".
I tried to give it a shot, but after being disappointed with the first two books, I will not bother with the rest of the series.
I tried to give it a shot, but after being disappointed with the first two books, I will not bother with the rest of the series.
August 14, 2022
Got this when it was free for Kindle. It's one of those series that I probably won't seek out additional books, but if one of them found me I'd read it.
I kind of feel like the author doesn't really know how to write the mystery part of cozy mystery--at least in the first two books. The last book was a bit better about explaining how Tilly put the mystery together. (Also, I kind of wish that the cozy mystery genre would expand beyond murder mysteries. I always wonder why people would continue to hire you if people continually turn up dead at your catered events/shop.)
I'm a bit confused as to how a bakery can start from the corner of an antique shop. Most times you need a commercial kitchen (license/certification?)--and no mention is ever made of that. At the level Tilly currently is, she might get by with not having one, but if she intends to grow as she's planning, I don't see how they'd get around it.
I kind of feel like the author doesn't really know how to write the mystery part of cozy mystery--at least in the first two books. The last book was a bit better about explaining how Tilly put the mystery together. (Also, I kind of wish that the cozy mystery genre would expand beyond murder mysteries. I always wonder why people would continue to hire you if people continually turn up dead at your catered events/shop.)
I'm a bit confused as to how a bakery can start from the corner of an antique shop. Most times you need a commercial kitchen (license/certification?)--and no mention is ever made of that. At the level Tilly currently is, she might get by with not having one, but if she intends to grow as she's planning, I don't see how they'd get around it.
May 5, 2023
I don't do book reviews
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way.
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way.
March 12, 2024
Cupcakes and Catastrophe (A Belle Harbor Cozy Mystery Book 1) my sixteenth enjoyable short (92 page) read from author Sue Hollowell that I finished in about 90-minutes.
Muffins and Misdeeds (A Belle Harbor Cozy Mystery Book 2), my seventeenth enjoyable short (79 page) read from author Sue Hollowell that I finished in under 90-minutes.
Birthday Cake and Burglary (A Belle Harbor Cozy Mystery Book 3), my eighteenth enjoyable short (88 page) read from author Sue Hollowell that I finished in under 90-minutes. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book am reading it & voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author with Sugar Cookies and Scandal (A Belle Harbor Cozy Mystery Book 4) next on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018.
Muffins and Misdeeds (A Belle Harbor Cozy Mystery Book 2), my seventeenth enjoyable short (79 page) read from author Sue Hollowell that I finished in under 90-minutes.
Birthday Cake and Burglary (A Belle Harbor Cozy Mystery Book 3), my eighteenth enjoyable short (88 page) read from author Sue Hollowell that I finished in under 90-minutes. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book am reading it & voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author with Sugar Cookies and Scandal (A Belle Harbor Cozy Mystery Book 4) next on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018.
May 16, 2023
While I enjoyed these novellas, I didn't feel that everything (plot, characterization, denouement)were as well-developed as they could have been. It seems that Tilly, with minimal help from her friend Fionia and her Uncle Jack solves the mystery of a person's death. There are few false leads and even fewer hints about possible suspects.
The town of Belle Harbor seems like a pleasant place, but for a very small town it has had 3 murders in quick succession. This is stretching even my "willing suspension of disbelief" too far. It was almost as if I was reading a first draft that needed further details and plot turns. The murders themselves were quite ingenious, but . . .
Perhaps the retired English teacher in me is being too critical.
The town of Belle Harbor seems like a pleasant place, but for a very small town it has had 3 murders in quick succession. This is stretching even my "willing suspension of disbelief" too far. It was almost as if I was reading a first draft that needed further details and plot turns. The murders themselves were quite ingenious, but . . .
Perhaps the retired English teacher in me is being too critical.
May 18, 2023
Belle Harbor Cozy Mysteries 1 - 3 by Sue Hollowell.
Full marks to the author for following her passion for writing and publishing books.
Go to amazon.com and read the sample 4 chapters of the first book, to see if this is the style of writing you enjoy before you commit to buying this box set.
This was free on amazon.com and the blurb sounded interesting. There are at time of writing this review on Goodreads. com, 261 people who read this box set and gave this a 5-star (it was amazing) rating and 140 people who gave this a 4-star (I really liked it) rating. Did we all read the same box set? This is a box set of what is referred to as cozy mysteries but for me these are mediocre stories with plot holes and inconsistencies.
Full marks to the author for following her passion for writing and publishing books.
Go to amazon.com and read the sample 4 chapters of the first book, to see if this is the style of writing you enjoy before you commit to buying this box set.
This was free on amazon.com and the blurb sounded interesting. There are at time of writing this review on Goodreads. com, 261 people who read this box set and gave this a 5-star (it was amazing) rating and 140 people who gave this a 4-star (I really liked it) rating. Did we all read the same box set? This is a box set of what is referred to as cozy mysteries but for me these are mediocre stories with plot holes and inconsistencies.
October 29, 2024
Three Cozies in One is a Home Run!
Just what the doctor ordered! Sue Hollowell delights us with her first installment of three cozy mysteries in one. Welcome to Belle Harbor, and the new home of Tilly. Freshly divorced, she joins her Uncle Jack in his antiques shop to restart her life with her true dream- running a bakery in her grandmother’s honor. Her life rekindled, she never realized how she might stumble into a series of murders, and help solve them all.
A light and airy read. A great escape from the darkness that reality can provide in large bites. A safe haven for anyone.
Just what the doctor ordered! Sue Hollowell delights us with her first installment of three cozy mysteries in one. Welcome to Belle Harbor, and the new home of Tilly. Freshly divorced, she joins her Uncle Jack in his antiques shop to restart her life with her true dream- running a bakery in her grandmother’s honor. Her life rekindled, she never realized how she might stumble into a series of murders, and help solve them all.
