Read Herring Hunt by V.M. Burns is the second book in the Mystery Bookshop Mystery series. THe story follows Sam Washington the owner of a mystery bookshop in North Harbor, Michigan as she tries to clear the name of her friend Dawson Alexander. Dawson works and lives at the shop and has become like family to Sam. He's also the star quarterback at the local university. His shady ex-girlfriend is found murdered early in the book and Dawson is the police's suspect number one.
Sam with the help of her sister who's a criminal defense lawyer, her Nana Jo and her girlfriends all band together to help Dawson. There's also more trouble when Sam uncovers shady cons happening at the school and Dawson's deadbeat Dad starts interfering.
There's also two potential suitors that Sam is dealing with in this novel. Dipping her toe back into dating after the death of her Husband.
While the plot unfolds there is a secondary mystery interlaced in the story that is being written by Sam, as she's a budding cozy mystery writer. That story is set in England in the late 1930's. I personally didn't love that story and found the two storylines a cool idea, but I do think it really added to the book in general.
The primary story was interesting, but I did guess the killer pretty early on and found some of the discussion about money a bit unnecessary/repetitive. I did enjoy that there was a wide age range of ages in the characters and that helps the book appeal to more people.

A good book. Well written with great characters and a good plot. The storyline flows and the mystery is enjoyable. I highly recommend.,

We join Sam as her tenant and all around lovely guy Dawson Alexander is now the prime suspect in the murder of his ex-girlfriend Melody Hardwick. She calls her Criminal Defense lawyer sister, Jenna, to help him out as she, Nana Jo, Ruby-Mae, Irma and Dorothy join forces again to find out what the heck is happening and to solve this case to clear Dawsons name.

Told in present day and Sams book chapters like the previous story with her book mirroring what's happening present day. The characters are just as good as before, their little quirks and humor bringing life to the story and making them more believable as people.

Thoroughly enjoyed this and am looking forward to diving in to the next book in the series very soon!

*Huge thanks to V.M. Burns, Kensington Book and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*

Welcome back to North Harbor, Michigan the home of Samantha Washington and her store, The Market Street Mysteries Bookstore. She runs the store with Nana Jo and Dawson Alexander. Dawson is the star quarterback of the MISU football team and has a chance to go pro. He is attached to Melody, a honey pot, who hopes to cash in on his future earnings. When she turns up dead, shortly after Dawson has broken up with her, he is arrested for her murder. Sam, Nana Jo, Sam’s sister Jenna, who is also a lawyer and many others are convinced Dawson is innocent. With the help of Nana Jo’s friends, “The Girls” all senior citizens with connections, Sam sets out to find the real killer.

I love the characters in this series. Sam, Nana Jo and Jenna are family by blood, but they have all adopted Dawson, who was an abused young boy when they found him hiding out in the washroom of the store. He now works with them and lives in the apartment over Sam’s garage. Family means everything to this group and the family you choose is just as important as the family by blood. Nana Jo is a hoot and her friends are even more entertaining. They are outspoken, have all kinds of connections, drink, gamble, love to party and are very good at helping Sam with her amateur sleuthing. Sam is a great main character. She is learning to live and enjoy her life since her husband died and the business is doing well. She is also writing a novel set in Britain in the 1940s, which is a storyline in the book. We actually get two stories for the money, as Sam’s story in also included in this book. She is smart, intuitive, loyal, a bit nosy and tough when it comes to standing up for her beliefs and those she loves.

Read Herring Hunt is a fun, entertaining and suspenseful cozy! The mystery is well-developed with a few suspects and some red herrings. I did figure out who the murderer was when there was a huge clue dropped in the story, and was delighted when I was correct. The investigation itself was fun, with the girls, finding out all sorts of information. The final showdown was well done, with some suspense and quick thinking on the part of several characters. I enjoyed the dialogue, the relationships between the characters and the mystery, so all in all, a very enjoyable story. I recommend this one to cozy mystery lovers who enjoy quirky characters and a bit of a different twist on a cozy mystery.

Fun light cozy featuring Sam, Nana Jo and the gang. Sam sets out to prove Dawson didn’t kill the young scammer who wants him to be her meal ticket. Nana Jo and her book club look for clues to help her and to prove Dawson innocent.
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I struggled through the first book and I said I wouldn't read the second one but then I clicked on it and it seems that so did Barb so here we are again...lol.

I don't know if it's the book within a book plot that I don't like or the book the MC is writing. After reading this one I am leaning towards the fact I just don't care about the British mystery the MC is writing in the book because once I decided to skip those parts of the book it became a much more enjoyable read.

Samantha (Sam) is the owner of a mystery bookshop (and is an aspiring writer) and in the first book she sort of took in a teenager Dawson. He is a star football player trying to cope with an alcoholic father. Now he is dealing with being accused of murder. He had a girlfriend who was a bit of a floozy if you ask Nana Jo, and they end up finding out she is a honey trap type. Dawson had broken up with her before she could lay the trap but not before she scratched his face which is one of the reasons he is in trouble as his DNA is under her fingernails. That and he was one of the last people to see her alive and since he was the boyfriend it doesn't look good for him.

Sam knows that Dawson didn't do it and so does Nana Jo and her group from the retirement home. They have all sort of adopted Dawson. Sam investigates and learns a lot of about the girl and the fact that she had an alias, and was just not a very likable person. There are a few people who could have wanted to killer her so Sam with the help of the older ladies set to trying to solve the murder.

In between all of this when Sam can't sleep, etc she sets out to writing a second British mystery involving the characters from her first book (that was in book one), the only thing is is that this one felt to much like some kind of war time historical/political intrigue type mystery and was very dull. I felt confused when trying to read it and at about 50% into the book as a whole I started skipping this part.

So I won't lie I think the only reason I kept reading this book was for Nana Jo and her retirement group of ladies. They crack me up! They each have their own way of getting information and each have a way of making me laugh. Irma is a bit rough around the edges and always wanting to cuss but gets interrupted by the others before she does. I can't remember all of their names but one is always dating someone she can get info from, others have family members who work in a department that can help. They are very resourceful and a load of fun! The MC Sam is okay but really if it wasn't for the older gals I don't think I would keep reading. Oh and I like Dawson he seems like a sweetie and he bakes!

Overall, it was a decent read as long as I skipped the book in a book parts. Skipping that doesn't take away from the main book parts so I am okay with skipping it and don't feel bad about doing so. :) I can't really recommend it but I would say if you are curious about a book in a book storyline give it a try.

Samantha is both a mystery bookstore owner and a budding mystery writer, what's not to like?! When her tenant is accused of murdering his ex. His suspension from the college football team follows and Sam, along with the Sleuthing Senior Book Club intend to find out what happened. I also liked the peeks into the historical mystery Sam is working on, this is a strong addition to the series.

Samantha Washington, the owner of the Market Street Mysteries Bookstore, has sort of adopted Dawson Alexander, the hometown college quarterback, so when the girl he was dating turns up dead after their breakup, Sam knows the Dawson is in for some trouble - suspension from the team, numerous interrogations, even arrest. Sam together with her grandmother and sister work to keep Dawson free and find the killer.

This story is also intermixed with the novel that Sam is writing. I really love the way that this is written, weaving two mysteries two sets of characters but keeping them separate and distinct.

Excellent Cozy Bookshop Mystery!

Read Herring Hunt is book two in the V.M. Burns Bookshop Mystery. Sam Washington, our delightful protagonist, is living her dream as a bookstore owner and author. With the help of her grandmother and her employee Dawson, Sam can run the bookshop and continue writing her British cozy mysteries.

When Dawson, who is now in college is arrested for his girlfriend’s murder it takes Sam, Nana Jo and the rest of Nana’s senior friends help find the real murderer. With many twists and turns, and a few red herrings thrown along the way, Sam and her friends finally figure out the “whodunit.” I love the fact that this series has a mystery within a mystery. As Sam writes her novel, we are reading the mystery as well. Such a cleaver take on a British Cozy combined with the current cozy. Ms. Burns is a very talented author who can keep two mysteries going at once. If you enjoy a heartwarming protagonist, senior sleuths, and a mystery within a mystery, this book is just right for you!

This is a great book; this is the second book in the Mystery Bookshop series written by V.M. Burns. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author.

Another great edition to a delightful new series! Great characters, a book about books, and a great mystery to solve, the perfect trifecta.

This is a fun read and the novel within a novel is interesting. This is the 2nd book by this author and I'm interested in both stories equally. Nana Jo and the other seniors are a ton of fun to read about.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

Title: Read Herring Hunt

Author: V.M. Burns


Pages: 288

Series: Mystery Bookshop book 2

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Rating: 3.5 stars

Read Herring Hunt is the second book in the Mystery bookshop series by V.M. Burns and Samantha Washington and her two poodles are back for another mystery. But this time the mystery hits close to home when her employee and tenant Alexander Dawson who's become like a son to her is accused.

Sam and the senior citizen book club including her grandmother are determined to help her clear Alex's name. As this is book two in a series I don't want to risk giving away any of the plot to the first book, The Plot is murder. Sam only got involved in solving one murder to clear her name. But this time her lawyer sister is urging her to help clear her client. But with a bunch of senior citizens and college students along for the ride it's not going to be easy.

Read Herring Hunt is the perfect book for anyone who loves cozy mysteries, bookshop and dogs.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

This is the second book in the Mystery Bookshop series, and I enjoyed it very much. I'd read the first book as well.
The characters are really fun, especially Sam's grandma and her friends. They get up to all kinds of hijinks and help her solve mysteries.

In this book, Sam is running the bookstore with the help of her lodger Dawson Alexander, a local college football star. When his girlfriend is found dead, he becomes the prime suspect and Sam is determined to clear him and find the real killer.

The plot is solid and the book is an easy read. I recommend it.

Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I absoluty love this series. I have enjoyed both the first and this newest installment. V.M. Burns is such a talented author.

This is the second book in the Mystery book shop mystery series. I really enjoyed this book. In the story, owner of the mystery bookshop, Samantha Washington has to solve a murder where her friend and employee Dawson is the accused murder. With the help of her grandmother, Nana Jo and her Sleuthing Seniors Book Club, Sam has only two weeks to solve the murder, because Dawson is the local college’s star football player. In order for him to play in the upcoming game, they have to clear his name. I thought that Sam and the Sleuthing Seniors are fun characters and.made me laugh out loud at times. Even though I hadn’t read the first book in the series, I had no problem learning the characters. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun cozy mystery. As an added bonus, Sam is an aspiring mystery writer and throughout the book you get to read her mystery, as well. A two for one!

I loved this book.
It was so great to be back in the bookshop with all the characters and the grandmother is definitely one of my favourite characters.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves bookshops and cosy mysteries.
I don't want to say anything else about this book as I would have to put in spoilers and that's not fair to other readers.

I enjoyed this great little cozy, it's book 2 in the Mystery Bookshop series. I will have to find book one, The Plot is Murder and it's obvious you can read book 1 as a stand alone. Set in the small town of North Harbor on the shores of Lake Michigan, Samantha and the town are enjoying fall and the college football season before winter strikes. Her employee and renter, Dawson is the chief suspect in the murder of his ex girlfriend and a teacher at the college. Sam's lawyer sister Jenna is working on his defense and their grandmother is questioning the police and their tactics while Sam tries to find the real killer. The senior's book club are also anxious to help. I love cozy's where there are lots of age groups working together toward a common goal. Even when they meddle in Sam's personal life. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

In Read Herring Hunt, the second book in the Mystery Bookshop series, bookshop owner and crime author Sam Washington works to clear the name of local hero quarterback and de facto family member Dawson Alexander when he is accused of murdering his former girlfriend, Melody. Melody may not have been exactly popular – she was, as Nana Jo so eloquently put it, a bit of a floozy after all – but there isn’t exactly a surfeit of suspects, at least not initially. With all the evidence pointing to Dawson’s guilt, it’s lucky that Sam can rely on both her own crime-solving expertise and the combined powers of observation/gossip of the Sleuthing Senior Book Club.

Alongside Sam’s real-life sleuthing as she attempts to uncover the identity of Melody’s murderer, Read Herring Hunt also features the text of her latest murder mystery novel, in which Lady Daphne Marsh has to contend with a house party gone wrong when some fiend (or perhaps some disgruntled member of the gentry?) attempts to murder notorious American divorcee Wallis Simpson, for whom Edward VIII has recently abdicated.

The use of the dual narrative strands (that is, Sam’s investigation and her book) is an interesting and innovative approach, although the murder of Melody is arguably more engaging than the fictional attempt on the life of Wallis Simpson. The characters involved in the book (within the book) are just not so appealing as Sam and her friends. It’s perhaps more fun to follow Sam as she investigates a mystery than as she writes one, although her fictional investigation does feature a nice number of twists and turns of its own.

Sam Washington is an engaging and sympathetic central character. She has had to overcome the death of her husband and she has succeeded in her life-long dream of opening a bookshop (although a previous murder did nearly derail the business). She’s a savvy sleuth who makes the most of her local knowledge and she isn’t afraid to poke her nose in where it isn’t wanted. Nana Jo and the other members of the Sleuthing Senior Book Club are very funny and they’re definitely a valuable resource to have available when trying to track down a killer.

Read Herring Hunt is a fun-filled mystery featuring a gang of very appealing characters. Greater concentration on the murder of Melody might have allowed for a more complex plot, but the mystery is still nicely twisting and engaging.

Read Herring Hunt by VM Burns is the second book in the Mystery Bookshop Mysteries series. Sam's mystery bookshop is off to a wonderful start. Dawson, her renter and head baker, is having a great season with the college football team. All is not well though. When his ex-girlfriend is found murdered, he is the only suspect. Sam and her band of senior sleuths set out to prove his innocence. Like the first book this one has a secondary mystery in the form of Sam's English themed mystery novel. I enjoy the story within a story, but it may not be for everyone. I enjoyed the parallel mystery and the way the characters mesh together. This book is just as solid as the first and can easily be read on its own!