Keeled Over at the Cliffside
In the charming seaside town of Saltcliff, Dahlia Vale's life is about to take a dramatic twist. Leaving her monotonous job as a defense contractor, Dahlia inherits her late sister Daisy’s cozy inn and her spirited niece, Diantha. But Saltcliff holds more than new beginnings; it hides whispers of past loves, local feuds, and a string of suspicious deaths.
With her loyal service dog, Taco, by her side, Dahlia uncovers secrets Daisy left behind. The quaint Saltcliff Bed & Breakfast becomes the center of these mysteries, linking a controversial local chef's death to Daisy’s secretive gardening. As Dahlia delves deeper, aided by Detective Owen Sanderson, she untangles a web of betrayal, blackmail, and hidden motives—all while serving perfect morning scones. Join Dahlia, Diantha, and Taco in this cozy culinary mystery, where every character has a story, and the truth is as layered as a well-baked pastry.
My Thoughts
Keeled Over at the Cliffside by Nancy Stewart is the first book in the Saltcliff Mysteries. Dahlia Vale and her service dog, Taco relocate to Saltcliff on the Sea after the death of her twin, Daisy. Dahlia is going to run her late sister’s bed and breakfast as well as become her niece’s guardian. I found Keeled Over at the Cliffside to be easy to read. Dahlia is likeable. She is awkward in social situations. Dahlia does not know how to act or what to say to people at times (okay, most of the time).
Dahlia has Taco, a friendly service dog, because she is allergic to legumes (she must have a severe allergy). Taco sniffs her food before she eats it to make sure there are no traces of legumes. I did find Taco’s drooling to be realistic (my Doozy was a drooler), but I would not want a drooling dog sniffing my food. A local developer dies and then a chef. Dahlia is curious about the crimes and does a little digging around. Dahlia’s keen observation skills have Owen, the detective on the case, asking her for assistance. The two follow the clues to solve the crime. The whodunit is not a head scratcher. I was left with a question or two at the end. There was a touch too much romance for me (the flirting, the blushing, the awkward encounters). I enjoyed the cozy elements with Dahlia making friends and getting to know her niece plus the friendly town (well, except for the murders), the pretty gardens, and a darling dog. Keeled Over at the Cliffside is a cute cozy with a grief-stricken teenager, a sociable service dog, a dead developer, curious clues, a dashing detective, and an uplifting future.
Keeled Over at the Cliffside is available from Amazon*. You can read it for free if you have Kindle Unlimited. Bumped Off at the Bake Sale is the next Saltcliff Mystery and it will be out on October 24. I really appreciate you taking time out of you day to drop by and read my review. I will be back on Tuesday, August 20 with Protecting the Amish Child by Dana R. Lynn. There are quite a few new books coming out next week (I was kept hopping this past month). I am off to do some work in the living room. My mother is getting a new recliner, so I want to clean the area where the chair will go. I also need to get rid of a chair from the living room (she wants to keep the old recliner because it belonged to my father). After an incident last week, I knew it was time for a new recliner. This one is electric with a remote control (thankfully, it has a find me feature for when she misplaces the remote). I am hoping this new chair will prevent any spills. I hope that you have a delightful weekend. Take care and Happy Reading!
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.
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