Member Reviews
In this installment of Amanda Flower's delightful series, the Charming Books steers Violet Waverly toward <i>Little Women</i> to help solve the murder at the annual midnight ice-wine grape harvest. I was happy to see that Ms. Flower is advancing the mythology behind the bookshop, and utterly intrigued by the concept of ice-wine... recommended!
The book opens with Violet running through the woods. You think she is in danger and being chased but it is just that it is winter and she has gotten too close to the deadline for watering the tree in Charming Books. This isn't my favorite opener for this series. It created a false urgency and sense of danger right off the bat.
Then Grandma Daisy and Violet go to Morton Vineyard for a book signing by Belinda, a sommelier turned author. Belinda grew up in Cascade Springs. Violet's friend Lacey is Belinda's sister. Years ago there was a falling out between Belinda, Lacey and two younger sisters.
By the end of the evening Belinda is dead, murdered with a knife for harvesting grapes.
Violet investigates with the "help" of the shop, which provides multiple copies of Little Women.
The murderer was sort of a surprise but maybe not really since it has been building to this through the series.
I have been waiting so long for this book to come out and am so thrilled I received this copy! I could not wait to dive back into this world again, it’s been so long. I’ve missed this characters and I’m so excited to see where the romance is headed!
Fun cozy mystery series. The books try to help solve the crimes. With a cat and a crow to costar in the books, you can’t go wrong.
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Dollycas’s Thoughts
I was very upset when this unique series ended after just 2 stories. I am so happy that the people at Crooked Lane Books saw its promise and gave the series new life.
This 3rd story takes place in January and Violet and her Grandma Daisy will be selling books at a book signing for Belinda Perkins, a well-known sommelier, and author. The event is taking place at Morton Vineyard right before their midnight ice grape harvest. That means Violet will not be able to avoid her ex and the mayor of Cascade Springs, Nathan Morton or his mother.
The author’s estranged sister and Violet’s best friend Lacey is also present for the party, helping her husband with the catering. But Lacey can’t just stay in the kitchen. She badly wants to reconnect with her sister, but her sister creates a scene and demands Lacey be removed from the premises. From there the event quickly goes downhill when the upset author leaves the event.
But Violet makes a chilling discovery outside the winery. Belinda Perkins’ dead body at the edge of the vineyard and the standoff with her sister and evidence at the scene make Lacey the number one suspect. Violet knows her friend is innocent and plans to find the real killer and her magical bookshop is going to help her.
If you are new to this series I do recommend starting at the beginning with Crime and Poetry and Prose and Cons but the author does give some background in this book so new readers won’t feel lost. The series revolves around a wonderful, magical bookshop, where the right book will find you. There is a magical live tree in the middle of the shop and the female members of Violet’s family have always been the caretakers of the shop and the tree. Violet has recently replaced her Grandma Daisy as the caretaker. The shop and its “essence” is truly one of the starring characters.
This time to solve the murder, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women plays a key role. Violet just has to figure out which part of the tome will help her get the answers she needs.
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The characters the author has created are excellent. Violet, Grandma Daisy, Emerson the tuxedo cat, and the very verbal crow Faulkner all return to draw us into a story that is both enchanting and intriguing. Violet is growing into her job as caretaker and Grandma Daisy is at a bit of loose ends. Violet does need to fine tune her sleuthing skills a bit and Daisy needs to find new ways to fill her time. The relationship between the two women is getting stronger as they find their way in their new roles. I love sneaky little Emerson and who wouldn’t love an intellectual crow. The supporting cast all have a purpose and have grown right along with the main characters.
I found the ice wine and winter midnight harvest to be very interesting even though I was no fan of the entitled Morton family.
Charming Books is my favorite bookstore out of all the cozy bookstores I have fictionally visited. It is unique, magical and memorable. I love everything about it. To avoid spoiling anything for new readers I can say more but it is a true treasure.
The story is very well-plotted with the main plots and subplots falling easily together. There were several suspects and I was on the trail of the correct person but the climatic finish still surprised me. I enjoy the book group that meets at Charming Books too. It really adds to the story.
I call this series “paranormal light” due to its magical setting. Ms. Flowers has taken a very imaginative idea and run with it all while making readers believe what happens within the pages real and believable.
What a marvelous mystery! I am so excited for the next book in this series after the little cliffhanger at the end. Looks like Grandma Daisy is going to shake things up.
Another enjoyable magical bookshop mystery! If you love the book Little Women then you will definitely want to read this book! The author weaves a story which includes some magic along with allusions to the well loved novel by Louisa May Alcott and, of course, an intriguing murder mystery. There were many twists and turns and I was kept guessing until the very end which included a shocking yet satisfying ending! I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Murders, metaphors, and a magic book shop. Well at least the spring water and the tree are magic. Great storyline, absolutely grabs you from the start and takes you for a twisting turning ride. A daughter of the town returns as a renowned wine critic, a family business is the scene of a scandal, and Violet just has to be the one to find the body. Amanda Flower is a gifted writer who creates the most wonderful characters. Violet and Grandma Daisy make an excellent crime solving duo, full of spunk. Of course there is no way that quiet, sweet, and responsible Lacey could have possibly killed her own sister, could she? Just the right amount of mystery, intrigue, humor, and romance!
A fun addition to my favorite Amanda Flower mystery series. I love the characters and the setting for this series - both the town and the magical bookshop. The first three books have all been terrifically plotted mysteries with a touch of magic and lots of literary love. It's a perfect combination for me.
The mystery in this one is well-constructed. There are several viable suspects, and Violet is always investigating. The non-mystery threads for the series - relationships, romance, pets, a writer's critique group - enhance the story without distracting from the main plot. I did feel like there were a couple things in this that were't as tightly handled as I am used to - a clue that didn't make as big of an impact as it should have to the police, a suspect who had a terrific motive but just wasn't around for a lot of the book - but I still had great fun with this one. I highly recommend the whole series - it's a "must read" for me.
This was a book that was a long time in the making, well it seemed like it was lol, and it definitely did not disappoint! I'm so happy this series found a new home and is able to continue.
Violet's cat Emerson found the body of a famous sommelier and wine author in the Morton Vineyards where they were holding their annual ice wine grape cutting. Violet's friend Lacey who owned the local cafe with her French-Canadian husband was the woman's estranged sister, and since a huge blow-up between them had happened earlier, Lacey was the main suspect. David Rainwater, police chief and Violet's good friend knew he couldn't stop her from investigating, but he always told her to be careful. After an attempt on Violet's life, she was more determined than ever to find the killer.
The showdown was great! I hadn't even suspected that particular person at all. I loved that David and Violet were growing closer and that Grandma Daisy had found something to do to make her feel more useful. Faulkner the crow and Emerson always crack me up and add just the perfect touch of comic relief to the stories that I've followed since the first book. Violet had finally been able to talk to her grandma about something that had been bothering her, as well as she was able to give herself permission to make the right choice in a love interest. I absolutely can't wait for the next book!
Violet Waverly has taken over as Caretaker of Charming Books from her Grandmother Daisy. Still adjusting to her new duties, Violet is running late when they are supposed to be hosting a book signing at Morton's Wineries, and the author is not happy. Violet's BFF, Lacey, shows up to speak to her sister (the author) and there is a major scene because the author won't talk to Lacey. When the author is later found dead, Lacey is the chief suspect so Violet feels the need to clear her friend.
The fascinating part about the series is the magical tree inside the bookshop. It keeps trying to help Violet by setting Little Women in front of her as well as pointing her to certain passages in the book. I love it!
I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
I'm was so excited when I found out that this author has another book in this series coming out! It was well worth the wait! It was great catching up with all the beloved characters again! Can't wait for the next one!
Murders and Metaphors by Amanda Flower takes readers back to Cascade Springs, New York. Violet Waverly and her grandmother, Daisy own and run Charming Books with its magical birch tree. Violet is the newest Caretaker and she is still adjusting to her new duties. The booksellers are heading to Morton Wineries where Belinda Perkins, a sommelier and bestselling author, will be holding a book signing for her newest release. After the signing, the Morton’s will be hosting their annual ice wine cutting party. During the signing Lacey Perkins arrives to see her estranged sister, but Belinda ends up causing a scene by refusing to talk with Lacey. Emerson, Violet’s tuxedo cat, insisted on coming to the winery with them. When they prepare to leave, Emerson takes off into the vineyard. Violet gives chase and trips over a frozen Belinda Perkins with a curved grape cutting knife in her back. Thanks to the public altercation, Lacey ends up at the top of Chief Rainwater’s suspect list. Violet knows that Lacey would not harm anyone much less her sister, but Violet needs more information if she is to clear her friend. The shop keeps giving Violet copies of Little Women to guide her in the investigation. She now needs to figure out how the Perkins sisters relate to the March girls. Join Violet, Daisy, Emerson and Faulkner in their quest to identify Belinda’s killer in Murders and Metaphors.
Murders and Metaphors is the third tale in A Magical Bookshop Mystery series, but it can be read alone. Everything a reader needs to know is included. Cascade Springs is a charming small town with a mystical spring. Charming Books has an enchanted two hundred year old birch tree growing in the middle which needs this special water twice a week from the Caretaker. The magical essence in the shop helps Daisy and Violet guide customers to the perfect book plus it has aided Violet in solving two local crimes. I thought Murders and Metaphors was well-written with steady pacing. I like the engaging yet quirky characters which include Faulkner, the talking crow and Emerson, a canny feline. Daisy is a delightful woman and I hope I am as sprightly at her age. She is a little bit at loose ends with Violet taking over the Caretaker duties, but I believe Daisy has found just the right job to keep her busy (I do not want to spoil it for you). Violet has only been the Caretaker for six months. She is a smart woman who teaches at the local college in addition to her work at the bookstore. Violet is also finishing up work on her doctoral thesis which she will defend in May (busy woman). The mystery has multiple suspects, good clues and misdirection. Identifying the killer, though, was a snap (maybe I have read too many mysteries). Violet needs to work on the way she asks questions. She is too direct (Violet needs to channel Daisy). I loved the inclusion of Little Women. The store is trying to help Violet solve Belinda’s murder, and it is not being subtle. It was interesting to learn about ice wine. I had not heard about this beverage before (I like learning new things). There is a man in town who is too nosy for his own good and may cause trouble for our bookstore owners. I have a feeling we have not seen the last of him. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this enchanting cozy mystery. Murders and Metaphors has humor, a touch of romance, a talking crow, a murder, a busy cat, magic and references to my favorite book, Little Women.
Violet Waverly and her Grandma Daisy are coordinating a book signing at Morton Vineyards. Violet isn’t exactly thrilled with the location, as she once dated the owner’s son, Nathan. However, Charming Books is featuring the book of sommelier Belinda Perkins and the sales look to be robust. Unfortunately, Belinda Perkins also has a past in the town of Cascade Springs, a past that leaves her murdered. Worse yet, Violet’s friend and Belinda’s sister, Lacey, is the prime suspect. Can Violet solve the mystery with clues from her <i>Magical Bookshop</i>?
MURDERS AND METAPHORS is the third book in the <i>Magical Bookshop</i> series but can easily be read on its own merits. Amanda Flower gives readers enough history of Violet’s past with Nathan for readers new to the story. We also get a nice recap of the Waverly family history as it applies to Violet’s role as Caretaker of a magical book store and tree.
The relationships in the <i>Magical Bookshop</i> series are starting to get complicated in MURDERS AND METAPHORS. Violet struggles with the fear that she is destined to be either alone or unlucky in love due to the Waverly family role of Caretaker. However, her attraction to Police Chief David Rainwater has her questioning whether the family history of always being alone is just a myth or her fate.
I absolutely love the concept of a magical bookstore that uses books as clues to the murder! Even better, Charming Books always ensures that customers get exactly the book they want or need, no matter what Violet and Grandma Daisy believe is in stock. What reader wouldn’t want to explore the shelves of such special book store like Charming Books? MURDERS AND METAPHORS is exactly the book that any cozy reader is looking for!
*review is in the editing queue at Fresh Fiction*
Violet Waverly is the caretaker of Charming Books, a magical bookstore in the small town of Cascade Springs. Violet lives there with her grandmother Daisy, a talking crow named Faulkner and her tuxedo cat Emerson. The annual winter grape-harvest festival at the Morton winery is a big town event especially since celebrity sommelier Belinda Perkins is here for her book signing party. But the event turns deadly when Violet finds Belinda stabbed dead in the middle of the frozen vineyard.
Belinda had grown up in Cascade Springs but had left town years ago seeking fame and fortune. She was estranged from her three sisters, including Violet’s high school friend Lacey Dupont. Lacey tried to reconcile with Belinda at the book signing but everyone witnessed a very public shouting match between the two and Lacey quickly becomes the prime suspect in Belinda’s murder. Violet is determined to keep Lacey out of prison. The magical bookstore's ethereal essence keeps pointing Violet to Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. Can Violet figure out the link between the fictitious March sisters and the real-life Perkins sisters?
This was a charmingly delightful read and several big changes occur at the end of the book for both Violet and Grandmother Daisy.
