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Dolphin Bay #1
Raspberry Chocolate Murder
A heartwarming cozy mystery series about family, friendship and a crusade for justice. After suffering back to back personal tragedies, Anna Butler has resolved to pull herself up by the bootstraps and take a second chance at life. Her dream of expanding her bookstore into a cafe is shattered when the local mayor starts a vendetta against her. Anna is accused of murdering her husband! People she has known all her life refuse to give her the time of day. When an estranged friend calls for help, Anna sets her own troubles aside to help her. Aided by her quirky friends, the Firecrackers, and her daughter, a has-been Hollywood star, Anna goes on a mission to find the truth. Every clue she uncovers points toward the boy until she herself begins to doubt his innocence. Can Anna solve the murder mystery and find the true killer before it's too late? Meanwhile, the ex-police chief becomes a surprising ally in her quest to exonerate herself. Raspberry Chocolate Murder is the first juicy mystery in a brand new cozy mystery series set in a small California beach town. If you like cozy mysteries featuring small beach towns, fearless heroines, yummy food and a dash of romance, you will love the Dolphin Bay Series. Buy or borrow now and get hooked onto this bestselling new series. Free with Kindle Unlimited
236 pages, Paperback
Published August 4, 2019
1065 people are currently reading
778 people want to read
About the author
Leena Clover
68 books356 followersLeena Clover is a popular, bestselling author of cozy mysteries with heart.
You can expect fearless heroines, small town drama, quirky characters and friendships that last a lifetime in her books. Yummy food and a murder or two are guaranteed!
Visit her website at leenaclover.com to learn more.
You can expect fearless heroines, small town drama, quirky characters and friendships that last a lifetime in her books. Yummy food and a murder or two are guaranteed!
Visit her website at leenaclover.com to learn more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
November 22, 2021
Anna had lost her husband and not long after was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was finished treatment for the time being, and with her daughter Cassie home from Hollywood to care for her, she was able to keep her bookshop running. But her application to expand her shop to include a café, by purchasing the shop next door had run up against a hurdle – the local mayor held a grudge against Anna and was determined to have her removed from Dolphin Bay – even though she’d been born and lived all her life in the town.
When a young woman was murdered in the woods near town, the mother of the young man accused of her murder came to Anna for help. But could Anna find the real killer, with all the evidence pointing to Cody? She had plenty of support throughout the town, both for the café extension and finding evidence to exonerate Cody, but would it be enough?
Raspberry Chocolate Murder is the 1st in the Dolphin Bay series by Leena Clover and I found the storyline a little disjointed. Cassie acted like a spoilt teenager instead of a woman married and divorced twice; I didn’t particularly like any of the characters and I felt the end was rushed. I enjoyed the bookshop activities and the yummy recipes though. For fans of cozy mysteries, this one could suit you well.
When a young woman was murdered in the woods near town, the mother of the young man accused of her murder came to Anna for help. But could Anna find the real killer, with all the evidence pointing to Cody? She had plenty of support throughout the town, both for the café extension and finding evidence to exonerate Cody, but would it be enough?
Raspberry Chocolate Murder is the 1st in the Dolphin Bay series by Leena Clover and I found the storyline a little disjointed. Cassie acted like a spoilt teenager instead of a woman married and divorced twice; I didn’t particularly like any of the characters and I felt the end was rushed. I enjoyed the bookshop activities and the yummy recipes though. For fans of cozy mysteries, this one could suit you well.
November 21, 2021
The majority of characters in this series are women, very weak willed, complaining women who all seem to be experiencing menopause symptoms, no matter what age they are, at a whirlwind rate.
Main character, Anna, survived breast cancer and the death of her husband; yet, the mayor, Lara, and close friend of Anna's husband, keeps slandering her throughout town, stating that Anna murdered him. What does Anna do? Nothing! "Ignore her and it will stop." No, you idiot, you hire a lawyer and sue for slander. Anna's daughter, Cassie, was a popular Hollywood star who came home to take care of Anna during the chemo treatments, and has never gone back. She lazes around the pool, putting on weight, all the while complaining that everyone in Hollywood has forgotten her. So get off your lazy butt, get yourself back into shape and seize the day! Or, at least, help your mom at her bookstore, and especially help her stop the mayor's slander.
As you can tell, hated this #1 in the series, but am willing to try book #2, to see if the characters improve.
Main character, Anna, survived breast cancer and the death of her husband; yet, the mayor, Lara, and close friend of Anna's husband, keeps slandering her throughout town, stating that Anna murdered him. What does Anna do? Nothing! "Ignore her and it will stop." No, you idiot, you hire a lawyer and sue for slander. Anna's daughter, Cassie, was a popular Hollywood star who came home to take care of Anna during the chemo treatments, and has never gone back. She lazes around the pool, putting on weight, all the while complaining that everyone in Hollywood has forgotten her. So get off your lazy butt, get yourself back into shape and seize the day! Or, at least, help your mom at her bookstore, and especially help her stop the mayor's slander.
As you can tell, hated this #1 in the series, but am willing to try book #2, to see if the characters improve.
January 25, 2021
Fun series start
This first sto r y in the Dolphin Bay series is an enjoyable cozy mystery with memorable well defined circle of friends and others in the town. Will be reading more in this series
This first sto r y in the Dolphin Bay series is an enjoyable cozy mystery with memorable well defined circle of friends and others in the town. Will be reading more in this series
November 12, 2021
Book 1. cassie was a actress until a man stole all her money. Anna had breast cancer but she was cancer free. Cassie was daughter to Anna. Anna husband John died. And the mayor Lara of Dolphin Bay have rumors that Anna killed her husband. And people believed her. Anna wanted a bake shop opened at her bookshop but Lara refused in a letter. Anna did not know why Lara hated her. Julie and Mary Anna friends called themselves The Firecrackers. They were trying to solve a friend's Vicki son Cody innocence for killing a girlfriend Brinia. Bernie had some secrets that no one knew about. This was a slow going book in the serie. I Loved how Cassie came home from L.A. To help her mom Anna with her bout of cancer. But Anna was stubborn and worried if wondered if Cassie would leave again. And it truly hurt her so Anna kinda pushed her away. But their bond is strong. I'm might read Book 2 in this series
February 26, 2020
A malicious woman, an old case and a murder
Terrific. The plot centres around a woman recovering from cancer whose husband had died earlier. Her dream now she was cancer free was to open a cafe but the malignant, malicious mayor has other ideas and is hell bent on seeing her charged with murder. However a phone call shakes her out of her funk, an old friend's son is a suspect in the murder of his girlfriend.
A fast moving read with characters that show the ties that build through the ages and add a warmth and depth. The fact that people are so easily swayed by gossip issue also highlighted and not in a pleasant way.
Can our heroine and her two BFF's find the clue to the real culprit? What about her daughter who has been unceremoniously dumped by Hollywood and the handsome wine maker?
Terrific. The plot centres around a woman recovering from cancer whose husband had died earlier. Her dream now she was cancer free was to open a cafe but the malignant, malicious mayor has other ideas and is hell bent on seeing her charged with murder. However a phone call shakes her out of her funk, an old friend's son is a suspect in the murder of his girlfriend.
A fast moving read with characters that show the ties that build through the ages and add a warmth and depth. The fact that people are so easily swayed by gossip issue also highlighted and not in a pleasant way.
Can our heroine and her two BFF's find the clue to the real culprit? What about her daughter who has been unceremoniously dumped by Hollywood and the handsome wine maker?
Read
June 28, 2023I read this for an office book club and one of my coworkers described it as a Lifetime movie of a murder mystery novel. The main character owns a bookstore, bakes, and rides her bike to work every day with a scarf tossed around her neck. The story is told mostly via dialogue between many characters (pub owner, retired police chief, romance novel writer friend, fledgling actress daughter, quiet college student that runs a risky side business, etc.). There are brief but frequent descriptions of what the characters are eating; the food always sounds appetizing. In the epilogue you get a preview of what will be tackled in the next book. This will be exactly what some readers are looking for (i.e., a self-described “clean cozy mystery” that is best read as part of the whole series).
February 26, 2024
It was decent
3.5 stars
The potential for this series is there. I found this mystery to be a solid one, but I wasn’t blown away by it either. I just thought it was pretty average. The one thing I didn’t like about it was the dual points of view of Annie and Cassie. It just was too much back and forth while trying to keep track of the mystery.
3.5 stars
The potential for this series is there. I found this mystery to be a solid one, but I wasn’t blown away by it either. I just thought it was pretty average. The one thing I didn’t like about it was the dual points of view of Annie and Cassie. It just was too much back and forth while trying to keep track of the mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2024
This was a DNF for me. I had a hard time believing that the leader of a town could repeatedly, bluntly, pettily accuse someone of murder and it NOT escalate into a slander/libel situation lacking proper evidence.
I could believe being mean or passive-aggressive or sabotaging the main character in other ways, but handled in this manner the conflict felt derived and forced.
I could believe being mean or passive-aggressive or sabotaging the main character in other ways, but handled in this manner the conflict felt derived and forced.
February 5, 2023
really good loved the characters and their friendships of the 3 main ladies.
July 1, 2024
Cassie is the most spoiled so called adult 🙄🙄🙄
October 17, 2024
Review Coming
July 11, 2022
This was a 2 star book until the last page. Two stars because the mystery was relatively good. The searched it on and found the answer. Two stars because the mystery was the only good thing about the book. The mood swung constantly she was mad then she was smiling, the daughter was angry but then she stopped to make dinner and pick up all the stuff. The daughter's been gone for 20 years she hasn't had a pancake in 20 years she's old enough to be a college student's mother but the main character is only in her mid fifties and she treats her daughter like she's a teenager. The daughter behaves like a teenager. The friends are Snappy with each other but then everything's all chummy. There were just so many unlikable things about all the characters. But it finally dropped to one star at the end when it was a cliffhanger, and they were apparently joined by a character that they've been looking for but was never mentioned the entire book. If I didn't need this book to complete a challenge I wouldn't have finished it.
May 17, 2021
No one likes people who criticize others, including me, but the story left me wanting a lot more. The story felt disjointed, disconnected, and rambling. One minute, the main character was lecturing her daughter, and the next minute not wanting to fight. I do realize that life is a lot like that and that is why most of us want to read about families who get along and are loving and supportive. It just felt like the author was jumping around, too much. Despite this, and due to my stubbornness, I still finished the story. The premise is good, and the story could be told a LOT better. I hope the next books are better than this one.
February 18, 2020
Awful characters
I expected this book to be fun and light. But not one of the characters is likeable. The main character, Anna, is snappy, grumpy and often mean. She supposedly is such a good person but doesn't come across that way. The daughter is selfish, spoiled, and useless. She's back home after being an award winning actress, to take care of her mother but is hiding that her success is over? Odd book. A lot of references to the past which make you think you're missing the first books in a series but this is the 1 st book. Didn't see the appeal in any of it.
I expected this book to be fun and light. But not one of the characters is likeable. The main character, Anna, is snappy, grumpy and often mean. She supposedly is such a good person but doesn't come across that way. The daughter is selfish, spoiled, and useless. She's back home after being an award winning actress, to take care of her mother but is hiding that her success is over? Odd book. A lot of references to the past which make you think you're missing the first books in a series but this is the 1 st book. Didn't see the appeal in any of it.
August 6, 2019
I received this book as an ARC was hooked from the beginning, I'm not usually into murder mystery but the story and characters drew me in and finished in 1 day. Its a great start to the series
July 19, 2020
A wonderful new cozy mystery series!
I discovered this series after reading THE PELICAN BAY COZY MYSTERY SERIES by Leena Clover. I got so caught up in reading the series that I finished all five books before I started to write the reviews. I love the amazing friendship that the Firecrackers share. Anna and her BFFs, Julie and Mary, refer to themselves as the Firecrackers. Each book of the series can be read as a stand-alone, although I prefer reading in order. The backstory of Anna, the main character, and her daughter, Cassie, are revealed in bits and pieces throughout the series. The backstory itself is quite intriguing and with more revealed in each book, it is something I look forward to in each book.
I don’t like reviews with spoilers so I will only share my general opinion of this story. The story is a great whodunit filled with plenty of red herrings that kept me guessing the identity of the killer until the end. There is also a bit of romance mixed in the story that adds a special little something. Most of the town’s characters are interesting and likeable; however, the mayor is just a pain-in-the-patootie. Hopefully, she will be put in her place in upcoming books.
If you enjoy reading a great cozy mystery, then you don’t want to miss this one.
I discovered this series after reading THE PELICAN BAY COZY MYSTERY SERIES by Leena Clover. I got so caught up in reading the series that I finished all five books before I started to write the reviews. I love the amazing friendship that the Firecrackers share. Anna and her BFFs, Julie and Mary, refer to themselves as the Firecrackers. Each book of the series can be read as a stand-alone, although I prefer reading in order. The backstory of Anna, the main character, and her daughter, Cassie, are revealed in bits and pieces throughout the series. The backstory itself is quite intriguing and with more revealed in each book, it is something I look forward to in each book.
I don’t like reviews with spoilers so I will only share my general opinion of this story. The story is a great whodunit filled with plenty of red herrings that kept me guessing the identity of the killer until the end. There is also a bit of romance mixed in the story that adds a special little something. Most of the town’s characters are interesting and likeable; however, the mayor is just a pain-in-the-patootie. Hopefully, she will be put in her place in upcoming books.
If you enjoy reading a great cozy mystery, then you don’t want to miss this one.
May 26, 2023
I'm not sure about the title of the book, but the story is fantastic. So well written and the characters seem totally real. The relationships keep the story moving, following the lives of the various characters and helping to pull everything together.
Of course there is a murder, and it is surprising how four women (one in particular) go about solving the case through excellent sleuthing and following up on every little lead. The book was truly a joy to read. There were twists and turns, breakthroughs and setbacks, but these gals never gave up. And there was also some additional intrigue as a vengeful, vindictive Mayor kept spreading lies about the lead character, trying to bring her down. There's a parting shot at the end of the book which, I am sure, will carry forward into the next book in this series. I can hardly wait to begin reading it!
Of course there is a murder, and it is surprising how four women (one in particular) go about solving the case through excellent sleuthing and following up on every little lead. The book was truly a joy to read. There were twists and turns, breakthroughs and setbacks, but these gals never gave up. And there was also some additional intrigue as a vengeful, vindictive Mayor kept spreading lies about the lead character, trying to bring her down. There's a parting shot at the end of the book which, I am sure, will carry forward into the next book in this series. I can hardly wait to begin reading it!
November 24, 2023
Firecracker girls solving crimes
Anna owns a bookstore in Dolphin Bay in California. Her husband had died and then she had breast cancer, her daughter Cassie moved back home to help her through her recovery. Cassie is an actress that has been taken to the cleaners by her manager so her extravagant lifestyle is gone and no longer has servants. The mayor of the town is accusing her of murdering her husband and preventing her from opening her cafe and is turning some of the townspeople against her. A young boy from the town is accused of murdering his girlfriend so Anna and her friends search for evidence of who actually murdered the girl. This was a good cozy mystery story that had other stories going on within the book that kept it entertaining. The only issue I had was that the finale was so rushed.
Anna owns a bookstore in Dolphin Bay in California. Her husband had died and then she had breast cancer, her daughter Cassie moved back home to help her through her recovery. Cassie is an actress that has been taken to the cleaners by her manager so her extravagant lifestyle is gone and no longer has servants. The mayor of the town is accusing her of murdering her husband and preventing her from opening her cafe and is turning some of the townspeople against her. A young boy from the town is accused of murdering his girlfriend so Anna and her friends search for evidence of who actually murdered the girl. This was a good cozy mystery story that had other stories going on within the book that kept it entertaining. The only issue I had was that the finale was so rushed.
March 23, 2020
If you love a good cozy with a sleuth to root for and a villain to loathe, check this one out. Anna runs a bookshop in a coastal town in California, and she's hoping to open a cafe, too. Her daughter Cassie is home from Hollywood, and there is some tension there. Julie and Mary, Anna's two best friends round out the main characters. And all the women are hoping to solve a murder of a local girl.
It's a very quick read, maybe too quick because I would have preferred a little more development around the solution to the murder . . . but the characters still make the book quite fun. . . and I look forward to the rest of the series.
It's a very quick read, maybe too quick because I would have preferred a little more development around the solution to the murder . . . but the characters still make the book quite fun. . . and I look forward to the rest of the series.
August 22, 2021
This is the first in the series . The main characters are Anna and her daughter Cassie. Cassie is a movie star who comes home to help her mother recover after being sick. Anna has trouble with the mayor of the town, who for some reason believes Anna murdered her husband. The case was closed a while ago but the mayor won't let it go. At the same time Cassie is trying to figure out if she has a future in Hollywood or should she stay there. Then an old friend asks Anna to help clear her son from murder charge . While Anna and Cassie and friends try to figure out who really did it, the mayor keeps stirring the pot. Can they figure out what is going on before it's too late ?
June 27, 2024
I enjoyed this book a lot. I really resonated with Anna and all she had gone through prior to the book opening. It was like reading my own story. I wish Cassie had been a bit more of a smart girl than a dumb blonde who just happened to win an Oscar at 21. The reason Anna was sleuthing was a bit contrived and I had a hard time taking seriously the mayor’s threat without a reason why she was so miffed Anna might or might not have killed her husband before the book opened. The book did have some slight issues but nothing I couldn’t overlook. The entire book kept my attention and made me want to move on to book two. Definitely a good series start.
August 10, 2021
As a point of interest I would like to point out that a harassment complaint against the Mayor might not work in municipal court due to undue political influence, BUT, a complaint for slander in the Superior Court would leave the Mayor out in left field. Anna had more than enough witnesses to the Mayor calling her a murderer loudly and in public in order to win a judgment against the Mayor.
Just thought I would call attention to that little point of law. No one has to put up with slander against their person individually and additionally when it adversely affects their business as well.
Just thought I would call attention to that little point of law. No one has to put up with slander against their person individually and additionally when it adversely affects their business as well.
March 24, 2023
Idk, I might be in the minority here but I didn't care for the writing. I had high hopes from the description, but it fell flat. The mood swings between Anna and Cassie felt weirdly timed. The Mayor accusing someone of murder and everyone taking her word for it felt petty, like a high school Queen Bee. The actual mystery was fine, but it all conveniently wrapped up in the end. To me there weren't enough stakes, enough push or drive. There was an opportunity to make these characters more fleshed out, but they fell flat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2024
It was a good mystery. Had a decent time with it. I would like to read the next book in the series.
I didn't like the dual pov mainly because I didn't like the daughter. And beacause you got her pov, I thought we missed some investigating with the mom. I would have rather seen that.
The writing could have been polished up more. There were things that were aluded to that didn't have a follow up. And there was a cliff hanger at the end that just came out of nowhere. There were no hints to foreshadow it either.
I didn't like the dual pov mainly because I didn't like the daughter. And beacause you got her pov, I thought we missed some investigating with the mom. I would have rather seen that.
The writing could have been polished up more. There were things that were aluded to that didn't have a follow up. And there was a cliff hanger at the end that just came out of nowhere. There were no hints to foreshadow it either.
November 28, 2020
Dolphin Bay mystery
Book one in the series will have you on the edge of your seat as you try to unravel the clues. Anna has her daughter Cassie staying but Cassie isn't as lazy as her mother thinks and turns out to be a big help in solving the murder mystery of a young troubled girl who wasn't as innocent as people believed. Was her adoring boyfriend really to blame?? Fun light read
Book one in the series will have you on the edge of your seat as you try to unravel the clues. Anna has her daughter Cassie staying but Cassie isn't as lazy as her mother thinks and turns out to be a big help in solving the murder mystery of a young troubled girl who wasn't as innocent as people believed. Was her adoring boyfriend really to blame?? Fun light read
January 18, 2024
A somewhat bland story
I couldn't get interested in the people in this cozy. I didn't feel any great excitement or suspense. The real tension came from the mayor who accuses Anna of murdering her husband, and that will be reinvestigated in the next book. If I get the next book, it will be because I want to know if they can find who or what killed Anna's husband. Also, I hope to see if the suspense picks up.
I couldn't get interested in the people in this cozy. I didn't feel any great excitement or suspense. The real tension came from the mayor who accuses Anna of murdering her husband, and that will be reinvestigated in the next book. If I get the next book, it will be because I want to know if they can find who or what killed Anna's husband. Also, I hope to see if the suspense picks up.
July 21, 2025
Note to author: the book itself was okay. The ending does make you want to read more: however, PLEASE ditch the AI voice and hire a real person to read. I detest, no I hate this voice. The inflections are all wrong; it mispronounced words; it put accents on the wrong syllables. The writing itself was choppy in place and just didn't flow well. I've read other books by this author and have enjoyed them. This one was a huge disappointment.
April 20, 2021
I liked this story but I am hoping I grow to find the main character less irritating as the series goes on. She was a bit short tempered which is probably realistic given everything she’s going through but I don’t think friends and Associates would behave that way. I did think the mystery had a good storyline even if the ending was a bit abrupt. I will continue with the series
August 17, 2021
Cliff hanger
The story is good and one mystery is solved. Cody is accused of killing his girlfriend,, Briana. Anna and friends set out to prove his innocence. The book ends with a cliff hanger which I hate. If your book is good I will buy the next one; don't force me by leaving me hanging at the end.
The story is good and one mystery is solved. Cody is accused of killing his girlfriend,, Briana. Anna and friends set out to prove his innocence. The book ends with a cliff hanger which I hate. If your book is good I will buy the next one; don't force me by leaving me hanging at the end.
August 19, 2021
An entertaining story with wonderful characters!
This was a hard one to put down. I've missed some beauty sleep but who can sleep when a book is waiting to be read in the next room. The strong friendship with the Firecrackers made me love it more. I will be grabbing the next book in the series soon. Thank you for this book.
This was a hard one to put down. I've missed some beauty sleep but who can sleep when a book is waiting to be read in the next room. The strong friendship with the Firecrackers made me love it more. I will be grabbing the next book in the series soon. Thank you for this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews