Windmere Cove Cozy Mystery Book 4
Murder on the Indigo Sea
Murder on the Indigo Sea
"This is the first book I've read in the series. I enjoyed it so much that I've since purchased all the other books in the series. Very well written. I was reading before work, during my lunch and also in the evening. I couldn't figure out who did it, and couldn't wait to find out."
Dianna S.
"This book had me hooked from the very beginning. Even though it is Book 4, you did not need to read the prior books to enjoy this one. The character development was excellent, and the action took place very early in the book. The story line was so engrossing, I had a very difficult time putting the book down."
DH Thomas
A luxury vessel. Rare spices. An invitation most people would kill for. Someone did.
Aboard the Indigo Sea, the cargo is worth more than gold. So are its secrets. Izzy Harper had no business being there. She went anyway. Noodle in a bow tie. Evidence bags in her clutch. Three murders will do that to a person.
Captain Volkov is dead in the Grand Dignitary Meeting Room. The saffron in his teacup smells wrong. And the man fleeing the scene is someone Izzy trusted. Someone she was starting to feel something for. Someone who looked back at her once across a dead man and kept running. She followed.
Noodle, her golden retriever, is the only reason she turned back. He knows the difference between chasing answers and running from them.
Someone on this ship knows what really happened. Izzy just has to decide how much the truth is going to cost her.
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: 242 pages
Formats available: Ebook, Paperback
Dimensions: 6 x 9 inches
Publisher: Thistledown Heights Publishing
Publish Date: January 20, 2026
Language: English
Series: Windmere Cove Cozy Mystery, Book 4
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 on the Indigo Sea
Izzy Harper sat in her cottage behind Buttermilk Café, reviewing tomorrow's menu when Noodle lifted his head from his bed. His ears perked forward, tracking something she couldn't hear. A single knock echoed from her front door. She wasn't expecting anyone.
Noodle padded to the door, tail neutral, nose working.
Before she could call out, a white envelope slid under the gap, rain-spotted but intact. She picked it up. The whisk-and-pen emblem of La Société des Gourmets Discerning was pressed into red wax.
Inside, a single line in precise handwriting:
I have something of your grandmother's. Pier Seven. One hour. Come alone.
Her stomach tightened. La Société des Gourmets Discerning. The secret culinary society that had been at the center of three murders already. Spencer Reed, Malcolm Winters, Tony Mancuso. All connected to the bronze fragments, all dead.
Something of her grandmother's? What could they possibly have?
She'd been debating, pacing, second-guessing since the note arrived. Through the window, the sky looked threatening, heavy clouds gathering. Maybe that should have been her first warning this was a bad idea.
Noodle walked to the coat rack and sat, decision made.
"You're right," she said, pulling on her raincoat. "Better to go." She grabbed Noodle's yellow slicker from the hook. "Looks like rain, boy."
The note said come alone, but Noodle was already at the door, waiting patiently while she fastened his rain jacket.
They hurried to her Volvo just as the first fat raindrops began to fall. By the time she pulled into the harbor parking lot five minutes later, the storm had arrived in full force.
***
Wind howled through the rigging of moored boats, sending the Salty Dog and Morning Glory crashing against their bumpers. Rain hammered the docks in sheets so thick that even the lighthouse beam struggled to pierce through.
Pier Seven stretched into the harbor like a finger pointing toward the lighthouse. The pier lights struggled against the storm, their glow barely reaching the planks. Empty slips lined both sides, their usual occupants hauled out for winter storage. Rain pelted Izzy's face as she walked the length of the pier, seeing no one.
She checked her watch. Right on time.
"Hello?" Her voice disappeared into the storm.
Noodle pressed against her leg, alert but calm. Then she heard them. Footsteps on the wet planks behind her. Slow. Deliberate. Getting closer.
She turned.
A figure emerged from the shadows where the pier met the shore. Tall, wearing a long coat that somehow seemed to repel the rain. The pier light caught his face briefly. Middle-aged, sharp features, eyes that held too many secrets. She'd never seen him before.
"Miss Harper." His voice carried despite the storm.
Before she could respond, he grabbed her arm, firm but not painful, and steered her toward a small shelter she hadn't noticed. A covered bench area where fishermen waited out squalls. The wind still reached them, but the roof blocked the worst of the rain. Noodle followed, positioning himself between Izzy and the stranger.
"Thank you for coming," the man said, releasing her arm.
"Did I have a choice?"
"There's always a choice. Though not always a good one." He reached into his coat and pulled out a flat package wrapped in oilcloth, about the size of a recipe card.
"These were stolen from your grandmother's collection years ago," he said, extending the package. "The Society... acquired them. These belong to you. Soon, they'll make more sense.”
