Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Setting – Virginia
Publisher : Rhino Publishing LLC
Publication date : November 4, 2025
About the Book
Find the cat. Crack the case.
The Highland Games have arrived just outside Apple Station, Virginia, bringing bagpipes, kilts, and a tide of tartan-clad tourists to the cozy small town. Advice columnist Olivia Penn is ready for a weekend of fun now that her life has finally settled into a quiet, steady rhythm. But when a local turns up dead in one of the town’s most iconic homes, a cryptic message from a friend draws her into a tangled mystery.
As Olivia investigates, family secrets and surprising motives surface, linking three brooches, an antique cross, and a 17th-century Scottish Bible. Clues connect seven suspects to the crime, and each has something to hide. When her friend can’t be found and the police start asking questions, the mystery hits closer to home and runs deeper than she ever imagined.
After an unlikely witness makes a shocking revelation, Olivia enlists her friends and a heroic search and rescue golden retriever to help her follow the trail before it goes cold. The man she loves is caught in the crosshairs, and to protect him, she’ll have to risk everything. Justice hinges on a missing cat, a chase through the woods, and a stare-down with a mama bear.
Without a Shadow of Doubt is the gripping fifth installment in the award-winning Olivia Penn Mystery Series. This fast-paced, heartwarming
cozy mystery features charming characters, small-town intrigue, and a heroine you’ll love to root for. Perfect for fans of amateur sleuths, cozy suspense, and clean, feel-good mysteries with lovable cats and dogs.
Review
The story starts with the Scottish Highland flavor, complete with bagpipes and kilts but set in Virginia. The murder of a local amidst the festivities shifts the focus as Olivia, an advice columnist, gets involved. Olivia is resourceful, collects clues, and takes risk to uncover the killer, even if it might strain some of her relationships.
This is my first book by Bailey and my introduction to Olivia, a great, no-nonsense character. She and her friends are likable and relatable. The story moves along quickly, with unexpected discoveries to keep Olivia - and the reader - on their toes. The setting lends itself to the story, the secrets, and the mystery. Then there's the dog, the cat, and the mama bear. I'd recommend this book to those who enjoy a good cozy mystery - and easily read as a stand-alone. That said, I plan on reading the previous books in the series.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
About the Author
She now writes in Virginia with her feline assistant, who insists on supervising every draft. When she’s not writing, Kathleen can usually be found covered in cat hair, surrounded by far too many sticky notes, and plotting new twists to keep readers guessing. She is a member of Sisters in Crime.
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Giveaway
Thank you so much, Christa! I’m delighted you enjoyed meeting Olivia and her friends. I really appreciate your kind words and your recommendation.
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