Welcome to Manatee Bay!
It’s 1998 on the Florida Gulf Coast, and Kate McGregor—a 48-year-old artist and dedicated introvert—has finally settled into a good routine. Living in the drafty, inherited remains of her family’s squandered railroad fortune, she spends her days managing the Tidewater Gallery, an arts and crafts consignment shop filled with unusual local creations.Kate has everything she needs: her best friend Cindy’s popular High Tides bakery is next door, and their managerie of rescued animals that includes a mouthy macaw and an ex-racing star from the local dog track keeps growing.But Manatee Bay is a town full of eccentric characters with secrets both old and new, and Kate’s peace is about to be shattered.In a town where everyone is hiding something, the mayor claims to have been abducted by aliens (twice), and the local Bigfoot group meets on Tuesdays in the bakery, getting to the bottom of a series of local mysteries is going to require more than just her 1960s-inspired intuition—it’s going to take a village of misfits.
Taffy Beach is the author of the Manatee Bay Cozy Mysteries, perfect for fans of small-town mysteries set in the 1990s,
with heart, humor, and a Gulf Coast breeze.
Official Release: May 4, 2026
Pre-orders open March 1st
Sunshine.
Sea breezes.
Secrets deadly enough to sink a town.
Every tide brings something new to Manatee Bay…
This one brings murder.In 1998 Manatee Bay, Florida, sunshine and small-town secrets go hand in hand—and no one knows that better than artist Kate MacGregor. When the Spring Berry Festival turns unexpectedly chaotic and her lifelong friend Cindy lands at the center of the scandal, Kate decides it’s time to put her quick instincts and tactless charm to good use.With gossip swirling faster than the Gulf tides and a parade of quirky locals (and opinionated pets) offering more confusion than clues, Kate soon finds herself unraveling a mystery that goes deeper than a spoiled celebration. As old family grudges resurface and new suspicions grow, she’ll need every ounce of courage—and a few lucky breaks—to discover the truth before Manatee Bay jumps to all the wrong conclusions.Engaging, atmospheric, and filled with coastal charm, Tides, Lies, and Alibis marks the start of the Manatee Bay Cozy Mystery series.
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September 2026
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December 2026
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April 2027
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ABOUT THE AUTHORTaffy Beach spent the bulk of her adult life in a small Florida Gulf town, a setting that continues to inspire the breezy atmosphere of her stories. While she promises that the quirky inhabitants of Manatee Bay are entirely fictional, she has one very real-life character inspiration.The role of Edgar is closely modeled after Taffy’s own companion, a wise old tuxedo kitty who has provided valuable input and constant support throughout the writing of this series.When she isn't plotting twists or dreaming up new mysteries, Taffy is usually found with knitting needles or a crochet hook in hand. She spends her free time creating handmade pet toys, beds, and blankets to donate to local shelters, helping to bring a little extra comfort to animals waiting for their forever homes.
