4.5 stars

This is the first book in the Antique Bookshop mystery series by Laura Gail Black.

This book starts out with a bang. Jenna discovers the body of her uncle at the bottom of the staircase. He’s dead and she was only coming to stay with him due to her dire financial situation. Now she is out on the street again, or so she thinks. Surprisingly, her uncle left her everything in the will, who knew. Now all the suspect arrows point to her since she is inheriting his huge estate. It is now up to Jenna to ferret out the real killer and keep some unsavory characters from stealing her uncle’s vast riches.

This was definitely a nail-biter. I had no clue who the guilty party could be. I enjoyed following Jenna around this new world and discovering everything just as she did.

Great cast that makes a reader want to come back and compelling mystery to boot. Who could ask for more?

If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

This was a cute cozy mystery. Of course Jenn’s has been given an raw deal and to be a suspect in a murder not just once but a few times had to have been exhausting. I did like the development of character and the murderer isn’t really who you would think it would be. Great, fall mystery!

No puedo evitar querer leer libros que involucren libros y he notado que hay muchos cozy mysteries que se desarrollan en una librería o en una biblioteca así que tiendo a inclinarme hacia estas historias.

En For Whom the Book Tolls encontramos a Jenna que ha pasado por momentos muy difíciles y se encuentra sin casa, sin trabajo y sin amigos y cuando llega a la casa de un tío que la va a ayudar, lo encuentra muerto y por supuesto que es la sospechosa número uno en el asesinato. Para poder limpiar su nombre, Jenna va a tener que ponerse a investigar por su parte.

La personaje principal me agradó y fue interesante ver su camino, además se rodea de personas muy interesantes que me gustaría llegar a conocer más.

Si hubo momentos en que sentí que la trama estaba por todas partes pero al final la autora logró juntar todos los cabos sueltos y nos entregó un libro coherente en donde me tuvo adivinando por un buen rato quién iba a ser el asesino.

Lo que no me convenció fue la relación amorosa que salió de la nada en las últimas páginas. Uno de los policías que la estaba investigando se porta bien con ella (sobre todo si lo comparas con el otro idiota que estaba obsesionado con que ella fuera la culpable de todo lo que pasaba en el pueblo) y ya con eso, al final terminan como pareja. No se ve ninguna evolución de la relación en las páginas del libro y aunque uno sospecha que van a terminar juntos como que no se siente esa emoción de verlos en pareja.

Al final de cuentas creo que fue un buen inicio de serie y un buen debut para la autora. Me gustaría continuar leyendo libros de Antique Bookshop Mysteries.

Have you ever been accused of something you didn’t do? Ever had all your friends ditch you? Join Jenna as she deals with problems in her past and how she handles a wonderful surprise for her future. See how Rita, Mason, Phillie, Elliot, and Keith help her in the start of her new life. Love these characters and the trust they show for each other. I enjoyed the story line and would like to see what happens in Hokes Folly next. I received the book from Net Galley, but my opinion is my own.

A troubled past, a bright future, a broken heart, a heart flutter, old family, new friends all sum up Jenna Quinn. Wrongly accussed of a crime she didn't commit, Jenna just needs a fresh start in a new place and her Uncle, whom she hasn't seen in years contacts her to offer the very sanctuary she seeks. Right away this story grabs a hold of your emotions, as Jenna's life goes from bad to really bad when she finds her Uncle, dead at the bottom of the stairs and learns that she is the sole heir to his shop, his home, and his various book investments. Needless to say, she is suspect number ONE and the lead detective refuses to see it any other way, his partner on the other hand, well he is not only easy on the eyes but also open minded. Jenna makes new friends as she takes on the task of starting her life over while trying to find out why her Uncle's life is over. This is a great start for a new series with an nice amount of interesting characters who may or may not be the guilty party. I do believe there was even a little foreshadowing and maybe even some name clearing for Jenna further down the road.

This new series is off to a great start. Cozy bibliomysteries get my attention every time. Here we have Jenna arriving in the middle of the night at her uncle's apartment over his bookstore making sure she won't wake him. Little does she know that the dark cloud she has just escaped from - lost her job, lost her finance, lost her money and cleared herself from a serious legal mess - has followed her and it all starts with Uncle Paul. He won't be welcoming her to her temporary abode because he has taken a header down the stairs to his death. Leave it to the police to become laser focused on her as their number one suspect. Uncle Paul has left her everything and it adds up to a lot of motive as far as they are concerned. No sooner has she started to absorb her situation when a man turns up and tries to lay claim to Uncle Paul's estate. Jenna better figure it out fast or she will be be wearing orange for whatever future she has left.
From the setting of Hokes Folly, NC and the friends Jenna makes to the well crafted puzzle complete with twists, turns and red herrings, and Jenna herself, I enjoyed this series debut and will definitely be reading its followup as soon as I can get my hands on a copy.
My thanks to the publisher, Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

