Windmere Cove Cozy Mystery Book 5
Murder at Blackwell Estate
Murder at Blackwell Estate
"This has to be the best book of the already excellent series. And one of my top ten books EVER! I got so wrapped up in the book that I almost felt like I was there, especially in the tunnels and Izzy doing some exploring while trespassing."
Susan
A Captivating and Cozy Whodunit Filled with Heart and Suspense
"When it comes to cozy mysteries, the Windmere Cove series consistently delivers the perfect blend of small-town charm, intriguing characters, and edge-of-your-seat suspense. In this fifth installment, the author, Harper Burton, has once again outdone herself..."
Mandy B.
Vivienne Blackwell ran Crescent Moon Estate like a kingdom. Magnificent. Ruthless. Impossible to leave without her permission. Permission denied.
Izzy Harper came to choose the wine. Vivienne chose everything else.
By morning, Vivienne was dead in her sunroom, tea still warm in her hand. No phone signal. No car. No way out.
Shadows have been following Izzy since she came to Windmere Cove. At Blackwell Estate, they finally caught up.
Noodle led her to the ransacked room. The safe was empty. The room wasn't. Someone in this estate had been waiting for this.
Now a killer is somewhere inside these walls. And Izzy is the only one asking the right questions.
She isn't just solving a murder. She's locked inside one.
New to the series? Jump in anywhere. Each book can be enjoyed as a standalone.
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Book Details
Book Details
Print length: 261 pages
Formats available: Ebook, Paperback
Dimensions: 6 x 9 inches
Publisher: Thistledown Heights Publishing
Publish Date: May 5, 2026
Language: English
Series: Windmere Cove Cozy Mystery, Book 5
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Setting: Windmere Cove, a fictional coastal town in South Carolina
Content: Clean read. No graphic violence, no strong language, no explicit content.
Can I start here? Absolutely. Each book is a standalone mystery with its own case to solve.
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Read a Sample
Copyright © 2026 Harper Burton. All rights reserved. This excerpt may not be reproduced without permission.
Chapter 1: Murder at Blackwell Estate
Captain Reyes never called this late unless it mattered.
Izzy stood at the end of Pier Three, Noodle a warm weight against her ankle, watching the dark water. The harbor was quiet this time of night. Just the slap of waves against the pilings and the creak of boats shifting in their slips.
"Best flavor I've pulled in fifteen years," he'd said on the phone. "Wanted to give you first dibs before word gets out."
That was all it took. She'd grabbed her keys and Noodle and driven to the harbor without hesitation. When Reyes said something was special, it was special.
His boat lights were visible in the distance, still ten minutes out.
Noodle's ears rotated forward.
Izzy followed his gaze toward the old cannery warehouse at the far end of the harbor. Dark for years now. Scheduled for demolition.
Voices.
Low. Urgent. Carrying across the water in pieces.
She shouldn't listen. It was none of her business.
But Noodle was already moving, padding silently along the pier toward the warehouse. She followed, keeping to the shadows out of instinct more than intention.
Two figures stood near the loading dock. One tall, composed, perfectly still. The other pacing. Agitated.
"I paid my debt." A woman's voice. Tight. Barely controlled. "Three years ago. We agreed that was the end of it."
"You misunderstand the nature of our arrangement." The man's voice was smooth. Almost gentle. "There is no end. There is only balance. And the scales have shifted."
"I did what you asked. I gave you names. Introductions. Access to people who would never have spoken to you otherwise."
"And we are grateful. Truly. But gratitude is not currency." He stepped closer. "You came to us when you were desperate. We solved a problem that would have destroyed you. Did you think that kind of intervention came without ongoing obligation?"
He held out a folder.
"When the time comes, follow these instructions exactly."
The woman didn't take it. Not immediately.
Izzy shifted to get a better angle. The pier light caught the folder's cover for just a moment. A symbol embossed in the leather. A whisk crossed with a pen.
Something locked in her chest.
She'd seen that symbol before. Eighteen months ago, when Spencer Reed collapsed in her café, his wine laced with poison. His death had led her down paths she never expected. Into secrets she was still trying to understand.
And now they were here. In her harbor.
"What do you want?"
"Access. When the time comes, you look the other way. Nothing more."
The woman laughed. Bitter. Hollow. "And if I refuse?"
"Then the problem we solved three years ago becomes unsolved. Records can be recovered. Witnesses can be reminded. The truth has a way of surfacing when it becomes useful."
Another silence. Longer this time.
When the woman spoke again, her voice had changed. Harder. Colder.
"I could solve this problem myself. Permanently. Without your help."
The man went very still.
"That is not your decision to make."
"Isn't it?" The woman stepped toward him. "I've spent my entire life answering to someone who controls everything I do. Every choice. Every relationship. Every breath." Her voice dropped. "I will not trade one master for another."
