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Megan Mayfair
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Murder by Numbers: a small town romantic mystery (The Lemon Tree Bay Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Megan Mayfair (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
3.8 out of 5 stars 581 ratings
This is one murder that doesn’t add up…

Following a spectacular business failure, Clara Mitchell returns to her coastal hometown, Lemon Tree Bay, with an inglorious thud. Living with her mum and working in a hair salon, she’s determined to repay her debts and get back to glamorous city living.

When she meets poker-faced accountant Lucas Pepper, sparks fly, however, their blossoming romance slips into the red as he becomes the prime suspect in the murder of his uncle.

Convinced of Lucas's innocence, Clara locks horns with her ex-boyfriend - local bad boy turned police officer, Senior Constable Adam Billings. He's desperate to prove Lucas guilty and protect Clara at all costs.

With evidence threatening to sink Lucas, Clara must unravel the mystery using a trusty grapevine of local gossip and her somewhat unreliable intuition. Will she save Lucas from mounting charges in time, or was Adam right all along?

Murder by Numbers is the first book in the Lemon Tree Bay Mysteries – a romantic and cosy whodunnit series by award-winning author, Megan Mayfair.
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  1. Book 1 of 4
    The Lemon Tree Bay Mysteries
  2. Print length
    256 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    September 24, 2021
  6. File size
    1.9 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

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woman

Clara Mitchell

Reviews

Editorial Reviews

Review

Finalist, Australian Romance Readers Awards 2021 - Favourite Romantic Suspense

Finalist, Australian Romance Readers Awards 2021 - Favourite Australian-set Romance

Finalist, Carolyn Readers Choice Award 2022 - Romantic Suspense

"This start to a new cozy mystery series is fun, captivating, and well worth your time." Reedsy Discovery.

"This is the first book I have read by Megan Mayfair and it definitely won't be my last! I love mysteries with humor and this book delivers." ★★★★★ Julie, Goodreads Reviewer.

"The story is captivating. One of those "can't put down" books." ★★★★★ Katherine, Goodreads Reviewer.

"I loved this cozy mystery/romance! I could not put it down and can't wait till the next installment of the series." ★★★★★ April, Goodreads Reviewer.

"The twists were teased out until the surprise ending was revealed."★★★★★ Tanya, Goodreads Reviewer.

"...this won't be the last book I read by Megan Mayfair. I really enjoyed it, from the first page to the last." ★★★★★ Ulrika, Goodreads Review.

"The characters are endearing and fun..." ★★★★★ Katy, Goodreads Review.

"...an enjoyable cozy mystery." ★★★★★ Delphia, Goodreads Review.

"Nothing can get cuter from this sweet cozy mystery." ★★★★★ Rose, Goodreads Reviewer.

"A fun and interesting cozy set in a beautiful seaside town down under, with strong main characters, gorgeous backdrop and a host of quirky small town inhabitants, all around a puzzling mystery." ★★★★★ Carol, Goodreads Reviewer.

"Murder by Numbers is a great start to the new series and I can't wait to return to Lemon Tree Bay again!" ★★★★★ Yuu, Goodreads Reviewer.

"You'll meet many interesting characters, which will have you flipping the pages until the end." ★★★★★ Penny, Bookbub Reviewer.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09B5BWT3Z
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Montauk Bay
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 24, 2021
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.9 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 4 ‏ : ‎ The Lemon Tree Bay Mysteries
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.8 out of 5 stars 581 ratings

About the author

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Megan Mayfair

Megan Mayfair

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Megan Mayfair is a USA Today bestselling author of fiction with a dash of mystery, a sprinkling of humour and a spoonful of romance.

Her books have won awards including the Romance Writers of Australia Romantic Book of the Year (RuBY), the Romance Writers of New Zealand Koru Award of Excellence and the Australian Romance Readers Award for favourite romantic suspense novel.

She lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband and three children and loves coffee, podcasts and yoga.

Customer reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars
581 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this cozy mystery book to be a great start to a new series, praising its well-thought-out plot and spark of romance. The book features lots of fabulous characters.

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6 customers mention "Enjoyment"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and appreciate it as a great start to a new series, with one customer specifically mentioning it as a cozy mystery.

"This is a great start to a new series, I love a good cosy mystery and I love the setting, the beach is always a good place to be except when murder..." Read more

"...If you enjoy reading cozy mysteries you’ll really enjoy this, the plot is well thought out and I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and trying to solve..." Read more

"I enjoyed reading this one. The characters were believable and I really didn't want to strangle the heroine. Thank you for that by the way." Read more

"Enjoyed reading. Now I'm planning a trip to lemon tree bay, haha. Can't wait to read the rest of the series." Read more

5 customers mention "Character development"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly noting the fabulous heroine.

