Murder at the Blueberry Festival
Book Review

This Murder at the Blueberry Festival book review explores a cozy mystery that captures the energy of summer through a bustling town celebration and close-knit community ties. With its lakeside setting, food-filled festivities, and familiar faces working together (and occasionally clashing), the story unfolds at an easy, inviting pace. It’s a comforting choice for readers who enjoy seasonal cozies that blend lighthearted fun with a mystery that carries a bit of emotional weight.

Murder at the Blueberry Festival - Darci Hannah

Series: Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries
Vibes: Summer festival cozy, foodie charm, small-town warmth, gentle suspense, community-centered

Murder at the Blueberry Festival
Book Review

This Murder at the Blueberry Festival book review is for cozy mystery readers who love summery small-town settings, food-forward festivals, and stories where relationships matter just as much as the mystery itself. As the third installment in the Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries, this book feels like a confident continuation of the series—one that leans fully into seasonal charm while still delivering emotional depth and a thoughtfully constructed whodunit.

Set against the backdrop of a lively summer festival on the shores of Lake Michigan, Murder at the Blueberry Festival balances lighthearted community chaos with a mystery that quietly lingers after the final page. It’s cozy, fun, and comforting—but also more reflective than you might initially expect.

The Sleuth:
Warm, Grounded, and Juggling It All

Lindsey Bakewell continues to shine as a relatable, determined, warm, and observant sleuth. At this point in the series, she feels settled into her role—not as someone chasing danger, but as a woman balancing sleuthing with the responsibilities of running a business, maintaining relationships, and caring deeply about her community.

What makes Lindsey especially appealing is how natural her involvement feels. She’s not reckless or impulsive; instead, she’s thoughtful, curious, and motivated by concern for the people around her. Her internal thought process is engaging and easy to follow, and her interactions with others feel authentic and emotionally grounded.

Being inside Lindsey’s head is a pleasure. You can feel how much she values her relationships and how seriously she takes her responsibilities—both as a business owner and as someone who wants to see justice done without tearing her town apart.

The Setting:
Peak Summer Cozy

Beacon Harbor once again proves to be a standout setting. The town feels warm and charming, infused with tourist-town summer energy while still maintaining strong found-family and blood-family vibes. The blueberry festival is clearly seasonal and central to the story, providing structure, momentum, and a sense of joyful anticipation.

The lighthouse setting and Lake Michigan backdrop add another layer of comfort and charm. There’s something deeply soothing about the lakeside atmosphere—the rhythm of daily life paired with festival bustle makes the town feel alive without becoming overwhelming.

This is a book that fully understands how to use a seasonal event to enrich the story. The festival isn’t just decoration; it shapes the pacing, the suspect pool, and the emotional tone throughout.

Side Characters:
A True Ensemble

One of the strengths of Murder at the Blueberry Festival is how well the supporting cast contributes to the overall experience. Kennedy, Rory, and Tuck stand out as particularly memorable, alongside Lindsey’s dog Welly, who continues to add warmth and familiarity.

The side characters bring a blend of humor, emotional warmth, and cozy chaos that makes Beacon Harbor feel like a real community rather than a collection of background figures. Each interaction reinforces the sense that Lindsey is surrounded by people who care about her—and about each other.

Lindsey’s romantic relationship also continues to develop in a gentle, satisfying way. The dynamic feels sweet and sincere, and while it remains understated, it’s easy to root for their future and hope the relationship continues to deepen as the series progresses.

Importantly, the town itself feels like an active participant during the festival. From pranks to mishaps to escalating tension, Beacon Harbor isn’t just a setting—it’s a living, breathing presence that shapes the mystery.

The Mystery:
Cozy, Twisty, and Emotionally Resonant

The mystery lands comfortably in the moderate cozy tension range. The crime is mild and non-graphic, staying firmly within cozy boundaries, but the emotional impact is stronger than expected.

The plot is comfortably twisty, offering enough surprises to keep readers engaged without feeling convoluted. Throughout the story, the tension remains gentle—you’re comfortably curious rather than stressed—but the eventual revelation carries emotional weight.

The reason behind the killing is particularly striking. While it’s handled with sensitivity, it’s also heartbreaking, prompting reflection rather than shock. This emotional depth sets the book apart slightly from lighter festival cozies and gives the mystery a lingering resonance that stays with you after the case is solved.

The resolution itself is satisfying and well-paced, tying together the festival chaos, character relationships, and central mystery in a way that feels earned.

Vibes Check:
Fun on the Surface, Thoughtful Beneath

The dominant vibes in this installment include:

• Foodie cozy
• Summer festival cozy
• Community-centered mystery
• Warm, relationship-driven storytelling

While the book is undeniably fun and summery, it also carries a quieter emotional undercurrent. The sabotaged festival events add playful chaos and curiosity, but they also serve a larger narrative purpose—helping build tension and deepen the eventual payoff.

The balance between lighthearted moments and emotional reflection is handled especially well, making this a cozy that satisfies both comfort-read cravings and readers who appreciate a bit of depth.

Who Will Enjoy This Book Most?

Murder at the Blueberry Festival is a great match for readers who love:

• Food-based cozy mysteries
• Dog cozies
• Seasonal festival settings
• Ensemble casts with strong community ties
• Unexpectedly emotional endings

This book is best read as part of the series, as the character relationships and ongoing dynamics add richness that enhances the mystery and emotional impact.

My Final Thoughts:
Murder at the Blueberry Festival
Book Review

This book leaves you feeling a little sad, but deeply content—the kind of cozy that wraps up neatly while still giving you something to think about. By the final page, it’s hard not to feel inspired to head into the kitchen and experiment with blueberries, carried along by the warmth and comfort of Beacon Harbor.

Murder at the Blueberry Festival succeeds as both a festive summer cozy and a story with heart. If you enjoy food-forward mysteries that celebrate community, relationships, and seasonal charm—while still delivering a meaningful mystery—this installment is a standout and a strong reason to continue the series.

If this is a series you’re hoping to complete this year, this book makes it clear why it’s worth the journey.

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Enjoyed My Murder at the Blueberry Festival Book Review? If so,
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