"You don't understand what you're suggesting."
"I understand perfectly." She was close to him now. Close enough that Izzy could hear the steel in her voice. "You want access. You want someone on the inside. But you're not the only one who knows how to wait. How to plan." A pause. "How to end things."
The man said nothing.
"So here's what's going to happen." The woman's voice was quiet. Controlled. Terrifying. "You're going to walk away. And if the time comes when I need to act, I'll act. On my terms. Not yours."
"You would make an enemy of us?"
"I would make it clear that I am not your asset. Not your pawn. Not your anything." She stepped back. "We're done here."
The tall figure was silent for a long moment. When he spoke, his voice had lost its smoothness.
"You are making a mistake."
"Maybe. But it will be my mistake. Not yours."
She took the folder. Turned and walked into the darkness. Unhurried. Unafraid.
The man stood motionless. Then he reached into his coat and pulled out a phone. The screen lit his face for just a moment. Sharp features. Cold eyes.
He made a call. Said four words.
"We have a problem."
Noodle's collar jingled.
Izzy pulled back, flattening herself against a stack of old pallets, one hand on Noodle's collar. Her heart slammed against her ribs.
The man's head turned. Just slightly. Listening.
Then he was gone.
She stood there for a long moment, Noodle warm against her side, the night settling back into silence around her.
A woman willing to kill. A society that had just lost control of her. And something coming that neither of them could stop.
She didn't know who that woman was. Didn't know what the Society had done for her, or what she was planning now.
The whisk and pen. The symbol of La Société des Gourmets Discernants. A secret organization that had operated in the shadows for centuries. She'd crossed paths with them four times now, starting with Spencer's death. Each time, someone had died.
And now they were circling someone new.
But she knew one thing with certainty.
When the Society appeared, death followed.
Captain Reyes's boat horn sounded from the harbor mouth.
Izzy flinched. Then caught herself.
She watched the lights approach, her mind still on the shadows.
Tomorrow she would open the café. Shuck oysters. Serve the lunch rush. Pretend everything was normal.
But nothing about this was normal.
Noodle nudged her hand.
"I know, boy." She scratched behind his ears. "I know."
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- 5 stars: 26 (96%)
- 4 stars: 1 (4%)
- 3 stars: 0 (0%)
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Murder at Blackwell Estate is a great addition to the series. I didn’t want to put it down. I love the characters: Izzy, Noodle and Kace. A great twisty mystery with a great plot. I love the community table and Harrison and Amina’s wedding was so special. Can’t wait to see what’s next. I highly recommend it. I received this book as a member of the ARC team, and this review reflects my honest opinion.
This was another great story. She her pet had solve a murder and maybe her life might be in danger in this moment. The book cover caught my attention, and you will enjoy this mystery of this story. I was on the edge of my seat, and it was a thriller of suspense of danger.
I highly recommend this book, and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones
After reading the first four books in this series, I thought I knew what to expect. However, the author outdid herself with this one! What a twisted tale indeed. Seriously, I love this series, along with characters that have become like friends. P.S. I missed Mr. Thornton! I'm looking forward to more with Noodle and his peeps.
I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Izzy and Noodle are on the case again when there is a murder when they are visiting a wine estate.
Vivienne Blackwell is a bit of a recluse and she doesn’t grant tastings very often. Izzy and her team go to the estate with her cousin to test wine for Harrison’s wedding. By the next morning Vivienne is dead.
There are numerous suspects, including family members and staff.
This book contains suspense, intrigue, betrayal secrets and mystery.
This is a great read which I really enjoyed reading.
I received a free copy of this book and freely and honestly leave my review.
Best one yet! Loved it, story, characters, everything - loving Kace getting more involved with Izzy. Can't wait for the next one and whatever Noodle gets up to next.
I enjoyed reading this mystery. I was quickly pulled into the story and found it interesting. This was a fast read and I will be looking for more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A dollop of fantasy in Windemere Cove makes for suspenseful and enjoyable reading. I am not a fan of sci-fi or fantasy, but this series has definitely caught my attention. Strong, likable characters and good writing make it a sure TBR.
I received an ARC and volunteered this honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review. An Awesome exciting read that is very hard to put down. Izzy and Noodle are always in the thick of intrigue and excitement and this time they are at a winery picking out wine for an event. When a murder happens Izzy with the intrepid pup Noodle solve a murder. Could romance happen in a future book when Izzy meets Kace. A great stand alone that a reader will want to binge read as they navigate all the twists and turns.
