Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Dockside Secrets by Terry Overton

 Dockside Secrets

About the Book

Book: Dockside Secrets

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Christian Cozy Mystery

When Finley Burke moves to the peaceful lakeside village of Sunset Cove, she’s looking for a fresh start-not a mystery. But when a violent storm washes a strange tackle box onto her dock, she discovers more than fishing lures inside. Hidden within are antique jewels and secrets that link to a long-buried family feud and a suspicious death. As Finley digs deeper, she finds herself tangled in a web of lies that threaten the calm of the cove- and her own safety.

With the help of her quirky but loyal neighbors, a sharp-eyed detective, Finley must uncover the truth before the past catches up to her.

Full of Southern charm, close-knit friendships, and suspense that keeps you turning the pages. Dockside Secrets is a heartwarming cozy mystery that proves it’s never too late to start over or to solve a mystery.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology.

Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean.

She has two children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Her previous writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She now seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals.

Over the years, Terry’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

More from Terry

I must admit I have probably watched and read just about every Hallmark cozy mystery I have come across! I have become addicted to mysteries lately! I don’t limit it to just the cozy mysteries. Lately, I have been watching plenty of true crime. The attraction for me is the puzzle. I mean, really, who can resist a “whodunit?” I prefer more of the gumshoe approach, but I also watch several crime scene investigations.

It started out with a curiosity about why people do such actions. What motivates people to commit these crimes and then try to cover them up? In many cases, criminals just aren’t that bright. But there are some cases that remain puzzling.

I decided to give it a go. Dockside Secrets is my first cozy. It was fun to write this mystery in the little community outside of a big city. We moved to this new little cove on a lake, Sunset Cove, and this is where the characters live. The large city in the book, Sagebrush Bend, is in reality, Fort Worth, Texas. Plenty of changing landscapes here, and these appear in the story.

Grab this cozy and meet the quirky cast of characters: a retired forensic psychologist, a very proper southern lady, a nutty and loud best friend, and a middle-of-the-road peacekeeper join a fumbling local sheriff and a handsome detective to discover what really happened at Sunset Cove.

My Thoughts

Secrets, sleuths, and surprises under the docks—Dockside Secrets by Terry Overton serves up a delightfully warm and entertaining cozy mystery. Overton’s descriptive writing brings Sunset Cove vividly to life, creating an inviting atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile. The story unfolds at a comfortable pace, blending suspense and mystery with community, healing, and faith. Deceptive family dynamics, estate sales, and discoveries beneath the docks keep the plot lively, while the steadily building suspense kept me guessing about the culprit until the final few chapters. 

At the heart of the story is the Sunset Sleuths, a fun and varied crew of amateur detectives that includes Finley, Amelia, Birdie, Lynn, and Clay. Their camaraderie adds warmth and comic relief, and the humorous touches given to both the police and the local detectives bring extra depth and levity. As the first book in The Finley Burke Mysteries, Dockside Secrets launches the series with charm, intrigue, and plenty of cozy fun—and I’m already eager to dock at Sunset Cove for the next installment!

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!! Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.  Good Luck!

https://gleam.io/55lW2/dockside-secrets-celebration-tour-giveaway

Secrets, suspense, and a dash of dockside intrigue—your next mystery read has arrived! Dockside Secrets, the first book in The Finley Burke Mysteries by Terry Overton, is available from Amazon. Once you’ve uncovered its secrets, continue the adventure with the second book in the series, Suspicious Delivery. Be sure to follow Terry Overton on Amazon so you’ll be among the first to hear about her newest releases. Don't forget to enter the giveaway! I’ll return on Thursday, October 15, with Have Yourself a Merry Little Meltdown by Sheila Roberts. Until then, happy reading—and may your next bookish adventure be filled with captivating clues and delightful surprises!


Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 7

Holly’s Book Corner, October 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 9

Texas Book-aholic, October 10

Lights in a Dark World, October 10

For Him and My Family, October 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 12

She Lives to Read, October 13

Sylvan Musings, October 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 14

The Avid Reader, October 14

Fruitfully Planted, October 15

Vicky Sluiter, October 16

Avid Reader Nurse, October 17

Book Looks by Lisa, October 18

Simple Harvest Reads, October 19 (Guest Review from Donna)

Mary Hake, October 19

Leslie’s Library Escape, October 20

Lily’s Corner, October 20

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

A Date with Santa by Debbie Macombe

A Date with Santa
Book Summary

Romance blooms when an unlikely couple plans to surprise a child in need of some Christmas magic in this sparkling holiday romance from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

For single career woman Sage Madison, Christmas means premade cookies and artificial trees. But when her sister needs her help, Sage volunteers to care for her five-year-old nephew, Ricky.

Determined to give Ricky a memorable Christmas, Sage enlists help from her assistant and close friend, Erica, who loves kids, and her colleague Ethan, who agrees to dress up as Santa—if Sage and Ricky join him in holiday fun to get in the spirit.
As Sage navigates the challenges of caring for her nephew and the prospect of romance with Ethan, she begins to discover the true magic of the season. Ethan’s bond with Ricky and his kindness toward Sage bring unexpected joy and new adventures—filled with ice skating, baking, and a sense of fulfillment she never expected.

But when her old life threatens to interfere with the festivities, Sage must decide what she truly wants before the season’s magic slips away.

My Thoughts

Pour the cocoa, cue the carols, and get ready for a cozy holiday treat with A Date with Santa by Debbie Macomber! Macomber has a wonderful way of drawing readers into a story through her engaging writing style, vivid descriptions, relatable characters, and charming small-town setting. I especially enjoyed Clare’s nephew, Ricky, whose visit gives Clare the chance to truly experience the holidays for the first time in years.

It was delightful that Ricky wanted everything done a certain way—and, of course, the easy way simply would not do! The humor sprinkled throughout added to the fun, and I got a good chuckle out of the fire scene because I use my oven for a similar purpose. A Date with Santa is an uplifting, feel-good story that left me ready to deck the halls, decorate my Christmas tree, and hum carols all the way to Christmas!

Watching for Santa

Santa’s making a special delivery to your reading list! You can pick up Debbie Macomber’s A Date with Santa from Amazon. If sweet, clean romance makes your season merry and bright, be sure to explore her other holiday tales as well as her beloved Blossom Street series. I’ll be back tomorrow, October 14, with Dockside Secrets by Terry Overton, the first book in The Finley Burke Mysteries. To make the visit even more exciting, there will be a giveaway for an Amazon gift card! Until then, may your day be delightful, your cocoa be warm, and your next great read be wrapped in holiday cheer!


Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.


Friday, October 9, 2026

Murder on 34th Street by Mariah Fredericks

 Murder on 34th Street

Book Summary

From the author of The Girl in the Green Dress comes a delightful and captivating novel about a fictional murder mystery at the iconic Macy's parade leading up to the holidays in historic New York City.

New York, 1932. Grace Verlander is the secret beating heart of Macy’s. She’s the “assistant to the assistant to the someone who’s in charge”, the go-to person for keeping everything running smoothly behind-the-scenes at the famous, bustling store.

It’s not every day you get a letter from Santa Claus, but three days before the Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, Grace arrives at work to find a note from the store Santa Claus in her locker: someone has sent him a death threat. Shocked, Grace promises to look into it and speaks to the store detective about the parade’s security, confident that they’ve found a solution that will keep everyone safe. But on the day of the parade, despite all their precautions, a dead body is found on one of the floats.

Using her wits and deep knowledge of the ways of the place, Grace is determined to find the killer and seek justice—not just for the dead man, but to save the reputation of this iconic store from ruin.

Steeped in glittering glamor and nostalgic wonder, this is a remarkable, unpredictable mystery set in the evocative world of one of New York’s most memorable institutions.

