Shady Hollow (A Shady Hollow Mystery #1) (Paperback)
February 2022 Indie Next List
“In the industrious town of Shady Hollow, woodland creatures go about their lives until a brutal betrayal shatters the peace. Vera Vixen, a tenacious reporter and cunning fox, unravels a murder mystery in this smart series debut.”
— Margaret Walker, Union Avenue Books, Knoxville, TN
Staff Reviews
If you're in need of some delightful brain candy to get you through the dark of the year, look no further than this gem. Featuring a fun murder mystery, a quaint village hiding an undercurrent of dark secrets, and a full cast of anthropomorphized animals, Juneau Black's work is sure delight anyone who needs a cozy escape from reality. Think Murder She Wrote meets The Wind in the Willows. This book pairs well with any of the delicious teas available from our neighbor, NonEssentials!
— JessicaReporter Vera Vixen is a relative newcomer to Shady Hollow. The fox has a nose for news, so when she catches wind that the death might be a murder, she resolves to get to the bottom of the case, no matter where it leads. As she stirs up still waters, the fox exposes more than one mystery, and discovers that additional lives are in jeopardy.
Vera finds more to this town than she ever suspected. It seems someone in the Hollow will do anything to keep her from solving the murder, and soon it will take all of Vera’s cunning and quickness to crack the case.
A VINTAGE CRIME/BLACK LIZARD ORIGINAL
—The New York Times
“This captivating tale offers sunshine and murder in perfect proportion to keep readers entertained and engrossed in deceptively placid Shady Hollow.”
—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
“Need a book to curl up with by the fire? This is it! Shady Hollow must be the coziest of cozy crime stories. It’s a whimsical woodland murder mystery like no other! 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