This is the fifth book in the Windmere Cove Series that hooks you from the beginning. Izzy with her clue finding, incredibly intuitive dog, Noodles, and her friends go to the Crescent Moon Estate for a wine tasting for Harrison and Amina’s wedding. Vivienne Blackwell runs a very tight estate that ends her getting her murdered. With so many possible suspects, including family members, secrets and someone seeming to shadow Izzy, there is a lot of danger when Izzy and Noodle take on investigating. Things get very dangerous as Izzy and Noodle gets closer to the murderer and the truths. We now have Izzy's blossoming relationship with Kade added to the mystery. This is a page turning, unputdownable book that keeps you totally guessing until the end. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
I absolutely love this series! Such a unique concept and fascinating characters. Izzy and Noodle are so in sync. Izzy's growing romantic interest, Kace, is a great addition to the ongoing story. While many say each book can be read as a stand alone, I strongly recommend reading them all in order. It is the best way to truly and fully appreciate the author's creativity and writing ability. This is not your typical cozy mystery series. It is so much more! I would love to have a little more time at the Buttermilk Cafe with Max, Marcus and Ro as their characters are great as well. Please keep the books coming!
Izzy is getting pulled into another mystery when a death happens that seems to be related to the Society. Izzy, Noodle and Kace are an amazing team and I enjoyed how they are working together with support and trust. The storyline has plenty of surprises along the way, which makes this book a wonderful page turner. Amazing to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This books starts off with overheard threats, tension, and a woman who seems to be made of iron and accepts no mistakes. I knew that Harper Burton was not going to disappoint with this book.
Izzy, Noodle, and her staff cater a meal to pair wine for her cousin, Harrison and his fiancée, Amina’s wedding. The meal is held at Blackwell Estate, the home of Vivienne Blackwell. Vivienne is a recluse who leaves her staff terrorized and controls her children’s lives. She insists that Izzy stay overnight. The next morning Izzy finds her deceased. Her children and staff act strangely upon hearing that she’s deceased. Noodle leads her to a room that has been searched with the safe open and someone still in the room.
Izzy, Noodle, and Detective Grayson Bell search for clues that point to the killer. Kace is renovating a home he bought and underground tunnels are found. He, Izzy, and Noodle search them and overhear
conversations at Blackwell Estate’s winery’s offices.
I received an ARC of this book. This is my own honest opinion.
Loved the book!!! The characters are amazing!! Noodle is a great partner!!
Another excellent book in this series. Slowly but surely we learn more about "The Society" and the fragments. I am really curious to see what happens when all six fragments get together.
Izzy and Kace are a great couple, and Noodle is adorable as ever and very smart, often smarter than the humans.
Can't wait for the next book.
I received an ARC copy from the author.
The latest chapter of Noodle and Izzy's adventures has you sitting on the edge of your seat and staying up late to finish reading it. It is by far the best book of the series. Izzy once again gets involved in a murder investigation after being invited to the Blackwell estate to help choose the wine for Harrison and Amina's wedding. As she works to solve the mystery she again finds herself in danger. Noodle again helps her stay out of harms way as his nose helps find clues. This book is both a cozy mystery and a thriller full of suspense. A must read if you like solid female characters, mystery, danger, a hint of romance and of course lovable, smart dogs!
When it comes to cozy mysteries, the Windmere Cove series consistently delivers the perfect blend of small-town charm, intriguing characters, and edge-of-your-seat suspense.
In this fifth installment, the author, Harper Burton, has once again outdone herself with another great book in the series. The story takes an immersive turn as Izzy Harper and her team navigate a web of family secrets, old money, and high-stakes danger at the Crescent Moon Winery. Brimming with unexpected plot twists and heartwarming relationships, this novel stands out as an absolute must-read for fans of the genre.
Murder at Blackwell Estate is a brilliant mix of murder, intrigue, and suspense. The story hits the ground running when Izzy Harper discovers the wealthy owner of the winery, Vivienne Blackwell, dead.
With suspects ranging from resentful family members to disgruntled workers, Izzy and her clever sleuthing dog, Noodle, have their hands full.
Beyond the mystery, this installment brings incredible clarity to the complex lore involving The Society and the fragments, making the stakes clearer than ever.
My favorite part of the book is the wonderful dynamic between Izzy and Kace. Izzy's reflections on their relationship—including an unexpected wedding and beautiful moments at the festival—add so much heart to the story.
With engaging characters and thrilling twists, this book kept my attention all the way to the end.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. My recommendation is voluntary and honest.
Vivienne Blackwell ran Crescent Moon Estate where grapes were grown and made into wine. Izzy Harper came to choose wine for her best friend’s wedding. By the morning, Vivienne was dead. Izzy and her dog, Noodle, begin investigating. The office was ransacked, the safe was empty. Izzy asks the right questions and thinks nothing of going into dangerous situations.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Disclaimer :I received an ARC from the author
Izzy and Noodle are at it again! This time it’s murder at a winery…but with the addition of Kace, a new element of romance has entered her life.
I started this series and now hopes it never ends. Lighthearted, warm with a dash of suspense and always satisfying…
Murder at Blackwell Estate is a Superb story and series about Izzy Harper a Cafe Owner and her very clever sleuthing dog Noodle. Harper, Noodle with her team Marcus, Ro and Max go to the Winery for a tasting for a wedding. Izzy stayed at Winery over night and in the morning discovered the Winery Owner dead. Detective Grayson Bell comes to investigate the mystery and Izzy with Noodle and Kace her Boyfriend also search for clues. There are many twists and turns throughout the story and some surprising events. But what will be uncovered by Izzy and can she discover the truth?
I enjoyed reading this story very much and I highly recommend that you read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
To say that I loved this book would be an understatement. This has to be the best book of the already excellent series. And one of my top ten books EVER! I got so wrapped up in the book that I almost felt like I was there, especially in the tunnels and Izzy doing some exploring while trespassing. I got so nervous I has to close my eyes because I got sweaty hands. I know, TMI! 😁
After I finished the book, I had to take a day to absorb it before I could write this review. These books have some very complicated backstories, especially involving "The Society" and the fragments that sometimes I felt like I wasn't understanding the entire implications of the Society. With this book I felt I finally understood how much was at stake in the books. Now I want to go back and re-read the complete series and understand what I may have missed.
My favorite part of this book has to be the evolving relationship between Izzy and Kace especially in regards to Noodle. The way Noodle reacts whenever he see Kace is delightful. I can picture that wiggly body. And Izzy's thoughts while she watches them is beautiful. Especially at the festival (no spoilers). I listen to the book via text to speech and sometimes I can imagine it in my head and the parts with Noodle make me smile and, sometimes, laugh. I am already experiencing Noodle withdrawal.
It was interesting to finally be in the Blackwell estate after reading about it and the winery in previous books. I must admit I was a little sad when Vivienne Blackwell passed away before she could meet with Izzy. Now that would have been interesting. And all the twists in the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. But like all things, the book had to come to an end. Until the next adventure.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. My recommendation is voluntary and honest. I recommend not only this book but the entire series. I loved the book so much I plan to purchase an ebook when it becomes available. Can't wait until the next book is released.
This is a very good book. Izzy came to a dinner and wine tasting to help her cousin choose wine for their upcoming wedding. The wine was excellent and expensive. Most of all the taste of the wine brought out the flavors of the food in a unique way. At the end of the tasting Izzy and her dog were the only ones asked to spend the night and discuss details the next morning. Yet the next morning her hostess was dead, opening a delightfully puzzling mystery. I am an ARC and I enjoyed reading this book.
I LOVED Book 5. It is my favorite of the series so far.
Murder, mystery, intrigue, and suspense.
Blackwell Estate, Vivienne Blackwell a very controlling elderly woman, and money. Old money!
Secrets. Secrets. And more secrets. Oh, my.
Crescent Moon Winery, invitation only, expensive!
Sibling rivalry, anger, jealousy.
Whisk/pen, a fragment, The Society. What does this mean? And who is Claire Bennett really?
Romance, love, and a wedding. Didn't see this coming.
Izzy and Noodle. Quite the sleuthing pair.
And then there's kind patient Kace. Will there be another wedding?
So many twists and turns. It held my attention right from page 1. I've read the entire Windmere Cove series, knew the characters and plots, but was still pleasantly surprised.
This is my independent ARC review.
This was such an intriguing mystery that I was spellbound by the story. A mysterious woman with a mysterious process who orchestrated so much misery and pain. I was hanging on to every word waiting to find out what was going to happen. This was a most tantalizing read!!!!!
Izzy, Noodle, Ro, Max, and Marcus are gathered at the Crescent Moon Estate, managed by Vivienne Blackwell, for a tasting ceremony in honor of Amina and Harrison’s wedding, which they have been contracted to cater. Following the tasting, Vivienne insists that Izzy remain overnight so they can discuss everything in detail the next morning.
The following morning, Izzy discovers Vivienne lifeless in her sunroom, her morning tea still warm in her hands. The estate is expansive, with potential suspects including the deceased’s daughter and son, as well as the estate staff.
Izzy and Noodle spring into action, utilizing their investigative skills to uncover who might have wished harm upon Vivienne. As they delve deeper into the case, an abundance of secrets and unexpected twists emerge. Just when you think you have unraveled the mystery, the story takes an unsettling twist, forcing you to reevaluate everything you believed to be true.
The enigma and the echoes of the past kept me riveted in my seat, pondering how everything was connected. I found myself questioning how elements from Izzy’s previous cases related to Vivienne’s demise.
I eagerly anticipate diving into more of the Windmere Cozy Mystery series to discover where Izzy and Noodle’s adventures will lead them next.
Don’t miss out on grabbing a copy of Murder at Blackwell Estate today for another thrilling mystery to unravel.
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