Cold Clay

By: Juneau Black

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

The second book in the Shady Hollow series, in which some long-buried secrets come to light, throwing suspicion on a beloved local denizen.

It's autumn in Shady Hollow, and residents are looking forward to harvest feasts. But then a rabbit discovers a grisly crop: the bones of a moose.

Soon, the owner of Joe's Mug is dragged out of the coffeeshop and questioned by the police about the night his wife walked out of his life—and Shady Hollow—forever. It seems like an open-and-shut case, but dogged reporter Vera Vixen doesn't believe gentle Joe is a killer. She'll do anything to prove his innocence ... even if it means digging into secrets her neighbors would rather leave buried.

A VINTAGE CRIME/BLACK LIZARD ORIGINAL.

Critic reviews

Praise for The Shady Hollow Mystery series:

“Black’s books — Shady Hollow, Cold Clay and Mirror Lake . . . have become my favorite new comfort reads. The plotting is sharp, the prose lean and the atmosphere pure joy. Vixen and the rest of the critters never feel like anthropomorphic Disney cartoon characters. I eagerly await a fresh infusion of Shady Hollow mayhem.”
—The New York Times

“Watership Down meets Mickey Spillane. A mystery of rare and sinister charm.”
—Alan Bradley, New York Times bestselling author of the Flavia de Luce series

“A magical confection that will leave you nostalgic for the storybooks of your youth. It’s quirky and clever, charming and smart. I read Shady Hollow in one sitting and can’t wait for more!”
—Sarah Addison Allen, New York Times bestselling author of First Frost

“Get ready to fall in love with Shady Hollow and its quirky cast of animal characters. Charming and clever, Juneau Black will take readers on delightful ride as the mystery unfolds. I can’t wait to read more!”
—Amy E. Reichert, author of The Kindred Spirits Supper Club

“Need a book to curl up with by the fire? This is it! Shady Hollow must be the coziest of cozy crime stories. It’s a whimsical woodland murder mystery like no other! I not only enjoyed reading about it—I want to live there, surrounded by enigmatic pandas, diligent mice and well-read corvids. I have to try the food, listen to the gossip and visit the tiny café—and I don't even care that there is a murderer on the loose!”
—Leonie Swann, bestselling author of Three Bags Full

The narration + the story = chefs kiss

This was such a cozy read! Loved the way Cassandra read and adjusted the voice to the characters - it really brings them to life. Will be reading the next one ASAP. Thank you to everyone that helped create this and narrate it, truly appreciate it!

A fun and engaging listen

Such a fun book. So interesting and interesting to hear the animals and the life they live as humans. You would think it would be juvenile but not at all. A god clean mystery. Looking forward to book three.

Gentle mystery for all ages

Fun and entertaining; characters are a delight. The mystery is not a challenge for an adult but still an enjoyable read

A fun mystery

If you’re a mystery junkie, I’m sure you could solve this one quickly. But if you’re not a mysteries connoisseur, and just in it for a good time, it’s a pretty good book. A fun story and interesting characters.

Excellent!

This is excellent written and the character development is very good. This is quickly moving up the list as my favorite cozy mystery series!