When a festive Christmas party turns deadly, a single mom and a brooding stranger must unravel a chilling mystery before the killer strikes again.

The holiday season is in full swing in Clam Cove, Maine, where twinkling lights and carols set the scene for the library’s annual Christmas party. ER nurse Nina Reyes is looking forward to a peaceful week off with her daughter, Ana, and their mischievous Golden retriever, Ginger. But when the town librarian collapses, poisoned during the festivities, Nina finds herself pulled into a deadly mystery.

Still recovering from a life-altering accident, horticulturist Kyle Walker is drifting until fate throws him into Nina’s path. Despite their differences, her determination and his keen eye make them an unexpectedly strong team. As they investigate, long-buried grudges surface, and the motives, ranging from greed to revenge, run deeper than they imagined.

With danger mounting and sparks flying, Nina and Kyle must stop a killer before they become the next targets.

Titles in the Danger at the Cove series include: Tangled Trust ~ Exposing Secrets ~ Poisoned Past ~

This is a clean, sweet romance with either closed doors or fade to black, or only kissing.

Title:  Poisoned Past
Series:  Danger at the Cove#3
Author:  Emmie Lyn
Published:  October 22, 2025
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
My Rating:  4 stars

Poisoned Past is the third title in the Danger at the Cove series.  I have not yet read the first stories, and I was not the least bit lost, as anything I truly needed to know was found in either the dialogue or the narrative.  So, you could read Poisoned Past as a standalone, but you’ll be tempted (like me) to go back to the beginning of the series.

I enjoyed Nina’s story very much.  As it’s a mystery, you won’t find any spoilers here if I can help it. *grin*  Nina is an ER nurse, living in Clam Cove, Maine, with her young daughter, Ana, and their therapy golden retriever, Ginger.  She had relocated to this small town after divorcing her abusive ex-husband, and although he should be in her rearview mirror, she rarely lets her guard down completely.

Kyle is a horticulturist who was recently injured in an accident.  He met Nina, Ana, and Ginger during his recovery and therapy.  There is a friendship between him and Nina that just may blossom into more.  

The Christmas season is upon this small town, and the annual Christmas party at the local library is soon in full swing.  The librarian isn’t the most popular person in town, although she is respected.  When she collapsed at the party, it soon became apparent that this was poison.

Soon, Nina and Kyle are involved in a mystery that will have them following clues and facing danger.  

If you enjoy a well-written mystery with touches of romance and danger, then you’d enjoy Poisoned Past by Emmie Lyn.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review, giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This title will release on October 22, 2025

This title is available at Amazon (affiliate link)