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A Brightwater Bay Cozy Mystery #1
A Little Taste of Murder
A dead car, a vacation to the Pacific Northwest that’s really all about running away, and a bad guy face down on the steps to her rented cottage make Claire crave home more than chocolate cake and great home cooking. With only her beloved doggie as a companion, even the promise of hopping a ferry for the beautiful San Juan Islands seems like an impossibility when everyone is trying to point fingers at each other. Right in the middle of it all, Claire has to convince the tight-knit town that she’s not the murderer, even if the clues tell another, horrible story.
Originally published as part of a three-book collection of classic cozy mysteries, THREE CAROLS OF COZY CHRISTMAS MURDER. If you've already got that book (which has been newly edited and updated, too), this book would be a duplicate.
Originally published as part of a three-book collection of classic cozy mysteries, THREE CAROLS OF COZY CHRISTMAS MURDER. If you've already got that book (which has been newly edited and updated, too), this book would be a duplicate.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2018
280 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn L. Dean
70 books152 followersUSA Today Bestselling author
Carolyn's Website at http://CarolynDeanBooks.com
I've been writing and making stories in my head as early as I can remember. In third grade I came home, set my lunchbox down, and told my mother I wanted to be a writer. Luckily, Mom was supportive.
I've been a published author for a while now, under different names and genres, but the thought of writing about a small coastal town in Oregon, and about its loves and mysteries and holidays and people has been with me for years. To be honest, I am a bit scared to dump those ideas onto the written page, but hope you'll enjoy getting to meet the people who inhabit my imagination.
In real life, I'm married with kids, live on the West Coast of the US, and own a hobby farm just outside of my favorite small town. I love to travel, and can often be found strolling down a windy Oregon beach, holding onto the string of a high-sailing dragon kite.
Carolyn's Website at http://CarolynDeanBooks.com
I've been writing and making stories in my head as early as I can remember. In third grade I came home, set my lunchbox down, and told my mother I wanted to be a writer. Luckily, Mom was supportive.
I've been a published author for a while now, under different names and genres, but the thought of writing about a small coastal town in Oregon, and about its loves and mysteries and holidays and people has been with me for years. To be honest, I am a bit scared to dump those ideas onto the written page, but hope you'll enjoy getting to meet the people who inhabit my imagination.
In real life, I'm married with kids, live on the West Coast of the US, and own a hobby farm just outside of my favorite small town. I love to travel, and can often be found strolling down a windy Oregon beach, holding onto the string of a high-sailing dragon kite.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 28, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! I was looking for another Christmas mystery to read during the holidays and I was so lucky to find this one. I'm thrilled that it's the first in a series, and I look forward to reading all the Brightwater Bay cozy mysteries.
When Claire's car breaks down in Washington (the state, not the city) during a vacation that's meant to be an escape from all that haunts her in Phoenix, Arizona, she is not happy to learn that she's going to have to stay in Brightwater Bay while her car is fixed. And when the dead body of a ne'er-do-well (just out of prison) ends up in the foyer of the place where she's spending the night, she's dismayed that she's going to have to stay in Brightwater Bay until the mystery is cleared up.
This has all the elements of a great cozy mystery, including a bakery, some wonderful new friends, a hunky love interest, and a lovely setting. There were a couple things I didn't quite understand, which was why I gave the book 4 stars. But those things didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book, and I recommend it to anyone who loves a good cozy.
When Claire's car breaks down in Washington (the state, not the city) during a vacation that's meant to be an escape from all that haunts her in Phoenix, Arizona, she is not happy to learn that she's going to have to stay in Brightwater Bay while her car is fixed. And when the dead body of a ne'er-do-well (just out of prison) ends up in the foyer of the place where she's spending the night, she's dismayed that she's going to have to stay in Brightwater Bay until the mystery is cleared up.
This has all the elements of a great cozy mystery, including a bakery, some wonderful new friends, a hunky love interest, and a lovely setting. There were a couple things I didn't quite understand, which was why I gave the book 4 stars. But those things didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book, and I recommend it to anyone who loves a good cozy.
November 13, 2019
Quick read
A Little Taste of Murder is a fun, quick mystery with just a taste of the holidays to enhance the tale.
A Little Taste of Murder is a fun, quick mystery with just a taste of the holidays to enhance the tale.
