Loved the cozy vibes. I haven’t read the first 3 but will be going back to do that! The forest animals are to die for. Will read these as long as they continue!

Twilight Falls is the latest installment in the Shady Hollow series, which is a cozy mystery series with animals as the cast of characters. I enjoyed my time in this book, even though it was quite obvious how it would resolve at the start. Even so, I loved spending time with the whole town and getting to see the interactions between them. We get a few new faces in town, as usual, and Vera Vixen has to champion the cause of interspecial relationships. I love the mental images this series gives me. Shady Hollow is a Stars Hollow type Gilmore Girls town that is animals instead of humans. I wish I could visit!

Juneau Black has done it again. Twilight Falls takes us back to the town of Shady Hollow, a cozy small town inhabited by a cast of "civilized" animals. This time our intrepid reporter Vera Vixen is on a date with her beau, Police Chief Orville Braun and they, along with a large group of other creatures, witness someone being pushed off the top of a waterfall. As they investigate the murder evidence piles up, and its all pointing to one creature, but Vera finds it all a little too convenient and is determined to get to the bottom of things.

Like most cozy mysteries Twilight falls is a little silly and doesn't take itself too seriously, but I find this series delightful. I love Vera Vixen and her friends. Most of the characters are decently fleshed out, even some of the ones from book 1 who seemed to be typical small town stereotypes have grown and changed over the course of the series.

The stakes in this book were lower than in some of the previous book in the series but the mystery was more of a puzzle this time and fun to figure out. If you like cozy mysteries I suggest giving Twilight falls a try!

Unfortunately for me, this was very difficult to get into since it is not the first in a series. The characters were cute, but it just isn't to my taste.

was exciting to be able to read the fourth installment of the Shady Hallow Series. As always, the characters, while animals, never seem to be anything but engaging and the mystery of the disappearance of one of the participants at a picnic at the falls gives Vera and Orville another mystery to solve. As always, a joy to read. Super cozy books!

Reporter Vera Vixen hadn’t anticipated that moving to Shady Hollow would lead to her involvement in quite so much crime-solving, particularly when it comes to murders. Thankfully, things seem to have calmed down with spring finally bringing its warmth to her small town. Nowadays, her main concern outside of her own career lies in convincing her overworked boyfriend Chief Constable Orville Braun to hire a deputy so he can finally get some rest.

So when he suggests that they both take a day off to travel by ferry to local beauty spot Twilight Falls, she’s more than happy to say yes. They pack a picnic lunch with plans to travel back by the last boat, accompanied by a wide variety of creatures also intent on a lovely day out. Surrounded by near-universal merriment, the fox and bear revel in a relaxing day, in a gorgeous environment with something for everyone:

QUOTE
While little ones play their games, older creatures pair off as well, strolling along the quieter stretches of the river or exploring the many forest paths nearby, where they may find some privacy from the rambling crowds. More than one couple has proposed or wed here, and why not? It is a place to inspire great emotion.

Therefore, it is not surprising that it will also inspire a crime.
END QUOTE

While Shady Hollow has been crime-free for a while, it certainly hasn’t been free of strife. The entire town knows of the heated conflict surrounding the relationship between spoiled socialite Stasia von Beaverpelt and hardworking handyman Jonah Atwater. While the pairing is unusual, most of the opposition comes from the couple’s parents. Stasia’s mother Edith is horrified that her daughter is dating the help, but Jonah’s father Shelby has an even more inflexible line, despising Stasia for not being an otter like himself and Jonah. Shelby and the lovers have gotten into very public rows on the subject, including while on the ferry to Twilight Falls that day. So when a struggle takes place at the top of the falls and Shelby plunges over to certain doom, suspicion almost immediately lands on headstrong Stasia as his murderer.

Stasia protests her innocence, and Vera is inclined to agree. The former heiress might put on airs, but she isn’t the kind of person to dirty her hands with the physical activity of murder. Alas that Orville does not see things the same way, inevitably causing a strain in his and Vera’s relationship. It isn’t that Vera wants to doubt her beau. But with Edith threatening to bring in big-time city lawyers to destroy Orville’s case and possibly career, Vera wants to get to the truth before her straitlaced boyfriend’s reputation and health can suffer even more.

Unfortunately for Vera’s cause, all the clues point to Stasia’s guilt. Worse, no one else seems to have anything even remotely resembling a grudge against Shelby. Will Vera be able to find the real culprit before her efforts to clear Stasia’s name land her in grave danger once more?

This fourth book in the anthropomorphic cozy crime series is one of its strongest, as even greater details are established regarding not only the geography surrounding Shady Hollow but also the mores of the world at large. The discussions of food and the (prior) predator-prey dynamics are engrossing, as is the heartwarming consideration of interspecies relationships. This passage is from Vera’s perspective, after she witnesses yet another disagreement between Shelby, Jonah and Stasia:

QUOTE
So the spat at the popcorn cart hadn’t been a one-off! Shelby really had dug in his heels over the matter. Vera sighed. Relationships between different species were certainly not a unique thing, but they had never been common. On a personal level, the issue had become more salient when she began dating Orville. She had dated only other foxes before, so the association with a creature who was so completely different from what she was used to was a new (and exciting) experience for Vera. She tried to imagine what her family might say–not that they were around to discuss it. While Vera could guess that her mother would make all sorts of remarks to the effect of <i>but I wanted grandkits</i>, she couldn’t ever picture either parent forbidding the relationship entirely.
END QUOTE

The fully realized world of Shady Hollow is a delight to escape to, as justice is served and love eventually conquers all. I was lucky enough to be able to recently attend a talk by half of the Juneau Black writing team, who went into great depth about the series and what we can expect from it in future. Jocelyn Cole promises even more in store for readers who love these charming novels and their world-building, and I cannot wait to explore more!

I really wanted to like this book, but find I can not get into it. The anthropomorphism of the animals just didn't capture my imagination in this cozy mystery. The story elements do meet the criteria for a cozy mystery. So, I'm not sure why the author prefers to use animals.

This may be the coziest cozy mystery I've ever read. It's as if the world of Little Bear all grew up and added in some murder. Our main character is Vera Vixen a curious fox who lives in a cozy little cottage and is an investigative reporter - who also happens to be dating the chief of police, Orville Braun, who is a bear. I loved the variety of animals that inhabit the world of Shady Hollows and just the mental imagery while reading this book made me incredibly happy and cozy.

The mystery was a good one. A murder is committed in almost plain sight and the killer's identity seems obvious - except maybe things aren't exactly how they seem. Vera isn't about to go with the easy answer if it doesn't feel right and I did enjoy the investigation.

I usually prefer to start a series on the first one and I think not doing that with this one did take down my enjoyment of it a bit. There is a pretty big community of characters to keep straight and this isn't the fastest paced of stories. I think both issues would have been resolved if I had started the series with book one - an issue I fully intend to remedy.

This is a cozy read with a unique twist on the usual small town cozy mystery. I definitely recommend starting with the first book as I think I would have been more invested in the characters so the pace wouldn't have been an issue and I would have an easier time keeping track of who is who. This is only the 4th book in the series and despite the pace it is a fairly quick read so it would be easy to catch up with the series - if you are looking for a cozy fun read with a good mystery.

This was a quirky cozy filled with animal characters. If that is a genre that appeals to you, this seems like a well done version.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for another delightful foray into the world of Vera Vixen and her beloved Shady Hollow! It's almost spring and Vera is covering the upcoming Apple Blossom Festival for Edith von Beaverpelt. She overhears an argument between Mrs. von Beaverpelt, and Anastasia - her daughter. Stasia has been canoodling with Jonah - a handyman otter who is well beneath her station (according to mama). Then Vera overhears another argument between Stasia and Jonah's dad - Shelby Atwater. Shelby is opposed to the couple because Stasia is a beaver and Jonah is an otter - and that's just wrong.
Shortly after these observations, Vera finds herself visiting Twilight Falls, a local nature trail, for a picnic with Orville Braun. It's a beautiful spring day - the falls are roaring with the winter snow melt, racing over the edge to tumble to a twilight colored pool below. After a day of hiking and eating, many folks take an afternoon nap - Vera and Orville included. They awaken to a ruckus. There are two figures fighting at the top of the falls! And one of them is Shelby Atwater! Orville races to the top; several birds also do their part to investigate - but there is so much mist and the sun is setting so it casts shadows that make it difficult to see. And then - oh no! Shelby plunges over the edge. He's an otter and an excellent swimmer but - could he survive the fall from the Falls?
Vera and Orville set out to investigate yet another murder impacting their little village. Vera, as usual, has a great nose for sniffing out the truth. And writing up articles for her reporting job along the way.

This is a wonderful addition to the Shady Hollow series! I eagerly anticipate another installment. (a spooky Halloween short story!)

I loved Twilight Falls! Anything Juneau Black touches becomes a cozy delight. It was nice to revisit the world of Shady Hollow and intrepid reporter, Vera Fox. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would recommend to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries. It is like Beatrix Potter for adults.

Twilight Falls by Juneau Black is the fourth in the Shady Hallow series. As always, the characters, while animals, never seem to be anything but engaging and the mystery of the disappearance of one of the participants at a picnic at the falls gives Vera and Orville another mystery to solve. As always, a joy to read.

This was a true joy to read. I loved the setting and the characters were so bright and lively. I'd love to keep reading this series.

As always I love these cozy mysteries by Juneau Black, I was so excited to get an ARC since I follow them on Instagram and have had my eye on this since they announced it! Thank you NetGalley and Vintage books for the advanced copy.

To the authors:
The world you build is so delightful and this one was no different. I appreciate that you leave the clues in the story and that you can put the mystery together if you just pay attention. I guessed most of it by the end but some of your red herrings still had me perplexed, at least until you had that nice little wrap up in the last chapter. I suspect a character you introduced in this one will be setting us up for another mystery down the road and I can’t wait to read about it! Also our bear needs some help! Maybe it could be a competition of sorts, that would be fun. Maybe Lefty will turn over a new leaf and try to apply for the job! He was so mad when his rope got stolen! You always seem to add an interesting location in each book and Twilight Falls was no exception, love the way you described it, and how it helped to set up the mystery. Can’t wait to see where else you take us next, really looking forward to your Autumn short story Phantom Pond. Hope to one day see your short seasonal works in print too.

To potential readers:
If you are new to this series, this is the fourth book (plus a few short stories) I highly recommend you read them in order, you really get to know all the characters in town and I love seeing how the town grows and develops as a result of the murder mysteries.








Possible Spoiler Alert:



Passaway Bay screams the title of your next murder mystery, if so I can’t wait, I smell a story there, and possibly a great beach read.

In this installment of Juneau Black's Shady Hollow series, the quaint town of peaceful woodland creatures is shocked by a violent death at a nearby sightseeing destination. Orville and Vera's investigation into the crime is complicated by the drama of a forbidden romance and an insufficiently prepared judicial system. Still, they manage to unravel the mystery at the last second with the help of a now-familiar cast of characters.

This is an easy recommendation for anyone who enjoyed the earlier installments in the Shady Hollow series. It's also a likely fit for anyone who is fond of cozy mysteries in general or is looking for a gateway into the genre. Like the others in this series, Twilight Falls is a warm hug of a book.

Twilight Falls features more complexity than some of its predecessors, and I appreciate it. The conclusion is complicated in a way that I think shows growth. This plot features an ugly interpersonal drama that is resolved only through difficulty and time. It's a heavy concept for a cozy mystery to tackle, but I think this book meets the challenge with a discerning eye and a kind heart.

This was an enjoyable read for me, though it was a bit too short and sometimes too sweet. This weekend, though, that was just what I needed. I've anxiously awaited each release in this series, and it's safe to say I'll still be keeping an eye on anything released by this writing team in the future.

Shady Hollow, #4. The animals are still living in a cozy little town that seems to allow space for everyone and all the different opinions and lifestyles. Vera Vixen, star reporter, is out finding out all the news that is the news. Her relationship with Orville Braun, sheriff, finally seems to be taking off. They take a picnic and a boat trip out to the Falls. The beautiful day is ruined when someone goes over the Falls. Death seems imminent. Orville switches over to officer mode and Vera's nose for news moves into high gear. She is convinced there is more to the story than what townspeople saw. Is she right or wrong? Will the crime be solved in time to save Stasia von Beaverpelt from a lifetime in jail? Will the festival go on?

Another visit to Shady Hollow, and it did not disappoint. Usually by the fourth sequel of a book the story has lost a bit of its luster, however, in this series, it continues to be a joy to revisit these characters who have become so alive in previous books. I was able to guess the ending pretty early on in the plot, but that didn’t take away from enjoying the story. This book is heavily descriptive in its settings,but it’s such a character driven story, and the characters are so unique and likable that it feels like you’re having a cosy visit with dear friends. Thank you to Netgalley for the prepub. I will be sharing this review on Goodreads.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for free access to the e-ARC for my honest opinion.

Juneau Black has worked magic again with this new story. The woodland creatures are a delightful group with which to spend time. All the creatures are fun and share a warmth for their town and each other. Each of these books feels like returning home to Shady Hollow and the wait for the next seems endless.

Oh my gosh! I loved this book! A story of love, prejudices, mysteries, and how to overcome all. I love how Juneau takes real issues, things we take for granted and using woodland creatures for the characters instead of humans makes it so entertaining and fun!