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A Harry Sinclair Cozy Travel Mystery #1
Shadows of Serenity: A Gripping Cozy Mystery Set in Thailand
Unlock the Mystery for Just 99 Cents!
Pre-order your First Clue in this New Cozy Mystery Series Before July 1st 2024.
When travel blogger Harry Sinclair arrives at a peaceful yoga retreat on the picturesque island of Koh Samui, she's seeking inspiration and tranquility. But her quest for serenity takes an unexpected turn. Nestled among swaying palms and serene beaches, the retreat's idyllic setting is shattered by a scream that echoes through the meditation sessions. As Harry delves into the incident, she finds herself in a web of deception and hidden motives.
With each chapter, from the mysterious incident under the coconut palms to the dramatic revelation, Harry uncovers layers of secrets among the guests, including the enigmatic Amaya and the troubled Mitchel family. Tensions mount, and alliances shift, leading Harry down a path where she must question everything and everyone. As the truth unravels, revealing deep-seated desires and family betrayals, Harry faces a stunning conclusion that will challenge her beliefs about justice and identity.
"Shadows of Serenity" is a captivating tale of mystery and self-discovery, where every tranquil scene hides a shadow, and every peaceful moment is a prelude to suspense. Join Harry Sinclair in unraveling the truth in this serene yet sinister paradise.
Pre-order your First Clue in this New Cozy Mystery Series Before July 1st 2024.
When travel blogger Harry Sinclair arrives at a peaceful yoga retreat on the picturesque island of Koh Samui, she's seeking inspiration and tranquility. But her quest for serenity takes an unexpected turn. Nestled among swaying palms and serene beaches, the retreat's idyllic setting is shattered by a scream that echoes through the meditation sessions. As Harry delves into the incident, she finds herself in a web of deception and hidden motives.
With each chapter, from the mysterious incident under the coconut palms to the dramatic revelation, Harry uncovers layers of secrets among the guests, including the enigmatic Amaya and the troubled Mitchel family. Tensions mount, and alliances shift, leading Harry down a path where she must question everything and everyone. As the truth unravels, revealing deep-seated desires and family betrayals, Harry faces a stunning conclusion that will challenge her beliefs about justice and identity.
"Shadows of Serenity" is a captivating tale of mystery and self-discovery, where every tranquil scene hides a shadow, and every peaceful moment is a prelude to suspense. Join Harry Sinclair in unraveling the truth in this serene yet sinister paradise.
210 pages, Paperback
Published June 22, 2024
34 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 4, 2024
I was lucky enough to be given an advanced review copy of this book. My review is honest and my opinions are my own.
Shadows of Serenity is a cozy mystery set in a peaceful yoga retreat on Thailand’s island paradise, Koh Samui. It has the added benefit of including recipes at the back of the book for anyone feeling inspired by the descriptive depictions of meals eaten by the characters in the book, which are really quite mouth-watering!
We are introduced to a mixed group of yogis, each with a complicated past, and we gradually find out more about these people as the story continues.
The Prologue shows a man getting hit over the head by someone he recognizes as “Moira”, but there is no one of that name at the retreat. In this way the reader knows from the beginning that foul play occurred and that it was perpetrated by a woman, but otherwise we are left to follow the clues to their surprising conclusion, along with amateur sleuth and travel blogger “Harry”, Harriet Sinclair. I did not guess who was behind the attack until it was revealed near the end of the novel.
The pace of this story is fairly slow and it takes a while to get going, but picks up momentum towards the end. There are many tips included for interesting places to visit and things to see, which might just make readers want to visit Thailand.
Shadows of Serenity is a cozy mystery set in a peaceful yoga retreat on Thailand’s island paradise, Koh Samui. It has the added benefit of including recipes at the back of the book for anyone feeling inspired by the descriptive depictions of meals eaten by the characters in the book, which are really quite mouth-watering!
We are introduced to a mixed group of yogis, each with a complicated past, and we gradually find out more about these people as the story continues.
