Hammocks, Hardcovers, and Homicide

by Cindy Bell

Genres: Cozy Mystery; Animal Cozy Mysteries; Craft & Hobby Cozy Mysteries

Synopsis

Suspicious Guests, a Hidden Past, and a Murder

It’s summer and Suzie and Mary are once again welcoming a full house to their majestic seaside B&B. With their cheerful Lab, Pilot, by their side, they’re enjoying every moment of the sunshine, sea breezes, and busy days.

But things take an unexpected turn when a member of the local book club is found murdered. Louis the librarian asks Suzie and Mary to help figure out what really happened, and it’s not long before they discover the victim had more than a few secrets tucked away.

The deeper they dig, the more they uncover about the victim’s tangled history, and the growing list of people who might have wanted her gone. From surprising connections to suspicious behavior, it’s clear that someone isn’t telling the truth.
Can they crack the case before the killer strikes again?

Release date: July 16, 2025

Print pages: 150

Sample

Chapter One

Suzie Allen took a deep breath. As she exhaled, a smile surfaced on her lips.
Despite the chaos of having a full bed and breakfast, the joy of it outweighed the
stress. Only a few years ago, she never could have imagined running a B&B with her
best friend, Mary Brent. Now, she couldn’t imagine her life being any different.
Mary stepped through the sliding glass doors into the dining room. She was
wearing flip-flops and flushed from the sun. She had a small paperback tucked under
one arm and a pile of clean sheets in the other.
“I just finished the last chapter. Cutting it close for book club, but I made it.”
Mary grinned. “It was a great read. A mystery featuring a classic detective who
reminds me of Wes.”
Wes Brown was Mary’s boyfriend and a detective from the larger neighboring
town of Parish.
“Oh, that sounds like fun.” Suzie followed Mary to the hallway.
“It’s great that Louis started the book club a few months ago. He’s really
excited about it, and I wanted to join in to support him.”
Louis was the local librarian and a good friend of Suzie and Mary’s.
“Were you out in the hammock again?” Suzie opened the linen-closet door for
her.
“Yes, that new hammock was the best idea we’ve had all year. I wasn’t sure it
would last, but I’ve been sneaking out there every chance I get.” Mary stepped
forward and stacked the linens neatly inside.
“Thanks for grabbing those off the line. I used the last of the extra sheets
when I made up the final guest room.”
“I still can’t believe we have more guests coming. It’s been so busy.” Mary
turned around to face her.
“I know. Summer is in full swing. But this last-minute guest had a strange
story.” Suzie shook her head. “I tried telling him we didn’t have any rooms left, but he
refused to take no for an answer. It was odd. He kept insisting that he had to book
this weekend because it’s his anniversary, and he and his wife stayed here ten years
ago for their honeymoon.”

“What?” Mary scrunched up her nose. “But that’s not possible.”
“I know it’s not possible, you know it’s not possible, but he apparently thinks
it’s very possible.” Suzie placed a hand on her hip. “I’m sure my late uncle didn’t
have anyone staying at Dune House for their honeymoon when he was a recluse
who wouldn’t even speak to his own son.”
“Exactly.”
“I mentioned that I thought it was the wrong place, but he just brushed me off.
So instead of arguing with him over it, I told him there was no way we could
accommodate him, and we couldn’t. But pretty much as soon as I hung up, we got a
last-minute cancelation, and I was able to shuffle some guests around. So, I grabbed
his number off caller ID and called him back. He was so relieved we had a room. I
figured we might as well just let them have their weekend and figure it out from there.
I have a feeling his wife is going to be a little disappointed when she finds out he
planned a surprise anniversary weekend at the wrong place.”
“I’m sure they’ll still enjoy themselves. It really is so beautiful here. It’s lovely
to see so many people enjoying the sun and eager to have a good time.”
“Yes, it’s great to have so many guests, but it’s a lot of work.” Suzie checked
her watch. “You better get going, if you’re going to make book club.”
“On second thought, I think I should skip it. We’re so busy. I’m needed here.”
“Mary, that’s ridiculous, you never do anything for yourself. Go to book club. I
can handle this. I promise.”
“There’s no reason for me to not be here to help. It’s just a silly meeting.”
Mary waved her hand dismissively.
“It’s not silly. It’s important to you. Go. If I need you, I’ll call you. It’s not like
you’ll be far away.” Suzie smiled.
“All right, I’ll go, but only because I know you’re just going to keep arguing
with me. You’re so stubborn.”
“Yes, so I’ve been told. That’s one of my best qualities, right?” Suzie laughed.
“Well, I do love you. But are you sure? What if this couple arrives while I’m at
the library?”
“Actually, you’re not going to have to worry about that, because I think they’re
pulling into the driveway right now.” Suzie looked out through the large front window.
“That taxi driver looks like he’s had enough. I’ll get them settled in. You go to your
book club. Everything will be fine.”

“Suzie, I don’t want to leave you like this. His wife is probably going to be so
angry.” Mary looked out through the window and laughed as she watched the driver
yank their bags out of the trunk. “You’re right, that driver looks fed up.”
“I’ll be fine. You grab your stuff so you can head out, or you’ll be late,” Suzie
said.
“Okay, thank you.” Mary grabbed her purse and keys.
As the couple ascended the steps of the front porch, Suzie opened the door to
greet them. Before she could speak, Pilot, their yellow Lab, bolted from the back of
the house and right out the door onto the wraparound porch.
“Oh. They have a dog!” the woman squealed and practically jumped over the
last few steps. “Look at him, he’s so cute.” She crouched down and wrapped her
arms around Pilot’s neck.
“Yes, dear. They did mention him to me. But let’s at least get unpacked before
we start playing with the pets,” the man huffed as he dropped their bags on the
porch.
“Sorry about that. He usually has a little better manners.” Suzie laughed as
Pilot licked the woman’s hand. “You must be Thomas and Gianna. I’m Suzie, and
this is Mary, and that’s Pilot. Welcome to Dune House.”
“We’re glad to be here. Let’s just say the flight and the travel plans didn’t go
too well. I hope things here will be a bit smoother.” Thomas eyed the house. “Needs
some fresh paint.”
“Don’t start complaining.” Gianna straightened up. “All we need is a bed and a
roof, really.” She smiled at Suzie and Mary. “Thomas told me that you squeezed us
in at the last minute. Thanks so much for that.”
Suzie braced herself for the woman’s angry reaction to her husband choosing
the wrong place for their anniversary. “Yes, he said it was very important that you
stay here. So, of course, we wanted to accommodate you.”
“I really appreciate it. It was so sweet of him to book this place for our ten-year
anniversary. We have such good memories here.” Gianna picked up her bag. “I’d
love it if we could get settled in. We want the chance to do some exploring before it
gets too late in the day.”
“Sure, come on inside, and I’ll show you to your room.” Suzie led the couple
inside and gave Mary a reassuring wave before she headed down the porch steps.

As Suzie gave the introductory spiel about the history of the house, and the
way they chose the themes for each specific room, she couldn’t help but wonder how
they could both be convinced they were in the right place. Was it possible her uncle
had hosted this couple for their honeymoon?
“Here’s your room. I’m sorry you didn’t get to choose. We had a last-minute
cancelation, and this was it. It’s our country sunflower room.” Suzie opened the door
to reveal splashes of bright yellow, deep browns, and a theme of towering
sunflowers in the art on the walls as well as the bedding and furniture. “If you need
anything at all, please feel free to ask.”
“It’s just beautiful.” Gianna smiled as she looked around the room. “Thanks
again, Suzie. This means the world to us.”
“Sure.” Suzie forced a smile as she resisted the urge to question their history
with Dune House. “Enjoy. We’ll serve dinner around six. You’re welcome to join us.
Meals are included in your rate, and there are always snacks available.”
“I don’t think we’ll be joining you for any of those.” Thomas tossed his own
bag on the bed. “We’re just interested in the room and visiting the town.”
“Okay, no problem. There’s a list of places of interest, as well as restaurants,
in the top drawer of your dresser, but if you have any questions about a specific
place, let me know. I’d be happy to guide you.” Suzie started to step out the door and
back into the hall.
“I do have one question.” Thomas turned to look at her. “Is there a Do Not
Disturb sign? I want to make it absolutely clear that we demand privacy.”
His sudden sternness made Suzie pause.
“Forgive him.” Gianna blushed. “He’s just focused on making our anniversary
perfect.”
“Oh, okay.” Suzie smiled. “We’ll give you all the privacy you need.” She pulled
the door closed behind her. ...