Step into the cozy yet thrilling world of the Kelly Jackson Mystery series, where a charming Northern California bed-and-breakfast hides secrets as deep as the coastal fog! Written by USA Today bestselling author Janet Finsilver, this delightful cozy mystery series follows Kelly Jackson, a sharp-witted B&B manager who trades spreadsheets for sleuthing, unraveling murders and mysteries with the help of her quirky allies, the Silver Sentinels. Perfect for fans of small-town intrigue and heartwarming camaraderie, Kelly’s adventures blend suspense with the warmth of a seaside escape.
From the moment Kelly steps into Redwood Cove, readers are hooked by her tenacity and the series’ knack for balancing chilling crimes with a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a cozy mystery veteran or new to the genre, Kelly Jackson’s world offers a refreshing dive into detective work with a side of chocolate and wine festivals!
How Kelly Jackson Began
Janet Finsilver, a former educator with a passion for storytelling, crafted the Kelly Jackson Mystery series to capture the charm of Northern California’s coast. Inspired by her love for cozy mysteries and the tight-knit communities of small towns, Finsilver introduced Kelly in 2015 with Murder at the Mansion. Her goal was to create a relatable heroine who solves crimes while forging deep connections, reflecting the author’s own appreciation for community and collaboration. Finsilver’s background in English and education shines through in her crisp prose and well-plotted narratives.
The Heart of Kelly Jackson
The Kelly Jackson Mystery series spans six books, each plunging Kelly into a new puzzle in Redwood Cove. In Murder at the Mansion (2015), Kelly arrives to manage the Redwood Cove Bed and Breakfast, only to investigate the suspicious death of her predecessor, Bob Phillips. Murder in the Wine Country (2016) sees her untangle a winery-related killing during a festival, while Murder at the Mushroom Festival (2018) weaves in local culture as Kelly probes a fungi-fueled crime. Murder at the Marina (2019) rounds out the series with a nautical mystery involving jewel thefts and a body on the B&B grounds.
The series’ themes center on community, resilience, and the power of unlikely alliances. Kelly, an outsider turned local hero, teams up with the Silver Sentinels—a group of savvy retirees who bring humor and wisdom to her investigations. The coastal setting, with its foggy cliffs and vibrant festivals, acts as a vivid backdrop, grounding the stories in a sense of place. Finsilver’s style is light yet gripping, with tightly woven plots that keep readers guessing without overwhelming them with gore, making it ideal for cozy mystery fans craving suspense with heart.
Why Kelly Jackson Resonates
The Kelly Jackson Mystery series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by blending small-town charm with compelling detective work. Fans praise its relatable protagonist and the Silver Sentinels’ endearing antics, which add levity to tense moments. The series’ focus on community and collaboration resonates in an era where connection feels more vital than ever. While not a literary heavyweight, its consistent storytelling and atmospheric setting have earned it a loyal following, with readers eagerly recommending it on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon.
- Number of Books: 6
- First Published: 2015
- Author: Janet Finsilver
- Setting: Redwood Cove, Northern California
Grab Murder at the Mansion and dive into Kelly Jackson’s cozy mystery world, where every clue leads to adventure and every page feels like a seaside getaway!