Sally Bayless

Cozy Mystery Author

Sally Bayless

New Release! Books, Betrayal & Blame: Dogwood Springs Cozy Mystery Book 8

A stolen manuscript, a murdered donor, and a library full of suspects.

Cover image shows Bella, the golden retriever in a library with a bookend on the floor

When a rare original manuscript is set to be given to the library in Dogwood Springs, historian Libby Ballard is among those excited to celebrate the literary treasure. But before the event begins, the book vanishes without a trace—and the donor is found murdered.

As the town reels from the shocking news, whispers and theories abound. The police have their suspect, but Libby fears the woman may have been wrongly accused, leaving the real killer walking away free. Determined to see justice served, Libby begins digging into a tangle of family drama.

With her loyal golden retriever, Bella, by her side and her friends ready to help, she starts putting the pieces together. But as the mystery deepens, so does the danger. Someone in town is hiding the truth—and they’ll do anything to keep it buried. 

Can Libby identify the killer before another deadly chapter is added to this tale?

Visit Dogwood Springs to start solving this mystery with Libby and Bella!

Perfect for fans of small-town charm, found family, and cozy mysteries with heart.

This is a clean read with no profanity or graphic violence.

Get your copy here. 

Don’t miss the new Roseview Inn series!

Welcome to the Roseview Inn—where the roses are blooming, the s’mores are toasty, and Tater the cat is waiting to greet guests.

When Meredith Lowell inherits a peaceful lakeside inn, she’s hoping for a fresh start. What she finds instead is friendship, purpose—and the occasional mystery. Join Meredith (and Tater!) as they open the doors of the Roseview Inn and discover that hospitality and sleuthing sometimes go hand in hand.

Cover of Hot Tub Homicide showing an orange tabby, a hot tub, and an inn in the background.

Book 1—Hot Tub Homicide

When a local restaurant owner turns up dead during a reception at the Roseview Inn, Meredith’s plans for a smooth start running the inn vanish faster than a tray of appetizers. With her new friends by her side—and Tater offering cozy support—she’ll need every ounce of her intuition to uncover the killer.

Reserve your room at the Roseview Inn today and be the first to unravel this charming new mystery.

Get your copy of Hot Tub Homicide now!

A jigsaw puzzle for Dogwood Springs Book 7

A reunion ripe with secrets, and a killer among them.

This puzzle features the cover of Apples, Alumni & Animosity, Book 7 in the Dogwood Springs cozy mystery series.

I’ve posted how long it took me to solve this puzzle in the comments. (Please click the title of the post if you don’t see the comments.) I’d love for you to share your time as well!

For more jigsaw puzzles, click here.

Dogwood Springs #7—Apples, Alumni & Animosity

A reunion ripe with secrets, and a killer among them.

Cover of Apples, Alumni & Animosity, which shows Bella the golden retriever in an orchard at apple-picking time

When historian Libby Ballard is asked to offer a series of talks to a group of visiting university alumni, she’s intrigued. When the offer comes with the promise of a large donation to the small-town history museum where she’s the director, it sounds even sweeter. And when she learns the alumni are staying at a retreat center at a lovely local orchard, she readily agrees. What could be better than discussing her favorite topic in an idyllic venue filled with ripe red apples, happy friends, and hayrides?

Yet, the picturesque Missouri setting hides a poisonous secret. When one of the alumni is murdered, it becomes clear there’s a bad apple in the bunch. With the sheriff baffled, and danger lurking among the leaves, the orchard’s desperate owner asks Libby and her beloved golden retriever, Bella, to root out the killer.

As Libby investigates, she discovers that the alumni’s relationships are rotted by long-held grudges and recent rage. If she wants to keep the reunion from culminating in another tragic goodbye, she’ll have to act fast.

Curl up with Libby, Bella, and their friends as they delve into the core of this twisty mystery!

If you like a cozy mystery with a pet who will win your heart, friends who feel like family, and a hint of romance, you’ll love this series!

This is a clean read with no profanity or graphic violence.

Available for purchase here.

A word scramble for Antiques, Artifacts & Alibis

I love all sorts of word games, so I’ve created a word scramble to go with Antiques, Artifacts & Alibis. If you click on the words in blue below, the file will show on your screen. Or you can click the Download button to get the PDF to print. I hope you enjoy!


Antiques, Artifacts & Alibis word scrambleDownload
Antiques, Artifacts & Alibis word scramble answersDownload

Interested in online jigsaw puzzles? Click here to find puzzles created from my book covers.