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Bed & Breakfast Cozy #1
Monkey Business & Murder: B&B's and Bodies
Secrets run deep in charming small towns—but so does murder.
When a former resident turns up dead at the local fall festival, Avery Jensen finds more than sticky caramel apples. She discovers a body.
Shocked, Avery—owner of a cozy B&B—turns to her mischievous capuchin monkey for help. Known to slip jewelry and other shiny objects into his pockets, this kleptomaniac primate now busies himself collecting clues…or just more dead ends.
But why murder a former resident?
What secrets lie buried beneath this picturesque small town's charming façade?
As Avery and her simian sidekick uncover rivalries, lies, and decade-old scandals, they learn no place is too remote for suspicion--and murder.
With a nosy B&B owner and her sticky-fingered pet on the case, the killer must work fast before his deadly secrets emerge from the shadows...
When a former resident turns up dead at the local fall festival, Avery Jensen finds more than sticky caramel apples. She discovers a body.
Shocked, Avery—owner of a cozy B&B—turns to her mischievous capuchin monkey for help. Known to slip jewelry and other shiny objects into his pockets, this kleptomaniac primate now busies himself collecting clues…or just more dead ends.
But why murder a former resident?
What secrets lie buried beneath this picturesque small town's charming façade?
As Avery and her simian sidekick uncover rivalries, lies, and decade-old scandals, they learn no place is too remote for suspicion--and murder.
With a nosy B&B owner and her sticky-fingered pet on the case, the killer must work fast before his deadly secrets emerge from the shadows...
- GenresCozy Mystery
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2023
28 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 10, 2024
Another solid mystery
June 25, 2023
Avery's monkey Ali holds the key.
Avery owns and runs a B & B that had been left to her by her parents. When a guest comes to stay for a week, Avery keeps thinking he looks familiar but can't place him. After a murder happens and Avery's monkey Ali gives her a package, does she start putting all the pieces of the murder from 20 years before together. It was a very interesting read that kept me up literally half the night to finish the book. I am enjoying this new author's books and look forward to reading more of them.
Avery owns and runs a B & B that had been left to her by her parents. When a guest comes to stay for a week, Avery keeps thinking he looks familiar but can't place him. After a murder happens and Avery's monkey Ali gives her a package, does she start putting all the pieces of the murder from 20 years before together. It was a very interesting read that kept me up literally half the night to finish the book. I am enjoying this new author's books and look forward to reading more of them.
June 11, 2023
Murder in a small town that involves a former resident, potentially connected to a death and embezzlement scheme of 20 years earlier.
When Avery Jenson welcomes a new customer to her B&B, something feels very off. He seems familiar but she cannot place how she knows him, and he denies all connection between them. Before a week has passed, his curious behavior and appearance has been noted, and he's been found dead in a brutal murder in an alley, during the fall festival. Local police investigate and Detective Chris Killian meets our intrepid Avery, since she was not only early on the scene of the crime, but also assisting Grim, the woman who found Scott Johnson in the alley first. Although it turnsout, Scott Johnson is actually Scott Gibbon,former resident and son of the man who left town with his entire family after the death of Scott's brother and rumors of accusations of financial misconduct. Those rumors were never established or cleared, and Scott's brother's death as been assumed to be an accident all these years. Life's about to get very interesting for the residents of this little town, and Avery in specific. It will come as no surprise to readers that Avery is having difficulty not interfering in the investigations.
A very enjoyable cozy. Well written lead characters with an array of curious and fascinating friends and townsfolk, and one clever little monkey. A satisfying mystery and resolution. A load of great humor, particularly between Avery and Chris. I'm so glad I picked this one up, and it's easy to recommend. I would happily pick up other books by Peyton Stone after reading Monkey Business and Murder.
I received a free advance copy of the book, and this is my honest and voluntarily offered review.
