TWILIGHT FALLS by Juneau Black (Vintage; 11/7/23), the fourth book in the Shady Hollow cozy mystery series, is the newest instalment in this popular series. In this one, our intrepid reporter Vera Vixen is embroiled in a case involving star-crossed lovers whose affair may have turned deadly.
The first three—SHADY HOLLOW, COLD CLAY, and MIRROR LAKE, were published in early 2022 and received a rave review from Sarah Weinman in the NYT who called them her “favorite new comfort reads.” The first book is a repeat regional indie bestseller, is on its sixth printing, and sells consistently. And as a reminder, Juneau Black is the pseudonym
These books are a true delight—you will find yourself wanting to grab a coffee and pistachio morning bun from Joe’s Mug, to peruse the shelves at Nevermore Books, and to enjoy freshly popped popcorn while joining in the Apple Blossom Walk. Oh, and solving the murder right along with Vera, of course! Four and a half paws.
The fourth book in the Shady Hollow mystery series sees Vera embroiled in a case involving star-crossed lovers whose affair may have turned deadly.
It's spring in Shady Hollow, and romance is in the air. Even reporter Vera Vixen is caught up in the season as her relationship with new police chief Orville Braun blossoms. But true love is not always smooth sailing, as two of the hollow's young residents come to find. Jonah Atwater and Stasia von Beaverpelt find themselves battling their families in order to be together. And when Jonah's father, Shelby, goes over the top of Twilight Falls, all signs point to Stasia being the murderer.
The evidence against Stasia appears overwhelming, and Orville arrests her. It looks like the case is closed, but Vera isn't so sure. There are almost too many clues indicating Stasia is the killer, leading her to suspect someone is setting Stasia up. Besides, what about the mysterious ghostly creature skulking around town at night? Maybe he or she was involved? As Vera investigates further, her sleuthing puts her in direct opposition to Orville, and soon she's stirred up a hornet's nest of trouble.
Praise for the Shady Hollow Mystery Series
“The plotting is sharp, the prose lean and the atmosphere pure joy. Vixen and the rest of the critters never feel like anthropomorphic Disney cartoon characters. I eagerly await a fresh infusion of Shady Hollow mayhem."
—Sarah Weinman, The New York Times
“Offers sunshine and murder in perfect proportion to keep readers entertained and engrossed.”
—Shelf Awareness
“An absolutely delightful cozy read… An remarkable empathy is also on display in these pages, putting this book firmly in the category of heartwarming reads despite the murders it chronicles.”
—Criminal Element
“Watership Down meets Mickey Spillane. A mystery of rare and sinister charm.”
—Alan Bradley, New York Times bestselling author of the Flavia de Luce series
“A magical confection that will leave you nostalgic for the storybooks of your youth. It’s quirky and clever, charming and smart. I read Shady Hollow in one sitting and can’t wait for more!”
—Sarah Addison Allen, New York Times bestselling author of First Frost
“Get ready to fall in love with Shady Hollow and its quirky cast of animal characters. Charming and clever, Juneau Black will take readers on delightful ride as the mystery unfolds. I can’t wait to read more!”
—Amy E. Reichert, author of The Kindred Spirits Supper Club
“Shady Hollow must be the coziest of cozy crime stories. I not only enjoyed reading about it—I want to live there, surrounded by enigmatic pandas, diligent mice and well-read corvids. I have to try the food, listen to the gossip and visit the tiny café—and I don’t even care that there is a murderer on the loose!”
—Leonie Swann, bestselling author of Three Bags Full
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