Book Review (and a Giveaway!): Under the Cocoon Moon by Kathleen Bailey

UNDER THE COCOON MOON by Kathleen Bailey
SERIES: Olivia Penn Mysteries #3
GENRE: Cozy Mystery (Clean)
PUBLISHER: Rhino Publishing LLC
RELEASE DATE: November 7, 2023
PAGES: 394

A dead body in the woods … A rare sapphire is missing … The connection changes her life forever.

Olivia Penn is looking forward to spending time with her friends and family over the holidays in her hometown of Apple Station, Virginia. The Christmas season’s spirit has sparked a new romance, and all is looking merry and bright, until she is mistaken for a dead woman.

When a stranger makes a wild accusation involving the parents of the man she’s falling for, Olivia faces a no-win situation. As evidence mounts supporting the claim, a mysterious murder occurs near his father’s cabin that attracts the attention of the FBI. Wedged between mother and son, Olivia investigates to clear his family’s name while matching wits with a legendary thief.

With the clock ticking, Olivia must set a trap using herself as the bait or the killer may disappear without a trace. Her new love hangs in the balance, and her life is on the line. Justice will hinge on sixty minutes and a phone call.

Will the call be answered? Or will the thief recover the sapphire and silence her forever?

If you like Clue, Nancy Drew, and small town, cozy mysteries with heart and humor, a charming cast of characters, and a twisty plot, you’ll love Under the Cocoon Moon, the third book in The Olivia Penn Mystery Series.

Other Books In This Series

I find Kathleen Bailey’s writing voice and characters to be so charming, and I am always very eager to read another book in the Olivia Penn Mysteries. The setting of Apple Station is perfect for cozy mysteries, as is the humor and character development. I fell in love with Olivia, her dad, Buddy the dog, Floyd & Dorothy, love interest Preston, and Olivia’s longtime friends in book one, and I continue to love them in book three – along with some new faces we’ve met along the way.

I have to say, Olivia’s dad is just so endearing in this book. He made me smile so often. I also adored the trio of Olivia, her dad, and their ‘security specialist’ neighbor Samantha (Sam) when they shared page time – they each sort-of took turns being the straight man in any given moment. I look forward to learning more about Sam in future books, I hope! She definitely has some stories to tell. The case in Under the Cocoon Moon is – as all of them have been so far – very personal to Olivia, and on a related note I was delighted to see some sweet progress on the romance front between her and Preston.

Speaking of the case… it’s a mix of cold case and new crimes and how they’re related and specifically how they involve Preston’s parents. I kept changing my mind on how I thought it would play out, and I was both satisfied and surprised at the ending. Some unexpected twists – including how Olivia even got involved with this in the first place – were very effective, in my opinion, at keeping both the interest and the tension high.

Bottom Line: If you haven’t yet visited Apple Station, Virginia, through the Olivia Penn Mysteries by Kathleen Bailey, Under the Cocoon Moon is a great place to start! A layered mystery to solve, cookies to bake, traps to be set, and snooping to be done all await you on these pages, as well as solid friendships and budding romance. A lovely way to spend a few hours!

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

My Rating: 4 stars / enjoyed it!

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Kathleen Bailey is the award-winning author of The Olivia Penn Mystery Series. She writes mysteries with heart and humor that keep to the traditional and cozy sides of crime. Kathleen has degrees in English, psychology, and physical therapy. She previously worked as a pediatric physical therapist for over twenty years with children who have special needs. She now spends her days plotting and sleuthing in Virginia where she lives with her husband and adorable feline fur baby. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and the James River Writers. Visit online at kathleenbaileyauthor.com.

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