When Avery Jenson welcomes a new customer to her B&B, something feels very off. He seems familiar but she cannot place how she knows him, and he denies all connection between them. Before a week has passed, his curious behavior and appearance has been noted, and he's been found dead in a brutal murder in an alley, during the fall festival. Local police investigate and Detective Chris Killian meets our intrepid Avery, since she was not only early on the scene of the crime, but also assisting Grim, the woman who found Scott Johnson in the alley first. Although it turnsout, Scott Johnson is actually Scott Gibbon,former resident and son of the man who left town with his entire family after the death of Scott's brother and rumors of accusations of financial misconduct. Those rumors were never established or cleared, and Scott's brother's death as been assumed to be an accident all these years. Life's about to get very interesting for the residents of this little town, and Avery in specific. It will come as no surprise to readers that Avery is having difficulty not interfering in the investigations.
A very enjoyable cozy. Well written lead characters with an array of curious and fascinating friends and townsfolk, and one clever little monkey. A satisfying mystery and resolution. A load of great humor, particularly between Avery and Chris. I'm so glad I picked this one up, and it's easy to recommend. I would happily pick up other books by Peyton Stone after reading Monkey Business and Murder.
I received a free advance copy of the book, and this is my honest and voluntarily offered review.
June 9, 2023
Peyton Stone is wonderful writer of cozey mystery mayhem and murder. Today you've discovered one of her latest. With Ali an adorable monkey companion to Avery the friendly owner of a B&B on the side of a hill looking down onto a small valley and charming small town as well as staff ,friends and acquaintances around town. All drawing you in wanting to become more familiar then you will become enticed further through the horrible yet intriguing death as in murder of one of Avery's guests of all people .Ali has found documents leading Avery and the local authorities to a twenty year old cold case and an unknown injustice of lies snd old secrets leaving almost every one in shock and Avery in an overwhelming need for answers. This cozey is so well written I was entranced the characters, small town and wanting answers for the unjust treatment of a family tragedy in the past and again now. Lies,secrets and betrayals have a way of being found out and Avery is going to find them. Acquire " Monkey Business &Murder " today for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat
June 12, 2023
This was so good and I never guessed whodunit. I had no real idea until the reveal, and that slightly long but exciting showdown was something else! I couldn’t read fast enough, lol. I absolutely loved that little monkey, Ali! As a kid, I always wanted a monkey like that so the next best thing is reading about this little sweetheart who helped Avery a little with the showdown. I liked Avery’s besties too and got a kick out of Elle always coming up with book ideas.
As for not being interested in Det. Chris, well I believe Avery’s probably just not being honest with herself, so I hope there’s another book in the works that might just fix that situation. She and Chris just had some good chemistry together, well until she kinda messed up and got him upset. But that seems to be the norm in cozy mystery books, so it’s all good! Can’t wait to hopefully read the next book in the series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author via BookSprout, and my opinions are my own.
As for not being interested in Det. Chris, well I believe Avery’s probably just not being honest with herself, so I hope there’s another book in the works that might just fix that situation. She and Chris just had some good chemistry together, well until she kinda messed up and got him upset. But that seems to be the norm in cozy mystery books, so it’s all good! Can’t wait to hopefully read the next book in the series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author via BookSprout, and my opinions are my own.
June 10, 2023
A Close One This Time . . .
Avery Jenson has a visitor to her B&B who seems somehow familiar. Then he is found murdered in an alley during the town’s Fall festival. Apparently “Scott Johnson” was a false name since the victim’s identify was verified as Scott Gibbon who used to live in town and whose family left in shame amid rumors of embezzlement quite some time ago.
Not finding anything to point them to useful information, Avery worries that her capuchin monkey Ali may have absconded with a piece of evidence. Should they take a look in Ali’s “treasure box” containing the shiny things that caught his eye and became his? What other unexpected clues will Ali turn up that may help them solve the case and uncover the secrets and lies that have been hidden for so long? And what will she do when she comes face to face with the killer who is going to make sure his secrets don’t ever get out?
Avery Jenson has a visitor to her B&B who seems somehow familiar. Then he is found murdered in an alley during the town’s Fall festival. Apparently “Scott Johnson” was a false name since the victim’s identify was verified as Scott Gibbon who used to live in town and whose family left in shame amid rumors of embezzlement quite some time ago.
