A murder mystery with a side of new romance
I really enjoyed this! A simple (not in execution, pun NOT intended!) murder mystery and an uncomplicated, budding romance between 2 very likeable men.
Spencer and Declan are both big city transplants to Coral Cove, OR.
Through the eyes of these 2 men we see the intertwined lives of people in a small-town, especially after the death of one of their own. The whole investigation into the mishap puts Declan and Spencer into each other's orbit. They dance around each other a little, but they are upfront about what they want from their mutual attraction, which is refreshing. The mystery is simple, yet layered, impacting quite a few people. I guessed right towards the end, but was pleased I got it right - it was not obvious at all.
I do hope the series continues -I'd like to see more of Declan and Spencer and the small town they live in.
I guessed the big bad but it certainly wasn't obvious. I hope this is the start of a new series because I'd like to see Declan & Spencer's relationship progress.
E
Elaine Gray
April 9, 2026
S.C. Wynne kicks off a brand-new mystery series in the cozy town of Coral Cove, and I’m already hooked! We follow Spencer, a charming local reporter, and Declan, the town’s police chief—both relatively new to town—who meet under less-than-ideal circumstances. Declan is investigating a suspicious “accidental” death, while Spencer is digging around for a story. Spencer was an instant favorite for me—warm, likable, and the kind of person people naturally trust. Declan took a little longer to win me over, but his growth throughout the book made it worth it. Their slow-burn dynamic is definitely a highlight, and I’m excited to see where their relationship goes in future books. The mystery itself kept me guessing almost until the very end. Lots of twists, turns, and just enough misdirection to keep things interesting without feeling overcomplicated. Overall, a really solid start to a new series—great characters, an engaging mystery, and a setting that adds to the charm. I’ll definitely be continuing this one!
C
Cynthia Brooks
April 23, 2026
This is a who-done-it with a lot of twists and turns. A fisherman is found dead on his boat, and the Declan and Spencer try to find out who killed him. I really enjoyed this book.
B
buddysgirl1
April 24, 2026
Verified Purchase
Loved this book, the start of a new series. This was a great mystery with a side of romance between the Police Chief, Declan and Reporter Spencer. I love this type of MM story because the romance was not the main focus, but the death of a fisherman. A case for Declan and a story for Spencer. A rollercoaster of suspects with a surprise culprit.