The Prologue shows a man getting hit over the head by someone he recognizes as “Moira”, but there is no one of that name at the retreat. In this way the reader knows from the beginning that foul play occurred and that it was perpetrated by a woman, but otherwise we are left to follow the clues to their surprising conclusion, along with amateur sleuth and travel blogger “Harry”, Harriet Sinclair. I did not guess who was behind the attack until it was revealed near the end of the novel.
The pace of this story is fairly slow and it takes a while to get going, but picks up momentum towards the end. There are many tips included for interesting places to visit and things to see, which might just make readers want to visit Thailand.
July 1, 2024
This cozy mystery is set in the exotic location of Thailand. Everyone has gone to rest & relax. However, sadly for some their past catches up with them. There’s revenge & foul play. And interference makes things go from bad to worse. Can the amateur sleuths piece all the different threads together? Will there be justice?
This is the first in a series, must be read in order.
The history & geography of the islands is interesting.
There’s a mouth-watering selection of recipes.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author & I am writing a voluntary, honest review
This is the first in a series, must be read in order.
The history & geography of the islands is interesting.
There’s a mouth-watering selection of recipes.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author & I am writing a voluntary, honest review
January 19, 2025
I won this book in a contest on Facebook. A cozy mystery in Thailand. I like how it started off with the attempted murder before the whole story, it is what made it exciting and drew me into the story more. I have always wanted to go on a Yoga retreat, it was nice reading that as part of the story. It made me want to go on this yoga retreat myself. I learned that the name Harry is not only used as a man's name. Which is awesome. Then when James was found on the floor bleeding, things were about to get serious. Harry's investment in finding the murder when after she found out it wasn't an accident. Harry is one of those friends I would want, she friended almost everyone in the group and always found a way to relate to them in conversations. She does have a sad past on what happened to her parents. I am hoping she will out the mystery about what happened to her parents. Harry and Antony reminded of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. They worked together to find the murderer.When I found out that Yvonne was the murderer and what she did to cover the truth was crazy. That was page twister because at first I thought it was Marieke because she tried to stage Harry's accident to keep her off investigation. Marieke confessed to the murder to protect her wife. And what was even more crazy was the reason Yvonne tried to kill James. It made me feel bad for her. I won't go into detail because it is for the readers to find out. Harry and Lisa were actually the criminals for what did into the past to women like Yvonne and others. They tricked them into carrying a suitcase of drugs for their benefits which details of the story is more sickening to read. Harry manages to make everything right but she still is in search of solving the mystery about what happened to her parents. There are Thai food recipes in this book and I am excited to try them out. Thank you for the opportunity for this book. I have enjoyed the book and recommend it to others who love mysteries
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2024
There is a problem for me as a reviewer. I know or think I know Thailand, and so the English spoken by the Thais, the descriptions of Koh Samui, and the general romanticization of Thailand (as a tropical paradise) just did not ring true. This feeling of being inside a cliché did not leave me when topics like yoga, being a digital nomad, and ordinary conversations between non-Thai travelers dominated the narrative. However, the plot interested me and the use of AI to catch aging criminals highlighted how one discovery (DNA) after another (AI) can be used for the good, the in-between, and the bad. Layout in “Shadows of Serenity” is good and typos are not obvious. Drug-trafficking, prison and sentencing in Thailand rang true but overall the Thais in authority as presented in this novel reminded me more of western authority figures rather than the power-puppets and the unfair manipulators they seem to be when encountered in that “real” Thailand where authentic smiling and no castes are difficult to come by - for me, anyway, with 20 years living in the land of the Thais now behind me. There is an extremely devious ploy used to destroy the truth-seeker, Harry, and it is meddling with motorbike brakes. It leads to a nasty accident, inflicted on the wrong rider, but tourists generally bite the dust on motorbikes for other reasons on Koh Samui roads, and they get injured and die because, for example, Thai laws on wearing crash helmets are murderously lax…just another example of how literature set in a country can fit into a plot but not a daily reality which desperately needs addressing.
This novel leaves behind the waft of Thai cuisine, the balm of sea breezes, the pristine waters of Koh Samui, the cocktails, the yoga, and western freedom with some horror to make a reader wonder if what is presented is as it is.