Not finding anything to point them to useful information, Avery worries that her capuchin monkey Ali may have absconded with a piece of evidence. Should they take a look in Ali’s “treasure box” containing the shiny things that caught his eye and became his? What other unexpected clues will Ali turn up that may help them solve the case and uncover the secrets and lies that have been hidden for so long? And what will she do when she comes face to face with the killer who is going to make sure his secrets don’t ever get out?
June 13, 2023
Really good
I give it a solid 4 stars, really good, I really liked it. It was very well written and the mystery twisty, just how I like it. The writing style has an ease to it that made me feel completely immersed in the story really quickly. The capuchin monkey, Ali, brought a cute element to the story, with his thieving ways and human-like emotions. Avery is nosy, as any good amateur sleuth should be. I didn’t like how she went against direct police orders, but she knew she was doing the wrong thing. Still, it’s one thing to just go sleuthing like in many other cozy mysteries, but quite another to purposely go against direct orders and put the investigation in danger, plus herself. So yes, she could also be a bit annoying. But overall I really liked this story. And actually, is gasping at the main character not part of the fun? Oh, and I was wrong about whodunit and I like that! Yes, I will be following this author.
I give it a solid 4 stars, really good, I really liked it. It was very well written and the mystery twisty, just how I like it. The writing style has an ease to it that made me feel completely immersed in the story really quickly. The capuchin monkey, Ali, brought a cute element to the story, with his thieving ways and human-like emotions. Avery is nosy, as any good amateur sleuth should be. I didn’t like how she went against direct police orders, but she knew she was doing the wrong thing. Still, it’s one thing to just go sleuthing like in many other cozy mysteries, but quite another to purposely go against direct orders and put the investigation in danger, plus herself. So yes, she could also be a bit annoying. But overall I really liked this story. And actually, is gasping at the main character not part of the fun? Oh, and I was wrong about whodunit and I like that! Yes, I will be following this author.
August 16, 2023
This is an interesting cozy mystery. Avery is a very inquisitive citizen who wants to solve this murder.
There are some monkeys that can't resist stealing people's jewelry or murder weapons. Avery is shocked to find a dead body on the festival grounds rather than the monkey’s favorite sticky caramel apples when a former resident turns up dead at a local fall festival. Avery Jensen, owner of a cozy B&B, enlists the help of her mischievous and naughty capuchin monkey to uncover small town secrets and long-buried family rivalries. This picturesque small town in the mountains, where fall festivals are a must-attend event for the close-knit community, was the last place to harbor a double murder... or was it? Armed with her nosy nature and a monkey with a taste for theft, Avery sets out to unravel the tangled webs of secrets and lies that led to this tragedy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
There are some monkeys that can't resist stealing people's jewelry or murder weapons. Avery is shocked to find a dead body on the festival grounds rather than the monkey’s favorite sticky caramel apples when a former resident turns up dead at a local fall festival. Avery Jensen, owner of a cozy B&B, enlists the help of her mischievous and naughty capuchin monkey to uncover small town secrets and long-buried family rivalries. This picturesque small town in the mountains, where fall festivals are a must-attend event for the close-knit community, was the last place to harbor a double murder... or was it? Armed with her nosy nature and a monkey with a taste for theft, Avery sets out to unravel the tangled webs of secrets and lies that led to this tragedy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
June 10, 2023
With lots of laughs and lots of twists and turns we find our main character, Avery along with Ali her kleptomaniac Capuchin monkey who runs a Bed and Breakfast. It's the time for the fall festival and the B&B is almost full with guests there for the festival. When one of the guests signs in, Avery is feels she knows him from someplace but he denies it and she can't put it together. When he is found brutally murdered, Avery and Ali are on the case. With so many secrets of the deceased and his real identity and secrets the town still holds, will Avery and Ali be able to solve the mystery and not get hurt themselves? I really like this book and can't wait for more. In between laughing at Ali's klepto antics and his ability to take just the right things to help Avery, you will want to read what will happen next! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions here are strictly my own.
June 11, 2023
This was a small town bed & breakfast cozy mystery.