"...This is such a great story there are lots of fabulous characters that add so much to the story and it moves quickly, Clara has a battle on her hands..." Read more

"...This mystery has a spark of romance and elements of fun, humour, a spunky heroine and a smear of cloak and dagger." Read more

"I enjoyed reading this one. The characters were believable and I really didn't want to strangle the heroine. Thank you for that by the way." Read more

"Characters keep you wondering and guessing. Pleasant town and activities help with the atmosphere and place for a weekend visit," Read more

5 customers mention "Story quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this cozy mystery, praising its well-thought-out plot and romantic elements.

"...Overall, it was a decent enough cozy mystery that I will continue the series, despite the mediocre rating...." Read more

"...This is such a great story there are lots of fabulous characters that add so much to the story and it moves quickly, Clara has a battle on her hands..." Read more

"...enjoy reading cozy mysteries you’ll really enjoy this, the plot is well thought out and I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and trying to solve the..." Read more

"...but Clara kept searching and found the real killer and the cause A good story and a sweet romantic mystery" Read more

Mystery with just the right splash of romance
4 out of 5 stars
Mystery with just the right splash of romance
Murder by Numbers is a fun mystery with a splash of romance. Megan Mayfair did a great job of keeping you guessing by throwing in plenty of twists and turns and giving you romance and drama at just the right moments. This was my first book by the author, and it has me wanting to read more of her books now and I definitely plan to. This book has everything you want: quirky and big personality characters, mystery, a hint of romance, humor, and gorgeous scenery....oh and we can't forget some amazingly fun town traditions (I just want to live there already, well besides the murders haha I'll stick with my real life small town on that side of things haha). The only thing I had a difficult time with in this story is getting attached to some of the relationships/romance aspects. I loved how each one turned out and who everyone was with. However, I just felt like some of the couples (don't want to say who) just needed more to them as they seemed to not want to be together, even though they do want to. I'm hoping (fingers crossed) there is more explanation for it in future books, like seriously way excited to find out. However, even with that slight issue I had, the book was overall amazing and I highly recommend it. I love that this book is going to be the first in a series, and I can't wait for the next one to be released, so make sure to read this before more comes out.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Beth
    3.0 out of 5 stars A decent cozy mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I probably wouldn't have chosen this had the blurb been honest. "Somewhat unreliable intuition" is code for visions, and what makes it worse, for me, is that they barely played a part.

    I have more complaints about Clara's actual intuition, but they contain major spoilers.

    I did like the small town representation and the gossip being spread. It fit in with how I always imagine small, tight-knit communities.

    There are quite a few plot-holes that I feel were either poorly fixed or left wide open, though. Or were some potentially missed opportunities in terms of plot points.

    Overall, it was a decent enough cozy mystery that I will continue the series, despite the mediocre rating. Because in terms of it being a cozy, it works. I just felt it could have been better.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Mrs. Helen Sibbritt
    4.0 out of 5 stars This is such a great start to a series
    Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is a great start to a new series, I love a good cosy mystery and I love the setting, the beach is always a good place to be except when murder happens, it is fun, it has a lovely romance and Clara Mitchell is one fabulous heroine I loved getting to meet her and the characters who live in Lemon Tree Bay, I hope you come along for the journey.

    Clara is back in her home town after a business failure, she is a great hairdresser and is now working at The Wave Length salon in town to get her debts paid off and get back to the city, for now she is living with her mum Willow. A new customer Lucas Pepper comes in for a haircut and there is an instant attraction to this handsome accountant, here to help his uncle sort his business out ready to sell, the only problem Lucas finds his uncle dead and of course all points to Lucas as the murderer and Clara’s ex, police officer Adam Billings is determined to prove it and keep Clara safe.

    Clara knows in her soul that Lucas is not guilty of murder and sets out to prove his innocence which causes a struggle between her and Adam, and puts Clara in danger, is Lucas hiding secrets, who else in the town could have done it?

    This is such a great story there are lots of fabulous characters that add so much to the story and it moves quickly, Clara has a battle on her hands to prove that the man she is falling for is innocent while fighting her ex along the way, Clara is good at sorting out the gossip from the truth and finds out some truths from the past as well. This is a story that I would highly recommend and I can’t wait till the next book in the series and go for another visit to Lemon Tree Bay and the fabulous events they hold.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Shelly Pagkalinawan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Murder by numbers
    Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Murder by Numbers is the first installment of the Lemon Tree Bay Mystery Series written by Megan Mayfair. If you enjoy reading cozy mysteries you’ll really enjoy this, the plot is well thought out and I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and trying to solve the murder mystery. This mystery has a spark of romance and elements of fun, humour, a spunky heroine and a smear of cloak and dagger.
    Helpful
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  • Hoppermomma
    3.0 out of 5 stars First in A Cozy Series
    Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2024
    What could possibly go wrong in such a beautiful setting as the beach? First Clara has to face returning home, then she meets a new guy but he might be a murderer! If you enjoy a cozy mystery with a fun heroine, a touch of romance, and twists and turns to find the truth, then you'll like this story.
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  • Theresa Palmieri
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Lemon Tree Bay Mystery (book 1)
    Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    In a small coastal town in Australia Adam, Clara and Lucus' lives intertwine. Each of them have secrets in their recent past that they would prefer to keep hidden. Adam and Clara have a shared relationship from their high school years, but in spite of being apart for years, there are still feelings not yet relinquished. Lucas has arrived to visit his uncle and assist him in preparation of selling his business prior to retirement. Clara is attracted to Lucus, and he to her; however, this triangle gets complicated when Hugo, the uncle is murdered, and as a police officer, Adams job is tainted by his jealousy as he tries to prove that Lucus committed the crime, to keep him away from Clara. Things are much more complicated than they appear on the surface, these three aren't the only ones hiding secrets. You might just be able to figure out who the killer is as you dig deeper and unravel the lives of the people of Lemon Tree Bay.
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  • GH
    5.0 out of 5 stars Murder by Numbers
    Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Clara met Lucas when she cut his hair and then she found him over his uncles body and her old boy friend made him the prime suspect but Clara kept searching and found the real killer and the cause A good story and a sweet romantic mystery
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  • Sarah Percy
    3.0 out of 5 stars Is Lemon Tree Bay real, and if so, can I visit?
    Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2021
    This super cute mystery entertained me from the start, with a lovely small beach town setting, relatable characters, and even a hot romance! Clara was such an earnest protagonist, I was with her from the beginning. The author artfully folded in each additional character, adding in interesting quirks without going over the top. The mystery was well conceived and carried the story, with enough details to keep in interesting and believable, without being too technical.

    Overall, this book was a fun, quick read, with a sweet mix of romance, characters, and intrigue. I can't wait to see what happens in book #2! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • ScaryAnn
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed reading this one. The characters were believable and I really didn't want to strangle the heroine. Thank you for that by the way.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Jayne
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect mix of cosy mystery and small town romance
    Reviewed in Australia on September 24, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is the first cosy mystery I've ever read, though not my first Megan Mayfair book. What a cracker! I absolutely loved it, and was hooked from the first page. It's small town feel was perfect, along with characters that I just fell in love with. I didn't want it to end, and can't wait for the next instalment of Clara's adventures. It was the perfect mix of light mystery/murder (I mean, someone dies but its not dark and scary!) meets small town romance. If you're a fan of Hart of Dixie, Gilmore Girls, Agatha Cristie and/or Death in Paradise then this book is for you. Another great read from Megan Mayfair.
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  • Danae Tesch
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cute murder mystery
    Reviewed in Canada on September 24, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I received a free copy from the author via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
    Murder by Numbers is a cute murder mystery that will have you guessing until the end. I had so much fun guessing who the killer was although part of me wished it was a certain character because how dare he come between Clara and Lucas.
    I loved the relationship between Clara and Lucas as they try so hard to prove his innocence, but everything is stacked against them.
    You won't regret reading this if you are into clean romances and cozy murder mysteries nestled in a small town.
    5 out of 5 stars.
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  • Ian
    3.0 out of 5 stars Took a bit of getting in to
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I found this book took a while to get into. The romance side of things seems to be more prominent than the murder mystery. I expected Clara to play a bigger role at trying to solve the mystery throughout. I wasn't a fan of her 'dreams', I find that sort of stuff a bit unnecessary. A good cast of characters.

    Overall it was OK. I much preferred the second book in the series though.
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  • Penny
    4.0 out of 5 stars Nice summer read
    Reviewed in Australia on January 19, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Megan Mayfair is a new author to me. Her writing is great.
    Loved this seaside town with its local coffee shop & fish n chip truck.
    Clara is an amateur sleuth who can't help but investigate when she gets a hunch, its going to get her in some trouble. Loved this cozy mystery ☺
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely brilliant!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 28, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I'm a huge Megan Mayfair fan so I was very intrigued to devour her first foray into cosy mystery... And what a success story! Lemon Tree Bay has it all; quirky characters, hot males, the best coffee outside of Melbourne... and one heck of a puzzling crime to solve. We are introduced to so many colourful community members throughout the book and the finale really had me on the edge of my seat. Shot through with the romantic narrative associated with this extremely talented author, all the elements meld together perfectly, and I can't wait for the next book in the series to see what Clara gets herself mixed up in next!
    Report

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