A light and airy read. A great escape from the darkness that reality can provide in large bites. A safe haven for anyone.
October 25, 2022
Book 1 is a cozy mystery full of sweets and new friends. It will keep you involved and guessing. Book 2 Tilly's story continues as she grows her business as well as her friends...and more mysteries. Book 3 our crazy sleuth, Tilly, continues to bake and solve murders. Sue keeps you coming back for more in this 3 book set. Good stories and characters.
Read
June 4, 2022Sweet
A new start. Sweet family and friend relationships, budding romance and murder. Join the main character as, with the help of her South loving friend, she solves the puzzles. All clean, nothing to make you cringe as you read.
A new start. Sweet family and friend relationships, budding romance and murder. Join the main character as, with the help of her South loving friend, she solves the puzzles. All clean, nothing to make you cringe as you read.
July 27, 2022
sophomoric
The reading was easy-peasy, and I read the books uber quickly. There were opportunities for fist bumps and all the other trite, overused words and phrases going around. Probably good reading if you’re 15.
The reading was easy-peasy, and I read the books uber quickly. There were opportunities for fist bumps and all the other trite, overused words and phrases going around. Probably good reading if you’re 15.
July 31, 2022
east read
The characters were interesting but the plots were kind of lame. The motives and/or circumstances of the mysteries were never explained in detail. Good for a quick easy read.
The characters were interesting but the plots were kind of lame. The motives and/or circumstances of the mysteries were never explained in detail. Good for a quick easy read.
August 12, 2022
Ok for a quick read
Ok for a quick read but needed to read three books to get more character development. Wish Tilly would stop calling her Uncle Unkie as if she was 5 years old. And why was everyone fine with Dean blackmailing Polly? Is free pizza enough to overlook that crime?
Ok for a quick read but needed to read three books to get more character development. Wish Tilly would stop calling her Uncle Unkie as if she was 5 years old. And why was everyone fine with Dean blackmailing Polly? Is free pizza enough to overlook that crime?
September 21, 2022
As a former chef, I sometimes think in food terms and, if asked to thus describe the first three stories in this series, it would be 'insipid with regular shots of too much sugar'.
I shall not be purchasing the next three books.
I shall not be purchasing the next three books.
January 4, 2023
Excellent story!
Again I must say that this has been a very good reading experience! I'm sorry that this is the last of the series! I will definitely be watching for more books written by Sue Hollowell!
Again I must say that this has been a very good reading experience! I'm sorry that this is the last of the series! I will definitely be watching for more books written by Sue Hollowell!
June 10, 2023
Belle Harbor Cozy Mysteries
All three books were really good. People were friends with each other and helpful also. I liked the characters and admired the main character who was getting over a divorce from her cheating husband.
All three books were really good. People were friends with each other and helpful also. I liked the characters and admired the main character who was getting over a divorce from her cheating husband.
September 12, 2025
Cozy Mystery
All three books are wonderful to read. This is a fun loving cozy mystery, it has some very cute plots.
I love all the characters, it's a good storyline. I thought it was well written.
All three books are wonderful to read. This is a fun loving cozy mystery, it has some very cute plots.
I love all the characters, it's a good storyline. I thought it was well written.
April 28, 2022
New beginnings
New beginnings and New friends. Great characters and story. I really enjoyed these books. Ready for book four and beyond
New beginnings and New friends. Great characters and story. I really enjoyed these books. Ready for book four and beyond
Read
May 12, 2022Love the on going story line,
June 18, 2022
Box set
I enjoyed this set of books they where entertaining and full of good feeling. The characters where very relatable and had a feeling you really could know them.
I enjoyed this set of books they where entertaining and full of good feeling. The characters where very relatable and had a feeling you really could know them.
July 24, 2022
Please see individual stories for review.
July 30, 2022
Fun read
This is an easy and quick read. I love the quirkiness of small towns and these stories capture the feel. So, enjoy these short stories
This is an easy and quick read. I love the quirkiness of small towns and these stories capture the feel. So, enjoy these short stories
July 30, 2022
Belle Harbor mysteries
I loved it,! Sue Hallowell wrote with energy, honesty and a real life feeling, without vulgar inputs. Great book. Congrats
I loved it,! Sue Hallowell wrote with energy, honesty and a real life feeling, without vulgar inputs. Great book. Congrats
August 3, 2022
Fun and quick cozy mystery reads.
Fun and quick cozy mystery reads. An interesting series with Tilly and Unkie in a small harbor town—murders, baking and antiques
Fun and quick cozy mystery reads. An interesting series with Tilly and Unkie in a small harbor town—murders, baking and antiques
August 9, 2022
Lovely
A beautiful setting, fascinating characters and relationships, with a bit of mystery thrown in. Thoroughly enjoyable, just what I need
A beautiful setting, fascinating characters and relationships, with a bit of mystery thrown in. Thoroughly enjoyable, just what I need
September 17, 2022
New Life finding your place
Sometimes it takes a big life change for you to find your path in life. The mixed and different members of any town add to the variety of your life.
Sometimes it takes a big life change for you to find your path in life. The mixed and different members of any town add to the variety of your life.
January 21, 2023
Enjoyed this mystery very much! The storyline and the characters were delightful. Tilly has an unusual ability to follow the lads to find the culpit.
January 21, 2023
Love cake
This is some of the best I have read so far getting ready to start on book 4 can't wait to start
This is some of the best I have read so far getting ready to start on book 4 can't wait to start
May 27, 2023
Clearly in the right place at the right time, police pretty much redundant.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews