Mirror Lake is the third Shady Hollow murder mystery by Juneau Black. First released in 2020, this reformat and re-release 28th April 2022 from Hatchette on their Hodder & Stoughton imprint is 240 pages and available in paperback format. Other editions available in audio and ebook formats.

This is a whimsical and offbeat semi-cozy mystery with the unusual twist that all the characters are highly anthropomorphic animals who talk, have jobs, and occasionally commit crimes. The story is set in a village (Shady Hollow) and the book is replete with those oddball/eccentric small-town cozy characters. Main protagonist Vera Vixen is the local beat reporter who is investigating events surrounding the discovery of a skeleton long buried in a local orchard. 

All the standard cozy tropes are front and center: amateur plucky reporter who can't let a mystery go uninvestigated, handsome lawman love interest (he's a bear), a long ago unsolved disappearance, skullduggery, and village secrets. There are several disparate plot threads which are skillfully woven together into a comfortably satisfying denouement and resolution.

Despite being full of talking animals with "schtick-y" alliterative names, it's definitely not a children's or juvenile book and wouldn't be appropriate for small kids. It's also not animals as characters (à la Rita Mae Brown, Lillian Jackson Braun, & co.), but more like Mandy Morton's trippy Hettie Bagshot mysteries. The characters - are - animals. They speak and go about their business like humans in animal form. They do seem to refrain from eating one another for the most part and rabbits and mice coexist mostly peacefully with foxes, mink, and bears. 

The mystery was straightforward, if somewhat surreal. A local wealthy socialite (who is a rat, whiskers and all) claims her husband has been murdered, though everyone can see him standing beside her, perfectly alive (or is it an imposter?). The dialogue was a bit choppy in places, but more oddly paced than badly constructed in any way. There is a weird atmospheric vibe throughout, but that could just be the surreal effect of the characters being talking animals which is never addressed. I had some issues engaging with the main protagonist. She strikes me as an appalling combination of gullible and obnoxious, but she is undoubtedly plucky.

Odd mystery. Well constructed, but off-kilter in some way which is difficult to define. It has definite shadings of noir, but is, at the heart of it, a village cozy. 

Three and a half stars. There are currently three full length novels and a shorter work in the series, making it a good choice for fans of anthropomorphic mysteries, for a buddy/binge read. I would strongly recommend reading the books in order, to get a feel for the characters and setup.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Another beautiful instalment of what is fast becoming my favourite book series. The characters come alive in a way that that stay with you, a real skill for which the author should get top kudos

“Welcome, dear reader! You have happened upon the delightful village of Shady Hollow, a place where rabbits and raptors, squirrels and snakes live together in civilised accord . . . with only the occasional murder to mar the peace of daily life.”

That line alone had me intrigued! This story follows Vera Vixen who visits Mirror Lake but ends up being thrown into Dorothy’s claim that her husband has been murdered. The twist is…her husband was standing right next to her. Everyone around her think she is not right in the head and was not taken seriously. In the meantime, professor Heidegger claimed he had been robbed but the police didn’t believe him either. This raised Vera’s curiosity and she is determined to solve this mystery.

The story is not what I expected it to be from reading the blurb. I love that all the characters are woodland animals who live harmoniously together in Shady Hollow which really adds a certain charm to the whole plot. Think Zootopia!

Although I didn’t read the previous books, I didn’t feel like I am missing out. I still very much enjoyed reading this little mystery. The story is not particularly thrilling or heart pounding. It feels more like a light, cosy read but I enjoyed the witty banter amongst the characters.

Thank you Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the arc.

This is the third and final book in the Shady Hollow series, and sees another mysterious death and an election for sheriff. I had the solution to the mystery very early on, but it was still quite a fun read. It’s still a bit bonkers - as the authors stay at the start, are they animals? Are they animal like people? Is it all an allegory? Who knows, just don’t think about it too hard!

In this third instalment of the Shady Hollow series, Vera Vixen investigates when Dorothy Springfield claims her husband has been murdered, even though he’s standing right next to her. Is Dorothy suffering from a mental illness, as her husband suggests, or is there something more sinister going on? Aided, or not, by the debonair author Bradley Marvel, who’s wolffish charms are lost on Vera, can she uncover the truth.

I am a huge fan of Juneau Black’s novels, and Mirror Lake is as good as the others. The characters are well created and come to life off the page - either as the animals they’re written as or as the human equivalent. Amazingly either way works.

A delightful read, throughly enjoyed from start to finish.

A well written cozy mystery book and endearing characters and not too easy to work out what happens but all makes sense i love when the protagonists are animals its so fun

My thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Mirror Lake’ by Juneau Black in exchange for an honest review.

This is Book 3 in Black’s series of charming cosy mysteries set in Shady Hollow, a woodland community populated by anthropomorphised creatures living side-by-side in harmony.

