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Mona Marple
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Once Upon a Crime: Waterfell Tweed Cozy Mystery Series: Book One Kindle Edition

by Mona Marple (Author), Katie Forrest (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 765 ratings
If Sandy can't solve her rival's murder, it's more than her buns on the line…

Sandy Shaw enjoys her reign as the sole baker and bookseller in the sleepy village of Waterfell Tweed. But when Reginald, the local eccentric, announces plans to open a competing shop across the square, she fails to hide her frustration. As she formulates her plan of attack, Reginald goes from being the town weirdo to serving as the town corpse…

Thrust into the middle of a murder investigation as the prime suspect, Sandy must go from selling buns to solving crimes in a hurry. With no one to save her biscuits but herself, she puts down her rolling pin and gets to work. If she fails to find the murderer in time, she'll be serving a whole lot more than tea and jam.

Once Upon a Crime is the first book in the Waterfell Tweed Cozy Mystery Series. If you like quirky characters, suspenseful whodunnits, and small-town settings, you'll love Mona Marple's quaint and cozy series starter.

Buy Once Upon a Crime and grab your favorite cup of tea for a tale full of fun and suspense today!
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  1. Book 1 of 7
    Waterfell Tweed Cozy Mystery Series
  2. Print length
    158 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    January 18, 2018
  6. File size
    1.3 MB
  7. Page Flip
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  8. Word Wise
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  9. Enhanced typesetting
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  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 765 ratings

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Mona Marple

Mona Marple

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ONE PENNY A STORY, I called across the playground.

Entirely unusual, given how shy I was (and still am), for me to be shouting anything across a playground.

But there I was, a double-sided sheet of narrow ruled paper (I've always been kind of particular about the paper I like. Back then, narrow ruled. Now, grid.) in my hand, selling stories I hadn't yet wrote.

Every line featured a different title. I'd lay on my bed the night before thinking of them all, probably singing along to Boyzone songs as I did [hey, don't judge... I see you over there like you never thought you were destined to marry a boy band singer...].

My school friends could buy a Mona original for one penny. One penny!

They'd pick the title they liked, hand over their sweaty penny, and I'd write the story for them.

And I've never grown out of writing stories.

Now, I write cozy mystery stories from my den in the Peak District, and when I'm not writing them, I'm reading them.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
765 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this cozy mystery for its engaging plot twists and wonderful characters. The book features a picturesque town of Waterfell Tweed as its setting, with one customer particularly appreciating the café and bookstore scenes. Customers find it a good clean read with a quick pace, and one customer mentions the cakes sound delicious.

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37 customers mention "Mystery quality"37 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the mystery elements of the book, finding it very entertaining with plot twists that keep them interested.

"...The book's engaging plot twists kept me guessing at every turn, and the well-developed, quirky characters added layers of intrigue and subtle humor..." Read more

"...The plot twists keep you interested, the characters help draw you into the story, and the ending leaves you hopeful for the future...." Read more

"Katie Forrest has created a wonderful small town which is bound to entice the reader...." Read more

"I Love British mysteries and it’s always the quiet shop keepers that know all about the village and that are able to solve the mysteries...." Read more

34 customers mention "Readability"34 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, with one customer noting it's a quick read.

"...'s engaging plot twists kept me guessing at every turn, and the well-developed, quirky characters added layers of intrigue and subtle humor to the..." Read more

"...A really good read. Looking forward to the next book in the series." Read more

"...Throw in a mystery and wonderful characters and it all makes for a wonderful book." Read more

"...Overall, it was an enjoyable book, but lacked some depth and development that could have made it a great book...." Read more

24 customers mention "Character development"21 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in this cozy mystery series, with one mentioning they are fun in a quiet village setting.

"...twists kept me guessing at every turn, and the well-developed, quirky characters added layers of intrigue and subtle humor to the narrative...." Read more

"...The plot twists keep you interested, the characters help draw you into the story, and the ending leaves you hopeful for the future...." Read more

"...Throw in a mystery and wonderful characters and it all makes for a wonderful book." Read more

"...The characters are well developed, but left me wanting more...." Read more

9 customers mention "Town setting"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the wonderful small town setting of this cozy mystery series, with one customer particularly appreciating the café and bookstore scenes.