April 23, 2025
I've read other books by this author and quite enjoyed them, but if this had been the first of hers I'd read, I doubt if I'd have bothered with any more. Bland is the kindest word I can think of for both the book and the main character (if you can even call her that.). Won't be bothering with any more of this series.
March 9, 2022
Claire Mayfield and her dog Roscoe are on a vacation. At least it was supposed to be, but car trouble stops her from reaching her original destination. But when another person falls dead inside the cabin, she is staying in her leaving is delayed again. Why did he have her address and photo of her on his phone? Who is he?
January 14, 2022
Claire and her dog find themselves in a community near to their vacation destination but a forced to wait on car repairs. Then they can't leave town when the clues in a murder lead right to their doorstep!
February 9, 2018
This short story is a basic introduction to the main and secondary characters of Carolyn L. Dean’s new cozy mystery series, “Breakwater Bay.” At the time of this review, it appears to be available only as part of the anthology “Three Carols of Cozy Christmas Murder.”
As usual, in a Dean publication, there are timeline inconsistencies and quite a few proofing errors. However, only a few of the editing errors actually lead to the text “saying” the opposite of what she really “means” in the scheme of the scene. Most are duplicate or missing words.
In terms of the star rating, for me, the story is too short to properly accommodate three major sub-plots: (1) Claire’s emotional and societal coming of age after being widowed almost a year and a half earlier; (2) the murder, on her doorstep, of a man who has Claire’s picture on his phone, which makes her a suspect; and (3) a series of small and unusual thefts in the town.
Plotlines 1 and 2 are handled with good attention to psychological expectations and to police procedure. It’s the third subplot that eventually runs the story into problems.
It’s fairly clear to the reader, if not to the cops, that solving the theft problem will lead to solving the murder. And the little thefts themselves make sense, in the long term. However, the events that lead to those “thefts,” which lead to the murder, do not make sense in the long run. The clarity of motive just isn’t there; you keep asking yourself why did the guy do this thing or that thing, but the author never gives you a clue.
In spite of the continuing proofreading errors, I have come to enjoy Carolyn L. Dean’s stories. The small-town dynamics expressed in her stories mirror my experiences and the entries are a good change of pace following the likes of Ian Rankin, Michael Connelly and Peter Robinson.
However, two major felonies and a major crisis in personal self-worth are just too much to accomplish well in only 80 pages. Perhaps, in future short stories, Ms. Dean might consider limiting her Rule of Three to just one major felony, a misdemeanor and a minor personal conundrum.
As usual, in a Dean publication, there are timeline inconsistencies and quite a few proofing errors. However, only a few of the editing errors actually lead to the text “saying” the opposite of what she really “means” in the scheme of the scene. Most are duplicate or missing words.
In terms of the star rating, for me, the story is too short to properly accommodate three major sub-plots: (1) Claire’s emotional and societal coming of age after being widowed almost a year and a half earlier; (2) the murder, on her doorstep, of a man who has Claire’s picture on his phone, which makes her a suspect; and (3) a series of small and unusual thefts in the town.
Plotlines 1 and 2 are handled with good attention to psychological expectations and to police procedure. It’s the third subplot that eventually runs the story into problems.
It’s fairly clear to the reader, if not to the cops, that solving the theft problem will lead to solving the murder. And the little thefts themselves make sense, in the long term. However, the events that lead to those “thefts,” which lead to the murder, do not make sense in the long run. The clarity of motive just isn’t there; you keep asking yourself why did the guy do this thing or that thing, but the author never gives you a clue.
In spite of the continuing proofreading errors, I have come to enjoy Carolyn L. Dean’s stories. The small-town dynamics expressed in her stories mirror my experiences and the entries are a good change of pace following the likes of Ian Rankin, Michael Connelly and Peter Robinson.
However, two major felonies and a major crisis in personal self-worth are just too much to accomplish well in only 80 pages. Perhaps, in future short stories, Ms. Dean might consider limiting her Rule of Three to just one major felony, a misdemeanor and a minor personal conundrum.
March 18, 2022
Claire booked a week-long island vacation, hoping (desperately) for a renewal of spirit, rest, and maybe some snow before a lonely Christmas back in Arizona. Back to where she'd had a miserable job, her husband had died, and she had no real friends or other ties. She dreaded returning, but that's the universally understood obligation accepted when one goes on vacation. You MUST go back when the time is up.
