If someone had told me, Annie Abbott, that I’d be living in a sleepy little town off the coast of Oregon in my dream house that isn’t actually my house, I wouldn’t have believed it. I also wouldn’t have thought I’d love it so much in Rainbow Falls. My parents asked me to housesit while they sailed around the world. You read that right. I’m housesitting in a gated community and my parents started their retirement with a whirlwind adventure. Maybe the adventurer gene skips a generation?

Either way, Rainbow Falls might be small but, trust me, it is mighty. The people I’ve met so far have welcomed me warmly—okay, that’s not entirely true. Most of the people I’ve met have been very cool. My neighbor, Margie, is more energetic than a toddler after a cup of caffeine despite being at least two and half times my age. Her beau—do not call Joseph her boyfriend—is a sweet guy and also another neighbor.

Then there’s Ben who I met in the first forty-eight hours of my arrival. Tall, dark hair, and a smile that makes my heart feel like it’s freefalling, he came to my rescue. That is another story. I’m not sure what provides a better view: Ben’s eyes or the ocean.

Sounds pretty amazing, right? It is as close to idyllic as it can be but like all things, it’s not perfect. Thanks to Grumpy Gill. Of all the coffee shops in all the towns, I ran into him at one and it was not a great first impression. But I’m not going to let a gigantic grouch take away from all the good that is Rainbow Falls.

I said yes as a favor to my parents but really, I’m the winner here. I can run my graphic design business remotely, I hear the sound of the ocean when I go to sleep, and did I mention Ben is a vet? What’s more attractive than a man who loves animals? Not a lot. I wonder how he feels about Murder Mystery Events and police procedural shows? Those are two of my favorite hobbies. Maybe if I meet enough people, I can plan a mystery event of my own. I think this town is full of opportunities. As long as Gill stays out of my way.

My parents may have been the ones to take a journey that will bring them back sometime next year but I have a feeling I’m going to have my own adventures in Rainbow Falls.

Home Is Where the Body Is, The Wannabe Sleuth Mystery #1
Genre: Cozy
Release: August 2022
Purchase Link

The coastal Oregon town of Rainbow Falls might be sleepy, but it’s definitely not innocent. . .

When graphic designer and true crime fan Annie Abbott agrees to house sit her parents’ home for a year, she’s convinced that even though the small town has ten coffee shops, nothing exciting will happen. But that’s before a seemingly feral cat gives birth in her garage, prompting a call to the very handsome, very single town vet. It’s a dream meet-cute, but just as their romance blooms, Annie discovers the bloody body of her grumpy neighbor. And despite the fact that she passes out at the sight of blood, the police suspect her.

To clear her name, Annie will need to put her years of watching police procedurals and reading mysteries to good use. She’ll also need to rely on her new friends who have welcomed her to Rainbow Falls, but is one of them the killer?

About the author
Jody Holford is a multi published author of contemporary romance (Kendrick Place Series, Love Unexpected Series, For Love of the Game Series, & several stand-alones) and cozy mysteries (The Britton Bay Series). She’s unintentionally funny and rarely on time for anything. She has an equal amount of love for writing and reading the sigh worthy moments in a book.

All comments are welcomed.