My Thoughts

Murder on 34th Street by Mariah Fredericks is a delightful holiday mystery where festive sparkle, sharp sleuthing, and danger meet beneath the lights of an iconic department store. Set in the early twentieth century, the novel blends historical atmosphere, humor, suspense, and seasonal warmth, while the bustling retail setting reveals the era’s social dynamics and the limitations placed on women.

Catherine is a clever, determined heroine whose perspective gives the investigation energy and heart. Fredericks’ accessible prose, vivid period details, and well-drawn supporting cast create an engaging mystery for readers who enjoy spirited heroines and seasonal intrigue with a touch of darkness. For a mystery wrapped in history and tied with a festive bow, Murder on 34th Street is a gift worth unwrapping.

Ready to add a little mystery to your reading list? Murder on 34th Street is available from Amazon, and you can discover Mariah Fredericks’s The Girl in the Green Dress along with her other novels on her Amazon author page.  I’ll be back on Tuesday, October 13, to feature Debbie Macomber’s latest holiday tale, A Date with Santa. Until next week, may your weekend be cozy, cheerful, and filled with plenty of delightful chapters!


Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Thursday, October 8, 2026

Coordinates of Death by Darlene L. Turner

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Coordinates of Death by Darlene L. Turner, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Coordinates of Death
Series: Arctic Protectors #2
Author: Darlene L. Turner
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: October 6, 2026
Genre: Romantic Thriller

A police officer will do anything to catch the serial killer that got away—even if it means playing a deadly game in the icy wilderness.

Sweetwood Falls, Yukon, has seen too much terror for one small town. Corporal Aurora Hunt still blames herself for not catching the Shadow Box Killer before five women lost their lives. The killings stopped two years ago, and her colleagues believe the murderer is dead. But Aurora isn’t convinced.

A chilling discovery on a winter’s morning confirms her fears. The crime scene is all too familiar—a woman’s mutilated body, and beneath it, a box containing a gruesome souvenir. But this time, there’s a special message, daring Aurora to play a game that will lead her into the wilderness to try and save the next victim.

Canadian Watcher Squad survivalist Kordell Greene is part of the past that Aurora has tried to put behind her. He’s also the only person equipped to guide her through this deadly terrain. But somehow, the killer knows all their secrets. Solving cryptic clues as they battle the elements, Aurora and Kordell must confront dark truths they’ve withheld, even from each other. And always, the Shadow Box Killer is one step ahead, drawing them deeper into a twisted game where the slightest mistake may be their last.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series


About the Author

Darlene L. Turner is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her high-octane stories and riveting twists. Sparked by Nancy Drew, she’s turned her love of solving mysteries into her writing, believing readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. Dubbed “the plaid queen” for her love of everything plaid, Darlene resides with her husband Jeff in Ontario, Canada. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.


My Thoughts

Some thrillers keep you guessing—Coordinates of Death kept me reading long past bedtime, with only my very insistent cat able to break the spell. Darlene Turner delivers a riveting blend of fast-paced investigation, emotional depth, cryptic puzzles, nail-biting suspense, and just the right touch of romance. Corporal Aurora Hunt is a strong, relatable heroine carrying the weight of past mistakes, and her partnership with survivalist Kordell Greene adds both tension and heart as they learn how much they must trust each other to survive. I especially enjoyed watching the characters grow as the danger intensified. Cleverly plotted and richly layered, the story balances chilling suspense with warmth, faith, and hope woven gently throughout. If you love a suspense novel with heart, danger, and a puzzle that pulls you in, this one is well worth losing sleep over.



Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 6, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 13, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Let’s wrap up the week with a thrilling stack of mysteries and a little giveaway fun! Coordinates of Death is available from Amazon, along with Echoes of Darkness. Looking ahead, Darlene L. Turner’s Missing in the Mountains, featuring a female smoke jumper, arrives April 27, 2027. On Friday, October 9, I’ll be featuring Mariah Fredericks’s merry mystery, Murder on 34th Street. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for your chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card—because every great reading week deserves a prize-worthy final chapter!


Kris

The Avid Reader

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.