January Book Club: Keeled Over at the Cliffside by Nancy Stewart
Keeled Over at the Cliffside (Saltcliff Mysteries Book 1) by Nancy Stewart
Saltcliff on the Sea sounds like the perfect getaway—quaint California seaside vibes, charming locals, and a cozy inn with Instagrammable sunsets. But murder has a way of ruining even the best vacations. Enter Dahlia Vale, a former government contractor turned accidental innkeeper, now juggling breakfast duty, raising her niece Diantha, and solving a string of suspicious deaths.
What sets this cozy mystery apart is Dahlia herself. While she never outright declares herself autistic, her Sheldon Cooper-like thought processes and unique ways of handling life make her incredibly endearing. Watching her navigate social cues and moments of overwhelm in a high-stress, murder-filled environment is both touching and refreshing. Her service dog Taco is a scene-stealing superhero, sniffing out allergens (and clues) like the pro he is. Seriously, Taco deserves his own fan club. (Side note: Why didn’t I know dogs could do this?)
Nancy Stewart’s writing is pure chef’s kiss, balancing lighthearted charm with heartfelt moments. The mystery itself is layered and well-paced, keeping you guessing without dragging. The relationships—especially between Dahlia and Diantha—are tender and authentic, while the local police officer’s warm support adds a refreshing twist to the usual cozy mystery dynamics.
And let’s just say Stewart’s food descriptions made me so hungry I seriously considered a late-night baking spree while I was reading, and thankfully, she includes recipes at the end.
As someone who knows Nancy from author conferences, I can attest that she’s as lovely in person as her writing suggests. Her warmth and great sense of humor shine through every page of this book, making Keeled Over at the Cliffside a delightful start to the Saltcliff Mysteries series. If you’re ready for a mystery that feels fresh yet comfortingly cozy, this is your next read. There are currently three in the series, but I hope more will follow because I like this town and the characters. Saltcliff is worth the trip—just watch out for the murderers. They tend to check in unannounced.
Kelly Brakenhoff is the author of 15 books and a seasoned ASL interpreter. She splits her writing energy between two series: cozy mysteries set on a college campus and children’s books featuring Duke the Deaf Dog.
Parents, kids, and teachers love the children’s books and activity guides because they introduce ASL and the Deaf community through fun, engaging stories. And if you enjoy a smart female sleuth, want to learn more about Deaf culture, or have ever lived in a place where livestock outnumber people, the Cassandra Sato Mystery series will have you connecting the dots faster than a group project coming together the night before it’s due.
A proud mom to four adults, head of the dog-snuggling department, and grandma to a growing brood of perfectly behaved grandkids, Kelly and her husband call Nebraska home.