Death at the Water’s Edge

Anton and Catarina arrive on Santa Maria full of hope and determined to transform an abandoned dairy into a rural hotel that honors island culture. But when nothing goes as planned—and a shocking murder threatens to destroy everything—they must fight to protect the dream they’ve worked so hard to build.

Lori Moore comes to the Azores seeking nothing more than rest. Her career has collapsed, and she wants is a quiet place to breathe. Instead, she discovers a community where kindness, tradition, and belonging run deep. When tragedy strikes, she is drawn into Anton and Catarina’s search for the truth—and their mission to preserve their culture.

Together, the unlikely trio begins to investigate. As they uncover long-buried secrets and face unexpected dangers, they discover how well their strengths complement one another. Friendship, quiet humor, and keen insight guide them through each twist—and show that honoring the past sometimes requires solving a murder.

Each book in the Azores Heritage Mystery Series takes readers to a different island in the beautiful Azorean archipelago, highlighting that island’s history, traditions, and unique beauty. At the heart of every story are Anton and Catarina—devoted to preserving their islands’ heritage—and Lori, an American who has become part of both their mission and their family. With warmth, gentle humor, and keen insight, they uncover the truth behind long-buried secrets and unexpected crimes, their unique blend of talents tested by every new investigation.

Rich with island atmosphere, the series features a recurring cast of local characters and celebrates enduring bonds of family and community with deep humanity. As the trio works to transform an abandoned dairy into a thriving rural hotel and to develop a living heritage site, they reflect on the delicate balance between honoring tradition and embracing the opportunities and pressures of tourism.

Death at the Water’s Edge, Book 1 of the Azores Heritage Mystery Series, is set on the island of Santa Maria.