I really enjoyed this story. The way the clues unfold is very well done and allows the reader to feel they helped solve the mystery. Highly recommend!
Avery Jensen owns the Mountain Acres Bed & Breakfast in the small town of Brooks Acres and has a precocious capuchin monkey named Ali. Ali is a bit of a kleptomaniac. During the week of the Falling Leaf Festival, Scott Johnson checks in stating he is in town for business. Scott is found murdered in an alley. The person who found him is Grim Peters the local travel agent. Avery inserts herself into Detective Jake Killian's investigation and helps solve the murder and a twenty year old case.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this story. The way the clues unfold is very well done and allows the reader to feel they helped solve the mystery. Highly recommend!
Avery Jensen owns the Mountain Acres Bed & Breakfast in the small town of Brooks Acres and has a precocious capuchin monkey named Ali. Ali is a bit of a kleptomaniac. During the week of the Falling Leaf Festival, Scott Johnson checks in stating he is in town for business. Scott is found murdered in an alley. The person who found him is Grim Peters the local travel agent. Avery inserts herself into Detective Jake Killian's investigation and helps solve the murder and a twenty year old case.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2023
Monkey Business and Murder is the first book in the new ‘Bed &Breakfast Cozy Mystery’ series.
Avery owns a cozy B&B in Brook Acres, she also has Ali, a very naughty capuchin monkey who steals anything he can.
A surly new guest is found dead by Avery at The Falling Leaf Festival when she went to get Ali’s favourite toffee apples. This leads to danger, mystery and old family rivalries.
Avery and Ali are great characters and there are definitely some highlights and a few giggles at Ali whilst they try to solve the murder. I enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it to fans of this genre and anyone looking for a good, easy read book.
Avery owns a cozy B&B in Brook Acres, she also has Ali, a very naughty capuchin monkey who steals anything he can.
A surly new guest is found dead by Avery at The Falling Leaf Festival when she went to get Ali’s favourite toffee apples. This leads to danger, mystery and old family rivalries.
Avery and Ali are great characters and there are definitely some highlights and a few giggles at Ali whilst they try to solve the murder. I enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it to fans of this genre and anyone looking for a good, easy read book.
June 16, 2023
I'm really loving the way that authors are bringing animals into their cozy mystery stories, but this is a new one. Avery has a monkey. Most cozies have cats or dogs, and I've read a few that have birds, but I've never read one with a monkey. It might sound crazy, but that's actually what atteacted me to this story in the first place. That's not what kept me reading, though. Avery is a fabulous character and the quirky tiny town that she lives in is enjoyable. The mystery is well written and it has a nice amount of suspense and humor, and kept me guessing as to whodunit.
June 9, 2023
Monkey Business & Murder is Book 1 of Bed & Breakfast Cozy Mystery series written by Peyton Stone. This cozy mystery is page-turning with exceptional character development and world-building. A quick read and a crazy tale to figure out what is going on with this convoluted and confusing murder mystery. I highly recommend this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 9, 2023
Monkey Business & Murder
Avery finds one of her B&B guests dead at a festival in an alley and finds that he is not who he says Ali the Monkey helps get evidence that the man was investigating the death of his brother some twenty years ago.The culprit is found and the man tried to burn down the B&B He killed both nephews and tried to kill Avery A very good mystery read I loved reading
Avery finds one of her B&B guests dead at a festival in an alley and finds that he is not who he says Ali the Monkey helps get evidence that the man was investigating the death of his brother some twenty years ago.The culprit is found and the man tried to burn down the B&B He killed both nephews and tried to kill Avery A very good mystery read I loved reading
June 10, 2023
When a vaguely familiar guest check in to Avery's bed & breakfast, she questions it. But having a pet capuchin monkey who likes to steal shiny objects from her guests soon has her busy. When the guest is killed, and turns out to be a former resident with an interesting past, Avery and Ali the monkey decide to join the investigation. I loved it! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2023
What an enjoyable book. A naughty capuchin monkey called Ali lives with Avery who owns a b&b. A man acting strangely books in for a week. Gives of “don’t come near me” vibes. Then he is found murdered & Avery decides to become involved, some of it because her monkey steals stuff & she gets given some important things by him. The local detective tries to warn her off, but she keeps on asking different people things she’d be better off not doing! An exciting climax to a vey easy read.