This novel leaves behind the waft of Thai cuisine, the balm of sea breezes, the pristine waters of Koh Samui, the cocktails, the yoga, and western freedom with some horror to make a reader wonder if what is presented is as it is.
June 29, 2024
Travel blogger Harry Sinclair takes time out at a yoga retreat in Thailand, but one of the other guests dies, and it might not be the accident it first appeared. One of the retreat owners approaches Harry and asks her to investigate. Harry is an engaging woman who is quick to make friends, and is a great listener. People feel at ease around her, so Harry uses that innate ability to try to make sense of the guest’s death.
One thing that stood out, was the author’s style of writing. I appreciated Sabina O's use of tranquility and a build up to intrigue and adventure. The pacing was well done with nice slow relaxed scenes and other areas of excitement. I enjoyed many of the characters, especially Harry and Amaya, and how quickly they forged a friendship. It felt genuine and not forced. The mystery itself left me guessing. I kept changing my mind about who the culprit could be, and was surprised at the end, but it all fit nicely.
The descriptions of Thailand, the food, drinks, people, and the culture seemed to be authentic. At the end of the book, the author was very generous with recipes that sound amazing.
I received this book as an Advanced Copy in exchange for my honest review.
One thing that stood out, was the author’s style of writing. I appreciated Sabina O's use of tranquility and a build up to intrigue and adventure. The pacing was well done with nice slow relaxed scenes and other areas of excitement. I enjoyed many of the characters, especially Harry and Amaya, and how quickly they forged a friendship. It felt genuine and not forced. The mystery itself left me guessing. I kept changing my mind about who the culprit could be, and was surprised at the end, but it all fit nicely.
The descriptions of Thailand, the food, drinks, people, and the culture seemed to be authentic. At the end of the book, the author was very generous with recipes that sound amazing.
I received this book as an Advanced Copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 29, 2025
This is an awesome cozy mystery book. It was my first book from this author and it didn't disappoint! Our main character, Harry, has decided to switch jobs due to her previous job being stressful. Another reason is because she has fibromyalgia and her previous job aggravated her pain issues. She switches jobs and decides to take a yoga retreat in Thailand hoping to de-stress. Many things happen on this retreat where she tries to figure out who did it. I don't like to give away too much bc you need to read this, so that's all I'll give away. This author has a way with words and how she describes the beautiful landscape, the people, etc. There are quite a few characters, but I never lost track of who was who and their backstory. Most authors have a tendency to have to many characters and then you can not remember who is who or what backstory goes with who and you find yourself having to go back to figure it out. This author should applaud herself for this accomplishment. I can't wait until I can read the book 2 in this series!
January 17, 2025
Harry Sinclair, a travel blogger, is vacationing a a yoga retreat on the island of Koh Samui. She is enjoying the yoga classes, meditation sessions, the delicious drinks and food and is making new friends. When one of the other guest is injured in an accident, that she soon realizes was not an accident, she and a couple of the other guests begin to investigate why someone would want to kill the person. With so many suspects and so many secrets uncovered, Harry is not sure who is guilty and who is innocent till one makes a mistake by trying to hurt her.
I loved the descriptions of the idyllic island, the food and the drinks. I'm looking forward to trying some of the recipes in the book. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
I loved the descriptions of the idyllic island, the food and the drinks. I'm looking forward to trying some of the recipes in the book. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
July 5, 2024
I received this book as an ARC and can confirm already that I'll be reading the next in the series. The pace of the book is a little slow in the first half but I found it worth persevering because I was intrigued as to who the 'perpetrator' of the crimes would be. In fact, I didn't guess until close to the end, which is always satisfying. The location of a Yoga retreat in Thailand is important to the story and the characters in the book were well rounded and believable in the context. All in all, it was a good read that kept me turning the pages. I shall now look forward to what Harry gets up to in Book 2.
August 16, 2024
I received this ARC from the author and look forward to reading the rest of the books in her new series. Harry Sinclair is a travel blogger on a visit to a yoga retreat in Thailand. I, too, love to travel, so I found this premise of storywriting to be interesting. In addition, to sharing life on the island with us, she has also included several yummy-sounding recipes in the back of the book. I did enjoy the slower pace of the book as it reminded me of island time. I enjoyed following with Harry as she made friends and used her charming personality to gather the facts and deduce who the murderer was. All in all, it was an enjoyable and tropical read.
