
Docks, Discoveries, and Danger
- eBook
- Paperback
- Book info
- Sample
- Media
- Author updates
- Lists
Synopsis
Suzie and Mary are enjoying the quiet of the off-season at Dune House, hosting a handful of guests and enjoying time with their boyfriends and their lovable Lab, Pilot.
But their tranquility is short-lived when a marine biology professor is found murdered. And with the docks closed down for the investigation, they end up with a few last-minute guests. The professor’s discoveries could change everything for those involved, and Suzie and Mary soon uncover that he had more than a few enemies, with many wanting him silenced.
As they dig deeper, they head straight toward danger. Will they uncover the truth before there’s another victim?
Join Suzie, Mary, Pilot, and the gang for a heartwarming, fast-paced cozy mystery by USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Cindy Bell that will keep you guessing until the end.
Release date: January 28, 2025
Print pages: 145
* BingeBooks earns revenue from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate as well as from other retail partners.
Reader buzz

Author updates
Docks, Discoveries, and Danger
Cindy Bell
Chapter One
The dining room buzzed with excitement as it filled with the bustling energy of
guests who were ready to enjoy their day. The cheerful noise reminded Mary Brent
of serving breakfast to her husband and children. Her goal was always to make that
first morning meal as pleasant as possible to set the tone for their day. Unfortunately,
that hadn’t always worked with the rush of getting to school on time, or misplaced
shoes and damaged book bags. But now, as she helped run a bed and breakfast,
she had plenty of time to get everything ready and make sure the guests at Dune
House were off to a great start.
“Enjoy, everyone!” Mary smiled as she stepped back from the full spread that
stretched across the long dining room table. Even she had to admit she’d outdone
herself, preparing an assortment of delicious breakfast foods, from cinnamon buns to
sausage sandwiches, to freshly peeled and sliced fruit. She prided herself on
ensuring everyone had something they would enjoy. Even though it was off-season,
they still had six guests, and she loved making an extra effort to make them feel
welcome.
Running a B&B was about more than just giving someone a place to stay, it
was about giving them a truly welcoming experience.
“Wow, Mary, everything smells so delicious.” Suzie Allen walked up to the
table with a wide smile as their guests began to assemble. “I can’t wait to dig in.” She
set a coffee carafe down in the center. “Everyone, fuel up! You’re going to need all
the strength you can get. We’re due for some crisp, beautiful weather today. The sun
is out and staying out, and there’s so much to enjoy here in Garber this winter.”
Mary looked over at her best friend and business partner and felt a rush of
gratitude. Despite running the B&B together for some time now, it still felt like a
shock and a thrill, when she realized just how much her life had changed. Being a
wife and mother had prepared her for taking care of a houseful of guests, but being
Suzie’s best friend had prepared her for taking a big leap and diving into something
brand new.
Suzie had always been the risk-taker in their friendship. While Mary settled
into family life, Suzie threw herself full force into adventure. Mary learned to be a bit
braver from Suzie’s stories, and Suzie learned to value family life, as she doted on
Mary’s children whenever she visited. There was never any doubt in Mary’s mind
that she and Suzie would end up living out their golden years together. However,
living together had come early as they both were only in their fifth decade, and the
rocking chairs on the porch were used more by guests than either of them.
As Mary made sure the guests had everything they needed, Suzie described
the opportunities the beachside town of Garber had to offer.
It amazed Mary that she’d never even heard of Garber before Suzie told her
that an estranged uncle had left her a large property in the town. Now, it felt more
like home than any place she’d ever known.
“Yes, we run a B&B, but we like to think of ourselves more as vacation
concierges.” Suzie laughed. “So, if you have any questions about anything, please
feel free to reach out, text or call, we’re always available to help out.”
“If you’re looking for antiques, you can head right over to the next town,
Parish, where there are a couple of great antique stores. There’s also a fantastic
coffee shop in town, and we have coupons for it. The shed out back is stocked with
everything you might need, from beach chairs to thermoses, and warm throws for
cozying up by the water.” Mary rattled off a couple of places to check out for lunch
while also reminding them that there were always snacks available.
“I have a question.” A young woman raised her hand with a smile as she
leaned into her husband’s arm. “We were hoping to get out on the water, instead of
just looking at it. Do you know where we can get a boat for the day?”
“There’s a boat rental place down by the docks.” Suzie pulled out her phone
and began typing. “I’ll text you the details, and if you have any trouble, just let me
know.”