December 11, 2023
Monkey Business
A guest a the B & B is murdered in town during a festival. This opens up a twenty year old embezzlement case and death. Is it murder? Who did the embezzlement? Could it be the mayor? The monkey has a secret stash. How does he get the goods? Will the police figure it out? Or will Avery get involved? A great cozy mystery. I look forward to reading more in the series.
A guest a the B & B is murdered in town during a festival. This opens up a twenty year old embezzlement case and death. Is it murder? Who did the embezzlement? Could it be the mayor? The monkey has a secret stash. How does he get the goods? Will the police figure it out? Or will Avery get involved? A great cozy mystery. I look forward to reading more in the series.
June 10, 2023
Super cute and an easy read!
First off, love the title! Second, this book is super easy to read, and flows, well, with lovable characters, and a super cute capuchin monkey. I love the slow(very slow, but so sweet and natural) burn! This book has all the cozy mystery vibes within a cute, quaint town. I guess I like cozy mystery now!
First off, love the title! Second, this book is super easy to read, and flows, well, with lovable characters, and a super cute capuchin monkey. I love the slow(very slow, but so sweet and natural) burn! This book has all the cozy mystery vibes within a cute, quaint town. I guess I like cozy mystery now!
September 20, 2024
The book was good but I struggled with building interest in any of the characters other than the protagonist and the monkey. It was very well written and published, meaning sound writing and editing. I just think it needs more character development to hook me into reading more. But enjoyable for a one time read.
July 1, 2023
Smart Ali
Ali the monkey aides her human in solving a mystery from many years before.
It's not smart to be too nosy especially when the handsome detective on the case tells you to but out. But when your mind won't let it go you just have to find some answers.
Ali the monkey aides her human in solving a mystery from many years before.
It's not smart to be too nosy especially when the handsome detective on the case tells you to but out. But when your mind won't let it go you just have to find some answers.
June 26, 2024
Wonderful mystery!!!!
I loved this book! A mystery with a pet helping solve things is always amazing and can happen in real life. The characters are warm,brave, and funny at times. I recommend this book to everyone. Especially cozy mystery lovers.
I loved this book! A mystery with a pet helping solve things is always amazing and can happen in real life. The characters are warm,brave, and funny at times. I recommend this book to everyone. Especially cozy mystery lovers.
October 24, 2025
This fun book captured me from the very beginning. I literally couldn’t put it down.
The setting was charming and the characters were great, especially the capuchin. I wanted to run out and find one for myself.
The setting was charming and the characters were great, especially the capuchin. I wanted to run out and find one for myself.
June 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this book!! It was a very easy read and kept my interest!! I really liked how there was some back info on the characters included!! Can’t wait for next book!!
July 1, 2023
A cozy bed and breakfast with an adorable little monkey who loves to take shiny objects helps solve two deaths. Wildly exciting!
July 1, 2023
I loved every blessed moment of this story, and the fact that the author added a monkey I a great bonus for me. Humorous and highly entertaining. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
July 1, 2023
Cozy read
Great read, cozy mystery, even young readers can read it. Suspenseful. Lovely book, will read from this author again, first time reading them.
Great read, cozy mystery, even young readers can read it. Suspenseful. Lovely book, will read from this author again, first time reading them.
July 3, 2023
I really enjoyed reading the book infarcted I loved it, I'm sure other readers will to I found it hard to put down
July 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, it was funny, has good characters and was decently written. Hopefully the author turns this book into a series.
August 2, 2025
Good story, well written mystery. Characters were likeable--liked the banter between Avery and Chris. Recommend reading.
June 12, 2023
Avery owns a B&B that just happens to have a monkey living in it. Periodically she has to retrieve something that a boarder looses from the monkeys stash. Sometimes it can be something that was used in a murder.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews