Thank you to Juneau Black, Vintage Books, and PRH Audio for the free audiobook.

The charming woodland world of Shady Hollow returns with Cold Clay, a delightful sequel that delivers more of the cozy noir mystery magic. Cassandra Campbell’s narration once again captures the whimsical tone, lending an extra layer of charm to this unique series.

The plot thickens as Vera Vixen, our intrepid fox reporter, investigates an old mystery involving Shady Hollow’s beloved barista, Joe. The combination of clever writing and tongue-in-cheek humor kept me hooked, while the fall setting added an atmospheric touch perfect for cozy reading.

Vera and Orville’s relationship continues to develop, and I’m relieved their connection wasn’t jeopardized by outside drama—it’s one of my favorite aspects of the series. The lovable cast of quirky woodland characters and the richly imagined town make it impossible not to root for Shady Hollow.

Fans of cozy mysteries and light fantasy will absolutely adore this installment. It’s a warm, entertaining read with just the right dash of suspense. Can't wait to see what mysteries Vera tackles next!