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
This was the perfect mystery to read while it was snowing. Add a pot of tea and a cat for company and this reader was transported to the magical world of Cascade Springs and the Charming Books bookstore. Each book has a classic as its theme and this one is Little Women. The magical powers of the bookstore put a copy of the book in front of Violet, trying to send her the clues she needs to solve the murder. Only problem for Violet? She has no idea what the connection is to the murder beyond the fact that, in both cases, there are four sisters. Belinda is the murder victim. She has been away from her home town long enough to have made a name for herself as a wine critic and now has returned to launch her new book on wines. A party is held at a local winery, one that holds very painful feelings for Violet. She and her Grandmother Daisy are to supply the books to sell at the event and Lacy's husband (a chef) will cater. When Belinda and Lacy (Belinda's estranged sister) cross paths, the party ends badly followed by Violet finding Belinda dead in the vineyard from a stab wound to her back. The police focus on Lacy but Violet knows her best friend couldn't have done it. As Violet tries to find the killer, the killer and an unwelcome private investigator are keeping an eye on her.
Besides the murder investigation, we follow Violet through her struggles to become the caretaker of the tree that magically grows in the middle of the store. The essence of magic is everywhere with books flying through the air, appearing out of thin air, pages turning to the page the store wants Violet to read and entire sections of books suddenly changing into copies of Little Women. This magical store picks the books the reader needs, every single time. Along with the tree and the essence, there are two other major residents of the store - a crow named Faulkner who has a lot to say (and I believe understands everything spoken) and a tuxie cat named Emerson who has his own kind of magic.
The magic and the mystery are in perfect balance, the mystery itself is very satisfying and the budding romance between Violet and the Chief of Police is just right. I hope I don't have to wait too long for the fourth book.
In this third book of the series Violet is starting to get the hang of being the caretaker to her family's bookshop. She is settling into her new life but having an ex, who hurt her badly, always around and trying to rekindle things is giving her mixed emotions. While hosting a book signing at her ex's Winery Violet is looking forward to a fun night of books, wine, and fabulous food. The author, Belinda, grew up in the town of Cascade Springs but hasn't been back since her mothers funeral years ago. It doesn't help that Belinda isn't on good terms with her sisters who still live in the town, especially her sister Lacey. Lacey who is Violets good friend wants to hopefully bring her family back together ends up being thrown out of the event, her sister wanting nothing to do with her. Violet decides to step out for some fresh air after the signing and ends up stumbling over a body in the vineyard, a body that ends up being Belinda. When the police turn to Lacey as their main suspect Violet knows that she must turn to the books in hopes of keeping her friend out of jail. Follow along as she searches for meaning in the clues that the books have directed her to. Will she be able to save her friend or will she get lost in trying to find meaning behind what has been revealed. This was my first book of the series and I fell in love with it immediately, I've already bought the previous two books so that I could really get to know its characters. If you love books, mystery, animals, and a touch of the mystical this is definitely the series to read. I can't wait to see what happens next and what books the store will pick to help figure out whatever mystery befalls Violet.
Murders and Metaphors by Amanda Flower is the third in the Magical Bookshop mysteries. I love this series and have read all of them. This one did not disappoint. In fact, I want to go to Cascade Springs and visit Charming Books!
Violet and Grandma Daisy are doing a book signing at a winery in the dead of winter where Violet literally stumbles onto the body of the author doing the signing. The author is the sister of Violet's best friend and has no relationship with her. Violet is thrown into the thick of the investigation getting help from the bookstore and the book, Little Women.
This is an easy to read Cozy with plenty of twists and turns that will have you guessing until the end. You have lovable main characters and likeable supporting characters. You have mystery, romance, humor, and a touch of magic.
I was given an ARC by Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for an honest review.
I love this fun and whimsical series. Each book features a classic novel, that helps solve a mystery. In this book it is Little Women that helps Violet solve the murder of a sommelier. This was a great book and I love all the magical elements with Grandma Daisy, Emerson, and Faulkner. There was interesting twists in this book in Violets life and with the murder. I would highly recommend this book and I would recommend reading the first two books as well.
Murders and Metaphors is the third book in the Magical Bookshop Mystery series by Amanda Flower.
I have read this entire series, and this book was by far my favorite.
Amanda Flower never fails to deliver the perfect cozy, her charming characters and entertaining storylines make all of her books a joy to read.
This is such a magical and imaginative series. The bookstore with its essence and the tree growing in kind of character that has flaws and it just makes you love her and root for her. Her Grandma is a hoot too. The mystery the middle of it just makes me happy every time I read a book in this series. Maybe it really is magical! Violet is the was intriguing and I was genuinely surprised by the ending. I always close these books with a smile. Love, love this series