The oilcloth bore the whisk-and-pen symbol, beaded with rain. It was all Izzy could do not to tear it open right there, but the rain would damage whatever was inside. She tucked it carefully inside her coat.
"Why now?" she asked. "Why return them?"
The man studied her for a long moment. "Oh, Izzy. You don't understand yet, do you? The fragments you've been collecting? They're not the real Mechanism. They're the key to activating it."
The wind gusted, driving rain sideways across the pier. Noodle moved closer to Izzy, his warmth a comfort against the cold.
"The three fragments you've found," the man continued. "Each one powerful alone, yes. Cultivation, Fermentation, Catalyst. Remarkable devices in their own right. But when combined? They activate something that's been dormant. Something that could transform Windmere Cove."
"Transform it how?"
"That depends on who controls it. And that transformation? It will draw others. Dangerous others. People who've been waiting decades for this opportunity." Lightning flickered across the harbor, illuminating his face. "When you find the fourth fragment, the danger will escalate beyond anything you've faced. "The people you've dealt with before? Amateurs. What's coming..." He shook his head. "Study those recipes carefully. Your grandmother knew more than she ever told the Society."
"Wait," Izzy called as he turned to leave. "Who are you? Why warn me?"
He paused at the edge of the light. "The Mechanism should stay dormant. Not all Society members share that view." He studied her for a moment. "But if someone's going to figure this out, I'd rather it be you." He gestured to the package hidden in her coat. "The answers you need are in there. Though you may not recognize them at first."
Then he walked into the storm and was gone, swallowed by rain and darkness.
Back in her cottage, Izzy toweled Noodle dry while the package sat on her kitchen table, still wrapped in its protective oilcloth. The package pulled her back to her grandmother's kitchen, to the scent of cinnamon and brown sugar that always lingered there.
Finally, she couldn't wait any longer. She carefully unwrapped the leather sheath. Inside were four recipe cards, yellowed with age but perfectly preserved.
Her grandmother Margaret's handwriting flowed across the cardstock in faded blue ink:
Lonely Afternoon Cake
Forgiveness Pie
Second-Chance Bread
Sweet Regret Cookies
Each recipe included notes about emotions, stories, moods. Her grandmother's way of organizing recipes not by ingredient or course, but by feeling. Just like Izzy did now.
She picked up the Lonely Afternoon Cake card. The recipe called for brown sugar and sour cream, topped with cinnamon crumble. She had everything she needed.
"What do you think, Noodle? Midnight baking?" He wagged his tail and settled by the oven. “That’s what I thought. You just want the bowl.”
As she creamed butter and brown sugar, as cinnamon filled her kitchen, the scent pulled her back through time. She was eight years old, standing on a step stool in her grandmother's kitchen. September light streaming through windows. The house too quiet after Grandpa's funeral.
"Sometimes," her grandmother had said, folding cinnamon into butter with practiced hands, "we bake to fill the silence with sweeter things."
The cake had cooled on the windowsill while they waited, though neither knew quite what they were waiting for. Just that the waiting was easier with cake to share and stories to tell. Her grandmother had written it right there on the card: Best eaten warm, while waiting for company that may or may not arrive.
Even then, her grandmother had understood that some silences needed filling, some waiting needed purpose.
The memory faded as the timer dinged. Izzy pulled the cake from her own oven, the exact same smell filling her cottage. Lonely Afternoon Cake, perfect for a stormy night when questions outnumbered answers.
While the cake cooled, she studied the recipe cards more closely. That's when she noticed it. In the corner of each card, barely visible unless you looked at just the right angle, was a symbol: //
These weren't just recipes. They were something more. Instructions? A code?
Noodle suddenly nosed at the Forgiveness Pie card, flipping it over on the table. There, on the back, was different handwriting. Her breath caught.
Spencer Reed's precise script filled the back of the card:
This mark isn't decorative. Pattern repeats across all cards. Intentional, formulaic? Symbol or cipher? S.R.
Spencer had held these cards. Studied them. Before he died in her café, before he passed her the first fragment, he'd known about these recipes. Known about the // symbol.
The cake sat cooling on the counter, filling the cottage with warmth and memory. Outside, the storm was passing, thunder growing distant. But Izzy knew another kind of storm was building. The Society member's words echoed in her mind: "When you find the fourth fragment, the danger will escalate beyond anything you've faced."
She looked at the four recipe cards spread on her table, each marked with that mysterious // symbol. Somewhere in these recipes, in her grandmother's careful measurements and emotional notations, lay answers. Or perhaps more questions.
Noodle rested his head on her knee, and she stroked his ears absently.
"Spencer knew," she said quietly. "He knew about the symbol. About the recipes. He knew, and now he's dead."
The golden retriever's brown eyes met hers, steady and calm.
She picked up the Forgiveness Pie card again, studying Spencer's note.
But tonight, she had cake. She had Noodle. She had her grandmother's recipes returned after years of absence.
And she had a mystery that Spencer Reed had started investigating before his death. One hidden in her grandmother's careful handwriting and mysterious symbol.
The storm moved out to sea, leaving only the sound of rain dripping from the eaves.
She cut herself a slice of Lonely Afternoon Cake and sat at her kitchen table, surrounded by the echoes of recipes and secrets, while Noodle kept watch at her feet.
Whatever the // symbol meant, whatever her grandmother had hidden in these recipes, she would figure it out. She had to.
Because somewhere out there, the fourth fragment was waiting. And with it would come the dangerous others the Society member had warned about.
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- 5 stars: 57 (80%)
- 4 stars: 11 (15%)
- 3 stars: 3 (4%)
- 2 stars: 0 (0%)
- 1 star: 0 (0%)
I enjoy a good series that gets you anticipating the next one!
Another great book by Harper Burton! The plot is engaging and interesting with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The characters are interesting and who can resist lovable Noodle, Izzy’s Golden Retriever! This book kept me reading right to the end. I can’t wait to read more from this author and from this series! Cherie
Love these stories fun suspense and tasty. When a small town mystery comes along Windemere Cove search’s the clues till it’s solved. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Noodle is at it again! ❤️ Fragments,fragments, fragments. Each has different abilities but is part of a whole. The mysteries and the fragments just keep getting more suspenseful and wild. So many characters this time. Noodle really is the best 👌! I love how protective he gets with Izzy, but yet in the same scene is so compassionate with others, especially Tali! A murder, no surprise, but not the "right" target. Multiple suspects, a few with very reasonable motives, atleast from the outside looking in. Some greats moments in this book that are little gems in the story. The python, the townsfolk protecting her without knowing, and Kace. I really love how Noodle has accepted him immediately, shows he really is to be trusted. Wasn't sure how I felt with them but I must say I like the pair together.
The Society is getting bolder, and Izzy & Noodle are continuing to find the truth. Now, as we approach the final fragments, so many questions. The Creator? How was Izzy able to operate the fragment? Is there magic in Windemere? How many more of Grandma Harper's recipes are going to be found?
Harper, I absolutely love this series and am hooked again! This is my favorite in the series so far! I can't wait to see what happens in the next two as the series progresses. Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this series. 👏
Murder on the Indigo Sea by Harper Burton Somehow missed that the book was part of Windmere Cove Cozy Mystery Book 4. After the reading the first few chapters and falling in love with Noodle, I realized that it would be best to start with the first books in the series. The author intrigued me enough to want to know more about the previous mysteries and, so I'll be looking for her backlist.
Thank you to the author, BooksGoSocial, and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
This was an enjoyable and relaxing read with some interesting facts. I absolutely loved the dog ... so sweet! It would probably have been better had I read the previous ones, but all in all it was a cozy book
This was a cozy mystery with a great setting and a classic whodunit feel. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and how the mystery developed at a comfortable, easy to follow pace. It felt like a relaxing read while still being interesting enough to keep me hooked. Overall, this was an enjoyable cozy mystery and a nice escape.
Love loved this book! I simply couldn't put it down! Wow! Lots of sleuthing going on which I absolutely loved. This is definitely a good guessing game and it isn't who you think at first either. This book is a page turner for sure and certain. I was kept turning the pages until just now when I finished this. I sure didn't like those lawyers! Not at first. They gave me bad vibes so I had to keep reading to see how it all played out. I learned much about spices and where they came from. All pretty interesting if you ask me. Izzy made me snicker at times and I laughed at her dog's name. It most certainly does not fit him or his personality. Why I chose this book was I love anything aboard a cruise ship or yacht doesn't matter because I love being on board for the ride. 5 stars for a job well done! Especially for the mystery part! Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
A really good book by author Harper Burton. I love reading books by this author. They always have awesome characters and really good plots. This one is so good. I highly recommend it....
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Burton for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder on the Indigo Sea coming out January 20, 2026. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really love cozy mysteries! I think the setting was perfect. I love the sea!
"MURDER ON THE INDIGO" is the fourth installment in the "Windmere Cove Cozy Mystery" series by Harper Burton. Invited to a special luxury freighter specializing in rare spices, Izzy and her canine furbaby, Noodle, discover the captain's body shortly after boarding. Detective Bell starts gathering information but discovers a suspect list that reads …
Phew, Izzy is in the midst of this murder mystery and she is trapped on this boat. I got so hooked on this story because I like Izzy and I didn't want her to get caught up in all of the mayhem on this boat. A great story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This delightful cosy mystery on the high seas blends mystery, baking, spices and intrigue.
This book captured me in the first few chapters and was extremely hard to put down! I love cooking and enjoyed actually learning a bit about the depth of spices! So many powerful twists! Characters well described and so believable! Will definitely back track now and read the other three related books!
I usually do not read fantasy and this seemed to lean that way, but I enjoyed the story, it was very interesting to read, and I'm looking forward to finishing this series. I received an ARC and volunteered to give an honest review.
Izzy just keeps getting into trouble and the stakes are getting higher. This is a wonderful cozy mystery that pulls you in from the beginning and does not let you go until the very end. I really enjoy how these stories are woven together, a mystery that keeps you guessing while there are so many personal connections. Amazing to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#MurderontheIndigoSea #NetGalley is the first book I've read by this author, however, the description sounded interesting, so I gave it a whirl. Izzy is a talented baker who receives an invitation to a premier spice show, and while she expects champagne and rare spices, she doesn't expect to become involved in a murder investigation. I liked the story, it was very interesting to read, and while I'm not sure just how everything connects, or who the secret society really is, I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
This was the first book that I have read for this series so of course there were some spots in which I was confused. However, I loved the characters, especially Noodle. The mystery was really good and quite intricate. The world building was really good and captivating. I would love to visit Izzys cafe.
"MURDER ON THE INDIGO" is the fourth installment in the "Windmere Cove Cozy Mystery" series by Harper Burton. This was my introduction to the author. Invited to a special luxury freighter specializing in rare spices, Izzy and her canine furbaby, Noodle, discover the captain's body shortly after boarding. Detective Bell starts gathering information but discovers a suspect list that reads like a Who's Who. He decides that Izzy's knowledge of spices and penchant for finding clues will be needed. The author provided enough information, suspense, and description for the story to be able to stand alone. I really enjoyed all the twists and turns along with Izzy and Noodle
ARC given by the author
My favorite cozy mystery I’ve read so far this year! Anything with a cute dog is already amazing in my opinion and then you throw in twists, turns & family recipes and you’ve got a hit
We're back with Izzy and Noodle, this time on the Indigo Sea ship. It jumps right into the story without hesitation, lots of twists and turns that throw off the reader. I really, really enjoyed this series and hate to see it end; can we beg the author to keep writing this series??? So good and I love Noodle. I thought I knew who the killer was but with all the twists and turns in the storyline, it threw me off big time! I would definitely say to read the series in order, as there are things here and there that will throw you off if you haven't read it from the beginning.
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review. A great series that keeps getting better. This is a very intriguing and suspenseful read that had me trying to figure out what would happen next. The Society and the fragments make this cozy more thrilling that ever. Noodle is the star of the sleuthing duo with Izzy taking a backseat to her pup. A wonderful clean read cozy series that will keep a reader hooked and anxiously waiting for the next book.
Murder on the Indigo Sea is a fast paced fun read with interesting characters and plot twists.
This 4th installment in the Windmere Cove mysteries has been a wonderful read. Don’t rush through this book, read it slowly. Each word propels the story and creates a world that makes you want to visit. Following Izzy and Noodle in their pursuit of the Fragments, you meet new characters with their quirky and unique personalities. While you can read each book as a stand alone, reading the books in order allows for a richer experience. Nuances in glances and expressions between characters mean more when you know their history. After some late nights, I am invested in these books and can’t wait for the next installment. This is a great book series I would not hesitate to allow my kids to read (young and adult). It’s lively, has unique characters, and has an unpredictable ending that with keep you engaged and wishing the book continued for another 100 pages. I received an ARC copy, but this is my honest and voluntary review. I have since added these paperback books to my ever growing library.
Izzy was thrilled to be invited aboard the legendary vessel Indigo Sea. However instead of the wonderful food and drinks she was imagining, Izzy finds a dead captain with a ship full of suspects. Additionally the man she was falling for is fleeing the scene. Izzy and of course her loyal dog Noodle have to figure out the truth. Secrets and lies are hidden amongst the fingers pointing but someone killed. Who did it and why? The action keeps the reader wanting more and not all is as it seems. Thrilling!. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great Windmere Cove cozy mystery story. Izzy and Noodle are working on the *Indigo Sea,* a ship with far too many secrets. Lots of twists and red herrings. Leaving voluntary review of both ARC from author and published KU versions.
Harper Burton weaves an excellent mystery that I didn’t want to put down. A secret society, mystery, twists and turns. Murder on the Indigo Sea is a great page turner. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it. I received this book as a member of the ARC team, and this review reflects my honest opinion.
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