February 2, 2025
SHADOWS OF SERENITY by the talented Sabina O. is a delightful yet suspenseful cozy mystery that has taken me on an unforgettable trip to the charming and serene haven of Koh Samui. Harry, a travel blogger, joins a yoga retreat to de-stress and seek inspiration for her writing, unaware that this peaceful retreat will soon turn into a chilling crime scene when a man is intentionally severely harmed!
This novel beautifully blends suspense with the exotic allure of Koh Samui, known for its delicious Thai cuisine (the included recipes are fabulous!). It kept my adrenaline pumping and my taste buds tantalized as I eagerly devoured every twist and turn of the mystery.
This novel beautifully blends suspense with the exotic allure of Koh Samui, known for its delicious Thai cuisine (the included recipes are fabulous!). It kept my adrenaline pumping and my taste buds tantalized as I eagerly devoured every twist and turn of the mystery.
July 18, 2024
Thank you for the review copy!!
So I really enjoyed this book. The traveler in me enjoyed the exotic food recipes and the way the atmosphere was described. Sabina’s writing is great. The way she writes made the book feel calm while also building up the mystery towards the end. I’m a sucker for mystery, and this didn’t disappoint. I can’t wait to read what comes next!
So I really enjoyed this book. The traveler in me enjoyed the exotic food recipes and the way the atmosphere was described. Sabina’s writing is great. The way she writes made the book feel calm while also building up the mystery towards the end. I’m a sucker for mystery, and this didn’t disappoint. I can’t wait to read what comes next!
August 4, 2024
Set in Thailand (which is great!), this new cozy mystery will keep you guessing. Travel blogger Harry decides to take some R&R at a yoga retreat only to have a guest die accidentally…or WAS it an accident? As Harry searches for the truth, pasts are revealed and Harry finds herself precariously trying to unravel the clues and the truth. A wild ride and highly recommended
August 4, 2024
Harry Sinclair is on vacation at the yoga retreat. One of the guests dies. This book keeps you guessing. It takes place in Thailand. I love the recipes and the geography of the islands. The beautiful descriptions of Koh Scmol ⁶ a place you can rest. There are so many secrets and deceptions. Do you think an amateur sleuth can solve this? You will have to read this book #1 to see how it goes.
February 1, 2025
Really well done. It's a great start to this series. Some big twists that you don't really see coming. Good characters, good plot. I'd like to see Anthony again. Something about him is really cool. I don't know why lol.
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.
February 7, 2025
A retreat in Thailand turns deadly and as Harry and friends try to solve the mystery they find themselves in danger. There are a lot of twists and turns before the satisfying conclusion. There is a lot of heart in the main characters and I look forward to reading more in this series. There are also some lovely recipes at the back of the book.
January 26, 2025
Nice holiday read
Just finished reading this pleasant story whilst relaxing on a lounger in Koh Chang.
Love the references etc to the life in Thailand. A lovely quick read that was enjoyable and pleasingly satisfying.
Just finished reading this pleasant story whilst relaxing on a lounger in Koh Chang.
Love the references etc to the life in Thailand. A lovely quick read that was enjoyable and pleasingly satisfying.
August 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! Harry is a travel blogger looking for peace and she finds murder. The descriptions of Thailand are so vivid and I feel like I'm there. I can't wait for her next adventure!
October 29, 2025
Good Book
I liked the book. It was a quick read and the characters were great. It was a treat to be in Thailand.
I liked the book. It was a quick read and the characters were great. It was a treat to be in Thailand.
October 25, 2025
wonderful travel mystery
I loved reading about Thailand and all the descriptions of the islands. The author has a wonderful cozy mystery in store for all the readers willing to discover the book
I loved reading about Thailand and all the descriptions of the islands. The author has a wonderful cozy mystery in store for all the readers willing to discover the book
June 10, 2024
Such a good cozy mystery set in Thailand. It has yummy recipes, too. Harry is a great lead character.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews