Betrayal in the Bay (Claire O'Keefe Mystery 2), by Cindy Quayle

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Betrayal in the Bay picks up where the first installment in this series, Death on Cozumel Island left off. Claire is back in the Bay Area waiting to find out where her next overseas teaching assignment will be. It's the perfect opportunity to spend time getting to know her new love interest. When the two of them decide to go on a scuba diving tour, their best laid plans are tainted not only with Claire's frenemy, Annisa, joining them, but also with the discovery of a dead body. Can Claire and her new beau work together to solve this apparent murder or will they drift apart?

This was the first time I've read a cozy where such a small amount of time has passed between the first and second installment and I have to say, I loved it! It was a natural transition into the next phase of Claire's life. I really enjoyed the time Claire and her love interest spent together getting to know each other and figuring out where exactly they stand in their relationship. Their playful banter had me smiling and even laughing at times. I was also glad to see Claire's best friend, Julia, join in the sleuthing. 

This is not really a culinary cozy, but there was plenty of foodie talk that had my mouth watering. I started to crave everything the sleuthers were eating. Their getting together to talk about the investigation while having a delicious meal is reminiscent of similar scenes in the Hannah Swensen mysteries, by Joanne Fluke.

The mystery in Betrayal in the Bay is complex and strong. There are a few suspects with motives and opportunity. I had no idea who the culprit was until the solution was revealed. There were lots of twists and turns along the way and it was fun trying to figure how everything was connected. I also loved the way the scuba diving theme was naturally incorporated into the plot.

If you're looking for a clean cozy mystery with a fun cast of characters, look no further than the Claire O'Keefe mystery series, by Cindy Quayle. While both of these books have self-contained mysteries, they are more enjoyable when read in order. I recommend starting with Death on Cozumel Island so you can get to know the main characters, then move on to the second one, Betrayal in the Bay. The third installment has not yet been published, but when it is, I will be sure to read it. I look forward to following the lives of the main characters and finding out what Claire's next adventure will entail.

Thank you to author Cindy Quayle for providing me with a copy of this e-book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.