4,5 stars, rounding it to 5 stars
Jenna was invited to stay with her uncle in the small town of Hokes Folly. She arrived there at night and woke up the next morning to find the body of her uncle at the bottom of the staircase.
Being the sole beneficiary of her uncle's little fortune, she becomes the first suspect in the case. Unfortunately, this is not Jenna's first rodeo with the law. she has recently been accused of embezzlement, which made it even harder to clear her name.
Jenna is overwhelmed by frustration and guilt about her lack of connection and visits to her late uncle. She decides to take matters in her own hand and investigate for herself.

To whom the book tolls, is a cozy mystery, the first in the Antique Bookshop Mystery series.
The story was enjoyable and well-paced, and somehow atmospheric. It actually caught me off guard. I felt nostalgic to Agatha christie's novels
The setting is wonderfully cozy and warm. I loved everything about the historic district and the shops. I was immediately submerged in the story and had to finish it in 2 sittings.
Jenna is a great main character. she's got her own baggage, but she's shown great courage and resilience in seeking the truth.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my ARC

Jenna Quinn, down to her last few dwindling dollars and just getting past murder and embezzlement charges in Charlotte, NC, went to visit her beloved Uncle Paul, antiquarian bookshop owner in small town Hokes Folly, NC and a new start in life. Alas, murder intervenes.

This is an outstanding debut mystery in the Antique Bookshop Mystery. In fact, it's one of the best debut cozies I've read in years. With a great premise, as well as a terrific plot and characters I hope to visit with again and again, this author seems to have positioned this series to have a long run and I am eager to read many more books from her.

Very highly recommended to cozy mystery fans!!

For Whom the Book Tolls by Laura Gail Black is the first in the Antique Bookshop Mystery series. This is a great start for this series.
Jenna has been falsely accused of a white collar crime in Charlotte and her "friends" have turned their back to her. When her uncle offers her a new start working for him in his book store, she takes off for Hokes Folly. Arriving late at night, she just goes quietly into the apartment she will be sharing with her uncle. The following morning while looking for him, she finds his body at the bottom of the staircase. Of course, she is a new comer to the small town which paints a target on her, then when her record is revealed she becomes the main suspect in his death. Then add to the target, she is the beneficiary of her uncle's estate and a large insurance policy. She knows she will have to find the guilty party or her new start will be over before it starts.
I loved the characters in this book. Most are likeable and relatable. You feel as if you are in the small town. There were enough suspects to keep you guessing. Overall, this is a quick, easy to read Cozy about new beginnings.
I was given an ARC by Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an honest review.

For Whom the Book Tolls is the first book in a new bookshop cozy series by Laura Gail Black. Released 8th Sept 2020 by Crooked Lane, it's 264 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

This is a fun and engaging 'shopfront' bookstore cozy set in a small town in North Carolina. I enjoyed the way main character Jenna shows grit and resilience finding her feet after a series of personal crises (being accused of murder and embezzlement and finding her uncle dead in the bookshop the morning after she arrives) and the interplay between her and her newfound neighbors and associates. There's a light romance element, a sleazy land developer, hidden treasure from long ago, missing diaries, and lots of hidden motives seething under the surface of the otherwise peaceful small town.

The book is admittedly formulaic, but it is quite well written and fun and full of the whimsical amateur cozy vibe which keeps readers of the genre ticking over the pages. I liked Jenna's dedication to getting her life on a better footing, her honesty, and her loyalty to her friends. There were a few twists on the way to the denouement, and I liked the ending. I'm looking forward to the next book. Note to completists, the background (murder + embezzlement) plot threads are not finished in this book and are strongly foreshadowed for future book(s) in the series.

Four stars, entertaining and fun.

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

I requested and received an e-ARC of this book from Laura Gail Black and Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a really fun book. I was able to guess who the killer was about half way through but I didn't care because the characters and story kept me engaged. This is the first book in the series and I am really hoping there will be a prequel in the future because I would love to know the whole story of what happened to Jenna in Charlotte. Looking forward to reading more books in this series, highly recommend this fun, cozy mystery.

Things aren't going good for Jenna. She has been charged with murder and acquitted before the book begins. So when she discovers her uncle's body, the local police think they have their killer. The tone of the mystery is a little on the dark side with the things going on in Jenna's personal life. I'm looking forward to the next book to see what find out about the crime Jenna was accused of in Charlotte.

Genna comes to town to visit her uncle in his Antique Bookstore but she finds him dead at the bottom of the stairs. For the rest of For Whom the Book Tolls Genna tries to clear her name and find out who murdered her uncle and was threatening her. Decent cozy.

For Whom the Bell Tolls is the first book in a new series. I found this to be a very enjoyable cozy mystery story. There were some twists and turns and excellent character development throughout. The friendships were fun to get wrapped up in as they grew, and the hint of romance was an added bonus..
I loved the bookstore setting and the mystery and tension surrounding it. This was an enjoyable book to curl up with and escape into. I look forward to the next book in the series

Loved it. So glad to see it is the first of a series. I enjoyed getting to know Jenna and others in the small town. A clever cozy mystery that kept me guessing with surprising results.

I was happy to be able to read this first book in a new series (I hope) and truly enjoyed it. It is an engrossing mystery-the victim's death is at the beginning of the book so we are able to follow along the twists and turns until the final denouement - and wow, it was a doozy!

Jenna Quinn is down on her luck and out of money due to being accused of a crime in Charlotte. Her uncle Paul offers her a job and a place to stay in Hokes Folly and she is happy to take advantage of the offer although she hasn't seen her uncle for a number of years-college, then a new job and relationship.

Unfortunately, Jenna discovers Paul's body at the bottom of the stairs leading to the bookshop the morning after her late arrival. When the police discover she is now the beneficiary of more than a million dollars and her past troubles, she becomes the prime suspect. And other trouble follows as well.

I enjoy the town of Hoke's Folly and the people Jenna meets. They become her friends and support and they add much to the story.

I requested and received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. However, any opinions expressed are my own.

Jenna Quinn had a spot of trouble in Charlotte and her kindly uncle offered a new start in Hokes Folly, NC. She jumped on the chance, of course. But...her bad luck followed her. Jenna's uncle is killed and the police think she might be a killer.

I love the concept of small businesses with apartments above them! And I envied Jenna's inheritance of an entire shop filled with antique and interesting books! The murdered uncle part was not so good....but she rose to the occasion and made a pretty good amateur detective! All in all, a great start to a new series.

The mystery developed at a nice pace. I don't enjoy cozies that make me wait almost the entire book for the corpse.....this story gets down to business almost immediately. And despite using one cozy trope (property inheritance), it avoided the one I really dislike -- love triangles. As in most cozies, there were some quirky side characters and a cute cop. The background plot of a antiquarian bookshop that needs a bit of TLC was enjoyable. It added to the mystery rather than overshadowing that part of the plot. Very enjoyable cozy!

I'm definitely on-board for more Antique Bookshop mysteries and can't wait for the next book!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**

For the author's debut novel and the first book in a series I thought this was pretty good. The story was excellent and the setting was interesting - who doesn't love a book set in a bookshop!

I enjoyed all of the characters, even the good cop/ bad cop. I expect the good one with the melting chocolate eyes(!!!) will play a big role in future books. The book was nicely written, easy to read and good fun.

I will definitely be looking out for the next in the series. Recommended for lovers of an easy to read cosy mystery.

Jenna Quinn seems to have this black cloud following her. After an unfortunate incident leaves Jenna in a low place she takes up the offer of a change of scenery from her uncle and makes her way to Hokes Folly, NC. Jenna has barely made her way into town when she stumbles across the fallen body of her gracious uncle. In what should be a time of healing and getting her life back together, has become a roller coaster ride Jenna was not expecting. Now she has a business to figure out what to do with, a dead relative and has found her way as one of the prime suspects in the murder. Will this woman’s day get any better or is all about to go down the drain.

I very much enjoyed For Whom the Book Tolls. Jenna is a fantastic character. She was down on her luck, at the bottom of her rope and needing a breath of fresh air. She shows determination, adaptability and forgiveness. I found her to be an exceptionally strong and willful character for cozy mystery. The more I got to know her the more I enjoyed her. I very much enjoyed the story and plot line. There are many twists that keep the story interesting in going. It’s fast paced and even has a touch of romance. I was able to figure out our culprit before the end of the story, however it wasn’t much before the end. The setting was perfect and the town was charming. The characters definitely drive part of the story giving the reader entertaining antics to go along with this twisting mystery. For Whom the Bell Tolls is a good start to what I feel will bring many entertaining cozy reads in the future.

This debut mystery by Laura Gail Black is wonderful. We meet our main character as she gets into her uncle's village in the middle of the night. Jenna Quinn has been falsely accused of a crime so her uncle invites her to visit. Unfortunately, her uncle dies before she arrives. Jenna now has to find her uncle's murderer and also learn how to run an antiquarian bookstore.
Hokes Folly, North Carolina is a small historical town. Laura Gail Black has created a great little town and lots of great characters too. I really felt like I was visiting the area.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the free advanced reader copy. I definitely recommend this book and I look forward to future installments. A Five Star Beginning.