August Mystery of the Month:

Where the Light Shines Through

A fast-paced, heartwarming small town cozy mystery

Olivia Penn Mystery (Book 1)

Kathleen Bailey
Olivia Penn Mysteries
Paperback, hardcover, ebook, audiobook

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Where the Light Shines Through is the first book in the award-winning Olivia Penn Mystery Series by Kathleen Bailey. The amateur sleuth is Olivia Penn, an advice columnist who is returning home to visit her father in the picturesque Southern town of Apple Station, Virginia.

When a body is discovered on one of the town’s oldest estates, Olivia's plans quickly spiral into a high-stakes investigation. The police think one of her childhood friends committed the crime, but Olivia is sure he’s innocent. She begins unraveling the cryptic clues left behind by the victim and is dismayed to find secrets that tie her friend to the crime.

Olivia races against time, diving headfirst into the shadows to untangle a knot of betrayals, buried grudges, and shifting loyalties. To expose the actual killer, she’ll have to rely on her close-knit circle of friends and take a risky leap where the light shines through.

Reasons to Read Where the Light Shines Through

Whiskey Business is an outstanding cozy mystery novel with a character-driven plot, a perfectly paced mystery, and a wonderful small-town setting. It has been honored with numerous literary awards, including the 2026 Agatha Award for Best First Mystery Novel and the 2026 Lefty Award for Best Debut Novel. It was also nominated for an Anthony Award for Best First Novel (the winner will be announced in October 2026).

The book's protagonist, Reece Parker, is an incredibly likable character who is undergoing significant personal changes after leaving behind the life he thought he wanted and discovering the one that actually fits him. As the world shifts beneath his feet, he embraces a fresh start and uncovers strengths he never knew he had. It is wonderful watching him grow and change through the lens of a mystery investigation.

Reece is supported by a really fantastic best friend (Nate), parents who are a genuine delight to spend time with, and other well-drawn characters with distinct personalities. The relationships are wholesome and heartwarming and make the perfect pairing for the small-town setting. Hope Mills, Pennsylvania is the type of place that you want to spend time in when you pick up a cozy mystery book.

Reece's mixology lounge is also a delightful hangout for book lovers. It has story-inspired cocktails, literature-themed decor, and bookish ambiance. Whether you like drinking or not, you'll enjoy the literary twist.

The mystery itself is well-crafted with skillfully layered clues and a cast full of plausible suspects that make the final reveal especially rewarding.

Where the Light Shines Through is available in ebook, hardcover or paperback (328 pages), and audiobook (7 hours and 23 minutes; narrated by Natalie Naudus). The ebook version can be read for free with a Kindle Unlimited subscription.

What Readers Say About Where the Light Shines Through

“This was a delightfully charming read that I could not put down until all was said and done. The author knows how to tell a story where the tone was comfortable and the multi-plot whodunit had all the elements to keep me enthralled from beginning to end.”

— Dru's Book Musings

“Olivia’s vividly sketched hometown of Apple Station is so alive with warmth and local color that it brings to mind a southern version of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. ”

— BookLife Review

“Where the Light Shines Through by Kathleen Bailey is charming from beginning to end. The engaging writing voice instantly draws you into the story and keeps you glued to the page, with plenty of chances to grin and a hint of romance too. Olivia is a protagonist who is exceptionally easy to like, and the mystery is intriguing and smartly written.”

— Amazon Review

“This book has all the classic markers of a great cozy mystery series combined with beautifully descriptive writing. I really enjoyed the story, and loved the small town feel of this cozy. The characters were quirky, humorous, and realistic.”

— Goodreads Review

“Great care is taken with the way this book is written. It’s filled with emotional depth that kept me engaged. Besides a cozy and engaging story with wonderful characters, the descriptions are beautifully written. The author takes the concept of “show don’t tell” to a new level.”

— Meezan, Caboodle of Cozies

Where the Light Shines Through Reading Kit

If you're in a book club or if you just want to have some fun beyond the book, check out this free Where the Light Shines Through Reading Kit. It contains reader questions, book club activities, coloring pages, word search puzzles, a yummy recipe, and an interview with author Kathleen Bailey.

Where the Light Shines Through Mysteries in Order

The Olivia Penn Mysteries in order are:

The Case of the Broken Locket (Prequel short story)
Where the Light Shines Through (Book 1)
Silence Says the Most (Book 2)
Under the Cocoon Moon (Book 3)
When the Carnival Came (Book 4)
Without a Shadow of Doubt (Book 5)

Olivia Penn Mystery Books 1-5

Interview with Kathleen Bailey

Read a Cozy Crime Reads interview with Kathleen Bailey, the author of the Olivia Penn Mysteries. Learn what drew her to cozy mysteries, how she creates the cozy elements in her stories, and what she does to take a story from an idea to a completed book. Read more about Kathleen Bailey’s books, sign up for her newsletter, get book updates, find fun bookish extras, and more on her website, www.kathleenbaileyauthor.com.

Kathleen Bailey Cozy Mystery Bookshelf

Use the arrows on either side of the images below to see Kathleen Bailey’s cozy mysteries. Click on the book cover to see a book description, reader reviews, and a book excerpt on Amazon.