Murder at Last Chance Cove is exactly what you’d hope for in the first book of a cozy mystery series: a charming coastal town, quirky neighbors with just the right amount of gossip, a sudden murder, and a reluctant amateur sleuth who can’t help but get involved.
Our sleuth, Saffi Graywood, is not your typical twenty-something heroine—she’s a widowed travel writer still grieving her husband, Levi. She’s grounded, funny, and delightfully klutzy, which makes her both relatable and refreshing. Traveling the Pacific Northwest in her RV, she arrives at Last Chance Cove intending to write, heal, and maybe put down roots for a while. Instead, she stumbles across a half-drowned pup and, shortly after, the body of the RV park’s manager. When the police shrug it off as an accident, Saffi’s instincts (and a few well-timed raven calls) tell her otherwise.
The mystery itself is nicely layered. Griswell sprinkles in plenty of suspects and red herrings, and while I had my suspicions, the final reveal landed later than expected—which is exactly how I like my cozies. The pacing stays steady, with moments of genuine tension balanced by humor, heart, and community.
What elevates this story are the characters and setting. The cove feels vividly drawn—windswept, moody, and atmospheric—while the townsfolk come across as lived-in rather than caricatures. The friendships, budding romances, and small-town dynamics feel authentic, and the mystical thread of Saffi’s connection with ravens adds a unique touch without overpowering the cozy tone.
As a series opener, Murder at Last Chance Cove checks all the boxes. It’s not reinventing the cozy mystery wheel, but it delivers warmth, atmosphere, and intrigue in equal measure. Saffi Graywood is a heroine I’m eager to follow, and I’m looking forward to seeing how she (and the community of Last Chance Cove) continue to grow in future installments.