As Black writes in the opening Author’s Note: “Some of you have visited here before, and you therefore know that it is pointless to question too deeply the mechanics of this town.”

In ‘Mirror Lake’ journalist Vera Vixen has a new mystery to solve when Dorothy Springfield, a rat with a reputation for eccentricity, claims that her husband Edward, who is standing right next to her, has been murdered. Has Dorothy finally lost her grip on reality? Or could Edward be a pod rodent? Vera scents a story and starts to investigate. Meanwhile, a local election for the role of Chief of Police shakes things up in town and due to her friendship with Deputy Orville Braun, Vera has to avoid spoilers reporting on the campaigns.

I have read all three of these cosy mysteries and find them good fun. I also commend the design team for creating the attractive matching covers.

Will there be more mysteries for Vera and her friends to solve? I certainly hope so as this kind of whimsical story was lovely to curl up with.

I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. Mirror Lake, as an adult mystery thriller, deals with sensitive issues through the human characterisations of the community of woodland animals. A book you’ll want to curl up with.

Great book, in such a fab quirky series! I loved this read.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me access an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.

Mirror Lake is the third book in the Shady Hollow series and is my favourite one so far. Vera is still dedicated to her job as a journalist and also loves to get stuck into a little detective work if the opportunity arises. Many of the characters are recurring and most of them I like a lot especially Vera, Orville and Lefty.

This novel differs slightly because Vera has a new unwanted ‘assistant’, a famous but very infuriating author who was very deluded about his deducting skills and his attraction to the ladies.

It is never a huge surprise who the culprit is but it is a lot of fun reading about Vera and Orville and their efforts at solving the case, fuelled by coffee and cakes from Joe. All that’s missing from this lovely little series are some recipes

This is the third book in the highly enjoyable Shady Hollow cosy mystery series, and at this point the regular characters are becoming familiar faces to those who have been following the series, but there is nothing to stop readers from dipping straight into this book as a standalone story (if you must… don’t know why you would… grumble, grumble, something about the vital importance of reading a series in order regardless…!)

Vera and Orville (fox and bear respectively) must navigate the murky waters of political ambition and journalistic integrity in this story, deal with a lupine celebrity author’s visit, and find out whether Dot’s husband is actually not her husband as she claims or whether she has simply gone… dotty!

I found the mystery a bit easier to guess the solution to in this story than in the previous books, as did Vera, so there was less of a big reveal moment at the climax, but this didn’t detract at all from my enjoyment of the read, mainly due to how well-written the characters and setting are and how easily the writing allows you to fall right into the story.

I really hope the authors decide to write many more stories set in Shady Hollow (Vera could be the new Jessica Fletcher!). There is so much potential in the characters who haven’t yet had their turns: Lenore, Bradley Marvel, Lefty, Sui Lin, to name but a few.

Mirror Lake is a moreish, cosy, light read with a little less mystery than other titles in the trilogy (so far!) but just as much endearing entertainment value.


'Welcome, dear reader! You have happened upon the charming village of Shady Hollow, a place where rabbits and raptors, squirrels and snakes live together in civilized accord… with only the occasional murder to mar the peace of daily life.'

– Juneau Black, Mirror Lake


Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog

This book is the third book in the Shady Hollow series. I highly recommend that you read the other two book in the series before you read this one.
This book has a slightly darker feel to it than the previous two books, as things are more serious now. In my opinion this made the book better and more interesting. There were many twists and turns.
I really enjoyed this book, and the Shady Hollow series. I really hope that there are more books in the future. They are quirky and unique.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

This is the third book in this rather quirky series and, as such, for backstory and development reasons, I would recommend you start from book one and read in order. Or maybe more simply, cos they are cracking books in themselves so, why not!?
So, in this, her third outing, intrepid investigative reporter Vera Vixen has a bit of a weird one to try and get her head around. Dorothy Springfield is convinced that her husband Edward is dead and that the rat now appearing to be said husband is an impostor. She has a bit of a reputation of being rather eccentric and so her rants are not really taken seriously by the police who are themselves more concerned with elections for Chief-of-Police. But Vera has a way with her and tries to persuade the cops to put aside their political aspirations and look into this a bit better.
Too many things about what is alleged to be happening simply don't add up... But has Vera finally met her match...?
I love this series, it's quirky yes, but in a good way. If you can get your head round the fact that the cast are an eclectic mix of woodland creatures.
But I find I have an affinity with Vera. Probably cos I have my own Vera Vixen, living in my garden, feeding her new season's cubs right in front of me. All seven of them! I do love foxes!
In Shady Hollow, the authors have created the most wonderful place. Inhabited by some really great characters with their animal traits well suiting the roles they have been allocated.
I keep hearing that this is actually trilogy and, as such, is over. I am not liking that rumour and really hope that this isn't the case. There's definitely room for more in my opinion and, to be honest, the book didn't end completely with the message no more. I hope the authors reconsider...
Anyway... all in all, a cracking addition to what has gone before. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

After I read and enjoyed all the books in Shady Hollow series i'm left wondering if there's going to be other stories or if we must wave goodbye to Vera Vixen, Otis, Leonore and the cast of this delightful series.
This one is another entertaining and riveting story, a solid mystery that kept me guessing.
I hope there's going to be other stories and I will travel again to Shady Hollow.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Mirror Lake is a welcome return to the cosy woodland community of Shady Hollow, where a police bear and a reporter fox join forces to solve mysteries. They drink a lot of coffee and eat a lot of delicious-sounding pie, but always get the criminal creature bang to rights in the end.

An entertaining and quick read, five stars.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing a review copy in exchange for honest feedback.

Endlessly impressed with this series. Vera Vixen is a great character and the cosy mystery element is always well thought out and clever. It’s like Wind in the Willows or Zootopia but for adults. Perfect read for a grey day. Grab a large mug of tea and a scone and let the rain fall outside. Perfect.

Before I start, I want to give huge thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for gifting me the physical and e-arcs of the first 3 books in the Shady Hollow Mystery series by Juneau Black in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Before I delve into my review, you really need to be aware of what Shady Hollow is, it’s a delightfully quaint, quixotic little village populated by a multitude of animals including rabbits, bears, pandas, rabbits, rats, ravens, and of course foxes, and more. I’ve been ruminating on how to describe this since I read the first book, with thoughts of Beatrix Potter crossed with Angela Lansbury in Murder She Wrote, but I’ve moved onto it being more like the societies of Sing and Zootopia, with that Murder she Wrote mystery feel.

In this the 3rd book in the series Vera Vixen is once again front and central to the story, and we meet up with her enjoying a rare date with her beau Deputy Orville at the Harvest Festival, which sounds fabulous with a plethora of cider, pumpkin pies, cinnamon coffees. All is going well until Orville snaps at the Chief letting the him down again, and in a flash announces his decision to run for election as Shady Hollow’s Chief of Police, throwing Vera and Orville’s plans completely awry and putting Vera into a difficult position as a reporter.

The next day, Vera visits Mirror Lake to get advice and and it’s here that the calm is totally shattered by Dorothy Springfield’s scream that her husband, who is stood right next to her, has been murdered. Of course our intrepid reporter is totally intrigued and once again plunged into solving this mystery.

Having enjoyed both the previous books in this delightful cozy mystery series, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this 3rd book has definitely stepped up a notch. The foundations of the world-building of Shady Hollow have been set and the intricacies of Village politics and relationships are well developed amongst the core characters, the embers of romance between Orville and Vera have been well and truly kindled…I refuse to ruminate on the physicality of their relationship 😊

The tone of the book has has stepped up to deliver almost a conversation with the reader, small hints and tips that Vera is oblivious to or unaware of are shared … creating a wonderfully complicit atmosphere.

Core characters reappear, bringing with them familiarity, humour and a definite sense of community, and new characters appear, bring additional depth and interest to the story.

The mysteries themselves are not Sherlokian in complexity, these won’t tie your brain knots, but once again Juneau Black delivers an entertaining, reality escaping, well paced, humour filled, satisfying and enjoyable cosy mystery that you just don’t want to put down until the end!

First of all, thank you so much to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for this ARC. This review is voluntarily written by me.

This book is the third installment of the series, and for me, it has the best mystery yet. Even though I do not really have a really engaging read compared to the previous two (but still an easy read), the darker atmosphere of the case (but not really dark, it is a cozy mystery) makes up for it. For me, the case is really interesting because of how the investigation started (the point where Vera makes up her mind to find the truth), the development of the investigation, and how the criminal is the most dangerous one compared to the previous cases. The plot and characters are also well-written for me. In conclusion, I am grateful for the given opportunity to review this series, because, I already found my new favourite series for this year.

It’s great to return to Shady Hollow with the usual main characters plus some additional ones too. I love that the characters are all animals and that the way the books are written, you forget this as they are so believable within their characters! Another great mystery to solve for Vera Vixen whilst fighting off the amorous advances of a well known author wolf!, absolutely brilliant!!

Absolutely dreamy to return to the Shady Hollow village for another cute murder mystery. This gives me serious midsummer murders vibes. The characters are rays of sunshine, while they investigate different murders throughout the series. The plot as different to the previous books, each book has a different set of circumstances. Although Mirror Lake is a short book, a lot of plot twists are within the pages. I was not expecting a lot of the twists that occurred.