Without a Shadow of Doubt

by Kathleen Bailey

Find the cat. Crack the case.

The Highland Games have arrived just outside Apple Station, Virginia, bringing bagpipes, kilts, and a tide of tartan-clad tourists to the cozy small town. Advice columnist Olivia Penn is ready for a weekend of fun now that her life has finally settled into a quiet, steady rhythm. But when a local turns up dead in one of the town’s most iconic homes, a cryptic message from a friend draws her into a tangled mystery.

As Olivia investigates, family secrets and surprising motives surface, linking three brooches, an antique cross, and a 17th-century Scottish Bible. Clues connect seven suspects to the crime, and each has something to hide. When her friend can’t be found and the police start asking questions, the mystery hits closer to home and runs deeper than she ever imagined.

After an unlikely witness makes a shocking revelation, Olivia enlists her friends and a heroic search and rescue golden retriever to help her follow the trail before it goes cold. The man she loves is caught in the crosshairs, and to protect him, she’ll have to risk everything. Justice hinges on a missing cat, a chase through the woods, and a stare-down with a mama bear.

Without a Shadow of Doubt is the gripping fifth installment in the award-winning Olivia Penn Mystery Series. This fast-paced, heartwarming cozy mystery features charming characters, small-town intrigue, and a heroine you’ll love to root for. Perfect for fans of amateur sleuths, cozy suspense, and clean, feel-good mysteries with lovable cats and dogs.

Dive into the enchanting world of Apple Station, where a clever sleuth is always on the case. Your next unputdownable cozy mystery awaits! Read today!

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 4, 2025

About the author

Kathleen Bailey is the award-winning author of The Olivia Penn Mystery Series. She writes mysteries with heart and humor that keep to the traditional and cozy sides of crime. For over twenty years, she worked as a pediatric physical therapist with children who have special needs, drawing on degrees in English, psychology, and physical therapy. She now writes in Virginia with her feline assistant, who insists on supervising every draft. When she’s not writing, Kathleen can usually be found covered in cat hair, surrounded by far too many sticky notes, and plotting new twists to keep readers guessing. She is a member of Sisters in Crime. Visit her online at https://www.kathleenbaileyauthor.com.

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Reviews

[Sandy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this latest book in a fun mystery series. Olivia Penn is an interesting likeable main character. She is smart, a devoted daughter, a hard worker, an animal lover and a good person. This story was entertaining and well written. Olivia gets involved in the mystery of an elderly, well respected lady's death via a strange text message from the local PI, whom ends up missing. Her love relationship with one of the town's local officers keeps her connected to the ongoing investigation.

The small town is celebrating the Scottish Highlands by hosting the traditional Highland competition games and makes for an enjoyable subplot. I recommend this series and this book, which can be read as a standalone.

I received a free advance copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a Shadow of Doubt is Book 5 in An Olivia Penn Mystery by Kathleen Bailey. Olivia is an advice columnist and in her spare time, she is a busy sleuth. When a local dies, Olivia must look into the murder. She is busy gathering clues and getting help from a golden retriever. I believe that this author writes excellent mysteries with great characters. Follow the clues and see if you can solve the murder before Olivia. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.