Her car broke down, she missed the ferry, and was allowed to stay the night (free) in a rental. Then awakened by a boom, Claire runs to the door. A dead man nearly falls on her. Could things get worse? Of course! Hello! Iffy evidence means she has to stay in town until the case is solved (or she is cleared). (Yes, they can do that in some places.)
While Claire is still in a haze of fear and depression, she meets with hostility and offers of friendship. But her itinerary is looking worse every hour. Maybe she'll just go back home to the hot and bleak existence...it's what she's supposed to do!
Slowly making friends (and cooking), Claire starts to relax and look around. But the danger is still there...
This is a good story. I like the world and the people. However, we are told things more often than we get to experience them; please, show more, tell less)!
Claire spent so much time on obligations, fear, and crime-solving, that I felt sorry for her situation but didn't enjoy being in her head.
I didn't learn enough about Claire to really like her,
3/5 Stars Needs work.
Eye-Roll Worthy Quote:
"...She had possibly almost wound up as a victim too."
Mistake:
...Murder needs three things...Motive, method, and means."
Correction:
Method and means are the same thing. The triad is "Motive, means, and opportunity." There may not be a motive (some people kill for no reason), but without opportunity, it will require very strong evidence to prove.
#ALittleTasteOfMurder
Her car broke down, she missed the ferry, and was allowed to stay the night (free) in a rental. Then awakened by a boom, Claire runs to the door. A dead man nearly falls on her. Could things get worse? Of course! Hello! Iffy evidence means she has to stay in town until the case is solved (or she is cleared). (Yes, they can do that in some places.)
While Claire is still in a haze of fear and depression, she meets with hostility and offers of friendship. But her itinerary is looking worse every hour. Maybe she'll just go back home to the hot and bleak existence...it's what she's supposed to do!
Slowly making friends (and cooking), Claire starts to relax and look around. But the danger is still there...
This is a good story. I like the world and the people. However, we are told things more often than we get to experience them; please, show more, tell less)!
Claire spent so much time on obligations, fear, and crime-solving, that I felt sorry for her situation but didn't enjoy being in her head.
I didn't learn enough about Claire to really like her,
3/5 Stars Needs work.
Eye-Roll Worthy Quote:
"...She had possibly almost wound up as a victim too."
Mistake:
...Murder needs three things...Motive, method, and means."
Correction:
Method and means are the same thing. The triad is "Motive, means, and opportunity." There may not be a motive (some people kill for no reason), but without opportunity, it will require very strong evidence to prove.
#ALittleTasteOfMurder
January 7, 2024
It’s been a few days since I read this and I have to say, I keep going back to this story and want some more!
I don’t know what it is exactly that keeps coming back to me, I guess maybe the general vibe, or the setting? But there’s something that stuck and this is definitely a good thing.
I have to say there were definitely some issues I found with this book, one of which is that there was no clear explanation at the end. I like it when mysteries end with a few paragraphs explaining why and how the killer did it. But here,
But I have to say that Claire is really interesting, we get to slowly discover her background and understand her better. Her new friends are also so kind, and the town feels full. The little dog is also adorable! And despite what I said before, the mystery kept me glued to the pages, especially since the writing was really good as well.
I didn’t know about the Juan Islands but they look amazing, and I really want to read more stories set there, so I will definitely continue this series.
I don’t know what it is exactly that keeps coming back to me, I guess maybe the general vibe, or the setting? But there’s something that stuck and this is definitely a good thing.
I have to say there were definitely some issues I found with this book, one of which is that there was no clear explanation at the end. I like it when mysteries end with a few paragraphs explaining why and how the killer did it. But here,
But I have to say that Claire is really interesting, we get to slowly discover her background and understand her better. Her new friends are also so kind, and the town feels full. The little dog is also adorable! And despite what I said before, the mystery kept me glued to the pages, especially since the writing was really good as well.
I didn’t know about the Juan Islands but they look amazing, and I really want to read more stories set there, so I will definitely continue this series.
May 23, 2018
Home can be someplace you never even considered
Terrific. A sweet romance wrapped in a mystery. Not being able to face Christmas on her own in the house that held so many memories of her dead husband. She decides to rent a cottage on an island for herself and her dog. Things start to go off plan when she breaks down and is stranded with no place to go and no transportation. The local police officer takes her under his wing and things get even more bizarre. A dead body, a new job, a handsome man, stolen jewels and more friends than she can count. Will she ever make it the cottage she rented? Will the killer be found? What will she do about her admirer? Will she ever go home? Great characters who pull you into the story and a plot that in some ways reminds me of Debbie Macomber with a touch of Murder She Wrote.
Terrific. A sweet romance wrapped in a mystery. Not being able to face Christmas on her own in the house that held so many memories of her dead husband. She decides to rent a cottage on an island for herself and her dog. Things start to go off plan when she breaks down and is stranded with no place to go and no transportation. The local police officer takes her under his wing and things get even more bizarre. A dead body, a new job, a handsome man, stolen jewels and more friends than she can count. Will she ever make it the cottage she rented? Will the killer be found? What will she do about her admirer? Will she ever go home? Great characters who pull you into the story and a plot that in some ways reminds me of Debbie Macomber with a touch of Murder She Wrote.
March 6, 2022
Claire has been a widow for almost a year and is on a Christmas trip to the Pacific Northwest when her car breaks down leaving her stranded in Brightwater Bay. With some assistance from several of the locals, Claire and her dog Roscoe get some needed assistance and spend the next couple of days awaiting the repair of her vehicle. The day she is to pick up her car and leave Claire is accosted by a dead man as she steps out of the door where she has been staying and her plans to continue on her trip are ruined…or are they?
This is an interesting murder mystery with very few possible suspects, unfortunately for Claire, and, fortunately for Claire, lots of kind local residents and one lifesaver. Plus it is Christmas complete with snow. I found this book to be an enjoyable read with just the right amount of suspense.
This is an interesting murder mystery with very few possible suspects, unfortunately for Claire, and, fortunately for Claire, lots of kind local residents and one lifesaver. Plus it is Christmas complete with snow. I found this book to be an enjoyable read with just the right amount of suspense.
April 4, 2019
Claire and her dog, Roscoe, are taking a trip to the San Juan Islands from Arizona. Her car breaks down in Brightwater Bay and her life changes. She is trying to get her life back on track after the death of her husband. She opens her door and a dead man falls in. Since she is a suspect, she tries, with the help of the locals, to figure out who would murder the man. He was not well liked, so there are plenty of suspects. As she gets to know the locals, she starts feeling like living again. Will she stay in Brightwater Bay or will she go back to Arizona? Will she survive the investigation?
April 30, 2022
Bad luck turns lucky
Claire wants to visit San Juan Islands in Washington but her car breaks down when she's almost to where she was heading. She learns she'll have to wait a day for the parts to arrive. She takes a ride on the ferry to Eastland Island and meets Molly and Scott. She goes to leave and a dead man falls into her cottage dead, she's not allowed to leave town. Good story and characters .
Claire wants to visit San Juan Islands in Washington but her car breaks down when she's almost to where she was heading. She learns she'll have to wait a day for the parts to arrive. She takes a ride on the ferry to Eastland Island and meets Molly and Scott. She goes to leave and a dead man falls into her cottage dead, she's not allowed to leave town. Good story and characters .
June 1, 2018
Browsing for another new cozy series
After checking out the first chapters of a few different series and finding them wanting, I discovered Brightwater Bay. It's a positive and edifying mystery. I enjoyed the characters, the setting and the plot. An unexpected stop in a small town turns out to be just what a hurting and lonely woman needed. I look forward to the next book.
After checking out the first chapters of a few different series and finding them wanting, I discovered Brightwater Bay. It's a positive and edifying mystery. I enjoyed the characters, the setting and the plot. An unexpected stop in a small town turns out to be just what a hurting and lonely woman needed. I look forward to the next book.
February 26, 2022
This was a sweet little cozy mystery. I was enchanted with the town of Brightwater Bay and all its quirky inhabitants. The mystery was intricate enough that I didn't ever guess whodunnit, which almost never happens for me. I enjoyed the gentle love story that unfolded, as well as the friendships that were formed over the course of the book. I'm looking forward to the next one!
February 13, 2024
This is a fun quick mystery set in a small town before Christmas. The description of the area makes you want to go visit the islands. Everyone in town is friendly and welcome Claire with open arms. It ends with a hint of what is to come making book two something to look forward to. I enjoyed the development of the story. The ending came fast.
November 2, 2024
A wonderful story about grief, second chances and finding yourself while lost in the PNW. Loved the cast of characters and the intertwining storyline. The story was short with just enough content to hold the story together without all the fluff that, I find, bogs a story down. Loved it and would recommend to anyone looking for a short read.
December 6, 2018
A great new series.
I enjoyed reading about Brightwater Bay. A cozy town close to the San Juan islands. Claire’s story is full of mystery and she is surprised how much she loves the area. Her Arizona home just doesn’t compare.
I enjoyed reading about Brightwater Bay. A cozy town close to the San Juan islands. Claire’s story is full of mystery and she is surprised how much she loves the area. Her Arizona home just doesn’t compare.
December 17, 2018
Cozy mystery
Great town, people and mystery! If you have to be stuck in a strange place at Christmas at least this town was a nice place to be. I thought the story had a good flow. The mystery was a part of the story instead of being the only one. I enjoyed the book.
Great town, people and mystery! If you have to be stuck in a strange place at Christmas at least this town was a nice place to be. I thought the story had a good flow. The mystery was a part of the story instead of being the only one. I enjoyed the book.
January 22, 2019
Starting over
I have read other series that this author has written and enjoyed them. Enjoyed this book. Looking forward to reading the next one and finding out more about these characters.
I have read other series that this author has written and enjoyed them. Enjoyed this book. Looking forward to reading the next one and finding out more about these characters.
May 13, 2019
Love the new series.
I have read most of your books and was happy to see the new series. I love the location and I am looking forward to enjoying the rest of the books so far. Please keep them coming!
I have read most of your books and was happy to see the new series. I love the location and I am looking forward to enjoying the rest of the books so far. Please keep them coming!
March 16, 2021
Delightful read
Some mysteries leave the reader in dread and compelled to turn the page. This is a gentler read where you feel uneasy but don't want to put it down as you get to know the characters and the town.
Some mysteries leave the reader in dread and compelled to turn the page. This is a gentler read where you feel uneasy but don't want to put it down as you get to know the characters and the town.
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April 10, 2021Terrific quick read! A Little Taste of Murder
Perfect combination of interesting characters and storyline. Not always so luck to get both at once, especially with a quick read. Don't miss this one!!
Perfect combination of interesting characters and storyline. Not always so luck to get both at once, especially with a quick read. Don't miss this one!!
February 12, 2022
very quick read
It was good. Claire leaves Arizona for a vacation she never really gets to go to. Her car breaks down in Brightwater Bay and a dead body falls onto her doorstep. On to the next one
It was good. Claire leaves Arizona for a vacation she never really gets to go to. Her car breaks down in Brightwater Bay and a dead body falls onto her doorstep. On to the next one
November 16, 2022
This story is very well written, descriptive, and has great character development. I love the way the story unfolds and the way Claire slowly begins to find her way out of her past through the kindness of the townsfolk. The suspense of the mystery remains almost up to the very end. Well done.
October 29, 2023
A new life in a new town
Claire finds that being stuck in a small town till her car is fixed could be murder! But the folks in Brightwater Bay are friendly, well some of them. A cute read as Claire learns just what Brightwater Bay has to offer her.
Claire finds that being stuck in a small town till her car is fixed could be murder! But the folks in Brightwater Bay are friendly, well some of them. A cute read as Claire learns just what Brightwater Bay has to offer her.
March 3, 2024
A Little Taste of murder is a cozy Christmas mystery. The setting in a small town is quit charming. The main character Claire was a little bit annoying but not to much and her dog was very cute. It was a very nice introduction to the series.
July 2, 2024
Quaint and Quick-witted
This cozy was so quaint. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the snow-covered town of Brightwater Bay. A charming little mystery amid new friends and faces. This is going to be a lively series.
This cozy was so quaint. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the snow-covered town of Brightwater Bay. A charming little mystery amid new friends and faces. This is going to be a lively series.
December 4, 2024
A quick little scenic mystery, the characters and their relationships were the highlight of the book. I think I like my mysteries with a few more twists and turns, but overall, it was a nice holiday read.
December 26, 2024
This book was painfully boring. Loved the concept, execution was terrible. It dragged for no reason. This should have been a quick read but took me over a week. The only reason I finished it was cause it was so short.
December 7, 2018
Great starter
This was a great introduction to the characters and town in this series. I definitely want to visit them again. I would have never guessed whodunnit. Good read
This was a great introduction to the characters and town in this series. I definitely want to visit them again. I would have never guessed whodunnit. Good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews