Twilight Falls

Shady Hollow #4

by Juneau Black

The fourth book in the Shady Hollow mystery series sees Vera embroiled in a case involving star-crossed lovers whose affair may have turned deadly.

It's spring in Shady Hollow, and romance is in the air. Even reporter Vera Vixen is caught up in the season as her relationship with new police chief Orville Braun blossoms. But true love is not always smooth sailing, as two of the hollow's young residents come to find. Jonah Atwater and Stasia von Beaverpelt find themselves battling their families in order to be together. And when Alan's father, Shelby, goes over the top of Twilight Falls, all signs point to Stasia being the murderer.

The evidence against Stasia appears overwhelming, and Orville arrests her. It looks like the case is closed, but Vera isn't so sure. There are almost too many clues indicating Stasia is the killer, leading her to suspect someone is setting Stasia up. Besides, what about the mysterious ghostly creature skulking around town at night? Maybe he or she was involved? As Vera investigates further, her sleuthing puts her in direct opposition to Orville, and soon she's stirred up a hornet's nest of trouble.

Genres: Mystery, Fantasy, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Audiobook, Animals

259 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 7, 2023

About the author

Joint pseudonym of Elizabeth Cole and Sharon Nagel. For works of these authors written under their own or other names, search also under: Cole, Elizabeth (Author of romance fiction) or Nagel, Sharon, 1966-

Reviews

[Maddie Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've noticed people saying that this book in the series wasn't as good as the other ones and I sort of see that. The mystery wasn't particularly grabbing or shockingly revealed (maybe I'm getting used to the plot formula). However, I read this for the vibes and the vibes were immaculate.

[Olive · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess the endings every time but I keep reading because the covers are some of the best I've ever seen.

[Jan Agaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

not gonna lie, I did nottt see that twist coming lmao

[KristynRene SwissCheese JellyBean · Rating 3 out of 5]

UPDATE: COZY AS EVER!
While these books aren't perfection, they are well worth the read and have an incredibly unique charm that keeps me coming back for more. I genuinely hope this series never ends.


April 9th, 2023:

I have been waiting for this announcement for sooooo long oh my goodness. I'll be haunting that preorder page until it's available, if anyone needs me.

[Chantaal · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m done with this series, I can’t go through yet another book where I figure out the mystery immediately and then have to suffer while watching the characters bumble their way through the rest of the story.

Also, Orville is 🎶the wooooorst🎶

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do anyone know how cozy mystery series with animal characters instead of humans? I'm struggling in how to search and find more.
I love this series so much, I love the characters, the mysteries, the small town and that every character I'd animals and no humans involved. So sad I got one book left on my shelf, the book after that is not out yet but I'm really hopping there will be more books.

[Kassyreadsalot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Twilight Falls

Author: Juneau Black

Synopsis: It's spring in Shady Hollow, and romance is in the air. Even reporter Vera Vixen is caught up in the season as her relationship with new police chief Orville Braun blossoms. But true love is not always smooth sailing, as two of the hollow's young residents come to find. Jonah Atwater and Stasia von Beaverpelt find themselves battling their families in order to be together. And when Alan's father, Shelby, goes over the top of Twilight Falls, all signs point to Stasia being the murderer.

The evidence against Stasia appears overwhelming, and Orville arrests her. It looks like the case is closed, but Vera isn't so sure. There are almost too many clues indicating Stasia is the killer, leading her to suspect someone is setting Stasia up. Besides, what about the mysterious ghostly creature skulking around town at night? Maybe he or she was involved? As Vera investigates further, her sleuthing puts her in direct opposition to Orville, and soon she's stirred up a hornet's nest of trouble.

Review: I adore Cosy Mysteries I find them very relaxing to read! From what I have read in This book wasn’t as gripping or shocking when things were resolved. The resolution was a bit flat for me and I felt like the mystery fell flat for me but it wasn’t the worst book I’ve read either. I am still excited to continue to read this series!

[Leslye❇ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! It's kind of a mash-up of the typical cozy mystery and The Wind in the Willows. Not for children, as there are some "adultish" themes, but I just think the stories are charming. Love the cozy setting in Shady Hollow and all the woodland characters. The mystery was fairly predictable, but I really didn't mind. These books are comfort reads for me. I don't think they're meant to be taken too seriously, Lol :-D

[katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books more than I could ever explain

[Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series so much. All of these books are five star reads and are just the coziest mysteries.

Twilight Falls (book four) centers around Vera Vixen, Shady Hollow's resident crime-solving reporter, as she works to solve a murder case surrounding two star crossed lovers--Stasia and Jonah. When Jonah's disapproving father falls from the top of Twilight Falls, Stasia finds herself the main suspect in his murder investigation. Convinced of Stasia's innocence, Vera takes it upon herself to get to the bottom of what really happened at Twilight Falls.

It is also important to note that while these books *could* be enjoyed as standalones as they each center around a new mystery, there are references to previous plot lines as well as characters that have been introduced in previous novels. I definitely recommend reading them in order!

The Shady Hollow books feel like Agatha Christie meets Beatrix Potter where woodland creatures live peacefully (most of the time-except for the occasional murder) in a small, cozy town. These books are a comfort series of mine and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a series that will keep you engaged and eager to find out what happens, while also still maintaining an overall low-stakes feel.

Only Juneau Black can make a murder mystery truly feel cozy!

[gray (my.rainbow.bookshelf) · Rating 3 out of 5]

So glad the fox solved the murder mystery of the otter so the otter's son could marry the love of his life, a beaver, in peace 🫡

[LaurenLoveReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. It’s just such a cozy, fun time!! Loved the twilight falls aspect to this one. I didn’t see the twist coming so I loved that!
Watch my full thoughts here: https://youtu.be/dLuvXkmjUgQ?si=mixIi...

[Abbey Laird · Rating 3 out of 5]

this series is so satisfying and sweet, i love every minute i spend in shady hollow. i realize 3 sounds like a low rating, but i don’t think this mystery was as appealing as the last few. that being said, this series - to me - is more about vibes than plot. the mysteries are nice! very quaint! but these are short and sweet and all about being cottagecore. i love the atmosphere more than anything; the town is so charming and so are its inhabitants that i just like existing alongside them for a few hours. i would say these are kid-friendly mysteries in their simplicity and lack of scandal/gore. this one had a fun twist, but even then it was very quaint. i think the writing in these is phenomenal and vivid and i would do anything to see a 2D animated show of this series. the way that juneau black is able to drop their readers directly into their setting is immaculate.

[Fish · Rating 5 out of 5]

(05/04/2023 Before Reading)
Another Shady Hollow?! This is fantastic!

[Erin Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fave in the series so far! They just keep getting cozier.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Shady Hallow Mystery series and by far my least favorite. Anastasia Von Beaverpelt, Stasia, is in a relationship with Jonah Atwater, and both Edith, Stasia's mother, and Shelby, Jonah's father, are against the relationship because of inter-species relationships. (I.e. beaver and an otter)

Vera and Orville decide to take a ride on the ferry to Twilight Falls and have a nice romantic picnic. Both Jonah and Stasia just happen to be riding the same ferry. Unfortunately, Shelby is also on the same ferry and appears to be following both Jonah and Stasia. 

Regrettably, Shelby gets into a fight with a mysterious creature and ends up being pushed into the water. After an extensive search, Shelby's body is never found. 

As the story progresses, we discover that all the evidence is directed at Stasia being the murderer. 

The reason I didn't care much for this book is the plot twist is that a murder never occurred. Shelby faked his death so that Stasia would be framed for the crime and thus would not be able to marry his son, Jonah. 

[Angustia⋆Cósmica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another happy trip down Shady Hollow!

Spring has come to town and with it another murder, as cozy towns tend to have, right? Right.

We get to learn more about interspecies relationships, and also about the disdain some creatures have for it. The townsfolk here are quite like humans, sadly so.

Still, Vera once again takes it upon herself to save everyone within her reach, and then some! Seeing her relationship with Orville grow as books go is so endearing, I'm always rooting for them.

And happy news for everyone! There's a fifth book in the works, so at least I know 2024 will keep my comfort read hunger at bay.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have truly enjoyed every book in this series. This was no exception. It was just a nice, light read, full of fun characters and an intriguing mystery. Vera and Orville continue their courtship, and all the prior characters are back. Shady Hollow hosts the Apple Blossom Festival, which was a nice addition to the quiet, small-town coziness. Looking forward to the next one!

[🥀 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series and writing won't blow your mind, but it will deliver a cozy entertaining time.

3.5⭐️

I stand by my opinion: the main couple makes no sense but I guess I'll continue to ignore it

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this might be my favorite of the series so far! I love this series and I really enjoyed piecing together the clues of this mystery. This series is just delightful and I really loved getting to visit Shady Hollow in springtime and see more of the neighboring communities. I also really love this slow-burn romance happening between Vera and Orville and I can't wait to keep reading and see how their relationship progresses as they continue to solve mysteries!

[the reading teacup | ~☕️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

~4.5 🌟

It’s always good to be back at shady hollows! 🤍✨

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came for the mystery and stayed for the were-abouts and relationships of the residents.

[Dede Yocum · Rating 4 out of 5]

love love love me some Shady Hollow!!! this one was as fun and atmospheric as always but had quite the twist!! i did NOT guess the ending at all and tbh i was totally unsure who the killer was the whole time. this is sooo niche but my new fave part of the series is Lenore, Vera, and Sun Li being besties.

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, this may be the best Shady Hollow Mystery yet!

We've got
-A Happy Murder, if you will (turns out, Shelby was just being a drama king, using his old magician skills to fake his death/scare Jonah and Stasia out of marriage). He's alive and well, just having to do some community to work off his abusing police resources for his stunt.
-Various feast throughout the novel that made my mouth water (I need Sun Li's restaurant to become a reality; never had tofu, but for he who creates new vegetarian recipes, I'd be willing to try). From Muriel's popcorn cart, to picnic sandwiches fit for a deli, and don't get me started on the many treats Joe Jr. and Esme whip up (from page one Vera wakes up with iced/glazed pistachio rolls). Can the authors do a fall event where all these characters and vendors exist for one glorious autumn night?
-Vera and Orville are actually at the scene of the "murder" rather than just stumbling across it. Gives us insight to how differently these two tackle cases head-on.
-Big city attorney, Mr. "My friend's call me Flint" Lennox is smitten with our former heiress turned lovable working girl, Esme von Beaverpelt. I need a novella with these two, I do ❤️.
-Don't get me started on the epilogue: making Vera see marriage/growing old with Orville gave me a case of the warm and fuzzies.

I will say... what was the deal with Muriel's secrecy? I'm sure she was just meant to be a red herring, but I thought she and Shelby were past lovers who didn't work out.

[vicinthemeadow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is just TOO CUTE. This might have been my favourite so far! I feel like I know the characters well at this point and was locked in. We need more books written from the perspective of woodland critters🫶🏼

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guessed right away what was going on, but I love this series so much!

[Emma Campanale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I WANNA BE A FOX LIVING IN SHADY HOLLOW SOOOOOO BAD

[Katie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Jordan Emond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute one and I actually didn’t guess the twist this time 😂 I love seeing our characters stories come full circle, having mostly the same characters through the series is really nice. It’s an easy, short read, perfect for fall!

[Katie Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never have a bad word to say about these books! Just the most perfect cozy reads!!! The aesthetics are absolutely adorable and I always love the details of the mystery they’re trying to solve. Never a deep thought kinda book, but the vibes are exquisite! 🦊🐻📝
5 ⭐️