“Thank you. This is going to be so much fun.” Yolanda grabbed her husband’s
hand and squeezed it. “You were right. This was the perfect choice.”
“I’m going to remember you saying that.” Rory grinned. “But seriously, no
waterskiing. It’s too cold out there.”
“We’ll see!” Yolanda winked.
Mary hid a grin as she watched the two interact. They’d arrived the night
before in quite a state. They’d gotten lost on the drive to the B&B, and there had
been some animosity brewing. Now, they looked refreshed and in love. She hoped
the rest of their day would be just as good.
As fast as the dining room had filled with their guests, three couples of three
different generations, it emptied, leaving behind only the charged air filled with their
plans and excitement.
“We’re so lucky, Suzie.” Mary began to clear the dishes.
“I won’t disagree with that.” Suzie gathered up the glasses and followed her
into the kitchen. “At least today we are. It hasn’t always been that way, has it?”
“Maybe not.” Mary began washing the dishes as she recalled the difficult
times she was in the middle of just before she agreed to this business venture with
Suzie.
Mary had never expected her marriage to fall apart, and saying goodbye to
her children as they entered their adult lives had left her with a loss of purpose and a
longing to turn back time. A visit to Garber with Suzie to look at the house she’d
unexpectedly inherited from her estranged uncle changed everything. Instead of
selling it, they’d decided to keep Dune House and restore it to its former glory as a
B&B.
It had still taken Mary some time to recover from all the changes in her life,
but meeting a detective from the larger neighboring town of Parish had opened her
eyes to the idea that perhaps life didn’t end when your kids grew up, and your
marriage turned out to be full of lies. Maybe in some ways, it was just getting started.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you.” Mary looked at Suzie. “I picked up the beachcombing
kits from the shop in town. I know Eli and Pam wanted to explore the shoreline this
afternoon, so I also arranged for them to meet with a guide to point out the
landmarks.”
“Mary, you always think of everything.” Suzie dried a plate. “If it wasn’t for you,
Dune House wouldn’t be anywhere near as successful as it is.”
“I think it’s our partnership that makes it a special place, Suzie.” Mary wiped
her hands on her apron. “There’s no one else in the world I would rather be doing
this with. Didn’t you want to take Pilot out to the beach for a walk?” She glanced at
the clock on the kitchen wall.
“Yes, I did. But there’s plenty to do around here. I can take him later.”
“No, go now, and then you can help when you get back,” Mary insisted. “Pilot
needs a walk, and I’ll be fine.”
“Why don’t you join us? I’ll help you clean up, we can get the rooms sorted
out, and we can all go together. There’s no rush. You already took Pilot out first thing
this morning, and I’ll be much more relaxed if I know everything is done here and
you’re with me.”
“Okay, sounds perfect.” Mary washed a plate. “Is Paul on a trip?”
“No. He’s docked for a few days.” Suzie started packing away the food.
“Oh, that’s great. I know you miss him when he’s out at sea.”
“It’s ridiculous, isn’t it.” Suzie rolled her eyes and laughed as her cheeks
flushed at the thought of her boyfriend, Paul North.
“It’s called being in love, Suzie.” A smile crossed Mary’s lips. “I thought I felt it
once with my husband. I certainly always wanted to be around him. But ever since I
met Wes, I’ve learned that true love feels very different. It’s nothing to be
embarrassed about. You just found your person.”
“I suppose I thought I was immune.” Suzie dried the last glass. “But I’ve
definitely been proven wrong.”
“Let’s get the rooms sorted out.” Mary hung up the towel and started up the
stairs.
After they’d finished refreshing the guest rooms, Suzie and Mary headed back
to the kitchen.
“Why don’t we drop off some cinnamon buns for Paul?” Mary suggested.
“Great idea. He loves them.”
“I’ll give him a few.” Mary put them in a small paper bag.
“It’s time for a walk.” Suzie took Pilot’s leash off the hook by the back door,
and the yellow Lab curled up in his bed suddenly perked up. “Let’s go.” She gave
Pilot a few pats, then attached his leash. Just like owning a B&B, having a dog was
never on her life’s to-do list, but when a pilot had met an unfortunate end, Pilot had
become part of her life just as unexpectedly as the large house she’d inherited, and
the fisherman she’d fallen for. ...
We hope you are enjoying the book so far. To continue reading...