"Katie Forrest has created a wonderful small town which is bound to entice the reader...." Read more

"Welcome to Waterfell Tweed, a cozy little town where everyone knows everyone and the gossip will find you at the coffee shop...." Read more

"Waterfall Tweed is such a nice little town. Sandy is enjoying running her shop, Books and Bakes...." Read more

"...A truly fun read with a few good twists in a lovely small town. This book is a novella, which I loved; a great story in a shorter book." Read more

8 customers mention "Quaint setting"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the picturesque town of Waterfell Tweed, with one customer noting its colorful inhabitants and another describing it as a marvelous backdrop for action.

"In the quaint and picturesque town of Waterfell Tweed, Sandy Shaw is juggling the demands of running her charming but struggling bakery bookstore,..." Read more

"...Sandy Shaw is a delightful figure who finds herself a person of interest when a dead body is found...." Read more

"...Not sure I'll continue the series but it was a cute 1st entry" Read more

"So enjoyed meeting the lovely people of Waterfell Tweed. This cozy mystery will keep you guessing while tickling your taste buds...." Read more

7 customers mention "Pace"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pace, finding it a quick read with a steady plot development that keeps readers engaged.

"...The plot develops at a steady pace and doesn't really seem to gather momentum. The characters are well developed, but left me wanting more...." Read more

"...an admirable main character make for engaging banter that kept me turning the pages. Easy reading! And a bonus!..." Read more

"...It was a cute story Quick read. Not sure I'll continue the series but it was a cute 1st entry" Read more

"...This is a quick read and an introduction to a series with great characters and a surprise ending!" Read more

4 customers mention "Taste"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the food descriptions in the book, with one mentioning the cakes sound delicious and another noting how they make you want to enjoy them with coffee or tea.

"...And her cakes sound so delicious I wish her recipes were at the end of this story." Read more

"...Browse through the books and enjoy a cake with your coffee or tea...." Read more

"...This cozy mystery will keep you guessing while tickling your taste buds. Already into my second book.👏🏻..." Read more

"...I enjoyed the café and bookstore setting. Great characters. The food was yummy - chocolate fudge cake and Victoria sponge cakes, etc...." Read more

A FUN COZY MYSTERY
5 out of 5 stars
A FUN COZY MYSTERY
THIS BOOK HAS A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING IN IT! IT STARTS OFF IN A CAFE/BOOKSTORE WHERE SANDY THE OWNER IS ABOUT TO GET ACCUSED OF MURDER. SHE SETS OUT TO FIND OUT WHO REALLY KILLED THE MAN THAT EVERYONE DESPISED.. SANDY DOES SOME INVESTIGATED OF HER OWN AND ACTUALLY SOLVES THE MYSTERY. THIS WAS A FUN COZY LITTLE MYSTERY WRITTEN BY KATIE FORREST/MONA MARPLE.. THE ONLY THING THAT I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO HAVE SEEN AT THE END OF THE BOOK WOULD HAVE BEEN A RECIPE OR TWO. SINCE SANDY OWNED THE BAKERY / BOOKSTORE.. THE CAKES AND STUFF SHE WAS TALKING ABOUT SOUNDED DELICIOUS.. I ENJOYED THIS BOOK VERY MUCH AND LOOKING FORWARD TO READING MY NEXT KATIE FOREST / MOANA MARPLES MYSTERY
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Tambi Smith
    5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful First-In-Series Mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    In the quaint and picturesque town of Waterfell Tweed, Sandy Shaw is juggling the demands of running her charming but struggling bakery bookstore, Books and Bakes. Just when it seems like her business might be facing its toughest challenge yet, Reginald Halfman, the town's wealthiest resident, makes a bold and public announcement. He declares his intention to turn the neighboring building, currently home to Sandy’s best friend Cass’s LA Nails, into a competing bookshop, The Book Stop. The news threatens to overshadow Sandy’s dreams, but the unfolding events take a dramatic turn when Reginald is found dead under suspicious circumstances that very evening. Initially dismissed as a burglary gone awry, the investigation soon reveals layers of deception and premeditated malice lurking beneath the surface.
    As Sandy becomes embroiled in the mystery, she witnesses a heated exchange between Cass and an enigmatic woman, sparking questions about what secrets the townsfolk might be hiding. Conversations around Waterfell Tweed become fraught with tension, and Sandy realizes that nearly everyone has something to conceal. The stakes heighten when someone close to her suffers a mysterious attack, landing them in the hospital. With the police casting a suspicious eye on Sandy for both murder and attempted murder, she recognizes that she must unravel the tangled web of secrets herself. Her quest is not only to clear her own name but to protect those she loves. Yet, another question remains: are the incidents connected, or is there another sinister force taking advantage of the chaos?
    Reading "Once Upon a Crime: Waterfell Tweed Cozy Mystery, Book 1" by Katie Forrest (writing as Mona Marple) was an absolute delight. I was immediately drawn into the vibrant world of Waterfell Tweed, where the small-town charm is both a comfort and a cloak for darker deeds. The book's engaging plot twists kept me guessing at every turn, and the well-developed, quirky characters added layers of intrigue and subtle humor to the narrative. The portrayal of the close-knit friendship between Sandy and Coral was particularly heartwarming, highlighting the importance of community and support amidst turmoil. The descriptive scenes of the café bookstore painted vivid images that made me feel like a part of the town.
    What I found particularly impressive was the book's ability to maintain a perfect balance between suspense and coziness. The pacing was leveled just right, allowing the mystery to unfold gradually while giving readers the chance to savor the quaint setting and its colorful inhabitants. The storyline was not only entertaining but also satisfying, with a resolution that tied up loose ends while leaving room for anticipation. As the first installment in the Waterfell Tweed Cozy Mystery series, it sets a high bar, and I eagerly look forward to diving into the next book, "A Tale of Two Bodies," to see what further adventures await Sandy and her friends.
    Book Rating:
    Originality: 4.25/5.0
    Plot Structure: 4.5/5.0
    Pacing: 5.0/5.0
    Dialogue: 5.0/5.0
    Personal Enjoyment: 4.5/5.0
    Cover Design: 4.5/5.0 (Not averaged in the overall rating.)
    Overall Rating: 4.65/5.0 (Rating will be rounded up due to platforms not allowing partial ratings.)
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  • Joan Marsh
    4.0 out of 5 stars Books and coffee, the perfect combo
    Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Sandy and her sisters Coral lead very different lives, but understand that family comes first. When one has a problem, the other is there to help resolve it. When Sandy is arrested for a murder she did not commit, she realizes that she has to find the murderer herself, or end up in prison. With the help of her sister and her friends, she gathers bits of information that hopefully will lead her to the real murderer. The plot twists keep you interested, the characters help draw you into the story, and the ending leaves you hopeful for the future. A really good read. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
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  • dbzemom
    5.0 out of 5 stars A town I'd like to live in...
    Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Katie Forrest has created a wonderful small town which is bound to entice the reader. Throw in a mystery and wonderful characters and it all makes for a wonderful book.
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  • Petunia
    3.0 out of 5 stars Simple small town cozy mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Sandy lives in the small town of Waterell Tweed and owns her own bakery and book store. When a local man is killed after announcing he's opening a new book store, Sandy becomes the chief suspect. And when an out of town detective refuses to look elsewhere, Sandy decides to investigate the murder on her own. There are a number of other characters who are central to the book including Sandy's sister, Coral and her best friend Cass. The plot develops at a steady pace and doesn't really seem to gather momentum. The characters are well developed, but left me wanting more. Overall, it was an enjoyable book, but lacked some depth and development that could have made it a great book. It was an easy read, but a little too easy to put down and walk away from between chapters.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Gramma04
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book
    Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I Love British mysteries and it’s always the quiet shop keepers that know all about the village and that are able to solve the mysteries. Sandy being blamed gave her the reason to look into the crime. Really enjoyed this.
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  • Slugpuppy3
    4.0 out of 5 stars An Enjoyable Day’s Read
    Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is a very entertaining cozy mystery. Sandy is the pleasant, sweet owner/operator of Books and Bakes who becomes the prime suspect in a murder case. Fortunately, she is surrounded by good friends who step up to support her as she tries to keep her business afloat while also trying to figure out who-dun-it. I enjoyed this story.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Connie. Rosenbaum
    5.0 out of 5 stars A FUN COZY MYSTERY
    Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    THIS BOOK HAS A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING IN IT! IT STARTS OFF IN A CAFE/BOOKSTORE WHERE SANDY THE OWNER IS ABOUT TO GET ACCUSED OF MURDER. SHE SETS OUT TO FIND OUT WHO REALLY KILLED THE MAN THAT EVERYONE DESPISED.. SANDY DOES SOME INVESTIGATED OF HER OWN AND ACTUALLY SOLVES THE MYSTERY. THIS WAS A FUN COZY LITTLE MYSTERY WRITTEN BY KATIE FORREST/MONA MARPLE.. THE ONLY THING THAT I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO HAVE SEEN AT THE END OF THE BOOK WOULD HAVE BEEN A RECIPE OR TWO. SINCE SANDY OWNED THE BAKERY / BOOKSTORE.. THE CAKES AND STUFF SHE WAS TALKING ABOUT SOUNDED DELICIOUS.. I ENJOYED THIS BOOK VERY MUCH AND LOOKING FORWARD TO READING MY NEXT KATIE FOREST / MOANA MARPLES MYSTERY
    Customer image
    Connie. Rosenbaum
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    A FUN COZY MYSTERY

    Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2025
    THIS BOOK HAS A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING IN IT! IT STARTS OFF IN A CAFE/BOOKSTORE WHERE SANDY THE OWNER IS ABOUT TO GET ACCUSED OF MURDER. SHE SETS OUT TO FIND OUT WHO REALLY KILLED THE MAN THAT EVERYONE DESPISED.. SANDY DOES SOME INVESTIGATED OF HER OWN AND ACTUALLY SOLVES THE MYSTERY. THIS WAS A FUN COZY LITTLE MYSTERY WRITTEN BY KATIE FORREST/MONA MARPLE.. THE ONLY THING THAT I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO HAVE SEEN AT THE END OF THE BOOK WOULD HAVE BEEN A RECIPE OR TWO. SINCE SANDY OWNED THE BAKERY / BOOKSTORE.. THE CAKES AND STUFF SHE WAS TALKING ABOUT SOUNDED DELICIOUS.. I ENJOYED THIS BOOK VERY MUCH AND LOOKING FORWARD TO READING MY NEXT KATIE FOREST / MOANA MARPLES MYSTERY
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  • Carol Laur
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Little Town
    Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Waterfell Tweed is a great town for this mystery. Sandy and her friends are wonderful. Sandy is spunkier than she realizes as she plods on to solve the mystery. And her cakes sound so delicious I wish her recipes were at the end of this story.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Karen Kenyon
    5.0 out of 5 stars I loved it!
    Reviewed in Canada on November 27, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    What a good book to curl up with a cup of tea with!
    The characters and whodunit were top notch and this book certainly whet my appetite for the next in the series!
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  • Rheeby101_books
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cozy, Cute and Addictive
    Reviewed in Australia on June 27, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Be careful reading Mona Marple’s Waterfell Tweed Cozy Mystery Series; you'll become addicted as I have. I only intended to read the first book, but it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with Waterfell Tweed and the relatable characters who began to feel like friends. Two days later and I’m three books into the series. Full review on my blog at rhartauthor.com
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  • Zalewski Valerie
    5.0 out of 5 stars A good start to a promising series
    Reviewed in France on January 26, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A book that is set in a bake and book shop in a small town was sure to attract my attention. I'm pleased that it did. I enjoyed this first book in the series. The main characters were all people I would like to have as friends. The plot was classic cosy with no surprises. It made for a good, quick read. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
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  • Fred Jones
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent cozy mystery
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 24, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    An excellent cozy mystery with a strong story and great characters. In the village of Waterfell Tweed Sandy Shaw runs the local coffee and bookshop. When a business rival is murdered she becomes the main suspect and begins an investigation to clear her name. I liked the setting, the story and the characters. Highly recommended.
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  • bookwormStephanie
    4.0 out of 5 stars Cosy, quirky and a bookworms delight
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A really fun murder mystery that I read in only a couple of days. Highly enjoyed and looking forward to carrying on with the series
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