Step into the cozy yet thrilling world of the Flamingo Realty Mystery series, where open houses turn into crime scenes and small-town charm hides deadly secrets! Written by CeeCee James, this delightful cozy mystery series follows Stella O’Neil, a spirited real estate agent with a knack for stumbling upon murders in the quaint town of Brookfield, Pennsylvania. With a dash of family drama, a sprinkle of romance, and plenty of whodunit suspense, these books are perfect for readers craving heartwarming mysteries with a side of intrigue.
From quirky characters to spooky mansions, the Flamingo Realty Mystery series blends humor, friendship, and sleuthing into an irresistible package. Whether you’re a cozy mystery fan or just looking for a fun escape, Stella’s adventures will keep you guessing—and giggling—until the last page.
How Flamingo Realty Mystery Began
CeeCee James, a USA Today bestselling author, kicked off the Flamingo Realty Mystery series in 2018 with Mind Your Manors. A lifelong storyteller who began crafting tales as a child, James drew inspiration from her love of small-town life, flawed yet lovable characters, and puzzling mysteries. Her goal? To create a series that feels like catching up with old friends, complete with juicy gossip and a few furry pets. The flamingo mascot—an quirky nod to her uncle’s real estate agency—adds a playful touch to the Pennsylvania setting, making the series stand out in the cozy mystery genre.
James’s passion for weaving humor, romance, and heart into her stories shines through in Stella O’Neil, a character shaped by her curiosity and determination. With each book, James builds a world where readers can lose themselves in Brookfield’s charm while unraveling secrets alongside Stella.
The Heart of Flamingo Realty Mystery
The series kicks off with Mind Your Manors (2018), where Stella, fresh from the corporate world, takes a job at her Uncle Chris’s Flamingo Realty. Tasked with prepping the eerie Valentine Manor for sale, she discovers a skeleton, sparking her first investigation. In A Dead Market (2019), Stella’s lakefront listing comes with a body in the water and a cryptic folktale, pulling her deeper into Brookfield’s mysteries. Home Strange Home (2019) sees Stella at a surprise party where the guest of honor drops dead, while Mid-Century Modern Murder (2019) ties a decades-old drowning to her mother’s dark past.
At its core, the series explores themes of family, resilience, and uncovering hidden truths. Stella’s quest to reconnect with her estranged grandfather, a retired FBI agent, and free her incarcerated mother weaves a compelling personal thread through the mysteries. The small-town setting of Brookfield, with its gossip-filled diners and eccentric residents, grounds the stories in a cozy, relatable vibe. James’s clean, humorous style—no graphic violence or strong language—makes the series a wholesome yet gripping read, often compared to Stephanie Plum for its wit and charm.
Each book resolves its central mystery while advancing Stella’s family saga, rewarding readers who follow the series in order. From treasure-hunting in With Killer Views to chocolate factory chaos in Selling Sabotage, the series keeps the stakes high and the laughs plentiful.
Why Flamingo Realty Mystery Resonates
The Flamingo Realty Mystery series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery world, earning praise for its engaging plots and memorable characters. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon rave about James’s ability to balance suspense with heart, with reviews calling the series “a joy to read” and “hard to put down.” Its blend of quirky humor, small-town warmth, and layered family drama appeals to readers seeking both escapism and emotional depth.
Beyond its entertainment value, the series celebrates flawed yet determined heroines like Stella, who prove that being imperfect doesn’t mean being broken. As James continues to expand the series—now at 12 books and counting—its loyal fanbase eagerly awaits each new adventure, cementing its place as a cozy mystery gem.
- Publication Years: 2018–present
- Number of Books: 12
- Setting: Brookfield, Pennsylvania
- Author: CeeCee James
Ready to sleuth alongside Stella? Grab Mind Your Manors and dive into the Flamingo Realty Mystery series’ delightful blend of cozy suspense and small-town charm!